tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79359572024-03-08T12:24:50.725+08:00The Oddity That Is UsBeing a niche human.Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-29242651930452288972021-08-27T01:56:00.000+08:002021-08-27T01:56:24.882+08:00Bookmark BrowsingMust say that the ease at which social media makes posting stuff and communicating means most folks' blogs have been collecting dust for years! Much easier to continuously swipe and see micro-updates into what everyone's doing (or not doing, interesting times we live in) than to jump from blog address to blog address.<div><br /></div><div>Just so happened to open our bookmarks folder and... okay, let's take the jump and see how much has changed... This blog's gone, delete link. This blog's also gone, delete link. This one still running strong, but gosh the ads get in the way. No update. No update. Privatised. Privatised. Oh, new layout but no update. Blog's there but content's gone, rest in peace. This one also running strong, but we don't play the games he talks about so can't resonate. Privatised. Privatised. Whoa, 'purged account'. Notified that we're being redirected to some dodgy site. Someone else's blog now.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of, "OMG it's been so long since I've posted!" sentiments.</div><div><br /></div><div>C'mon, the John Watson blog site that was created due to BBC's Sherlock isn't loading up too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, why bother screening through - might as well just delete all the bookmarks, like how we've been spring cleaning old stuff now that their nostalgia value has faded (thank you for your service). Must say that all this blogsurfing at this time just makes us feel <strike>older</strike> just how much time has passed.</div><div><span style="color: #006600; font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"></span></div>Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-77805266342910921512019-07-27T01:41:00.001+08:002019-07-27T01:41:54.128+08:00Overthinking It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIY5HwcBupuk6P2_77YgRQXVz-uTR1CeFuZBLCx0NpjorjlHnPf0iL8uakfrqEhlHTl9OwZYEsnj_1m8bDapiy0rSmoFbjITyy5KKe7QOjCgmMCabIqLPnGn-2h0UqbMatHRrGw/s1600/Surprise+Baked+Cheese+Tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIY5HwcBupuk6P2_77YgRQXVz-uTR1CeFuZBLCx0NpjorjlHnPf0iL8uakfrqEhlHTl9OwZYEsnj_1m8bDapiy0rSmoFbjITyy5KKe7QOjCgmMCabIqLPnGn-2h0UqbMatHRrGw/s320/Surprise+Baked+Cheese+Tart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes, a sudden surprise baked cheese tart is just a surprise baked cheese tart.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes, a sudden surprise baked cheese tart could mean, "It looked like you were feeling out of it, you know I don't know how to help, but here's a treat to cheer you up."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes, a sudden surprise baked cheese tart was because it was a durian-flavoured baked cheese tart and you didn't place the flavour until it was not-so-subtly pointed out to you when you said thanks and was told your breath smelled of durian. And it was a surprise durian-flavoured baked cheese tart because, hey, durian flavour.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe the thing to remember is that, that's the language the Chief is best at communicating in, when you're not communicating at all.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-37646174607777660332019-05-09T06:06:00.001+08:002019-05-09T06:13:01.911+08:00Getting A BreakIt took going in for a surgery, and being warded for a couple of days post-op for monitoring, to finally get us to take a proper break, like taking that vacation where you did nothing except stay in the hotel all day, calling for room service and not even stepping foot out of the hotel except for a short leisurely stroll.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because even on our planned vacations, those turn into full-on planned trips where we’re out almost the entire day and are only in the hotel to shower and sleep. Except for our Phuket trips, where we instead sleep on the beach part of the time. But we’re still heading out to Jungceylon instead of just doing absolutely nothing in the hotel room, and even on the beach part of the time is spent wading in the waters or wandering the stretch of the beach. We’ve never really had a vacay where it was purely doing nothing except eat and sleep, where rest was really just resting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being warded? Well, it wasn’t at a great time as there were work deadlines and projects to factor in (it <b>never</b> is a great time), but we needed to get the surgery done stat so we decided better now than later, when we might have second thoughts about getting the surgery done. And while we couldn’t avoid the occasional work text and all, it was relatively quiet during the time we were warded because it was just after May Day and we decided not to bring our work laptop along to the hospital, and our colleagues were already informed we were going for surgery. Meals were served at certain hours, but were just left on our table or us to dine when we woke up, no pressure (and we don’t mind eating cold meals).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With most of work issues able to be safely ignored, all that was left was for us to get some much needed down time and rest. Not just in the physical sense post-op, but actually more towards some me-time/quiet time. It was the kind of down time that one couldn’t get when resting at home really, well at least not for us. While we had to put up with nurses coming in every other hour to take our blood pressure, heart rate and temperature from 7am until 2am, all we did was just stay in bed, left to our own devices (books, iPad, iPhone, and Switch namely). No gallivanting. No visitors as we didn’t announce what was going on on social media, nor did we give exact details to others who had some idea we were going for a surgery.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We suppose it was also because rather than the usual ‘taking a day off to get personal stuff done’ or similar, where if something urgent came up at work we felt that we had to invest some attention and time to resolving it, this time we could allow ourself to really feel justified to ignore anything and everything, and just...rest. Work can fuck off until we go back. Other people can take care of themselves. To be honest, even other personal matters like the upkeep of our pad, or our motor insurance renewal (which was an early reminder really) all just took a back seat. And we found the ability to tell anything you don’t want to do to fuck off, I need to rest now, to be justified for it <i>and</i> also personally not feel guilty about it, to be rather liberating and novel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That enforced rest felt...good. We were thankful that we pushed for admission the night before the surgery (as it turns out the regular practice for afternoon surgery was to be admitted in the morning of the surgery itself), and that we were still warded for monitoring a couple more days post-op. Except for the night after the surgery itself, where we were irked by the other patient in our room (note to self, if ever hospitalised again push for single room and pay the extra) to the point we didn’t sleep the entire night, thankfully he was discharged the next morning and peace reigned in our room after that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It’s not the same once we were discharged and came home. Granted, we could take a proper shower once the dressing and drain was removed, but...</div>
<div>
...we can’t have the a/c on the entire time (because the electricity bill!), and the days are hot and sweaty currently...</div>
<div>
...while we can just stay in our room, we are still staying with family, which while we were still left mostly on our own it was still a tad stifling as we had morning barge-ins to ask if we were going to wake up to eat our breakfast and fixed dinner times...</div>
<div>
...once discharged, and with the dressings and drain removed, we were pretty much mobile with no restrictions, which meant we would also feel like going out rather than staying home...</div>
<div>
...and we’ve started checking work emails, sigh...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was good while it lasted. So it is rather saying something that we have to consider getting warded as one of the better moments we’ve experienced so far this year.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-4292355390218483032019-05-01T04:53:00.000+08:002019-05-01T04:53:35.537+08:00Layan / Tak LayanIt’s a bit fucked up when you put on your game face for people you don’t know so well, but can’t find the effort and decency to layan your closer group of friends, the ones with whom usually your introversion doesn’t show so much and you can comfortably interact with, but visibly show your fatigue and disinterest in keeping your end up sometimes. What more when you’re also comfortable being on your own and keeping quiet too.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It’s fucked up because it can be awkward and tiring for all parties, and sooner or later everyone may just drift apart, leaving only the ones you have to keep putting your game face on for.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-68796157061509875482019-04-17T04:51:00.000+08:002019-04-17T04:51:24.965+08:00You’re Your Own WorstThere’s this friend we know who, from some observations (the occasional posting on social media, behaviour around most folks in general), have looked like the kind of person who doesn’t make things easy for themselves.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As in, the belief that most people don’t really like them or are out to belittle them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Doesn’t help that said friend’s social media postings do offer a little insight into just how pessimistic one can be to one’s own work and efforts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are your own worst critic/enemy, after all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We’ve at times, observing this, thought, “They shouldn’t be so hard on themselves.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We guess it’s a good thing we never really said that out loud to said friend, because reflecting upon it now, it does sound uninformed and a tad condescending. Like, if we got the retort, “You think I don’t want to ah?” and looked upon with disappointment for making some judgement call with little understanding, we probably deserve that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now just looking back, our first sentence here should be corrected to: could be someone who doesn’t have things easy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And if we don’t know how to help, we should hopefully try not to add to their troubles.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-22087107359182692632017-12-05T19:46:00.002+08:002017-12-05T20:00:01.365+08:00Let's Rock: HighlightsWell, it started when we joined the YCA Chorus for the first project this year, where we sang for the Kingdom Hearts show. That was awesome, as the last time we sang with an orchestra was for the Lord of the Rings Symphony (9 years ago!).<br />
<br />
Then YCA Chorus participated in the SoundBridge Festival, which was hectic with only one month to prepare.<br />
<br />
Then straight after that was to prepare for Let’s Rock, a performance featuring the KLPac Symphonic Band with conductor Kevin Christensen, Bihzhu, Fuad Alhabshi, Nick Davis, a 4-man band consisting of Loh Ui Li (the superwoman who arranged all the songs for this concert), Wafi, Kamal and Ruvi.<br />
<br />
So, memories:<br />
- Let’s Rock rehearsals were maintained on Sundays to avoid clashing with YKLS rehearsals on Mondays, which we didn’t like because usually our Sundays are for, ah, other commitments.<br />
<br />
- Thankfully the songs were familiar songs from the 90s, and songs we have already performed for YKLS Rocks. Only had to make sure we didn’t mess it up with the YKLS Rocks arrangement.<br />
<br />
- How we had to translate Hoppípolla in order to memorise it.<br />
<br />
- The first rehearsal of the symphonic orchestra with Ui Li and Kevin Christensen at KLPac Indicine, where Serene, Yen Peng, Simon and us were just ‘keypoh’-ing to listen to the band play (and recording them so we have a better reference to sing to). And when it came to Zephyr Song, Kevin turned to us all and said he can’t hear us sing, thus giving us permission to sing along and making it known that we won’t be disrupting band rehearsal by doing so...and so in the recordings that followed we all could be heard singing (and probably a bit shiok sendiri as well), sans sopranos.<br />
<br />
- Everyone packed into Studio 5 at KLPac. The noise level!<br />
<br />
- Choreography - very simple. Ian cannot dance, so if Ian can do it, we can do it! Except due to sound balancing, most choreography had to be cut down so we can stick close to the mics.<br />
<br />
- And when we had to stick close to the mics: during the Friday night show sound check, Cason, who is on our right, exclaims, "I ate durian today!" It's a good thing we actually like durian. Then again this could be revenge for us having Skippy's pizza with loads and loads of diced garlic in oil before bump-in on the 28th.<br />
<br />
- More on choreography: at one point during bump-in we overheard Su-San saying “OK, later we cannot lose to the other side!” Given the men stood at the back on higher platforms, this led us to observe that (for songs where no choreography was set) the girls on the left half were doing one thing while the girls on the right were doing another. 'Cooperative Competition' kot.<br />
<br />
- YKLS members shared the Have A Good Show tradition outside the changing rooms, and then Ian shared both the passing-the-energy and the Have A Good Show ritual to everyone involved in this production. Band members were rather unsure what to expect at first, what will this bunch of excited flers do to me ah why want to hold hand hold hand... to some old members it felt like energy was only going one direction ‘cos some others may not know what to do what’s going on.<br />
<br />
- Have a good show also had one-thirds of the members bouncing and screaming HAVE A GOOD SHOW while others stayed rooted to the ground. There was no bouncing into the centre of the ring as well because all the band member’s music stands and instruments were in the way.<br />
<br />
- Bihzhu’s excellent effort at learning everyone’s name. Considering we can work with our choir members for one whole production and even come show dates we may look at someone and not know their name.<br />
<br />
- Note to self: Imprint Conan O'Brien.<br />
<br />
- Progressions from concert day 1 to day 3:<br />
“Think about what the song means when you want to do choreography,” says Ian. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is about war.” Day 1, muka serius sikit, tried not to make body language look too joyful. Day 3, everyone’s doing the step-left-step-right fun times backup singer dance.<br />
The band! Day 1 still seated professional musicians. Day 3 waving instruments in the air and even one point standing to rock!<br />
Something Just Like This: Day 1 bopping to the beat, Day 3 jumping on the platforms eff all if it breaks.<br />
The audience: oh wow the audience was totally awesome for all three days. But it got wilder and wilder still each day!<br />
<br />
- We learn about Caltex mamak. Actually not sure if we’ve been there before (we suspect we might have gone once before back in 2008 for Breakin’ It Down but don’t really remember). This time we learn not only it’s decently priced for the portions you get served, most of the dishes are past our spice tolerance. And then there’s the apom special.<br />
<br />
- We didn’t take many photos this round to post for social media, and even less so taking with everyone. The guys weren’t as active as the girls in taking photos too so there will be less to see compared to YKLS Rocks.<br />
<br />
- Serene is another superwoman - after an already energetic performance on Friday and Saturday night, she then continues with her singing gig after that until 1am.<br />
<br />
- Though there’s no cast party, we all (singers) ended up heading to Uncle Don’s Hartamas to celebrate the end of the production. And ended up singing the Let’s Rock medleys, Disney songs (there was a request from another table for Lion King), Michael Jackson songs (also requested from same other table), and Christmas songs until near 2am. We don’t know which tag they used, we do know it’s on Insta Stories somewhere possibly...Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-79588042073781539042017-11-07T21:42:00.002+08:002017-11-07T21:42:30.446+08:00The Nexus ExperimentSo at the start of the year we had managed to snag ourself a second-hand Nexus 5 to play about with the Android OS, because we've always been curious to experience the OS. You would think given the number of phones out there running all manner of Android, getting a cheap low-end phone just to play about with would be easy, but it's been quite the headache because:<div>
1. Our preference to experience <i>stock</i> Android and not some skinned version;</div>
<div>
2. All the talk on specs makes us wonder how badly certain apps (especially games) would perform on a lower end phone;</div>
<div>
3. Which version of Android will it be running, considering that it may get updates to the newer versions of Android (probably be stuck at Marshmallow);</div>
<div>
4. How cheap is cheap compared to what we want from points 1 and 2.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So it was a stroke of luck when we came across a second-hand section at DirectD PJ, and so thought, why not? We'll try it for a couple of months and then if we get freaked out by how Google tracks everything we'll stop using the phone. We're also not replacing our iPhone with the Nexus, but using it as a secondary phone, because we're too tied into the Apple ecosystem. Universal apps and iCloud Photos syncing on all our devices meant photo editing and music creation for choir work is a breeze, so it isn't as easy to </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Side note: Maxis's Multi-Sim 1 Line isn't <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2007/10/simple-line.html">as it used to be</a> anymore, where you can choose which phone to receive calls and texts and switch at any time using a hash code, now there's just a primary phone that receive calls and texts, while all sims have access to data. Well making data calls would still work, but we find it slightly limits the purpose of having multiple sims.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Verdict?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>We like Google Now and the suggested cards of articles to read. Tried using one of the popular launchers available only to find ourself going back to the Google Now launcher.</li>
<li>We're made more away on how Google tracks our locations (because notifications pop up to confirm if we've been to a place), even when we have the Google Maps app closed.</li>
<li>Google Assistant's voice recognition is super.</li>
<li>Because spec-wise it isn't that great, we rarely use the camera and Google Photos (which we also rarely upload personal stuff). Our surprise seeing a loading bar (that isn't part of the app UI) whenever we start Ascension also puts a dampener at using it to play games.</li>
<li>It's great for Google Maps and Uber because we save battery on our main iPhone.</li>
<li>We think because it's a Nexus running stock Android, it still runs smoothly (again, never tried more intensive apps).</li>
<li>Material Design is nice, but the way text gets cramped in Google Maps when there's a long name is a bit jarring.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
We suppose why it didn't see more use than we'd expect is because the apps we do use (Pixelmator, ForScore, Notion) are already paid for from the App Store, we don't use Google Photos (the privacy issue), and because Whatsapp only works on one device at a time, the silly bugger. Also likely because when we use Google's stuff (GMail, Docs) it's on a desktop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This Nexus phone is also quite unfortunate somewhat - to keep it handy we did not get a casing for it, only to have it fall to the ground twice. Once on a laminated floor screen first, resulting in a long line across the screen, and once more on the asphalt causing it to be a bit more beat up than usual.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 10+ months we're finally ending the Nexus Experiment, we're calling it off. We're switching the sim over to our old iPhone 5, because iOS 11 has been horrible on battery life so a second device for battery-intensive stuff right now is a good idea still.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-81829449858966214582017-09-05T13:28:00.000+08:002017-09-05T13:28:32.567+08:00YKLS Rocks: Highlights<br />
Our director, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ianchow2003?fref=mentions">I</a>an, always tells us to remember how we feel and treasure the memories of the moments during the production and there were definitely some good ones when we joined back this year:<br />
<br />
The best memory we have? When both groups finally get to view what each has done in terms of choreography and arrangement for the Sing-Off songs. For Mr Brightside, Kathleen started flirting with all men, and the shocking reveal that Justin was her beau had our jaw dropping.<br />
<br />
Other stuff...<br />
<br />
During the twice weekly rehearsals, it was split to have the directors work with Rockabye Baby on Monday and Undecided on Wednesdays. Except due to time constraints, the other group usually heads upstairs to rehearse and figure choreography. Or in one case for Undecided, to sit down, chitchat and eat salted egg yolk fish skin snacks.<br />
<br />
When Ui Li first joined in rehearsals to play the piano (after the second half group songs were nearly finalised), the Undecideds were sitting near the piano. Except we weren't really sitting, a bunch of us (especially Serene) were up and jumping and rocking to Viva La Vida and Mr Brightside.<br />
<br />
Rachael's initial rock band name!<br />
<br />
Dressing room burns by Tristan:<br />
Simon Chong: Tristan, how do you say, "Welcome to the YKLS 15th Anniversary concert?"<br />
Tristan: We say it in English.<br />
Simon: NO. NOOOOO.<br />
<br />
- and another time when Justin came in with a wet plastic bag -<br />
<br />
Us: But why is the bag wet?<br />
Justin: I washed it because it was sticky with banana sap earlier. The bag's still good, so...<br />
Us: Ah, going to reuse the bag la.<br />
Tristan: Why, Justin? Are you in financial trouble?<br />
<br />
Hmmm again as in earlier productions, we take a fair bit of photos and videos early on in the year (although mainly to be used for promoting on social media), but come actual showtime to the end we sort of fatigue out and so don't really have much behind-the-scenes photos during bump-in/post-show or even cast party. While during these time we'll see loads by other members.<br />
<br />
The rock songs chosen by Serene and Justin to be played pre-concert during the group rituals - just like how in prior productions the sound tech would play pop songs and Lex would even do choreography as it it was a Zumba class.<br />
<br />
'Passing the energy' this year not as Morse code crazy as it was during Illuminations! Phew.<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span></div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-77141813039297878442017-08-05T03:07:00.000+08:002017-08-05T03:08:57.247+08:00Pros and ConsTalk about timing.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When iOS 11 public beta launched to the public, we thought, "Hey, why not try it on our iPad mini 3 since we don't really use it as a daily driver. Plus iOS 11 is meant for the iPad rather."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so we did. Did it with eyes open that there may be crashes, battery drainage, etc.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And what with our timing, after installing the public beta, our iPad usage increased. Not because of the added productivity iOS 11 brings - drag and drop doesn't work with all apps yet and the iPad mini 3 doesn't have split screen - but because of universal apps and choir.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah choir.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We decided to splurge on Notion to create midis of the songs we're learning (as reference to practise our parts), because being able to do it anywhere on the iPad rather than having to do it when we're in front of our PC had a certain appeal. While it took a bit of learning what we can do on Notion and its limitations, we're happy enough to be using it quite a fair bit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So long as it didn't crash. And if it did, fingers crossed it saved most of our work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And asides from midis, we've been helping out with photo editing as well. And for that, we have Pixelmator.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>(Here we take a moment to really regret installing iOS 11, as we no longer can use Photoshop Touch - our go to app for photo editing on the iPad. Honestly the level of control we had when tracing the outlines of people with a stylus on the iPad was so much better than magnetic tracing using a mouse.)</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the most part, Pixelmator does a great job. Took a lot more figuring out where things were and how it works, but for simple edits it was great. iCloud syncing meant we can work on either iPad, iPhone or on the Mac (we bought the Mac version as well because it was so much more affordable compared to Photoshop!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then there's Pages for taking notes. Prettier than Google Docs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But we're not sure if it's the processing power of the iPad mini 3, or the bugginess of iOS 11, or a combination of both but there were times when doing any sort of work would feel like our iPad isn't able to cope until it resets. And even when it doesn't feel like a memory issue, photo editing can sometimes be a tad...slow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Such that it's got us itchy for the iPad Pro 10.5".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've tried the Smart Keyboard and it feels comfortably spaced enough for us to touch type. And there's the Apple Pencil. Both which would be useful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall this adds up to a bill of RM4k which makes us think more than twice actually. Considering we are also curious about the new iPhone 8/iPhone Pro/iPhone Edition which would prob be RM5k++.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We know, if we do consider seriously the iPad Pro, the moment we get it...the choir production will be over and there won't be much heavy use by then -_-"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-28735465284445075802017-06-21T14:38:00.001+08:002017-06-21T14:38:38.341+08:00Making the SwitchWhen Nintendo first announced the Nintendo Switch with a teaser, it ticked all the boxes of what we wanted to match our gaming style - portability. Given how we don't really sit in front of a telly (nor have one in our bedroom), we couldn't justify a PS4 even though there are some titles we were interested in: Street Fighter V, Mortal Kombat X, Rise of the Tomb Raider, probably could start the Uncharted series...don't think we'll try out Dark Souls though. Even our games from Steam and Good Old Games have been rather dormant, sigh. Most of our gaming is done on the <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2016/12/cumulative-upkeep.html" target="_blank">iPhone</a> and <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2016/07/3ds-system-transfers.html" target="_blank">3DS</a> because we can play anywhere (especially in bed), and the days of playing on a PS2 or a Wii are long gone...<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So the Switch teaser got us excited as it not only connects to a telly for a bigger screen experience but you can bring it anywhere! Size-wise it looks between a 3DS and an iPad mini, which is great because we rarely use the iPad for consistent gaming (gosh we haven't continued Grim Fandango in ages...). We even had a rough idea of our setup - the dock can go to the Chief's pad, where there's less competition for the telly, and we can get another cable for the Switch to charge it wherever we are like with all our devices.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we've gotten our Nintendo Switch and started playing Breath of the Wild, and...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...this game, coupled with the Switch, is sapping our life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With the previous portables like the 3DS and iOS games, the games we play there are designed for short bouts of gaming (doing a quest in Monster Hunter, some rounds in Street Fighter IV, a quick game of Magic Puzzle Quest...) so the stops allow you to call it quits after a while.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not so with the Breath of the Wild. The open world means explore wherever you like and however you like: that mountain looks interesting? Climb it. Suspicious looking rock formation in the distance? Let's go check it out. Probably get distracted by the Shiekah Sensor going off and end up trying to hunt for the hidden shrine instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the next thing you know the sun is rising.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"OK, better not play tomor-, <i>tonight</i>. Need to catch up on lost sleep."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Come night time..."Hmm let's play a short while <i>lah</i>, we forgot all about that rock formation. Finish exploring that bit then tutup."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh look the sun is rising again.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-45912342272366985192016-12-14T02:19:00.000+08:002016-12-14T02:19:01.860+08:00Chores A-Side EffectGiven we have a long weekend, it was time to buck up and finish our Christmas decorating. This year we're missing the enthusiasm to decorate and have only made do with the main Christmas tree in the living room - no wreath in matching colours, no additional Christmas decor sprinkled all over the place.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, today's plan was to at least have the Christmas wreath up on the front door grille.<br /><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only...if it was as straightforward as that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First up, remove the decoration currently on the door grille. This has been up for most of the year, so the grille's all dusty. And rusty too... So. Remove the plastic wrapped around the grille's (to prevent the decorations from scratching the grille). Wash the grille (Daiso's range of microfibre cloth with plastic handles make the job a bit easier), then spray some WD40 on.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let it air, while cutting up new plastic sheets (we use book wrappers) to cover the grille (because the wreath has a wire base).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next up, the main door and the door frame itself. A year of dust has been caught on the door and frame (since we get the wind blowing into the front of the house - the porch is littered with leaves every day ugh), so we've to wipe all that off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK now that the grille's dry, wrap up the grille bars that will be in contact with the wreath. Tape them up, and it's time to hang the wreath and decorate.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That part is pretty straightforward. We'd already set aside the ornaments meant for the wreath so it's just a matter of randomly hanging it about.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now throughout all this we've been walking in and out of the house, and it's been very dusty so we'd to keep washing our feet every now and then because we do <i>not</i> plan to mop up today. Still, this meant the toilet's wet and we notice it's been a while since it's been washed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Get the bleach, get the plastic broom, a quick scrub, and we're done.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Christmas decorating? 15 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Associated chores? 2 hours.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-77116818593998307772016-12-08T02:50:00.000+08:002016-12-08T02:50:06.453+08:00Cumulative UpkeepWe have so many games to play, and a fair few of them have daily check-in rewards or timers (due to their nature of being free-to-play) that it's sometimes ridiculous how much time we've to check in the games now.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then most of the games are entertaining, which is why we still play them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this moment we have:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Tiny Tower (started replaying since their 5th Anniversary Update)</li>
<li>Pokemon Go (now with the daily rewards)</li>
<li>Magic The Gathering Puzzle Quest</li>
<li>Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World</li>
</ul>
<div>
Tiny Tower doesn't take much upkeep, so long as we check in once a day and tap to launch fireworks. Pokemon Go is a bit more challenging as we ought to get to a Pokestop at least once a day - we missed it once and now our Pokemon caught and Pokestop check-in streaks are 2 days apart.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The biggest culprits now are Magic The Gathering Puzzle Quest and Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World - these two games seem to eat into a bulk of our time now. With Fantastic Beasts, while we are limited by the amount of energy available, the energy recharges fairly fast that we can play every hour or so if we wanted to. As as for MtG Puzzle Quest? It can be endlessly engrossing as the game model keeps giving you freebies. It doesn't really lock away any cards from you i.e. pay to obtain rare cards, although it is slower when getting them through the in-game events or challenges or daily rewards.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That means we actually do end up spending a few hours in a day playing these games. Looking at the games right now, we're likely to stop Tiny Tower once we've built all the floors, and Fantastic Beasts when we've finished all the cases.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pokemon? Hah. Just heard there's going to be an update with more Pokemons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
MtG Puzzle Quest? Even worse. This is the most Magic we've played (Magic Duels is just hogging up space on our iPad), because the quick game time works for us (hey, match-3). The gameplay flavour does match the card game mechanic and flavour (like colourless mana being colourless gems and how the Eldrazi interact with them).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The only way we're going to wean off these two games is if we have no Internet access at all for a good period of time.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-57843843886931984682016-07-23T01:47:00.002+08:002016-07-23T01:47:33.987+08:003DS System TransfersIn all our experience with Nintendo's handheld consoles, we've only ever started having issues with it starting from the 3DS. With the rise of the Nintendo eStore and downloadable games and content it was hard not to compare it with Apple's iOS devices and the App Store / iTunes Store.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Example: we buy an app from the App Store. This registers the 'license' for that app to our account. Then we can easily download that app on any of our devices - the iPhone and iPad basically. It doesn't seem to be that way with the Nintendo eStore? Then again, not everyone owns more than one 3DS really and we suppose it's supposed to work the same way as if buying a physical copy of the game (that is, you need two copies of the game for two devices). True that it doesn't make sense owning more than one console at a time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then there's transferring content from one 3DS to a newer 3DS (hey, <strike>sidegrade</strike> upgrade!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With an Apple iOS device, just back up the entire thing via iTunes, plug in the new iOS device, Restore From Backup and done. We've done this a fair number of times when we upgraded from our iPod Touch to an iPhone and even to the iPad (this was before iCloud came and made cross-syncing so much easier). Syncing via iTunes had its own set of headaches but overall we understood the process.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Transferring data from one 3DS system to another? In this case, from the 1st-gen Nintendo 3DS onto the 'New' Nintendo 3DS XL?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To be honest it wasn't really difficult from a technical standpoint. No need to install special software and there's big friendly buttons telling you what to do. It was just a slightly more complicated 'cut-paste' from the SD card of the old 3DS onto the microSD card of the new 3DS, along with wireless transferring of data from console to console.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, it still was no easy task.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First we had the choice of transferring data either wirelessly, or by using a PC to copy over data from SD card to microSD card.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Totally transferring data wirelessly would take goodness knows how many hours given we got the 3DS early on, with the Ambassador status and downloaded content. We could try leaving it overnight but we didn't really want to wait it out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Transferring using a PC, that was a whole other level of stress as you need to prepare a few things. A few things are required, that in this day and age, isn't something really commonly found any more when we plan to transfer to the 'New' Nintendo 3DS XL.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. The "New' 3DS XL requires a small Philips screwdriver. The kind one uses to tighten the screws in spectacles. Without that we can't open the back panel to remove the microSD card.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We'd dug about the house looking for the small Philips screwdriver. We knew there ought to be a set somewhere, we hazily recall seeing it before in a drawer somewhere. If everyone in the family had perfect eyesight that's it we'd have to do this another day, not at 11pm when all the shops are closed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. A computer with a SD card slot isn't enough. We needed an adapter for the microSD card as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
If we had never used digital cameras, this would be another problem. Nowadays where most people make do with smartphone cameras, what's the likelihood of keeping around a microSD card reader / adapter? Thankfully we knew where we stashed all our accessories, and so we just needed to test them out to make sure that our Mac could read the microSD card.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our Mac mini has a SD card slot so at least we could try reading both SD and microSD cards for data before finally beginning the transfer. It wouldn't do if we started the process only to find out that the SD cards couldn't be read by the Mac and we had to dig up a Windows PC! In fact, we actually did set up a laptop running Windows to do this, only to find out that the laptop didn't have a SD card slot (and we didn't have a working USB SD card reader).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Then, knowing how tricky file systems can get with NTFS and FAT (because we're using a Mac), we were worried about the SD and microSD file systems - what if we can copy from the SD card but not copy TO the microSD card? Checking the properties of the cards, it's stated that they're in a MS-DOS file format. Okay, we're not sure but we guess it's possible (since the Nintendo webpage guide mentioned using Finder on Mac).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We'd already watched the tutorial video and read through the guide, but it was still slightly stressful making sure we had everything on hand before we began - we didn't want to be stuck halfway!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Beginning the process and the 3DS consoles tried to calm us down by showing Pikmin 'carrying' data from one system to another. It worked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then came the tricky bit, once all the necessary data was initially transferred wirelessly. Now's the bit where we have to remove the SD card from the old 3DS and copy them over to the new 3DS. The instructions kept cycling through on the new 3DS on what we needed to do, until we gave up tapping through the pages and pressed the Power button to turn the console off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The old 3DS, on the other hand, showed the screen as if setting up the 3DS for the first time! Should we continue? Would that wipe the SD card contents? We decided to leave the setup screen as it is without continuing, and ejected out the SD card (so much easier on the old 3DS, no unscrewing required).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Inserted both cards into the Mac...deleted the contents of the microSD...drag and drop contents from SD card to microSD card...eject...yes! Success!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so, after all that stress, we've finally migrated all data from the old 3DS onto a New Nintendo 3DS XL Monster Hunter Generations Edition!</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-61492628393182902582016-06-09T18:27:00.000+08:002016-06-09T18:27:15.468+08:00Affording A New AutomobileAidan's been in the family for eight years now. Unfortunately with autos, one can't (or rather, shouldn't) really hold on to them for too long whatwith depreciation, servicing and possible replacement of parts that break down...<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then the Chief got a new car last year. And so, we thought we might as well start 'scouting' around to see what we may want to consider when we ourself would change cars.To be honest we weren't really interested in cars. The only cars that caught our attention were those that had flashy techy stuff inside - like the first time we sat in a Citroen and there was a digital tachometer on the dashboard, or the Prius with all it's buttons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not being savvy about cars, the things we're looking for in a new car?<br />
- the infotainment system, which definitely has to have Bluetooth connectivity with our iPhone, and better yet if it comes with CarPlay so we can futureproof against having to upgrade the infotainment system anytime soon. Bonus if it comes with GPS!<br />
- something that can go faster with less engine, road and wind noise!<br />
- the techy bells and whistles such as keyless entry and push-to-start, auto lights and rain sensors etc</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our biggest mistake? Test driving the Ford Focus first.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The moment we got onto an empty stretch of road and the sales agent got us to floor the accelerator...we were brought back to them Daytona days where you just wanted to rev up and go fast. That pretty much ruined the driving experience for all our other test drives where a slower smooth drive was the main idea. Got in the car, stepped on the accelerator, and...meh. We know, we know, it ain't as if we're driving a racing car or summat but still...<br />
<br />
Tried the much-advertised self-parking feature too. In an empty basement car park, the Focus ignored most empty bays until it detected a pillar, and then began parking there...and ended up taking up two bays. Well perhaps it would perform better with other cars around. Just as well we're quite capable with parallel and reverse parking. heh.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, what we were looking for in a car wasn't really based on practical reasons...whenever we went, "Ooh this is nice," we had the Chief telling us, "How much is the car?" In getting a new ride the Chief had set the budget first and then picked the car. In our case, it's more of having certain specifications and then picking a car that fits that within acceptable budget. So keeping 'acceptable budget' in mind, we test drove the Ford Fiesta as well. And it was also fun!<br />
<br />
To be honest if we didn't test drive the Ford at all, we might have just gone with a Honda Jazz. Or City. Or the new Mazda2 (except that we didn't test out the Mazda2 until quite late, as the rest of the family's driving Mazdas and we wanted something different). Decently priced with satisfactory infotainment system. Somehow not the Toyotas, they've not appealed to us somehow.<br />
<br />
But we did, and that pretty much coloured our experience for all the other test drives: "It wasn't as fun." To be honest we didn't try out much...the Honda Jazz, the Renault Captur...the Mazda2 did give a good impression too, it had a more premium and modern feel compared to the Fiesta. Didn't try out the VWs too. Even when comparing specifications as listed on the car companies' webpages, it boiled down to "comparing it against the Fiesta".<br />
<br />
With that kind of mindset, yep, we got ourself the Fiesta.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-60809726932470311932016-04-25T17:00:00.000+08:002016-04-25T17:00:14.747+08:00First Impressions: Timbuk2 CommandAfter a couple of years with our Esprit messenger bag, we found ourself thinking of getting a new bag again.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah, considering when we bought said Esprit bag, our requirements was for something not too big to avoid dumping too many things inside until it was rather heavy on the shoulders. So long as we could fit in an iPad, a bag of charging cables and power plug, our wallet and keys, we were good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Carrying a small messenger bag meant we ended up carrying a few bags on occasion: the messenger bag; a gym bag and shoe bag; a laptop bag; and possibly a paper bag of other miscellaneous things. And so it's got us thinking how, asides from a small messenger bag for casual use, we could get one for our usual work week that can carry our usual stuff, <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2016/01/first-impressions-midori-travelers.html" target="_blank">our Traveller's Notebook</a>, our laptop (or bluetooth keyboard) if necessary, and our gym togs. Then we can cut down the number of bags to just the work bag and a shoe bag if we've packed for the gym.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We just had a few requirements.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Backpacks were out</b>. We weren't keen on carrying a backpack or knapsack. We like the messenger bag look.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>There has to be good handles</b>. Bag needs handles in addition to the shoulder strap. And if we plan to stuff in a lot of things and carry it by hand rather than strap it across our shoulders, we don't want something that looks like it can't bear a heavy load, nor something that would be painful to hold for long periods.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>A good balance for laptop safety</b>. Not too padded such that the bag is too heavy without even carrying a laptop. Yet feels padded enough that we don't worry over every bump the bag makes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Aesthetics</b>. Much as we like <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2007/09/our-2-million-dollar-home.html" target="_blank">Crumpler</a>, most of their bags are quite colourful and we wanted something slightly more subtle. True, they do have some colour combinations that wouldn't draw attention in the office but we thought we'd leave visiting the Crumpler store until we've tried looking around elsewhere first.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we were looking around MidValley and Gardens and then came across Timbuk2 in Robinsons!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We only saw the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag at first, and while it didn't really meet our requirements we decided to check out the rest of the range. Then we came across the Command TSA-Friendly Messenger Bag. And it checks everything off our list!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were slightly hesitant as it was the M size and felt a bit too big for us (comparing with a S size Classic), but since Robinsons only had the one size for the Command...we thought. Hell with it, we're taking it. So far, it's been good. Although we haven't really finalised certain things like which compartments do we really want to keep our keys and wallets etc., we've tried carrying our laptop and gym togs (in a small Muji garment case) and so far it's been comfortable enough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now to balance use between this and our Esprit bag so we don't get achy shoulders all the time, nor leave the Esprit bag unused too long that it falls apart!</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-71912562103640994752016-03-07T01:45:00.002+08:002016-03-07T01:45:44.735+08:00Artsy FartsyQuilling. Calligraphy. Journaling.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year is it's looking like we've heavily invested in artsy stuff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Learn a new craft skill, so we decided on quilling. With the aim of putting the skill to some use rather than as something we learn to do and then put aside.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With regards to calligraphy, well, it was sometime early November when we finally found out where to buy flex calligraphy nibs. Our keenness for getting flex nibs to experiment in copperplate writing was due to this particular video:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xN8naCb_nyw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xN8naCb_nyw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
While we were aware that the pen had some sort of customised nib, we never really did do our homework finding out more about flex nibs, instead learning that most fountain pen brands don't have these kind of nibs. We started off with the Lamy Joy since the italic nib was a good start for calligraphy writing (mostly uncial in our case, the nibs aren't wide enough for us to write copperplate / blackletter properly) and wasn't messy as we used ink cartridges instead of dipping ink or using an ink converter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we found flex nibs. And now, we got ourself a Jinhao fountain pen customised with a Zebra G flex nib installed in. The thing is, re-learning how to write isn't easy at all. Calligraphy is more akin to drawing than writing and is much slower.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And since we got ourself a Midori Traveller's Notebook, there's been some double work as we've made notes, marked appointments and dates, and journaled entries. Things we have been doing on the iPhone. There's just something about actually writing it down, though. Sometimes it's much easier to refer back to a physical notebook, too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now the problem is, these things are eating into our time. While this year we've already said we would take a break from the choir, but it looks as if we're taking more onto our plate than anticipated.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's hope we don't burn out before the year end.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-87695770406481713692016-02-23T22:59:00.001+08:002016-02-23T22:59:44.944+08:00First Impressions: SpotifyWhen Spotfy first launched in Malaysia, what really caught our attention was that it had rather a reasonable subscription plan. We signed up for the free account to give it a go, downloaded the app, and during lunchtime we realised we still preferred having the actual songs on our iPhone rather than stream it, for two reasons: we have limited data, and our battery takes a bigger hit.<div><br></div><div>A monthly data plan of 2GB doesn't really inspire confidence in us continually streaming music wherever we go, plus honestly data coverage isn't necessary great everywhere we are. Also, we can't plug in a pair of earphones and disconnect while in the office as we never know when someone may be calling us from across the room.</div><div><br></div><div>And so we made do with just a basic account, until the other day Spotify sent us an email with an offer for a Premium account subscription at RM2 per month, for three months.</div><div><br></div><div>Okay...that's tempting.</div><div><br></div><div>And so we decide, why not. And because we're trying, we tried to make an effort to use Spotify more, not only on our iPhone but also the PC version.</div><div><br></div><div>And now after 2 months, how do we find it? Well, while we do use it more than we did with a Basic account, but we're still using it less than we ought to. Mainly streaming music at work at very low volumes (unless no one else is in, like on the third day of Chinese New Year where we blasted the Opera radio throughout the day) through connected speakers, and on the classical/opera/instrumental genres (can't be blasting Combichrist's "What The F* Is Wrong With You?" now...).</div><div><br></div><div>Spotify's auto party playlists were great and came in handy during the New Year Eve's party and other meetups (and come to think of it why didn't we just let one of the easy listening playlists run at night when we're chilling in bed...).</div><div><br></div><div>We're also just realising we can use Spotify to preview albums to decide if their worth getting, especially since the last couple of albums we've preordered turned out to be...well, not that exciting.</div><div><br></div><div>Sure, there's loads of Spotify functionality we've yet to try out - discovering new music via their recommendations, the different radio stations...probably the only one we won't use is the Run function.</div><div><br></div><div>Our three months promo will be up by next month and we think we'll hold off continuing our Premium subscription for now...because there's Apple Music to also try out.</div><div><br></div><div>After that...see how.</div>Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-37359975274033498512016-02-01T17:55:00.002+08:002016-02-01T17:55:32.038+08:00Jelakjuice TimeSo somewhere at the start of last year we decided to give protein powder supplements a try. We figure it would be cheaper than trying to have steak for dinner every night. So we headed out, asked for a bottle of protein powder suitable for the likes of us who are lactose intolerant, and came back with a big bottle of chocolate flavoured powder and a shaker.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first time we tried it, it tasted ok.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a few times, there's only one word for it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
JELAK.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Am so glad we have a word to fit this. It reminds us of the video of some people volunteering to try Soylent for a week and was already <i>jelak</i> of the thing by Day 2.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still, we slogged through, tried packing it in small containers to take after workouts, tried blending it with yoghurt and fruits...and in the end we've settled to just taking the protein powder in the office before leaving and going for our workout - easier cleanup overall (this was why we never knew that there's a problem with people having smelly shakers where they never wash the shakers soon enough).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once we finished our first bottle, we went back to the store only to find out that they don't have stock of what we took, and recommended a different brand.<br />
<br />
This second brand had some hydrolysed beef protein isolate that, upon opening the bottle, offended our sinuses so bad we were tempted at times to throw the entire bottle away. We don't know how now that we managed to finish that bottle, the smell was so bad.<br />
<br />
Now we're onto yet a third brand, and well the smell is acceptable, only that we're still super <i>jelak</i> of the thing and it gives us a mild headache after drinking it. The idea of steak dinners every night is rather enticing, if only we managed a decent dinner hour...<br />
<br />
Oh well jelakjuice time.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-74062939461150336982016-01-15T18:18:00.001+08:002016-01-15T18:20:17.541+08:00First Impressions: Midori Traveler's NotebookSo this year we started off by getting ourself a Midori Traveler's Notebook after much contemplation last year. The ability to customise how you wanted the notebook to be was really what appealed to us in the first place.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only...getting a notebook wasn't so easy, as we either had to try our luck at Kinokuniya (we haven't been inside to look for it yet...) or order it online from a local supplier like Pipit Zakka. Ok so it probably isn't as difficult as needing to order from Amazon and wait ages for it, but we're still pretty much the kind who prefers walking into a store and checking out the physical product.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But oh well. We placed our order with Pipit Zakka, it got posted to us soon enough (well packaged too we must say!), and now we are a proud owner of a Midori Traveler's Notebook as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With...only a blank notebook insert that came with the notebook, a lined notebook we bought, a zipper pocket...and that's pretty much it (it's so popular the online store was out of stock of half of the accessories).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thankfully we've been watching some video reviews of the notebook and got some ideas from them. A particular useful one was on using rubber bands in place of the official bands meant to hold the notebook inserts together. Apparently the official bands aren't as hardy too and snap after a while. So we didn't bother with waiting for the online store to stock the bands, and went to Popular to get some rubber bands.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And since the choices of notebook inserts were rather limited to start with, we decided to find printable alternatives online and make our own. Found some pretty good ones to start off with at <a href="http://www.wendaful.com/free-printable-inserts/" target="_blank">Wendaful</a> so now we have a nice thick notebook to work with.<br />
<br />
And we did hopped over to all three Muji branches to check out their stationery to see what we could get. Ended up with a 3-colour refillable pen and a pen holder, couldn't find any of their notebooks that fit what we wanted.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's see how well we adapt back to using a hard book compared to jotting everything down on our iPhone!</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-48622698528220996012016-01-05T17:14:00.000+08:002016-01-05T17:14:28.713+08:00Resolutions 2016: AppRes/16/0105Oh hey look, it's exactly a year since we've posted <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2015/01/resolutions-2015-appres150105.html">our last resolution</a>!<span style="color: #006600; font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And how did that turn out?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, we <i>did</i> tidy up our workspace - but admittedly only in December as a sort of 'spring cleaning'. Nevertheless it is now much more roomier at our wee cubicle and so let's look to this year's resolution:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Learn a new craft skill.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's actually a bit more to that but we'll keep that under wraps for now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Easily enough we already know what craft skill we are looking at - quilling. The inspiration for this came from <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2008/07/thing-that-is-marriage.html">'Nic and LiL's wedding cards</a>, which they made some 80 to 100 pieces by hand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb2VjtLKE_rjNr_JqODAZcN9O37uzIuY_Dc2EgUJCgA-S7vytxQ9Y_dHEWzKmG9yFXG9nvZVMsOmKRfDde2rSBnTDIfml6v0QxLDVFlTSbf7vFjsUDszOziMJA3iF90pWzVh85Q/s1600/IMG_4623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb2VjtLKE_rjNr_JqODAZcN9O37uzIuY_Dc2EgUJCgA-S7vytxQ9Y_dHEWzKmG9yFXG9nvZVMsOmKRfDde2rSBnTDIfml6v0QxLDVFlTSbf7vFjsUDszOziMJA3iF90pWzVh85Q/s320/IMG_4623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pinterest definitely has a LOT of lovely quilling art, but we will start small or go crazy. We're starting with simple shapes with a definite eye on monogram quilling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we've gotten ourself a starter kit, and instead of buying more quilling paper we bought a manual hand shredder from Muji and shall see if that will be cheaper in the long run. Admittedly the only issue we have with quilling is glue. We hate the messiness of normal glue, and have been experimenting with the Norino Plus honeycomb dot tape - not ideal but we'll work on it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We actually <i>did</i> make birthday card with a quilling pattern in the front for LiL's birthday, but due to cruel irony we dropped the entire thing into the drain outside her house yesterday when we intended to deliver it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That...may actually be a sign.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-4220173991736924282016-01-04T15:41:00.000+08:002016-01-04T15:56:46.907+08:004,204,800 MinutesAll right. 2016 and it's time to recap the last year, however this time we don't have the convenience of checking back our Instagram what we've done every day as we kinda stopped the 'photo a day' thing (maybe we ought to start that back again this year, and do away with the editing the photo to place text in...).<span style="color: #006600; font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then again we've upgraded our iCloud account for the 200GB storage plan (one of the best things we've done, no more worries about our photos and videos hogging all the space on our iPhone), so that means we have all our photos on our iDevices for easy referencing!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWm_zPaI2eDqfQSOu4I8neDLDomR7A9FvIMdaK3qGF6vWXPpiPcwyJNHBF1zd3g1eDZhEOoiyXL2Bg0aGW9fpiT9-t9nXlqLEA4LmpaosVtumYyZGm26l_NUXan3bsU7bubgNbQ/s640/blogger-image--1144776990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWm_zPaI2eDqfQSOu4I8neDLDomR7A9FvIMdaK3qGF6vWXPpiPcwyJNHBF1zd3g1eDZhEOoiyXL2Bg0aGW9fpiT9-t9nXlqLEA4LmpaosVtumYyZGm26l_NUXan3bsU7bubgNbQ/s640/blogger-image--1144776990.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2015 was a pretty great year - we felt as if there were more things happening. We made new friends and caught up with some very old friends, had lots of fun and games, got careless, got sloshed, got super busy (there were quite a number of near-overnights in the office)...</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Upgraded to the iPhone 6 Plus. Stocks went out crazy fast then compared to the iPhone 6S Plus!</li>
<li>The Chief brought us to Genting to celebrate our birthday, complete with the Genting Behind The Scenes Tour. Quick fun getaway!</li>
<li><a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2015/11/boardgames-haunts.html">Boardgames galore</a>, in terms of playing and purchasing! We bought Power Grid Deluxe, the Street Fighter Deck-Building Game, Dead of Winter, and 504 (which until now we've yet to bring out to see play!). Printed our own copy of the very beautiful PnP Dune: The Dice Game by Heiko Günther. Got to try a good number of games thanks to wingedman and meetups with our regular group at All Aboard, YCA and even McDonald's BU!</li>
<li>And on the digital side of boardgaming, we've started playing multiplayer Ascension with nejustmo and hckerl. Honestly we find deckbuilding games to be better as a digital game - no need for shuffling and tabulating scores.</li>
<li>Experimented taking protein powder. Limited by lactose intolerance. Too bad it gets kinda <i>jelak</i> drinking it, making it hard to take every day.</li>
<li>After a couple of years with no broadband and cable tv (read: Astro) at Chateau le Chief, we finally signed up for Maxis Fibre Internet with Astro B.yond IPTV! Now instead of watching Chinese serial DVDs the Chief records Astro tv shows and movies for later viewing (we have almost used up the hard drive at one point).</li>
<li>Bought Monster Hunter 4 from Kyo, who had a launch event at Tropicana City Mall. Went with the Chief and lad (although only lad and us plays), got our copies, bunked a while at Starbucks for a quick session. Biggest 3DS timesink of the year.</li>
<li>Bought a new Mac Mini and iPad Mini 3 just before GST was implemented. The iPad Mini 3 replaced our iPad 2 and was definitely lighter to carry around, but at times we sorta wondered if we ought to have gotten a MacBook instead...there are times when we still lug our first Mac Mini around from one place to another (and quite glad that it's actually easy to lug a Mac Mini around to use in other places provided there's a monitor there to plug it into!).</li>
<li><a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2015/11/apple-tv-2015.html">Bought the new Apple TV</a>. Not really necessary, and heh we've not yet started gaming properly on it.</li>
<li>Another trip to Bangkok! It has been three years since our last trip, and this trip we decided to end with a nice dinner at Sirocco @ Lebua. Awesome experience.</li>
<li>And there was the day trip to Malacca as well! The last time we were there was possibly for savante's Christmas party eight years ago!</li>
<li>Got our Pebble Time! No regrets here as we had no problem adjusting to wearing back a watch (especially one we have no problem sweating with and wearing into the shower), plus honestly the long battery life is a winner. We're also happy to have backed it on Kickstarter as it was cheaper (also before the exchange rate made things less enticing), hence we got one for the Chief too!</li>
<li>Got a wax gun (pretty much like a glue gun) that definitely sped up the process of our card-sending! No more breathing in smoky fumes from a wax stick!</li>
<li><a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2015/10/write-something.html">Worked more on our calligraphy</a> (not much improvement though), and finally found flexible nibs for copperplate handwriting!</li>
<li>After half a year of not seriously joining the choir (our reason then was less of wanting to take a break and more of worrying that the performance date would clash with work), we joined for the Illuminations concert and the Illusion opening! It helped that this year's production had no choreography making it easier to join at a late time. We weren't interested in joining earlier for Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton and started our break by joining the Christmas concert only as part of the audience. This year? Still on the ropes.</li>
<li>Sailor Moon Crystal ended. This reboot makes us cry sometimes due to the quality. Sigh.</li>
<li>Terry Pratchett's 'The Shepherd's Crown' was released and devastated us.</li>
<li>Went for Bon Jovi's concert! Exhilarating!</li>
<li>Couple of weddings. Lad tied the knot, and we got to take another 'Il Divo' photo (although everyone's older and, if not wiser, then wider). Memorable in that us guys were not involved in the gatecrashing, and that during the wedding dinner there were lucky draws to keep the guests entertained. Fun! Then there was Zherrie's wedding, which was definitely a YKLS wedding with lots of singing and performing. Initially we meant to only sing Seasons of Love with the ensemble, then mubbles asked us to duet A Whole New World with her and that started the whole shiok sendiri fest (especially during Yaya's It's All Coming Back To Me Now).</li>
<li>Managed to surprise the Chief with a <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2015/10/chief-celebrations-2015-big-birthday.html">slightly stressful birthday celebration</a> as well as with a magic show dinner!</li>
<li><a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2015/11/run-for-fun.html">Experienced our first fun run</a>. Good to know we managed to finish it within a decent time.</li>
<li>Got ourself a pair of Sketchers Go Walk 3 to replace our <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2006/10/guys-put-your-off-roads-on.html">9-year-old Off-Road Crocs</a>. Truth be told our Crocs have been in need of replacing for years, considering how the treads have all worn bald making it a hazard on wet surfaces, but we've not found a suitable replacement till recently.</li>
<li>Had a Christmas party at Chateau le Chief again after taking a break last year!</li>
</ul>
<div>
And that's just recapping from photos we have on our iPhone.</div>
</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-40649346404460377072015-11-26T03:14:00.003+08:002015-11-26T03:14:37.322+08:00Run For FunSo the Chief noticed a particular charity run and was interested in joining. As it was a 5km fun run, we thought, okay, why not, let's support the Chief and run together even though we never found could see what was so fun about a run.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Less than two months before the run, we'd some preparations to make: mental preparation was one thing, we had to start training a bit to make sure we could survive a 5km run!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our first time on the treadmill to see how well we fared walking/jogging a single kilometre showed just how bad our stamina was. So we figured, all right, it's time for the treadmill every day where possible till we can ensure we finish 5km under an hour.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well motivation wasn't easy and we soon started feeling our age, or more like feeling our knees.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We never did get to finish 5km on the treadmill but did find we could average a kilometre in around 10 minutes, so we thought we should be fine (for our expectations).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Come run day itself, thank goodness the Chief is the early bird as we had to get up around just before 6am to make sure we could reach the venue before the run started at 7am. It's tough when you're not a morning person and not even a running person, but there's always a first time for everything (it's the following times that will see more resistance).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so the run started, and we walked/jogged/ran and yes, managed 5km in...checks website...45 minutes 40 seconds! It was easier to run on the road (plus we set our own pace rather than trying to keep up with the treadmill's speed of 10km/h) and having some goal to set made it easier (let's jog until we reach that 3km u-turn checkpoint, ok walk uphill then jog to the next junction etc).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Chief finished in 40 minutes 5 seconds and looked no worse to wear, unlike us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some observations:</div>
<div>
- the water station painted a bad picture of runners: cups were everywhere littered after the station. On the main road within a housing area. Given this is a charity run, we're not sure if the people manning the water station were volunteers or not, and even so we don't think it's expected of them to be cleaners as well. True, there weren't many litter bins set up but honestly it just painted a bad picture of runners that day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- there were kids who finished faster than us. Hey, start exercise early in life, you won't regret it...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- there was a mother who had to carry her child while wearing a knapsack because the kid was too tired already. Salute.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- the field where the event was held was muddy. And with everyone walking on it to reach the registration booth or luggage drop/pick-up, we ended up with mud seeping through our shoes and was walking around with mud soaking our socks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- if it wasn't for the fact that the gym was nearby and we could shower after the run, we <i>may</i> not have opted to join.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- yes, there is that sense of accomplishment from having completed the run within our expected time frame. No...it probably isn't enough for us to consider joining more runs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- our legs didn't hurt badly during the following days (but then again we were too busy to notice).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So. We now have our first finisher's medal for a 5km run. Would we do something more serious like a 10km run? Possibly not. Because...why???</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Chief has already signed up for another run (reason for joining partly because there's a very nice medal design), and it being a night run we may possibly drive beside the lot and cheer.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-6978889479316048292015-11-12T03:21:00.001+08:002015-11-12T03:21:42.994+08:00Apple TV 2015So we couldn't resist, and ended up getting the new Apple TV.<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though the price has doubled from the previous model and, what with us being in Malaysia and thus not having convenient access to services such as Hulu and Netflix and BBC iPlayer, there really isn't any convincing need to upgrade from our current Apple TVs, really.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Although, ever since we've moved the Apple TV at Chateau le Chief from the living room to the bedroom...we must say that that particular TV has seen less use due to earlier bedtimes (although finally being able to stream videos directly has made nighttime movie watching a far more comfortable experience!). The living room <i>could</i> do with another Apple TV...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways. We probably wouldn't have bought the new Apple TV if we hadn't someone planning to buy one of our current ones.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bought it via the Apple Online Store, it showed up 2 days later, and setup was amazingly fast. With the previous Apple TV we were used to using the Remote App on our iDevices, so the new remote felt familiar - except that instead of tapping the surface we had to click it down. Back to the setup - just holding our iPad close to the Apple TV and letting it set up the network connections and all that was just so easy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We got ourself the 32GB model because we don't think we will be storing that many things on it - the odd game or so (so far we've Crossy Road, Alto's Adventure, Oceanhorn and Rayman), YouTube and Ted. For everything else, we'll let Apple TV stream it off our Mac Mini.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's to like? Siri's limited but gosh scrubbing feels so unnecessary now. That's all for Siri (again, Malaysia). The remote is so much more handier (still need to get used to there being a Home button) especially with volume controls. Games we already own are free on tvOS. Holding the Home button for a few seconds brings up the option to put the Apple TV to sleep, which also turns off the telly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's not to like? The on-screen keyboard is a nightmare - with this glass surface remote why didn't they stick to the grid keyboard and instead made this single row? Also, Remote app on iDevices not compatible anymore and honestly that was the only way to type stuff (especially searching through YouTube). Oh well here's hoping typing gets easier one way or another.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next up, a MFi controller so we can play Oceanhorn.</div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-81022385547306221532015-11-05T02:25:00.000+08:002015-11-05T23:58:02.497+08:00Boardgames HauntsThis couple of years have seen us getting back ever so slightly more into the boardgaming scene because there are choir members who are also keen on gaming, as well as the occasional gaming with wingedman (who hoo boy is pretty up to date without being a distributor!).<span style="color: #006600; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Not to mention it's much easier when there's a new gaming joint nearby (hello, All Aboard!) if we don't end up playing games at YCA.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
So this Halloween we so happened to be free and was just keen to do something (it was one of those nights were we just wanted to go somewhere do something rather than stay at home), and while initially nejustmo suggested we head to Alexis Ampang for drinks and listen to Mia Palencia, the sudden storm that started just as we were about to make our way to KL dampened our plans.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
No problem - an alternative suggestion for a game of Mansions of Madness to celebrate Halloween was put forward. We don't really recall if we played Mansions of Madness (we rather think we've played it once at least with our brother-in-law) but we were game for it. At least it <i>was</i> something to do (to be honest we don't really recall much of what we do on Halloween, the <a href="http://niched.blogspot.my/2006/11/tricked-by-treat.html">only memorable Halloween</a> we can ever recall immediately is that one year where we were at the Curve and they were giving out free tickets for the screening of The Covenant (and we didn't even plan for that).</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgNqwei4liJomn4tXrY2rlCRZwVsS_VxDtGqyJGhKtTfY_QWH7S9WoOap3Z-KtOuXrJ9-m7kB87yAXIyaeYi5lWIl9EGdcD7daRv0qvdLLLszzYR-DUkGJq9x17dQTwGN09BbBQ/s640/blogger-image-258535770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgNqwei4liJomn4tXrY2rlCRZwVsS_VxDtGqyJGhKtTfY_QWH7S9WoOap3Z-KtOuXrJ9-m7kB87yAXIyaeYi5lWIl9EGdcD7daRv0qvdLLLszzYR-DUkGJq9x17dQTwGN09BbBQ/s640/blogger-image-258535770.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So. Mansions of Madness. Venue? McDonald's Bandar Utama, because it's open 24 hours. And while we were setting up at one end of a long table, another group of guys were setting up for MtG on the other end.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFnvxvQ18wuZxV_nbkK1VKteyOuU-s6CAeJuBbOtt72TpiHHYUugOZF9V9bJF0wQbHqsiG3F6sb2_A9uDNvEOapdb2ELM72wBJGlkJ1p5dYRMnEkME72H5WVtI-HBrnCc19hCWQ/s640/blogger-image-1439702377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFnvxvQ18wuZxV_nbkK1VKteyOuU-s6CAeJuBbOtt72TpiHHYUugOZF9V9bJF0wQbHqsiG3F6sb2_A9uDNvEOapdb2ELM72wBJGlkJ1p5dYRMnEkME72H5WVtI-HBrnCc19hCWQ/s640/blogger-image-1439702377.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Without spoiling the scenario (even the prologue was pretty vague, as investigators we were all in a bar and was shown a dismembered finger still wriggling alive in a box by the bartender, and so was to head to the cemetery in search of some fellow to learn more about it but heck as players we all just wanted to get into the house and search for loot) we all got in, picked up loads of stuff, fought monsters, and won against the Game Master! To be honest we (the investigators) thought we were doomed and was fighting to draw to a stalemate as apparently the GM couldn't win too.</span></div>
<div>
<br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQotdegfCBSrCOn__F1qpejX8d7Nbvf2JdNrsX1uwulodKAOqpGFjuSUg62Lmv_i0pqv1rMyprNvtnwEsilK77zpxnaNdpbp5OBLlmvugmlx72NjMjGF7r1lLquRK07cHsI4T2Q/s640/blogger-image--2109908951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQotdegfCBSrCOn__F1qpejX8d7Nbvf2JdNrsX1uwulodKAOqpGFjuSUg62Lmv_i0pqv1rMyprNvtnwEsilK77zpxnaNdpbp5OBLlmvugmlx72NjMjGF7r1lLquRK07cHsI4T2Q/s640/blogger-image--2109908951.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
Met up at 10.15pm, game setup and rules briefing til 10.45pm, game til nearly 2am. Turns out to be quite a good Halloween night in the end.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSPkZ1JM6XBA65JjpVKITx7jLb_R0JvNdnSiUMQZZglXKYERAODnviTmSpYJHVWsK0mGYqChNGf98FC9yh7OA08VaXWtIQErfe0bandkEH438_wgNz2KYUQB6VEAxM9JHVUmYoA/s640/blogger-image--1820246257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSPkZ1JM6XBA65JjpVKITx7jLb_R0JvNdnSiUMQZZglXKYERAODnviTmSpYJHVWsK0mGYqChNGf98FC9yh7OA08VaXWtIQErfe0bandkEH438_wgNz2KYUQB6VEAxM9JHVUmYoA/s640/blogger-image--1820246257.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7935957.post-48101760891281007862015-10-29T01:13:00.001+08:002015-10-29T01:13:53.211+08:00Write SomethingWe guess it started with letter writing.<div><br></div><div>There was a time when we decided to write letters when we were staying in hotels using said hotel's provided stationery to the Chief (if we were on our own) or to others. We wrote to Alex at one point, and one fine day he sent a picture message of the Lamy Joy pen he bought to write back.</div><div><br></div><div>The Lamy Joy. An italic nib pen meant for italic or blackletter calligraphic writing. Since calligraphy demands practice to obtain pretty penmanship, we never ever got that letter from Alex.</div><div><br></div><div>Well, it was Alex who introduced said pen to us anyways, and somewhere not too long back we finally bought the same pen. It was great fun (although we didn't put it to much use ourself). and since it was our first attempt at using an italic nib, we decided to play safe and picked the 1.5 mm nib to practise with.</div><div><br></div><div>Not too long later we bought the 1.1 mm nib as well, swapping between the two depending on which we felt like writing with. Personally we're finding the 1.1 mm nib very comfortable to write with, even for normal day-to-day writing.</div><div><br></div><div>Then a friend saw what we were doing and caught the calligraphy bug herself, and next thing you know we finally found out about flex nibs - we were too lazy to search them up before and never knew the actual term to call them, instead describing them as 'nibs for copperplate writing' and also probably asking in the wrong places.</div><div><br></div><div>Also, to be honest we weren't to enthusiastic to invest more into flex nibs and oblique holders and such because they require a lot of effort to get good penmanship and isn't really all that practical. At least with the Lamy Joy we can do some rather nice uncial fonts asides from italic text when we send greeting cards or write birthday cards or something.</div><div><br></div><div>It was only after we started checking out the price of flex nibs and such that it didn't seem too expensive to try it out. And so...we got ourself some nibs (the Nikko G for beginners), a normal nib holder, ink and some pretty thick paper, and we're now practising calligraphy.</div><div><br></div><div>Right now we're learning to get used to the nib and all, so our penmanship ain't pretty, and soon we'll have to get back to basics and practise drawing lines and curves until we're consistent (right now just trying it out freehand our letters are all in different angles and heights and spacing it's a nightmare really).</div><div><br></div><div>Good grief, so much work. WHY.</div><div><br></div><div>Because it's pretty. Much prettier than using an italic nib. So let's see if we can stick to it.</div>Janvierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754533713609041868noreply@blogger.com1