Early Christmas Shopping

A few days ago, I was having a conversation with Danny and he mentioned that Chen bought some things online from Yamiya EStore Trading.
I logged into the site and was looking at all the items that were on sale. Quite a big choice they had. The price was quite good as well. I bought a total of 5 items from Yamiya.

1. Tiffen (Formerly Kodak) Lens Cleaning Paper
2. Lenspen Anti-Fog Solution
3. Lenspen Hunter Pro Elite Kit
4. MATIN "Tricot" Microfiber Lens Cleaner
5. Spirit Pop-Up Flash Diffuser with Color Gels

I placed my order on Wednesday (26 Nov) after lunch, and made my payment online immediately after that. Since I was using a different bank to transfer the cash, my order was only processed the next day (27 Nov). Yamiya sent me e-mails on the status of my order periodically.
This morning (28 Nov), as I was entering the office, I saw a guy wearing green shirt on a bike. He was looking at each and every warehouse at my office area. I knew he was the courier guy as he wore his work uniform and had a few parcels with him. I didn't expect too much because from my previous experience with other courier services, my package would only come after link. I was taken by surprise when he stopped at my gate and ask if Sharma works here. Yippyy...!!!! My parcel has arrived.
I was quite impressed at this point on the efficiency of Yamiya. No delay whatsover in processing the order. I send a message to Danny and Chen saying that my parcel has arrived.

:::... My parcel from City-Link Express ...:::

:::... From Yamiya EStore Trading ...:::

I took my time to open the parcel. Danny was rather impatient, asking me to open the parcel and take some pictures of the items. Especially the pop-up flash diffuser. Danny wants to get one as well, and he will get it once I give him my seal of approval.

:::... Nicely wrapped using bubble wrap ...:::

:::... Sneak peak ...:::

:::... Mostly consist of cleaning kit ...:::

Here are some pictures that I took of the items I purchased. Most of the items are cleaning tools except for the pop-up flash diffuser.

:::... MATIN "Tricot" Microfiber Lens Cleaner ...:::

:::... Produced from ultra-fine 0.1 denier microfibers, this lens cleaning cloth has the optimum softness to absorbs dirt, grease and moisture more effectively than natural chamois leather, leaving a spot-free finish without scratches. Measures 17x25cm. ...:::

:::... Spirit Pop-Up Flash Diffuser with Color Gels ...:::

:::... Spirit Pop-Up Flash Diffuser is for use on almost any SLR camera that has a hot shoe and pop-up flash. It has a convex, dimpled white diffuser front that softens and disperses the light from your camera's pop-up flash. ...:::

:::... Tiffen (Formerly Kodak) Lens Cleaning Paper ...:::

:::... Lenspen Anti-Fog Solution ...:::

:::... Lenspen Hunter Pro Elite Kit ...:::

:::... Lenspen Hunter Pro Camouflage Limit Edition ...:::

:::... Comes in a metal casing ...:::

:::... Set includes 2 x Lenspen Original, 1 x Lenspen MiniPro II , 1 x Lenspen MicroKlear Deluxe Microfiber Suede Cleaning Cloth, 1 x Lenspen Anti-fog Solution (20ml) ...:::

:::... Lenspen Hunter Pro Elite Kit ...:::

Overall, I would say that I was very impressed with the services rendered by Yamiya. They were were efficient and prompt in their dealing. I am sure this would not be my last online transaction with them. I have already placed a few items in my wishlist.
I will do another posting on the items that I have purchased here soon. I am sure some of you would like to know ho the pop-up diffuser works and the effect it has on the photos. Stay tuned for the next update.

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Photography Workshop in Kudat

I was reading New Sabah Times yesterday during breakfast and I chanced upon the following article in page 8.

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Photography Workshop in Kudat

Kota Kinabalu : KKIPC Sdn. Bhd. and Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) will be conducting a photopgraphy workshop at Kudat Golf and Marina Resort on Dec 6 and 7.
Working committee chairperson, Anne Solomon said the workshop, is the second one organized following overwhelming response to the first one held earlier in conjuction with the Beautiful Sabah Digital Photography competition.
"So the organizing committee (KKIPC Sdn. Bhd. and Sabah Journalists Association) supported by Kinabalu Photography Club, sediced to hold another one in Kudat," she said.
Anne said practical and theory sessions along with accomodation, food and transportation will be provided at a minimal fee ans speakers from the Sabah Journalists Association and Kinabalu Photography Club have been invited to present talks.
The workshop aims at imparting theory and practical lessons on photography within a short time frame.
"Participants will be taken to tourist spots in and around Kudat for practical sessions," she said, adding that photography enthusiasts are also welcome to attend the workshop.
Due to limited seats, anyone interested should register before November 30 at KKIPC Sdn. Bhd., Level 1, Sabah Trade Centre. Counters will be open in the morning on November 29 and 30.
Forms can also be downloaded at www.sabah.net.my/photography. For more information, contact 088-231101.

(taken from printed version of New Sabah Times, Dated 26 November 2008, page 8)

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I am planning to head down to KKIPC later to make further enquiries and also to register myself if possible. I have checked out their website, at the iternary for this Workshop are as the following.

DAY 1 – 6th December
7.00 – 7.30 am : Gather at Sabah Trade Centre, Likas before leaving for Kudat.
10.30 am : ETA at venue
11.00 am : Workshop commence

DAY 2 – 7th December
6.30 – 8.25 am : Breakfast
8.30 am : Workshop continue
3.30 pm : Leave for Kota Kinabalu
6.30 pm : ETA Sabah Trade Centre

Looks like a good deal to me. RM 200 inclusive of accomodation, food, transport as well as practical and theory session. Hopefully there is still space for me to join the workshop.

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Constructive Criticism

I received the following comments on my chat box recently.

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Guest : Just to challenge your idea on photography! What does all this flora and fauna pix that you have taken mean? The msg that you like to deliver?"
2008-11-20 1:28 AM

Guest : A pix should be able to tell a story. Not just taking al this pix mean u r PRO SLR!"
2008-11-20 1:29 AM

Guest : Understand the concept of composition!"
2008-11-20 1:55 AM

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Don't get me wrong. I am not against criticism. In fact, I welcome feedback. I know that my pictures aren't that good. I know that i still have got a long way to go. Never once in my previous entry I have refered to myself as a PRO SLR. Not once. So what makes Guest here thinks that I am I. I am only using a Nikon D60 + kit lens. No external flash, no battery pack. Just my camera and my lens.

Until about a month ago, all my pictures were shot in JPEG format. Once recently I started to shoot in RAW. Even that, my PP skills are next to ZERO. I am slowly learning. Trying to read up from the internet, joining forums, reading magazines to brush up on my skills.

So, please don't come here, and say that I am a PRO SLR (which I strongly deny) and hide behind an alias. Why not show yourself. Share some of your pictures. Maybe I could learn a few things from you.

I welcome feedback, but make them constructive, so I may learn. If you are here just to diss me, you are not welcomed. Take I don't need your comments.



P.S. If you have the balls (assuming you are a guy), post a comment here, reveal your true self. Just just be a pussy and hide behind an alias.

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Around the Office

About a month back, I brought my camera to the office with me and decided to take some pictures in my office. Nothing much to shout about but there were lots of opportunity around. Saw a few incests and bugs but unfortunately, was unable to capture them. Only managed some plants in the end.

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/14, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

Nikon D60 + Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 + Raynox 250 @ 55 mm — Aperture Priority, f/5.6, ISO 100

That is all for now. I have been kinda busy for the past few weeks, hence the lack of activity on this blog. I have a few things lined up for this weekend. Hopefully it will materialize.

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Journey to the Tip of Borneo

About a month back, I was down in Kota Marudu for work and decided to do a quick pit stop to The Tip of Borneo. The journey there was quiet and uneventful. To those who are not familiar with Tip of Borneo, here are some background information that I managed to dig up from the Internet.

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The Tip of Borneo - Tanjung Simpang Mengayau

This dramatic headland is situated in the northern-most tip of BORNEO, the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. It is located in the Kudat Peninsula, about three and a half hours (or 215 kilometres) drive from Kota Kinabalu City.

Simpang Mengayau means 'lingering junction' as it is here that the South China Sea lingers and meets the Sulu Seas flowing from the east ... Enjoy the stunning view. The sunsets and full moons are just beautiful ... The Pulau Kalampunian lighthouse is a reminder of treacherous coastline and past shipwrecks. On the left is the beautiful beach of Pantai Kalampunian.

It's a lovely easy stroll to the flagpole, the Globe and the rocky outcrop that forms the "Tip of Borneo".
(Source : Sabah Tourism)

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, is also known as the Northernmost tip of Borneo, is located in the district of Kudat, in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The tip is the meeting point of Sulu and South China Sea.

A bronze globe marks the location of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau on the globe at latitude 7 degrees north and longitude 116 degrees east. A map featuring the island of Borneo is embossed in bronze and laid on a flat surface at an angle with inscriptions to mark the Tip of Borneo.

The name of this place was originally known as SAMPANG MANGAYAU. The area was known for sea traders from all places to moor their ship for a rest or take refuge during rough sea condition.

In the olden days the area around Simpang Mengayau was also well known for its sea pirates, and that is how its got its name. 'Sampang' in local dialect (Bajau Laut) means a meeting place or a place of gathering and 'Mangayau' is to attack or hijack.

On the early maps of the 60's and 70's, it still retained its original name of 'Sampang Mangayau'. In the 80's they change the name to 'SIMPANG MENGAYAU', maybe thinking the name was mis-spelt.

When Sampang Mangayau was 'rediscovered' in the 2000's it put Sampang Mangayau and Kudat on the tourist track.

Certain groups from a different ethnic group, namely the Rungus claim that the name Simpang Mengayau was named by them and they are creating a 'Legenda Simpang Mengayau' which infect it was originally named by the ethnic Bajau Laut (Ubian, Banadan and Suluk).

(Source : Wikipedia)
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Whatever the reason behind the name is, Simpang Mengayau or Sampang Mengayau is a wonderful place to visit. The view there is absolutely breathtaking. I was quite lucky on the day that I was there as the sky was clear and sunny. Too bad I didn't have my tripod with me. I only had my trusted Nikon D60.

I am planning to make another visit there in the near future. Plan to spend more time there.. Hopefully till sunset. I am sure the sunset over there would be beautiful.

Here are some pictures taken at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the The Tip of Borneo.

:::... The Globe ...:::

:::... The Globe at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau ...:::

:::... I was there ...:::

:::.. Writing on the Globe ...:::

:::... The tip most part of Borneo Island. It is possible to hike down there as there is a trail. I did not come prepared so I decided to take pictures from above ...:::

:::... Rocky outcrops ...:::

:::... The Beach ...:::

:::.. South China Sea ...:::

:::... Wonderful scenery ...:::

:::... I like the clouds formation in this picture ...:::

:::... Camwhoring ...:::

:::... Taken by my colleague ...:::

:::... Camwhoring at the Globe ...:::

:::... Sharma at the Globe ...:::

For more information on Tip Of Borneo, please drop by the Sabah Tourism website as they have a lot of details on how to get there and the facilities available at the Tip of Borneo.

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Getting to root of the name Sabah

Many moons ago, I was reading NST Online and I saw this very interesting article written by Jaswinder Kaur. This article is about the name Sabah. She tried to trace the origin of the name Sabah. As we all know, Sabah used to be known as North Borneo. But how did this name change happen? And what does Sabah means?

Below is the article that I have copied from NST Online. It can also be viewed here.

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JASWINDER KAUR: Getting to root of the name Sabah
By : Jaswinder Kaur
As found on NST Online.

FROM "North Borneo" to "Sabah", just how did the state get its name?

The quest to discover the origins of Sabah's name took me deep into the Internet and volumes of journals and articles.

My first stop was the search engine Google which took me to websites on names for babies. Sabah, the websites explained, is a girl's name and means morning in Arabic. In Africa, it refers to the sunrise.

The only reference in the Internet to how Sabah got its name is detailed in a couple of blogs, with information pieced together from a variety of sources.

One blog entry claimed the name was widely used in the 15th century when Sabah was part of Brunei and that it referred to pisang saba, a type of banana which grew well along the coast.
Interestingly, Seludang cropped up as an old name for Sabah. According to a blog, it was used in reference to this region in a Javanese poem dating back to 1365.

Obviously, I couldn't get all the information I needed on the Web, so I went to the Sabah state library.

In volume seven of the 1981-1982 Sabah Society Journal, I found a nine-page article by Allen R. Maxwell titled The Origin of the Name Sabah.

Maxwell did not mention the banana theory but he dismissed the numerous theories and meanings ascribed to the name Sabah in published literature as "fanciful suggestions" because there was a lack of supporting evidence.

He said a study on the subject suggested that Sabah was derived from the Malay word sabak which is the place for or act of boiling to extract palm sugar. Again, he ruled out this theory due to lack of evidence.

Maxwell also says that in Bruneian Malay, saba means downstream but other studies say it means upstream. Sabah is located to the northwest, or upstream of Brunei.

"The other sense of meaning of the word saba, and the one which specifically gives rise to the name of the state of Sabah, is much less general, and refers specifically to the northern portion of the island of Borneo.

"The published literature abounds in examples of this usage, but different authors seem to place an almost endless variety of only slightly different interpretations on this sense of meaning," Maxwell adds.

"Various authors indicate that Sabah is a local name, a Malay name, an old Malay name, a native name, an old native name or an indigenous and Brunei people's name; a name referring to portions of the northwest coast of Borneo, northern Borneo, north of Brunei, or the territory of the British North Borneo Company."

A few days later, I found myself flicking through old books at a small corner of the Sabah Museum library.

I came across Volume Four of the Sabah Society Journal 1969-70 which had an article titled The Prehistory of Sabah by Tom and Barbara Harrisson.

According to the authors, most names in Borneo had their roots buried in prehistory, and were "beyond any hope of further disentanglement".

"Most Sabahans take their state's title for granted. They are wise to do so... Sabah is better considered as a word of obscure local origin," the Harrissons wrote.

Realising that I was not likely to get any more answers, my attention turned to why, after being called North Borneo for 82 years from the time of the British North Borneo Chartered Company in 1881 until independence in 1963, the state's name was changed to Sabah.

In the state's annual report for 1963, published the following year, it was stated that the legislative council had voted unanimously that the British colony should become independent on Aug 31 under the name of Sabah, but it did not give any reasons. From that date, North Borneo became known officially as Sabah.

Former Sabah state secretary Tan Sri Richard Lind, who was in the civil service during British rule, told me that the matter of changing North Borneo's name to Sabah was raised well before independence by the late Tun Mustapha Harun, who later went on to serve as head of state and chief minister.

"There was a lot of objections from Governor Roland Turnbull who said the whole world already knew North Borneo.

"It took over two years and there was a debate over it," Lind said.

He said the word Sabah was not commonly used during British rule but that the Native Courts called the region negeri Sabah.

"I served as a district officer once and I know that the native courts used the word Sabah. They never called it North Borneo," he said.

I also found a book published five years before the state's independence, called Sabah Men At Work, in the North Borneo Social Studies series which indicated that the name Sabah was known to the public.

A much earlier use of the name was in Joseph Hatton's book The New Ceylon, being a sketch of British North Borneo, or Sabah in 1881.

As Maxwell had pointed out, the study of the origin of place names can be fascinating, informative and rewarding.

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Anyone out there who known another version of how Sabah got it's name? Do share in the comment section.

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