Category Archives: Personal

Catch Up

Posted on February 1, 2011 | Comments Off on Catch Up

Been a while, so I figured I post something, being 2011 that is…

Baby: Our daughter is getting really big, she’s healthy, chatty and social. To put it mildly, my wife and I are incredibly happy.

Hobby: Still assembling Gundam models, currently working on a RG MS-06S Char’s Zaku. Slow going, but getting there. The Detail on the 1/144 scale RG is amazing.

FIOS: Frankly, the speed is getting ridiculous.  Above you have the speed test from December 2009 and below from February 2011…

Android: Been playing around with Android OS (It’s Linux) lately.  Lot of good things about it and I like that you can get in there via ADB and look around. The ADB terminal sucks, but with a little work, you can start an SSH server, limit it to loopback and connect via ADB port forwarding.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
“Chances” by “Five for Fighting” from the “Slice” Album.

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Posted in Cool Stuff, Hobby, Personal

New Toy…

Posted on July 5, 2010 | Comments Off on New Toy…

Ok, some people would say the HTC Incredible is not a Toy, but I feel I’m being honest by calling it that. In my case: I can do without it, but just felt like getting one. This post is NOT a review, there are plenty of reviews out there; this is just my personal impression of the phone.

For me, the attraction was using it as a Phone as well as the free apps that you can get for it. Being an Android phone, you can get some impressive Google apps such as Google Maps (and Navigation!), Google Voice, and my personal favorite Google Skymap.

Skymap is very cool as I’ve been interested in Astronomy since my father 1st got a telescope when I was in grade school.

More after the break. Continue reading →

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Posted in Cool Stuff, Different, Personal

OK, time for an update.

Posted on May 24, 2010 | Comments Off on OK, time for an update.

Well,  We had a baby girl in February.

She’s adorable, healthy and keeps us on our toes full time! My advice to any couple thinking of having a baby: Do it.

  • My wife and I are getting a lot less sleep (getting better)
  • We have absolutely no free time
  • My work is affected a bit
  • My hobbies are now non existent (Photography?!?)
  • We don’t see any of our friends socially anymore.
  • You won’t believe how much we spend in Diapers and formula!

Sounds just awful, right? It’s not.

Seriously, being a parent is worth all this effort/cost and more.  We’re really lucky to have our daughter and we know it. I could go on and on with all the things I learn from our daughter daily but I can summarize it simply: My wife and daughter are what I look forward to everyday.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
“Bulletproof” by La Roux from the “La Roux” Album on the radio.

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Posted in Cool Stuff, Kids, Personal

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Wow, it’s been a while…

Posted on December 9, 2009 | 2 comments

speedtest.net resultsLot of things going on.
Minor:
We are now using Verizon FIOS (see speedtest results). After having one issue or another with TWC every week, it just got too tiring. When VZ called me up and  I priced out FIOS for TV, Phone and Internet, It’s just cheaper for me and my wife. On top of that, we get faster Internet, all HD channels we want, and the DVR works better. So, for now, we’re happy with Verizon FIOS. Since it is a NEW Fiber optic line coming into the house, I hope this eliminates all the issues I had with the original Copper line.

I have NOT been able to do many Photo Walk abouts in the last 6 months but I have joined a Camera Club at work. It’s fun and I have a chance to meet and network with new people. The Club covers events for work and is a lot of fun.

Major:
My Wife and I are expecting a Baby. Needless to say, we are happy to add to our Family!
😉

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I wondered why I got a spike in traffic…

Posted on July 28, 2009 | Comments Off on I wondered why I got a spike in traffic…

Recently, I solved a small (seriously, really small) issue with one of my favorite Greasemonkey scripts “Smilies and other tools“.

krisdecurtis' buddy icon Kris de Curtis was nice enough to point people to my site for the solution that I came up with.  On top of lending people a helping hand, he’s a good Photographer too, check out his flickr site.

😉

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After barely 7 months my Headphones broke

Posted on July 12, 2009 | Comments Off on After barely 7 months my Headphones broke

Sony MDR-NC7Barely 7 months after getting my Sony headphones and they snap when I put then on yesterday. Sony has an exchange program for $25 and shipping, but I can get a new one for $33 and shipping from Amazon.

Probably the Sony Store at Tanger outlet has them for a similar price and I was thinking of getting a Sony photo printer (old one won’t work with Vista 64)…

Decisions, decisions…

Music I’m listening to now:
Nothing at the moment

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Posted in Different, Personal

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Quick and overdue Update

Posted on May 23, 2009 | Comments Off on Quick and overdue Update

Dell XPS 630

Ok, It’s been quite a while since I updated my blog, so here is a rundown:

  • I’ve been working on my little backyard garden every weekend since it’s been warm enough. As a result, the lawn looks good, the vegetable garden is growing and our flower beds are weed free and has cedar mulch.  The Iris that our neighbor, Mrs. Chiu, gave us is really taking off. She planted that Iris in every house she owned, but finally moved to an apartment so she gave it to us. I have to call her son to let them know that it continues to grow (30-40 years!). It’s hard work, but it’s enjoyable as WE benefit from it.
  • Related, I striped apart our Weber Genesis BBQ cleaned it, replaced the gas line (old quick connect is not used anymore), and we are good to go. That grill is a hand me down from over 10 years ago. The good thing about Weber grills: it will last forever if you keep it clean. I can’t wait for our small July 4th BBQ.
  • We have so much Mint and Sage that we’re giving it away (Luckily our neighbor likes Sage). Since we have so much mint, we’ve learned to make an occasional mojito too.
  • Thanks to Janny, I’m finally learning how to cook. I’m starting with simple meals like Tilapia fish marinated with coconut curry and collard greens. I also can safely cook chicken and pork chops too. Anyone that knows me, knows what an accomplishment this is. Having a good Zojirushi rice cooker also helps.
  • Our home computer had a very persistent computer virus. The virus scaner (Two!) would ID the files but could not clean it as their was a persistent lock on them. As my brother suggested, I downloaded Ubuntu, burned a boot CD, booted up in LINUX and removed the infected files.  That was so easy that it was a bit ridiculous. Booting up in LINUX completely disables the threat.
  • After using our PC since 2000/2001, we decided now was a good time. So, Janny and I got a Dell XPS 630 and pretty much optioned it out (8gb RAM, 1TB RAID 0, Intel® Core 2 Q8300 (4MB,2.5GHz, 1333FSB), 24 inch Flat screen monitor, etc. ). To put it mildly, I’m really looking forward to getting it.

In summary, life is pretty good.

Music I’m listening to now:
Nothing at the moment.

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Catch up

Posted on January 31, 2009 | Comments Off on Catch up

720px-us-whitehouse-logosvgLot of things hapening lately. Here is a rundown of the things that interest me:

  • Our new President issued an order to close Guantanamo prison within one year.
  • House Republicans are proud that they can’t possibly compromise in the name of “Bi-partisanship”.  Hardly surprising as they seem think acting like the extreme “Right Wing” will get them back into the majority. IMO, They should let the adults get some work done. I bet the Senate Republicans also vote against any stimulus package.
  • I went on a photo walk practicing long exposure photography. It was fun and I hope to do it again.
  • My Lasik Surgery was a complete success. I’m still getting used to not wearing glasses or contact lens.  Other than an occasional dry eye, I’m fine.
  • Work still keeps me busy. In this economy, that is a good thing,  but I’ve noticed that things tend to break in the middle of the night.  I suppose that’s better than during the day, but it is tiring.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
“Better Days” by Supertramp from the “Brother Where You Bound” Album. You can see the video here.

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LASIK Eye surgery

Posted on January 13, 2009 | 1 comment

lasik-steps1Well, I got LASIK Eye Surgery yesterday. I’m happy with the results and I thought I’d describe how it went.

I was a little nervous (By far, this was NOT the hardest procedure I’ve had) but looking forward to it. Janny and I got there early, checked in and waited in the room outside the procedure area. First off, they give you a hair net and booties. This is too keep the room with the equipment completely clean.

Prior to the surgery, a nurse explained the procedure to each of us. There were several people queued up and we had different procedures so the nurse explained the procedures to the two groups.  Then we were to be seen by the Doctor and checked out one last time.

The doctor picked me first, so I went to the examination room, reviewed my file with the doctor, and got one more eye exam. After that, I was taken to the procedure room where they again explained exactly what was going to happen. After lying down,  they put drops in my eye that numbed the eye. It must of numbed the eyelids too since they next put in clips to keep my eye lids open and I only felt a mild pressure.

Continue reading →

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Posted in Cool Stuff, Different, Personal

Looks like I’ll be getting Lasik

Posted on November 30, 2008 | 2 comments

Janny has bee considering it for a while and wanted me to think about it too. After making an appointment to the Eye Doctor, we’ve decided to do it.

The initial appointment is very comprehensive. The staff at the eye doctor’s office takes various measurements using different tools. It took a while, but when it was all over, we met with a counselor to discuss our options and any questions that we had.  Janny and I had a big list of questions that they answered without any issue.

Wikipedia has a very good write up about the procedure. To be honest, I’m a little nervous as it basically involves using a sharp blade in my eyes.  If I didn’t know so many people who had the procedure, I’ve be even more hesitant.  I’ve been wearing glasses since the third grade and it will be very odd not having a pair of glasses on my face. I’m sure I won’t miss them.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
“Let it Rock” by Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne from the “In The City” Album. You can see the video on VH1.

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