bLog by Pixels

bLog by Pixels http://kormmandos.multiply.com/ I shoot anything and everything... Technorati Tagging Experiment: <a href="http://technorati.com/claim/gwdnmwian" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a> tags technorati : <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/singapore" rel="tag">singapore</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/kormmandos" rel="tag">kormmandos</a><a href="http://www.statcounter.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://c12.statcounter.com/counter.php?sc_project=1256111&java=0&security=50f82bf6&invisible=1" alt="page hit counter" border="0"></a> Sun, 6 Jul 2008 01:50:42 -0000 Fri, 4 Jul 2008 19:28:00 -0000 bLog by Pixels http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/logo http://kormmandos.multiply.com 100 100 Visiting Vietnam - Day 3 It's day 3. We reached Dalat after an overnight coach that lasted 6 or 7 hours. It was rather cold when we got off the coach as our destination was in the highland area of Vietnam. Thankfully, we had put on an extra layer of clothing when we got on the coach at Ho Chi Minh City.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/10/photos/201/600x600/16/P5170023.JPG?et=v2smRLXDGOz%2BhaevPm6mhQ&nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/10/photos/201/600x600/16/P5170023.JPG?et=v2smRLXDGOz%2BhaevPm6mhQ&nmid=97513318" alt="">The view in front of Dreams HotelAccording to many locals, Dalat is their standard honeymoon destination. Reasons include the relatively low prices, good weather and picturesque landscapes. This place was definitely more relaxed with a slower pace of life than Ho Chi Minh City.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/10/photos/201/600x600/17/P5170024.JPG?et=mcLjlRfdE8ZrWMxsW0Ev6w&nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/10/photos/201/600x600/17/P5170024.JPG?et=mcLjlRfdE8ZrWMxsW0Ev6w&nmid=97513318" alt="Slacking at the Dreams Hotel lobby">Slacking at the Dreams Hotel lobbyI can't help but feel a lot more welcome here in Dalat. The pleasant lady boss of Dreams Hotel ushered us their dining area for breakfast that would be one of the most awesome breakfasts at a budget hotel we would have in Vietnam.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/289/DSC_5689.JPG?et=7kkU1mJc2TgUhne63X%2CC%2Bg&nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/289/DSC_5689.JPG?et=7kkU1mJc2TgUhne63X%2CC%2Bg&nmid=97513318" alt="">Check out the awesome breakfast spread!Fruits, juices, coffee, tea, baguettes, cheese, jam, It even comes with eggs in your choice of omelette, scrambled or sunny-side-up.We wer... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/488/Visiting_Vietnam_-_Day_3 Fri, 4 Jul 2008 19:28:00 -0000 Rollin’ with The Pride of Midtown | Joe McNally's Blog A detailed read on how the one of the best photographers in the world do their lighting for a shoot. The set up is pretty insane Incidentally, it is also a hands-on for the new D700. And if you are looking for his experience with the SB-900, <a href="http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2008/07/01/just-when-we-figured-out-the-800/">click here</a> http://kormmandos.multiply.com/links/item/83 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 17:07:44 -0000 Man Jeuk (文雀) The term "Man Jeuk" (文雀) or sparrow is a Hong Kong slang for pickpockets. Aptly, the story is about a team of pickpockets leading a carefree life until each member crosses path with an enigmatic lady who seeks their help to regain her own freedom. Clever but rather predictably, the bird was used to link the ideas of the characters together. One party being "sparrows" and the other party eagerly seeks the freedom of a bird. The movie had a simple and straightforward plot. I readily give it away and rest assured that it wouldn't affect the movie experience. I guess the show never intended for any clever twists to make you go, "Oh, that's clever." Instead, the director, Johnnie To presented it as a visual spectacle, capturing the sights and sounds of Hong Kong in a way that has probably been forgotten. Johnnie To successfully created something of a parallel universe of Hong Kong that maintains its old world charm amidst the ever rapid pace of change. Beautifully and romantically ... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/reviews/item/60 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:03:05 -0000 Pengerang Cycling Trip We went on a cycling trip down to Sungei Rengit, Pengerang for cheap and good food! We started out from Changi Village, renting our bicycles that would be loaded on the ferry...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/6/photos/206/600x600/93/P6210006.JPG?et=Zj2j3oTX1bF%2CDa%2CLtptWEg&nmid=102263136" /="">We shared the boat with a cute little boy and his family...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/6/photos/206/600x600/89/P6210002.JPG?et=1PfkBUxRPK45SYNt5Bu%2BSw&nmid=102263136" /="">The jetty on Malaysia's side has been upgraded and even has a marine tank for fishes...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/206/600x600/1/DSC_6022.JPG?et=MpwOqsWkUf388l4raVaWOA&nmid=102263136" /="">Ahead of us was about 20km which would be covered by cycling...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/6/DSC_6027.JPG?et=rwy3JYXXPK0uv5yC1aWieQ&nmid=102263136"" /="">In between, we stopped over for a break and phototaking...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/13/DSC_6034.JPG?et=xhLtETsi71bS3F5qs%2CrkZg&nmid=102263136" /="">Upon reaching our destination, we checked in to Millenium Hotel and proceeded to lunch. Then we cycled over to the Ostrich farm for a look-see.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/16/DSC_6038.JPG?et=bk14td0SqI9Tx2q9n9ylgQ&nmid=102263136" /=""> Ying Huei and the ostrich egg for size comparison.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/17/DSC_6039.JPG?et=24Vfa2%2ClH8ZearpfATwPpw&nmid=102263136" /=""> Enough to feed 40 people<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/18/DSC_6040.JPG?et=Fh61BPTsEKgLZ4Z2qSGnwg&nmid=102263136" /=""> Nicole and the ostrich egg for size comparison.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/20/DSC_6042.JPG?et=AuqgkbaVg7KJ9j6hxu9OYA&nmid=102263136" /=""> Mark and Yangyi having weird ideas with the egg.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/26/DSC_6051.JPG?et=s1O%2CfJ%2B8TTr9czzPfxYoRw&nmid=102263136" /=""> The Girlfriend with an ostrich hen.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/27/DSC_6052.JPG?et=rYC0j%2ClKi38j6LGyDTAbTg&nmid=102263136" /=""> The ostrich's blank expression<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/28/DSC_6053.JPG?et=K0NUPm0f0O6U8CMXPd5pwg&nmid=102263136" /=""> I attempt to impersonate the ostrich's expression, but failed at it.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/94/P6210007.JPG?et=vyYwEEJG90A639i0Yes28A&nmid=102263136" /=""> Ostrich Chicks!<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/35/DSC_6060.JPG?et=Ld9dFIh%2CNBcC5FolrRMfdA&nmid=102263136 /> Miaozhen is mortified by the ostrich pecking from her hand.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/44/DSC_6072.JPG?et=lNFEuj3OTl3xObscUzNC1A&nmid=102263136" /=""> The Girlfriend feeding Lulu the ostrich hen<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/206/600x600/49/DSC_6077.JPG?et=FCSwPgnaS7K%2B1%2C36vg9MoA&nmid=102263136" /=""> take attendance~I then gave ostrich satay a try. I... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/photos/album/206/Pengerang_Cycling_Trip Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:21:23 -0000 Visiting Vietnam - Day 2 It's day 2 of Vietnam after so long since my post about day 1! We got up for the visit to the <a title="Co Chi Tunnels" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_Tunnels" mce_href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_Tunnels" target="_blank">Cu Chi Tunnels</a> today. Breakfast from the hotel was a baguette, jam and butter with Vietnamese coffee. A surprisingly awesome combination despite the simplicity. The baguette was fresh and had that nice and soft chewy centre and a crispy crust. The jam and softened butter went really well with the baguette. But then again, our expectations for breakfast weren't really high... Before we left, we complained to the manager about the horrible water pressure and the state of the room. <img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/166/DSC_5550.JPG?et=FhSAwk5d0XR5wnVtxthOgg&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/166/DSC_5550.JPG?et=FhSAwk5d0XR5wnVtxthOgg&amp;nmid=97513318" alt="">That "fun" sailor uniform We decided to take the scenic route by the ferry that costs each of us US$12. Here's what we saw on the 3 hour ride... This...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/168/DSC_5552.JPG?et=l7u6VfnCF4eslw5Y%2CRUA%2BQ&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/168/DSC_5552.JPG?et=l7u6VfnCF4eslw5Y%2CRUA%2BQ&amp;nmid=97513318" alt=""> ...and this... <img class="photoimg" src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/169/DSC_5553.JPG?et=TWGW%2CBSFlU1592EmqoRMpA&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/169/DSC_5553.JPG?et=TWGW%2CBSFlU1592EmqoRMpA&amp;nmid=97513318" alt="" height="398" width="600">...and this... <img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/172/DSC_5556.JPG?et=QNQOC99ktrmzEKBb2IYlKg&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/172/DSC_5556.JPG?et=QNQOC99ktrmzEKBb2IYlKg&amp;nmid=97513318" alt=""> ...and this... <img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/173/DSC_5557.JPG?et=gVm4vrfLio%2BPXFhNCbqgkA&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/173/DSC_5557.JPG?et=gVm4vrfLio%2BPXFhNCbqgkA&amp;nmid=97513318" alt=""> ...and this... <img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/174/DSC_5558.JPG?et=DsrvE5YRZHWIBJP8oXHksg&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/174/DSC_5558.JPG?et=DsrvE5YRZHWIBJP8oXHksg&amp;nmid=97513318" alt=""> ...and this...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/175/DSC_5559.JPG?et=5sfZPXI6fPXtikYQIGnOJQ&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/175/DSC_5559.JPG?et=5sfZPXI6fPXtikYQIGnOJQ&amp;nmid=97513318" alt=""> ...and this... <img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/176/DSC_5560.JPG?et=OnSPjt2c2v2dyztG12BbdA&amp;nmid=97513318" mce_src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/9/photos/201/600x600/176/DSC_5560.JPG?et=OnSPjt2c2v2dyztG12BbdA&amp;nmid=97513318" alt=""> So interesting was the boat ride that we gave in to the Z-monster and dozed off... 3 hours after we boarded the boat, we arrived at a rather nicely done up jetty with some... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/487/Visiting_Vietnam_-_Day_2 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:33:00 -0000 Sam and Clara's Wedding <img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/48/DSC_4606.JPG?et=r5J8h%2BgWgSEd3Yd99tlYeQ&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Another brother in Christ gets married!Some of my friends say that I am almost the de facto budget photographer for my church network. I'm definitely happy to help out provided the couple like the kind of photos I take.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/86/DSC_4813.JPG?et=aqNGu89Hg2xkxsBWT4Qsew&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/9/DSC_4423.JPG?et=AJ%2CsGcqnS2ghSw8qM%2BXzuw&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Tastes of life<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/11/DSC_4431.JPG?et=maZoRXkR2ujdqaphhfT5vA&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Bittergourd<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/14/DSC_4457.JPG?et=LZoFio8Hzb%2BGQRxmmJadUw&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">"I love my Daddy-in-law"<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/17/DSC_4466.JPG?et=0hu6%2CK3UMgjoWUSo7gdL6g&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Brothers in crime up to no good<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/23/DSC_4476.JPG?et=7kzqzta6rg87v26j1jkF4w&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Sam finally gets to the bride<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/31/DSC_4500.JPG?et=7aLB1mBGshvKxXdQRSFtKw&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/35/DSC_4510.JPG?et=pO91qXAkXdgVlDbm5fLOhA&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/43/DSC_4532.JPG?et=tv72n3JJhaT5OoUpYQmjeA&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/44/DSC_4534.JPG?et=cxf4Ea9zqIQJkAn5slZJ%2BQ&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/52/DSC_4621.JPG?et=Il3U%2CgGj6nSM6t52okYIpQ&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/56/DSC_4637.JPG?et=semMemJUZ5P1dzgCR6P3BA&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Roast pig!At the church wedding ceremony...<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/63/DSC_4765.JPG?et=r563GzDvIARJlnF7qNdwDw&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">The Aisle<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/70/DSC_4775.JPG?et=ElbhaKBeZGG%2CjvLhkQv1gw&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/80/DSC_4795.JPG?et=suFemO6Y9zzj5kLfSaQoNQ&nmid=101529991" alt="" /="">Clara and her entourageSome shots of the couple at the consolidation room just before their wedding ceremony. I intentionally framed "I believe in you God" for the belief that the foundation of marriage needs to be built upon the Lord.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/84/DSC_4811.JPG?et=s8Rm%2BofRsHxSr5edVWkQmg&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/3/photos/205/600x600/88/DSC_4815.JPG?et=N1%2Bd4024H0GeuOOcchkDvA&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""><img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/2/photos/205/600x600/106/DSC_4894.JPG?et=1%2B%2Bve9LzTQt8zZL%2CF5OdBg&nmid=101529991" alt="" /=""> http://kormmandos.multiply.com/photos/album/205/Sam_and_Claras_Wedding Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:01:12 -0000 An excuse for an equipment test Spotted a roadshow outside Heeren set up by EpiCentre for Apple stuff. Along with it was a digital workflow set up for studio photography. So I decided to put my equipment to the test.All shots were taken with a D300 with a AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1:3.5 - 5.6 G ED DX <a href="http://www.ipernity.com/doc/korkenarden/2195328"><img src="http://u1.ipernity.com/6/53/28/2195328.9e122ead.560.jpg" width="372" height="560" alt="Model in mid air" border="0"/></a> Exposure: 1/125 Aperture: f/4.2 ISO: 220 Focal Length: 36.0 mm Flash: No Flash <a href="http://www.ipernity.com/doc/korkenarden/2195330"><img src="http://u1.ipernity.com/6/53/30/2195330.f9936035.560.jpg" width="372" height="560" alt="Close up" border="0"/></a> Exposure: 1/125 Aperture: f/5.6 ISO: 900 Focal Length: 200.0 mm Flash: No FlashI am once again impressed by the D300 and the 18-200mm lens for its capabilities, blah, blah, blah... I'm really just posting this for the photos taken. Blah-blah-blah, blah-blah. Or I would be taking fun photos. Blah-blah-blah, blah-blah, blah-blah-blah! nuffnang_bid_sing = "e9f949370acac9479f2779427c706d0c"; adv_username = "kormmandos"; adv_gid = "kormmandos_default"; adtype = "336x280"; adv_username = "kormmandos"; adv_gid = "kormmandos_default"; adtype = "468x60"; http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/485/An_excuse_for_an_equipment_test Sun, 15 Jun 2008 07:02:00 -0000 Misleading information by Cadbury <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5058722/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5058722/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5058722_64d31a3043.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5058722_64d31a3043.jpg" alt="Chocolate is good for you" height="500" width="375"></a> While it is true that chocolate is good for you, check the cocoa content of that chocolate bar. Cadbury tells you the half truth by omitting that their products contain only a small portion of the good cocoa and a lot of milk solids and fats, which build up fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. Does that mean the little bit of cocoa in Cadbury chocolates can neutralise its fatty contents? <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5058713/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5058713/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5058713_4475260ccd.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5058713_4475260ccd.jpg" alt="Chocolate is Nutritous" height="500" width="375"></a> If you want truly nutritious and healthy chocolates, get the dark variety with a high percentage of cocoa stated. If you want calcium, try the foods listed here: <a title="Calcium Rich Foods" href="http://pediatrics.about.com/od/calcium/a/06_calcium_food.htm" mce_href="http://pediatrics.about.com/od/calcium/a/06_calcium_food.htm" target="_blank">http://pediatrics.about.com/od/calcium/a/06_calcium_food.htm</a> Milk, yes. But milk chocolate? Nope, not in the list. <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5058705/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5058705/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5058705_34145117e3.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5058705_34145117e3.jpg" alt="DSC00562" height="500" width="375"></a> I totally agree that everything should be taken in moderation. But which brand and quality do the United States and Switzerland eat? Fine dark chocolate or fat laden types with little or no cocoa content?That said, there are of course chocolates worse off that Cadbury. These billboards were spotted at a dedicated section f... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/484/Misleading_information_by_Cadbury Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:11:00 -0000 Bad Engrish <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050191/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050191_563e11af54.jpg" alt="Bad Engrish" height="375" width="500"></a>"Hello, can I hire you to remove that house blocking my view from my kitchen window? Donch tear it down hor, just pick the house up and put it somewhere else, like in your picture liddat." http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/480/Bad_Engrish Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:43:00 -0000 Nestle, you're kidding me, right? <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050184/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050184_3a43188985.jpg" alt="Yeah, right..." height="500" width="375"></a>Nestle and the advertising agency, you're kidding me, right?Sorry, but it's already hard to associate "healthy" with instant noodles in the first place, much less "The ultimate healthier choice".An ambiguous "Healthier." might have made you more credible.P.S.: This was first spotted in April, so this is an overdue post. http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/481/Nestle_youre_kidding_me_right Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:29:00 -0000 My new equipment lust <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050120/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050120_8e487c5261.jpg" alt="My new equipment lust" height="375" width="500"></a> <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050104/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050104_5e591bc0c3.jpg" alt="My new equipment lust" height="375" width="500"></a>An underwater housing for my D300 some day...But first, I got to practice shooting underwater with <a href="http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/483/My_SPREE_Purchase_Arrived" target="_blank">this</a>. http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/482/My_new_equipment_lust Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0000 Changi Airport Leaks <a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050027/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050027_15b13cd55b.jpg" alt="Changi Airport Leaks" height="375" width="500"></a> <a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050037/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050037_bbecb66495.jpg" alt="Changi Airport Leaks" height="375" width="500"></a> <a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5050050/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5050050_415f55f9fc.jpg" alt="Changi Airport Leaks" height="375" width="500"></a>Trays with sponges were deployed to collect the drips. http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/477/Changi_Airport_Leaks Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:47:00 -0000 Borrowed to death? <a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5049924/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5049924_a651439f9f.jpg" alt="Borrowed to death" height="375" width="500"></a> Read the cover carefully, Robert Ludlum is not the author for the latest instalment. An awfully apt title though, Bourne betrays the original author, perhaps? http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/478/Borrowed_to_death Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:40:00 -0000 What's wrong with this picture? <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5049818/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5049818_bb75a385d3.jpg" alt="What's wrong with this picture?" height="500" width="375"></a>At least in countries outside US, and especially in Asia, Quentin Tarantino wouldn't have any association to HERO directed by Zhang Yimou. Which reminds me, Zhang's name isn't on the front cover as well. (I think) Not factually wrong if you are in USA. Because QT convinced Miramax to distribute the movie in the US with Quentin Tarantino in the billing. Of course, QT did get permission from Zhang Yimou to distribute the movie in USA. Oh yah, this DVD was found in Singapore. http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/479/Whats_wrong_with_this_picture Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:32:00 -0000 Network Retreat to Muar <img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4555460_bf88883247.jpg" border="0" alt="This is a great form of attendance taking" width="500" height="333" /=""> Long overdue photos from the network's retreat to http://kormmandos.multiply.com/photos/album/204/Network_Retreat_to_Muar Sun, 8 Jun 2008 13:25:17 -0000 Did Malaysia PMO website get hacked? Not really, or at least I think it wasn't. Here's why: A Malaysian contact on <a title="my multiply" href="http://kormmandos.multiply.com/" mce_href="http://kormmandos.multiply.com">my multiply</a> thought that the Malaysia Prime Minister Office website got hacked and posted a screen shot of the hacked page with the URL in it. <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5014058/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5014058/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5014058_b4bdd96ec7.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5014058_b4bdd96ec7.jpg" alt="pmo_hacked" height="313" width="500"></a> On closer look, I suspected something amiss about the URL, why would a the PMO site link to a geocities hosted page? <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5014065/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5014065/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5014065_61d5cd65f5_o.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5014065_61d5cd65f5_o.jpg" alt="pmo_hacked_url" height="200" width="600"></a> I tried to putting a different URL in place of the geocities URL and it worked, I successfully "hacked" the Malaysia PMO website. So I shared my findings with the Multiply contact and by the time I was done posting the reply to his post, the Malaysia PMO website was down and "under construction". <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5014057/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5014057/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5014057_5263686de7.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5014057_5263686de7.jpg" alt="mypmo_site_down" height="482" width="500"></a> I can't be sure what exactly happened, but I'm guessing the tech support behind the PMO website must have had a knee jerk reaction from the screen shots that might have been circulated. If so, then it has been yet another case of self-pwn. Way to go, neighbour! Hmm... Does anyone have a screen shot of the PMO page with a pr0n site "hacked" into it? :p http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/476/Did_Malaysia_PMO_website_get_hacked Fri, 6 Jun 2008 01:15:00 -0000 Visiting Vietnam - Day 1 I confess, I'm a newbie at traveling. In fact, I hardly stepped out of the country for the few years that I've been working, with the exception the occasional visits to Malaysia. Yes, you could call me a swakoo (mountain turtle) for that matter. Vietnam in my impression before the trip was interesting as it was dangerous. A few close friends had shared experiences of getting pick pocketed of their wallets and other valuables while they were there, warning me to be careful and alert. It didn't take any advanced algorithm to derive that I should not bring the better camera.<img src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/4/photos/201/600x600/1/P5150001.JPG?et=CnEs%2BsRsHEtTUjbwIWcQfA&amp;nmid=97513318" alt="My well-abused camera bag holding a D70 body, 18-70mm, 50mm and 70-300mm lenses, SB600 speedlight and various battery chargers."> My well-abused camera bag holding a D70 body, 18-70mm, 50mm and 70-300mm lenses, SB600 speedlight and various battery chargers.Of course, a n00b traveler like me didn't go alone. I had the company of the well-traveled Girlfriend and her friends and friends' friends.We would fly on a budget flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Thankfully, there were no delays, unlike my first budget experience on Air Asia. 2 hours later, we lan... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/475/Visiting_Vietnam_-_Day_1 Thu, 5 Jun 2008 03:20:00 -0000 Following up on what the pastor talked about... For those who attended service last Sunday at FCBC, Pastor Lawrence brought up the logic against Atheism again: To be an Atheist, you got to know EVERYTHING. And that makes God the only one qualified to be an Atheist.So in good fun, here's a comic strip about the God-and-Atheist debate.<img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4996174_a1ba3fd0e4_o.gif" alt="Atheism" height="630" width="576">Credits to <a href="http://mrlim.isthebest.net/2008/06/03/god-is-an-atheist/" target="_blank">Mr Lim</a> for his blog post on it and <a href="http://www.tmcm.com" target="_blank">Shannon Wheeler for a good sense of humour</a>. http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/474/Following_up_on_what_the_pastor_talked_about... Tue, 3 Jun 2008 21:39:00 -0000 My SPREE Purchase Arrived! Whoopee! I received my SPREE purchase! <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5016966/" mce_href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/5016966/"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5016966_89a736f261.jpg" mce_src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/5016966_89a736f261.jpg" alt="My first SPREE purchase" height="333" width="500"></a> My first SPREE purchase 4 weeks ago, I decided <a title="to give ST701 SPREE a try" href="http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/472/My_ST701_Spree_Experience" target="_blank">to give ST701 SPREE a try</a>. I figured I would try to get something that would be nice-to-have-but-not-essential-to-life kind of thing. So in case the transaction could not be completed, I wouldn't be too pissed. Last Friday, I received an email telling me that my purchase had arrived in Singapore for re-packaging and delivery and that I should expect to receive it in 3 to 5 days. Earlier in the morning, I received a call from the delivery man explaining that he tried delivering to my home but no one was around to sign for it. He arranged to deliver to my office today instead. He arrived after lunch to deliver the package. :) I understand that quite a number of people have had bad experiences with the SPREE service by comGateway. For those who did, do take time to relate your experience in the comments. I might be able to bring it up to the necessary parties for action. And now to plan for my next dive... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/483/My_SPREE_Purchase_Arrived Tue, 3 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0000 Visiting Vietnam Dumping all the photos here. I'm working on the blog entries concurrently, so they should be out http://kormmandos.multiply.com/photos/album/201/Visiting_Vietnam Fri, 23 May 2008 20:00:02 -0000 Flying off to Vietnam I will be in Vietnam from 15 to 20 May for a vacation. Boarding the plane in a few hours' time. Contact me at my mobile number for any urgent matters. No, urgent does not include shopping lists. (Unless you transfer some moolah to my bank account first.) Suddenly, I'm getting out of town so often. It's so unlike the last few years where I'm practically cooped up in http://kormmandos.multiply.com/calendar/item/10010/Flying_off_to_Vietnam Wed, 14 May 2008 17:00:58 -0000 Trioon Fashion Shoot Well, sort of. Helped a friend to shoot her own line of clothes. So I guess while I am at it, I should promote it as well. Go to <a href="http://www.trioon.com/index.html" target="_blank">www.trioon.com</a>. Besides <a href="http://www.trioon.com/apparel.htm" target="_blank">clothes</a>, Trioon (pronounced "three on") also carries plenty of <a href="http://www.trioon.com/accessories.htm" target="_blank">accessories</a> for the total package as well as <a href="http://www.trioon.com/homeware.htm" target="_blank">homeware</a> to light up your abode. ...And back to a little bit of technical info of how these shots were taken: No fancy set up of muslin backdrop, just a plain wall and a speedlight flash bouncing off from the ceiling. And I conveniently cropped the shots around the knees to hide the ugly convergence of the wall and floor. Camera setup: D300, 18-200mm VR, http://kormmandos.multiply.com/photos/album/200/Trioon_Fashion_Shoot Mon, 12 May 2008 12:33:31 -0000 Happy Mothers' Day, really... "The Mom" song, sung to the William Tell Overture, by Anita Renfroe. What a mom says in 24 hours, condensed into 2 minutes and 55 http://kormmandos.multiply.com/video/item/14/Happy_Mothers_Day_really... Sun, 11 May 2008 11:02:37 -0000 My ST701 Spree Experience Here's the chat conversation I had with Kate, from comGateway's help desk. I just find that she was just so overly formal with every word she used, I suspected she was probably a chat bot, or someone who just reads and clicks on template response sentences. What do you think? nuffnang_bid_sing = "e9f949370acac9479f2779427c706d0c"; <blockquote>Kate: Hello, welcome to comGateway's help desk. How may I assist you?Me: Hi, I would like to purchase the following item from Amazon.com: Olympus 202172 PT-043 Stylus 1030SW Underwater Housing However, I am unable to proceed because it is slightly over the USD 195 limit. Would it be possible to put USD 195 for the price first and then have the actual amount charged to my account through you? Please advise if this is possible, thanks.Kate: Kindly be informed that this is not possible.Me: btw, which courier service do you use for the delivery?Kate: May I ask you that you are referring to merchant to US office?Me: No, I am asking about the delivery from US to... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/472/My_ST701_Spree_Experience Sat, 10 May 2008 02:27:00 -0000 Madonna Hard Candy Album Launch Party at Zouk It's amazing how someone half a century old remains so relevant in this day. I quote a friend: "She seems to get better with age." Even more amazingly, what he said over ten years ago stays true even today. No, I am not talking about wine here. It's Madonna, and she's looking better than ever on here new album cover.<a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/4774557/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4774557_4e0faff3ce.jpg" width="500" height="362" alt="madonna_hardcandy" /></a>adv_username = "kormmandos"; adv_gid = "kormmandos_default"; adtype = "336x280"; Unfortunately, the iconic artist herself did not grace the event to launch her new album, <a href="http://www.madonna.com/hardcandy/" target="_blank">Hard Candy</a> held at Zouk. Oh well, it would be a miserable party by her cultural icon stature to attend anyway.But still, credits to Zouk for throwing the party with all the bell and whistles paying tribute to Madonna and her new album. Snippets of Madonna trivia adorned the walls all over as I entered the main area. Models distributed various candy treats and over-sized lollipops with sticker of her latest album cover. The whole setting was awfully fun, in a cheesy kind of way.<a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/4777439/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4777439_ae7aaf6927.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_3922" /></a> <a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/4777511/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4777511_9f22827d29.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_3926" /></a> <a href="http://www.zooomr.com/photos/kormmandos/4777531/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4777531_4cc491dede.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_3927" /></a>The music for the night was ... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/journal/item/471/Madonna_Hard_Candy_Album_Launch_Party_at_Zouk Wed, 7 May 2008 03:52:00 -0000 Pulau Dayang Trip Day 4 Date: 4 May 2008 <img class="photoimg aligncenter" src="http://images.kormmandos.multiply.com/image/7/photos/199/600x600/3/20080504_Dayang_0003.JPG?et=FgaVf%2Clw%2CeTjnmBdeCh3sg&nmid=94704130" alt="Sunrise" width="398" height="600" /=""> Sunrise The last day of our dive trip. We are PADI Adventure Divers now. Yippee! We were as relieved as we were sad to be leaving the island. We had a lot of fun during the last 3 days. <img src="http://static.zooomr.com/images/4766448_df4c8d9d60.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="L. O. V. E." /=""> L. O. V. E. Only one dive today because we didn't want to contend with the rest of the visitors for the toilet, food and seats on the ferry back. This dive would be a deep dive at Dayang Wreck. Visibility wasn't as good as what we experienced at other dive sites, but I guess it worked to give that really cool mysterious effect as we sank into what it felt like an abyss, with no bottom in sight. But of course, once we reached the bottom, we could see the brief shape of a boat wreck. With everyone accounted for, we finned towards the wreck. We spotted a porcupine fish taking shelter in the wreck. Moving along, Desmond pointed a well-camouflaged cuttlefish resting just above the seabed. As more of us moved closer, the cuttlefish sensed the threat and fluttered off and signal... http://kormmandos.multiply.com/photos/album/199/Pulau_Dayang_Trip_Day_4 Tue, 6 May 2008 12:30:40 -0000