Category: Lifestyle Activities

DSLR: Pentax K30

PENTAX-K30-IMGP2048
PENTAX-K30-IMGP2048 (Photo credit: HAMACHI!)

A good friend of mine asked me for suggestions about buying a DSLR today and it got me thinking – maybe it’s time that I upgraded mine too! But I needed an excuse. I think that I’ll just use my soon to be released Law exam results as an excuse, regardless of how well or badly I do.

It’s darn sad that I have to invent an excuse to justify buying a new DSLR to myself!

So, I looked up my favourite brand – Pentax – with a simple requirement. I wanted a camera that was water resistant. The reason is because I usually take my camera with me on holidays and I usually spend my time out-doors. So, I’ll need a weather proof camera. It also helps when the cops spray you with water cannons.

The thing that I love about Pentax is the sheer lack of choice.

Turns out that there is exactly one model from Pentax that is weather proof and it comes in three colours – Pentax K30. Nice!

It also comes with an option of a 18-135mm kit lens. Since I already have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens, this would be more than suffice. I think that the kit lens would be good enough for general use during holidays – shooting people, scenery and random architecture. I no longer need to fret over which lens to use.

Also, I’ll have the opportunity to use the camera soon as I’ll be travelling to Taiwan, Berlin and Nice in the next few months. All very nice timing.

Now, if the shop will do me a 0% credit-card instalment payment, I’m set!

PS: I need to buy myself a prime lens at some point.

Honda CR-Z

If I make enough money next year, and have no other use for it, I’m thinking of getting a new car. The Honda CR-Z is a potential candidate, but I don’t like any of the colours that they carry in Malaysia. It costs only RM115k OTR though!

Adult Gleek

Seems that GLEE has grown up somewhat. Not that I’m complaining.

Les Mis Covers

In my Les Mis mood now.. Of course, computers working in the back-ground – synchronizing huge repositories.. :p

Of course – Susan Boyle!

National Robotics Competition 2012 Finals

I was at the Zon Regency Hotel in Johor Bahru over the last couple of days for the NRC 2012 finals competition. I was appointed as the head judge for the Primary Open category.

I love judging this category due to the kids involved. I love that the kids can come up with some really interesting ideas and designs for their robots.

I have no qualms about getting down on my knees to speak to them at their level and also to inspect the under-side of all their designs. I think that a lot of people miss out on what’s underneath it all.

I asked some really weird questions this year but I received one really weird answer this year.

I asked a 10 year old boy what he did for the project and he replied that he was the ‘Project Coordinator’. I was taken aback initially and so I asked him what that meant. He claimed that he help out with whatever that needed doing – I love that honesty.

Most of them were not shy to admit that they had a lot of help from adults, particularly when it came to things like sawing of wood and also nailing stuff together.

There was one primary team that had rather interesting software and when I asked them what it was, the little boy answered – LabVIEW! I was stunned as most of my undergrads have problems using it. So, I asked him who did the software and he readily admitted that it was too difficult for them to use and it was done by their Mentor.

I asked another boy who helped them with the machining for their robot parts – gears, rivets, etc – and I was surprised that he said that they did it themselves. I repeated my question as I was afraid that he did not understand me but he was adamant about it.

Oh well.

This kind of out-reach programme is the kind of thing that I really like to do. I took note of the fact that there were a number of all-girl teams this year. I like!

NRC2012

Les Misérables

Les Misérables (musical)
Les Misérables (musical) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oh Emm Gee.. eeeee!

They’re making a big-screen adaptation of Les Misérables – the longest running West End musical! I have to say that I love this musical to tears – literally. I have cried each and every time I watched it and merely watching the trailer and extended preview below, brought me to the verge of tears again.

Oh, I can’t wait to actually catch it on the big-screen. I might even pay a little extra and go premium with this film as I do not want to be disturbed by random audience members, particularly any kids who may not understand the depth of the story and emotions.

Watch it and weep!

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Physically Tired

Toronto rowing team
Toronto rowing team (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’ve been guilty of slacking off on my running for months. It all started with a heel injury that took months to heal. Then, it was just simple laziness.

However, it all changed when I signed up for rowing! I rowed for slightly more than a year at university. It was a fun and healthy way to stay fit and I thought that since the opportunity presented itself to do some rowing here, I decided to take it.

That said, I do know how tough rowing can actually be and therefore, I need to get my fitness level up. So, I started running again and have been making steady progress this week. I went to the park four times this week!

Well, I hope to get fit enough to row about 1 mile.

Yeay!

PS: Not looking forward to the post-race dinner though.