Sharpion's Dream

Monopoly Deal or No Deal: Advanced Rules

2012-01-01T05:15:00.005+08:00

I really like this game and thought I'd share some of the advanced rules. It is NOT stated anywhere in the manual and has to be researched online through various sources (which I share below).

Wildcard properties can't be used to settle debts, so you can keep them even if you are bankrupt! The only way to take them are through FD, SD and DB.
Using double the rent takes a turn although it is played together with the rent card. You can also use x2 double the rent cards to quadruple your rent. This takes up all 3 of your turns. Note that just ONE 'Just Say No' card is required to block this completely.
Houses and hotels are seized along with property if DB is used.
You need a just one house to build a hotel and the value does not stack with houses, only max +4m.
Houses/Hotels go to the bank before being used to pay another player. Thus the other player can only use it as bank.*
Houses/Hotels can be transferred to other sets within your own hand, but can never 'float' around.*
You can't use 'Just Say No' for other people.
If you force a deal and both people win, the person who forced the deal will win as it is his/her turn and you can only win on your turn.

*As of this date, there has been no official confirmation with regards to the these rules. Hasbro has officially stated that "They will look into this". However this is widely regarded as the 'right way'.

Please feel free to comment and add more insight or to ask me anything :)

Useful Reference Links:
Board Game Geeks
Official Hasbro FAQ

My Home Surveillance Setup

2011-07-20T02:37:00.010+08:00

Due to the arrival of our maid and daughter, we have found the need to monitor our house. Here is what I did:

Foscam Cameras

I was a bit tentative about buying this brand but after a lot of searching and reviews, i really found this one of the best value for money cameras in the market. I bought x2 FI8918W (Pan/Tilt) and x1 FI8909W (Fixed). The product site is here. They both have 2 way audio, night vision and are wireless. Best of all, i got them at a steal of$398 SGD for ALL 3 July 11 Promotion.

A bit strange how you buy them though. You basically just send an email to the distributor (Marix) and then they come and deliver it to your door step. I was quite impressed with them as I emailed them on Sunday and they responded almost immediately. I confirmed a day later and got my cam the following day. Professional, quick and responsive.

Here is their thread on VR Forums.

Setting Up

Ok, setting up the cameras is NOT an easy feat. You have to be quite techy to be able to get it. Good thing is that the cameras themselves come with a very comprehensive guide to how to set up the cameras. Just note the following:

- You will need a router and know how to do port forwarding or have uPnP service function (you need knowledge of IP addresses, ports)
- You will need wireless capability if you want to place your cameras anywhere else away from your network cables (you will need knowledge of wireless connectivity/security)
- You will need a static IP or DDNS service if you wish to view your cameras over the internet away from home (you will need knowledge of DNS)
- If you want to record stuff you'll need a NAS or access to a server or cloud servers etc (you will need knowledge of networking, servers, cloud etc.)

Here is a very good thread on hardwarezone by 'Dr_Archer' that helps A LOT in explaining all I have mentioned here, including buying the cameras, software and setup.

One BIG note is that I still have not found out how to make the 2-way audio work for the cameras yet. I can hear the sounds but am not able to make any noise. Currently this seems to be an issue with the software, camera whatever. Anyway it was never a big concern for me so I'm fine taking my time to solve it. I'll update again when or if i solve it.

Software

The IP camera software market is ridiculously expensive. Fortunately i found a really good software called iSpy Connect. And its absolutely free! This software allows you to manage all your cameras and home and set things like motion detection, recording etc. It also allows different brands of cameras to be set up. So far i really like it.

Another option is to use the Foscam software that the cameras come with. Pretty OK for basic control with PTZ (pan tilt zoom) functionality BUT it does not allow you to add any other brand of camera in. My Dlink DCS930 was not able to work on the program. Totally free though.

For the iPhone, I have shortlisted lots of software down to:

IP Cam Viewer (USD $2.99)

Does everything you want it to. Manages multiple cameras etc. I like this one because its PTZ controls are more responsive and generally the interface feels better. There is also a lite version that is free. It actually works better with Android OS as it was originally created for.

Misc

- If your house is under surveillance you SHOULD declare it or risk getting sued if anything is 'compromised'.
- This takes up bandwidth so if you don't have plenty (like me) then take heed.

Ok thats about it, feel free to ask me anything and I'll try to help out if I can.

Edit: I just bought another FI8918W today!

Running

2011-07-14T04:02:00.004+08:00

After being inspired by my dentist, i explored running more. Several of my friends have already embraced this activity and it seems like it is gaining in such popularity with my entire country as seen with the number of races that are so commonplace now.

Being overweight, it is scary to think of running as it could badly damaged my already painful knees. However i think with some moderation and care, it should be ok.

Some things that appeal to me:

its easy and fuss free, can do it anytime and anywhere
cool tech, kinda gets u into other health matters like BP, heart rate etc
lots of my friends are doing it
good to get out and into the open

As this is the start of this long journey, i also take stock of what i know so far:

I have to becareful of my body as i am overweight and at risk
there are techniques to be learnt for proper running (chi running)
I shouldn't buy anymore gear till i earn the gear i already own (brand new nike shoes, running transmitter, polar watch)

Next thing i'll have to do is:

Establish some kind of running timetable that fits into my lifestyle, requires cooperation with family as well
Establish a KPI not for the gains but the discipline required to even do it
Read up more on running techniques, currently looking into 'Chi Running'
Actually do it

So here goes!!

I'll end with this good video on Chi Running

My Home Digital Setup

2011-03-16T01:34:00.010+08:00

So lots of friends have been asking me how i do my setup at home. So instead of telling of you one by one i'm just going to post it here. It will save me effort and the anonymous surfers out there can also benefit.

I'm very open to comments, feedback and suggestions as to how to improve my setup, so just please let me know. DO NOT assume i have tons of cash ok! Just becoz i bought the dyson fan...

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Disclaimer: I'm not saying this is the best setup at all and neither am i saying i'm an expert on the matter. I'm just a regular geeky guy who enjoys his toys and this is just what i use. I'm happy with it. Learn what you can from this.

I'm also not going to go into detail. Everything can be found in detail with google so if you need more of the fact-sy stuff, just google it. What you can't find anywhere else is MY opinion :D
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Fundamentals

1. GIGABIT network speed

Max out internal LAN bandwidth. Especially if you are going to stream videos. Make sure everything you buy is gigabit speed compatible. Yes yes, my friend mentioned you are capped at HDD speed etc etc so you can utilize the full GB speed. I know that but you have to take sharing into account, speed drops with home plugs...ANYWAY go for it, its not that expensive...think of it as future proofing...

2. Max Broadband Speed
Your life is on the internet, please max your internet speed. In Singapore, its really very very cheap relatively. Everything you do is on the internet so why waste time waiting etc. Anyway if you're going to have to get content online, play games etc, you'll need it. Furthermore, if you share connections, go homeplug etc. there will be a substantial drop.

3. Use wires!
I really do not like wireless...draft N, dual band etc whatever! I've been trying for years to use it successfully but somehow its just too unstable. Try streaming video on it and you'll know why. I've spent countless of hours trying to troubleshoot ports, bands, frequencies, channels, MTUs etc etc...I simply bought homeplugs and it solved ALL my problems.

Equipment I'm Using

Dlink DIR 655 Router

This has served me very well over the years. Very configurable and i have no issues with it at all. 1 issue i have is its wireless range. Not sure when compared with other routers but its just a bit too short to reach my whole house.

If i were to buy a router now, i would either go for the DIR 855 or a Cisco one as recommended by a very pro friend of mine (he failed to tell me the model though)

Thecus n0503 Combo NAS

Running 3 TB of HDD off a RAID 5 system. This is the heart of my network. All my files are stored here and it gives me the ability to stream to every device i have. This is absolutely vital to have. Also, you'll need to get TWONKY media server which comes with the NAS. So with the NAS, you have the ease of mind that your data is safe and also you can have streaming etc.

[Edited 18-Mar-11] If i were to buy another NAS now, i would go for something with a more powerful processor and more bays. Something like the Thecus 4200 Pro (NOT the Synology as previously mentioned as they do NOT support Twonky) and put in x4 2 TB WD Caviar BLACK HDDs. They are just too freaking cheap now...Oh yeah, RAID 5 is the way to go.

Aztech Home Plugs HL280E

I tried using slower 200mbps homeplugs but they really dropped my network speed too much. Somehow this works out fine, even on my horrible home electrical network. I have no idea why this is faster, i was just advised by my friend to try it and it worked. Anyway the prices now between the slower ones and the 1000mbps ones like this are so small you should just buy higher.

Once you go into homeplugs you may erase the need for a switch for more wired connections as you can keep daisy chaining more homeplugs. Currently i use about 4.

Cables

Make sure you use Cat 6 cables for your LAN stuff otherwise you won't get the speed anyway. I think Cat 5e is ok as well but it won't max gigabit speed.

WD Live TV

This is what links one of my TVs to the network. It is really great (can refer to the review earlier). To sum it up, I just plugged it in and it worked! Pretty slow in terms of interface but no problems streaming whatsoever. Very cheap now. There is no need for HDD storage for me so this does its job.

Another alternative is the Asus Oplay.

PS3 FAT

This is what links my other main TV to my network. I have no idea why doesn't everyone have a PS3? It is a freaking cheap blu-ray player as well as it is the number ONE gaming console now, can surf internet, surf pictures, stream music off a beautiful interface...seriously...just buy one if you don't already have one.

Anyway, the PS3 detects my NAS without any problems and with the homeplug in, streams it exceptionally fast.

I would buy the slim one now if i had a the chance. The fat one i use tends to overheat.

iPhone and iPad

Now while, any windows enabled device should be able to link to this network with ease, you'll probably have some issues with streaming stuff to you iphone and ipad. The trick is basically what app to use. Now i have to admit that my streaming to my iDevices is not that sophisticated as i need a PC/Mac on to do it but it works.

The best App i found for streaming is Air Video. There is a free version as well so you can try it out.

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Feel free to let me know if you need help or more advice. As mentioned earlier, i am NOT an expert but i can share what i spent a very considerable amount of time learning already.

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Coming Soon (if i ever bother, if you want it sooner please request)
- My foray into HD quality stuff
- The best way to get content off the internet
- When sound starts to matter
- How to manage all your contact information
- Photo management

New Stuff

2011-03-16T01:18:00.003+08:00

Ok haven't been updating much. Just thought I'd share a couple of recent buys:

Dyson Air Multiplier

There is NO WAY this is worth its money in terms of actual cooling and value but wow, it really looks good. I think the utility its giving me everytime i look at it is worthwhile.

Pros: No buffeting wind which is a big deal to me, super stylo
Cons: Quite noisy, not really powerful, need to be used in conjunction with an aircon HAHA...seriously...

Samsung Series 4 32 inch LCD (LA32C450)

Bought this at a recent IT fair after going back and forth against a the Sony BX320. In the end, found that the colour is more vivid in this one and its also much cheaper. Don't really like the look and form factor of it (compared to the stylish Sony) but then its just a secondary TV so there. Not even full HD but its only 32 inch so I don't see much of a point.

Pros: Gives me the quality I need, very cheaply bought
Cons: Don't like the design

WD Live TV

Bought this also at the IT fair very cheaply. Managed to connect to my network drives immediately out of the box. Very plug and play. Easy to use interface, seems to stream all the media i have so far. Only small con is the poor quality controller and its a bit slow. Nice small form factor.

Pros: small form factor, streams everything, can find my NASes
Cons: slow, lousy controller

New Stuff: Lots

2010-11-21T12:46:00.003+08:00

Will have to do a more in depth update shortly. Written now for tracking purposes mainly:

- iPad (related apps)
- PS3 Bluetooth Headset
- PS3 Move
- Leatherman Charge TTI
- Laser guider (BDL210s)
- Dyson Hand Vac
- iMac
- Humidifier
- COD4: Black Ops

Remove Windows 7 Warning for Copying to NAS

2010-11-21T12:43:00.002+08:00

Start / Control Panel / Internet Options.

(Internet Options control panel appears)

Click "Security" tab.

Click "Local Intranet"

Drag slider to "Low"

Click "Sites" button.

Click "Advanced" button.

Enter the IP Address of the NAS / SMB/ CIFS / whatever server and click "Add."

Click "Close"

New Glasses

2010-05-05T02:09:00.002+08:00

Its not always i change my glasses. However my new paid (gotten 6 mths ago) is actually corroding! So much for the Braun Buffel brand.

Anyway my new pair really looks strange...yes...people will stare at me. Spent a lot of money on it as the lenses are really special...transition Carl Zeiss 1.7 high index lenses...wooo! I don't believe on saving on glasses as they are what u wear everyday.

Hope i look as good wearing it as much as it looks on its own!

Oh, and it LITERALLY has my name on it ;)

New Toys: Games

2010-05-05T01:58:00.004+08:00

First off, some new PS3 games:

Super Street Fighter IV
This game is seriously fantastic man!!

Dirt 2
Another great game, really lives up to its high reviews.

Yakuza 3
Quite disappointed with this game...not too bad...but not worth its high reviews.

And some new equipment:

Madcatz Street Fighter IV Round 2 Tournament Edition

Was actually thinking of buying the 'super' version but ah, what the hey, they are all pretty much the same. Quite a big improvement over my normal SFIV Madcatz stick. The heavier base and wider wrist rests give more stability. It feels and looks better. Ok la, still not worth buying another stick just for that...but well... :D

Another Shoe!

2010-04-23T00:29:00.002+08:00

Couldn't resist...this pair was calling my name! From my fav brand Rockport. Can't replace my most fav shoe, but i guess its enough.

New Toys: The HD Dream

2010-04-04T06:45:00.008+08:00

Recently, i've been getting into the whole HD thing. In my effort to 'HD up' my houses, I've made a few acquisitions:

Jamo S606 HCS 6

I've never heard of the brand but through some quick mobile google managed to see that it was actually quite established. Luckily there was this old audiophile considering the same set as me at the fair so i just talked to him and got his opinion. Thanks to Philip (Baba King) for his opinion as well.

Review here

Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

Although my main HD player is just a PS3 can't directly bitstream stuff into this awesome receiver, eventually i may get a better BD player so its better to be prepared. Thanks to Amos for his reviews on this equipment.

Only thing that bugs me about this thing is that its so ugly...hai~ unfortunately, they all are...

Sony Bravia EX 500

Though not the best HD TV and its not LED etc, I was very happy to be able to actually see the difference in quality as compared to my previous HD ready Samsung. You can really tell with BD shows, HD shows on cable and games like Final Fantasy 13. Sony's interface is fantastic!

Some smaller stuff that came along with the purchases:

Smp-u10 HD USB Player

Onkyo DV-SP406B DVD Player

Footwear part 2

2010-03-02T23:58:00.003+08:00

Just when i was saying i buy too many shoes...i bought another! This time its for health reasons so its justified! Anyway check this out:

The Nike Lunarswift+ (Nike+ sensor compatible - thats the point see)

The shoe is technically impressive, sporting a weight at just around ten ounces as well as a dual foam midsole with Dynamic Support,

Wanted something more flamboyant la....boring with all the blacks, greys etc. Seems like im into orange now.

Footwear

2010-02-27T00:19:00.005+08:00

Never thought myself as someone who would wear crocs...but guess im a sucker for footwear. Just bought another pair...even after my previous pair broke...couldn't resist this pair, it was screaming my name!!

Anyway here is a shot of all my currently worn shoes:

1st Row from left to right: black hush puppies, CNY new sanuk sidewalker surfer 'pick pocket', newest crocs with the orange sash, my fav adidas cross trainers.

2nd Row from left to right: Timberland sneakers, crocs that broke, uniqlo slippers (worn out already i think)

The CNY new Sanuk

Though its really comfortable, light and cool, its not that good with traction...so im like skating around all the time.

Still haven't been able to replace my fav rockport...will keep looking!

Me, Myself and my Cameras

2010-01-28T23:50:00.002+08:00

Well, recently i have been tempted by many offers to upgrade my camera set from D70s to a D200/D300 fully equipped with underwater casings etc. To all my friends who offered me such good deals, thank you but sorry i can't.

I have been thinking long and hard about this and in the end i decided to stick to my original gear until such time when i can produce as good pictures as i once did before 'i lost myself'.

My trusty D70s was used last time to create my greatest shots so although technology has come so far and it obsolete now, i will not forsake it. In fact i have already upgraded from my legendary 90mm Tamron to the powerful 105mm nikkor so my pics should even be better right?

For my UW shots, my old canon S1 IS casing has really died. It's lens coating has worn out and there is nothing i can do to salvage it. Was thinking of upgrading to G11 etc as i couldn't find the casing for my existing G9. In the end, i went to canon directly and LUCKY! they had 2 casings left. Bought it for about $300 and i have effectively replaced my setup. The only thing next i may get is a strobe for it.

WP DC 21 G9 UW Canon Housing

Saved a lot of money, feel better about it. Now to stop teching and geeking and start shooting!

iPhone Hardware

2010-01-25T03:31:00.005+08:00

3GS (32GB)
Really worth the upgrade from 3G. The compass functionality really allows for super cool apps like wikitude. It also enhances the onboard Map app + various other apps. Was wondering why they had so much hype on it, now i know. I seldom use the voice command thing coz its really hard to get it right. The new camera seems harder to take shots on. Video is useful but not a big big thing. Biggest improvement is SPEED and BATTERY life - very much better.
\
Power Support Air Jacket (Matt Black)
The sales guy told me to buy this over the shiny metallic one and said this was really the best one. I listened to him. At first really regretted coz it looked so dull. After 1 week, started to really like it. Now, i'm claiming it to be the BEST iPhone jacket ever. Really really good. Good grip, doesn't scratch, small profile and the look is growing on me.

Dexim FM Transmitter
Does what its supposed to do, very very easy to use. Comes with its own USB charger as well. Does have some static now and then. Found that for Singapore, 84.2 is a good frequency to use. Warning, can't use with your bluetooth.
AV Cables
Used to plug your iPhone into your TV. Was quite upset with this buy. First of all, it cost like $80! Then, the current iPhone software only allows you to see SLIDESHOW and VIDEO on the TV. You can't like surf with your TV all that! Sheesh.
H2 Audio Underwater Casing
My latest buy! Haven't tested it yet but am really dying to try it out. Will probably use my old 2G phone to bring underwater for the first few times in case it screws up.

New Things Bought

2010-01-25T03:10:00.013+08:00

Just to log them down for the time being, here are my latest buys:

Logitech G15 Keyboard:
Really x 10 good! Make sure you get the NEW one though (Orange lights rather than blue)
Logitech Momo Steering Wheel
While you can play both on the PS3 and PC, sadly I don't use it much. For it's price I think it is really worth it. But note that it is ENTRY LEVEL
Sax Stand
Finally found this at Swee Lee in Bras Basah. Was looking everywhere for it...foldable and all. Cool!
Black Rapid Camera Strap RS-5
Kept dancing around this one and in the end decided to fork out the $120 for it. So far it really does what its supposed to. Haven't really field tested it yet though, can't wait :) Check out their website here and watch the video. Yes, my iPhone can fit inside :)
Gigaworks T3 Speakers
Read tons of reviews saying this is an awesome 2.1 speaker. It serious IS.
Bowling Guard
Final when to buy a bowling guard. Looks very RAD etc. However, it is sad that my skill level is way too low to be able to utlize it properly :( Went for coaching a few weeks but presently have given up :/
Air Cleaner - Toshiba CAF D4
Finally bought one for my master bedroom. Air SEEMS a little bit cleaner though i honestly can't tell the difference that much. Don't wake up much with a stuffy nose though. Very quiet and was much much cheaper than those Sharp Plasma Cutters
2 New Kites
Bat and Ladybug kites. BAD news is that was so busy during the best time to play them (Nov-Dec). Hai~~~
Sony TX1
Quick review for this cam: Awesome for women, very chic (get BLACK/GREY only!), SUPER low light shooting, sweep panoramic is just fantastic, touch screen interface is just great.
Uniqlo Winter Jacket
Was love at first sight. All black and looked really warm. Only $100+ which is v.cheap for those type of jackets. On hindsight, it is VERY heavy and not very warm! Though 100% premium down etc. Will update once i get to test it in 5 degrees or something.

My Favorite iPhone Apps

2010-01-25T02:43:00.004+08:00

I've been using the iPhone from the day it came out. So far, i've used the 2G, 3G and 3GS. I've cracked, jailbrokened, destroyed lots of iPhones as well.

More importantly, I try my best to get the most out of my iPhone in my daily life.

So its not strange that people keep asking me what my fav apps are. Well, here they are (in no particular order):

Facebook
Has a cool function where you can sync all your contact's profile pics into your contact list. Also supports push notifications etc. Of course all the normal FB things can be done.
Geocaching
If you don't know what this is, please go to www.geocaching.com. It is one of the best apps to use if you have this hobby. Note that you have to pay about $10 USD for it.
AppBox Pro
Actually its kinda cheating to call this an app coz it actually is like a compilation of apps. It's not free $0.99 USD but it is seriously worth it.
Ta-da List
Technically this is not an app but rather it is a website that manages to-do lists. I've tried many and this one is really the best. Go to www.tadalist.com
Wikitude
The new 'in' thing. Augmented reality. Still in it's early development phase but still, really interesting.
iGV (SG)
They didn't have this function before but now you can book movies online and even choose your seats.
Park-a-Lot Lite (SG)
Get detailed information on carparks near you. Frequently updated thats why it's better than the rest.
eBuddy
Best MSN client for iPhone that i know. Only downside is that you need to register an eBuddy account.
Emoji
Cute little icons for SMS-ing etc. Really cool, but only to other iPhone users which would make up 99% of people here...There are many versions, just get the one that is the most popular and it should be right. You'll need to read the instructions carefully for it to work.
Backgrounds
Lets you browse what other iPhone users' wallpapers are. Allows you to save them as pictures and of coz, set as your wallpaper.
Hungry Go Where (SG)
Easy interface to this great site for local food reviews.
Bejewelled 2
You probably already know this fantastic game. If not, just get it.
Crazy Facts
Just interesting fact after interesting fact. Didn't think much of it when i first got it, but the facts are really cool!
Transguide
Locates the nearest bus stop around you and not only tells you where the buses go but also exactly when they are coming! We tested this several times and it is almost accurate to the SECOND! Wonder how they do it...very useful for people who don't take buses often (me).
Foxmarks
I use this on my firefox. While technically not an app per se, this workaround method allows me to 'sync' my firefox bookmarks with my iPhone. COOL!

Notes

These are personal to me and i'm weird so...
These are apps that i USE and not just leave it hang around
I live in Singapore and some apps are country specific, denoted by (SG)

New PC Aquired

2010-01-11T04:59:00.003+08:00

Finally got round to getting a new PC. Named her 'Snowy' coz she's all black haha.

Super powered quad core etc. Trying on Windows 7 on it. So far it rocks!

New Games Aquired

2010-01-11T04:39:00.003+08:00

Here are the games i got since the last update. Rem it includes my bday so there were a few:

- Dragonage (PC)

- Tekken (thanks APW)

- Uncharted (thanks WP)

- Fifa 10

- Batman

- Everyday Together - Mainichi Issho(thanks APW)

Also have been playing:

- Modern Warfare 2 (thanks Cyrus!). It has been really really fun :)

Manado - Day 3

2009-09-13T07:25:00.002+08:00

Was quite determined to get things right today. Sarah din follow me on the dive so i could really concentrate on my diving. Tried to being my cam down but it was a bit foggy so i didn't in case it was leaking. To sum up the 3 dives, it was really good. Had no problems and felt good, learnt a lot of things and best of all, managed to swim in a school of baracuda! Did not have any headaches as i kept very hydrated and kept breathing. Overall the diving felt really good. Came back, was not tired or feeling bad.

Draft entry.

Manado - Day 2

2009-09-13T07:11:00.003+08:00

Ok the day of intensive diving. Din really get much sleep the night before as mentioned earlier. 1st dive started out a bit shaky with me and Sarah both having problems equalizing our ears. Eventually was able to go down but was hurting. The dive masters were taking good care of us esp. Sarah so it was good. We had our own dedicated divemaster with us. 2nd dive had relatively less problems going down but it was still a bit wierd. I kept getting headaches coming up coz of lack of water and breath holding la etc. Saw a huge sleeping turtle which was nice. Always got up having a bad headache and having to sleep it off. On the 3rd dive, i was not actually feeling good with headache etc. but still decided to go down to settle things. Was quite bad, felt bad underwater and when i got up headache was really splitting. Slept all the way back to shore...got back on land and went to sleep. Woke up for dinner feeling a bit better...spent the night playing pool etc.

This is just a quick update, will edit it more later.

Manado - Day 1

2009-09-11T06:36:00.003+08:00

The plane ride there was in a very very small plane (A319). There was no in flight entertainment worth mentioning. Good point was that the plane was quite empty so we managed to change seats to this really nice place where i could stretch my legs and recline all the way.

Upon reaching Manado, we passed immigration quite quickly. Was suprised and happy to see that the resort had sent people to standy for us even at the baggage collection area. The airport is really small with only 1 baggage carousel. After that, we din even have to push our own trolley and were immediately escorted to our waiting vehicles.

There were 2 vehicles but we just immediately went onboard the nearest van. This was a mistake as the aircon was really hot and we were stuck in terrible traffic for around 45mins. The traffic conditions are similar to phillippines or thailand...very congested and disorder. Interestingly they had traffic lights with counters (for green also). Another interesting thing is that their cars are all of good make - Chervolet and Ford cabs! Generally a lot fo Toyotas and Mitsubishis.

The town is as what you would expect...something like Johor but interestingly, there were a lot of churches. Manado has a dominantly christian population which is very interesting considering where we actually are.

Upon reaching the resort, i was very happy to find that there was a security gate and guards. The resort is very nice and cosy. Has only a few bungalows and very nice staff. They were very organized and immediately served us drinks as we signed in. There was also a small buffet of noodles, fried rice and chicken wings. Our luggage was then carried away and placed in our rooms automatically. We only have to put our diving gear outside the door for it to be automatically brought to the boat for us.

The room is nice, a bit better than a chalet...toilet has hot water, works well, proper fittings etc. we even have cable tv in the room. the plugs have a specially modified singapore one for our standard 3 pin. Chey, wasted all my money on travel adaptors. I think the room is great. We have our own balcony overlooking the sunset/sunrise. It is clearly the best bungalow in the resort, have to thank eric for that! Internet connection is WIFI throughout the resort but is terribly slow.

To give you a good idea of the place, here is a blog on the net i was using. Pretty much like what he described already though he was wrong on several small things. You can see the info here.

We prepared for the 1st dive which was mainly an assessment dive for the people to gauge who they have to look after during the rest of the trip. We just dove around the 'house reef' outside the resort. Already it was fantastic...there were SO MANY critters around...we saw fish we've never even seen in pictures, there were rays, crabs, eels etc. Oh there are A LOT of blue ring octopuses here...even has been said to have killer whales. The dive was really great though my new mask was giving me some problems, mainly cause im not used to it. Ears also a bit problematic coz of the mask problem. Have some ideas i'll try on Day 2, hopefully it will be ok. Diving is all automatic as well, no need to carry your heavy gear into the water as they will help u in and out...the best way to do it.

After the dive, i was exhausted, having only slept an hour the day before. Took a nap before dinner. Dinner was surpsingly good (to me). Will leave Sarah to do the food commentary. After dinner, the owner of the resort (a french guy), came to talk to us. There was also a supposedly reknowned underwater photographer there 'William' something. Our bro-in-law and the owner really hit it off and were talking for hours...apparently the owner is also an engineer in the oil business. I played pool while Sarah chatted with the ladies, was nice and relaxed.

Will eventually put up pictures. Hopefully i can keep updating this like that. Im actually waiting for breakfast to start 7:30 and have been awake since 4:30am (can't sleep). Today is a LONG day of 3 dives at Bunaken Island. Btw, sunrise is at 5am and its dark by 6pm here.

New Toy: Madcatz SF4 Special Edition Arcade Stick

2009-06-15T01:36:00.005+08:00

Finally after months of waiting for this stick i finally got it! Was really undecided whether to get this one or its 'double the price' brother the Tournament Edition one. In the end, I opted to get this one and mod the buttons. From the numerous reviews i've read online, that kinda makes it pretty similar already (for my needs).

So i found this nice guy online who sold me 6 Sanwa Dark Hai buttons and very carefully went to pry open my brand new joystick. Note that I have NOT done this before and it was scary to try to mod something brand new and so expensive.

However the good build of the arcade stick, the good tutorials online all made it a breeze. Even a super first timer noob like me could swap all 6 buttons out in about 30mins. After that the controller really felt very good and responsive. Truthfully not THAT much different from the previous buttons but i guess psychologically it felt tons better ;) More importantly, i saved a ton of money doing it this way and its like a 100 times better than my Joytron Singibigi.

After playing some games, i realize that having such a good controller does not mean you're going to win more matches etc, its still mostly about skill.

Homeplugs not for me

2009-06-15T01:27:00.002+08:00

Recently bought a pair of homeplugs for my dad as well as to try the technology.

This is the Aztech 105e 85mbps one.

In my home I'm gettng an average of 70-85mbps on my 100mbps plan (depending on time) from my router (either direct connection or wireless N). When i tried the homeplug in my living room, the results were only 8mbps! Pretty much similar throughout all rooms in my house except in the kitchen where it dropped to 5mbps.

When i plugged the other homeplug in the same powerbrick as the first one (literally side by side), the speed jumped to about 20mbps (still quite sad...). Probably need to tweak the connections by directly connecting to the wall instead of using powerbricks. Explains why the newer models offer the AC through function where you can plug something on it. Not sure how much that would change the connection but am not confident it will make that much a jump anyway so im sticking with what i have - an ugly wire running from my room to my living room.

On the good side, it was really really easy to install, just plug one into the router and the other to a PC and you're done.

Hope i'll get a chance to try the 200mbps versions with more direct connections and see what happens.

AddThis - Get Your Button Code

2009-06-02T16:00:00.001+08:00

AddThis - Get Your Button Code

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