Tasks in Hand

Although the semester break is now over, I really didn't put up much content on the blog for a good while already. I seriously didn't expect a number of events to occur in my (real) life - bit I guess interesting turn arounds can happen. That made me spend more time outdoors with a couple of close friends.

Being able to drive also helps greatly and I recently realized that I do not want to part with my Proton Saga. Somewhat given to me by my father, I truly have a car that I can drive. It, however, needs an overhaul and some misc repair here and there (like for the power windows). Thinking back, it happened to be the first car I came to like, actually the special limited editiob Proton Knight, but it is a special thing to me nonetheless.

Last week my sister got a new phone (pictured above). Since we couldn't afford another mid-tier phone, I picked the Sony Ericsson W8 for her as she mainly uses her phone for music. At default it was very laggy but I fortunately jumped the gate and went ahead to do some research then actually hacked it. A few hiccups along the way but the final result (pictured above) made the efforts worthwhile. GingerDX is a pretty good ROM to use - its fast.

Now I even have concept design work for a few events coming up this year...

That's all for now - pretty much filler ramblings though. =P

PS: Gundam AGE season 2 is shaping up to be a much better show than season 1.

posted from Bloggeroid

New Year on the Horizon

Didn't expect myself to be so busy this week (to extend that, the whole year), actually thought I could relax and game/Gunpla at home. Unfortunately, duty calls. Lots of stuff are coming up around me and needs my attention, whether it be friends or family. I guess it is true that as you grow older, you have more responsibilities to attend to.

I still feel bad for not adhering to most of what I've planned for my blog this year, especially the omake I thought I would be doing. The idea is (or was now?) in my head but I did not execute them yet and more model kits enter the stack. Hm, I wonder if I can do something to atone myself on the day of New Year? I guess continuing this blog like I intend to should be one of my New Year's Resolution. Hm-mm. ^^;

The photos for AGE-1N review part 2 is ready but I don't have the time at the moment to type it out nicely. Don't want to half-arse it or anything just to out a review. Most likely will be popping out on the day of New Year earliest going with my current schedule.

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Photo via Nintendo 3DS @ 0.3MP.
AGE-1 Normal

Preview for my verdict of the HG Gundam AGE-1N;

• Great articulation all around, if you have built or know of the HG 0 Gundam, that's how good it is.
• Part separation is one of the best so far so painting isn't really required.

Will cover more aspects later but you know that this model kit gets a big sticker of approval from me already. (For those who want to buy this for whatever reason, it is a good model kit to get. It is great for those who are new to Gunpla especially. I see what you did there Bandai.) =)

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If you are currently in Kuching until 2 January 2012, do come by for the gift exchange event at Heng Kim Trading over at BDC Crystal Complex (Everrise). Further details in the Facebook event page itself. Last day to submit a gift would be on the event day. >_>;

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This is a quick shout out at Nintendo 3DS owners in Kuching or would-be owners. If you own or are interested in this interesting glasses-free 3D handheld console, why don't you join our little group in Facebook and we also hold weekly gatherings on Saturdays (subject to change) over at the table (Bukit Mata Seafood) in front of Momotoys at OneJaya from 1.30-4.30pm.

Photo via Nintendo 3DS @ 0.3MP.
Mario Kart 7

At the same time, as they are people to have fun with, I've been giving more attention to my 3DS gaming profile. Well, not that much. Recently I've obtained this game. Didn't really plan to get it actually but since it is a racing based game, which I like, I bought it. Wished there was a Christmas discount tacked on it then but at well, it is a rather fun game to play - especially with friends.

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Photo via Nintendo 3DS @ 0.3MP.
Cardfight!! Vanguard

Finally, ever since I came back from AFA 11 (Anime Festival Asia 2011), I've endorsed myself into the world of card games. To be honest, it is actually more fun that I initially thought. Although buying an English Trial Deck (basically a starter deck) wasn't a good investment (as others played using the Japanese cards), I still had fun with the Royal Paladin Trial Deck along with my 4 Blaster Blades in that deck thanks to some PR cards I got from AFA that time. ^^;

Maybe it doesn't look good but I upgraded my deck with Japanese cards in-between but luckily the circle here doesn't seem to mind as long as the cards are legit. Whether they are English or Japanese, they are still manufactured by Bushiroad. =)

At any rate, if you're game, I'm game too.

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That's all for this what-I'm-doing-nowadays-filler post. Next post on the day of New Year itself I presume. Closing it off, Happy New Year (soon) everyone!

Simply Sedap @ Swinburne Soft Opening

Sudden post! This week was a rather "hangover" week. My mind was mostly hazy since I got partially sick (headache with mild fever) which made finalizing my assignments and doing my mid-term papers this week... hellish. I'm pretty much okay already but it seems my focus is still hazy. Could be a side-effect or the weather has a big impact on me. I'm not sure. I just hope all goes well with whatever I did for this week since I couldn't focus completely on them. ._. ...for the best.

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At any rate, back to the lighter side of things. I'm slightly free again so I feel like doing a quick post on the newest addition to the Swinburne Sarawak Campus - Simply Sedap. Chillipeppers, which was located near the hostel of the campus, closed down early this year. Starting today, the area is being officially taken by Simply Sedap.

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Assignment Implied Hiatus

Going on a hiatus until at least 18 November 2011 in order to do my assignments and other responsibilities. Kinda obvious from the lack of posts and unfinished reviews for a while (as well as things I wanted to do haven't been done like some omakes in mind with the BB Sinanju and such). I guess being president of SAMS (Swinburne Anime & Manga Society) really made me all the busier this year after all. I even got random minor projects going for the club.

See you all later next month. ^^;

Back to School (University)

There ends my short break in June. Had fun, got decent results for my last semester, met lots of new faces, built some Gunpla, played some games and finally decided it is time to get a smartphone.

I'm having a very tight schedule over at Swinburne for the next month and a half. 6 weeks of study for 2 subjects and the finals immediately after. O.o How will it be, I'm sure it won't be a fun roller-coaster ride.

The Gundoom review should be published by night of today (4th July). I already typed most of it but I need a bit more time to finish the last section. Right now, it is time to sleep for the long Monday ahead. Monday unfortunately has the longest day of class. From morning until night. D:

Also, a happy Independence Day to those who live in the USA!

Until the big post later on. Time to sleep! >.<

CPA(ASC) Undergraduate Conference 2010

Today was a rather long day and was rather fun. There was a moment when my heart beat rapidly but that was because of the presentation we needed to do.

Want to know more? Read on!
Note: This post will be rather short as I want to keep it at a minimum since I feel that I shouldn't spam a photo for every single thing. I'll just talk about the important stuff. =)

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August Will Be a Hard Month

I just came back home, tired from all the (real life) stuff happening lately (no, nothing serious, just lotsa schoolwork), opened Ngee Khiong's blog as per usual and saw the best thing I've seen in my life. I don't know if Bandai has magical people in their research department or what but they have outed lots of stuff that I really do want.

Before I continue on with this post, I'd like to say that I already bought some stuff from the recent Momotoys stock that day earlier this week. Haven't bought the one with the dual shiny swords yet but I may or may not get it in the end. Well, we'll see how it goes. Its not like I have to get it but my ABF will feel ronery later. XP

I sadly have no time to build them for now as exams are nearing rapidly and my deadlines for assignments are within 2 weeks. So, for anyone who frequents my blog, I'm sorry to say I'll not be posting much or anything for a while. However, if I do find any free time, I may as well post some stuff up, even though it might not be the usual long posts.

Okay, enough about me, let's talk about what has Bandai done now.

EDIT (14/05/10): Added some additional comments especially for Gundam Harute.

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SAMS Exhibition Day 1 (Swinburne Club Recruitment Drive)

Swinburne Anime & Manga Society (SAMS)

This year I became a committee member of SAMS once again but got 'promoted' to a different department. Basically I bring some of the equipment used by the club but since I don't really drive myself, this job was lightened and shared with another person.

This club recruitment drive was kinda sudden as we were told about it by end of last week and I can say that our preparations were pretty weak but we were luckily assisted by some of the more senior members of SAMS from before (though it was more like they had to). ^^;
I did what I can but maybe I should've checked with the other committee members some more before today. Ah well, what's done is done. Lesson learned.

Read on for photos and further details.
Note: Sorry for the weak quality of photos. I had to set to sport and turn off the flash for more natural shots (for most) so that I don't really disrupt what the other people are currently doing (ninja snapping in other words) while managing to take less blur shots since people do move about quite a lot. XD

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Momotoys New Stock (05-04-10) & Other Stuff Today

This will be a quick post post as I'm gonna ninja/Trans-SPAM build something I've been aching to get for a good while already. Just read on and stare at the nice poizon piccies below for more. :D

Food For Thought

Had lunch at the Spring Food Bazaar today and ate this hotplate chicken rice. Plenty spicy and very hot. Nice and delicious but really takes time to eat. Thank goodness for the long break I have today. ^^;

Momotoys
SD Aplenty

A chunk-load of SDs have come into the shop once again. The photos says all.

Finally! You Have Cometh! :3

007S/G is truly popular, 5 of them were taken by the time I left (and they just came in today!). =O

Loto Anyone?

Mega Sized RX78-2 & MG Unicorn + MS Cage!

The new big guys besides the PG 00 Raiser. XP

The Probably Ignored One

I wonder if anyone will get-oh this? :3

Any Takers?

I kinda like it... *_*

Various other non-Gunpla stuff came in which you can see here. Some Neo and Zect Troopers also came in.

If you like Kamen Rider and Gunpla merchandises, come over to Momotoys and get those delicious limited items! Warning, wallet may need extensive recovery after purchase.

Thus, My Houl for This Month(?)

Yes! Get-oh daze! Finally! Since the MG ARF hasn't come and will not come until the next shipment, I just went along with the plan to get TWO 007S/G! :3

Okay, that's all, time to... TRANS-SPAM BUILD! :D

April Fools & Random Life Stuff Take 2!

April Fools! But, seriously, didn't do anything worthwhile for this day. ^^;

Currently I'm in a friend's house for a chaotic club meeting full of pure raging laughter. :D

At any rate, here's a short blog post about some interesting things of note.

Warning: Low quality images due to only having my phone to take photos since I don't bring my camera around all the time.

I've Finally Kicked the Elite 4's Arse!

Pokemon Heart Gold~

The two dragon trainers near the end (Clair and Lance) were harder than I've remembered from when I fought them in the past. Not too bad though as I managed to win in the end. Should've just fought them with Raikou from the start of the battle than using the old and no more as effective use your starter to the end strategy. ^^;

At any rate, I just started the Kanto region but made barely any progress beyond the SS Aqua. Kinda playing Pokemon Diamond now. O.o

Neko~ In Da Open Cafeteria

When I was eating my lunch in the open cafeteria today, a hasty lunch since I wanted to read up a bit more before my small quiz later that afternoon, a cat passed by my feet. So cute! However, it was quite skinny. Still, cute. ^^

Five Layer Teh C Peng Special!

Before

After

Nuff' said.

Can't really think right now... so that's all for now. XP

PS:

I just love this song!

Random Life Stuff & So On

Phew, looks like my blog was rather dead thanks to me going to school once again. Well, that can't be helped, it isn't like I have all the time in the world to update (or actually make content) for this blog for the time being.

This post isn't much but some blurps on some interesting and uh-oh moments of my life. A life post if you may but not one that is too terribly detailed.

Read on for... real life stuff. XD

Random Add-On!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47286589@N05/sets/72157623707852024/
A small gallery on my SD Gundam Exia! I just painted some parts with some Gundam Markers. It ain't that good actually but I'm pretty much happy with the final result. Did this last year actually and took it out just now for a short random photoshoot. ^^

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Back to School

Semester breaks don't last forever and mine sure didn't. Sad that it had to end so soon but I pretty much enjoyed my 2 month break. Did nothing major but it was all good. ^^

Met some new people online, especially some fellow bloggers through the chatroom, and got closer to those who ever commented on my blog or those whose blogs I've commented on. Social interactions are important since I barely went out during the break (don't really drive myself and don't really have a car that's guarantee not to die on me). >.>;

Anyways, yesterday was the first day and nothing much went on, not yet anyways. There aren't any tutorials for the first week, just introductory lectures, so I still have ample of free time his week before the storm brews in with many deadlines and exams to do. Hopefully I'll survive degree successfully as it sure won't be as "easy" as Foundation.

Also, I went to Momotoys again - local hobby shop. I was a bit disappointed that nothing much came in for a while but luckily many packages came right before I had to leave for my next class. I helped out a bit since I was there and all and saw many many great stuff. Some of you may just go into rage mode touching them. S.I.C Kabuto, Figma Reimu, Nendo Drossel, MG GN-X, HGUC ReZEL, RD Bonta-kun, RD Unicorn Destroy Mode and many more.
Even though the huge un-boxing was done there, I wasn't allowed to buy any of the new stocks yet since I think the boss of the shop needs to check first. Ah well, at least I know what I want currently and can plan my current budget. Unluckily, the very hoped for HG 007S/G wasn't together with the rest. They got a lot of HGUC Unicorns restocked though.

To make it more crazy, there were practically more than 10 Nendo Drossels that came in. Some Tamashii Nation limited stuff as well, though I guess they are already booked by another regular. ^^;

Closing the day, I was brought to a kopitiam by my father and drank a different colored Teh C Peng Special. Special indeed. XD

Well, that's all for now. Since the 007S/G hasn't arrived yet, I guess my budget says "yes" to the ReZEL first and maybe a RD if all goes well... I really like most of the Zeta based suits, even if its "nicknamed" Mr. Hardon. Tomorrow~ =D

BTW, since I'm back to school, I won't be updating my blog as frequently as during the break. Expect around 1-2 posts per week or nothing at all if the assignments pile up amongst subjects by May.

Maybank Dinner 2009 & WIP Astray

I was quite occupied last weekend with the PC Fair and Maybank Dinner. Went to the PC Fair on Saturday night and went to Maybank dinner at Pullman hotel on Sunday night which was from 6.30pm until 11.00pm! Luckily I don't have Monday classes for Summer Semester so it doesn't really affect me.

Why did I have to go? Well, I was lucky enough to grab consolation achievement award for my SPM results. I think my results was the bare minimum to get the award. I got some cash(deposited into bank account before dinner) and a nicely framed certificate of congratulations.

Before the dinner actually began~

The function was quite interesting. they had an opening skit which was quite funny.

The theme of the dinner. ^^

VIPs(plus the whole room) sang the Maybank themes(BM and Chinese).

They also had a "Maybank Idol" karaoke contest with 9 contestants whom were surprising quite good. One of them(who won 1st place, not pictured) was really good, you'd be crazy not to think he'd grab first. The guy pictured got 3rd place who was pretty amazing too.

This was amazingly funny. They are the Tunak Tunak Group(IIRC) who are actually the Maybank bosses dancing to the tune of Tunak Tunak Tun. You must listen to this song, its pretty good. =D

Besides the crazy good entertainment, we got some delicious food(fried rice was delicious), so-so standard drinks(the red syrup drink and Chinese tea) and lucky draw! As usual, we didn't get anything from the lucky draw. Aww, darn.

Overall, I really enjoyed the night... until the last number for the lucky draw was called. XP

As for the Astray Blue Frame, I'm almost done, just need to build the sword and apply the clear stickers and maybe some more panel lining. I didn't panel line the whole model, specifically the blue frame areas as it is quite the pain to panel line so many parts.

Sword from Astray Green Frame and trying out the articulation of the legs. Loving it so far!

Okay, that's all for now. The entire review probably will roll out by this weekend if not sooner. =)

PC Fair 2009 Late November Edition

So today I finally went to the PC Fair located at Level 5 Permata Carpark, Kuching. It was not sponsored by PIKOM but by Sarawak ICT(?) instead if I'm not mistaken.

The main plan of going to the PC Fair was to buy some blank DVDs and a cheapo mouse as my current mouse is figid-dy. To my disappointment, the blank DVD are not as cheap as they once were and the brand availability was very limited. I ended up buying a 100pcs Verbatim DVD-R set @ RM100. Didn't had much choices as I needed them urgently already. I was initially expecting them to be within the RM80 region like they were last year... should I blame the recent recession on this?

Other than that, I bought 2 cheapo Sensonic mice @ RM9.90 each, a cheapo E-View small keyboard @ RM15 and a new 20" LG Flatron W2043S LCD monitor @ RM399(a 14" CRT monitor doesn't cut it anymore...). My mother agreed to let me buy the monitor so I was pretty lucky to be able to get it! I'm so happy that she did. ^^ Well, there goes a good amount of cash for next month... well, at least the items are considerably less optional than my hobby items. >.>;

Overall, I find the PC Fair was slightly disappointing as there wasn't any really good enough deals, except maybe laptops, going around due to heighten IT parts prices. Don't know how the PIKOM sponsored PCFair will be though. It should be better but won't be held in Kuching. >.>

So, fellow Kuching dwellers, did you go to the PC Fair too? Disappointed? Satisfied? Found what you wanted to get?

PS: No progress on the Astray so far due to me playing Phantasy Star Zero too much(and still am). Game can be quite addicting since I haven't played such a game for a while. ^^;

Room Rearrangement & Arios Review

Its that time of the year when you spend your time to do a little "spring cleaning" for your house/room. Because of that, my nose is sneezing like hell due to me being very easily affected by dust. ~.~

Well, to be exact, it's not really spring cleaning but some stuff in my room and my younger sibling's room got rearranged. Now each of us got one bed each(we had two initially due to room sharing and old beds left over).

My mother also got me a "new" computer table which actually is not new. Nonetheless, it was completely FREE. Her office decided to let go of some stuff by "auctioning" stuff out especially computer tables(at dirt cheap prices). During that "auction" there came this table that was auctioned for FREE but NO ONE wanted it because of just one missing screw and its older than the rest. Pfft. My mother decided to get it in the end and it now in my room for my old computer to sit on, next to my BED. ^^;

Current configuration;

That's our house old comp(bought early 2006) that was used by my sister before until I got her the new computer last year for Christmas(which can be said leaps and bounds faster). As you may have known, the LCD monitor died a while ago and I had to switch to a retro monitor that was bought in 1996(IIRC) with my Windows 95 computer(which can still work but currently tucked away). Too bad my other, but larger and slightly newer, retro monitor was scraped due to over-usage too. ^^; FYI, this is my constantly used computer for mainly internet browsing, blogging and light gaming(older games works best on XP after all). Too bad I don't have another LCD monitor spare, 1024x768 is small nowadays. Then again, my biggest monitor is only 17" in the end excluding the 32" LCD TV.

Basically its made full of retro-ness. You can't get that kind of table nowadays(I think) and the keyboard and speakers are 2002'd.

Also, since somebody asked before, I did a quick review on the HG 1/144 Arios Gundam over at my Wordpress blog. I did the photoshoot practically alongside the Hi-Nu so not much time was used. Sorry if the review is not up to par with my regular ones. Its just a quick one on a practically EOL product after all. ^^;

Bonus image~! Here's a shot of my MG Exia Repair + Strikes Arm sitting down acting boss with the other kits(and while I was semi-cleaning my room). XD

Okay that's all for now. Darn, my nose really annoys me right now. Cleaning up can really be a pain when dust can easily affect you. Can't really do much stuff actually now. XP

Something Weird I Noticed in Real Life...

You know when you borrow or received help from someone else? Well, I always find it weird that people you borrow or get help from always say "thank you" instead of "you're welcome". It's especially strange when I, the borrower or person being assisted, says "thank you" to be thanked back.

Naturally it is supposed to be "thank you for your assistance" then the person you thanked should say something along the lines of "you're welcome". Naturally. Or maybe I could be wrong. ^^;

A Different Way to Cut Your Birthday Cake

Last Thursday, a classmate of mine celebrated her birthday. Two good friends of hers bought her a really nice and seemingly delicious American Chocolate cake!

The cake. Yum?

They brought it into class right before our short afternoon break that day. Even with the tension filled air due to nearing mid-term exams(next week liao), a friend's birthday mustn't be forgotten!

By lunch time, I managed to meet up with them, with me grabbing a quick lunch of a single currypuff, to see a a rather amusing birthday "party". Around 7 of us gathered around a table to witness the birthday girl blow the candles and "cut" the cake...

The cake is opened and the whole open-air cafeteria can see it! Then again, I noticed most people around us didn't really care.

The fans in the open-air cafeteria are really strong! They needed to block the wind with the box... though it wasn't such a smart idea in the end. =P

After blowing... we asked her to go on to cut the cake. She then asked, "Can I STAB the cake?". Oh my, that was new and I was all for it! Randomness FTW!

The standard plastic cake knife.

Targeting the cake from above...

Lunging into the center!

*STAB!*

...and then cut through normally. XD

So, that's all I saw as I didn't stay to leech some delicious cake since I felt like I shouldn't. Nonetheless, it was something interesting to observe and record. For the record, the flower is also icing! I did taste the icing, just a little bit, and the cake was pretty nice.

Okay, that's all for now. There might be something else tomorrow, hopefully, but back to the books I go! Have to make sure to remember some stuff before the first exam on Wednesday. ^^;