Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
"Positive"
Time wasted is the truest form of death among the living, shut like a coffin in the sex-washed wind of the purple night.
Then there is purpose. Suddenly there is the surprise of new life, of a story passed on generation to generation, of a legacy.
And it is beautiful as it is "Magic".
The blog is back as the secret is out!! My wife is pregnant and I am going to be a dad sometime next April.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monitor Audio - Bronze or Silver series?
Few that are serious about audio equipments would be ignorant of Monitor Audio. Lately when exploring options to upgrade my home theatre system, one of the major considerations and dilemmas I had is the speaker system.
For this, I was advised of the Bronze and Silver series of Monitor Audio which both have excellent reviews online. Sitting in a room with the speakers blasting around you, you can feel the room come alive with sound and music. Ultimately, it came down to whether you would be spending more time listening to high precision music or watching high definition movies, and of course, a difference in price tag of over $2,000. For the later, just a bronze system would suffice saving me a chunk of my budget for a better projector.
For this, I was advised of the Bronze and Silver series of Monitor Audio which both have excellent reviews online. Sitting in a room with the speakers blasting around you, you can feel the room come alive with sound and music. Ultimately, it came down to whether you would be spending more time listening to high precision music or watching high definition movies, and of course, a difference in price tag of over $2,000. For the later, just a bronze system would suffice saving me a chunk of my budget for a better projector.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i
It is actually quite exciting to get your first SLR camera. I was erupting with excitement as this will be mine. This promises to be not just another toy, I promise you all.
The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i is a 15.1 megapixel Digital SLR camera featuring CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800), 14-bit A/D conversion, 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point, 3.4fps with up to 170 JPEG burst , auto Lighting Optimizer, Full HD (1080p) movies with HDMI output, Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, and a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating. The camera measures 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm and weighs approx. 16.9oz./480g (body only).
The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i is a 15.1 megapixel Digital SLR camera featuring CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800), 14-bit A/D conversion, 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point, 3.4fps with up to 170 JPEG burst , auto Lighting Optimizer, Full HD (1080p) movies with HDMI output, Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, and a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating. The camera measures 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm and weighs approx. 16.9oz./480g (body only).
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Samsung Wave
Just got myself a new cell phone after two years with the Iphone. Simply love the Wave's presentation (even more so than the new Iphone). I was torn between getting the incredibly hot (ridiculous waiting time) Iphone 4 or the new and innovative Samsung Wave. Guess after Steve Job's last conference where he shirked all responsibilities about the flaws of the new Iphone, I was inclined to go the other way. For style points and phone signals, Wave already has Iphone beaten.
The good: The Samsung Wave has a gorgeous, crystal-clear Super AMOLED touch screen. The 1GHz processor keeps the phone running smoothly, and the Wave has great call quality. The Wave also has a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capabilities.
The good: The Samsung Wave has a gorgeous, crystal-clear Super AMOLED touch screen. The 1GHz processor keeps the phone running smoothly, and the Wave has great call quality. The Wave also has a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capabilities.
The bad: Samsung's TouchWiz 3.0 user interface is much improved over its previous versions; however, it is not as intuitive as others are, particularly as you get deeper into apps. No chinese input. Samsung App store is really limited. Running on the new Bada system has pros and cons, obviously most people would have preferred the Android.
The bottom line:
Samsung unveiled the Wave at Mobile World Congress 2010 and it is the first phone to run Samsung's Bada mobile operating system. Samsung didn't design the OS to compete with Apple's iOS and Google's Android, but to bring the smartphone experience, regardless of cost or geographic location. As such, the Wave and Bada particularly affect markets where smartphones aren't normally subsidized by carriers and thus cost a premium to own. The Samsung App Store are attracting developers through events and updates can be expected.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Bechstein's 'W. Hoffmann' Pianos
Showcase Pianos now making W. Hoffmann pianos available at its stores.
The "W. Hoffmann" is completely made in Europe by Bechstein. Prices start at $7,900 for an upright, and at $25,900 for a grand. This is great news for piano lovers that has a tight budget (Baring second handed or third handed).
(Above) Taiwanese music artist Kenji chose this yellow-painted upright Hoffman piano which lights up the eyes for sure.
The "W. Hoffmann" is completely made in Europe by Bechstein. Prices start at $7,900 for an upright, and at $25,900 for a grand. This is great news for piano lovers that has a tight budget (Baring second handed or third handed).
(Above) Taiwanese music artist Kenji chose this yellow-painted upright Hoffman piano which lights up the eyes for sure.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Krause Berry Farm
We were up early to get to the Kraus Berry Farm in Langley. The weather is perfect, not too sunny with cool breezes to help out. The drive took us close to an hour and if you know me, you know I am half-asleep by the time I got there.
It is my first time to a berry farm. Why? Because I blame laziness and it would have prevailed still if not for my late card session yesterday that I felt I needed to make it up to Sharon somehow.
There we were picking berries, eating the delicious corn pizzas and berry pies, feeding the pets and enjoying the festive atmosphere where face-painted kids were running around abundantly. I didn't even think it would be that much fun, but it was. And of course, the blue and rasp berries we picked were so cheap, with almost two baskets costing us less than $10 (in the market, it would cost us easilyover $25).
I would recommend that you come with your family or friends because it is more fun as a group. And anyways, I got wondering how long this good weather is going to last, because we haven't have any rain for quite some time already.
It is my first time to a berry farm. Why? Because I blame laziness and it would have prevailed still if not for my late card session yesterday that I felt I needed to make it up to Sharon somehow.
There we were picking berries, eating the delicious corn pizzas and berry pies, feeding the pets and enjoying the festive atmosphere where face-painted kids were running around abundantly. I didn't even think it would be that much fun, but it was. And of course, the blue and rasp berries we picked were so cheap, with almost two baskets costing us less than $10 (in the market, it would cost us easilyover $25).
I would recommend that you come with your family or friends because it is more fun as a group. And anyways, I got wondering how long this good weather is going to last, because we haven't have any rain for quite some time already.
三国杀
好久没有打牌了，是有那么一点技痒。今天尝试了新游戏，“三国杀”，觉得跟我妹买给我的“Bang”其实满类似的。
记得小时候沉迷于“Magic”游戏时，每天都回花不少钱买不同的牌组，希望能抽到更好的牌成组。其实“三国杀”基本上也是一样， 其上瘾程度是一样的。
今天一玩就玩了十来个小时，深觉冷落了娇妻，也浪费了不少时间。以后还是减少游戏时间吧。
Friday, July 16, 2010
Iphone 4 Press Conference
In a nutshell, Steve Jobs is going down the list of factors for the recent antenna complaints: Smartphones have weakspots, AppleCare has not been slammed with complaints, return rates are super low, and it only drops "less than 1" call per 100 more than the 3GS. He has also promised to give free protective cases to new Iphone 4 buyers to alleviate the so-called “death grip” problem: holding the phone with a bare hand can muffle the wireless signal.
Iphone 4 conference livefeed
The message of this conference seems to be the reiterated declaration by Steve that "We are not perfect." and "We have a return policy." which translate to "If you are not happy with what you get, return it.".
It is what it is, if you want an Iphone, you have to live with the pros and cons.
Iphone 4 conference livefeed
The message of this conference seems to be the reiterated declaration by Steve that "We are not perfect." and "We have a return policy." which translate to "If you are not happy with what you get, return it.".
It is what it is, if you want an Iphone, you have to live with the pros and cons.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
HP Photosmart C309a
Today, I went to Costco to purchase the HP C309a multifunction Printer. Needless to say having instant rebate of $140 on the price tag of $309.99 is an instant eye-catcher, but I decided upon it after reading its cool reviews.
These newer devices are coming into their own as a quality option for printing and scanning. The HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One is a combination Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy device. Unlike many devices in this category, the Fax All-in-One uses individual ink tanks and offers photo quality printing on glossy and luster surface papers. The printer has built-in duplex, or double sided printing, and includes wireless, USB, and Ethernet in the standard configuration. The HPFax All-in-One goes a step further and also includes Bluetooth as a standard feature.
You can use the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One without a computer if you like. The color LCD gives you access to all features, and a very well laid out control panel makes it easy to select which options you want. For printing photos directly, you'll work directly from a memory card using the built-in card reader that supports SD, CF, Memory Stick, and xD cards. You can also connect a PICTBidge compatible device via the provided port.
The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One uses a five ink system - pigment black for text, cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo black for photo printing. The inks are HP's Vivera and available in two sizes. The XL size gives you about 2.5 times the prints at less than twice the cost, making it a much more effective way to print.
The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One does have an automatic document feeder, so if you have several pages to scan, you'll appreciate this feature. At high quality, a scan takes about 12 minutes to complete.
The primary reason you'll be looking at one of these devices though is most likely the printing. The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One includes automatic duplex printing, making it easy to print on both sides of the page, and is reasonably fast at printing normal documents. The key though is photo printing and the quality level generated and, in this area, the printers did a very good job.
Another unique feature to the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One is the iPrint Photo application for your iPhone or iPod Touch. The app uses the BlueTooth connection to let you print any image on your iPhone or iPod directly to the printer.
The HP 564XL Black ink cartidge is about $35 and can do approx. 250 pages. The 564 color combo ink cartridge is about $27 for approx. 300 pages. All in all reasonable prices.
These newer devices are coming into their own as a quality option for printing and scanning. The HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One is a combination Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy device. Unlike many devices in this category, the Fax All-in-One uses individual ink tanks and offers photo quality printing on glossy and luster surface papers. The printer has built-in duplex, or double sided printing, and includes wireless, USB, and Ethernet in the standard configuration. The HPFax All-in-One goes a step further and also includes Bluetooth as a standard feature.
You can use the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One without a computer if you like. The color LCD gives you access to all features, and a very well laid out control panel makes it easy to select which options you want. For printing photos directly, you'll work directly from a memory card using the built-in card reader that supports SD, CF, Memory Stick, and xD cards. You can also connect a PICTBidge compatible device via the provided port.
The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One uses a five ink system - pigment black for text, cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo black for photo printing. The inks are HP's Vivera and available in two sizes. The XL size gives you about 2.5 times the prints at less than twice the cost, making it a much more effective way to print.
The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One does have an automatic document feeder, so if you have several pages to scan, you'll appreciate this feature. At high quality, a scan takes about 12 minutes to complete.
The primary reason you'll be looking at one of these devices though is most likely the printing. The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One includes automatic duplex printing, making it easy to print on both sides of the page, and is reasonably fast at printing normal documents. The key though is photo printing and the quality level generated and, in this area, the printers did a very good job.
Another unique feature to the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One is the iPrint Photo application for your iPhone or iPod Touch. The app uses the BlueTooth connection to let you print any image on your iPhone or iPod directly to the printer.
The HP 564XL Black ink cartidge is about $35 and can do approx. 250 pages. The 564 color combo ink cartridge is about $27 for approx. 300 pages. All in all reasonable prices.
Rex, the robotic exoskeleton
It took 7 years and $10 million but the Rex exoskeleton which is capable of supporting the full weight of a person and moving him or her around in a familiar bipedal fashion is finally ready. Operated using a joystick and control pad, it is simple enough for handicapped users to self-transfer in and out of, effectively making their dream of walking a reality.
It's about to go on sale in New Zealand, its home country this year, with an international launch following in 2011. But such a sophisticated equipment does not come cheap. Estimated initial asking price of $150,000 (US) is high but then how do you value the chance to walk?
So I guess the million dollar question is how do you make it more accessible to the public instead of limiting it to the few with the financial means.
It's about to go on sale in New Zealand, its home country this year, with an international launch following in 2011. But such a sophisticated equipment does not come cheap. Estimated initial asking price of $150,000 (US) is high but then how do you value the chance to walk?
So I guess the million dollar question is how do you make it more accessible to the public instead of limiting it to the few with the financial means.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
三十有一
月色如痕，光阴如影，三十余载一叹而过。
回思，你我都是痴傻寻梦之人，穿行于远山之外，以云为墨，以风为笔，写情愫于万里长空。何时至始，昔日胸怀不再。摘一朵花，看花瓣一片片落入水中，慢慢沉睡。看透了，领悟了，也许学会放下，懂得珍惜。
我未曾沉睡的记忆，沿着光阴的轨迹，走着走着，踩着那残留的脚印，一步一步，丈量你对我的期望和厚爱。
夏天炎热难捱有凉风敲窗。我吹灭了生日之光，默许了每年如一的心愿：愿家人身体健康，孩子得以尽孝。
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
结婚两周
新婚两周，感觉特忙碌，琐碎事情源源不绝，时间永远不够用。当然新婚也有许多惊喜，比如发现我的内人原来手艺不错，餐餐佳肴让我也增胖不少。新居需要许多心思去布置，也需要购买许多用品。平时不爱逛街购物的我也渐渐学会注意物价。
昨日打羽毛球时被朋友取笑体力退步了，反应迟钝了。这也难怪，毕竟幸福是有代价的。结婚后，生活有了规律，吃和睡都充足下，人有那么一点偷懒而缺乏运动。好吧，下定决心，要去健身，游泳，磨练一番，不要做那99%婚后暴胖组。
身体健康是最重要的人生目标。大家都要保重啊。
Monday, July 12, 2010
David Stern on LBJ, the Decision and Dan Gilbert
News:
Dan Gilbert just got fined $100,000 for his reaction to Lebron's decision to leave Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami Heat. Ouch!! As if losing millions after Lebron left isn't enough.
I still retain my position that LBJ has played the whole world as a publicity stunt and even though he is a great basketball player, he has disappointed me as a person.
As for David Stern, his reaction has shown that he remains protective of the public face of the NBA - LBJ. Period.
Stern: LeBron's The Decision was ill-advised. No fine.
Stern: Dan Gilbert's letter was ill-advised and imprudent. $100,000 fine.
Stern: Jesse Jackson's comments are outrageous. No problem, he is a friend of the family, NBA cares after all, you know.
I still retain my position that LBJ has played the whole world as a publicity stunt and even though he is a great basketball player, he has disappointed me as a person.
As for David Stern, his reaction has shown that he remains protective of the public face of the NBA - LBJ. Period.
Stern: LeBron's The Decision was ill-advised. No fine.
Stern: Dan Gilbert's letter was ill-advised and imprudent. $100,000 fine.
Stern: Jesse Jackson's comments are outrageous. No problem, he is a friend of the family, NBA cares after all, you know.
Consumer Reports Confirms iPhone 4 Defect
News:
All the weird reports of how if you touch the left side of the phone, there will be signal loss. The signal can significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you're in an area with a weak signal.
In response to related complaints from customers, Apple released a statement on July 2 claiming the problem was not one of reception, but of faulty software which “mistakenly displays two more bars than it should for a given signal strength.”
Apple has yet to respond to the Consumer Reports confirmation of Iphone 4 defect and its stock has continued to suffer.
Despite its signal defect, Iphone 4 is still ahead of its competition and is easily the best smart phone on the market or coming out for that matter. Its sharp display and video camera capabilities are remarkable. It is simply beautiful to hold. And for those who are worried about the signal defect, there are rumors that there is a case cover for Iphone 4 that fixes the problem.
In the end, people still want to own the new Iphone. I know I am.
In response to related complaints from customers, Apple released a statement on July 2 claiming the problem was not one of reception, but of faulty software which “mistakenly displays two more bars than it should for a given signal strength.”
Apple has yet to respond to the Consumer Reports confirmation of Iphone 4 defect and its stock has continued to suffer.
Despite its signal defect, Iphone 4 is still ahead of its competition and is easily the best smart phone on the market or coming out for that matter. Its sharp display and video camera capabilities are remarkable. It is simply beautiful to hold. And for those who are worried about the signal defect, there are rumors that there is a case cover for Iphone 4 that fixes the problem.
In the end, people still want to own the new Iphone. I know I am.
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