I've got a ZENBOOK

I've been thinking about getting a new notebook since the HP540 was 'getting old', and recently it got real cranky after some heavy duty usage over the last 6 months.

I knew nuts about what to get..so many models with different specifications in the market, I wasn't in a hurry so I start by keeping my eyes and ears open.

Actually, I wasn't ready to commit in the purchase...if I can help it, I'd love to hold on for as long as I can.

Then came the trigger... the power of blogger-tising!  I fell in love with the HP Folio 13 after reading about it on Kenny Sia.  I was totally intrigued then I was in love.  I checked it out at the stores it was love at first sight, love at first touch.

But..for some peculiar reason, this time, for the first time..in my life..I didn't follow my instinct.  The sensible part of me resisted my normally dominating impulsive nature.  

I must have spent at least 3 weeks looking around, reading up before making the final decision.

I ended up with an ZENBOOK UX32VD despite extremely strong resistance from Apple fans :D

Why not MacBook Air which only cost RM100 more??  

I have my reasons.. to be honest..I still love the HP Folio 13... but this seems to be a better option in terms of specifications and word-of-mouth recommendations of course. 

I hope I made the right choice.

I'm still testing it out.  Will definitely write more about it when I've got a conclusion!

What's the moral of the story?

I made it to the GNC Warehouse Sale after all.

Here's the story...

The venue at Berjaya Times Square was so out of the way, but it's really worth the journey given the amount of savings one can get from the discounts.  My target was the Accelerade sports drink.

The Original Price at retail is set at RM193.90 per bottle. 
GNC Members' Price is RM155.12 (RM38.78 Savings per bottle) applicable all year round.

Each bottle has about 60 servings, hence, at the regular retail members' price, it costs me about RM2.59 per serving.  At one serving per gym session..it will take me approximately 3-4 months to finish a bottle.


At the Warehouse Sale each bottle is priced at RM126.04 : that's RM67.86 savings per bottle (off original price). 


Since the expiry date is at April 2014, I decided to take only one bottle, after all, there may be another sale in the future, no need to be so kiasu I thought.




Total purchase cost was at RM235.97 including a bottle of double strength Fish Body Oil. When I was about to swipe the card, I remembered that there's a on-going promotion via StanChart credit card (i.e 2 winners every 30 mins daily to get up to RM200 off with min RM100 per transaction) and I have not sms to register, LOL.  

I looked behind me to check if there's anyone in the queue, since there's none, I asked if they can wait for me to register my card for the promo first, LOL.  They were very kind to oblige.  I was fumbling for a while..reading the sms from StanChart and keying in the details to SMS. While doing that I kept looking around to see if there's anyone waiting behind me..than out of nowhere, this man appeared next to me, smiling rather sarcastically.  So, I asked if he is queueing..

His reply went something like this:
Never mind..go ahead and hog, I'll just get them to give me more discounts for letting you do that.


I was quite taken aback as I really didn't see anyone waiting in the queue, I apologised and asked the cashier to go ahead with the transaction but the sweet sales consultant and cashier said that they can put my transaction on hold while I register my card and they can proceed with his transaction.  I agreed and step aside while this man went on with his sarcastic remarks:
It's alright..go ahead and hog all you want, they will have to give me extra ,..bla bla bla..


I ignored him.  No point arguing over petty stuff.  I continued with my registration and rejoined the queue, which became much longer by then.  I was okay with that since I was under no time pressure.

While queueing I looked around and noticed a huge sign at the sports nutrition section that says BUY 1 FREE 1.  I stopped a sales staff and asked her if Accelerade qualifies for that promo.  She checked and confirmed that it does but basedon Original Price RM193.90.  Which means..

I only pay RM96.95 per bottle and that works out to a RM96.95 savings per bottle!


Both expires on April 2014, there are about 21 months more to April 2014, I should have more than enough time to finish the current one quarter left plus the two new bottles.


So I would like to Thank that man for his sarcasm...if not for him I would have missed the better deal !

What's the moral of the story here?

Source: stfuconservatives.net via WSL on Pinterest

My Go Sport ID

It's here!

In case you missed the previous entry, go HERE

So..some of you are probably saying, what's so special about it? It's just a wrist band with some writings on it.  Read more about Go Sport ID - HERE

Sorry - had to blank out some personal info for privacy reasons

I'm not sure about other brands.



This was ordered online all the way from US, no shipping charges.

Recap from previous entry, it isn't something that I really need but since I've a USD10 gift card from Earndit points, why not!  It's cool to have :P

And more importantly, it can come in useful during emergencies for runners...even old folks or kids with medical conditions.  Just like those medic alert bracelet.


I'm not sure if there are any in Malaysia.  If there's none..I wonder why.


In fact, I think potential organ donors should be given something like this.  Even though we may not wear it all the time..but it's a good souvenir don't you think?

All that can go wrong in Customer Care

For some reasons, I've had more than enough encounters with customer service support of different companies and brands lately.  Following up on a previous rambling about Customer Service - HERE where I've written about some of my good and bitter experiences lately.

One of my superior once told us - "..when you receive an email, ensure that you acknowledge regardless of whether you have a solution or answer to the subject matter but make sure you acknowledge the email.."

That was like more than 10 years ago where email was still THE main communication touch point.

Nowadays, with the internet and social media ruling the world, companies and brands should find it ten times easier to be closer to the customers, to acknowledge and to appreciate customers. No?

I wrote an enquiry to the Skechers UK site, I got an auto-generated-reply almost immediately.  It's automated but it's good enough for me to know that the enquiry was received.  An email  follow up came y within the next 24 hours.  The reply was general..but good enough since I wasn't even a customer.

And my recent experience with Go Sport ID (HERE) was more than pleasant for such a small purchase.

Now, back to the International Skincare Company.  Pardon me, I've been using this brand for years and I am was happy with it.

Quick re-cap. They introduced a new range of day cream, my face developed irritation.  How serious can that be?  If you're a woman and a regular user of day cream, you'll know how serious that is.


I think this International Skincare brand had done all that a brand should not do in terms of customer care.

Fault no.1: 
I couldn't get through the general line - the only contact no. available on the local website


I mentioned to a friend who is a staff, she offered to pass my contact to the respective dept.  I waited.

Fault no.2:
Nobody called


I called again after waiting for 1-2 weeks and managed to get through.  I was passed on to the respective dept. and was told that my problem 'was being looked into" and "the person in charge will call me back in a day or two"


Fault no.3:
Nobody called


I wrote to the International website to highlight the issue.


Fault no.4:
No acknowledgement of email.  A follow up call came from local office after only 1-2 weeks.


I told the rep. nicely that I've already managed to speak someone in the office and am waiting for a call soon.  I gave her the name of the person who was suppose to call me.  The rep "promised' that she will follow up on my behalf.

Fault no.5:
Nobody called.  No follow up


A few days ago, I called the direct line that was given to me.  There was no answer, so I was directed back to the operator who gave me a hotline number for the particular brand that I was referring to, oh..why wasn't this given earlier (I wonder) , then I had to repeat my story all over again.  The person "promised" to call me back.

Fault no.6:
This time they did call back!
But unfortunately, one of the first things said was .."MS W, we've checked and from our records you have not called us before"

Wtf.


Anyway,.it went on and on..me repeating the same story once or two more times.

And I just received a call today to say ... (you wanna make a guess)?


Sit. Tight.


Apparently, the person who was handling my case had left the company.

:D

What a joke....

So..there I was ..repeating my story again to some one who obviously doesn't understand the product..as I had to repeat the brand and range many times ...many times...and it was also very obvious that with her limited product knowledge she had no solution nor advice to my problem.

Well, at least one message came out good - I was told that "out of goodwill, I can exchange the the product with another item, and what would like I that to be"




Well, yeah..hooray..but my main question remained unanswered.... now that the new product is no longer suitable for me.. do you have any advice on which other variant that I can use?

May be..I was asking too much huh?  Since they are willing to exchange..I should just accept the offer and move on to another brand!

End of story.

Go Sport ID via Earndit

I'm getting one of this :)

https://www.facebook.com/GoSportID

It's called a Go Sport ID - a sports wrist band (made of silicone) that comes with a titanium plate for us to engrave key vital information e,g, name & emergency contact, health condition or personal motto.

Why the fuss?  Well, imagine me running in a marathon or in a park on my own and I collapsed - the ID will communicate for me.  Whoever "the first responder" who came to help will be able to know who to call.

In other words, it's like engraving our contact details to our dog tag, in case the dog gets lost. :D

Read more about it from a blog post HERE

No......It's not something that I thought I need to have. I don't run that often anyway..and if I do run in marathons, our bib will always have our emergency contact information.

This particular model - the Glide costs USD16.95 but..since I have more than enough Earndit points to redeem a $10 gift card for it..Why Not!  They offer worldwide Free Delivery, one of the reason why I took the trouble to order.

After all.I'm a sucker for cute and cool stuff :P

The points are a given.  

All I did was linked my Earndit account to Foursquare and make sure I check in to the gym via Foursquare whenever I'm at the gym. 

Or.. make sure my Runkeeper app is linked to Earndit, and switch on my Runkeeper whenever I run.  

Each check in to the gym earns 15pts.  A 2.2 km run earns about 14 pts.   

I have thousand over points now :)

Can one cheat by checking in to the gym everyday or a few times a day?
I've no idea. Never tried and don't intend to try.
I'm a Buddhist, I believe in living with clear conscience...so I don't cheat.

So..yea..I'm looking forward to getting my Go Sport ID..I just got some problems sorted out, should be receiving in 2-3 weeks time :)

Speaking of customer service..I gotta give thumbs up to these guys.  I sent a message to it's FB page asking for some advice on which model I should opt for and which size is good for me, etc.  I got a reply within hours due to time zone difference.

Today, I had problems with the site while ordering online, I dropped another FB message at around 6pm our time and got a reply after 2 hours.  I was adviced to go on Live Chat with the Customer Service rep.  So I did.  The rep was polite and responsive.  They didn't maange to solve the problem on the spot, suggested that I provide them my details inclusive of payment details..which I wasn't comfortable with.
So, I declined and said I could wait, while I dropped another message to their FB page on the status.

To my surprise, they replied in less than 30 mins with a solution. And it worked :)

I'm a happy customer.

It was only a purchase worth USD6.95 (with the Earndit gift card) but the support service provided was simply excellent.

Hmm..this reminds me of that "International Skincare Brand" that I'm still waiting for them to return my call, it's been almost a month!

Not sure how big a brand or business is Go Sport ID .. but..WELL DONE!

Poptone

I have a new watch!

It's a Casio Poptone.  Doesn't matter if it's a new or older model. I got it free :D

Redeemed from MB card points that I decided to let go. Over 40,000 points for a $100+  watch, is it worth it? 

I like to use my points to redeem stuff that I don't need to buy with cash.  In other words, it's stuff I don't really need but I'd like to have it if it doesn't cost.  Oh well, 40,000 points is worth 40,000 real bucks spent on the card but..those were spent on other stuff. but ... I get something else on top what I already paid for.

Nice or not my new watch?

By the way, do you notice that the analog clock doesn't sync with the digital clock?  Haven't got time to figure out why is it so.  Just got it yesterday..felt like I just got a pressie from Santa

=D

I gave it away

Finally, the second 4th Generation iPod Shuffle arrived.  It was a guaranteed gift from a credit card give away for spending 2k in a month.  Got the first one from August spending.

First one was a 3rd generation model. Love it when I use it for running. It's so small and handy..the volume and track controls on the ear phone cable itself..makes a lot of sense, e.g. we don't have to keep reaching out for the iPod when running or working out or even walking.

 

The original plan was to 'sell' the old / used one to Jenny at a ' friendly' price.  But then, it became kind of over used ~ sweat, rain, I even fell down with it...in the end I told Jenny I won't charge la.

So..the new one came finally and I tried using it for the first time last week.

 

You know what?

I didn't like it.

 

  

They decided to place the controls back on to the iPod instead of the earphone cable. From a user view point, I think it was a wrong move.  I was fumbling with it for the full 20 mins while trying to run with it.  In short, I felt very clumsy using it.  Simple actions like clipping it on to the top or shorts was a tussle...why? Cos the fingers either ended up pressing on to the volume or track change or pause button.  And when it is finally clipped on..what about when I need to change track or volume again..the tussle starts all over again :s


So how?


I gave it away.


Asked Jenny if she minds..taking this...since she doesn't intend to use much for running and she hasn't had experience with the older model..so she should be able to get use to the new one.


There.....I gave the brand new 4th generation away.

I'm not getting an Iphone

I think ...getting an Iphone is M'sia is a total rip off.

I. Won't. Get an Iphone (in M'sia) unless someone tells me I interpreted the numbers wrongly.

Let's just assume we are only interested in the 16GB model and we do not mind signing up a 2 years contract with a different telco.

Note:

• The above are sourced from the respective websites i.e. DiGi, Maxis and Singtel sites (dated 1st week June 2010).
• Exchange rates : 1USD equivalent to RM3.27554 and SG1.4092 respectively 
• Latest Iphone 3GS 16GB price released on last week of May by Walmart in US is USD97 slashed by about USD100 in anticipation of the fourth generation to be revelaed soon..like now.

Since our beloved telcos have not showing any signs of cutting price...let's just talk about the old pricing.  Assuming an Iphone costs about USD200 in the US, that works out to RM655 and SG282 respectively.

Now..you tell me if we are being ripped-off?

Ok..since I'm already an existing Maxis user..the above doesn't really apply to me.  Do I get preferential price as a "Loyal Customer"?

http://www.maxis.com.my/personal/iphone3gs/rateplan2.asp

NOPE!

If I opt for iData3 for example :

• RM99 Monthly 3GB data access fee (2 yrs contract)
• Cost of Iphone RM1,490 !

Our New NB

:)

Mine WR760 stability model for low / flat arch feet

Jenny's WR758 Neutral model for normal / higher arch feet

...the joke is...both of us took the trouble to look for a pair of old shoes and brought them with us all the way to One U.   so that we are be able to enjoy the promotional rebates by donating the shoes..  Well...we did try very hard ..as there were only selected models with rebates.  But in the end..other 'new arrival' models caught our 'flirty' eyes.  Alas..we got our pretty new shoes...and still had to bring back our old shoes :D

Collage Making Freeware

I've  been making collages manually using Microsoft Powerpoint and it is pretty painful having to insert, resize and arrange the photos manually.  Jenny and I was viewing some photo's in an FB album when it suddenly occured to us that there must be softwares for collages.  Hmm..were we slow or ignorant :D

Collages are good to have when we do not wish to end up with hundreds of pictures in an album. 
So..I've been googling for ...freeware of course.

Found one today from http://www.shapecollage.com/

It takes only about a few minutes to download and another few minutes to install.

It is also fairly easy to use but one will need some patience to understand and experiment with various functions options on the right column.

1st : Load all the photos that you want to include into the collage
2nd : Adjust shape, size, appearance, angle, etc to your liking. Eg. tilt degree of photos, border of photos, etc

3rd : Click preview to see how the photo arragement will look like based on your settings.  Each click generates different arrangement.  You can preview as many times as you wish ....till you find an arrangement that you like.

4th : Click CREATE once you are satisfied and your creation will be saved.

SIMPLE & FUN.


If you don't like it..do it again.

You can also create a larger collage by increasing the total # of photos even though you only have very few photos

Bored of rectangle collage? Opt for other shapes. HEART SHAPE anyone?

That's why the site is called SHAPECOLLAGE.COM    =))

Pandora Recovery Freeware

And I thought I can settle down to unwind after a long day out. Nope.
I just had some distressed hours desperately downloading & trying out various file softwares to recover photos I clumsily erased from the SD card.

Guess what.

As of 12.43am just now..I had successfully recovered all my photos ^.^

Thanks to Google...it was fairly easy to locate several blogs and websites that touched on the subject matter. 

Thanks to this BLOG that recommended a few freewares.
It states:
Most people think that if you erase your memory card (accidentally or intentionally) that the pictures are gone forever. Most people couldn't be more wrong. Your erased pics are still there until you take more pics and overwrite them. You just can't see them, for now. Just remember not to take any more pics on that card just yet.


 

It was not an easy task.  I must have downloaded and tried out at least 4 different softwares.  Most worked excellently in recovering..it was amazing...but most also require a fee to purchase a code to do actual recovery.

Some did not work at all.

Turst me..it was a daunting process...downloading..and testing..time wasted in waiting for the software to search...one took as long as 2 hours..but in the end found out it's not free after all.

Persistent..pays well.
Alas..Panda Recovery did the job!  The download/ installation and recovery process was very simple too.
It took about 10 mins to search the card ..nest..all I had to do was to select the photos..and click the magic button :

RECOVER

I'm so so happy.

Now..I can show off my pictures :D

Now...I can have a peaceful sleep :)

Nite Nite.

Pink Nike Eclipse @ RM179 now!

It's cheaper!
Retail price was at above RM200 when I first saw it few months back.

http://goods.ruten.com.tw/item/show?11090909630706

Whilst I still find it so cute and cool, I can't visualise myself wearing it.  I'm not cute enough :-P 

I've spent too much lately..so I'm not gonna spend on something I don't really need.

I've combed almost all sports and / or Nike outlets in town...only the Nike store on the Mid Valley's 3rd floor has it.

Go get it..before I change my mind!

Why did I choose Lumix Lx3?

Just realised that I haven't really mention what made me finally decided to get the LX3 instead of say the FZ35 or Canon's G11 or Sx20 or Nikon's P90...since I was initially more interested in style.  Well..I initially thought it's so much more stylo to hold a bigger bulkier gadget.  I was actually eyeing the FZ35 since I didn't quite like the others. However..as days goes by..the practicality issue struck me harder and harder.  And of coure..I've said many times....my liking towards LX3 grew by day.

Wait..I just saw the Panasonic recently released a GF1. Whoa...looks similar to LX3 ler. How come nobody recommended to me ler?  tsk tsk tsk. 

Just found this simple yet informative review by wirefresh.  According to the article, GF1 is like a grown up of LX3.  How cool.  It's a DSLR by the way.  No wonder no one recommended to me..I was only targeting a semi-pro. lol.  So...if you are looking for a less bulky DSLR....there's an option now..Lumix GF1!

That leads me back to why I chose LX3.  Yeah..because of convenience.  I cannot imagine myself carrying such a bulky gadget with me all the time.  Especially when I'm a so called blogger that love to take candid shots of food, people, places...imagine..in the midst of eating with  friends or family..and I whisk out this this bulky gadget to take a pic of the...food for example.  I just don't see myself doing that.  In fact I used to glare at Trish whenever she takes out her DSLR and forced us to pose for her!

Jenny who owns a G10 also confirmed that she only utilise her gadget when she is out travelling...not at social ocassion. 

There you go..how I decided to go compact instead of style & size.

Besides..as I mentioend numerous times here:

LX3 is cool.

LX3 is smart looking.

LX3 is good to be seen with.

Hmm....I should get Panasonic to pay me for all these free publicity.

Looks aside...the LX3 does have quite good specifications.  As you would have already noticed..I'm more a sucker for looks and style..less techy.  So..i won't try too hard to be techy here.

But over the few weeks, when I did little short read up, rersearches and window shopping on the few short listed models...comments and reviews about the offerings of  LX3 did leave me with more confidence.  Was told over and over again that it's aperture range of F2.0 to 2.8 is extraordinary and can't be found in most cameras.  This translates to better picture quality..especiall when shooting in darker surroundings.  Great isn't it.

Ok..I made my points ..I think. I won't bore you anymore with stories about LX3.  But..you will definitely see more pics ...hahah..until I get bored showing off. 

Leaving you here with a  little expriement I did today with the panaromic maker software.  Nice?

Finally Decided - Panasonic's Lumix LX3 it is!

La di da...it's finally here..with me..in my arms :-)

Deep inside I wanted it. It's just that I couldn't decide if I should have a 'gaya' (i.e. stylish) looking model like the FZ35 or a compact LX3 and the fact that EVERYONE's recommending Canon made it even more difficult for me to make a decision.

See for youselves.  Canon S90 on the right and Lumix LX3 on the left.  Do you see the vast difference?  My friend Jenny who has more experience with cameras preferred Canon after trying both.  The salesperson at the Canon booth was very convincing BUT I just couldn't get myself to own 'that thing'.  I'm not going to say more...don't want Canon to come after me ..hehe.  It's just personal..I don't like it.
 
So I was depressed.  that no one ..and nothing was convincing enough to push me to make the final decision.
 
Almost went home empty handed man..then..I told the gals to accompany me to Key Color ..a camera shop at the second floor in MV.
 
I was so happy ...I tell..you...when the guy confidently explained to us the key differences between the two models.  Don't care if he is bias or not (he's wearing a Lumix sponsored t-shirt)..though he claimed he is not from Lumix...don't care..but his explanation were clear and pretty fair for both models.
 
I just needed to hear something good for LX3 and it's MINE!
 
Some test pics I took over dinner at Spaghetti Grill.  We have re-named it to 'Chang Kam Tit"..apparently a spin-off from Chilli's..Chris who is a regular to Chilli's thinks that everything here is a 'little less nice' compared to Chilli's ..haha.
 
 

My verdict??

Salad's not bad ...

Pasta..not bad too..but Pizza..not very good..that's why no picture...even picture didn't look tasty :-D

So how..the pic quality ok or not?

Lot's more functions to learn.  I wonder if I will ever go through the manually thoroughly.

 
 
Guess what...so excited with my new toy..I forgot to take the meds -.- Only remembered to take a while ago...at 1am! 

Updates ~ phone & camera

Finally..I got my new phone! Those who know me personally will know that I've been having problems with the Motorola L6 and..how I have the luxury of getting new phones as easy as a phone call away..f.o.c.

Ha ha.  Yes. I could be so lucky. lucky. lucky!

So...ta daa..that's my new phone.  A Motorola ZN200.
Intro by ProductWiki as follows:

The Motorola ZN200 is an advanced slider phone offered my Motorola. There is a built in 2.0 megapixel camera with 8x optical zoom which can easily be operated thanks to a dedicated camera key to launch an imaging mode that only illuminates buttons you need for shooting, and it can also capture video at 15-20 fps. Video and images can be enjoyed on the 1.9" TFT color screen and with up to 2 GB of external memory and 30 MB of internal memory, there is plenty of space to store your media. You can easily share video and images with Bluetooth wireless2 technology and MMS. There is also a MP3 player and FM radio allowing you to listen to music anywhere with included wired headset, or go wireless with a Stereo Bluetooth wireless headset. Easily transfer songs to your phone from a PC with USB drag and drop support, which can also be used to upload ringtones, wallpapers or games. CrystalTalk technology gives best-in-class audio for phone calls, even in noisy environements.

Loving it so far.  Pic quality is not too bad too.

As for the camera.  I've more or less decided to get a bigger (gaya!) camera rather than a compact camera reason being I can always use the mobile phone as a handy camera when I need to capture candid shots.  But I still like the Lumix LX3 a lot.  Second preference is Lumix FZ35.  The two are very similar in terms of specifications. 

Both are semi-pro.  Some salesgal at an exhibition told me recently that the LX3 is better in terms of aperture...but i jsut did a quick comparison at the Lumix microsite just now - the results doesn't seem to say so though..unless I understood it wrongly.  Will have to visit more stores to find out more.  After all I have not made a final decision.  I really like the LX3 ....! Oh man..

Was also looking at Nikon...I was browsing briefly at a store in Amcorp and one or two caught my eye..I think it was the Coolpix P90 but then when I saw it again side by side with Lumix..it didn't look as nice :P

Canon?  Ya..10 out of 10 person that I spoke to recommended Canon. *roll eyes*  I really do not like the Powershot G10 / 11 (latest)..too square.  The only one that I 'like' so far is the Powershot SX20 but...compared to the Lumix range..

Don't you think so??

Gaya or Practical?

Didn't intend to stay up too late..but see..I'm still up at this hour.  There's durian in the fridge but I dare not eat cos still feeling a bit unwell :(  Nothing much to talk about today.  Was home quite early today...had dinner.  Watched TV..some final episode of a TVB drama on WLT.  Skipped tai chi..really tired and I wanna watch that final episode ma. 

Anyway..enough crap talk.  Really need to rest early.  Hope the cold & the body aches will go away by tomorrow.  I wanna start gym-ing again.

Guess what = I've started looking around for a camera :-)   Dropped by MV to peep into the Panasonic's exhibition to check out the Lumix range.  Also visited a few stores to get some prelim recommendation.

So far...I have these in mind.  Still very initial.  Still gotta read up and learn a lot about the specifications and features.  Now..just based on looks...ta daa..

PowerShot SX20 - Canon

(Not my top pick in terms of looks,..but JH's friend who is a prof. recommends Canon wor)

PowerSHot G10 - Canon

(JH's using this..her pics looks perfect.  Highly recommended by her friend.  But..I don't quite like the look wor )

Lumix LX3 - Panasonic

(Nice hor?  Compact too..and function wise almost equal to the few shortlisted here...pnly short fall is the optical zoom is very much less @ 2.5 only)

Lumix FZ35 - Panasonic

(my favourite so far ;p)

BASICALLY.....I am more for Lumix cos they look prettier ...lol.  But..people are recommending Canon more.  My other probkem is..I can't decide if I want a smaller compact camera which is convenient to carry about OR a bigger one which is more GAYA (stylish).

so so..how how? gaya or practical?
Price range..all the above...are between RM1,500 to RM2,000 roughly.

Note : All images taken from Canon & Panasonic official websites.

I bought fake Crocs

I'm ashamed. Very ashamed.

PIC SOURCE : THE STARONLINE

The above was published in The Star not too long after I bought the cheap Crocs from the stalls. Crocs had issued official statements warning the Malaysian public about imitation Crocs flooding the night market recently. Crocs do not have any reject stocks from China.

Referring to the above picture - the Real Crocs is on the Left!

The article oulined some guidelines to help us differentiate Real vs Fake Crocs.

1. Every pair of Crocs has its own unique barcode/serial number printed on its hangtag. If you see the same serial number appearing on the hangtags of any other pair of shoes of the same model or other models, then you definitely have an imitation in your hands.

2. Every original Crocs hangtag contains information relating to its corresponding pair of Crocs shoes such as its style name, colour description and size.

3. Check for authorised retailers and Crocs concept stores selling Crocs footwear listed in the official website at crocs.com.my. Only stores listed on the website sell genuine Crocs shoes.

4. Check the website product listing and compare the available designs and colours. If you see a shoe with the brand Crocs in a design or colour that is not shown on the website, then it is not an authentic Crocs product.

5. You can also go to facebook.com/crocsmalaysia and post a query.

Customers can contact the official Crocs Service Centre ( 03-6203 2336) if they have any enquiries about the availability of genuine Crocs products in Malaysia.

Sigh.

Can you guess which one is my real Crocs?

ME, HSBC & Caltex > Esso

I have lot's to blog about these days! But I'm still only limiting to one entry a day ;)..but but..i can't resist from bitching about this strange weird guy at BC class just now. Initially...he had a lots of gaya..shadow kicking & punching away even before the class starts just like a pro kickboxer. BUT..the moment the class starts...oh my...! He was like having his own kickboxing match regardless of what the instructor & the rest of the class were doing. Yours truly here..were lucky enough to be right behind him..he got me so confused. Grrr.. Oh ya..guess what..after about 5 mins into the class..he decided to take off his shoes pulak! wth.. I really beh tahan man! Quickly moved to the other end of the studio during the break far far away from him. Doesn't matter that I couldn't see the instructor clearly there..as long as I'm far away from him!

Ok. Enough bitching. Back to topic.
Some of you may have heard me complaining about RON 95 recently. Ya lor..I'm not happy about RON95 ler...pretty sure the car isn't running smoothly ever since started using it. There were also rumors circulating that Shell's RON95 ain't that good....have not seen any proven official data about it though...but I had decided that I will try other brands for a change.

Coincidentally - I received a text msg about getting 5x reward points from all HSBC cards if we pump at Caltex stations. That's a good deal!

And so..my petrol tank has had the warning indicator light on since this morning..but my morning is normally too rush to pump petrol. The mileage was at about 400. The maximum is about 420-430 for normal city driving. Thought I can refill at Caltex near the offcie when I drive out for lunch. Unfortunately..I was too busy to even go out for lunch. dang..

Come evening..it's time to head to the gym (Hartamas)..There isn't any Caltex in Hartamas. Only Shell. Tak mahu la.

Below - the indicator brightly lit up all the way from PJ to Hartamas. Stubborn. Stubborn.

Was contemplating if I should take a risk..and stretch it a little bit. I remember there's a Caltex on the way home. So..I did. Dare not even switch on air condition.

Guess what..the station that I thought was Caltex supposedly..turned out to be an Esso. DANG!!

No choice la...indicator light glaring at me all the way :D

Silly things that I do! Somemore...filling up in this area (my own neighbourhood) is not exactly as safe is Hartamas. The feel & environment and people you see..is just different. Scary.



lol~

Quaker Quakes vs. Milo

Just remembered that I'm suppose to do up something about these two products. Here goes:

Quaker Quakes Ingredients : Sugar, Quaker Oats, Maltodekstrin, Cocoa powder, Salt, Flavouring, Vitamin, Mineral

Milo Ingredients : Sugar, Malt extract, Skimmed milk powder, Maltodekstrin, Cocoa, Palm oil, Minerals, Vitamin, Flavouring (Vanillin), of synthetic origin, traces: gluten



Average Composition for every 100g serving:

Quakes : Milo (in itallic font)
Energy (kcal) - 385.2 : 404
Protein (g) - 4.8 : 11.7
Total Fat (g) - 4.3 : 9.9
Carbohydrate (g) - 81 : 67.1
Sugar (g) - 53.3 : N.A.
Dietary fiber (g) - 3.7 : 4.0
Natrium (mg) - 492 : 150

Vitamin:
A (IU) - 8.9 : N.A.
B1 (mg) - 0.28 : 1.07
B2 (mg) - 0.34 : 1.14
B3 (mg) - 2.7 : 12.8
B6 (mg) - 2.8 : 1.7
B12 (ug) - N.A. : 0.94
C (mg) - 24.4 : 60
D (ug) - 2.1 : N.A.
E (ug) - 3.35 : N.A.
Ferum (mg) - 28.2 : N.A.
Magnesium (mg) - 69.3 : 170
Calsium (mg) - 153 : 520
Niasin (mg) - N.A. : 12.8
Panthothenic acid (mg) - N.A. : 4.6
Biotin (ug) - N.A. : 107
Phosporus (mg) - N.A. : 550
Iron (mg) - N.A. : 10.5


Conclusion ??
Don't have :D From the numbers..it seems like Milo is relatively better. No? But..what I most wanted to know is not available..How much sugar does Milo has compared to Quakes??

A Special Day

7th September 2009 was a very special day. Two of my closest friends became Mothers for the first time within 12 hours apart. Received PPL's good news in the morning about the arrival of her baby boy at around 10am. So happy for her. I decided then to check with Trish who was suppose to be due around the same time. Guess what..Trish was also in the labour ward! What a beautiful day :D Trish delivered her baby gal about 12 hours later :)

Hmm...this friend of mine. Her wedding day also clashed with another good friend (Jane). Being her kiasu self she had informed and invited us to her special day like 24 months ahead of time..so I had no choice but to skip Jane's wedding.

Now..some years later she gave birth on the same day as another close friend of mine! tsk. tsk. tsk. If they ever have full moon or birthday parties for their kids..I will be caught again *rolling eyes*

By the way...today is also a 'special' day for me ~ lol.

I swiped $500 deposit for this package with Kian Classic.



The consultant will be coming take the measurements on Sunday. Gasp! The total cost will be at at least 11k that is if I take everything i.e. kitchen cabinet, 3 warddrobes and the TV cabinet.

Shall I still get the Ray Ban??