Dear Prudence

Lately been seeing quite a number of people unhappy(?) So here's a song dedicated to them.

It's a song that John Lennon wrote because he's afraid that his friend Prudence, was depressed.

Lyrics:
Dear Prudence won't you come out to play
Dear Prudence greet the brand new day
The sun is up the sky is blue
It's beautiful and so are you
Dear Prudence won't you come out to play

Dear Prudence open up your eyes
Dear Prudence see the sunny skies
The wind is low the birds will sing
That you are part of everything
Dear Prudence, won't you open up your eyes

Look around round
Look around round round
Look around

Dear Prudence let me see your smile
Dear Prudence like a little child
The clouds will be a daisy chain
So let me see your smile again
Dear Prudence won't you let me see you smile

Dear Prudence won't you come out to play
Dear Prudence greet the brand new day
The sun is up the sky is blue
It's beautiful and so are you
Dear Prudence won't you come out to play

Download (for your 24 hours listening pleasure :P )

Ad Day #27.3: Attention Seeker - Garage

An Audi R8 with the garage door opened? To show off? Not really.. :)

Agency: Lowe Roche, Toronto
Associate Creative Director: Sean Ohlenkamp
Copywriter: Daniel Bonder
Art Director: Chris Hobson
Photographer: Todd Mclellan

via adgoodness

Ad Day #27.2: Attention Seeker - Billboard

The blinking light represents the pimple

Agency: Ogilvy & Mather Makati City, Philippines
Creative Director: Lito Gemora/James Bernardo
Copywriter: Mark Ibaviosa
Art Director: Alnair Langkay/Ria Ocampo

via adgoodness

Ad Day #27.1: Attention Seeker - Lift

This series will post the ad that will definitely attract attentions


Tagline: “Scared of losing your hair?”

Agency: Sorento Healthcare Communications, India
Executive Creative Director: Rajesh Rai
Creative Group Head – Art: Dinesh Ghosalkar
Creative Group Head – Copy: Sarvesh Raikar
Visualisers: Sabin Antony, Amruta Karandikar

via adgoodness

Panasonic LX3: Firmware 2.0 （2）

With the new preset "High Dynamic" in the SCN mode, I quickly tried yesterday:

It comes with three modes as well: (Photo tuned with Picasa's "I'm Feeling Lucky" function)


Standard Mode


Artistic Mode (more saturated feel, and made it looks like a painting or something)


B&W mode


Artistic Mode (this had made the photo looks like a faded colour photo)


B&W mode

Overall, this means I've another thing to play around with LX3 again!!!!

This is a great surprise from Panasonic, 1 year after they release this camera.

With such an added feature (and with others, too, check out my previous post here) that makes me a real proud owner of LX3!

I strongly recommend all the users of LX3 to upgrade to this latest firmware!

Visit their official website to know how to download & upgrade

Surprise!

Our MV's Youtube counter, as of today

It was indeed a great surprise that I suddenly have a little fame, along with Emoody and Emoody Sr.

What we did was purely dancing to the song in front of the camera, and we were done with the first take in fact.

This is a great achievement for bears, especially when I had just announced my retirement plan earlier.


To celebrate that, Colleen helped me to make a new ribbon.

Last but not least, please support us by voting for Trevor's entry.

It could help him to win a Macbook Air!!

Thanks! :-3

Panasonic LX3: Firmware 2.0

Four months after the last firmware update, there's an update for my beloved Panasonic DMC-LX3.

This time, it's version 2.0 - a major upgrade.

And if you look at the updated items - it really is a major update:

1. Improved auto white balance performance.
2. Auto Focus speed-up.
3. Recording function with an aspect ratio of 1:1 has been added.
4. A white balance (WB) bracket function has been added.
5. [HIGH DYNAMIC] has been added to scene mode.
6. [LENS RESUME] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.
7. [MENU RESUME] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.
8. The exposure compensation and the auto bracket compensation can now be set up to ±3EV.
9. Position of the guide line can now be set.
10. It is now possible to display the highlights in playback mode.
11. It is now possible to record the user’s name in the picture.
12. Digital red-eye removal has been modified.
13. Items saved in the custom set have changed.

You may wanna read the details of it in this pdf file.

Take note of Item#5 - a HDR scene mode!!!

So what are you waiting for? Click this link to go to the website and download!!!

dSLR(2)

Let's take ourselves 20 years back:

My father had photography as his hobby, in the late 80's he somehow won the lottery and bought a Nikon SLR for RM2k.

Back then, RM2k is a big thing and SLR is of course a luxury item. He enjoys the photography and the camera only fails him only after 10 years.

Compared to the electronics nowadays, it gets outdated fast and has shorter life span.

People no longer cares if it's reliable enough cos it's always easy to change to a new one.

That makes the people less appreciative nowadays, isn't it?

dSLR

Lately I notice that there are more and more people owning a dSLR camera.

While this reminds me of a trend happened around 10 years ago - where everybody was chasing after the latest, greatest handphone (polyphonic ringtone -> colour screen -> TFT screen etc) like no tomorrow, now, the trend belongs to dSLR.

Of course, with the help of Facebook, people tend to get to share the photo easily.

This is the part where it went wrong - some of the people 'like' or commented on the photo that has good effect, sharp human shot, instead of good content. (composition etc)

(This point was supported by my dad, which he said nowadays those photos in the facebook are majority about human shots.)

Yes, it could be the person's preference, but that's not what photography all about.

Then, the photo uploader sort of enjoys being praised (who doesn't like to be?), and that's how the bad cycle begins -

1) Owning a dSLR that can take good quality shot
2) Waiting for the next paycheck to get new lens
3) Seeing another fella getting even more fun with newer model of dSLR
4) Wanting to own a newer dSLR......

Rat race will never end.

While you can see it as a good sign for the country's economy (the people is willing to spend) but electronic item is, in most case, a depreciated asset.

Of course, if you can afford, it's of course good that you can jump start with dSLR. (Something like an express course and that's what most people doing?)

But to me, if you are serious in learning photography, you can always start with a cheap point-and-shoot or even prosumer, learn the basic skill then only jump to the latest model of dSLR

(e.g. I could have started with a cheap point-and-shoot camera three years ago, instead of a Nikon D80, and as my skill improved, I can buy Nikon D90 with even better functions and capability with the same amount of money)

Nowadays photography has become more and more commercialised - it's no longer an art. I wonder how would those pro photographers think.

To summarise this long article: Good photo doesn't necessary mean good effect nor it can only be captured with dSLR. When an art has become commercialised, people won't appreciate it as it should have been.

Please Support Us :-)

Seriously, we didn't expect the "If I have 100Mbps" video could get good respond from people, the view counter is at 6000 on YouTube, but we can't count the view rate on Facebook.



However, as the contest will run till 16/10/2009, so if you like the video, please help to vote daily @ http://bit.ly/jibameg

And as for the photo entry, which is done by my friend Ian, I'll include some of the rejected artwork:





Of course, you can view the chosen work on and vote daily @ http://bit.ly/pekcek


Again, thanks a lot for the support!

The Beatles in Mono(2)

And it arrived, eventually!

First impression was, it is impressive and worth the $$ spent!

Thank You(7)

Almost after a month of my birthday - I got another birthday surprise.

While I'm pretty sure this will be the last birthday surprise of the year, I appreciate what my friend Hazse bought - bears and sotong :)

So, thanks, Hazse!

I Will

There's a Beatles' love song that is quite unknown to many, it's called "I Will" from their White Album.

Lyrics:
Who knows how long I've loved you
You know I love you still
Will I wait a lonely life time
If you want me to I will

For if I ever saw you
I didn't catch your name
But it never really mattered
I will always feel the same

Love you forever and forever
Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we're together
Love you when we're apart

And when at last I find you
Your song will fill the air
Sing it loud so I can hear you
Make it easy to be near you
For the things you do endear you to me
And you know I will
I will
Ooo, la

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

More info about the song here

Download (This is the mono version, slightly different with stereo and for only 24 hours of your listening pleasure, please :P)

For My Friend's Entry

This is for my friend's entry - he had just submitted his Photo entry - which features me in this poster.

So, PLEASE VOTE/THUMBS UP FOR HIM at http://bit.ly/pekcek


And yes, you can vote for video and photo each, daily.

Thanks! :-)

Hokkien Mee Hoon

This is the first time I tried this - because there's nothing much for us to order: they don't have eggs and hokkien mee!!!

Well, the taste? Ok only la..

Precious Black

Just in case you don't know, this is the exact mooncake flavour that drives many people in Malaysia crazy!

This flavour (of mooncake) runs out of stock fast, people waited for the flavour & people even get disappointed for no stock.

And another FYI, this year, Baker's Cottage didn't hire Axian as ambassador, BUT, it seems it's more successful than ever!

It must be the advertising company that got their job well done.


But since there's no ambassador for this mooncake, I'll, for once, try to be one (in Axian style, but failed) :P

After all, we still need to remember the actual meaning of having mooncake festival.

It has gone way too commercialised nowadays.

10 Minutes

I've been able to reach office in 10 minutes.

Many people are still taking leave for better rest.

And for people like this - these will be the best days of the year to work!

Digi: Pimp My Broadband!

Update 2/11/09: WE'VE WON THE FIRST PRIZE!!! THANKS FOR ALL THE VOTES AND SUPPORT! THANKS DIGI!

This is a parody video, titled "If I have 100Mbps", made to contest the Digi Broadband's Pimp My Broadband competition.

The video tried to voice out the pain that people suffered with slow internet access.

You may check out the full result here

Or, simply just share this link http://bit.ly/jibameg with your friend!

Enjoy and Thanks!



P/S: Thanks to Ian, Colleen, Ronnie, Justin et al for helping out!

Renewed Target

This time, I've aimed to:

Blog 700 posts by end of this year

and break the:

35,000 blog visitors count


How am I gonna do it?

It could be just a target, after all :P

Selamat Hari Raya

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim friends - Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Small Amount, Big Difference!

I had this Nasi Campur Be Pasih @ Ole-Ole Bali, Solaris KL.


It's a good portion with keropok, rice, prawns, squids, fish fillet and vegetable.

It cost RM31 but that's not all:

For another RM2 ringgit, i.e. @RM33, you get to get the same thing, with sate lilit and a chicken thigh on top!

WTF WTF WTF!

Review: Gelatissimo Ice Cream

I was in 1Utama last Sunday, craving for Haagen Daz ice cream with my friend, only to find that it's closed and replcaed by this shop - Gelatissimo.

I ordered Liquor Chocolate + Belgian Chocolate.

The taste? It's superior than Wall's (of course), Baskin Robins, Gelato Fruity, Bud's and Haagen Daz.

The taste was very rich.

Price is the almost the same (but definitely cheaper? I can't recall) than Haagen Daz, but because the seller prepared the ice cream like sh*t (just look at the photo), I'd give it a:

Rating: 4.5/5

Peacock mantis shrimp

From the previous post, only I know that there's such a shrimp that looks like an alien.

Read more about it here, looks cool btw.

Duck Noodle @ Foon Hiong Restaurant

Last Saturday after the brisk walk we went to this restaurant for duck noodle - which is located just opposite the St Mary High School, Selayang


It isn't bad. For me I thought it's better than the one I had in Tapah.


But their pan mee is so so only.

A Struggle to Thrive

Another series of photo that made me to understand another few more species in this world.

Read more about it, via BBC

Emoody Sr

(Person was masked because she said she looked ugly)

There's one cool thing bout Emoody Sr - he can be a sun shade.

And of course, a UV protector too.

Dancing (NG take)

In fact, Trevor isn't a very good video recorder.

For the dancing session I had earlier, actually it took him three times to record it right:

First time being pressing the wrong button, the video wasn't recorded,
Second time (the featured video in this post) being distracted to a cat walking past
The third time was the video I posted earlier.

Bummer.

Singing

It'll be a lot more challenging and tougher if you ask me to sing.

Because I can't reach the key for the songs out there, and this time, I've to sing in Hokkien.

Oh no.

Joke of the Day

Majority of the voters thought that it's right to put the slippers garland on the beloved Tun Dr Mahathir' photo - or is it be-hated ?

Life Without Internet

My Screamyx (Streamyx) is down for the third consecutive nights.

Every time I called, the answer I get will be "It will be fixed tomorrow"

Of course, I argued all the way to the manager - but what can they do? The network engineer only work during office hour.

So, at the same time, I think I should take this chance to sleep more

Quote of the Day

Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them
-Anon

Lost(2)

Of course you couldn't see the baby in the previous photo.

I cropped it but as you can see, they were far away.

Luckily they abandoned the pram, not the baby.

Lame post of the day.

Happy Birthday, Malaysia

While this country only has 11 years more to achieve Vision 2020, no matter what's the outcome,

there are some facts that won't change:

- This is the date that Malaysia was formed.
- Sabahan and Sarawakian still do not feel 'home' enough as part of the Malaysia family, in terms of development
- That, I'm born here, and no matter what, I'm still a Malaysian.

Important But Unimportant

Sometimes, a sign or an object that looks insignificant could mean a lot to a particular person.

Just like the signboard on a hill, that marks your achievement (pictured above), a better example would be the Low's Peak signboard on Mount KK.

But people who didn't go thru the same experience won't get it.

Perhaps that explains why some kid would not let go their bolster or pillow even after they've grown up.

And perhaps, it's good that we learn to appreciate things that we have.

It's something quite subconscious-esque/subtle/abstract, so there'll never be any explanation to it.

Lost

13/9/09, FRIM: Where's the baby?

Haha, after cropping the photo, and had a "Focal B&W" effect in Picasa - kinda like the effect, even though the skill isn't quite there.

Actual photo will be revealed tomorrow

Thanks to Ian for the photo shooting tips.

(Possible pumped up post - detected)

They Came from Upstairs(2)

A day after her encounter, she heard some 'plastic bag rubbing' sound just when she closed her eyes.

Then, she slept in my parents bedroom again.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Well, because of that, I burned some aroma scent in her bedroom.

Hope that the situation will improve.

Oregon Fresh Potato Chips

This snacks has the same size as the pillow snack I posted earlier.

It isn't quite as 'hot & spicy' as advertised - perhaps it is for American.

Nice to chew and I finished it in a total time of half an hour, if not mistaken.

Pillow Snack

Pillow snack was one of my childhood favorite junk food, so was my sis.

So in the last shopping session in Jusco, we stumbled upon it, in bigger packet:

With 50 cents beside as a comparison

Within 1 1/2 hours I had finished 1/2 of it.

Last Friday

I went to visit my friend, and we had supper with beer.

It's been a while I last had tai chow (a style of Chinese stir-fried food) as supper, it was actually, the first time I had tai chow as supper with beer.

Ok, I'm getting older, and doing old man stuff, it seems :)

Last Monday

I went to Jusco and went for quick last minute shopping. (I usually do that)

Looking back, now only I realised that we bought a lot of snacks (we usually do that)

There was one item that I can't use, the name is "Laurier", but it was in the basket (she usually does that)


And in 20 minutes, my shopping confession told me that, of those not necessary stuff, they cost RM144.80 (It's been a while since I do that)

Facebook Lite

I'm using Facebook Lite now.

Well, it's clean and as the name suggests - light.

To some, there's nothing much you can do - you could only see friends update, post your status, post + tag photo.

But to me, it serves the facebook core service - which has no updates on games progress, personality test results, which is good enough :P

Give yourself a try at http://lite.facebook.com/

張君雅小妹妹

This is my new princess an interesting junk food packaging that I found in Jusco, where it was hung on the shelf.

Down from packet#5, the little girl will say different thing, complemented with different facial expression:

click on the photo to enlarge
Packet#4: One gone, and soon all will be gone!
Packet#5: Please come and buy me


click on the photo to enlarge
Packet#1: What?! Only one left!
Packet#2: Two left! What are you hesitating for?!!
Packet#3: Three left! Go and gather money now!