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Monday, May 24, 2010

Wifey's First Offroad Adventure

"It is all in the mind. What the mind says, the body will follow"
Wifey signed up (or rather, i signed her up) for the coming 21km run in June. Her racing exposure is limited to a few 10km run she did and the 30++km walk to accompany me during Ironman 2010.
So, why did i even think of signing her up for the 21km? (To start with, no, this did not make her love me more).
Truth is, i know she can do it. And i just love to push the envelope a bit further.
Yesterday's trail run was also a run up/first official training for her first trip to Sabah - and I've signed her up for the Race Up The Sky series, i.e. run up Kinabalu. She has a spanking new Brooks Cascadia 5 and it was de-virginised today.

I must do my best to ensure she gets the support she needed to complete these races like how she was always there during my races all these times. It is time to give back to her.
The trail-bashing/hike/walk/run/crawl today was attended by myself and wifey, Jabir, Bandit, Budin, Khalil and Sheikh (Budin's colleague). We started at 0700hours and headed towards the first 1km which is mostly rubber plantation. Already, within the first 10minutes, i was dripping with sweat. But today's weather was pretty alright compared to two weeks ago where it was super-humid.

The first 4km was a predictable climb to elevation 350m above sea level (asl). It was a mainly walking affair as i was still testing the water to see if my iron level is up to it. Wifey doesn't seems to sweat a bit, but as the trail progressed on, she was sweating.

Hike Hike! Run! Run!

From 4km onwards, it was a flat and downhill trail to the river crossing at KM6. Wifey did struggle a bit on the downhill part as she has not ran offroad, let alone running offroad, downhill. I must say she held up pretty well despite (she thinks) that she were holding everyone back.
I find myself reminding her that today isn't a race and it was an introductory crash course to trail/hiking for her.
For precaution, i brought along a hiking staff/stick so she could use it as a "third-leg" to stabilise or to move her forward. It is nothing shy to have some of these to help - in fact, Bandit has two and he was very much looking like he was ski-ing through the course.
Even myself, during the Hash Challenge, has resorted to use two hiking staffs to support/help/push/stabilise myself.

At the river crossing, i could see just how happy wifey was as she did not have any leeches on her legs, or anywhere and it signal the U-turn of the activity today.

Little did she know i had a wicked plan to detour and bring the group towards a less travelled route that leads to the northwestern fringe of the Klang Gate Dam.

The detour was only a short 1km in and 1km out. And it was a small elevation (gain of about 80m) that we have to overcome. The trail at this detour has a lot of fallen trees and shrubs. The ground was slippery with moss and the damage to the environment, minimal.
We were rewarded with an even bigger river at the end of the trail and it took everyone just 1 minute for us one by one to start immersing ourselves in the river.

It was ice cold and refreshing. The overheated body were instantly cooled off and fatigue removed.
Wifey took the chance to sit with both feet in the river and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The rest of the boys, well, became boys.

After about 30 minutes, we packed up and made our way back. It was another 4km before we reach base camp and everyone made it out safely and satisfied to have covered about 16km in 4:30 and burning off 3000kcal.

As for wifey, she survived two leech attack - on on the shin, one on the underside of her arms. The pain only sets in, or perceived to set in when she realised she had the leeches hanging on to her.
That, is really a proof that the mind is at work.
And my theory of "Mind Over Matter" really does meant "If you don't MIND, it doesn't Matter".

No one should really complain with scenery like this

Well done Wifey! You made me proud. I will gladly put the 2XU calf guard over your tired legs tonight (thought you think it's sexier if you put them on yourself) and good to see you waking up fresh today with no pain/fatigue on your calves.
My butt/glutes is a totally different story altogether.

Friends Are For Life

Friends. We all have them.
Fair weather. Stormy weather. Some stick to you, some don't. Some are there to ride on you, taking advantage and manipulating you. Some are there, no questions asked. Always.
I have my fair share of both. While i do not expect all of them to be more than who they are, i do expect myself, to give them what i have.
I've lost a number of friends - good to say that most of them are because we do not gel or clique anymore. Why is that good? Because to date, the friends i've lost through this reason ~~superseed~~ supersede (Thank You Nasrun - this is what friends are for ;-)) the friends i lost because they passed away.
I was having lunch with a very good buddy just a few days ago as i had to shuttle between two extreme end of Klang Valley and timing was just right for a lunch meet up session.
It has been some time since we catch up and there is so many things to say and share in those short hour in what we working class call "lunch".

June, the curry fish head was eaten on your behalf.

As we go along in our live, we will realise that some of these friends are like family. You recognise them as your blood brothers and sisters, abeit from different parents. Some are even closer than relatives.

But for all it is worth. Take time to catch up with all your friends. Don't wait until you drift apart; like myself, did not manage to even have one last chat with some of them before they leave this world.
Cherish what you have - for they too, wished that you do the same.
For those that has burned the bridge, well, forget them, after all, it is their lost - but i wish for them only the best and may they find friends that they can call their own.

Running Your First 10KM : Part 2

Continuation of the Article on how to run your first 10km, here is part 2:

Running your first 10km, part Duex
I realise there is a gap in the article as i failed to address sports nutrition for pre-race day, race and after race. I should now, perhaps, write one on that? What say you DM?

Ngae Koh Hieng - In Memory 08-01-1954 -15-05-2010

Photo taken from his Facebook page. This is how i've always known him

Our friend, Ngae - the barefoot runner in sarong and constant smile, has returned to his creator today at 1800hours.

He has been fighting brain tumor since 2009 and was making a come back.

He will sorely be missed.

Do offer your prayer, in your own time, and own ways to this dearest friend.

The last run up Genting with the gang and Ngae in the middle giving Jaja a hug. Those hot coffee we drank was him organising it with the Genting people. Thank You Ngae. For all the wonderful memories in these short 4 years i know you.

I left a message on your Facebook wall. I hope they have FB in heaven.

Rest In Peace Buddy.

Avent BPA bottle leaks?

It gets really frustrating when the bottles leaks. I am talking about those darn Avent BPA free bottles with watchamacallit leak ring...that leaks.

A few friends has asked us if we had the same problem. They were not alone or did they bought defective Avent bottles.

Thanks to Crunchy and his wife, the solution has been found. This is like heaven-sent as we were this close (very close) to dump these bottles into the rubbish bin.

Credit to again, Crunchy and his wufe. Thank you!!!

Click here to see light at the end of the bottles.

Running Your First 10KM : Blog Entry in DailyMuscle.Com

I recently guest-posted in Malaysia Premier Fitness Blog : DailyMuscle on how to run your first 10km.

It was indeed an honor to be able to contribute in that blog and if you are interested, please hop on to:

How To Run Your First 10km Part 1

*proud*

Biotherm Homme : My Facial Regime

Personal grooming are not exclusive to the women and at this age and time, more men are ensuring that they are getting the same treatment for their own personal grooming need.
There is really nothing to be ashamed off with facial and personal grooming and as all of you know, I lead a very active life; swim, bike and running and I am constantly exposed to the element. I hardly use sun block or anything with SPF in them. Not because I think it’s not manly to use them but they are because I hate the feel of the sticky lotion on my face and how it will feel “blocked” on the pores and skin.
It felt like I am drowning in my own sweat.
So, with my skin (all 34 years of it) exposed to the element and also harsh air-conditioning 16hours a day (weekday in office, blowing at sub 23degree C) and to the chlorine, sun, wind, dust and chemical at other time, I am looking older than I actually am.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not in denial about growing old. I’ve been going for facial treatment with my family as long as I can remember and I still go to one when I find the time.
However, relying on facial treatment to “heal” damaged skin might not be ideal if one do not have the time.
My facial treatment regimes at home are what every man is doing.
Get into shower.
Wet the face.
Squeeze some facial washer (anything, even if it is your wife’s products) – make sure they aren’t toilet bowl cleaner.
Wash face.
Rinse.
And you are wondering why the break outs and why those ingrown hairs.
I first received some products from my short stint in Cleo magazine about 5 years back (don’t ask) and I was introduced to the Biotherm Aquapower moisturiser. It has what Biotherm call as Pure Thermal Plankton (PTP) and it was simply the best moisturiser I’ve ever used whenever my skin was under stress.
I am also using Boots facial cleanser that I usually get family or friends to get from the pharmacies in Bangkok whenever they are there for a holiday or work.
My regime is simple – just like any men would do.
When I found out that Biotherm released a new line of products for men (and hence, known as Biotherm Homme), I did not hesitate to go and find out what they are about.
The tricky things bout facial stuffs are usually how well they will suit your skin. Not everyone’s skin is the same and I can vouch for that. What sounded and worked wonder on someone you think have the same skin type as you might not work on you.
I have dry skin with oily T-zone (that is the area around my eyebrow and down my nose) – which are prone to breakouts whenever I am under stressed or over-stressed my skin with the elements.
Those that know me will know that I am Mr. Skeptical number one. I tend to try things and say it as it is and here is my take on Biotherm Homme’s stuff.

Product tested #1: High Recharge Energy Cleanser
The cleanser sort of reminds you of Neutrogena facial foam which appears as liquid but foam up when you press the nozzle. This facial cleanser holds a lot of potent ingredient and namely they are Pure Ginseng, Oligo-vitamins, and Pure Thermal Plankton (PTP) apart from the pressurized cleansing agent.
Again, I need to stress that this PTP is exclusive to Biotherm and the “therm” in the brand name refers to this PTP. PTP are found in the mineral water in Pryness, France and were believed to be able to rejuvenate the skin. PTP is found in every Biotherm products.
Being the user of the Aquapower, I can vouch for that. I use this after every hard swim, bike or run (or combination of the swim, bike AND run) I do. My face was never sunburned (though it’s normal for the batman eyes due to the shades I wear).
Being a long time user of Biotherm also meant that my skin should not overreact (read: break out) if I were to try any of their other products (again, PTP is found in every one of them – meaning, I have no allergy or bad reaction to them, YAY!).
Back to the High Recharge Energy Cleanser, I tried using it the first time four days ago and I simply love the textured gel that foam as you rubs between your hands. Don’t forget to wet your face first and slowly work the cleanser into your skin.
The smell is pleasant and something you won’t mind putting on your face without feeling all girly (look, some men has issues using products because they smell girly).

The gel is orangey colored and felt light. I felt a little tingling sensation as I rub the foam around my face. I believe if you can even use it as a shaving cream due to the consistency! In fact, the cleanser was meant to prepare your skin for shaving! Use it every morning and rinse with warm water and it should soften those manly stubbles and helps prevent ingrown hair too!
After rinsing off, I felt the skin clean. It is like when you wash your face and cleaned it with toner. To say it felt springy is over-rating it, but to say that it felt clean and soft, I believe, is the operative word here. You see, harsh cleanser strip all the oil off your face, leaving them clean AND tout. The tout feeling is a misleading way of thinking that the skin is clean when it is actually being dried while cleaning!
So, Step 1 ensured that your skin is Cleaned and remained soft!

Product rating (out of 5, with 5 being best): 4 (only because it has little smell, I wish my cleanser has stronger smell)
Usually, my cleansing regime does not go beyond washing the face with a cleanser. But with age catching up and with the need to maintain youthful-ness (and not to be called uncle), I think I need to move beyond a one-step affair la.
I’ve used up the facial cleanser within two months. Just be reminded that you only need about 20sen size of product to do magic.
Product tested #2: High Recharge Energy Splash.
Contrary to the product name, please do not splash the clear liquid onto your face, as in literally doing that. Instead, pour some onto a facial cotton (like how you would do with toner) and work it into the face. You can do this after shaving and use it as an aftershave that has subtle cologne smell to it.

The clear liquid feels cool to the skin and it does feel like it is soothing those tired skin. I have other aftershaves as well and you know how aftershaves feel like on raw-just-shaved-skin.

Nothing short of that “Macaulay Culkin Home Alone” feeling (I bet you wish you can scream like him too, just for the effect).

I could feel the Energy Splash works into the skin and it was grease-less. While some toner claims to “not have greasy feelings”, we all know that is not true. I am glad that this liquid remained as liquid and do not gives me the “drowning” feeling when it dries up. In fact, there wasn’t a hint of “layer” after it dries up.

The Energy Splash has Oligo-minerals, Vitamins, Pure Ginseng, Aspartic acid and PTP as the ingredient.

Product Rating: 5 (because no greasy feeling and smells good without making the next person think you bath in them!)

For the average man, this sort of sum up their facial need without going overboard. For me, this is adequate, but with my Aquapower running low, there is always no harm to try another product from the same range to see how it all comes together with constant use.

Product Tested #3: High Recharge Moisturising Concentrate

Woah! The name sounded over-promising. But judging by how well the first two product tested behaved, this third item might just live up to its name.

It has been two months since I’ve started using the whole set as a daily regime and a friend I see twice a year (once during Ironman, once when I go down to Kluang, somehow) commented on how “smooth and nice” my face looked. Coming from a guy, it could meant two things.

1. He is gay – which is unlikely as he is as hot blooded as the next male you can find.

2. He really meant it as as a triathelete that constantly expose the skin to the element, he knows how bad one could look with those sun damages and all.

I took it as compliment and I must say that this regime paid off.

High Recharge comes in white cream form and it is light to the touch. It smells like the other two but more subtle that the facial washer.

The consistency is akin to the Aquapower I am used to and the application is the same: do it morning and evening. There is no such thing as too much of a good thing to the face!

The cap needed to be twisted counterclockwise to allow the content to be pressed out. So, don’t go pressing it too hard thinking you need to break the “seal”.
Apply in circular motion (if you are not sure, observe how your girlfriend, wife or mother does it) and let it rest.
The milky content dries up into your skin and again, I was surprised there wasn’t any greasiness. This is great!
I applied it to the boil that is growing and it doesn’t seem to irritate it a bit. In fact, after 4 days of usage, it doesn’t look as if it has aggravated the condition and I noticed there is no flaking skin anymore on the surface.
The High Recharge moisturiser acts like a “battery” that keeps all the goodies in the skin and used to restore the energy it needs to fight fatigue (or dull skin) and visible consequences (crow’s feet?)
This potent bottle carries Aspartic acid, White willow extract, Pure ginseng extract, Trace elements and mineral salts, Vitamins B5 (I believe this is what gives it “energy”) and C L30(meaning the vitamin C has a 30% bio-availability of L-Ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C for the non-chemist)

Product rating: 4.5 (because it feels like, works like and dries like something I’m used to: Aquapower).

As the moisturiser dries up on the face, I carried on through the day which typically meant working (on weekday) and helping wifey out during the weekend. That also meant the product are put to the test and I sweat.

Not a single instances that despite having three products used on my face every day, twice a day, which it felt greasy or oily. In fact, I felt that the facial oil were under control while the skin were adequately moisturized.
If you are as vain as me, you will know that the men’s skin will either dry up or have those open pores look or become overly oily like you can fry an egg on it under the hot sun.
Biotherm Homme performed as it should and as it promised.
The pricing/retail prices for the items above are as follow:
High Recharge Energy Cleanser: RM100
High Recharge Energy Splash: RM110
High Recharge Moisturising Concentrate: RM175
They are available at all Biotherm counter in major shopping complexes.
Parkson KLCC
Jusco Mid Valley
Metro MV
Jusco - 1 U
New Parkson - 1U
Pavillion Biotherm Kiosk
Parkson - Sunway
Parkson - Subang Parade
If you are unsure if your skin will react badly to the products, I believe the counter will have test samples you can bring home to try and then you could judge for yourselves if this product is the one you have been looking for.
The Biotherm Homme range is suitable for dry to combination skin type. Just drop by at the places above to help you to determine that.
Go try them and let me know what you think!

Xterra Malaysia 2010 : CANCELLED

Unbelieavable.

The Xterra race which was brought to our shore last year was cancelled this year.

I attribute this to the incompetency of the current organising team that was arrogant to think they could do without the very same people that made it happen last year.

Well, having a reputation (as bad paymaster) did not help.

I felt so sorry for the paid participants. The amount of training and how they looked forward to this.

http://xterramalaysia.com/xterra-cancellation

42KM Hash Challenge - Laboring All The Way

Last Saturday was my second Hash experience. it was not any ordinary Hash, but a hash that only comes once every 18 months.

Aptly called the 7th International Hash Challenge, the race attracted racers from all over the world (well, almost) and there were equal mix of locals and foreign participants. The race goes to show just how sports unites and goes beyond racial, religion and creed factor. Beautiful.

There were 30 teams of 4 members inside. Each have to include at least one lady. I joined the team setup by Azman, which include Elfrie and Nizz. We have not met each other as a team until the night before. Talk about chemistry.

Myself, Elfrie, Nizz and Azman

Up till the morning at 5am when i was prepping to get to the pick up point, i was still pretty sure that the 42km was do-able. I've ran marathons before and never once i said i can't do it. While my very little hashing experience told me that i could, at most, move at 5km/h IF i run (or couldn't care less what overhangs above my head or what lies below on my feet).

Hotel De Palma was the absolute last place i know where i was at 6.15am. By 6.45am, we were somewhere behind UIA Gombak...or would i say, the Sg Pusu's trail.

I've done this trail a couple of time via mountainbike, and to do this by foot, will be the absolute first.

The biggest surprise (a big pleasant one) was when i saw familiar faces in the like of Julie, AJ, Azmar and Denis running this race too!

I thought i was the only one with nothing to do...

The team took their time with pacing slowly, bearing in mind that this will be Nizz's first hash too. Mas, being the veteran showed why even the seasoned hasher from Russia (and a mother of one kid) walks and not run at the start. Even old uncle (they are deceivingly strong) walks. So, why should not we, the younger perceived to be stronger...run?

The first stage covers about 16km around Klang Gate Dam (which hovers about 800m on our right throughout this section). It will be the longest and no support league of the race. Everyone has to stay on paper trail and be self sufficient. Simple enough.

The first 16km promised (by the organiser) to be a flat route. Followed by a 7km of extreme climb (that Denis said "grabbing of branches and roots"), then a 7km of hot open route over Bukit Antarabangsa, then a 8km "a bit of climb" route over to Bukit Belacan and finally, a 7km "get your ass up those incline" route to Hulu Langat over 3 peaks.

Cut off was 12hours.

The first 16km proved to be challenging for my team as we tried to keep moving forward. I know i was the hindrance to a certain extend with my not so fit condition and with Nizz's first outing (and getting dirty).

After 10km, the team got separated. Nizz and Elf went right and myself and Mas went left, thinking they went left. Then after 800m, we noticed there wasn't any paper trails. bad news. We double back but we can't find both Nizz and Elf, but instead, we found the sweeping party.

That very much spelt the end of the race for us.

The last 6km was bad. Having to duck under thick undergrowth, climb over rotting trees, being attacked by swarm of ants and having leeches hanging onto our legs. I had one that attempted to sink it's fangs into my left hand and one that was hovering above my right moobs (man-boobs that is).

We missed the first cut off by 15minutes - and found out that both Nizz and Elf did took the right way and was ahead of us.

16km and it took us 4:45. Nothing great but it was a good workout and attempt.

We were later taken to water station 4(WS4) at Bukit Belacan, which is also the last WS for the race before a 3-peak climb to the finish.

Nizz and Elf was apparently sent to WS3, which has caused the team not being able to reunite until much later.

At WS4, the preparation for the front hashers was ready by 2.30pm as they expect the earliest team to check in at 3.00pm.

No one came in until 4.30pm - which goes to show just how tough the route from WS2-WS4 was...at WS4, the mileage counter was 40km...which effectively meant that the whole route wasn't 42km, but 47km!

Sweet!

Cut off time was actually extended to 5.30pm to ensure more participants were allowed to "finish" the race.

We were allowed to continue with the last 7km - but we are not considered as finisher. It was completely alright as all we wanted to do was to walk/run.

Nizz decided to call it a day and left early while myself, Mas and Elf carried on.

The last 7km was not particularly hard, but having to top 3 peaks with equal elevation of 350m each took a toll on me. My heartrate shot up to 200 at one point (i lost count of how many beats per 6 second interval, and calculated maybe about 35/10seconds interval).

I had to stop at every climb. Elf was strong. Azman was being a very nice to stay put with me to ensure i am alright.

Along the way, teams after teams were overtaking me and team mates.

When i emerged from the last climb, i saw the basecamp. You have no idea how happy i was - now, go imagine those that did the whole distance - it could had been orgasmic!

I crossed the finish line being a none-finisher, but with a sense of achievement as i have never attempted anything like this before.

It was also at the finish line that i found out Team 6 (Azmar, AJ, Juls and Denis) did not meet the cut off at WS4.

It was bath at the river after that, and waiting for the bus to return to the Hotel.

Myself, Azmar and Denis spoke at length about how tough and fun this race was and perhaps, will come back for more in 18months time.

Click here for Denis' report : GingerbreadMan

UpdatedClick here for Julie's report : MissJewel

Felt Like High School

I am back.

Sorry for the silence.

Been super busy trying to get a contract re-bid out and was given a chance to attend a leadership camp in Hong Kong.

I was driving to work today and i was thinking to myself on how similar it felt now compared to when i was back in high school.

Rewind back one week ago, i was on my way to Hong Kong for a leadership camp organised by the company.

I work in a 45,000 strength company across 11 business lines. I am just a speck of dust serving in a small business line.

The leadership camp were attended by another 30 colleagues which i have not met, heard or even emailed before. They were in a different business line; all of them. They are all designers, architects, landscapers, planners. They come from a very esteemed business line that move, and rock the industry. Their presentation are never short of impressive - graphic wise. Makes the usual technical presentation look like boring rocket science that will get you dozed off after 3 minutes.

I was the ONLY one from a business line different from theirs. Infact, this leadership camp was meant JUST for their business line. I was, as they said "our featured guest".

I've learnt a lot in those 4 days, 3 nights i was there. I got some stuff to share, which i will do so via this blog. Keep tuned and keep coming back. I promise it will be worth your time.

I was handpicked by my leader, which explained why i was the only one that was different. There was me, and there were all of them.

Daunting. I am put into a pool of this business line future leaders. The same mover and shaker that will take over when the time comes. Daunting.

Felt like highschool. Very.

Back to today, i was driving to work.

I can't help thinking how much it felt like back in school. I was an active fler. I joined every club there was. I want to be a leader in all of them if i could. I want to stand up. I want to stand OUT. I thrive on leading. Kiasu.

Today, in this office i am working in. After 2.5 years here. I moved up ~~three~~ two grades. I changed name card and designation 4 times. My working CV looked impressive (if it make sense). I am the HSSE (health, safety, security and environment) lead for the country. I am the country manager serving an US based O&G client. I was the country manager for a Dutch based O&G client. Above all that, i am the group manager looking after all the O&G client there are in this country and i have 26 people reporting to me. The group make up half the office; with the other half split between Admin/Finance and the other group of five people.

In short, it is like high school.

Yesterday, i was called into the room by my country manager i.e. my direct boss. I was presented with an opportunity as the office will see a re-org soon. I was offered to take over and be a regional program manager for two of the three multinational O&G company. I will have Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Indonesia, Hong Kong reporting to me for these two clients.

This is ON TOP of what i am doing now in the office as per above.

High school. Very.

Same afternoon, i was called into the room by my boss' boss. He explained to me, or rather, tried to explain how i am and will always be there to take on more - and excel in it.

Lets face it. Economy isn't doing too well and we are effected one way or another. Cost cutting is in the agenda and they are looking at me to pick up more - at no cost.

At no cost.

That shattered my hope.

I was disappointed.

I gave and i continue to give relentlessly.

I created such a niche for myself that i can't find any successor to take over my position. As arrogant as i sound, i am almost ( say almost as no one is really) indispensible (something i've learnt too during the leadership camp; create a niche for yourself and you are indispensible - i've done that without realising)

And here i am, again, like high school, losing out on my benefit compared to a pseudo-expat.

The fact that i am bitching about it here, well, that's high school too.

I believe you all that read this, got my drift.

Question is : Should i bite the apple that was presented in front of me now and be the Regional lead, commanding well over 120 project managers, engineers and technicians?

Cleo Eligible Bachelor 2010

So, it's back. it sort of jiggle my memories a bit as i was one of the many bachelor back in 2003. Back then, the competition wasn't as high-tech as now where the contestants get some air-time on national radio (Red.FM).

Nothing bad about that really, but i did wish i was given a chance to be on air like them.
It was all because i found that as the year goes by, the contestant just gotten cornier and well, less eligible in many ways.
Now, tell me, how could a student be eligible when they are still feeding off under mummy's armpit and not even secured a job?
Does having puppy eyes make one eligible? or a dashing of good look make them a champion?
If yes, then Ryan more than qualify for this.

Don't get me wrong, i wasn't sore that i did not win back in 2003. I knew i won't because the eventual winner has way better hair than me. Long flowing locks that drives girls back in 2003 wild and aunties would botox their faces to be cougars again. Infact, those hairs will drive a few gay men wild too thinking of all the possibility that they could do with those manly-mane.
HAHA.
But seriously. What makes a man eligible?
Well, to start with, they have NOT to be in a relationship (with another girl, or man, singular or plural).
It's simple, you do not put yourself out in the "market" if you are well, attached.
Else, you won't be able to use one of the line i heard yesterday by one bachelor that told the whole listener of Red.FM that "I am a bachelor because it's more fun and i get to see more girls than when i am attached".
GAWD.
Whatever happened to wits?
Q: Why are you still a bachelor?
A: Because i want to ensure i have a stable job and a stable mind before i could ensure i will be able to provide to my eventual partner.
Now, tell me, won't this be a better answer? (though ultra lame?)
One even went to the extend of saying "If you want to know me, you got to being it to the next level, lah" (all the while suppressing his Malaysianess with a heavy engrand accent).
Dude, if any girls want to know you and your reason for being a bachelor, they really do not need to bring it ot the next level, or sleep with you to know man. Grow up. You think you are Craig David or Brad Pitt?
This morning, again, i overhead two person, one was a divorcee and one more, i couldn't be bothered to know what he does (but chances are, Student).
The question were about "do you believe in marriage".
While the divorced chap did believed in marriage, but i have to give it to him. For one, he is eligible.
1. has a job
2. was in a relationship
3. love and loved before
4. know what to expect
5. should be able to tolerate a real relationship
6. ex-wife most probably scratching her head why they even divorced, for now.
Now, putting things into context in today's real world. I have three very eligible bachelor buddy that was recently divorced (up to about 1 year back). Two were with kids (hey, waddayaknow....you girls that might be interested might not need to worry about giving birth!) and one is single. One is a pilot, one is a doctor and one more a manager in a telco.
All three could sustain a comfortable life and all three do not smoke (drink sparingly, two of them), witty, fun and best of all, lead a very healthy life. All three swim, bike and run, and climb.
Tickle you ladies fancies? Drop me a comment, i hook you all up. Forget about these bachelors in the magazine, go for the real thing.

Bachelors, take your number and wait till she is 25 years old.

D90+Lowepro Promotion - See To Believe!

Deal of the Month!

Panasonic DMC-TS2 Review

Ever since Olympus Mju came out with their Tough series point and shoot (PnS) camera which claims to withstand shock and (wow!) waterproof, i've wanted to get one. Only biggest hindrance is that the mju 6000/8000 were pretty expensive and i have never associated Olympus with camera.
Yeah, i know, i am shallow.
After almost 3 years of waiting and even gotten myself a Nikon D90 last year, the urge to get a "tough" PnS were very strong.
The family has one unit of Canon Powershot A770. It has it's limitation though it was amongst the better PnS back about 4 years ago. Only complains were really the lag the Canon has. If wifey were to capture a photo of me running past, the shutter will trigger ONLY after i ran past.
From then onwards, the camera has been taking a back seat and has been used less than 10 times over the past 4 years.
When i saw my buddies at Snap-Attack.com whipped out a nifty orangy looking PnS, i was curious. Then Jason mentioned to me it is Panasonic's "tough" model.
Panasonic produces a "tough" PnS? Really?!
A week later, i started to google for this and chance upon a comparison done by DPreview.com that pitted the Canon, Panasonic, Olympus(both 6000 and 8000) and Pentax. The verdict was a tie between the Canon and Panasonic. Enough said. I know which one i wanted.
Canon's camera doesn't look as serious with it's perculiar rounded-oval-is-this-a-defect-ostrich-egg look.

Canon D10

Doc Hisyam has one and i believe he sang song about it. But the shape is just not...right. I prefer something mju like.

Olympus Mju Tough 8000

IronKam has this and i just love the fact he race and swam with this in the sea. I know i want one.

So, when i saw Shazly and Jason has one, it was almost like some calling. I think and thought and weighed the option and let the mind fight over need and wants...i told Jason i wanted one.

Panasonic DMC-TS1

The review in Dpreview.com were of the older model TS1 where the buddies at Snap-Attack.com asked me and confirm with me again if this was what i wanted and not TS2.

Wait.

There's a NEW model?

Panasonic TS2 were launched earlier this year, infact,on 26th January 2010!

This model is spanking new!

Panasonic TS2

Noticed the differences? The TS2 upped the megapixel game and comes in 14MP neatly packed under those metal body with carbonfiber inside.
I went for the BLUE no less!

The box came to me unopened. I recieved a synthetic leather original Lumix camera casing and a Panasonic (made in Japan) 8GB SDHC card eventhough these are actually optional. I bet my bottom dollar that if you purchase it somewhere else, you will get those generic cheap SD card which will not let your camera perform as it should.
I opened the box and everything was so neatly packed but i did not have the patience to unravel each one by one. I literally tore the content out.
Once the dust settled and the spanking new camera was in my hand, i saw that the box comes with 2 power cable - one 2-pin and one 3-pin. Cool. That would meant you can choose which one you want to use. The battery comes with a battery casing/protector, a handstrap with a stopper, the charger of course, a silicon casing (Double WOW!), manual, CD and a quickguide.
I got the battery to charge overnight the first day (though the charger cut off after 2 hours indicating a fully charged battery). So, there wasn't anything else to do but to take photo of the camera - with a samsung PnS i borrow from the office.

The orange part is what keeps water and dust out and away from the battery and adapter compartment (not shown). It has a double lock mechanism to prevent incidental opening of these compartment when under extreme (read : WATER and DUST/SAND/ICE condition) condition. Precaution were everywhere to ensure that no hair, sand, water on this part prior to closing.

It fits nicely into my palm and felt solid. Jason commented that this is tough enough to drop from 2m (Accidentally, not on purpose) and dive down to 10m into the water. It is unlikely i will dive down to 2 meters, let alone 10m, but it felt good to know that this fler can withstand that type of pressure.
As if the camera is not tough enough, Panasonic lumped in a silicon casing with the camera.

The silicon skin fits like a glove into the camera body and really did gives an extra layer of protection (not that it needed it anyway) from perhaps, scratches and keys inside your pocket.

Silicon Skin at work

The camera claims of good ISO performance and i know how important this is in a camera. My D90 has ISO up to 6400 and with 3200 to be standard. The TS2 has ISO capability up to 2500 (in Scn - High Res Mode) and with the ability to cap the ISO to 800, 1200 or 1600. This is particularly important so that the photo taken does not come out grainy/noisy.

Which brings me to the camera's first test.

ISO Performance

I am not pro enough to actually judge this but i base my review on this on how the photo look. My basis for this will be "if the photo looked noisy, they are".

Here is a shot taken under the sun, outside Curve (between Tesco and Curve) of the red fire engine.

Crisp and sharp as it were predicted to be. If it doesn't perform well under bright sun light, i think this camera would had been returned to Snap-Attack for a full refund.

I then move towards the parking area in Tesco, which are typically not very brightly lit and with numbers of florocent lights

I cap the ISO to 1600 as i want it to go that high if needed. Flash were supressed as i just want to see how noisy it was at 1600.

Looked perfectly fine eh? Here is 100% crop (meaning i crop it and no resize)

There are noticeable noise as you can see from the image above. Well, unless you are trying to snap a photo of a couple making out at the rear of this Kembara, the noise would not be of any issue as far as the "photo subject" is concerned (afterall, i really just literally whip out the camera and snap).

I have tried the ISO reaction at various speed and also sensitivity and the best results shows that you cap the ISO to 800. There were no noticeable noise at all! Sorry, no sample photos as i did not/could not find any place dark enough without looking silly trying to capture a photo in pitch darkness.

Other features worth mentioning

Each camera manufacturer will have their own line/collection of features specific to their make. Panasonic is no different. It comes with a "Power OIS" replacing the older "Mega OIS". OIS is Panasonic's answer to Nikon VR (or Vibration Reduction). OIS stands for Optical Image Stabilisation. There were 3 mode selectable - Auto, Mode 1 and Mode 2. I've not tried what the Mode 1 and 2 were for, but my guess is that Mode 2 would be more "aggressive" OIS.

The camera comes with iA or Intelligent Auto. What this meant is that in this mode, the camera will decide, (based on how/what i would not know), a selection of "i" mode. I've so far had auto i-Potrait chosen with face recognition and tracking purposes!

This camera too comes with HD recording and while it could not replace a dedicated video-cam, it did it's work pretty decently. It also has a set of three mini LED light that lights up automatically when ambience light falls too low for the camera to successfully take a video.

There is an option to set your own white balance (WB) and as all of you had read, i've shown the importance of getting the right WB before snapping the photo so that what need to stay blue, remains blue and not green.

Conclusion

I have the camera for 3 days so far and i am still learning it's capabilities. One thing for sure, It will go into the water and will find it's match with grit and sand when time comes. I am pretty happy so far as the camera is easy to use and all control were easy to understand.

The camera retail for RM1499 but you will be silly to pay full retail price. If you are looking for your first camera and wants it to be waterproof, drop proof, idiot proof, future-proof, contact Snap-Attack.com and enquire about the best price they could give you for this Panasonic TS2. I was happy with the purchase and this review is unbiased and as subjective as i could get.

Do come back from time to time to read more of the camera and it's review as and when i start unravel more features that will make photography a happy hobby, even for kids.

Photo taken using TS2 and with simple viginetting done using GIMP. No other PP applied and the photo before PP were good enough for viewing. At full resolution, the photo above could be develop to a A2 sized photo (Aspect ration 4:3, 14MP full resolution)