Apple’s new iPhone OS 4, the iOS 4 will be released for free download later today. Some sources are saying that it will be released at 5pm and some says 6pm UK time, but it’s past both 5pm and 6pm now so I’m saying it’ll be released anytime today, 22 June GMT +8.

To get ready for the update, download iTunes 9.2, run a full backup of your iPhone and click the “Check for Update” button.

I’ve just backed-up and re-checked for any updates, but nothing has changed from the current 3.1.3. Let’s hope Apple’s servers can handle the massive traffic for the software download.

A quick rundown on the features of the new iOS 4:

• Multitasking
• Bluetooth keyboard support
• Folders
• Edit/Create Playlists
• iBooks
• (Better) Email Management
• Home screen wallpaper
• Tap-to-focus video
• 5x digital zoom camera
• Spell Check
• and a total of over 100 new features

For those people who’re staying up awake to be the first to download the software, good luck and have fun waiting. I suggest you get some sleep instead.

Have a nice day!

Possible related posts..

• August 7, 2009 -- Hyundai i30 Hyper Silver SX 2.0L Manual (3)
• June 19, 2009 -- I’m a Swine Flu Survivor (15)
• April 23, 2009 -- My Business Card (11)
• February 4, 2009 -- And so.. (3)
• October 28, 2008 -- Green Froggy (0)
• August 2, 2008 -- A Couple of Announcements (3)
• July 3, 2008 -- SB-400 to SB-600 (0)

Anyway, this is the (unboxing) photos of the AD700, and I was so excited, I ran to the door as soon as the doorbell rang this morning. So if the photos looked a little sub-par, that’s the 5-year-old Raymond trying to contain his excitement whilst photographing the long-awaited phones. Enjoy:

Yes, it is really light!

The box wasn’t in its most glorious state, but that doesn’t concern me much.

Just look at it in all its glory. Staring at me.

Yes I was so excited that I didn’t even wear a shirt. And yes I just woke up.

Excuse me while I go put some clothes on

Possible related posts..

• May 15, 2009 -- Which Vertical Grip to Buy for Nikon D40/x/60? (1)
• March 8, 2009 -- The Standstill (6)
• November 27, 2008 -- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (8)
• September 7, 2010 -- Logitech M950 Performance Mouse MX Review (0)
• December 25, 2009 -- 2009 – The Year That Was (3)
• December 10, 2009 -- Perth Skyline at Night – Pt 2 (1)
• October 16, 2009 -- ChanRaymond dot net Turns Two! (2)

Happy stuff. I will be graduating in my double major Public Relations/Journalism degree this March after finding out yesterday that for my semester two results, I received two distinctions and a credit. I’m fairly comfortable with that as this semester was probably the most effort I’ve given in my three-year university life. I also just realised that of all the three years, six semesters of studies, I have taken 20 units with only one High Distinction. But I’m not the type who aims for the moon, so I’m fairly happy to settle among the clouds.

At work, I was transferred to the kitchen from the salad bar after my request late last year and have finally learned how to cook a proper steak to perfection – rare, mid-rare, medium, mid-well, well-done. Rumps, T-bones, petite fillets, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers. I’ve also developed a love and hate passion for the fryers, where I cooked chips, shrimps, calamari rings, nuggets, etc. The list just goes on and on but it had been a fun and challenging place to work in.

I was also recently “promoted” to be a salad bar certified trainer, meaning I get to wear a different coloured badge, but that’s not exactly a promotion as it involves a great deal of responsibility. Fellow colleagues don’t seem to understand that, unfortunately, but that’s another story. Then again, I’ll be looking for what people say, a “proper” job as soon as my CV/Resume are completed, so this job is not a keeper as far as I know.

Another happy note, I have become an uncle to a niece last Monday.

I have also purchased my very first brand new car this year and received it in August, which is a Hyundai i30 SX 2.0L Manual Hatchback.

Other happy things that happened this year – my photo was published for the first time (although just an ad), I bought a great lens earlier this year, taken reception photos for two lovely couples, Jack and Annie in April and Fadh and Winnie in August, photographed a school music concert in November for the very first time, photographed a rally for the very first time, and recently I was also asked by Annie to photograph her maternity photos.

As I said, there are the downs to every ups. Just like the Yin and Yang. Darkness and light. White and black. Evil and good. Fat and thin. Old and young. You get the drift.

Not-so-happy stuff. So my almost two-year relationship with L ended sometime in late July/early August. I think. I don’t think she knows exactly when either, but it was around that period of time when it happened. It was pretty much a mutual decision, and there wasn’t really a specific reason as to why it ended, but as long as we’re both happy with our decision, things will only get better from then.

Earlier in June, I contracted Swine flu. It wasn’t the best thing to happen to anyone, but I would say it was an experience to remember – being quarantined, getting calls from the health department every day to check on you. It almost felt like the movie, Blindess, but not that tragic of course, heh. But I survived and even blogged about it, so it’s not that bad I guess!

Now that I think about it, there isn’t really much that I can write about the downs worth mentioning for this past year other than the two I’ve already mentioned. Other not-so-happy times are mostly some of the assignments in uni that gives me the headaches and sometimes from work, but that’s life, no?

Now that I’ve listed the goodies and baddies this year, the ups have outweighed the downs, so I suppose I have had a good 2009. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the year 2010, where hopefully things will be better in terms of my wallet, work, health, and who knows, love.

I have also recently found out that I meet the minimum requirements for permanent residency application in Australia, so hopefully I can get the application sorted out ASAP.

Before I keep rambling on, I should probably stop here. Hereby, I wish each and every one of you a Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Have a great and safe end of year!

Possible related posts..

• October 16, 2009 -- ChanRaymond dot net Turns Two! (2)
• August 7, 2008 -- HOYA CPL 52mm (2)
• May 31, 2008 -- The Confessional (6)
• May 21, 2008 -- Of Work and Uni (2)
• May 25, 2010 -- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 in Pictures (0)
• December 10, 2009 -- Perth Skyline at Night – Pt 2 (1)
• September 4, 2009 -- Assignments, assignments, assignments. (0)

So here is the continuation of my first post a couple of weeks back, Perth Skyline at Night. But unlike the first set of shots, these ones were taken elsewhere, at Applecross.

Enjoy:

Yes, I’ve changed my border around my images and also the font for the watermark. Gotten a little sick of the old one.

Can’t wait for my next session of night photography!

Possible related posts..

• November 18, 2009 -- Perth Skyline at Night (4)
• May 25, 2010 -- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 in Pictures (0)
• December 25, 2009 -- 2009 – The Year That Was (3)
• October 16, 2009 -- ChanRaymond dot net Turns Two! (2)
• August 7, 2009 -- Hyundai i30 Hyper Silver SX 2.0L Manual (3)
• July 29, 2009 -- The Wheel of Perth (0)
• May 15, 2009 -- Which Vertical Grip to Buy for Nikon D40/x/60? (1)

This site has come a long way, from a personal blog filled with gibberish and entries about my life in uni, to a more photography-centric type of entries with less words and more pictures. I have also been lazy to comment on others’ blogs, so I’m back to being a silent reader of others’ blogs. Of course, this has caused me to lose quite a few frequent readers and commenters which I have built from my previous blog(s), but I still have some readers who will make the extra effort to leave some feedback on my entries, and that is more than welcomed here on ChanRaymond dot net.

As I am currently in the last couple of weeks of my university life for the rest of my life (fingers crossed), updates have been halted to a point where I only update when I find the time, and often when I do, it’s an entry with less than 50 words (and I’m a to-be journalism graduate!). Of course, I do try to put in more pictures to fill the “gap”, but I must admit that it’s plain laziness at work.

Nevertheless, I personally take this time to thank all loyal readers of my blog, to all who still find time to read all the craps I’ve churned out. Even though I have been really lazy with my updates lately, there were still people giving feedback to my pictures, which really gives me the “feel-good” factor. To be honest, there has been a couple of instances when I considered quitting blogging due to work and uni, to which I can barely handle. But I guess I shall give it another year (since I’ve paid for the hosting) and we’ll see what next year brings.

Before I delay this entry any further and risk not publishing this entry at all, I shall stop here and get some rest after a long night of uni work. Have a wonderful weekend ahead and thanks for reading!

Possible related posts..

• December 25, 2009 -- 2009 – The Year That Was (3)
• March 8, 2009 -- The Standstill (6)
• July 3, 2008 -- Then and Now.. (4)
• May 31, 2008 -- The Confessional (6)
• May 25, 2010 -- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 in Pictures (0)
• December 10, 2009 -- Perth Skyline at Night – Pt 2 (1)
• September 4, 2009 -- Assignments, assignments, assignments. (0)

After picking her up which took about 40 minutes, I headed straight to uni as I had to get to a lecture at 11.30am. Since I had almost 1.5 hours to spare, I drove around campus to look for a spot to take some photos, but there wasn’t really a good spot unless I stop in the middle of the road or drive over the curb and park on some grass (but no, I don’t wanna do that on her first day out with me, lol).

Anyway, I finally found an okay place, so here’s some photos (do click to enlarge individually):

My current desktop wallpaper

Very ashamed to be saying this, but I have stalled her like 8 times just today. I find that it’s such a smooth and quiet ride compared to my 1990 Nissan Pulsar and Supra, and the stick is still quite stiff, especially on the Reverse, 1st and 2nd gear. Or maybe I really do suck at driving manual? :/

Nevertheless, there were a couple of minor scratches that I noticed later on, but I think that can be fixed when I bring it in for its first service on 8th September. And about 3 air bubbles which are probably not even noticeable (about .5mm in diameter), still not sure if I should talk to the dealer about that.

All I can say now is that I LOVE the car. Best car I’ve owned!

Possible related posts..

• August 9, 2009 -- More Hyundai i30 SX Photos (0)
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• September 8, 2009 -- Short Update (4)
• August 28, 2009 -- More Street Performers @ Forrest Place, Perth (5)
• August 15, 2009 -- Seagulls @ Forrest Chase, Perth – Part 2 (7)
• June 24, 2009 -- Seagulls @ Forrest Chase, Perth (0)
• June 22, 2009 -- The Markets @ Perth Cultural Centre (0)

I’m sure this doesn’t just apply to me, but sadly this comic really depicts my life…. and yet I do not update on a constant basis!

Possible related posts..

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• December 10, 2009 -- Perth Skyline at Night – Pt 2 (1)
• October 16, 2009 -- ChanRaymond dot net Turns Two! (2)
• August 7, 2009 -- Hyundai i30 Hyper Silver SX 2.0L Manual (3)
• July 20, 2009 -- Mr Happy (3)

For the past week I have been taking Tamiflu tablets twice a day, prescribed by the health department for swine influenza patients. Personally, I think swine flu is a little overrated sensationalised by the media at the moment.

This is especially true when the death of the first Australian with swine flu was reported earlier today. For Pete’s sake he already had medical problems so he probably died due to his other illness in the first place. There is certainly no need to highlight the fact that he is the first person in Australia to die with the flu.

Yes, it was a harsh one week couple of nights alright. I was really ill – fever, chills, aching body, migraine, loss of appetite, cough (still going but don’t worry you wont get the virus), but thankfully I wasn’t vomiting for that 3 days or so. After that, with regular consumption of the tablets given by the health department, I was on the road to recovery in no time.

I certainly do not believe the virus has the ability to kill me, but of course if the symptoms were ignored and if I had chosen to sleep it off, it would’ve been much more serious than this.

So, if you’re having any of the symptoms that I had experienced, please do yourself and your loved ones a favour – contact your local GP immediately. The virus is not that bad-ass at all IF you have it prevented in the first place.

And yes I got paid for my days off work. *grin*

*This community service announcement is specially brought to you by ChanRaymond dot net *

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• April 30, 2009 -- Statistics Spiked – eMUnews (0)
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• July 16, 2008 -- Kenwick Pioneer Cemetary (3)
• September 8, 2009 -- Short Update (4)
• August 28, 2009 -- More Street Performers @ Forrest Place, Perth (5)

I was recently given a box of 10 sachets of F Sparkle courtesy of the Contagious Network. Since then I have been taking at least a sachet (2 tablets) every day to see if these tablets actually does what it claims to do. After more than a week, I have finished the whole box.

So what exactly is this F Sparkle?

Taken from F Sparkle’s FAQ (pdf), F Sparkle is a natural based dry tablet containing Vitamin B, herbs and electrolytes, which is approved (by the Therapeutic Goods of Australia) to be a supplement for both vitality and recovery.These tablets are developed to improve overall energy and vitality particularly during times of fatigue, stress and over indulgence.

Unlike energy drinks which are used as a “quick fix” and laden with masking agent chemicals, sugar and aspartane (which can be harmful) to hide the taste of the formula, F Sparkle is designed without sugar, guarana or added caffeine. The reason it is designed in tablet form is because tablets allows maximum delivery of vitamins, minerals and herbs without compromise.

It is also highly encouraged to be taken with (lots of) water as it improves essential hydration and balance.

Personally, although I have never really reached the target of 1 litre of water/sachet, the tablets did actually help me when I work. Often, by 10pm, I would be worn out from the physically-demanding tasks at work, but with the tablets, I could still keep going until the tasks are all done. Taking the tablets is almost the same as drinking a large can of Red Bull/Mother for me, except F Sparkle is a much healthier alternative and lasts much much longer.

I also find that even after late nights of movies and gaming, waking up at 2.30pm the next day is no longer as difficult as it used to. I guess all the ingredients in F Sparkle (pdf) did really sparkle up my body.

Then again, I still wish the tablets are a little smaller and taste better in the mouth.

For more information, visit F Sparkle at www.fsparkle.com.

Possible related posts..

• May 25, 2010 -- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 in Pictures (0)
• June 19, 2009 -- I’m a Swine Flu Survivor (15)
• May 15, 2009 -- Which Vertical Grip to Buy for Nikon D40/x/60? (1)
• March 8, 2009 -- The Standstill (6)
• February 1, 2009 -- Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 (1)
• November 27, 2008 -- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (8)
• September 7, 2010 -- Logitech M950 Performance Mouse MX Review (0)

Only costing ~AUD65, the third party (Nikon does/will not produce one for D40/x/60) vertical grip will be my hope to not just improve the comfort whilst handling the D60, but at the same time increase battery life with an additional slot for a spare battery, and in situation where both batteries have depleted, there is also an alternative of using 6AA batteries to power up the camera. Increasing weight for the body, this also means that it will be easier to carry heavier lenses as the weight from the additional vertical grip will in a way stabilise the weight of the lens, hence helping with stabilisation of the camera whilst shooting.

Of course, all good things have their flaws. These third party grips, although having a vertical shutter in the portrait orientation does not have the half-press shutter which allows AF before taking the shot. Notwithstanding that, in order to use the vertical shutter, one must change the settings in the camera to “remote release” and pull the infrared hatch from the grip which will send its signals to the camera’s infrared in order to take a shot. This means every time I want to switch from using the normal shutter to the vertical one, I would have to:

1. Change the menu settings to remote release.
2. Pop up the infrared hatch from the grip so it’ll send the signals to the camera.
3. Press the shutter halfway only to see that it doesn’t support half-press shutter.

There are a couple of sellers claiming that their version of the grip supports half-press, but as far as my research went (in Google) and according to one of the sellers who claims such function, no 3rd party grips for D40/x/60 will support half-press shutter nor will the shutter be able to function without changing the shooting mode and popping up the hatch for the infrared. So don’t waste your money on the expensive ones which claims that the grip will do this or that. Just get a cheap one since all of them are made in China anyway. But as a rule of thumb, look for the one with similar texture of the camera, don’t get the ones that look completely smooth and plasticky because it will not complement the body.

Photos when I receive my grip in a couple of weeks (hopefully)

And oh, did I mention that with the additional grip, my D60 will look more professional too? lol

Possible related posts..

• March 8, 2009 -- The Standstill (6)
• May 25, 2010 -- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 in Pictures (0)
• November 27, 2008 -- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (8)
• September 7, 2010 -- Logitech M950 Performance Mouse MX Review (0)
• December 25, 2009 -- 2009 – The Year That Was (3)
• December 10, 2009 -- Perth Skyline at Night – Pt 2 (1)
• October 16, 2009 -- ChanRaymond dot net Turns Two! (2)

Before

Now

What were they thinking? How do the university expect students who do not purchase the permits (like me) be able to afford a parking ticket from 8am-4.15pm (for a whopping $16.50!)?

How is this going to bring more visitors to the university?

A suggestion to students without permit like me: Don’t pay for tickets. Instead, just park and if you do get a fine of $20, you’ll end up paying only $10 (after the 21 day 50 per cent discount) anyway.

You’re welcome.

Possible related posts..

• July 3, 2008 -- Then and Now.. (4)
• December 25, 2009 -- 2009 – The Year That Was (3)
• October 16, 2009 -- ChanRaymond dot net Turns Two! (2)
• February 18, 2009 -- Top 5 Tips to Understanding Women (6)
• October 6, 2008 -- “Graffidiots” (4)
• July 18, 2008 -- Bummer (1)
• May 21, 2008 -- Of Work and Uni (2)

It is slightly smaller in size (length and width) compared to a normal business card, but I guess that can be a good thing after all.

I thought the printed copies turned out much better than I had expected, but now I have 250 of them to give out. Now what?

Possible related posts..

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• May 2, 2009 -- Published in the Cockburn Gazette (0)
• April 23, 2009 -- My Business Card (11)
• March 27, 2009 -- 2008/2009 Photo Book Slideshow (7)

All I can say so far is that it is one sweet lens. I’ve had it stopped functioning once, where it would just stop focussing and I could not take any shot at all. I had to turn my D60 off and back on but that happened only once out of about 200 shots. Build-wise, it’s similar to the Nikon 18-55mm, just bigger (67mm vs 52mm) and heavier. I might need a vertical grip if I plan to use this for an event because I have trouble trying not to hurt my fingers while holding the camera for a long period of time.

Anyway, focussing is mostly hit but there are misses. I’m still doubtful of the speed of focussing as well because it varies on the lighting. It takes a little more effort than my Nikon 18-55mm VR to focus in darker lighting, but I think I will just have to adapt to that. Wide open shots are soft, but f4 and onwards they’re decent. The hood is not as strong as my Nikon one (55-200mm VR), but I guess I can live with that.

I’m putting this Nikon 18-55mm VR for sale. As you can see it’s still in a pretty good condition. I think I would have done about 2,000 shots with the Nikon since it’s fairly new after the break-in to my car last year.

No scratches or marks, just a little bit of dust here and there. I’ll part with it say, AUD$160.

Email me at ray@chanraymond.net if you’re interested. I’m also selling my Nikon Sb400 Speedlight if you’re interested.

Possible related posts..

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• May 10, 2009 -- Nikon SB-400 Speedlight For Sale – SOLD (0)
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• September 7, 2010 -- Logitech M950 Performance Mouse MX Review (0)
• May 25, 2010 -- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 in Pictures (0)
• May 15, 2009 -- Which Vertical Grip to Buy for Nikon D40/x/60? (1)
• April 20, 2009 -- Jack and Annie – Reception (4)

My instinct is telling me that I screwed up the card design badly. I didn’t have much of a choice for the front background/layout due to the limited choices of “free” cards and I didn’t want to spend any more money for the back background. I should have also used a black background for the back but I didn’t see the option to change it until after I placed the order. Ah wells.

So what do you think of it? I’m so gonna somehow find a way to get rid of it as soon as I receive it after 21 days.

Possible related posts..

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• August 7, 2009 -- Hyundai i30 Hyper Silver SX 2.0L Manual (3)
• June 19, 2009 -- I’m a Swine Flu Survivor (15)
• May 13, 2009 -- Received My Business Cards (6)
• February 4, 2009 -- And so.. (3)
• October 28, 2008 -- Green Froggy (0)
• August 2, 2008 -- A Couple of Announcements (3)

1) Women do not usually mean what they say.

She says that she doesn’t want flowers and gifts for Valentine’s because it’s overrated, but deep inside she would want them too. Simply because she’s a woman.

What to do: Get her flower(s) for that special occasion or no occasion at all. Get her the teddy bear. Get her something for God’s sake.

Myth: She doesn’t mind you going out with your mates for tea/drinking every other day.

Fact: She does mind.

2) Women remember your words.

You said something you shouldn’t have said. She remembers it. You’re doomed.

What to do: Watch your words.

Myth: A little coaxing and pampering and she’ll forget about how fat you said she was the night before.

Fact: The coaxing/pampering is only a temporary fix. The words you said are permanently etched in her brain.

3) Women love being treated like a lady.

Open that door for her. Compliment her. Just be a gentleman.

What to do: If you don’t know what to do, put your head in the toilet bowl, flush repeatedly.

Myth: Some girls are the type that doesn’t require the “lady treatment”.

Fact: Whether you like it or not, it’s not that hard to show the person you love a little gentlemanly side of yours occasionally.

4) Women want that “I love you”.

Not every minute. Just at the right moments.

What to do: Eat your monitor if you don’t know what to do.

5) Women are all different.

Every woman is born different from each other – looks, personality, figure, etc.

What to do: Learn your woman.

Disclaimer: These tips are based on extensive research by Raymond Chan since 1999 to present day. He does not guarantee the effectiveness of the tips provided. Use at your own risk.

For extra tips, why not watch this following movie on the cinemas near you:

He’s Just Not That Into You
Open at the cinemas near you today
Further information available at http://www.facebook.com/roadshow-films-au

Possible related posts..

• July 10, 2008 -- Do I Look Like a Girl? (5)
• May 14, 2009 -- Visitor’s Parking Fee Increase (6)
• October 6, 2008 -- “Graffidiots” (4)
• July 18, 2008 -- Bummer (1)
• July 15, 2008 -- ChanRaymond dot net Running on WordPress 2.6 (4)
• May 18, 2008 -- Detailed Observations From Church (4)
• June 22, 2010 -- EDIT: Apple iOS 4 Released Now (2)