Sunday, June 28, 2009

Closing The Deal Dilemma


Maybe it's time I should start printing myself some business cards...

Friday, June 26, 2009

Jackson Dies at 50


I grew up listening to this guy. MJ may not know all of us, but each and one of us who have grown to listen his songs and watch his dance over the decades seem to know MJ very personally, through his music. He was by far the most talented and hardworking man in the industry, and no one I've seen so far could ever match him. People imitate his dance moves but only Michael could pull it off perfectly.

It was a wonderful time during Jackson's reign in the charts back in the 80's and 90's. So much good music back then. But now there is no more Michael Jackson. Same goes to Elvis, and P. Ramlee. The world is now bombarded with crappy music.

Goodbye Michael. You were truly the King of Pop. RIP 1958-2009.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Lens For Sale

Attention Nikon users. I'm selling this lens on behalf of a friend. It's the excellent Nikkor 18-105mm with VR, popularly included as a kit lens for the Nikon D90. It's in VERY GOOD condition, as its hardly used (he's got another lens to go with his camera, so he's letting this one go). Includes hood and pouch still wrapped and in mint condition.


Shiny and still brand new

This is an excellent lens if you wish to replace your 18-55mm kit lens due to limited range. Plus with VR, even on zooms show minimal signs of camera blur, ensuring constantly sharp results on your shots. If getting the 18-200mm VR is pricey for you, then get this lens. For the entry-level camera users, this lens will fit in the D40, D60 and the latest D5000.

Selling price: B$500.00 (negotiable).

Email me at hiero3721@hotmail.com. Brunei Forever Forum members may PM me at the forum.


The 18-105mm with hood (L) and pouch (R)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Home Strobe Experiment

I just got my new difusser yesterday, so I did a test run on it on my wireless flash hooked on my DIY lightstand straight after work. I thought I could catch the sunset at someplace with a great view but I've only managed to strobe at home. My siblings volunteered to be my subjects. Anyway, these are just experiment shots, so do mind the slippers. I gotta say, I was quite happy with the results, but I need to experiment more. Strobing is indeed tricky. Gotta learn from the masters.



Thursday, June 18, 2009

Strobes On Epic Frequency


An attempt I've made last night with my DIY lightstand and wireless flash. No proper diffuser used on this shot (the stofen sucks anyway). But I just bought a new diffuser earlier today. Yay~! Can't wait to try it on.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Look, No Controllers


Planning to get a PS3 this year? Now hold your horses. Check out what the Xbox 360 can do this time. (makes the Wii-fans sh*t their pants).

One More Week


Summer blockbusters are finally here. After a good dosage of Terminator Salvation and Angels and Demons, this is the next big flick to watch this month. It's gonna be sleek cars, giant robots and loud explosions all over again.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Work Overload

What an exhausting week. It's like everything has been switched to autopilot. Sigh. I think I need a vacation.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Self-Portrait


That's enough shooting other people. I deserve to be in my own shots for once.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Live in Studio 4


No weekend off this week, as I've to cover a few events around the district. This morning kicked off with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robot Contest 2009 at the new RTB studio in Sungai Akar. It was my first time to be there, and during live broadcasting too.

Friday, June 12, 2009

The Ring


It's been awhile since my last wedding photo-shoot. I'm finally getting some action today.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

iPhone 3Gs, Worth The Wait?


A new version of the iPhone was finally revealed by Apple at the WWDC yesterday. Now sporting 32GB, runs up to 2x faster, equipped with tons of cool new apps, the ability to cut, copy and paste, a 3-megapixel camera and the biggest surprise - it now shoots video! I think I've found the ultimate iPhone I've been looking for. Guess I've to cancel the Flip Mino from my wishlist then.

Click here to learn more.

Apple Unveils Snow Leopard


Apple yesterday finally unveiled its latest operating system update, the Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Snow Leopard will run faster than the current operating system, and will include updates to all of its apps. Apple also announced that the new operating system will launch in September.

“We’ve built on the success of Leopard and created an even better experience for our users from installation to shutdown,” said Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Apple engineers have made hundreds of improvements so with Snow Leopard your system is going to feel faster, more responsive and even more reliable than before.”

Read the full press release here.

Monday, June 8, 2009

41 Youths Compete in Quran-Reading Preliminary Round

FORTY ONE participants from the Brunei-Muara District competed in the preliminary round of this year's Al-Quran reading competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Held at the Youth Centre in the capital last week, the Musabaqah Tilawatil Al-Quran or the Al-Quran Reading Competition for Youths saw 15 qari and 26 qariah from different schools, colleges and institutes competing in the preliminary round. Ten qari and 11 qariah have competed on Friday's session and the remaining half of the participants competed yesterday.

Six judges appointed by the organiser assessed the participants based on proper pronunciation and speed during recitation (tajweed), technique (fashahah), vocals and tune. The objective of the competition was to raise the quality of Al-Quran reading amongst the younger generation in Brunei Darussalam and to cultivate an interest for participating in religious activities, in line with His Majesty the Sultan's titah during the Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults in the National Level on October 13, 1996.

Click here for further reading on this article.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

My First By-Line


Delegates from Northern Illinois University visited UBD, May 27.

Finally, I've got my first by-line on the papers. Took me almost a month to actually be given one. Click here to check it out.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Up For a Challenge?


Here's something fun you can do this weekend. Click here for more details.

Another Round of Unveiling


Apple has started putting up banners a week prior to the Worldwide Developers conference (WWDC), which runs from June 8-12. The theme of this year's WWDC appears centered around the App Store. The phrase refers to the iTunes App Store that was launched (less than) one year ago, but has seen major success with over 1 billion apps downloaded in the first nine months. The iPhone will clearly take center stage at WWDC with discussion about the upcoming 3.0 Firmware release as well as possibility that Apple will announce a new iPhone.

What else to expect from the upcoming Apple WWDC? The new OS-X Snow Leopard, of course! I'm really excited on this and I can't wait for an upgrade. In other news, Microsoft Windows will release Windows 7 in October 22, that's five months late since I switched to a mac pretty recently. Nevertheless, I'd still install Windows 7 on my PC desktop at home, coz I've seen how sweet it looks. But Snow Leopard has already kept me drooling.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Cycling Anyone?


When was the last time we did our personal budgeting? And if you have pretty recently, its easy to notice that one of the big chunks which we have to deduct from our monthly income goes to the monthly car loan. As a fresh graduate who have started a career and earning that very first paycheck, I've conducted a thorough analysis on this matter.

We all know that in our country, the average household has at least two cars or more. That said, there are those who are paying for more than one cars a month, considering that he/she is earning from a high-paying job, and those who only financed for one car, the ones that he/she primarily uses for work or leisure. In my case, I'm categorized in the latter.

Having realized that I have to pay close to half of my monthly income for my car loan, I thought to myself what it's like to live without having to pay for my car, and break myself away from monthly deductions on my income statement. But considering the lack of proper and efficient public transportation services here (we only have purple buses and motorboats), I don't think anyone here could live without at least one vehicle to get to work, to send and pick up the kids, shopping for groceries or visit distant relatives in another district.

But after several research I've made on the internet on alternative commuting, I've discovered interesting insights on bicycles! Wouldn't it be great if we all commute with bicycles? Think of all the money you save annually from the costs of cars (including the payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, tickets & fines, parking, car washes, supplies, and after-market parts & upgrades). Would you like to not have to spend that money?

Cycling to work. A cheaper, 'greener' trend? Why not.

I know this sounds crazy, and I'm sure gonna get a backlash on this, but think about the benefits of cycling in the long run:
  • For most town commutes, a bicycle is quickest door-to-door.
  • Cycling gives you the energy and enthusiasm for your work and study.
  • Cycling boosts your brain power, makes you mentally sharper, re-focuses your mind and improves your concentration.
  • Cycling is healthy because it protects you from heart disease, obesity and much more.
  • Cycling helps to prevent weight-gain. You will build healthy, lean muscle, lose fat and pump up your metabolism.
  • Cycling is inexpensive. All you need is a bicycle and some bits of equipment.
  • Cycling does not pollute. The only fuel you will need is a healthy meal.
  • At times it is possible to reach your destination faster with a bike rather than a car, during those traffic jam moments.
  • So what if it takes a little longer to reach your destination? It's definitely faster and far less tiring then getting there by foot.
  • Statistics have shown that the number of deaths from cycling are very low compared to the staggering figures of deaths of car drivers.
As I've mentioned above, living without a car can be pretty tough, especially in the Brunei, where public transportation is frequently lacking and I'm sure everyone don't like the idea of getting soaked from the rain. That said, it's certainly possible, as long as you're willing to change your lifestyle. After all, bicycles are dirt cheap, and there are no added cost to it (unless if you're thinking of pimpin' it). Best of all, you don't have to pay that monthly car loan anymore. Yay!

Interesting fact: Most millionaires leave well below their means. Maybe this could be a good start of a debt-free life. Of course, you still need to be more precautious when cycling on the road, because you don't wanna end up like this guy:


Happy cycling!

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