Land Rover Defender Video
This is a fantastic video done by the BBC programme TopGear.
It gives a succint yet inspiring background to the Land Rover Defender. This has to be the greatest 4x4 vehicle on this earth.
And I own one.... Enjoy the ride!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
The Khatsalano
I received local information about the kayak today. I have been eyeing this craft for quite some time now.
How did I come to this decision on what kayak I would like to have? For a start, I had to decide if I could live with renting kayaks from the sea sports clubs for the rest of my life. My conclusion is I can't, for the simple reason that the rental rules are too restrictive. No overnight rentals for the PA sea sports clubs and with the other commercial entities, cost becomes a real issue for a prolonged or overnight rentals.
So then I had to decide if I wanted a hard shell or a foldable. Let's not even go into the differences in quality of the different materials of the hard shell kayaks. Storage for one would be a problem with the fibre glass kayaks and I suppose where I stay, storing it in my flat will pose certain challenges. That will also mean that storage of the kayak at a certain locality will predispose her owner to launch off on trips from the same site. What a boring scenario. Might as well rent a kayak then yes?
The ability and freedom to bring the kayak to paddle and launch from anywhere then becomes an important factor. Yes, in the spirit of adventure and exploration, I want to explore the waterways around the island and be able to paddle anywhere I want around the region. And I want to do it having confidence in my own gear rather than having to rent sub-standard crappy gear elsewhere.
So as of now, I have homed in on a foldable. A Feathercraft. The Khatsalano.
This picture is from the feathercraft website. I place it here because the photo exemplifies the dreams of every sea kayaker. To stand at the shore and look out to the waters before setting off on an expedition of a lifetime.
This greenland style kayak stays true to its roots to provide an 'on the edge' experience while paddling. Sleek, fast and edgy. I am excited that this very type of craft was used for transport and work. The package comes with travel-style backpack, large bow and stern flotation bags, small diameter sponsons, adjustable padded seat, perimeter deck-lines and cross-deck rigging, adjustable neoprene spray skirt, sea sock, repair kit, assembly video. Quite a neat complete package.
Check out the craft at Feathercraft
The premium you pay for such a craft is daunting. It costs a princely $7500 for the khatsalano. Not a small sum of money but considering that a craft well taken care of is reported to be able to last 20-30 years. That is a depreciation of $250 a year over thirty years. One might argue that you will spend more than that sum a year on boat rentals alone.
What a temptation. I shall lay back on my bed and dream about faraway land that this boat can take me to....
How did I come to this decision on what kayak I would like to have? For a start, I had to decide if I could live with renting kayaks from the sea sports clubs for the rest of my life. My conclusion is I can't, for the simple reason that the rental rules are too restrictive. No overnight rentals for the PA sea sports clubs and with the other commercial entities, cost becomes a real issue for a prolonged or overnight rentals.
So then I had to decide if I wanted a hard shell or a foldable. Let's not even go into the differences in quality of the different materials of the hard shell kayaks. Storage for one would be a problem with the fibre glass kayaks and I suppose where I stay, storing it in my flat will pose certain challenges. That will also mean that storage of the kayak at a certain locality will predispose her owner to launch off on trips from the same site. What a boring scenario. Might as well rent a kayak then yes?
The ability and freedom to bring the kayak to paddle and launch from anywhere then becomes an important factor. Yes, in the spirit of adventure and exploration, I want to explore the waterways around the island and be able to paddle anywhere I want around the region. And I want to do it having confidence in my own gear rather than having to rent sub-standard crappy gear elsewhere.
So as of now, I have homed in on a foldable. A Feathercraft. The Khatsalano.
This picture is from the feathercraft website. I place it here because the photo exemplifies the dreams of every sea kayaker. To stand at the shore and look out to the waters before setting off on an expedition of a lifetime.This greenland style kayak stays true to its roots to provide an 'on the edge' experience while paddling. Sleek, fast and edgy. I am excited that this very type of craft was used for transport and work. The package comes with travel-style backpack, large bow and stern flotation bags, small diameter sponsons, adjustable padded seat, perimeter deck-lines and cross-deck rigging, adjustable neoprene spray skirt, sea sock, repair kit, assembly video. Quite a neat complete package.
Check out the craft at Feathercraft
The premium you pay for such a craft is daunting. It costs a princely $7500 for the khatsalano. Not a small sum of money but considering that a craft well taken care of is reported to be able to last 20-30 years. That is a depreciation of $250 a year over thirty years. One might argue that you will spend more than that sum a year on boat rentals alone.
What a temptation. I shall lay back on my bed and dream about faraway land that this boat can take me to....
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Senja Doggy Resort
Today, we welcome the arrival of Sundae, my parent's pet papillon. Since they are traveling over the next few weeks, we have been entrusted with the task of caring for him in their absence.
It will be interesting to see how he interacts with Nelle and Socks. I think they will be good company for one another. Sigh, will have to deal with dog poo and pee around the house during this period of time. Maybe he can be house broken soon so that the havoc wreaked will be little.
It will be interesting to see how he interacts with Nelle and Socks. I think they will be good company for one another. Sigh, will have to deal with dog poo and pee around the house during this period of time. Maybe he can be house broken soon so that the havoc wreaked will be little.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
D200 and other paraphenalia
I once mentioned to a friend that changes to my photographic equipment occurs in shifts, not drifts, The last 2 weeks saw one of these shifts.
30 July 06
I have been think about this for a long time. I have had my D70 for quite some time now. It has followed me to most of my overseas trips. I love the camera but felt the need to further upgrade my basic piece of equipment. The launch of the D200 earlier in the year bridged the final gap between the amateur digital SLRs and the pro range of digital SLRS produced by Nikon.
After much heartache and mental calculations, i decided to bite the bullet and take the final step in upgrading my camera body.
Even at the shop, I hesitated a couple of times during the decision making, almost turning back just before forking out the cash.
Final gear bought:
1. D200 body
2. MB-D200 Multi-Power Battery Pack
The battery pack is so cool. Makes the camera approximate the look of the professionals as well as adding a vertical grip to the camera. This allows you to take vertical shots without contorting your hands and face in the process.
6 August 06
This weekend was the 2nd step in the evolution process that commenced the previous week. A light weight quality tripod capable of enduring the rigours of my travels has always been on my wishlist. After much deliberation, again, I finally settled on the following
Tripod: Manfrotto 055MF4 ( with a magfibre construction and carbon centre post)
Ballhead: Kang Rinpoche Ballhead
All in all, it was an extremely satisfying fortnight having made the necessary improvements to further develop my interest in photography. Heavy on the pocket but in my opinion, worth every single cent.
30 July 06
I have been think about this for a long time. I have had my D70 for quite some time now. It has followed me to most of my overseas trips. I love the camera but felt the need to further upgrade my basic piece of equipment. The launch of the D200 earlier in the year bridged the final gap between the amateur digital SLRs and the pro range of digital SLRS produced by Nikon.
After much heartache and mental calculations, i decided to bite the bullet and take the final step in upgrading my camera body.
Even at the shop, I hesitated a couple of times during the decision making, almost turning back just before forking out the cash.
Final gear bought:
1. D200 body
2. MB-D200 Multi-Power Battery Pack
The battery pack is so cool. Makes the camera approximate the look of the professionals as well as adding a vertical grip to the camera. This allows you to take vertical shots without contorting your hands and face in the process.
6 August 06
This weekend was the 2nd step in the evolution process that commenced the previous week. A light weight quality tripod capable of enduring the rigours of my travels has always been on my wishlist. After much deliberation, again, I finally settled on the following
Tripod: Manfrotto 055MF4 ( with a magfibre construction and carbon centre post)
Ballhead: Kang Rinpoche Ballhead
All in all, it was an extremely satisfying fortnight having made the necessary improvements to further develop my interest in photography. Heavy on the pocket but in my opinion, worth every single cent.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Fish...
Why can’t fish shops in Singapore be more responsible? I just saw the most disturbing thing during lunch. A mother with her child and a stroller had obviously just paid a visit to a fish shop. Three plastic packets hung from the stroller, the kind that coffee shops use to contain your coffee. Each contained three fishes and a sprig of plant. The bags were not tied up nor was it pumped with air.
Most fish buyers are ignorant about the conditions required to successfully look after these delicate and beautiful animals. Most buys are fuelled by the whims and fancies of children who pester harried parents to buy them. Fish shops, on the other hand, should know better. They should take the opportunity to educate and advise the buyers on the intricacies needed to enjoy this new hobby.
The deplorable condition under which the fish were subjected to was heart breaking. The sprig of plant, serving as a small effort to beautify its surroundings, was distinctly out of place. In its small plastic world, the volume of water is small making it vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. There is probably little oxygen in the water. The frequent swinging must seem like an endless series of earthquakes to the little fish. The flurry of activity in the food court did nothing to make the situation any less chaotic.
It is no wonder that, on reaching home, those little buggers have little or no chance to survive. It is just not right to treat a living creature this way. I know fish are not as cute as dogs and other furry animals, but it is still a life!
I can only wish that local fish shops can slowly raise their standards and professionalism and provide the level of expertise needed for such a specialized hobby. As of now, the usual heartland fish shops have a long way to go.
Most fish buyers are ignorant about the conditions required to successfully look after these delicate and beautiful animals. Most buys are fuelled by the whims and fancies of children who pester harried parents to buy them. Fish shops, on the other hand, should know better. They should take the opportunity to educate and advise the buyers on the intricacies needed to enjoy this new hobby.
The deplorable condition under which the fish were subjected to was heart breaking. The sprig of plant, serving as a small effort to beautify its surroundings, was distinctly out of place. In its small plastic world, the volume of water is small making it vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. There is probably little oxygen in the water. The frequent swinging must seem like an endless series of earthquakes to the little fish. The flurry of activity in the food court did nothing to make the situation any less chaotic.
It is no wonder that, on reaching home, those little buggers have little or no chance to survive. It is just not right to treat a living creature this way. I know fish are not as cute as dogs and other furry animals, but it is still a life!
I can only wish that local fish shops can slowly raise their standards and professionalism and provide the level of expertise needed for such a specialized hobby. As of now, the usual heartland fish shops have a long way to go.
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