Random thoughts on random nights

Port Dickson

2011-06-21T18:04:00.001+05:00

Port Dickson, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Magic Bottle

2011-06-21T18:03:00.001+05:00

Magic Bottle, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

I found this bottle on the beach of Port Dickson, I was so tempted to go as low as i can but was afraid of very fine sand and strong wind as well..... ohh well....

Helicopter

2011-05-29T16:53:00.001+05:00

Helicopter, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Testing my new 70-200mm f/2.8 Sigma

2011-05-24T14:37:00.001+05:00

Testing my new 70-200mm f/2.8 Sigma, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

I was just experimenting and testing my new Sigma 70-200mm f2.8.

This is taken hand held, at 200mm. Normal indoor lights only

Birds Park

2011-05-23T07:23:00.001+05:00

Untitled, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Artificial Flowers Closeup

2011-05-22T15:30:00.001+05:00

Artificial Flowers Closeup, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Snapped it during the rehearsal of Citra Warna

Joy in dance

2011-05-20T21:09:00.001+05:00

Joy in dance, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Went to see the rehearsal of Citra Warna for a while, time was my enemy, should have stayed longer hmmmmm.....anyway, this girl was enjoying herself

KLCC in night

2011-05-19T10:37:00.001+05:00

KLCC in night, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Spider and the Web

2011-05-18T13:41:00.001+05:00

Spider and the Web, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

This was taken in Birds Park KL with Tele Lens, i wish i had a good macro lens there

Yellow Flower

2011-05-16T20:04:00.001+05:00

Yellow Flower, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Reverse Lens experiment :)

Pair of Legs

2011-05-15T22:44:00.001+05:00

Untitled, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

I love how expressive the pair of these legs is, and i love the evening sunlight on them.

Let’s pretend once again.

2011-05-15T22:06:00.002+05:00

As much as I wish to live in my own shell, peacefully, isolated – I can’t. I can successfully pretend I am happy and I don’t care, I have what I need but I can’t pretend to myself. This constant fear that all this, will vanish. The worst part is, regardless, I don’t plan; I don’t do anything to secure or prevent what I fear for and continue to pretend.

Let’s pretend once again.

I will keep you safe

2011-05-15T05:13:00.001+05:00

I will keep you safe, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

This couple was sitting in Pavilion like this for hours - hugging, cuddling, making out and finally they were chased out by the security

Port Dickson

2011-05-14T13:49:00.001+05:00

Port Dickson, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

I miss beach :(

Sky or the Building?

2011-05-13T22:50:00.001+05:00

Sky or the Building?, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

This was taken at UiTM Puncak Alam, its amazing how an ordinary image can turn into fantastic one just with different exposures and color contrasts

Mr. Monkey

2011-05-13T22:48:00.001+05:00

Mr. Monkey, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

I learnt how patient Monkeys can be, and how some of us can learn a thing or two from them. Hmmm

Once again

2011-05-11T23:58:00.000+05:00

It's 3AM and I am still up :( I have to get up again in around 3 hours and tomorrow is suppose to be a big day for the students - its their poster presentation. Hmmm... let me go and hit the bed, I guess I wont be shaving once again.

The Shinny guy?

2011-05-11T18:32:00.001+05:00

The Shinny guy?, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Taken at Bukit Bintang.

I wonder how these guys scratch when they feel itchy? hmmmm

Zoo

2011-05-10T16:48:00.001+05:00

Untitled, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

Birds Park

2011-05-09T11:54:00.001+05:00

Untitled, a photo by Limelight Fotography on Flickr.

I am sorry I am not good with birds, animals, flowers names etc. But I can tell you this, this cute fellow is real poser and friendly :)

What you do?

2011-05-09T11:32:00.000+05:00

When you see an assignment which actually has a "Declaration" on a cover page, and it goes something like this ...."I certify that to the best of my knowledge this assignment is my own work......" blah blah and when you open it, its completely copy past from the Web? The student has not even bothered to clear the formatting, hyperlinks and imagine this - not even the name of actual author.

Hurmmmmm.

Then they complain why I give them F.

Will I write again?

2011-05-09T03:17:00.000+05:00

Will I write again?

I dont know.

As some of you know I was having some problems with my domain and later I just ignored it. Surprisingly I found this blog was still alive and working. Thank you blogger and google. But will I continue writing?... I dont know.

I dont feel much of a writer any more. I dont have the feeling, writing skills or even a better English for that matter. But we ll see, who knows.

Biannual Bowling Tournament - Feb 20, 2010

2010-02-21T00:00:00.025+05:00

Let me post the photos this time before I get lazy and forget.

The size and quality has been reduced for easier uploads. Lets start with...

...Happiness.

Yessssssssss.....

OMG OMG OMG I did it...... :p

Yaba daba doo doo...

Piece a cake...

The "Legend" himself

*Yayyyyyy*

...and the we move to...

...Disappointment

Ahhh not again :(

And finally, the...

...Generals

3 Idiots

So they kept the promise? ;)

Trying to demonstrate the beauty of f/1.8 lens

Zombie?

Blur because focused in dark, but you got the idea what I was trying to achieve

Hello Handsome

The "Shy guy"

Guys can pose as much as they want, the lady gets the focus ;)

Much Demanded Photo (Of-course from Rudy's demand)

Yes yes I am in focus

Just playing tricks and trying to bring in some art

Okay okay, you need a focus here you go :p

I ll copy Helas, but with a cup?

So how many of you can recognize him? (Looking good bro ;) )

If looks could kill...

I wonder what Helas was "smelling"

*burp* ... No I am not drunk ....*burp*

Yeah yeah whatever....I have seen enough of fancy camera's, just take a photo and go

I know you are angry because all of your photos turn out to be with either "open" mouth or "closed" eyes, but this one is ok? isnt it?

NBA? Basketball?

Now she ll know...

Common, take a photo of us, will ya?

...and I present you "The Moti" and my official "Running partner"

Forget hit, Helas was just demonstrating some of his stunts.

How do I look? how do I look? how do I look?... :p

Alas. Its so difficult to pose and snap a photo at the same time

I am sorry I wont do it again :(

And "The Dudes"

Happiness

The most "Innocent" guy from whole Africa

Hello from Indonesia

Purely from photographics point of view, I love his candid shots, his expressions are so crisp and prominent and his eyes always stand out

Watch out, these looks can kill

Peace? or the Victory?

3 gorgeous ladies in happy mood (of-course because of the cameraman :p )

Two "Ex" enclosed by two "Currents"

KLMU Gossip?

Ah... the posers, for once the focus is on "Rudy"

I will never understand Ashraf’s poses. Never mind

Your wish is my command

2009-11-26T22:29:00.001+05:00

Handsome hunk?

Originally uploaded by Limelight Fotography

As requested. The handsome hunk - but sorry ladies, he is taken - or so I have heard.

My Free Model in Office

2009-11-25T10:56:00.000+05:00

Mary

Originally uploaded by Limelight Fotography

What the heck. I am so confused now having so many accounts here and there and I keep loosing the track. Anyway, as I mentioned I do have a new Flickr account and slowly I am trying to upload some stuff there. Don’t ask me about the name, I tried two dozen different normal names and all were taken, so I ended up with this one. Sigh

Anyway here is Mary, one of my free model in office.

I am Flickr’s Pro (Professional) Member.

2009-11-20T08:24:00.000+05:00

Because I paid USD 24.90 and just like that, I became a pro….YAY.

I wish it was that simple in reality. Alas.

When I look at some photographers photos they are just amazing, and I m not even close to achieve what they do. I know a lot of things I can’t because my limitations with the equipment I have but there are some where its pure imagination and creativity.

Hmmm but I have started to like some of my work, I think, I am improving.

Anyway the point of this post was to let you guys know I have new account on Flickr. And I am giving away the link on request basis right now, because there might be some readers on this blog I don’t want to have the access to my flickr for various reasons (Mocking)

So all my victims, friends, students, colleagues, models etc…. you will be uploaded soon *Evil Laugh*

And if you want the link, drom me sms, mail, reply etc

Exam Expressions 7

2009-10-22T15:26:00.000+06:00

REPEAT DETAIL

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 32

No. 33

No. 34

No. 35

No. 36

No. 37

Exam Expressions 6

2009-10-20T09:14:00.000+06:00

REPEAT DETAIL

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 27

No. 28

No. 29

No. 30

No. 31

Highlights of the day.

2009-10-18T03:35:00.001+06:00

Woke up around 9:30 AM, got ready and headed towards Mid Valley where I was suppose to meet some Students/Friends for our Photography hunt. One of the ideas was to shoot for Nikon Competition, the models and cat walk etc.
Met with them around 11 AM and we still had more than 4 hours before the cat walk starts, Ms D suggested to go for Mines and so we agreed.
I loved my surprise.
Mr. V was our Map reader and guide. We did ‘round and round and round’ and again ‘round and round and round’. We got lost. We asked for directions from people. And finally we found the place.
Spent few hours there, nothing much creative I could think of (not sure about others, since they seem to be more talented) and than headed back to Mid Valley.
Got lost again, ended up in the middle of city and finally found a way back to Mid Valley, as usual finding parking there was impossible but after half an hour we managed.
Mr. Sunny was already there, cat walk already started but it was too crowded which turned me off.
Had lunch and on Mr. Sunny’s suggestion moved to Titiwangsa, but it was raining and didn’t really get many good shots.
Mr. Sunny offered everyone else ride back home, so I drove alone (yes yes Mr. Sunny showed me the half way too :p)
Once I got home Mom and Bro were about to leave and I joined in. Turned out they were going to Jusco for grocery shopping in Mid Valley. So there I was, once again.
I grabbed a camera and waited for the second session of cat walk, it was still crazy crowd but I manage to get bit better location.
I drove 85 KM today
Spent around 12 hours driving, taking photos and making faces.
I took 732 photos in a day (that must be a new record for me)

PS: I will start posting the photos of models after I finish Exam Expressions.

Exam Expressions 5

2009-10-10T21:48:00.001+06:00

REPEAT DETAIL

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 22

No. 23

No. 24

No. 25

No. 26

Exam Expressions 4

2009-09-27T04:40:00.000+06:00

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 18

No. 19

No. 20

No. 21

No. 22

Foul Mood

2009-09-26T01:16:00.000+06:00

There were so many random thoughts to share and I wanted to write a long post, but when I open an editor my fingers freeze, my thoughts get scattered at a point where I can’t understand and make out the words for them. I guess that’s just the way I am; when it comes to sharing the whole universe conspires not to let me.

I had a good day today, I was happy, I spent time out, I felt the beauty and love and than it just ended. And it ended so badly. Back to square one. Perhaps that’s how the life is. I have started to see too much of materialism and makeup (not in the literal sense of the word). We, the humans, were supposed to be the social animals, but now we r just pretending. I really was (am) in a foul mood and I don’t know I am angry at what or who, myself? Or I want to throw the blame on someone else?

Honesty, sincerity, integrity and commitment are just few words, but they define who you are, your values and character, and I am having difficulty preserving them. I care-less about others and society but when society becomes so corrupt that it starts to mold you as it is, is the point which I hate most. I don’t recognize myself anymore. There are times when I just isolate myself, but wouldn’t it be so nice if I could isolate myself – from “myself”

Relations are no longer based of feelings, emotions or commitment. They are purely business, business of interest and greed. Every smile you receive is not because of sincerity rather a hidden interest, greed or motive. You are judged and even loved based on your looks, race, color, height, bank balance or what car you drive. You are respected because the authority you hold.

Turns out just a babbling; this post is meaningless.

I thank some of the good friends I have. I would be lost without you and I won’t be able to keep my cool without your advice and presence. And I want to thank some of those sweet, cute, adorable and loveable characters around. I love you all.

Exam Expressions Part 3

2009-09-24T03:35:00.000+06:00

REPEAT DETAIL

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 13

No. 14

No. 15

No. 16

No. 17

Exam Expressions Part 2

2009-09-23T07:16:00.000+06:00

REPEAT DETAIL

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 7

No. 8

No. 9

No. 10

No. 11

No. 12

Exam Expressions Part 1

2009-09-23T05:57:00.001+06:00

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4

No. 5

No. 6

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

Ulcer

2009-09-22T16:25:00.000+06:00

It turned out my hiccups were just the beginning phase of my ulcer which hunts me every now and then. Yesterday my ulcer pain returned, one of the worst since I have been to Malaysia. Knowing myself, I have avoided too much of spicy food during Ramazan because I didn’t want any trouble and it went just fine till the last day, but then it started. I was wondering what might have caused it, as I know it won’t just start with one meal; or just in a day, something was pinching it during the course of time. And my conclusion is it was the Murtabak which I often had in Ramazan. Although it’s not spicy, but its fried, the oil (and God knows what oil they use) and probably the other “secret” ingredients they use… hint hint MSG etc.

I have had the worst ulcer pains and this wasn’t one of them, but it was enough to make me uncomfortable and freak me out because I know how painful ulcer can get, trust me if you must pick a pain, you will never pick an ulcer pain. I have lost the chemical compound name of the medicines I was suppose to take, so in the mean time I have been on Antacid, Anti-flatulent and Zantac etc.

Ah well, this was the Eid holiday for you.

Eid and Baju Melayu

2009-09-21T02:46:00.001+06:00

On Eid night, my brother decided to buy Baju Melayu since even he has never worn one, and I told him “okay, what the heck, let’s go buy one”. So we went to Masjid-e-India, Mid Valley, Jusco, Kamdar etc and finally after finding the right size (which was almost impossible to find) and the color (that’s another long story) we ended up buying one one pair of Baju Melayu and we wore it on Eid Day.

I know I would have never worn such a color if I was in Pakistan nor the kind of a fabric, but what the heck, when you are in Rome, live like Romans do. Even the Prime Minister here wore almost same color as mine.

If you are already rolling on floor laughing imagining me in baju go take a look on Facebook and you will find some photos there.

300th Post.

2009-09-21T02:35:00.002+06:00

It’s been almost 5 years since I started to blog and this post is my 300th post. A lot has changed in 5 years, a lot. The blog itself, author, location, circumstances, thought process, everything. The only constant thing I guess was the change itself.

I have reproduced my 100th post and the reply to the 100th post here. I guess, I am still asking the same questions and what keeps me going is the same answer.

100th Entry.

Dear Mr. Blog,

This is my 100th entry here. So, is this an occasion? Shall we party? Or does it even matter? …

…does your existence matter? Or does mine? Or if it does, what is the purpose?

It’s been a while we are hanging along, spending time with one another, but, what good has it brought? Do you even know me? Do we really share? Do you think yesterday’s entry was really about what it was about, or an attempt to burry something totally different?

If so, isn’t it a lie? Aren’t we lying to each other? What are we hiding …why? From who?... you? What are we afraid of?

Do we really understand one another?

You should be like a mirror to me, thru you I could be seen, but does that really happen? You have become more like a single good portrait, which is beautiful perhaps, but far from reality.

Mr. Blog, why are we together? Just because once we said we will hang along? Do we really care or are we just keeping a promise we made once?

There was lot to say today Mr. Blog, but I just lost the urge, I guess we both aren’t going anywhere for now so…

Well, good bye for now Mr. Blog, see you later.

Dear Jony.

Dear Jony,

Thank you for writing, I received your message and was delighted to know you remembered me on your 100th post. Please accept my congratulations. You see, what matter and what does not; depends on the set of rules that we define for ourselves.

Think of me like a life, you are living me and how you live me depends on you and you alone. Yes even without you I will stay here; a lot of others will enjoy me or find my shoulder to cry for, you will become faded memory in no time, but, that’s just how you see it, take a broader look, in reality, it is me who doesn’t exist without you (not you as an individual, but you as collective form of your species). I will be non-existent, unheard of without you.

I am just like a bridge between you and others like you, all of you are different and I am one of the sources that connect you and I love you all. If you abandon me that would be like, every drop saying ‘what contribution do I bring in the ocean?’ And walk away; resulting a huge gap, a desert of sand and not a drop of water.

Jony, I never claimed I know you, I do understand that there is a self-esteem and there is a dignity (also defined by your own protocols) and to protect it you may manipulate the truth or hide it completely. Sometimes, yes, I don’t understand, but sometimes, I do get a clue. The important thing is not that we lied to each other or if we were able to understand one another, but, did we strive to understand? More important thing perhaps is, we respect each other and don’t question.

Yes I am a mirror to you. Just as a human life is a mirror to mankind, where you are not the whole picture but one of the many colors that makes the whole portrait beautiful.

Have a wonderful day and take a good care of yourself and people around you.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Blog.

Eid and Hiccups

2009-09-20T20:49:00.001+06:00

It’s been more than 24 hours I am having hiccups. Yes I was having it on Eid Prayer as well and a night before. Right now they are at rest, but I do feel they may start again any minute (I hope not).

I feel suffocated, I feel like I need deep breaths, but when I try to suck more air in my lungs every inch in my chest hurts, I guess its because every muscle in there now is stiff because of those hiccups.

This is not the first time I had long duration of hiccups, sometimes they last for days and last time my doctor scared me a bit, he mentioned one of the possibility of such long hiccups is lungs don’t get as much oxygen as they are suppose to, he gave me some medicines and told me if it doesn’t get better he will need to run some tests. But it got better.

Personally I feel the actual cause is my ulcer and gastric.

PS: I am so bored, like any other Eid.

Eid - A wish and an apology

2009-09-20T03:12:00.001+06:00

Please allow me to take this opportunity to wish all of you very Happy Eid, and to apologize.

I wish all of you (people who read this blog and those who don’t, but they have a special place in my heart, let it be as a friend, family, student, colleague or just a relation of respect and love) very happy Eid-ul-Fitr. I am not good in saying all those poetic verses and prayers, but I assure you all those wishes for you are expressed as prayers when I beg for mercy in front of the God.

And I apologize for not being able to stay in touch as much as I would have love to; sometimes the reason being at your end and often at mine. I may end up giving you all those excuses of being busy and not having time, or the fact that I am an introvert but the truth is, only if I had really put an effort it wouldn’t have happen – and we should have stayed in better contact, it is my fault and no one else’s. I admit and I am sorry. I really am. But, it doesn’t mean I don’t care for you, or I don’t respect you, or I don’t love you, I do, I really do, from the bottom of my heart. Specially there are few people, when I think of them, there is nothing but prayers and good wishes for them.

I am emotional right now. I better stop.

Happy Eid.

Street

2009-09-19T03:39:00.002+06:00

Just one of the photo taken in my photo walk.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 18mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter Speed: 1/8
ISO: 1250

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Moon

2009-09-17T22:19:00.003+06:00

Yes it is actually Moon and not the Sun. Typical Malaysian weather with haze which allows this luminosity. The shot is no big deal, just an ordinary shot, in its own way though, it is still unique, for me at-least. I have added the Sepia filter using Photoshop.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 0.3
ISO: 1600

Photoshop used for:
Sepia filter added
Resize
Watermark

Masjid

2009-09-16T21:45:00.004+06:00

This is a one of the view from my condominium parking. I was using a 300mm telephoto lens that time, would have preferred a wide-angle to capture all the view, but anyway here you go. Since it was just an ordinary photo I have tried to make it more vibrant.

PS: This one looks good in its original size, click on the image to see larger view

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 145mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/1250
ISO: 400

Photoshop used for:
De-Saturation and Blur the background
Increased Saturation of foreground
Crop
Resize
Watermark

Lifeless

2009-09-16T03:39:00.002+06:00

I don’t know why but I like this photo. It’s a cut down tree and probably dead too. This junk is pilled up in a remaining shell of a tree or I don’t even know what to call it. But this lifelessness has its own beauty.

Camera Set to Manual (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Manual
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Levels correction
Resize
Watermark

Twin Towers once again.

2009-09-15T06:33:00.002+06:00

I was too tired to post it last night, I slept early. SO let me post it from office. I like this photo; only this one tree branch from the right side is not good, but can’t help it.

I will update the camera settings for the photo later today as I don’t have any software here to read the EXIF data. Till then, enjoy the photo.

Update:

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/800
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Personal Note – Class 23-24.

2009-09-14T01:17:00.001+06:00

I have always kept my blog and work separate and it is rare I will discuss the issues or achievements of professional life in this personal blog. But I deeply feel I owe this to Class 23-24 and with this personal (but public) note lest me say “Thank you” because I was touched and reassured not only professionally but on personal level.

I treat all my students with respect, as adults, responsible and sensible who need not to be reminded why they are here, and to strive for knowledge is in their own best interest. I keep (or try to keep) myself flexible and friendly so I can be reached without a hesitation and with ease if they need me. If they need clarifications, explanations, answers or even personal problems if I can be any help of. But… often after exams I have to question myself. Was it my fault?...

…Was I too friendly with them that they took it too leniently? Did they start to think getting marks is their birth right and it’s not something they have to earn by studying and working hard for assignments, projects and exams? If I was strict enough, if I had created that fear in them, would this result be any different? Was my approach flawed?

When marking for the five different classes and subjects I was beginning to question myself and it was then when Class 23-24’s result came to rescue. I was pleased with an average result of a whole class where around 65% students earned 70+ marks.

Thank you for being sincere with yourself and your studies. God bless you all.

Flower # 4.

2009-09-14T00:00:00.001+06:00

This was so delicate and soft. Well nothing much to say today.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Flower #3

2009-09-12T23:42:00.001+06:00

This little fellow was very difficult to shoot, it was windy and this flower was continuously moving. I took dozen or more shots before I could capture it within the frame. Anyway, hope you all enjoy it. I love the bokeh.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 190mm
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/400
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
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Flower season.

2009-09-12T04:33:00.001+06:00

These few days I will post some flowers I took around a week ago. So here it is, it’s the same flower different angle, I love the shallow depth of field here.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/320
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Flower

2009-09-10T23:42:00.001+06:00

I have number of identical shots of this flower at different exposures, ISO and Shutter Speeds. My friend Sunny likes the ones with faster shutter speed and smaller ISO while I prefer the one’s which are brighter. “But those are over exposed” is what Sunny thinks. So I have stepped down a bit to what I might have posted earlier.

Camera Set to Manual (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Manual
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Ms. Janice.

2009-09-09T23:55:00.001+06:00

Finally she approved. She is Miss Perfectionist and it’s like chewing nuts and bolts if you are to convince her of something. Okay back to the photo, this one has bit of photoshoping (okay a little bit more than just a “bit”). First it was the worst lighting, it’s indoor with fluorescent lights which weren’t adequate for the shot, plus the lighting was behind the face and at top, creating unwanted shadows on face. Then there was this huge mess in the background which I removed. Nevertheless it’s a lovely photo.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/30
ISO: 1100

Photoshop used for:
Mess from background removed.
Levels correction and Shadow removing from the face
Touch-up
Resize
Watermark

Fai

2009-09-08T23:50:00.001+06:00

One of my student.

This photo was taken around a week ago but as you know my internet is not that good and to keep a steady pace I normally post a photo a day. Plus with some of them it’s a common understanding I will post a photo or two; with others I have to ask first, that may take a time.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/30
ISO: 1000

Photoshop used for:
Crop
Resize
Watermark

Titiwangsa Park the second

2009-09-08T00:37:00.002+06:00

Another one from Titiwangsa Park. View of Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 75mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/160
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Watermark
Resize

Two things I am not pleased about.

2009-09-07T00:50:00.003+06:00

1. Few days ago I had a problem with my blog, the permanent links of posts were giving a problem and they were not accessible anymore, they were changed to something else. After doing my investigation I found out my site was basically hacked. I have taken the necessary (but not all) steps to prevent it and hopefully everything is back to normal. If the problem still exists, I will have no choice but to cleanup a lot of things, I do have the backup of posts but I will loose the comments.

To all Wordpress users (self hosted), wordpress is lately under attack and your site might be vulnerable. Make sure to upgrade your wordpress to 2.8.4 as soon as possible.

2. Sooner or later I was expecting someone will interrupt me from taking photographs and that’s exactly what happened on Sunday. In Jusco, Mid Valley I was asked by a manager not to take photographs because its not allowed, fair enough, it’s your property and I am on your property so if you wish I will respect it. But it is always the attitude and the way they approach that pisses me off.

This reminds me of a discussion with Mr. Sunny about the Photographers Rights in Malaysia and where he seemed to be more liberal in favor of photographers I am bit conservative. I tried to search about the subject for Malaysia and I can’t seem to find any authentic information. This blogger here feels more like Sunny and believe the simple rule of thumb is, if you can see it, you can shoot it (provided there are no such matter of national security etc)

But those are all just personal opinions and perceptions, what about an authentic law? The actual rights of photographers? I tried to search but can’t seem to find anything, seems like Malaysia don’t really have any particular law regarding the photographers rights, instead I bumped into more depressing stories about how some photographers were harassed by authorities or even public.

So I am more inclined to accept the UK law but since the evolution of DSLR’s and recent terrorism around the world the law has changed and evolved in recent years. SO will the same law still be applicable here in Malaysia? I guess not, and more importantly, if one is confronted by an authority or any civilian can we argue based on that? Since there is no fine line drawn by the law itself.

I try to respect people and their privacy; I do take candid photos if I know the person. I don’t even specifically shoot a stranger in public place although even law (in other countries) allows you to. It is the act of harassment which is not allowed, and one can not say he or she was harassed just because s/he was photographed.

Anyway, it seems it’s just a start. Lets see, I wont be surprised if someone comes and harasses me.

I think the length of this post is evedent of my frustration about not having a proper guideline.

Titiwangsa

2009-09-06T23:26:00.000+06:00

This one was taken in Titiwangsa Park (or however you spell it). While Mr. Sunny was photographing the lake view I took time to photograph him. I have some more photos from the park which are presentable and hopefully I will share them in sequence. Like I have mentioned before its hard to find the distraction free background and even in this photo there was a lot of junk, which with the help of Photoshop I have reduced but have tried to keep it natural.

This photo is not exactly as it came from the camera, I have cleaned some of the junk on the ground using Photoshop and I have adjusted some colors (e.g. more greenish reflection on water). Anyway, so here you go, enjoy.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 67mm
Aperture: f/10.0
Shutter Speed: 1/200
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Cleaning a junk from background
Color correction in water and sky
Watermark
Resize

Another Night View

2009-09-05T23:33:00.001+06:00

Another one of a night view, I love the colors and how bright they turn out though it was so dark. Plus I didn’t use a tripod, it’s a hand held photo.

Camera set to AutoFocus(Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
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Blog Updated.

2009-09-05T18:16:00.000+06:00

Since I reinstalled everything I decided to add some new widgets and plugin’s since some of them were long asked from some of the readers (i.e. Helas has been crying about comment subscriptions) and some I just installed because I felt they might be good addition. Okay so here is a list to get you familiar with them.

Comment Subscription, so hopefully now you can subscribe to comments and you will get the email notifications.
Threaded Comments, now you can reply directly to a specific comment just under it, like a thread. So you can fight as much as you like
Star Ratings for Posts, now you can rate the posts as well, give them stars if you like. And in a way you can let me know I suck with low ratings.
Star Ratings for Comments, I have enabled ratings for comments as well, so you can rate not only posts but any comments posted on the blog.
My Photography, on the left sidebar you can see a new widget called My Photography, which hopefully will bring some color to this blog. It shows random photos from my flickr stream.
Tags and Tag Cloud, I have started to add Tag’s with posts (although this is something I am always skeptical about, because I am always confused about what to add as Tag) but anyway, so on right sidebar you can now see a Tag Cloud, which will display the Tags used and most common tags will be bigger.
Blog Rating Statistics, on right sidebar you can also see the statistics, they are basically part from Rating System, so I guess it will start displaying the overall ratings of the blog once you people start rating posts and comments.

Well I guess that was it, I hope I am not missing something out. Do you have any other suggestions?

I am back.

2009-09-05T17:10:00.000+06:00

Yes I am back. For those who are wondering when did I left anyway? Well, I was disappeared, vanished from the face of the earth, oops, I meant Internet, just after sehri in morning.

Okay okay let me cut the drama short, actually one of my brother’s domain was having some problems and I was checking it out on our hosting service when I noticed this small linked text which reads “un-park” in front of my blog domain. I thought it says “un-parkED” and was wondering why my domain is un-parked? And how come its un-parked if its working fine? So I just clicked on it to see what it was and voila. Everything gone, I started receiving messages like entries deleted from Japan DNS servers, some European servers etc and finally “Successfully Un-Parked and Deleted” and I was like “WTF”. I ran to another tab of browser and typed in my blog address and nothing. It was gone. I went to File Managers and everything was gone. THIS CANT BE HAPPENING. THERE WAS NOT EVEN A CONFIRMATION EEEEEEEEeeeeee

Luckily, when I logged in I noticed my blog version was outdated and I updated it, and it notified me the database was backed-up just in case. I created a new account, parked it, installed the wordpress again and tried to export the database back to new blog, I started to receive some errors because my backed-up database was older version but finally I managed and my blog is back to life.

Phew….

Moral of story, don’t rely on systems, make regular backups of your files and posts.

Flower pot???

2009-09-05T02:00:00.001+06:00

This little thing belongs to… I don’t know who, maybe Alyani. It’s a small flower pot or vase kinda thing; I don’t really know what it is used for. Anyway, so I just took it and start playing with it, tried some shot of it and here is one of them. It’s the window blinds in the background and I was thinking to make it the only light source as well but I cant turn of the lights of office, can I?

Camera set to AF (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
Crop
Resize.

Sime Darby

2009-09-03T23:16:00.000+06:00

I took this photo from my parking; the building called 'Sime Darby' is just next to my work place. I was interested in taking the flag, as it is the largest I have seen so far, but as I was taking my camera out I saw the train and thought of capturing the train as well, so I just clicked, hence you can see the photo is not well framed. But anyway, here it is.

Camera set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
De-saturization of background
Resize
Watermark

KL Tower and Twin Towers 2

2009-09-03T04:11:00.001+06:00

Okay let me post the photos in the sequence I have them in my computer and not in the priority I would like them to, I am lazy and I know then I will be lost which ones are already posted. Here is another view of KL Tower and Twin Towers in night, from far far away.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

KL Tower and Twin Towers

2009-09-01T23:45:00.001+06:00

Now that I have started to look at things from completely different perspective I realized how un-aesthetical every corner of the city is. Everywhere you look is filled with poles, wires, billboards and God knows what. The ground will have dirt, cans, rubber bands etc etc.

Anyway, I did manage to take some presentable photos and since my internet is way too slow I will keep you guys entertained with one or two photos a day for a week or two.

Okay so here you go, a view of KL tower and KLCC in night. I am sorry it’s not crisp, as I wasn’t using tripod.

Camera set to Auto (Flash Off)
Lens 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
Cropping (Just little bit from the bottom)
Resize
Watermark

Alyani.

2009-08-31T22:26:00.002+06:00

Ms. Yani posing for my camera after me and Mr. Sunny spent 10 minutes convincing her.

Idea conceived by Mr. Sunny, Model Alyani, Cameraman Me.

Notice everything here is natural, no makeup, no touchups, no artificial light, all you see here is natural light from the window.

Camera set to auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
Croppong
Resize
Watermark

Happy Malaysian Independence Day

2009-08-31T04:27:00.004+06:00

I was thinking today will be a good day to test my camera, especially in night and the fireworks; so I asked my brother to lets go see some crackers. He was reluctant because of heavy jam and H1N1 but finally I convinced him. And so we left, and right after got stuck in this huge jam at Jalan Bangsar because of road block. Long story short, although I had my tripod with me to test many different settings of camera when the firework starts, but we reached at Dataran Merdeka just a minute ago, so I decide not to set up a tripod.

I was ready with my camera and well, my watch ticked 12 AM, still nothing, 12:01… nothing. 12:02… nothing. Bikes started to make noise, people started to move but no fireworks. Seriously, nothing. What a waste, I was so disappointed. Though I did take some random photos of buildings near by and Lord I was happy, I mean without tripod, without any manual settings for shutter speed or aperture the pictures came as bright as day. I am sure if I used tripod and played around with different settings I can get awesome stuff. But I hated the fact that there is no proper skyline, no proper view of anything, the city is so congested with poles, wires, trees, buildings, billboards and God knows what.

Anyway, no firework photo for you, you can enjoy this little flag glued on our window. Happy Merdeka – Happy Independence Day to all Malaysians.

Photoshop used for:
Watermark
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Another attempt

2009-08-29T21:29:00.003+06:00

My brother noticed this "thing" in our terrace and I ran to grab my camera. It's creepy; it moves its head to look at me and what the heck am I trying to do. I tried to get the focus using AutoFocus but I couldn't get it because it was too dark in there. Even with Manual it was almost impossible to focus it because I simply couldn't see anything on LiveView. After many random attempts this is the best I could come-up with.

Notice the photo has been rotated because it was actually on top of the sliding door and it was difficult to hold the camera that up, the interesting part is you can actually see the reflection of flash in its eyes.

Focus: Manual
Flash: On
Lens: 18-105mm

Photoshop used for:
Rotate
Crop
Resize
Watermark

Keys.

2009-08-28T21:14:00.003+06:00

My second day with Nikon D90, I am still exploring and I am completely lost when I go manual, but I am experimenting. Here is one of the photos I shot in office today, I call it – keys. Be like a key, open the opportunities, open the concealed hearts and spread freedom and love. That's the message.

I would have preferred a background with consistency, either a shelf or the wall; I don't really like the Umbrella there but Ah well, it wasn't a planned shot, I was just playing around with my camera when my eye caught the frame.

Camera set to Auto (Flash Off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Focus: Auto

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark
Slight correction in levels

Proud Owner of Nikon D90

2009-08-27T19:23:00.002+06:00

As of today onwards, I am a proud owner of Nikon D90. Yes Nikon – The NIKON!!!

I used the word owner, not a photographer. There is so much to learn, even just the functions, I am overwhelmed, I am lost. Sigh.

While the battery is being charged and I figure it out how to use it here are few photos for you.

I am Sam

2009-08-16T15:52:00.003+06:00

It's amazing how some movies can touch your heart no matter how many times you watch them. I have cried before, and I cried again when I was just flipping the TV channels and watched the last 40 min of movie called "I am Sam".

Sean Penn was nominated for a best actor in Oscars for this movie, and yeah, it was definitely career defining performance. He played the role of an Autistic (Mentally Challenge) father who fights to regain the custody of his 7 year old daughter with the help of his lawyer played by Michelle Pfeiffer.

Perhaps having an Autistic child in the family makes it more emotional – expressive – for me, and maybe the reason why I can relate to it so deeply.

Image from http://www.bsospirit.com"

Itty-Bitty Updates

2009-08-14T18:42:00.002+06:00

I know, there haven’t been any updates on this blog, not because there aren’t any, but I haven’t been in my writing “Mode” (which as a matter of-fact – I rarely am these days). Anyway, so here you go (updates in no particular order)

Bowling Tournament – As expected I didn’t win anything, nor was trying to. The objective was to have some fun and I had loads of it. Thanks to everyone, specially Mr. M for organizing, Ms. A for being a team mate (and not complaining about it) and of-course, all the participants. Just a day or two before the tournament I felt there weren’t many trophies so I made a little contribution to increase the number of trophies, but when the prizes were announced I felt there weren’t many people around to receive them. Bhaaaaa. Anyway.

Dad went back to US. I am not sure when he will visit back, but on average it might be between 6 months to 2 years. There were many things which were left over, but there is always a next time.

Marking of God knows how many classes is done, and I submitted the results. I wasn’t really happy with the results though. I already have a new pile of assignments to mark and soon there will be more exams. Sigh.

I still haven’t watched Harry Potter, Angels and Demons and so many others.

I finished X-Files, the complete Nine Seasons after finishing Star Trek: The Next Generation (Seven Seasons) and am looking forward for something new.

I have started to drive here in Kuala Lumpur and I haven’t yet decided which one is better, driving or taking public transport.

There is so much more, deep inside, some of which I don’t even know – if I know, what it is. Other, I do, but I wont be saying it anyway. The void, emptiness, meaninglessness; the misfit feelings, my concerns about the people I care and love, the wrong doings, the fate, and the things I should be doing and the long list continues.

Oh and thank you, you know who you are.

Happy Belated Birthday to me

2009-07-26T01:14:00.003+06:00

Since it’s already July 26th

Happy Belated Birthday to me.

Normally I don’t celebrate birthdays; but this time I was with my family after a long time so we had a simple dinner after spending an evening together. I always like the food at Rasa Sayang, maybe because of the taste similarity like back home. Here are few photos for you guys.

Mango Lassi, which tastes more like a Mango Shake and hence I like it. (Although it’s not so thick)

Ice Lemon Tea for Dad

Errr I don’t know what it is called, my Brother ordered it

And two Chicken Biryani’s (I know I know, you will call it Nasi Chicken Biryani)

Two sets and Boneless Chicken Tikka

Garlic and Plain Naan’s

Chicken Murtaba (or how do you spell it?)

Oh and the Ice Creams, but when ice cream is on the table you don’t want to waste time in taking photos right?

Special thanks to every one from Pakistan who remembered my birthday and sent wishes via calls, SMS, emails, IM’s.

Thanks to Sunny for a special mention in his blog.

Thanks to all colleagues, students and friends who wished in their blogs, calls, SMS, IM’s.

And of course thanks to my family.

In short, thank you everyone.

Chances

2009-07-26T00:14:00.002+06:00

It doesn’t matter if you are the master of the game, there are always good days and bad days, and – there are chances.

Here is the documented proof of what I mean.

The LEGENDARY SunnySideUp lost the game against me, yes I admit its just one game, but who knows such chances may occur in the tournament ;)

PS: Like someone mentioned, main thing is, playing under pressure ;)

Eid

2009-07-17T18:01:00.000+06:00

Yesterday one of the student asked me when my Dad was going back to US. And I told her end of this month. She asked again, if he will be coming back for the Eid? And I said No.

I started to think when was the last time we celebrated Eid together just in case if that was her next question, but I couldn’t recall when. Five years?... Ten? …Fifteen maybe?... I don’t remember.

Hurmmmm….

Stereotyping? Racism? Or just Honesty?

2009-07-03T17:29:00.000+06:00

I don’t know what to feel, disgusted or at least thankful to his/her honesty.

Here are few lines of message exchanging between me and a person I met on one of the social networking web site. (I don’t want to reveal the gender, race or country of the person, so let me refer to him/her as ABC)

ABC: Hi, Where are you from?

Me: Basically from Pakistan but working in Malaysia. What about you?

ABC: Sorry. I am not interested.

Me: Not interested in what?

ABC: Not interested to know people from Pakistan.

Me. Thanks for your honesty. God bless and have a lovely weekend. Bye

Big Question!!

2009-06-27T15:53:00.001+06:00

Scenario:

It’s a birthday and every one else is busy in wishing, making noise, cake fighting, jumping, posing etc. Or whatever you can possibly do when it’s your friend’s birthday.

And…

This is a picture of one of the nice guy, a friend, a class mate at the very time when all others are celebrating.

Now the Big Question:

What on earth is he doing in that corner? And not enjoying with others? *scratching his head*

PS: The post is for fun only, no hard feelings anyone.

Doctors

2009-06-27T10:42:00.000+06:00

Me: “Doctor, I have a teeth problem”
Doctor: “That’s so serious, you need an immediate operation, you can loose your jaw, your bones, and your teeth which will lead to a very very very painful death”
Me: *jaw dropped and in shock unable to react or say anything*
Doctor: “So when can you get RM 1500/- ready? How about this Saturday?”

Me: “Doctor, I have an ear problem”
Doctor: “That’s so serious, you need an immediate operation, your ear is so close to your brain if you delay your brain will damage, your ears, nose, eyes everything will damage and it will lead to a very very very painful death”
Me: *jaw dropped and in shock unable to react or say anything*
Doctor: “So when can you get RM 3000/- ready? How about this Monday?”

I will die of the shocks you people give me and if I survive I will die paying your fee’s anyway.

Another Transformers 2 post

2009-06-26T15:20:00.002+06:00

I am officially one of those who have watched Transformers 2 now. *phew, finally*

Since it’s been released I was asking everyone to watch but everyone had their own plans or they were busy or there was something else – always. But today, suddenly I was asked twice, once by class 29 & 30 but seemed like they will watch it bit later and I had to get back, so I couldn’t go with them. Than another friend/student asked, and the same “timing” problem was there. But at the end we worked it out and watched the movie hehe.

The Movie, well it was complete action, really non-stop. I might post detailed comments later, for now I will just say in my personal ranking I will give it 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Day's Update

2009-06-21T22:33:00.001+06:00

What a lazy day it had been. Slept all day long, and only woke up on dad’s call, my family asked me to join them for a dinner (they were already in downtown) so got up, quickly got ready and joined them. First we checked Chillies, but there was a huge waiting queue, so we decided to go for San Francisco Steakhouse. I ordered Sizzling Chicken Fajita, the taste and quality was nice but I would have preferred it spicier.

Oh by the girls who are looking for Hot, Spicy and Handsome guys you should visit there, there is a waiter there who absolutely is a model material, what a handsome guy. (And NO this is NOT a GAY comment, it’s just a general comment for all the single ladies out there)

Anyway, the follow up from last post, here is the list of things I had to do and updates on it.

a. Check out Dad’s website, work on it. (Never checked, no work done)
b. Go to dentist (Was too tired to go)
c. Read/Write (not the blog) (Actually only wrote a blog but not what I was suppose to)
d. Mark zillions of exam papers I have (Okay some of them completed)
e. Prepare Lectures (Not yet)
f. Prepare some new teaching methodologies (Not yet)
g. Create exam papers (Not yet)
h. And God knows what – too much to keep up with.(Still the same)

Too much for a day??

2009-06-19T20:55:00.000+06:00

The day started late, as my medicines make me drowsy and I find it difficult to get up when my alarm goes off. I still managed to get to work on time – exactly on time. And volunteered to invigilate for Mr. M, after that a little surprise for Ms. Iriss for her birthday, I had the honor to put the cake on her face *Big Grin* (probably you will find the details and pictures about it on different blogs)

Since it was Friday and I was free, I wanted to eat something different I was thinking to go to KLCC, and when I sent text’s to some friends, I found out one of them was actually in KLCC so there I was. So all three of us actually watched a movie instead of eating something, and then I wanted to go back to work. Ended up only having some breads for a lunch (if you can still call it lunch at 5 PM)

Bro sent a text that he is in the city with Mom and Dad, so I joined them, went to Mid Valley for early dinner, hang around for a while and now here I am. Tired, and probably just writing for the sack of writing.

End of day.

PS: Maybe not, I might still watch few episodes of XFiles.

PPS: Oh and the things to do for this weekend:

a. Check out Dad’s website, work on it.
b. Go to dentist
c. Read/Write (not the blog)
d. Mark zillions of exam papers I have
e. Prepare Lectures
f. Prepare some new teaching methodologies
g. Create exam papers
h. And God knows what – too much to keep up with.

Abandoned

2009-06-14T00:42:00.000+06:00

Getting up early on a weekend, visiting two doctors and listening to their depressive speeches and of-course paying their handsome fee made me feel Errrr…

I felt abandoned. Left out, maybe finally I am just missing home (Pakistan). I miss my friends, I mean “My Friends”

I had my reasons to feel that way, but when I questioned myself, I couldn’t justify it. But than again, I am just a human, with feelings, which often evade the logics.

I think by now, you (as a reader) have realized this is one of those tricky posts where I wouldn’t be saying anything direct. So what’s the point?

Good bye.

Dentist

2009-06-14T00:16:00.000+06:00

The dentist thinks I need at-least dozen fillings lol – maybe more. And he would like to extract two of my wisdom teeth, one is already half broken and another, the one which actually never gave me a problem, is such a big threat according to the dentist. Take a look at the picture below.

This is a simple example of angular growth, in this case the tooth is pushing another one, but in my case, the angular growth is inwards, towards the tongue. Now that is fine, the only problem is, according to dentist its pushing the soft bone in a jaw and it might crack it up anytime and that can be a serious problem. And for removal of such a tooth he will perform a surgery and is asking to take a week off from work since the surgery will not be as simple as normal one’s.

I am not completely convinced though, and I am not paying any heed to his suggestion. I will like to take a second opinion (if I am not too lazy). In the mean time, I will try to get my fillings done.

ENT

2009-06-13T11:36:00.001+06:00

I am back from ENT and have another appointment at 3 PM with Dentist. The fee for the doctor turned out to be double of what I had expected, he charged RM 500. Alas. Why doctors always have to be so expensive?

Here are some of the snaps Doctor took of my ears and nose. The top two snaps are of my ears, the right snap is of right ear and you can see the ear drum which looks clean and healthy. Left snap is from the left ear, with hard wax, which shouldn’t be there, and you can’t really see the ear drum. Similarly, the bottom left snap is of right nostril which looks okay, but the other doesn’t.

As a result, I will be on medication for two weeks, and after two weeks he will check again. I also sat for the hearing test, and he said the hearing is effected, though he ensured the nerve is okay.

Call for twitters.

2009-06-12T06:49:00.000+06:00

Any regular twitters around? Care to send me a link to follow? Instructions, tutorials, tips etc? What other possible uses are there?

Twittering

2009-06-11T22:56:00.000+06:00

Okay so finally I joined the most talked about thingy as well. Twitter. And I still don’t really know what the heck it is or what I am going to do with it. But for the starters it’s added on my blog as well, on the left sidebar. So if I will update anything from my mobile, it will appear there. Hurmmmp.

Let’s see.

Quote(s) of the day.

2009-06-11T14:37:00.000+06:00

Don’t let your problems drown you, swim towards a solution.

Rosie Cash

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Minds, like bodies, will fall into a pimpled, ill-conditioned state from mere excess of comfort.

Dickens, Charles

You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.

Albert Einstein

You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll be left with nothing but a bunch of empty yesterdays.

Meredith Willson

Myths which are believed in tend to become true.

Orwell, George

Movie Maker

2009-06-06T22:37:00.001+06:00

Some of you will know what and why haha. I bought this tripod today – I am a movie maker and photographer for the coming week, after that, my passion will die anyway.

No Kissing.

2009-06-06T21:42:00.003+06:00

You don’t need language proficiency to understand what the cab driver is asking its passengers. Haha. I couldn’t help myself to take a pic of it. So guys, keep your distance next time you are in the cab - no smoochies.

Queue system around the world

2009-06-03T14:34:00.002+06:00

Note: This post is based on personal observation, keeping in view only few locations. Post is not intended to generalize or criticize, but only for a viewing pleasure and fun.

Its just my visualization of queues in some countries.

#1. Queue is developed countries

#2. Queue in Malaysia

#3. Queue in Pakistan.

You be the judge – am I really weird?

2009-05-31T02:32:00.000+06:00

As some of you may know how bad my tonsils are and I am always bit too careful about them, but anyway, so today everyone in my family was having an ice cream at Gelato and they kept asking me, and as usual I was reluctant because of my tonsils. But after looking at those juicy delicious ice creams I started to crave, and so I ordered.

“Can I have a scoop of Tiramisu and Strawberry”? I asked after a tough decision, all of them looked equally luscious.
“You want Tiramisu and Strawberry together?” the guy on counter asked me surprisingly
“Yes – something wrong with it?” I had no idea what was wrong with my choice of ice cream.
“No.” Said the guy with smile “I have never heard anyone asking for such a strange combination” and I could see he was genuinely surprised on my choice, he even mentioned it to his colleague.

I shrugged.

PS: I don’t regret my decision, it was delicious.

Things you can do as a lecturer.

2009-05-28T12:05:00.001+06:00

The list is random, in no particular order.

Take multiple naps between lecturers (I know some lecturers do during the classes too but I assure you I am not one of them.)

Whenever there is a books, technology, educational exhibitions/seminars etc you have a good excuse to cancel the classes and attend exhibitions/seminars, since they upgrade you. (or give you a chance to go away, have good food somewhere, enjoy the day off, and in evening just report back how hectic the day was)

If you don’t have a class you can leave the office, go for shopping, or even a movie. And if (Just in case) – your boss calls you and asks where you are, you can always tell him busy doing some research for next semester’s course you will be teaching.

You can always Bu!!$hi* around as if you are a big intellectual and know every little detail of things you have never even heard of, and people will believe you. (or at-least pretend they did)

You get a good sense of being respected and self satisfaction that you are molding young minds, doing something good for the community. (or completely opposite one, that you are ruining them)

You can play Facebook, Tagged, Friendster etc and call it online research about social science and computing.

When you are bored to death and feeling drowsy you can write a completely idiotic blog post (like this one) and post it on your blog.

Last but not the least, after posting it, you can keep clicking the refresh button to check if there are any comments.

Okay, I gotta go now, I have a class in few minutes, but I will be back to check if there are some comments.

PS: This post was posted during the height of boredom and drowsiness.

IT Comics

2009-05-26T16:00:00.003+06:00

From different emails and posting I have compiled my list of favorite IT related comics, specially software and programming related. As a Developer you can relate to them, here is the list according to my liking.

Enjoy.

#6

Some of you might not agree with half of it, but the other half is completely true. It is worth a look.

#5

Haha!!... I have actually seen it happening

#4

Almost all of us have used similar excuse ;)

#3

I like this one, sometimes this is how we fix the bugs as well ;)

#2

It is so frustrating when your clients have no clue why they need software; the common perception is “Software will solve all problems” lol. And trust me, when you are trying to analyze the requirements they treat you as an stupid who don’t know the basic things hehe.

#1

If you ever end up fixing others code this is exactly what happens

And I wrote again

2009-05-22T18:47:00.001+06:00

...and deleted it.

I guess, even after 4 years as a blogger there are many things I can not write about.

Do I want to?... I don’t know. Maybe.
Should I?... I don’t know.
Will I?... Maybe not.

I classify myself as very private person.

Perhaps some things/thoughts/feelings are meant to be private.

Frustrated

2009-05-22T17:16:00.001+06:00

I took around 50+ photos today in a bowling alley.

Moments ago, I connected my phone to my PC to transfer the files and it did it again, memory card corrupted - all photos gone.

*Scream*

I saw the dead bodies

2009-05-20T09:10:00.001+06:00

The first time I saw the dead bodies floating on the river I was shocked. I can not explain in words my feelings, I think I didn’t felt anything; my mind was halted in that particular moment unable to think or move forward.

But people around me in the train seemed so normal, as if it was nothing at all. Me… I kept staring out of window, on the surface of river and the disturbing images of dead bodies kept coming. One after another, I couldn’t count them all, after a while I stopped trying, but I kept looking.

No matter how wrong the things or events might be, but once it becomes your routine you are no longer effected, I think that’s what happened to people in the train, and I was afraid, the same thing might happen to me. And it did.

Today, when I saw those dead bodies again, I was no longer shocked, I didn’t give much care either, but I still wonder… I wonder why those fishes died anyway, is the water really that dirty and poisonous?

Blue screen of death

2009-05-18T02:33:00.001+06:00

And so my day was spent in fixing the blue screen of death (if you don’t know what it is, go Google it). I didn’t really had a relaxing sleep (although I was sleeping the whole day) but there are some apartments near my condominium and almost every weekend there is some sort of a function, and they spoil others peace, with loud music etc.

Anyway, when I woke up (and I didn’t feel fresh because of all that noise they call music) my Mom told me she couldn’t use the PC because it’s not working. Upon inspection I encountered the blue screen of death. I tried to boot the computer in safe mode, with last known good configuration, I disabled the onboard cache and finally I unplugged all the peripherals attached to my PC but all in vain. I was concerned because a lot of data is in that PC which I haven’t transferred to my new one yet. Finally I had no choice but to rerun the setup again.

It’s up again and now I am again going to be lazy and I won’t transfer the important data. Oh and there were other things I wanted to write, but I don’t remember.

Alas, its 4:35 AM and I have to wake up again in 2 hours for work. I am not a big fan of Mondays.

Presentation skills – what I expect.

2009-05-14T17:56:00.001+06:00

Almost a year ago, during ET (Emerging Technologies) presentations I really felt this writing was necessary. But because of busy schedule and other constraints I never completed it. Recently after Sunny’s post here, I decided to rewrite and post it.

Though Sunny’s post is thorough on the subject I would like to add what I expect specially if it’s a technical presentation and as a critic attendee. I feel I must remind all those students who presented their research work in ET, if it would have been my decision almost all of you failed. The only reason you passed was a lenient management policy of not to fail anyone unless absolutely necessary.

Pardon any inconsistency in the post because half of the things written here were written almost a year ago.

Dress well

It is not just the topic you present, you present yourself. If you don’t look good, your presentation doesn’t look good too. When I say dress well I don’t mean dress expensive or wear designer cloths, but something decent and appropriate.

Communicate

Presentation is communication; it is not just plain radio. Communicate with your audience using your gestures, body language, eye contact and voice. Be friendly, give away some smiles, and interact with them.

Body language.

Your audience not only listens to you, they watch you as well. And like the phrase goes, a picture is worth thousand words. What they see gives a far stronger impression than what you have to say. Studies show 55% of communication is done by the body language. If you look annoyed or uninterested for your presentation do you think you will convince anyone else to be interested in? Think about it, here are some suggestions.

We often do things we shouldn’t be doing during presentation and some time we don’t even realize we are doing it because those are part of our personality – our habits. For example putting both hands in your pockets for too long or setting your hair with your hand. I always suggest to rehearse in front of mirror, so you can see what your audience will see. If you don’t like what you see in the mirror, chances are, others won’t too. You can also try recording yourself.

Smile is a powerful tool. It gives a message of friendliness, ease and comfort. Use it. (Not a chuckle or laughter)

Use your eye contact to regulate the flow of communication. Remember you present to audience and not the computer, wall, objects etc. Don’t keep your gazes to one person for too long as well, every one is equally important.

Use the correct gestures, be lively.

Voice Command

Like I mentioned 55% of communication depends on body language, your actual words that you use have only 7% impact. 38% is your tone, I can tell you, you are an idiot and stupid and you will smile or I can make you angry saying the exact same words, using different tone and body language. You can emphasize on important points, tell how serious the matter is all by your tone. Vary your tone, depending on the importance of what you are saying.

Avoid long pauses – pauses are important and do use them, to get the attention, to raise the curiosity but make sure the timing is perfect. I will say don’t use any pause longer than 3 or max, 5 seconds. If you are setting up an equipment, writing on board etc don’t stay silent. If there is nothing else to say share an experience, tell a joke but a silence of a complete minute is a Big NO

Use your volume, lower your volume to show a concern or raise it to show the importance, after all, presentation is all about acting. Same goes with the pace

Don’t give me language excuse; your language skill has nothing to do with a good presentation. Language is only a tool, use it like a tool, if you lack one ability use others. One trick is, if you are out of vocabulary, shift back to your language without hesitation for a sentence or two, as it was intended to. Or you can be more formal and use something like “... Like we say in malay/urdu” and you make a transition.

Prepare the presentation.

And before you do, you should very well know what tools will be available? For example a projector. Prepare backup as well, if plan A doesn’t work what will be the plan B

Time is important, use it wisely. Make sure you use your facts in your time, cut down or add up information depending on the available time. Rehearse to make sure it will be within the time frame.

Play with your words, add humor, ask questions but don’t force your audience to give you an answer, if they don’t, instead you give them an answer. The trick is ask questions which only have a 1 or 2 answers, and prepare yourself how you will continue from either answer.

In your slides (if you have any) use bullets instead of long sentences. List down points not the complete explanations. Use graphs, charts etc. Don’t use words you don’t know the meaning of. If you can’t explain properly some technical part don’t add it up.

The flow of your presentation should be something like this, you present the problem (yes you can exaggerate a bit, emphasize on why it really is such a big deal) once done, you suggest a solution and finally you will give benefits of solution.

Oh and Never – I mean NEVER EVER READ from your slides.

Hope it helps.

New Virus

2009-05-13T14:38:00.000+06:00

We have often heard about new viruses that evolved to affect both, humans and animals, like this new H1N1 (Swine Flu). But I have always been intrigued by the idea of a new virus that might affect both; computers and humans alike.

Okay, just a thought.

Maybe it’s a good movie idea, please give a credit if you do decide to make a movie on it :\

Annoying things that happened today

2009-05-11T22:23:00.001+06:00

In queue, while waiting for the train, this lady doesn’t want to get into the train because it is crowded. (I think four to five people can fit in). First you won’t find an empty train for an hour at this time of morning and even when you do, it will be crowded at next station as it is now. So why the heck you don’t want to board the train? Okay Fine! Don’t, but at-least offer a way to others so they can board as most people don’t have the luxury of time like you do and they are willing to compromise their comfort.

The machine ate my money. Yes the stupid ticketing machine ate my money. It was just $2 but then I had to use the long queue on counter since I didn’t have any more change. It just ate it, said thank you but never gave me a ticket :\

Office Air Conditioner isn’t working. It is running, but its not working. It’s just running, I was sweating the whole day and God know how many days we will have to live like that.

There were other things I wanted to write. But I forgot.

I think by now you can tell how blur I am.

Google Reader

2009-05-11T00:39:00.000+06:00

Try out Google Reader if you haven’t so far. I know there are dozens of other web based RSS/ATOM Aggregators now but I didn’t want to register on yet “another web site”. I have used My Yahoo, but I guess Google Reader gives it touch of more like aggregator software which I liked.

So I started to subscribe blogs that I read — and other web sites — and other blogs — and anything else that seemed interesting and guess what… I have 187 subscriptions now and I have no clue what’s going on. Every second there is something new and I can’t keep up. And now it seems so difficult to remove them, and which ones.

Bhaaaa.

Mothers Day and Tare Zameen Per

2009-05-10T23:13:00.000+06:00

Zee TV aired Tare Zameen Per today as a mother day special, and even though I didn’t watch the whole movie but the parts (scenes) that I did, were enough to make me (or anyone else for that matter) cry. The movie is a classic.

I remember when I watched it first time in cinema almost ever eye was wet, every hand had a tissue. I think the movie have touched millions of hearts. And specially when you have a kid in a family who is Autistic.

Okay, yes I admit, I did end up shedding some tears here and there.

Here is song “Maa” (Mom) for you from the said movie.

Quote(s) of the day

2009-05-10T15:35:00.000+06:00

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody

Bill Cosby

If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other cause for prejudice by noon.

George Aiken.

In archaeology you uncover the unknown. In diplomacy you cover the known

Thomas Pickering

To avoid situations in which you might make mistakes may be the biggest mistake of all

Peter McWilliams