Damn Twitter

Sorry but it's getting tiresome.  Account was hacked, I changed passwords, cleaned it up, and yet it's still locked.  Gaaaaa.  Appealing with Twitter to finally just unlock it and not have me keep having to change passwords each time their locked message appears in my email or account each time I attempt to post a tweet.  I'm getting sick of it.  What a hassle and waste of time.  And time is money.  Maybe time to just quit it altogether?  And no, this post isn't getting a "just chillin'" tag 'cause I'm definitely not chillin'!!!

Stuff I No Longer Buy

Well, not a lot anyway.  I no longer buy the following as much:

• books
• cds
• dvds

Since the internet and the multimedia advances that came with it a long time ago, I've stopped buying the above.

For music, I don't even buy from iTunes.  But if I like the soft copies I hear from specific CD albums, I go buy the CD if I have to.  Similar goes for movies/tv shows, I get their DVDs.  And even then, they'd have to be extremely to my liking that I'd find it worth my time, effort and money to go and buy.

Except for home decor I buy from my travels, I'm just one of those who naturally practices minimalist philosophy when it comes to purchases.  I'd rather not have any more junk or clutter in my home and if I have to it had better be something that serves dual or more purpose.  Even with this blog I limit the tag categories so as not to make it anymore complex than it has to be.

So for books, I'd rather buy those that can be double-purpose, something you'd also be proud to display in the house.  Not something you know you can easily give away or not care if someone doesn't return it after borrowing it.  That way it's more value for money.  Lol!  So I guess this would mean art, design or architecture books that I find interesting.  Or perhaps that's just the industrial designer in me.  I don't buy mass market bestsellers in hard cover.  Besides I no longer have as much time to read as I used to.

So I think I might also cancel my cable subscription soon and just use Internet streaming via a device like Roku.  I might do this next year once my subscription expires. Would cost me less too than the bloated fee I pay for cable.  Thank goodness for Roku or Netflix and the like.  Hehe!

Updating My Mac OSX

Ok today I've finally started the road to updating my Mac OSX from OSX Lion to Yosemite if possible.  This road involves backing up my files first prior to any update tasks.  To this end I've backed up files both manually and via my Macbook Pro's Time Machine program.  

I had to delete lots of unnecessary files from my Macbook just so the Time Machine backup would be able to fit in my external back up device.  I removed the unnecessary photos and music files from my Macbook because I've already manually backed up before.  So now Time Machine's currenty doing the back up, just less than 100 gb for everything.

I have a feeling the Time Machine back up might take 2 hours or more.  We'll see.  Until it's done, I can't proceed to my OSX update.  My OSX is so behind by 3 versions.  I have to update to the next 2 versions first before I can update to the Yosemite version.  And I'm not sure if the 2 versions are still available for my pre-Yosemite update --> Mountain Lion and Mavericks.

I hate updating versions whether its Windows or Mac but between the two, I'd prefer doing a Mac update.  I feel it's more straightforward.  I just don't want to spend most of tonight doing updates and any more complex troubleshooting. Ugh.

Good luck to me!

Tracking My Order

Tracking my package... Was curious where it would originate from and now I know.  Of course it'd originate from China, not Cupertino, California.  Ooh la la.  Should receive the silver/white slender slab of goodness before month end. :D

Les iPhones 6 et 6 Plus

I was just at the Apple store twice last week, trying out the two new iPhones.  I've been waiting for Apple to come out with a phablet as I ride out my phone's term contract with the service provider.  The contract expired this month. 

screenshot from the Apple website

I haven't got the iPhone yet let's be clear.  I'm not the sort to buy the first things that come out.  I wait and see reviews first.  I just went to the store to try both out and see which color I like best in person before I decide if I should get one.  My impressions:

• The first time I held each they felt really slippery.  That's the biggest thing that struck me quite not so favourably.  So slippery I had to grip each while trying it out.
• Because of the slippery metal back:  They look nice but the design is such that you have to buy a case if you don't want to end up with a broken iPhone much sooner (now what sort of design is that, Mr. Jony Ive? Lol).  If you don't appreciate just how fragile these things can get, please see this video of someone who did some drop tests on each model.  Eye opener there.
• Better graphics than my oldie (almost Jurassic) Google Android phone.  I loved the iPhone's UI. wah.
• Can only use the 6 Plus with both hands.  I don't think it's designed so you can use it with one hand only.  I tried but I had to tilt it some (and risk it slipping out of my hand) to be able to use it one-handed.
• I think the nicest color for me is the silver one.  I found it really looked clean.  Almost minimalist Japanese design which I also love (except it sacrificed with a slippery design you need a case for, gosh.).  Then the darker black or gray one next.
• I liked the resolution on the 6 Plus more.  I tested via a streaming youtube video of a late night talk show.
• I liked that it's really like a little tablet the 6 Plus.  Smaller than the iPad Mini.  Like another article mentioned, it should have been called iPad Nano.  Lol!  Its display orientation changes to landscape.  I didn't see a disable option on that aspect of it though when I checked the Screen/Display settings to do so.

Anyway, my reasons for having an iPhone as my next phone?

2014 BBQs and Picnics

Just some pics of meals I had over the BBQs and picnics I attended this summer.  And I thought it was only during the Christmas holidays when we have more opportunity to gorge on food.  Gah.

At one park by a lake and nice view of the mountains.

At another park - here I skipped the ribs (not really into red meat) and the creamy pasta, and only took a little of the potato salad.  No burgers nor hotdogs served at this picnic this time.  But great salad, chicken, salmon, bread, skewered veggies, and a little brownie.  Teehee!

at our office bbq - We had two office bbqs this summer but I have only 1 pic. 

Now that's quite some food. 

Bye iPod Classic and Hello iTunes v11.4

Before the iPhone, there was the iPod Classic.  Now that iPhone 6 is released, Apple has discontinued the iPod Classic. =(

I love my iPod Classic 5th generation, with 80gb.  It's both a music and video player, a portable file back up device, and back then at least, photos straight from a camera can be backed up to the device as well!  I didn't have to bring a laptop to back up photos or find a place to back up the photos to a CD/DVD what have you when on the road travelling.  Gosh.

It's simpler to use than iTunes and I don't have to have to buy music from iTunes to play my collection.  That music player didn't have to be combined with a multimedia and communications device such as an iPhone.  There are just lots of occasions when I'd rather use my music player independently of the one in my smartphone.  I've even brought my iPod on a trek in the Himalayas.  I imagine an iPhone would be rather less useful to me up on the boondocks and past the clouds, don't you think?  And I was able to take my iPod with me running.  I can't imagine carrying a "taller"/bigger and more slippery iPhone in place of the iPod so I can have music on one ear while running.  *sighs*

Anyway, I just updated my iTunes program on my Macbook to v11.4, and now Apple wants me to sign in with my Apple ID before I can play music from "radio" in iTunes.  Gah.  Thank goodness for TuneIn radio.  I don't like the idea of having to sign in to listen to radio on the Internet.  Like what does Apple care that I have to sign in with my Apple ID before the radio feature on iTunes can be useful?  Geez.  Gathering data on me? *frowns*

I've never used nor created an iTunes/Apple ID account before this, though I've been a Mac OS X user since 2005, back when Mac laptops didn't yet run on Intel chips, but rather on Motorola ones (I believe).

Sorry I kind of digressed.  I was just annoyed by this iTunes radio Apple ID sign in bit.

So back to the iPod, this means I might have to shop around sooner or later for an alternative.  *sighs*  Thanks Apple!  Really! (smiley rolls eyes).  Sony's looks promising.  Or I'll just stick with an iPhone.  Not very happy about this at all!  Gah.  My iPod's still in good shape.  I wonder when its battery will finally die.

My 2014 Olympus EM10 Camera Purchase

I'm now updating my camera and purchasing a micro four thirds system SLR instead of a full frame DSLR.  Mainly due to size and cost concerns and also finding sophisticated point and shoots limited still for the image quality I want.  The smaller it is, the easier it is to bring with me, and thus the more photo opps I can get.

I've opted for the Olympus OMD EM10 for value for money, over a predecessor -- the Olympus OMD EM-5:

 

screenshot of the OMD EM10 from the Olympus website

• I believe I really don't have much need for the weather sealed feature of the EM-5 and the most expensive Olympus OMD EM1
• nor the 5-axis stabilization of the EM-5 and EM-1.  3-axis is a good compromise with the EM10.
• EM10 has features of the premium EM1 that the EM-5 doesn't.  Wi-fi among them.  Wi-fi must be standard in technology offerings where it can be used and EM-5 didn't have that on its release in 2012.  Which is why I held off purchasing the EM-5 when it first came out.  Seemed half-baked to get the EM-5 at a time when competitor cameras were being released with wi-fi but didn't seem as good as the EM-5.  I waited instead.
• EM10 has a built in pop up flash.  I don't like shooting with flash but small though it is on the EM10, convenience matters a lot to me for times when you need flash as a fill in mechanism.  I don't wanna rummage around for one to attach onto the camera nor keep it on the camera always for portability as it adds to the bulkiness since it's not a pop up flash.  This is the case for the EM-5, no built in flash, just one you can attach.  So another reason for me for waiting instead and not buying the EM-5.

Because of the lack of weather sealing and a 3-axis instead of the 5-axis stabilization on the EM10, the EM10 then costs less than the EM5.  Plus the built in flash on the EM10 is sweet too.

Updating My Camera This Year

I'm considering updating my camera this year.  And discussing a tiny bit re design here.

For my photography/camera needs, aside from wanting a camera that outputs DSLR-quality images, it has to have:

• a built-in viewfinder
• wi-fi
• art filters
• pic size can print to poster size prints
• built-in flash would be nice to have
• with a kit lens

And most importantly, be not bulky like a normal DSLR.  I don't enjoy lugging heavy gear and lenses with me.

I like street photography, candid people shots, portraits, macro, travel and culture, and not just landscapes... almost documentary-like.


Anyway, my current cameras are:

My Mobile Gadgets & Cons vs Android

I have the ff:

- laptop
- smart phone
- tablet
- cameras

The gadget I can do without most?  The tablet.  It came free so that's good.  I didn't have to spend a real dime on it.  Useful though when travelling and you don't need the additional weight of a laptop, if you need to use one.  But last time I travelled, I didn't get to use it.  Wifis at the airports I was in were quite weak, virtually impossible to connect to or get data from.  That includes Heathrow's Terminal 5 (my most stressful international terminal experience ever... would prefer not to go through that place again if I can help it).  And I didn't think to use it when I got the good wifi signal at a place I stayed in, I opted to use my smartphone for data via wifi instead.  Hmmm.  So I might leave the tablet altogether next time I travel.

As for my smartphone, it's an Android one.  And the phone's a Google Nexus phone.  Came free with the plan I signed up for.

I'm waiting for the Apple iPhone 5 reviews to come out.  It's too bad Apple opted to ditch Google Maps this time as I use it to get directions to whichever location I need to get to.  I wonder how their alternative is?  And if any browser in iPhone 5 would let me still use Google maps?  Maybe I'll change phones to iPhone 5 next year, pending reviews and budget of course.  Hehe!  I do like spending funds on travels, and not on constantly updating my gadgets even when they still work.

If I end up with an iPhone, I might donate my current smartphone to this NGO.  They need it.  And I probably wouldn't miss it since I don't find anything really special with its design.  Hehe!

My Android phone also couldn't be read by my Apple laptop therefore I couldn't back up my phonebook to my PC.  I like Apple's products, but I'm not that much of a fanatic.  These companies should be fined for making things so exclusive that you're forced to buy one or the other.  What a waste.

And I hate how Google seems to have changed the Android function/interface such that I have to be signed in to my Google account to add someone's info to my phonebook.  Even if they allow me not having to sign in to add info to my phonebook, they certainly don't make it easy as I wasn't able to do so.  Therefore, Google would have all the goods on you, and whomever you're adding.  Like they're gathering a directory of everyone on their servers.  The ones you're adding probably aren't going to appreciate it if they knew that their info would be stored by Google instead of just in my phone unit or network operator.  So it's very invasive don't you think?   Which is why I'm still checking out if I'd have the same issue if I switch to Apple's smartphone.

We'll see.

FB Rant

FB.. not F something else ok?  Lol.  FB for Facebook, you know, the social networking site?  Its market value is now not as high as was expected but honestly, how can such a site even be thought to have a high market value?  It's not really even a necessary product or service.   Full of hype and air.  It's like one of those boom and bust dot com sites.  The problem is, it's taking too long to bust.  Lol!

To post and share family pics aside, FB I think is the best tool for snoopy, and narcissistic people who most probably have not such a high concept of privacy and have lots of time on their idle hands.

Obviously I am not fond of this site.  I have an account with it though.  But unlike many people, I don't constantly stream updates on it of what's going on with me, my life, where I am, my opinions, etc for everyone on my network.  I don't know.  Who the *toot* cares right?  Lol.  A little update here and there is fine.  But really, I don't need your whole biography constantly updating.  Good thing they don't post that they have to do number 1 or 2.  Lol!  I swear if these people had FB since they were babies and if such babies already had consciousness and the motor dexterity to even have their own FB and update them constantly, they probably would do so.  Like how daddy or mommy changed their nappies when they had to 'go to the loo', how they burped on whatever food they had, what play date they're going to and with whom, where and when.  And I find it quite pathetic, these unnecessary updates.

So I don't really access it often and when I do, it's mostly to approve someone's request to be added to my network.  You can bet I don't post too many pics of my own family/loved ones on any such site.  And when I do, they're shared only within the family/loved ones in my account.

The only thing I find FB most useful for is to use its messaging tool when you can't reach someone quickly via other alternatives.  Everyone checks their their FB regularly that when they get messages from it, they respond faster than if you email them.  *shrugs*  Worked for me.  Especially when such friends/families are overseas.

Otherwise, I couldn't care less that FB's market value/stock valuation has plummeted.  Actually I'b be only too glad if this site disappeared altogether.  And then there won't be those annoying F U, I mean FB, links in my other consumer electronics or communication sites and devices.  Because like I said, who the *choose your own expression* cares?  Someone should make a survey of how annoyed do people get when they see those share links.  And add how glad would they be if instead of the share link, they are reminded to spend time offline sharing real time, honest to goodness, time and communication with their social network.

Furthermore, I hate FB's privacy policy.  I hate how it sort of co-owns photos you post on the site.  So for a photography amateur/enthusiast like me, I don't post many of my photography too much there.  I put them on Picasa, with better privacy options, and share the Picasa link to selected people in my FB account, if they're really interested to view them.

So FB's okay.  But only in moderation.  And I wouldn't miss it if it were gone altogether.  :P

Gmail Teahouse Theme Screenshots

view of my Gmail account with the Teahouse theme, blurred the

details of my inbox of course

I used the Teahouse theme for my Gmail account in the past few months.  And I noticed how it changes scenes and how the fox character changes locations or activities in the design depending on what time of day it was.  It's fun trying to check out what might be the latest setting for the time I open my email.  So much so that I took to taking screenshots of each changed scene that I catch.  Lol.

fox feeding the birds in his garden

fox in his kitchen

fox watering his bonsai in the garden

fox in the kitchen and food on the garden table

fox watering his garden

Current Phone

while installing the Skype app

Just got myself a new phone plan, and it came with a free Google Nexus S phone.  It seemed to be the best deal so far with many unlimited features (including unlimited international texting) and the phone was a bonus.  I deliberately avoided choosing plans with Blackberry units or Nokia with Symbian OS (we all know where both are headed I think. hehe! :P ).

Wasn't really planning on an Android phone but needed a new mobile plan asap and it just so happens that the Samsung Google Nexus S is the best with the offer so far, since Apple's iPhone 5 is not yet released (tsk...).  I've been waiting for the iPhone 5 but need a mobile phone service asap so this free Android phone that came with the plan will do for now.  After all it came free when its actual cost is 400-500 USD thereabouts.  Gosh.  hehe!  Wasn't even aware of this model 'til I started looking around in shops for a new mobile phone plan the day before I got it.

So far so good.  Been like bringing a pocket PC with me with this smartphone.  hehe.  I just hate the apps running in the background when you don't need them.  And one big caveat?  My Macbook Pro with Lion OSX (yes I replaced my 5-year-old Mac with the striped feline OS) can't read the thing when I connect it via USB.  Gaaah!!  What's up with that?  :(   So might really switch to an iPhone 5 later once it's available.  Good thing I didn't shell out any cash for this free Android phone.  *sigh*

My New Toy at Crazy Amazon.com

This is the camera when I first chanced upon the white version of it (finally) at past midnight Manila time on amazon.com about two weeks ago.  Only 1-3 amazon.com merchants (not amazon.com itself) selling  it with one item of it each in stock.

This was the cost of the same camera and model about two days later.  USD 833.50.

This has been the current price posted since about 3 days ago.  USD 1009.98.

Crazy.  I'm glad to see no one has yet bought it at the current price.  You can guess which one I got,  after looking around for this white version of it everywhere online.  hehe!  Bought it as soon as I caught it on amazon.com after days of amazon.com not even selling this white version and not seeing it available elsewhere online for purchase.  And my primary reason for choosing white was because it would be easier to find when I rummage for it in my bag.  Lol!   I really prefer the white one but I also don't mind if I end up with a black one.

See I was looking to buy a point and shoot camera with manual features like with DSLRs... handy

Polaroid Pogo

testing my Pogo: the 2" x 3" pics produced by the
device and the device printing my pic of the Eiffel Tower

I just bought a new toy called Polaroid Pogo. It's an ultra-portable photo printer which prints out 2" x 3" pics from a bluetooth enabled device (such as a cellphone or computer) or from a digital camera via USB.

I kind of had a few misgivings about buying one 'cause of a review I read by a photography person in the creative industry. But he was comparing it with a Fujifilm mobile printer which isn't available for sale anywhere except in Japan or eBay.

Poladroid!

the Poladroid app opened and processing a
photo I dragged and dropped to it, background is
the Firefox browser app with websites opened

I was searching for leads re where to find a Fujifilm mobile photo printer I've been wanting to buy and came across this application called Poladroid.

The Apple iPad and Why I'm Not Getting One, Yet

1. 64gb max capacity
- My 80gb Apple iPod Video 5.5 gen has less than 15gb available capacity now after all the multimedia items I archive to it. Do the math: 80gb total minus 15 free = 65gb used. 64gb? I might be the only one who thinks it but it just seems rather outdated.

New Cellphone

Sony Ericsson T707

I just got myself a new cellphone. Replaced my old Sony Ericsson w800i Walkman phone with another Sony Ericsson, a T707 in lucid blue. My old SE still works except the camera's autofocus doesn't work as fast anymore, and I just got tired of it. Plus its casing has come a bit loose from its screws after I've dropped it more than a dozen times already (and it still works). It's been my phone for more than the past 4 years.

I've been hankering for a clamshell phone again and it's great that SE released a new set of clamshell design phones last year. I used to have a Sony Ericsson Z600 clamshell phone with striped casing design.

Z600 in stripes

Google Wave Preview

Some thoughts on my Google Wave preview:

First off, I had some expectations of what I wanted Google Wave to be. But so far, it hasn't met them yet. Therefore, I'm not too active nor frequently visit my Google Wave after the first few tries, unlike Facebook. Not all my friends or family have Google accounts (hence they have no access to Wave). And I haven't added any Wave Extension I like nor find useful (for me) yet either.

My primary expectations/Google Wave wishlist:

• integration with my blog/s (blogger.com, multiply.com) whereby I can post my blogs via Google Wave
• integration with my online photo albums whereby I can provide links to and -- even better -- allow fellow Wavers to view within Google Wave photos I posted to another online photo album
  

It is fun though doing collaborative activities in Wave. I see my friends and fellow Wavers typing in their responses to a specific wave in real time as I know they've also seen mine and it's like we're all just in the same room but we just don't happen to see each other.

For now, I see Wave being better used by groups/members pursuing a project together, or doing collaborative research (i.e. the scientific community) where up to the minute results and posts to be shared to multiple relevant Wavers is of the essence.

As for me I'll probably only be more active in Wave if my most frequent online activities are integrated with it quite seamlessly (blogging and uploading photos to share). Until then, I still love multiply.com for photo albums sharing within a blog. hehe!

iPod Radio Alarm Clock

I just bought a portable speaker system for my iPod Video called iMini, from Ozaki (the brand name). It's actually an FM radio alarm clock that can also play music from an iPod, and charge the iPod battery at the same time.

iMini radio alarm clock on the right with

my iPod docked on it, and other stuff atop a bookshelf

The pros:

• 
  Its size is small enough to bring anywhere with you. It's like desktop size. So you can also stuff it in your check in baggage when travelling. Hehe!



• alarm clock
• FM radio



• can dock most if not all models of Apple iPods (from 1st to 5th generation), iPod Nano (1st and 2nd gen.) and iPod mini and charges the iPod whenever it's docked (even as it plays music).



• can also play music from another portable mp3 player via a 3.5mm jack (included)



• uses power from a 110v - 250v adapter (included); which means you can bring it with you to the US or Europe and have no problems. Alternatively, it can use power from AAA batteries (not included)



• comes in different colors from which to choose



• comes with 6 months of warranty



• USB port so you can connect it to your PC

The cons:

• Battery power died out in 2-3 days (mostly using FM radio). Batteries used were Energizer's e2 Advanced model (supposed to last 50% longer than the normal Energizer Max alkaline batteries)



• poor FM reception



• not for audiophiles
  

So if you're looking for an iPod speaker system that's portable, doesn't take too much space, that need not be an audiophile's dream but is also a radio alarm clock, and is being compared with Altec Lansing speakers, then the iMini is for you. It's not that expensive too at less than Php 3k.

Digressions for the curious:
1. My iPod is supposed to be white but the black one was delivered instead of the white I ordered and paid for (*exasperated sigh*). But that's another story.

2. The little Tiffany lamp in the pic was something I bought in Germany and hand-carried back to Manila. I use it as a nightlight. =)

3. Bought the iMini at Ambassador Appliance in Park Square in Makati.



4. Photos above were taken using the 2.0mp camera of my Sony Ericsson w800i mobile phone