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Showing posts from April, 2010

Keeping Fit and Sleeping Good

A couple of HP alumni mentioned about folding bikes, exercise, and alumni meet up to me. It did not take me long to decide that the idea was good and aligned to my life goals. I did some research on folding bikes and to my surprise; this is an exploding industry, as more people become more environmentally friendly. It was reported that the OCBC Cycle 2101 (March) in Singapore this year drew 9500 versus 5000 cyclists last year. The Taipei Cycle exhibition is one where bike enthusiasts will be happy to attend. The magazine, Spin Asia is a must read to have a better appreciation of this industry (http://www.motorculture.com.sg/page27.html). I decided to purchase the Birdy Touring (http://www.birdy.com.au/) which has 24 gears (3 x 8) to allow me to have more flexibility to build up my stamina. I like the idea of the monocoque frame and the discounted pricing by DigiNexx helps to come to the decision. Since April 9, I have been using the Upper Thomson, Venus and Old Upper Thomson Road. I tr

My Saddest Day

Today must have been the saddest day of my life. It is too difficult for me to express the pain of a father. It is nevertheless a learning moment and a moment to sit still and behold the passing of time. I leave this writing as a memory for me to return one day.

Sigma 10-20mm and Pentax 540AF Flash

Sigma 10-20mm is an ultra wide angle (UWA) lens, with an angle view of 60 degrees. It can focus up to 24cm, which is less than a feet for those who are still thinking in British system. It has a 77mm diameter filter thread. The result is that the Pentax K7 pop up flash will not work as the light will cast a shadown of the lens onto the photo. The Pentax 540AF is the top of the range of flash. A direct (90 degree) flash will provide a poorly lighted photo on the side of the photo. After some experiments, a 180 degree flash to the ceiling bounced back the light, and the picture now is more acceptable. However, it will need a reflected ceiling. I will need a diffuser, if I were to shoot direct. I have not tried this yet as I don't have one to start with. I find that using the Auto mode of the flash is better than P-TTL (Through The Lens). I need to remember that Sigma is a 3rd party lens, and it meters using the "center weighted" and not the 77 segments. Photography is all a