a yellow POST IT note

1/6th DEVGRU by Very Hot

2008-02-24T18:28:00.001-08:00

Not the latest Very Hot product, DEVGRU was actually released before the Very Hot U.S.A.F.Pararescue Jumper and NAVY SEAL CQB. I initially had the intention to use "SNAKE" (PMC Operator 07 ver.) by Hot Toys as the body due to its rugged appearance, but I decided to "WAFFEN S.S. Julius Hanke"by DiD. Though the DiD has a really solid and heavy frame with intricate shoulder joints, it still shy when compared to the TRUE-TYPE by Hot Toys.

DEVGRU

NAVAL SPECIAL WAREFARE DEVELOPMENT GROUP

1/6th Action Figure

Outfit by Very Hot

Body by DiD

"DEVGRU" or "NAVSPECWARDEVGRU" (Navy Special Warfare Development Group) was originally known as the "SEAL Team SIX". The original SEAL Team SIX is the U.S. NAVY core counter-terrorist unit whose operatives were drawn from the ranks of NAVY SEAL. They underwent an accelerated training programme and became operational within six months. The mission of DEVGRU is to provide intelligence, counter-terrorism, management for the development and testing of Naval Special Warfare technologies. DEVGRU are known to train alongside the DELTA FORCE and deploys alongside when necessary.

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Box Art

Very Hot likes to keep their product packaging compact and easy to stash, simply because there is no need to pack the accessories into blisters and it does not come with a body.

Basic Outfit
With that Photographer's Vest lookalike, I was tempted to give it a Shonon Mk. I DSLR or Canon EOS 5D DSLR, but its tough fingers could not wield them with pride.

Gears unique to DEVGRU
M4A1 in desert camouflage, DV and VAIO notebook with bag. Other unqiue gears include Binoculars (not shown).

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The POSES

Shamefully DiD body has got tough fingers and a less flexible body to give good poses.

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Photography & Editing by William Tan
©William Tan 2008
Equipment: Canon Digital IXUS40

DISCLAIMER

Please respect the copyrights of the photographs in this post by retaining the original watermark and not editing or altering in any ways, any part of the pictures. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address: http://mybearbrick.blogspot.com/2008/02/16th-devgru-by-very-hot.html

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Singapore Toys Very Hot Toy 1/6th Sixth DiD Navy Seal Seal Team Six Naval Special Warfare Development Group DEVGRU NAVSPECWARDEVGRU

REVOLTECH No.028 EVA-01 TYPE F

2008-01-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

REVOLTECH No.28

EVA-01 TYPE F

AFC EXPERIMENT

24th January 2008

Equipment: Canon Digital IXUS40

Photography & Editing by William Tan

The EVA-01 TYPE F is not really my cup of tea. It is just not a sleek as EVA-01 and here. But as a REVOLTECH collector, I strive to complete my collection, particularly my EVANGELION series. REVOLTECH No.028 EVA-01 TYPE F AFC Experiment is not as poseable as its predecessor, due to the bulkyness of the frame. KAIYODO manufactured this figure using a completely unique material which has subtle tones of fluorescent colours and a smooth-matt finish. Oddly, the head is glossy! Sadly, this material/finish has not been re-used since this figure. The finish makes this figure very photo-taking friendly, as there are no nasty overexposed patches from the glossy-finish. This figure is a REVOLTECH G2 figure and stands 1cm taller than the older REVOLTECHs.

I apologize for the error in the banner, it should be "AFC" and not "ARC".

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Parts & Accessories
Head with open jaw, pair of daggers, shoulder blaster beams, 6 spare hands and stand (not shown).

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REVOLTECH No.004 EVA-01 with No.028 EVA-01 TYPE F

Related Galleries:

DISCLAIMER
Please respect the copyrights of the photographs in this post by retaining the original watermark and not editing or altering in any ways, any part of the pictures. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address: http://ayellowpostitnote.blogspot.com/2008/01/revoltech-no028-eva-01-type-f.html

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Singapore Toys Revoltech Kaiyodo EVA Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-01 EVA-01 TYPE F

1/6th Navy Seal CQB by Very Hot [take:2]

2008-01-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

As a follow-up to the earlier post on VERY HOT commission and VH NAVY SEAL CQB, as well as a request from my friend at Very Hot, I hereby present a second take on the 1/6th Navy Seal CQB by Very Hot.

NAVY SEAL CQB

Close Quarters Battle

1/6th Action Figure

Outfit: Very Hot CQB

Body: BBI G3.5
Photography by William Tan

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To view the first gallery and review of Very Hot Navy Seal CQB, click on banner below:

All Rights Reserved

©William Tan 2008

©mybearbrick 2008

DISCLAIMER

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Very Hot Toy 1/6th Sixth Special Ops Navy Seal CQB Close Quarter Battle

1/6th U.S.A.F. PARARESCUE JUMPER by Very Hot

2007-10-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

One of my latest addition to my 1/6th collection is the U.S.A.F. Pararescue Jumper by Very Hot. I decided to decided to dress up TRUE-TYPE: Bronze by Hot Toys, for this outfit, reason being that I do not wish to hide his celebrity face behind a balaclava. This U.S.A.F. Pararescue Jumper is my second Very Hot outfit set, first being NAVY SEAL CQB and latest being S.W.A.T. The U.S.A.F. Pararescue Jumper has got a simpler outfit.

Pararescuemen (AFSC 1T2X1), also called 'PJs' (refers to the title 'para jumpers'), are United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) operatives tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments. They are the only members of the DoD specifically organized, trained and equipped to conduct personnel recovery operations in hostile or denied areas as a primary mission. They wear the maroon beret, as a symbol of their elite status.
(Extracted from Wikipedia:Pararescuemen)

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THE ASSEMBLY
View the photo-walkthrough of the complete step-by-step assembly in the gallery.
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The boots has got an OAKLEY logo on it! Weird! This time the pistol comes fitted in the holster. The Very Hot CQB holster was too tight for its pistol.
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I have wrongly dressed up his rappelling harness (as shown above), which would ride up his crack if dressed this way! I was only enlightened by the good fellow at PlayPenz. The right way is shown in the Poses gallery, where the butt cheeks should seat on the two vertical straps. Don't laugh, 'cos I'm not rock climber!

David sure sucks with the helmet and goggles, partly because of Beck's unique hairdo restricts the helmet from sitting in properly, even without the black rubber fitting (as shown above). Nevertheless, PlayPenz has shown that the helmet fits TRUE-TYPE: Black very well!

A simple range of accessories. A missing green cyalume stick was found missing but was replaced by the kind people at PlayPenz. I have not put on the gloves as I dislike fitting the gloves onto the fingers and have to struggle with holding of weapons with gloves on.

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THE POSES GALLERY
View more pictures of David as a PJ in the complete gallery.
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DISCLAIMER
Please respect the copyrights of the photographs in this post by retaining the original watermark and not editing or altering in any ways, any part of the pictures. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address: http://mybearbrick.blogspot.com/2007/10/16th-usaf-pararescue-jumper-by-very-hot.html

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Singapore Toys Very Hot Toy 1/6th Sixth Hot Toys USAF PJ Pararescue Jumper Pararescue Jumper Pararescuemen

Revoltech No.031 GETTER1 OVA Ver. [CHANGE!! ROBO-GETTER]

2007-10-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I last updated my REVOLTECH gallery, the last three galleries added were the No.007 OVERMAN, No.009 EVA-03 Production Model, No.027 EVA-02 (1997 Movie Version). While taking a break, I have also scored the No.32 EVA-01 and No.033 EVA-00 (New Movie Version), REVOLTECH MINIATURE of EVA-01 and EVA-02 (New Movie Version) and No.035 BLACK GETTER, while waiting for the MACROSS No.034 Super Valkyrie VF-1J which got delayed. Coming this month will be the MACROSS No.036 Super Valkyrie VF-1S and No.037 Shin-GETTER-1.
This gallery is of REVOLTECH No.031 GETTER1 OVA Ver. [CHANGE!! ROBO-GETTER] from the "CHANGE!! ROBO-GETTER" Original Video Animation. We all know that ROBO-GETTER animation has come a long way with many updates and variations to the robots. The good people at KAIYODO has been faithfully working hard to keep their REVOLTECH line updated with not all but most of the variations. The first REVOLTECH No.001 is a GETTER1! However, I only started collection from No.004 EVA-01. Apart from No.001, there is this No.031 GETTER1 OVA Ver., No.035 BLACK GETTER OVA Ver. and No.037 Shin-GETTER-1.
So what are the differences in the different GETTER1s? Trust me, there are differences to make you buy every single variation! (I'm still looking for a No.001 GETTER1 at reasonable rate, let me know if you have any). There are some differences pointed out between this GETTER1 OVA Ver. vs BLACK GETTER OVA Ver. The name of this No.031 is strangely similar to the No.037 Shin-GETTER-1. In actual fact, they are totally different in design, with the latter losing the classic GETTER1 look and adopting a much fiercer look. Though the slip on the box of No.31 wrote 'Shin', I believe that it will be appropiate for No.037 since the latter is modelled after the actual Shin-Getter-Robo animation. We are only at GETTER1, there are still GETTER2 and GETTER3 which have yet been discussed!

GETTER1 OVA Ver.
真ゲッター1
OVA Version [CHANGE!! ROBO-GETTER]
REVOLTECH No.031
5th October 2007
Equipment: Canon IXUS40
Photography and Editing by William Tan

The plot involves three strong-willed teenagers from the same high school: soccer player and martial artist Ryoma Nagare, rebel loner Hayato Jin and Judo master Musashi Tomoe, who pilot three specially designed combat jets which can be combined together in different forms to form three different kinds of giant robots, Getter-1 (used for aerial combat), Getter-2 (for land-based conflicts), and Getter-3 (for undersea battles). They were assembled by Prof. Saotome, who conceived the Getter Robo project as a means of deep-space exploration, but became instead Earth's first line of defense against the Dinosaur Empire, which is a civilization of reptile-like humanoids, who evolved from the now-extinct dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. They have lived many years underground, and they now want to reclaim the Earth as theirs and destroy humanity.
The series was groundbreaking in the anime mecha genre: for the very first time, it introduced the concept of separate machines combining to form a Super Robot. Using three jets, Getter Robo could combine in three different ways to create three different versions of Getter Robo for different conditions and situations.

Getter 1
Pilot: Ryoma Nagare
Height: 38m
Weight: 220 tons
Weapons:

Getter Beam - A beam of purple Getter Energy, fired from Getter-1's stomach. The beam is Getter-1's most powerful weapon, and is particularly dangerous to enemies who are sensitive to Getter Rays (which typically includes most Getter villains). In the Armageddon OVA Getter-1 is shown to shoot the Getter Beam while covered in its cape, allowing it to spread into multiple beams.
Getter Tomahawk - A gigantic hand axe, and Getter-1's main melee weapon. The robot can wield two at a time, although it only uses one in the original series.
Tomahawk Boomerang - Getter-1 throws the tomahawk. It spins extremely quickly, cutting through anything it hits like a buzzsaw. Typically the weapon will curve in mid-air, hitting moving enemies and returning to the Getter after striking its target. In later incarnations, the Getter often throws two axes at once, the Double Tomahawk Boomerang.
Getter Machine Gun (Seen only in the manga, Getter Robo Armageddon OVA and video games) - Pulling out a pair of machine guns, Getter-1 sprays the battlefield with bullets. In the Game Boy Advance game Super Robot Wars A (Advance), this was shown as Missile Machine Gun.

Information extracted from Wikipedia GETTER ROBO.

The slip on the box indicated 'Shin' GETTER-1 OVA Ver., while the side of the box labelled this as GETTER1 OVA Ver.

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DISCLAIMER
Please respect the copyrights of the photographs in this post by retaining the original watermark and not editing or altering in any ways, any part of the pictures. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address: http://ayellowpostitnote.blogspot.com/2007/10/revoltech-no031-getter1-ova-ver-change.html

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Singapore Toys Kaiyodo Revoltech GETTER GETTER1 Super Robot Super Robot Wars Shin-GETTER-Robo Toy

Food: Going Austrian & Italian during Birthdays

2007-10-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

OUR BIRTHDAY DINNER @ WIENER KAFFEEHAUS

Birthday at WIENER KAFFEEHAUS
Venue: WIENER KAFFEEHAUS
Date: 29th September 2007, Saturday
Equipment: Nikon D200 with Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 with Nikon SB-600

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The Food of the Evening
Wiener Schnitzel
Jane had the Wiener Schnitzel. It is rather similar to the Cordon Blue that I had earlier, except without the ham and cheese embedded among the thin slice of chicken or pork fillet.

Cordon Blue
Jason had the Cordon Blue, I did not snap any pictures of it, but reposted from the one I had.

Bratwurst with sauerkraut
Sze Wai had the veal sausage while Shufen had the pork sausage. The bratwurst comes with some brown sauce drizzled over it, served alongside sauerkraut and baked potatoes.

Wiener saft Goulasch
Fio and Bernard had the Goulasch. The Goulasch is actually a Hungarian style beef stew, served with a dumpling, runny 'sunny-side-up' fried egg and an 'octopus-like' looking frankfurter. The stew is fantastic and goes perfectly well with the soft tender beef.

Roast Pork with sauerkraut
Inn Chiau and myself had the roast pork with sauerkraut. I had initially thought that it is served as a complete roast pork knuckle, but I only realised that it comes in three thick slices. The roast pork is served alongside sauerkraut and mashed potato in a light sauce.

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Time for the Sweet Desserts
Sachertorte & Wiener Apfel Strudel
We must definitely try the two famous Viennese desserts!

Coffee Caffeine Coffee Liqueur Coffee!
We had different type of coffee, Inn Chiau ordered the Einspanner, which we kept hearing as "Ice Milo" from the waitress with a strong Chinese accent. The two most interesting coffee we had were the Maria Theresia (left image) and Honey Affogato (right image). Maria Theresia is an espresso with orange liqueur with brandy. We unanimously agreed that it is very strong in alcohol! The Honey Affogato is espresso with a dollop of gelato served hot in a glass rimmed with honey, very much how Jason would love it!

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Singapore Food Birthday Wiener Kaffeehaus Schnitzel Cordon Blue Frankfurter Bratwurst Goulasch Sauerkraut Coffee Maria Theresia, Honey Affogato Sachertorte Apfel Strudel Apple Strudel Austrian cuisine Graniph

HER BIRTHDAY DINNER @ PEPERONI PIZZERIA

Peperoni Pizzeria

Photography by William Tan

Equipment: Nikon D200 with Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and Nikon SB-600
We visited Peperoni Pizzeria. Peperoni Pizzeria is one of the many F&B outlet operated by Les Amis Group. Since our first visit to Peperoni Pizzeria, it has always been a restaurant that we will visit during special occasions. Getting there is not exactly very convenient without a mode of transport. We will have to take a bus (usually 74 from my place or work) to Dunearn road or Bukit Timah Road (Hwa Chong JC side, cross the overhead bridge to Dunearn Road), then take a 7-8 minutes walk into Hillcrest Avenue and follow the road until we reach a triangle junction, where a row of shop houses sits along Greenwood Avenue.

STARTERS
Portobello Mushroom
This is our favourite appetizer dish which we will always order every time we visit Peperoni Pizzeria. A huge piece of portobello mushroom fried in a tasty batter topped with chicken chunks, onion and Parmesan cheese. Though drowned in a rich brown sauce, the crust still retained its crispiness. You will need to cut the mushroom 'cutlet' like a steak, except that it is softer!

MAINS
Frutti de Mare
If you are expecting that this pizza is topped with fruits, you are wrong. The Frutti de Mare is a seafood pizza with fresh prawns, mussels, squid rings and succulent scallops. The toppings sits on top of a thin crispy crust base and covered with melted Parmesan cheese.

Squid Ink Sauce
This is the first time we tried squid ink pasta. We had ours with Linguine. The pasta comes with mussels, mixed Ravioli tossed in garlic and squid ink, topped with fresh tomato cubes. We had quite a bit of laughter when we saw each other's teeth and lips stained black.

Peperoni Pizzeria
6 Greenwood Avenue,
Hillcrest Park, Singapore 289192
Operating Hours:
Mondays to Sundays: All day dining - 12.00pm to 12.00am (Last seating at 10.30pm)
Public Holidays: Closed on certain Public Holidays. Please call to enquire.
Phone: (+65) 6465 6556
No dresscode necessary

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Singapore Food Peperoni Pizzeria Italian cuisine Portobello Mushroom Frutti de Mare pizza Squid Ink pasta Dunearn Road Bukit Timah Road Greenwood Avenue Hillcrest Park Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum Vairocana Buddha

SONY PSP SLIM & LITE

2007-10-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

After more than a year of waiting, I finally cashed-in and boutght myself a luxury device, the SONY PlayStation Portable (PSP) SLIM & LITE. This is the newer (released in 3rd Quarter 2007) of the earlier PlayStation Portable (PSP), which has a few significant improvements (particulary battery life, size and weight) without not much hike in price. Read on to find out more. I have previously contemplated over getting the PSP for myself despite knowing that I hardly have time to play due to my growing photography interest. After I gave up the idea to get a PSP, I bought myself my Nikon D50 DSLR and my photography interest took to a next level, until my present Nikon D200. Back then, I only had the support of my brother and Guan who were trying to 'poison' me to get a PSP, which I rejected.

So what made me buy a PSP now?

For months, I have been thinking of a gift for my 'Royal Highness', Fio. I thought a Nintendo DS LITE (NDSL) would be a cool and fun device for my lovely lady. She isn't much of a gamer and never played much console games. The stylus-operated device and simple interactive gameplays will be easy for her to catch on with the gaming fever that is taking the world at large. I had done my homework over the past few months and was ready to get the console yesterday (Saturday, 22nd of September 2007). I went to a few game shops to double-check the market rates and was almost paying for an add-on accessory of the NDSL when I decided I should try out the device. Hence, I randomly picked a shop in Sim Lim Square to test the NDSL console and eventually buy the console from. I was like a child who is totally new to console gaming, after stopping at PlayStation 2. I had some difficulty fiddling with the NDSL and when I finally ran a demo game after much effort and waiting. The rude store owner snatched the demo console from me and passed harsh remarks, "You can try more if you have the intention to buy! Even a 9 year-old child knows how to play!". I was totally put off by his harsh and rude remarks. I felt like throwing a stash of cash in his face and make him kneel before me (sounds like a scene from "300"). I held back my anger and told myself that it was not a good day to buy a console.

At that time, my buddy, Laurens Pang, who was with me, felt the same as I did. I then made a remark, "Thats it! Let's buy a PSP! TOGETHERNESS! I need someone close to play it with me! That is going to be you". "Mai Lah! Though I wouldn't mind...", he replied with glitters in his eyes. "All I need is for you to say, 'ON!'", I exclaimed after some persuasion. At that moment, I believe that I felt a moment of dead silence as the words penetrated into his head and ricocheting inside his brain. "ON!" This word from him, though simple and short, it shook the intense scenario like an earthquake of unimaginable scale on the Richter! The reason I felt that way, was because Laurens had never been an impulsive buyer in his life. This is the first! I took his word for it and we headed to buy it a reputable shop recommended by my brother and Ah Bee. In Togetherness, with firm hand-shake gripping tight, encouragingly rubbed-shoulders, we embarked on a brotherly FORCE IMPULSE ACT to counter my intended DESTINY!

I am now a proud owner of a SONY PlayStation Portable SLIM & LITE (PSP-2000CW; Japan Export Set) while my brother, Laurens Pang is one too with the same Ceramic White (Asia Set). Togetherness, we are the Cool PSP SLIM & LITE Bros!

SONY PlayStation Portable SLIM & LITECERAMIC WHITE VERSIONPSP-2000 CWInitialized on 22nd September 2007, SaturdayPhotography by Nikon D200 with Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and Nikon SB-600Photography by William Tan
The Box ArtMy SONY PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld console is of the Ceramic White version. Though this colour already existed for the 1st generation PSP, but I have felt in love with it since its release."Being WHITE is COOL!"I have chosen this Ceramic White colour over the new Slim & Lite metallic colours, Ice Silver, Rose Pink, Felicia Blue and Lavender Purple and also the regular Piano Black and Blue. Another reason for choosing Ceramic white is because the new metallic colours all have a sparkling glitter dust that makes the material looks 'toy-ishly' plastic rather than metallic. See all colours here. My console is the Japan export set, hence my model number is PSP-2000 CW. Other countries will bear a different number at the last digit, e.g. US will be PSP-2001. The colour of the console is also stated, hence mine is PSP-2000 CW, while eg. Lavender Purple will be PSP-2000 LP.
Re-designed NEW Hardware Specificationsvs 1st Generation PSP

Better Wi-Fi connection
Faster loading times by storing UMD data in temporary memory.
Internal memory (RAM) increase from 32 MB to 64 MB
Improved battery life due to lower power consumption, and battery recharge over the USB data connection. However the old, higher-capacity PSP battery will still be compatible and using it will give an increased battery life, but the battery cover will not close when using the old battery due to the larger size.
Weight has been reduced by 33%
Unit is 19% narrower (slimmer) in thickness
A video-out port for displaying on a TV (max. 640x480, 4:3 or 16:9)
Improved responsiveness of d-pad and buttons
WiFi switch moved to the top of the console.
New UMD loading tray design.
Removal of the infra-red port.
Speakers repositioned on the front of the PSP near the top of the screen.
Memory Stick slot has been relocated
The PSP-2000 models will use the same screen as the PSP-1000 models

The ContentsThe contents inside the lovely white box includes a 5V 2000mA AC Adaptor and cable, PSP-2000 CW console, Getting Started Guide, Operations Manual and Warranty documentation and 3.6V 1200mAh battery.HORI Screen Protector and SanDisk 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo are added to the core console during initialization at the point of sales.

Product Specifications

Model Number: PSP-2000 CW
Color: CERAMIC WHITE
Dimensions: Approximately 6.7 in (W) x 2.9 in (H) x .9 in (D)
Weight: Approximately 189 g / .42 lbs (including battery)
CPU: PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1 - 333MHz)
Main Memory: 64MB
Embedded DRAM: 4MB
Display: 4.3 inch, 16:9 Wide screen TFT LCD
480 x 272 pixel, 16.7 million colors
Maximum luminance 180 / 130 / 80cd/m2 (when using battery pack)
Maximum luminance 200 / 180 / 130 / 80cd/m2 (when using AC adaptor)
Sound: Built-in stereo speakers
Main Input / Output: IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
USB 2.0 (mini-B)
Memory Stick Duo™
Infrared Port
Disc Drive: UMD Drive (Read only)
Main Connectors: Memory Stick Duo™ Slot
USB connector
DC IN 5V connector
Headset connector
Keys / Switches: Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left)
Analog Stick
Enter keys (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square)
Left, Right shoulder buttons x 1
START button, SELECT button, HOME button x 1
POWER/HOLD switch x 1
Display button, Sound button, Volume +/- buttons x 1
Wireless LAN switch (ON/OFF) x 1
OPEN latch (UMD) x 1
Power: Lithium-ion Battery AC Adaptor
Codec: [Video]: "UMD": H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile Level3
[Video]: "Memory Stick": MPEG-4 SP,AAC
[Music]: "UMD": linear PCM,ATRAC3plus™
[Music]: "Memory Stick": ATRAC3plus™,MP3(MPEG1/2 Layer3)
Security: (Encryption) 128bit AES (Copyright protection technology) MagicGate™
Access Control: Region, Parental Control
Wireless communications IEEE802.11b: Infrastructure mode
Ad hoc mode (connection up to 16 consoles)

PSP-2000CW Product GalleryA COOL gadget like this deserves a worthy product gallery. Here are a series of pictures documenting parts of the PSP Slim & Lite Ceramic White version shot by Nikon D200 with Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 with Nikon SB-600.Left: The PSP-2000CW Slim & Lite retained much of the designs of the 1st generation PSP, except for the 19% slimmer chassis.Right: The iconic PSP fonts and 'silver ring'.

Left: The 4-button directional control and analog joystick are found on the left of the console alongside the Memory Stick Pro Duo (MSPD) access LED and WLAN access LED. Along the edge of the console are the eye (for straps) and MSPD access bay.Right: Along the bottom of the screen are the command buttons, Home, Volume (-,+), Screen Brightness, Music, Select (not shown in image) and Start (not shown in image). Along the edge, the serial barcode can be located.
Left: Along the bottom right-hand corner edge of the console, the 5V charging port can be located and beside it is the Power On/Off/Hold trigger.Right: On the bottom lef-hand corner edge of the console is the 3.5mm audio output port and the TV-out port. The TV-out port requires a special component cable to display a 640x480 display on TV/LCD displays with either 4:3 or 16:9 (Wide) displays. Hooking the game up to an LCD TV will be challenging its graphics which has proven itself worthy!
Left: The iconic 4 play buttons of the Playstation are located on the right-hand side of the console alongside the Power LED (orange=charging, green=active) and On Hold LED.Right: 1SEG Tuner Port can be located on the top of the console. 1SEG allows the addition of Digital TV 1seg add-on tuner/receiver peripheral, which allows watching of TV programmes (so far Japan use only). The mini-USB port allows data transfer to the console and also charging of the battery (a new feature to the PSP Slim & Lite). The USB cable is not supplied, but no worries since I have plenty from my cameras and memory card readers. The Wireless Local Area Netowrking (WLAN) trigger button can be located on the top as well. 2 modes can then be set from the control menu, IEEE802.11b Infrastructure mode (for hooking up to an access point) and Ad-Hoc mode (for hooking up multiple PSP consoles without a central access point). On the rear of the console, the groove to facilitate the opening of the UMB slot can be found. No eject buttons, only manual usage.
Left: The UMB door swings open and is limited by two arms, revealing the UMB slot. In the slot, the pick-up (BluRay) lens and the disc-clamping wheel are the two prominent parts.Right: The MSPD access bay on the edge of the right-hand side is pulled out and support by rubber arms, exposing the MSPD slot. I have purchased a SanDisk 4GB MSPD MagicGate™ to save my data.

"I LUV MY CERAMIC WHITE PSP SLIM & LITE!"
"You need to own a PSP Slim & Lite to be COOL!"

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Singapore Gaming Gadget Handheld Console Sony PlayStation PlayStation Portable PSP PSP Slim & Lite Ceramic White UMD

1/6th Navy Seals CQB by Very Hot

2007-09-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

I have earlier reviewed about the Austrian special ops EKO-COBRA by Medicom Toys. This is a review of another special ops unit from the United States of America, NAVY SEAL. This 1/6th action figure box set by Very Hot, has got very good quality materials and realistic weapons, comparable to those of Hot Toys. This version of the NAVY SEAL is of the Close Quarters Battle (CQB) configuration. The CQB operates mainly in urban warfare. Here I decided to dress up BBI G3.5.

United States NAVY Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) are the special operations unit of the U.S. Navy. The highly trained NAVY SEALs operate in all terrains and all grueling conditions. They are trained to perform unconventional warfare, counter-terroism operations, national defense, domestic special operations and covert operations. Whenever there tasks that cannot be solved, the 'Frogmen' will be there!
Read more about US NAVY SEALS

NAVY SEAL Code
"Loyalty to Country,
Team and Teammate Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield,
Ready to Lead,
Ready to Follow,
Never Quit,
Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates,
Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation,
Train for War,
Fight to Win,
Defeat our Nation’s Enemies,
Earn your Trident everyday."

A simple sleek looking box set with all the parts and weapons to make up the NAVY SEAL CQB, except the body. In the gallery, I will walk you through via pictures, of the step-by-step assembly of BBI G3.5 body, from nude to complete.

CLICK ON PICTURES OR HERE TO VIEW COMPLETE GALLERY

The clothes and accessories are very realistic with real pockets and zippers, straps and buckles. Though the clothes are rather huge when dressed, but when all the accessories are fitted, the 'Frogman' sure looks tough!

CLICK ON PICTURES OR HERE TO VIEW COMPLETE GALLERY

The CQB comes with an M4A1 R.I.S with torchlight and scope, a shotgun and a hand pistol with torchlight. All weapons come with realistic ammunition/magazines.

Other accessories include elbow & knee paddings, crowbar, communication device, vest with pouches, harness with pistol sheath, boots with real laces, gloves, straw for water bag, clips and cable ties, all of which are very realistic.

CLICK ON PICTURES OR HERE TO VIEW COMPLETE GALLERY

CLICK ON PICTURES OR HERE TO VIEW COMPLETE GALLERY

technorati tags
Very Hot Toy 1/6th Sixth Special Ops Navy Seal CQB

Gifts from Taiwan

2007-09-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Cedric, my colleague, came back from a seminar from Taiwan and he brought back these gifts. All of them are actually the same thing but in various forms. They are Taiwanese pineapple cakes, which is like our local pineapple tarts, except that the filling is encapsulated within the crust. I opened up two of the types which I had duplicate, to try, while keeping the rest to share with Fio.

I only got one of this, so I did not open this up to try.
The crust is typical of the local pineapple tart. It is not the salty type. Upon sinking my teeth into the core, I can immediately tell the difference between the local pineapple tarts and these Taiwanese pineapple cakes. The pineapple filling in this cake is not over-poweringly sweet and is rather chewy. Instead of the regular fibrous texture, this has got a smooth texture.
Though this has got the same taste and texture as the earlier, it does have a different shape.

Cedric also had this wristband custom-made for me. The strings at the end can be adjusted to fit and it fitted me nicely! Most importantly, they look good on me!

Thanks for gifts, buddy! Love 'em

technorati tags

Food Snack Pineapple tart Taiwan

Singapore Fireworks 2007

2007-08-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

It was the Singapore Fireworks Festivals 2007 over the weekends. This event is a also part of Singapore's post-National Day Parade celebration. The participants were teams from Spain and People Republic of China. The event took place at the very same location where the national Day Parade 2007 was held, the spectacular floating platform at Marina Bay. By 7 o'clock in the evening, hundreds of photographers have already camped at their best positions waiting for the event to begin. Fringe activities kicked off at the floating platform for ticket-holders, at 8pm. By 9pm, people are already waiting for the que on 88.3FM. By 9.30pm, the first shot went up and spectators were enthraled in the 15-minutes long display of fireworks.

This the first time I participated in a fireworks shoot, hence please feel free to comment on my amateur-level pictures.

Team Spain Display17th August 2007

Watch the sequence by Team Spain:
Videography by Fiona & Editing by William Tan©mybearbrick 2007

Team China Display18th August 2007

Watch the sequence by Team China:
Videography & Editing by William Tan©mybearbrick 2007

technorati tags

Singapore Fireworks NDP Marina+Bay

Busou Shinki: HOWLING - MMS #004 Type-DOG

2007-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I scored two BUSOU SHINKI 武装神姫 box sets during the 11th CraziestToy Sale. One of them is HOWLING MMS #004 Type-DOG, which I intended to take it out from the pristine packaging and give her a deserving photo shoot.
First impression of the Busou Shinki figure is the remembrance to Revoltech. The articulation can be arguably challenge that of Revoltech, but the joint-systems are poles apart. The Busou Shinki figure adopts a combination of ball-joints, rotatable stem joints and fixed riveted joints (similar to that of G2 Saber's elbow). The figure stands at 140mm, identical to that of the newer Revoltechs (such as RV27 EVA-02). The figure is self-standing on its own! and I love that! The best part of Busou Shinki is the customization possibilities. Each box set comes with a basic assembly instruction guide that proves that you are better off trusting your instincts. For the regular box sets, you get a cool stand that is useful for making flight poses. The main complaint that I have is the lack poor articulation after 'transformation', probably only for Howling. The bulky limbs and armour makes the swinging angles of the arms limited. The moveable claws seem rather useless as well. The heavy head tends to fall off easily. I have included a walkthrough gallery of the 'transformation'.
Click on thumbnails to enlarge.
Learn more about Busou Shinki figures here.

HOWLING

武装神姫
MMS TYPE-DOG11th August 2007Equipment: Canon Digital IXUS 40Photography & Editing by William Tan

Skeletal Analysis

Transformation Walkthrough'From Zero to Hero'

Silhouettes

Companions in Action

武装 Transformation Complete

2nd Wave

technorati tags
Toys Singapore Toy Konami Busou+Shinki Howling

Revoltech No.007 OVERMAN

2007-08-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

UPDATED

It has been ONE YEAR since I bought my first Revoltech. This Revoltech captured my attention when it first show me how much articulation a PVC figure can get! Revoltech No.007 King Gainer's OVERMAN. Now I would love to give it an updated gallery with some mini updates with an outdoor shoot.

REVOLTECH No.007
OVERMAN
King Gainer
UPDATED: 4th August 2007
FIRST POST: 17th August 2006

In Overman King Gainer, after an environmental cataclysm, much of the world's population retreated into domed cities called Domepoli, which are run by an organization known as "London IMA" (International Management Authority) and its police arm, "Saint Reagan". However, the Domepoli are maintained and supplied by privatized firms such as the "Siberian Railroad company".
"Exodus", a group that wishes to break away from the control of the railroad companies and the London IMA, is seeking the vaunted land of Yapan. As the story begins, championship video game player Gainer Sanga is arrested by Siberia Railroad policewoman Adette Kisler on suspicion of being an Exodus member. Ironically he isn't, but his friends Sara Kodoma and Bero Korissh along with his schoolteacher Mamato Azav are members of the Gauri team, a local Exodus group. At the same time, Exodus mercenary Gain Bijou lets himself be arrested by the Siberia Railroad police.
In the same prison cell, Gain Bijou and Gainer escape and infiltrate the castle of Duke Medaiyu and steal an "Overman", a biomechnical giant robot, which Gainer logs into as his videogame handle: "King Gainer". As Gainer gets the hang of piloting a real Overman, he and Gain encounter shut-in Princess Anna, the Duke's daughter, who wants to see world and other people than her tutor, Rubov Smettana. Using an annual festival presented by idol singer and co-Exodus leader, Miya Raujin, as cover, the Exodus executes their plan: take much of the Domepolis, block by block, using heavy hauler machines called Silhouette Mammoths and move them over 3000km across the Siberian tundra to Yapan. As the Exodus moves out, the Siberia Railroad police chief, Yassaba Ginn, begins to mobilize his forces to stop them. Other obstacles to the Exodus are Kisler's and Jinn's subordinates Javoli Mariera, Kejinan Daddo, and Inge Gam, Siberian Railroad president Kidz Munto, Saint Reagan policemen Artham Boone and Zakki Bronco, and Overman aces Cynthia Rein and Kashimar Burleigh.

(Story extracted from Wikipedia)

FIRST POST
17th August 2006

King Gainer's OVERMAN
Revoltech Series No.007

This is a re-post of an earlier gallery from playroom on August 17th 2006. I actually bought this last year and was my first Revoltech figurine. Since the closure of playroom, decide to repost the pictures here.

Please Read: I am currently facing issues with fotopic. They have decided to suspend me due to breach of TOS. I regret to say that playroom has since been removed. Hence, I shall be hosting the images on my blog and as well here on 'a yellow POST IT' note. I hope to still continue to have your support. I am looking at migrating to Blogger as the new playroom, meanwhile please continue to watch this space for updates.

This PVC model from the Revoltech series by Kaiyodo, features very good articulation. It utilizes a gear-lock ball-and-stick joint mechanism. The ball is made up of 2 halves. Each half is joint to an existing stick. The 2 halves are eventually connected to each other with a gear-lock interface. The 2 halves turns about the interface and locks in position via the gear-lock mechanism. The sticks on the ball are the inserted into independent PVC parts (eg. limbs). These sticks can then be adjusted within the hole and bring around near 360 degree free articulation. Realistic articulation is brought about via the molding of the body parts. The Revoltech model can definitely take on extremely challenging poses and the fun is limitless as long as one can overcome with the balancing of the figurine. The only draw back is the lack of a good stand. The provided stand is too short.

technorati tags
Toys Revoltech Kaiyodo King+Gainer Overman Bandai Toy Singapore

Revoltech No.009 EVA-03 Production Model

2007-08-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have been faithfully working towards building up my Revoltech collection, and have given the earlier (actually later model) Revoltech No.027 EVA-02 (1997 Movie Version) a well-deserving gallery. Now, I will try to clear the remainder seven Revoltech EVA units by presenting to you Revoltech No.009 EVA-03 Production Model. Like the earlier EVA-01, The articulation of the earlier EVA units are not as great compared to the newer EVA-02 (1997 Movie Ver.). However, the earlier EVA units did come with more accessories to play with. The EVA-03 comes with a huge cannon, MP5-styled SMG, Tonfa (tuifa), clear full-sized shield, power cable, spare head with opened jaw, eight hands and core body. Shooting the EVA-03 was rather tricky, like Revoltech No.020 Griffon see gallery, due to the high gloss finish on a black body.

EVA-03

参号機

Production Model

2nd August 2007

Equipment: Canon IXUS40

Photography and Editing by William Tan

Built in the United States by NERV Second Branch in Massachusetts, USA, Evangelion Unit 03 is one of two Units built with the Second Production Model design. It is the sister Unit of Unit 04. The United States' government insisted on having the rights to build Unit 03 and Unit 04. A few minor changes were made between the first and second Production Models. Unit 03's color was unique, with much darker plates than any other Eva. The head was oddly shaped, too, with a rounded top and exaggerated chin. The pilot assigned to it was Toji Suzuhara, but in transit to Japan, it was possessed by the thirteenth Angel, Bardiel, which appeared as a cloud. As Bardiel, it was savagely torn apart by Unit 01, after the control of Unit 01 was switched from Shinji to the Dummy Plug system, designed to simulate Rei Ayanami as the pilot. Toji, the pilot, is severely injured in the anime, but in the manga he actually dies.
(Story extracted from Wikipedia)

technorati tags
Singapore Toys Kaiyodo Revoltech Neon+Genesis+Evangelion Eva

"LET'S PLAY" Biopolis Playground

2007-08-01T15:34:00.001-07:00

I was really early, so I decided to snap a few pictures of the new playground located behind Chromos, at Biopolis, Singapore. This is also the starting point of my 10km regime later today. Here is a preview, I will only be able to upload the rest later tonight. So be sure to check back here!!

Guess what this picture is about? Those with orrect answers get a bonus Super Wedgie from me!

I call this the "Ball-Joints of Steel"! I wonder if this has any relation to BanYJ, the brainchild behind Stikfas.
Click on above images to enlarge

GALLERY UPDATED
Click on thumbnails to enlarge

The complete gallery of the new playground at Biopolis, located behind Chromos building and at the foot of the ONE-NORTH park, where NTU-ALUMNI CLUB resides. I might incidently be the first to cover this playground, since its opening last week. Hardly anyone notice this playground and bother to snap pictures OF a playground.

The two "Clamshell" discs are actually part of the teleportation silo. I believe standing between the discs and chanting, "My name is Dick", one can teleport to the realm of the unbearable lightness of being.

Those who have guessed correctly, gets a "Super Wedgie"! The beads are actually plugs in-between the suspending chain, to prevent stoopid kids who finger around too much.
A trapped soul in the steel bracket.

A "twin-bed"? A little early to educated the young on sex and making out in the playground eh?

Once the teleportation starts to take place, the whell will turn at the speed of light.
One can speak into the holes to communicate with TheMaker.

TheMaker will be able to hear and reply on the red end. There are four such telecommunication portals surrounding a mirror table (as shown in the middle).
Juvenile Spiderboys are welcomed.

"Twirl, twirl, twirl"

"Bondage"

"Ball-Joints of Steel"

Another trapped soul in the superstructure of the playground.

Train your flexed-arm hangs now, or you will suffer in the future!

I somehow feel something "Simpsons-ish" about these pictures!!

technorati tags

Singapore Biopolis Playground Chromos NTU-Alumni

Two New Guardians of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Musem

2007-07-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

I happened to pass by the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Musuem today and being quite attached to it, I immediately identified the addition of two stone statue of guardians styled in Japanese style at the main door. I instantly whipped out my compact camera and snapped away.

Top row: The guardian on the right-hand-side of the temple.
Bottom row: The guardian on the left-hand-side of the temple.

DISCLAIMER
Please respect the copyrights of the photographs in this post by retaining the original watermark and not editing or altering in any ways, any part of the pictures. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address:

technorati tags
Singapore Buddhism Buddha Bodhisattva Buddha+Tooth+Relic+Temple+and+Museum Photography

Revoltech No.027: EVA-02 (1997 Movie Version)

2007-07-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

With eight Evangelion Revoltechs in my backlog , I had to take one of them and give it a photo shoot. I picked the newer Revoltech No.027 EVA-02 (1997 Movie Version). The box of this EVA-02 is slimmer than the rest of the Revoltechs, but the contents are not trimmed at all! Packed with a core body, seven hands, a twin-blade, a 'pen-knife' dagger, dagger-release shoulder, missile pod shoulder and power cable. This newer 'breed' of Revoltechs stands at a 140mm height compared to the earlier Revoltechs. An immediate difference I spotted is the better articulation design compared to my earlier EVA-01. The EVA-02 is really cool and it takes this gallery to tell you why!

EVA-02

弐号機

1997 Movie Version

28th July 2007

Equipment: Canon IXUS40

Photography and Editing by William Tan

Evangelion Unit 02, built by NERV Germany, is the first Production Model Eva. It is piloted by Asuka Langley Soryu and is the first Evangelion built specifically for combat. Combining the efficient construction of Unit 01 with an arsenal of concealed weaponry, Unit 02 is a walking tank designed to counter the threat posed by the Angels, although it fails to reach the power level of Unit 01, which remains the most powerful Evangelion ever built. It can be considered the most stable Evangelion as it only goes truly "berserk" once, just before its destruction. It has achieved an unusually high sync ratio with its pilot(s), on two other occasions: once in combat against the 6th angel Gaghiel, and once under the influence of the 17th Angel. The unit is colored red and has two pairs of eyes (4 total). The head armor has two movable sections, one covering both the jaw and lower eyes and the other above the upper pair of eyes. These plates can actually shift, displaying glowing white eyes. This happens underwater during the fight with Gaghiel when Asuka needed to pry open the giant Angel's mouth. Some argue that in this state, Unit 02 has achieved "berserker" status, but fans remain divided on the subject. This also occurs when the 17th angel, Tabris, takes command of unit 02 in episode 24. As a result of being constructed by NERV Germany, and also as an accommodation for its three-quarters-German pilot, its default language setting is German. It is known to contain the part of the soul of Asuka's mother that is defined as "mother". Unit 02 features a different progressive knife from earlier Eva units as well as an internal weapon rack in the right shoulder binder which fires needle packs. Unit 02 has blue blood, which is first seen when the fourteenth Angel, Zeruel, cuts off its arms.

Unit 02 is finally destroyed in The End of Evangelion by Units 05 through 13. Asuka was still highly synchronized with Unit 02 as it was destroyed, thus practically suffering every wound (the frames after the Lance of Longinus is plunged just above the Eva's left eye show her bleeding rapidly from above her eye, as well as getting her arm sliced in half by another Lance). Later, when Shinji emerges from the GeoFront in Unit 01, he is horrified to see one of the mass produced Evas carrying Unit 02's mangled upper torso in its hands.

technorati tags
Toys Kaiyodo Revoltech Neon+Genesis+Evangelion Eva

彌勒大佛 Maitreya Buddha & 百龙殿 Hall of a Hundred Dragons

2007-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Before you read this article, please turn on your speakers and click here. This link will open a new page, which plays a beautiful music called "Compassionate Love" to guide you through this post.

I have earlier posted an article on Cintâmanicakra Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva (如意輪觀音 in Chinese) and my visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum (BTRTM). I have earlier visited this temple during Vesak 2551 Float Parade and other brief occasions. I have always wanted to return to the temple to capture the beauty of the main Hall of a Hundred Dragons (百龙殿 in Chinese) dedicated to Maitreya Buddha (彌勒大佛 in Chinese). I have decided that I will have to divide this post into two and probably more parts, due to the reason that I have not taken enough pictures of the Maitreya Buddha (or probably lack of inspiration). However, I have spent more attention on the Hundred Buddhas. Since the last visit, it has taken me quite a while to re-visit for a photo shoot, since I do not have a the right lens, hence I would require to bring along my Manfrotto tripod or reluctantly fire my SB-600 flash. I even thought of getting a VR lens to perform the low light shooting, but till date, have not yet done so. So why have I not brought my tripod or flash along for this shoot?

I have visited Chinatown, which has already became part of my weekends and sometimes weekly itinerary. I love the Chinatown as much as I love shopping for my toys in the precinct. On this day, I have not had any intention to visit the temple for a photo-shoot, but to chill-out on a fine Sunday morning. I had my iBook along with me. I also brought along my Nikon D200 equipped with Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and my Canon IXUS 40. It is a rare occasion that I brought all these equipments out together. After I was done with my coffee and blogging, I thought I would like to walk around and take some photos. Subconsciously, my feet found its way to the BTRTM. I thought I just had to enter and finish the unfinished task. Not that I would declare an end and not re-visiting the temple after I have accomplished my task, but I just felt that I have had the intention to start a series of photos collection (in my own perspective) of the BTRTM, I ought to complete it, instead of leaving it as a yet-to-be-done task. My perspective of this photo shoot was no longer targeted at the upcoming photo competition, but I felt that at the BTRTM, they are very welcoming towards photography. I do not wish to take that as a mere photography opportunity or a chance to win in a competition (such that one loses knowledge that this is still a religious place of worship), but I would like to capture the beauty of the magnificent architecture, decorations, artefacts, statues, and most importantly, the smiles of the Buddhas that express endless compassion and hopefully to record a tinge of spirituality into my pictures. I guess I have said enough, and now is the time to share the photographs (see disclaimer). As per my usual practise, I hope my post will not only be visually satisfying, but informative as well.

A Walk In The Hall of a Hundred Dragons

In the Hall of a Hundred Dragons, resides 100 Buddhas on both sides in the form of beautifully hand-crafted statues and 1,400 Buddha Gaus (A Gau is a portable shrine in which a Buddha is kept; often carried around by Vajrayana practitioners for protection and spiritual practise). Above the 100 Buddhas, 100 dragons encircles the 'skies' in the form reliefs found on the cornice of the Mezzanine floor. In this hall, is where the Maitreya Buddha sits on his throne of treasures, surrounded by an intricately-crafted Maitreya Canopy styled in traditional Tang Dynasty design, an exquisite Maitreya Five Dragons Embroidery (suggesting royalty in Chinese history) as backdrop, a pair of precious Dhvaja Banners with embroidered sutras found on both left and right-hand side of the the canopy, and a pair of Maitreya Mandala Lamps which symbolizes the Buddhist cosmic world.

Maitreya, The Buddha of the Future

Maitreya or Metteyya (मैत्रेय in Sanskrit or 彌勒 in Chinese) is usually referred as a Buddha (大佛) according to the Tantras, but sometimes as a Bodhisattva (菩薩) according to the Sutras. Bodhisattva literally translates to "Enlightened Being" who is dedicated to attaining Nirvana and have yet but near to becoming a Buddha. The name of Maitreya suggest 'universal loving kindness'. Maitreya is one who is of infinite compassion and knowledge. The image of Maitreya has been portrayed in many forms, especially in the familiar 'pot-bellied' Budai (布袋) Arhat or Laughing Buddha. Maitreya is believed to be presently residing in the Tushita Heaven, a not too distant place which is reachable through meditation, where Bodhisattvas resides until they descend and become enlightened to become Buddha. Maitreya, believed to be the successor of the Śākyamuni Buddha (I have visited the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple), will eventually descend to Earth in a most chaotic time when all Sakyamuni Buddha's teachings have disappeared from this world. Maitreya will then teach the purest Dharma to all beings, uniting all. It is also believed that those who follows the Dharma faithfully, will eventually be reborned together with Maitreya, where they will be blessed to be taught by Maitreya with the purest Dharma.

The Hundred Buddhas

In the "Sutra of the names of the One Hundred Buddhas" (佛說百佛名經 in Chinese), the names of the 100 Buddhas are mentioned. Each and every one of the 100 Buddha statues bears different mudras (gestures) and different accessories of Buddhism significance. I have spent most of my time admiring these Buddha statues. Sadly, I was only above to cover the bottom tier of Hundred Buddhas, since the upper tier seems impossible to reach without a tripod and a telephoto zoom lens. I hope to bring you more in the near future!

Temple Bell

The Temple Bell which can be found on the second floor of the Bell Tower. The ground floor of the Bell Tower is where a carved wooden Kristisgarba Bodhisattva resides. I have not spotted this bodhisattva statue yet. In the Hall of a Hundred Dragons, a temple bell is displayed. On the bell which bears the name of the BTRTM, a fierce looking creature which looked like a Kirin (麒麟), is seated on the top.

Cintâmanicakra Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva Hall

After the last visit to the Avalokiteśvara (觀音) Hall, the Gilt Bronze Cintâmanicakra Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva were put up on the panels where the 8 Zodiac Protectors resides. More of the Zodiac Protectors to be updated on next visit. I took a picture of the Lotus Ceiling Boards in this hall with low ceiling.

REFERENCES
Maitreya Project
Maitreya Project (Chinese)
Maitreya from Wikipedia
新加坡佛牙寺龍華院 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
光明山普觉禅寺 Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
新加坡大悲佛教机构 Tai Pei Buddhist Organisation
佛說百佛名經

DISCLAIMER
Please respect the copyrights of the photographs in this post by retaining the original watermark and not editing or altering in any ways, any part of the pictures. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address: http://ayellowpostitnote.blogspot.com/2007/07/maitreya-buddha-hall-of-hundred-dragons.html

technorati tags
Singapore Buddhism Buddha Bodhisattva Buddha+Tooth+Relic+Temple+and+Museum Maitreya
Photography Nikon D200 Tamron

COBRA GEK (1/6th MSFS by MEDICOM Toys)

2007-07-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

After posting pictures of the S.W.A.T. (1/6th Dragon), there has been much speculations over my venture into the world of 1/6th. Indeed I had! Thanks to Nexus, aka 1/6th pro bro, I made my first move into 1/6th.

I hereby present to you the preliminary shoot (yes! there will be more!) of the character whom I call, "Watermelon Head", COBRA GEK (Gendarmerie Einsatz Kommando, Gendarmerieeinsatzkommand) from the MSFS (Medicom Special Forces Series) by MEDICOM Toys.

COBRA

EKO (EinsatzKommand) / GEK (Gendarmerie Einsatz Kommando)
Austrian Counter-Terrorist Special Forces
1/6th Scale Action Figure
MSFS by MEDICOM Toys

EKO (Einsatz Kommando) COBRA, formerly known as GEK (Gendarmerie Einsatz Kommando) is the Counter-Terrorist Special Forces of Austria, formed officially in 1978 to protect the Jewish who took an en route through Austria to Israel, against opposing militant groups. The COBRA is best known for is 'rope-skills' where they are internationally respected for, there is nothing the COBRA cannot climb. Apart from Counter-Terrorism, the COBRA also participate in the local S.W.A.T. activities. Interesting, the codename 'COBRA' was influenced by the movie 'Mission Impossible' (starring Tom Cruise) and became official in 2002 alongside the renaming of GEK to EKO COBRA.Active: 1972 -
Country: Austria
Branch: Austrian Federal Police
Type: Special Forces
Role: Domestic Law Enforcement and Counter-Terrorism
Size: 200 operatives
Garrison/HQ: Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Nickname: Gendarmerieeinsatzkommando: GEK
Einsatzkommando Cobra: EKO

LEARN MORE ON EKO COBRA

The regular MEDICOM MSFS box.
Box contents includes:

Glove (extra hand),
Assault Boots,
Belt,
Magazine Porch (Pouch),
Holster,
Hand Gun G17 (Glock 17, 17.9mm),
G17 Magazine x2,
Aug-Rifle (Steyr Aug mil.StG77 - Armee Universal Gewehr),
Steyr Aug Magazine x2,
Laser Sight,
Submachine Gun MP-5 (MP5SD),
Zoom Scope Sight,
Long Suppressor,
Telescopic Stock,
Walkie-Talkie,
Earpiece w/ Microphone,
Light Mounted Shield,
Balacava,
Assault Suit with 'GENDARMERIE' and Austrian flag insignia,
Body Armor,
Socks,
Trunks.

Supplementary booklet with comic strip on COBRA (in Japanese), promo leaflet and post card.

Glock 17 with magazine with rounds. The round is painted with realistic metallic colours.

Steyr Aug rifle with clear magazine and laser sight. Sadly, the laser sight was not a perfect fit as sight appears pointing slightly downwards instead of forwards. MP5SD with magazine rack and long zoom scope. The butt is retractable, but sticks out from the sides when in compact mode. I worry the elastic rifle sling that will slack over time.

Shield with light mounted. No light emits from the shield of course! But the original one piece equipment became two, the handle came off! Apparantly, it was glued on, and I just have to get a tube of super glue handy.

The bluish Protective vest is in fact violet to the eyes. The camera is never good at capturing true violet. The vest is a three piece suit comprised of a groin guard padding attached to the front, the front and back (both with Gendarmerie printed on a decolorised label) The suit has plenty of black patches intended for pouches to be attached via Velcro.The nickname which I gave the COBRA 1/6th figure, Watermelon Head, came about from the TITAN helmet reproduced in the most amazing colour tone, it should have been deeper green camouflage.
The Poses
To get me hooked on a toy and to be adored as a photograhy subject, it must first articulate and pose for me!

Equipped with Steyr Aug Rifle

Equipped with Glock 17 and Shield

Equipped with MP5SD

Analysis of the Nude 1/6th MEDICOM Cro-Magnons Body
12-inch pro bro has warned me of the possible cracked hip joint. I decided to analyze the nude body to get a better understanding of the articulation and so that to pose the figure better!

The feet can be flipped from 90 degrees to 'ballet'. The height of the figure can also be adjusted via the removal of the ring between the lower limb and feet. The knee is rather realistic as it does not rotate, unlike the other joints, this is not detacheable. The back of the thigh is hollow, which I believe to reduce the weight of the body. The butt does look weird.

The groin is made such that the thighs can rotate horizontally about the groin, while the left and right side of the groin can vertically. The shoulder joint is more complicated to give a more swing angle. Like the knee joint, the elbow is not detacheable. However, the upper arm is detacheable from the shoulder to make wearing of clothes easier. The hands or gloves are mounted on a ball-joint stem which is then inserted into the forearm.

The nude figure without the hindrance of the clothes, can sure take on uber realistic poses such as the one above, which Shaun Wong would love. He might even find it familiar to his beach wrestling shots. All 1/6th scale nude figures will bear the brand somewhere on the body. For this MEDICOM, it is found behind the lower limb.

The Assembly of COBRA
What assembly does it have? I meant putting on its COBRA outfit. I am recalling how I mishandled my childhood playmates' Barbie dolls. Yes! I was 'lucky' to be playing with girls before I even learnt of carnal pleasures.

Due to the tight cuff of the pants, I need to put on the socks and boxers.

The one piece overall suit comes with a few pockets, rubber pistol holster attached to a rubber belt. I slipped on the clothes with feet first, then attached the arms through the sleeves. A zipper runs from groin up to the neck. With the black overall and balaclava, he now looks like a terrorist! The microphone and earpiece goes under the balaclava and the extension is can later be attached to the walkie-talkie.

The figure looks cool eve without the watermelon.... I meant TITAN helmet!

The Final Assembly

DISCLAIMERReproduction and editing for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
However, for personal use, please acknowledge by retaining watermark and link back to my blog.

REFERENCES

EKO Cobra Austria Government Official Site

ShadowSpear Community Website

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Toys Sixth 1/6th Medicom Toy MSFS COBRA Special+Forces Steyr+Aug MP5SD Glock+17

S.W.A.T. (1/6th Dragon) Action Figure

2007-07-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

While I went to collect my toys at CSC, I helped my buddy, Nexus collect his S.W.A.T. 1/6th Dragon action figure from a seller for S$28. Despite a broken feet and boots stuffed with silicon (or glue), by tucking in the slacks into the dusty boots, the boots does not fall off and can still stand and pose. He sure begged for some photos and with Nexus' permission, I granted his wish!

CLICK ON ABOVE THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE HUGE 'INTOXICATINGLY' DETAILED PICTURES!

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Toys sixth 1/6th Dragon Toy SWAT

SOTA Street Fighter Round 3: BALROG (US) / M.BISON (JAP)

2007-07-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Balrog (US) / M.Bison (Japan)
Balrog was once a great boxing champion and prize fighter. He was banned from boxing for permanently injuring his opponents (as well as his illegal maneuvers, particularly his headbutt), so he joined the Shadoloo criminal organization, and worked his way up from the bottom, eventually becoming Bison's enforcer. While running errands for M. Bison (Vega in Japan), he killed Dhalsim's elephant with a single Gigaton Punch. In one mission, Balrog was sent to terminate Birdie. Although he did not know why, Balrog went anyway. Birdie told him about the Psycho Drive, and Balrog agreed to help him find it, thinking he could make money from it. When the Psycho Drive exploded, Balrog realized that he had not been paid recently. When M. Bison was killed at the hands of Akuma, ownership of Shadoloo was transferred to the former prize fighter. Unfortunately, he ended up running the entire organization into the ground in record time. After the fall of Shadoloo, Balrog became nothing more than a bum on the streets.

When Street Fighter II was localized in America, Capcom was afraid of a lawsuit from Mike Tyson over a character with his likeness and a similar sounding name (Mike Bison). Additionally, when the designers presented the game to Capcom USA's marketing department, they believed that the name Vega was a weakling's name.[1] They decided to rotate the names of three of the four boss characters in the following manner:

The African-American boxer is known as M. Bison in Japan and Balrog elsewhere.
The Spanish assassin/bullfighter is known as Balrog in Japan and Vega elsewhere.
The evil dictator and head of Shadoloo is known as Vega in Japan and M. Bison elsewhere

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)

Here is a fast and quick shoot of BALROG / M.BISON from Street Fighter by SOTA Toys.

technorati tags
Toy Street+Fighter Balrog M.Bison Capcom SOTA Toys

Superman™ Returns Ken

2007-07-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Who says that I don't own a 1/6th scale figure when I do own a 12-inch which is also the same scale as the 1/6ths!
Superman™ Ken from the Barbie dolls series by Mattel.

What is with the green background?
I am trying to do the 'green screen' thing?
Nope!
I am trying to portray that the green background suggests Kryton, Superman's worst nightmare.
Cut the crap! Thought green would give the Superman figurine a nice contrast.
I have not done a banner for this figurine because I am lazy..... happy!!!??

Taking flight...

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Superman Returns Barbie Ken 12-inch Mattel

Hana 777

2007-07-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hana 777 is a small series of flowers (花 or 'hana' in Japanese) photographs dedicated to this special day, 7th of July 2007 or 7.7.07. This special day is also the "LIVE EARTH" day where the world come together to celebrate yet remember and care for our mother earth! Save the earth, create less pollution! The number '7' is celebrated because in the western culture and religion, '7' suggests a 'complete' and 'good' number since good things come in '7's, such as 7 colours of the rainbow, 7 days a week etc. Most importantly, it will never come again! Interestingly, in Singapore, there are 777 couples getting married on this auspicious day, despite the showers in the early morning, the day is finally clear and beautiful again, less the hea. So, good things does come in '7'.

The take home message is to "Love the Earth! Make our Earth a greener place to live!"
or put it in an ugly way, "if it dies, we die and our future generation die".

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Photography Flowers Hana LIVE+EARTH

SOTA Street Fighter Round 3: GUILE (ガイル)

2007-07-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

COL William F. GuileWhen Guile was a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, he befriended his superior officer, Charlie and asked Charlie to teach him in his unique form of fighting, which Charlie agreed to do. Guile learned the style, but his hot temper caused him to not to be as proficient in the moves as Charlie was.

In Street Fighter continuity, Guile was not introduced to the series until the events of Street Fighter Alpha 3, when he was sent by the United States Air Force to look for his senior teammate and best friend Charlie, who had gone missing during a secret investigation. Guile's search eventually led him to the Interpol investigator Chun-Li, who warned him not to follow Charlie due to the danger involved. Guile demonstrated his fighting ability, and assured Chun-Li that he would not let their friend come to harm. He eventually found the Shadoloo base in Japan along with the missing Charlie. The sinister and powerful M. Bison appeared and attacked the two soldiers, daring them to follow him inside his Shadoloo base. As Chun-Li investigated another area, Charlie and Guile began to set explosives around their mission objective: Bison's source of power, the Psycho Drive. However, Bison surprised them, and a fight ensued. Charlie convinced Guile to escape while he held Bison off, so Guile took Chun-Li and escaped, right before the base exploded, with Charlie and Bison caught in the blast. Standing on the top of a mountain, Guile says he will always believe in Charlie's memory.

Holding Bison responsible for the death of his best friend, he left not only the Air Force but seemingly his whole life to exact revenge on Bison, who had by then somehow survived the explosion. A court case against the Shadaloo dictator failed when Bison bribed all the judges to let him go free. Bison, by this time wanted revenge on Guile, Chun-Li, and many other people who had hindered his syndicate's efforts. To this end, he set up the second World Warrior tournament to trap them.

Although the circumstances on how Guile approached Bison is sketchy, he managed to corner Bison and asked him if he remembered him or his friend Charlie. While Guile threatens the defeated Bison with the intent to kill him, he is stopped.(Excerpt from Wikipedia)
Here is a fast and quick shoot of GUILE from Street Fighter by SOTA Toys.
Sonic Boom(hold Back 2 sec, Foward+Punch)

'Scissors' Kick(hold Down 2 sec, Up+Kick)

Leaping Knee(Forward+Medium Kick)

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Toy Street Fighter Capcom Cuile SOTA Toys

Revoltech: SABER

2007-06-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

You must have realised that this Revoltech from Kaiyodo lacked a serial number. That is because SABER is the first G2 Revoltech series. It stands at a 140mm, a larger scale than the earlier Revoltechs. Thereis also re-design in the joint system, such that the vital joints such as the elbows or joints that are exposed, are replaced and modified to another type that will not come loose easily and also look smoother. It had been sitting on the shelf in its lovely square box until I finally decided to take it out for its photo shoot before I get the new Saber Alter, next week. After clearing Saber for shoot, I still have 1997 Movie Editions EVA-00, EVA-MP and EVA-MP Special. This shoot is unique from the rest, because I have applied the use of a new setup and techniques such that PP work is minimum.

REVOLTECH: SABER
from Fate/Stay Night
29th June 2007
Equipment: Canon IXUS 40
Photography and Editing: William Tan

Saber, Shirō's Servant,is an agile but powerful warrior. Loyal, independent, and reserved, Saber acts coldly but is actually suppressing her emotions to focus on her goals. Her class is considered the "Most Outstanding", with excellent ratings in all categories. Since her Master cannot effectively provide her with Mana, she minimizes her activity to preserve what she has. Saber is frustrated by Shirō's "protective" tendencies, believing his erratic and reckless behavior will jeopardize her chances of winning the Holy Grail War.
(Excerpt from Fate Stay Night at Wikipedia)

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Toy Revoltech Fate+Stay+Night Saber Kaiyodo Toys

Japanese TV Tetris Game Show

2007-06-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Wanna give yourself a belly full of laughs?
Check out this video clip of the hilarious TV Tetris Game Show.

Thanks to Tricia for sharing this video clip.