arnoldho.com

Iron Man Collection

2009-01-01T00:59:00.001+08:00

Iron Man
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

My Iron Man collection. I still have some on the way but here's a quick shot with my 350D.

A Wedding of Old Friends

2008-12-21T05:10:00.003+08:00

I attended my secondary school friend Zhiguang's wedding. We were never that close and I remembered him mostly for sitting diagonally left in front of me, his unusual antics and his squeaky voice.

Maybe it's because I am getting older and missing the days gone by, I wanted to attend the wedding and offer my best wishes. Would you believe that he and his wife has knew each other since they were toddlers? Like a fairy tale.

At the wedding, a small group of us from different classes, were scattered about the same ballroom after so many years. We hadn't seen each other for years so it took some time to warm up to each other again. Despite the slow start, one by one, everyone began to draw towards the same table, just like when we streamed into the same classrooms.

That night, our table was the last to disperse. We went back to our familiar lives, until something else brings us together again.

I had just finished watching Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and came across a great song by Regina Spektor, The Call, that perfectly compliments the night.

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before

All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and now one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

McDelivery

2008-12-05T02:34:00.002+08:00

I just called up for a McSpicy and McNuggets meal on McDelivery. The operator asked for my number and listed my address as Nanyang Crescent (that's my hostel address back when I was in University). This made me realised I hadn't ordered McDelivery for more than 2 years.

I am currently in the most terrible state as far as I know. I have exhausted all of my personal leave to study. However I am down with allergies and itching all over. On medication. The medication is sedating so I sleep 14hrs a day and remained dazed when awake. Having just began revising for an exam 3 days away.

Thus the requirement for a late night snack. McDelivery.

Oh how my life sucks. It's funny how life makes the arrival of McDelivery a shining moment. Excuse me whilst I weep buckets.

I HATE ALLERGIES.

Pineapple Express

2008-12-02T03:38:00.004+08:00

Pineapple Express is awesome! I had no idea what to expect when I started the movie but things got rollin' from the moment Dale starts getting his weed from Saul.

Saul: Just sit back and get ready to enjoy some of the rarest weed known to mankind.
[he lights a joint and inhales]
Dale Denton: It's really that rare?
Saul: [exhales] It's, like, the rarest.
[he examines the joint]
Saul: It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn... with, like, a bomb.

Take a ride! On the Express!

Ailing's Pledge The Sequel

2008-11-29T22:43:00.002+08:00

Another term has passed and off we go towards a new semester. I quoted what Ai Ling had to say for the upcoming term. By the way, here's what she said previously that we would do this term. No points for guessing how hard we worked.

[22:41:39] wishin' & hopin' says:
heard u got into grp 1 yayy
[22:41:46] .arnoldho.com [DESCTOM]: And it's done. Bruce Wayne, The Batman, is dead. says:
yeah
[22:41:58] .arnoldho.com [DESCTOM]: And it's done. Bruce Wayne, The Batman, is dead. says:
next time u all can help me mark attendance
[22:42:02] .arnoldho.com [DESCTOM]: And it's done. Bruce Wayne, The Batman, is dead. says:
hee hee
[22:42:26] wishin' & hopin' says:
cannot!!
[22:42:30] wishin' & hopin' says:
we must mug hard next sem!
[22:42:33] wishin' & hopin' says:
study everyday!!
[22:42:34] wishin' & hopin' says:
lol
[22:43:00] .arnoldho.com [DESCTOM]: And it's done. Bruce Wayne, The Batman, is dead. says:
i shall blog this again.
[22:43:03] .arnoldho.com [DESCTOM]: And it's done. Bruce Wayne, The Batman, is dead. says:
hang on.

Venom vs. Carnage

2008-11-11T12:28:00.001+08:00

Venom vs. Carnage
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

My new collectibles. I should be studying for the exam due in 6 hrs but I just couldn't resist taking some shots!

Terminator 800 1:1 Scale

2008-11-10T15:33:00.001+08:00

Terminator 800 1:1 Scale
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

My new Terminator Series 800 1:1 scale head, fresh from Cyberdyne!!!

I placed a huge order, ~$500USD worth I think, steep, but given this baby is just one of the many others that came along, Terminator, Venom, Carnage, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Catwoman, Guyvers 12" models, that arrived in a humongous box today (couldn't put my arms around it), I say it's totally worth it.

More photos of the others after my exams. I managed to get a few shots of the Metal though. Check it out!

Haven't been posting recently. I am trying to make at least one post per month though. Studying whilst working pretty much sucks. Nights out are reduced to like less than 3 times/month. This one is for November I guess.

Guyver Custom Vinyl Models

2008-10-16T21:22:00.001+08:00

Guyver
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

Custom-painted vinyl models. Worth every penny.

The two in the background are the movie versions of the Zoanoid and Guyver I. The two in the foreground are anime versions of Guyver I and III.

The photos do not do them justice. It was taken with my k810i. My friend lent me her precious camera (so I can finally take some decent shots) but I guess I would have to wait till I have got time to put together a DIY Macro Photo Studio before getting down and dirty.

Ailing's Pledge

2008-09-05T00:19:00.002+08:00

Ailing aka Peggy said this. Next semester, we shall see. Hehe.

[00:12:32] wishin' & hopin' says:
next semester
[00:12:36] wishin' & hopin' says:
wah i tell u everyday study man!!
[00:12:39] wishin' & hopin' says:
confirm everyday
[00:12:43] wishin' & hopin' says:
onz ah next semester

Color Quiz

2008-07-09T01:04:00.002+08:00

I am, by default, highly skeptical about online quizzes. However, I was browsing through Ruiqi's journal and saw the results generated by Colorquiz about her. I was pretty surprised that the results were quite well-aligned despite the test only requiring users to choose colors.

Curious, I gave it a whirl and I must admit, it is wildly amazing they managed to choose such an appropriate set of "general statements" about me, just like they did for Ruiqi.

My results

Your Existing Situation
Readily participates in things that provide excitement or stimulation. Wants to feel exhilarated.

Your Stress Sources
Wants to overcome a feeling of emptiness and of separation from others. Believes that life still has far more to offer and that he may miss his share of experiences if he fails to make the best use of every opportunity. He therefore pursues his objectives with a fierce intensity and commits himself deeply and readily. Feels himself to be completely competent in any field in which he engages, and can sometimes be considered by others to be interfering or meddlesome.

Your Restrained Characteristics
Believes that he is not receiving his share--that he is neither properly understood or adequately appreciated. Feels that he is being compelled to conform, and close relationships leave him without any sense of emotional involvement.

Circumstances force him to compromise and to forgo some pleasures for the time being. Capable of achieving physical satisfaction from sexual activity.

Your Desired Objective
His need to feel more causative and to have a wider sphere of influence makes him restless and he is driven by his desires and hopes. May try to spread his activities over too wide a field.

Your Actual Problem
The fear that he may be prevented from achieving the things he wants leads him into a relentless search for satisfaction in the pursuit of illusory or meaningless activities.

Your Actual Problem #2
Feels restricted and prevented from progressing; seeking a solution which will remove these limitations.

So Close

2008-07-02T21:21:00.004+08:00

So close to reaching that famous happy end...

Jon McLaughlin - So Close

You’re in my arms
And all the world is calm
The music playing on for only two
So close together
And when I’m with you
So close to feeling alive

A life goes by
Romantic dreams will stop
So I bid mine goodbye and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
And now forever I know
All that I wanted to hold you
So close

So close to reaching that famous happy end
Almost believing this was not pretend
And now you’re beside me and look how far we’ve come
So far we are so close

How could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
We’re so close
To reaching that famous happy end
And almost believing this was not pretend
Let’s go on dreaming for we know we are
So close
So close
And still so far

Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti-1500

2008-06-24T00:26:00.001+08:00

Tennis
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti-1500. My spare tennis racket. Used by Anna Kournikova back in the days. Wonderful racquet. Every few months, I need it's specifications but either can't remember or am uncertain. I am documenting it here for future reference.

Technical Specifications
Length 27.5 inches 70 centimeters
Head Size 105 square inches 677 square centimeters
Weight 11 ounces 312 grams
Balance Point 13 inches 33 centimeters 6pts Head Light
Shaft Width 23-26mm Taper Beam
Composition High Modulus Graphite & Ultimum Ti Fibers

Babolat RDC Ratings
Score Grade
Flex Rating 61 Range: 0-100
Swing Weight 314 Range: 200-400
Manueverability 75 A

Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Tennis Racquet Review
Have you ever wondered how a professional tennis player ends up playing with a particular racquet? Me either, but we're going to tell you one player's story because the player we're talking about is Anna Kournikova, and you can't really love(infatuation) or hate(envy) her without knowing all there is to know about her search for the perfect racquet. Plus, you may discover that your search for the perfect racquet isn't much different from hers.

According to Yonex's Pro Player Liason, Jun Hirasawa, it was Natasha Zvereva who unkowingly introduced Anna to Yonex [racquets] in Russia. For many years, Natasha has requested Yonex save any discontinued or leftover racquets for her, so she could donate them to the Russian Tennis Federation's junior development programs. In the mid-late '80s, Anna was a member of this program and received an RQ-180 through Natasha's donation.

After being discovered and moving to Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy, she switched to the RQ-380, which she used until she was around 12 years old. She then picked up the SRQ-500 and honed her game to a level that would bring her to the WTA Tour at age 14. After using the SRQ 500 for about 3 years, Anna told Yonex she needed more control and spin. After playtesting several models, she chose the Pro RD-70 Long 105, the same racquet Martina Hingis was using at the time.

In 1998, Yonex developed the SRQ Ti-600 Long specifically for Anna. However, she could never quite get used to this racquet, and after a terrible early-round loss at the 1999 Italian Open, she went back to the Pro RD-70 Long. In the Autumn of 1999, Anna felt she needed a little more power in her shots and asked Yonex to send her all their available racquets to playtest. She switched back to the SRQ-500, the racquet she used as a WTA Tour debutante, just prior to the Chase Championships in November. Not wanting one of their marquee players using a discontinued model, Yonex developed the Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Long for Anna and she's been been using it since the 2000 Australian Open.

While most of us didn't grow up in Russia, didn't attend Bollettieri's Tennis Academy or play our first pro tournament at age 14, we do have one thing in common with Anna. We want a racquet that will help us play our best. The Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Long, whether Anna plays with it or not, is going to help many players achieve that goal.
Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Long

The Ultimum 1500 effectively replaces the SRQ-500 (and SRQ-500 Long), one of Yonex's most popular racquets. It's quite similar to the SRQ-500, offering the same 105 square-inch headsize, similar beam width, same Isometric Head Shape, Oval Pressed Shaft, basic weight, balance and stiffness, as well as the same string pattern. So what is different about the Ultimum 1500? Besides the addition of Ultimum Titanium fibers and an extra 1/2 inch of length, not much. According to Yonex, this was intentional and designed to fill a void created when the SRQ-500 was discontinued (the SRQ Ti-400 Long was their initial attempt).

From the first groundstroke it's clear that the 1500 caters to a variety of playing styles. Granville begins, "the racquet feels good when you pick it up and even better when you smack the ball with it. The 105 headsize contributes to a generous sweetspot power level. If balls started to go a little long, adding more topspin was a cinch. The extra power allowed me to relax my stroke a bit and still retain good power and depth. One of the most enjoyable almost-oversize racquets I've playtested." Mark adds, "I was able to take a full swing on my topspin forehand and backhand and still keep the ball in the court. I could hit with heavy spin or flatten my shots out and hit with pace. The racquet is light enough to maneuver when hitting defensive shots but has enough mass to keep the ball deep, even when I was pulled wide and couldn't step into my shot. Loved the slice backhands!"

Our harder hitting play testers had to rely on more spin to harness the power of the 1500. Says Drew, "I had my best results hitting groundstrokes with extra spin. I found it hard to control the depth of flat shots and the quick racquet head speed lends itself to topspin. Slice shots had plenty of underspin but tended to float rather than bite for me." Dan comments, "the 1500 was a little too powerful for my long stroke style, so spin capability was critical for control from the baseline. The good thing is I could generate the spin required to keep my shots in. Overall, a great racquet for players of higher ability who need a little extra juice and a little extra sweetspot offered by the larger head." Don concludes, "good combination of comfort, power, control and maneuverability. The 1500 fit well with my medium-long swing and provided great spin potential. It's reminiscent of the SRQ 500 but a little more refined."

The Ultimum 1500's headsize, lighter weight and head-light balance all combine to make it a fun and effective racquet at net. As Granville says, "volleying with the 1500 is a delight. It's easy to move the racquet from side to side and it has a seemingly huge sweetspot. Due to the power level, more aggressive volleyers will need to shorten their strokes for best results." Ron comments, "I enjoyed volleying with the 1500. My forehand and backhand volleys had good power, control and placement." Dan adds, "I was able to manipulate spin and touch angles to a much greater degree than originally anticipated. The open string pattern helps with bite and control. Short, compact volley strokes will benefit best at net. My overheads had more than enough power and the racquet's maneuverability made getting into position an easy task." Mark especially liked volleying with the 1500, saying, "it's maneuverable enough to get to most balls and has enough mass to retain its stability. I could finesse low and half-volleys or put away the high volleys. Even mis-hits were very easy on my wrist and elbow." Drew opines, "the racquet is highly maneuverable and certainly has adequate power to put away volleys. I had good directional control of volleys but depth wasn't quite as precise. Overall, I'd consider it a very good volleying racquet. It was easy to set up for volleys, and they could be hit with good placement and power."

Serving with the 1500 is similar to hitting other shots - good maneuverability, power and, of course, spin. Dan says, "the 1500 unloads like a cannon on serves. If you have the capability for big first serves, this racquet will bring out your best. However, second serves were equally impressive. I was able to generate at least 20-30% more kick and spin that with most other racquets of similar weight and balance. Clay courters may find this particularly useful in harassing opponents on serve." Mark concurs, adding, "my kick serve really had a lot of movement. The power/spin combination of the 1500 is ideal for hitting the big kicker." Don continues, "even if my flat first serve didn't go in, I had increased confidence on my second serve and was winning a higher percentage of points.. This racquet also makes it easy to throw in the change-up on first serves - slice into the body or out wide."

The 1500's maneuverability also makes it possible to be aggressive on serve returns. Drew offers, "on returns, the racquet is quick enough to take a fairly robust stroke. I had my best results when I stayed aggressive on returns. Blocked or slice returns either stayed too high or sailed long. Similar to groundstrokes, I felt I was rewarded for going after my returns." Mark had a different opinion, saying, "it was easy to slice the ball deep with good control when I just wanted to keep the ball in play and on returns. I could also be more aggressive and attack the net behind a hard, low, slice approach shot and/or return. You don't have to take a big swing to generate power and spin. However, it's not necessary to baby the ball either.. A smooth, moderate swing was all it took." Dan adds, "returns felt crisp and powerful, even with a tight stringbed. The 1500 will benefit those who play against fast servers. Short, compact swings get the ball to its target against a big serve. Against slow or wide serves, the ability to generate massive topspin was there, allowing for a full swing without fear of flying."

Miscellaneous (touch, out-of-position) shots were another area where the 1500 excelled for most players. Ron comments, "I experienced the greatest degree of control, placement, touch and feel with lobs, drop shots and slice backhand returns." Dan adds, "feel was outstanding, especially the more I was able to hit with the racquet. Once I realized its boundaries and limitations, the results in 'touchy' situations were beyond expectation." Don concludes, "what impressed me was the racquet's stability, despite it's relatively light weight. I could pick up a return blasted at my feet, hitting a solid half-volley deep in the court or retrieve one of Dan's wide slice serves, completely out of position, and hit an effective return." Drew was a little less impressed, saying, "defense isn't this racquet's strong suit. When stretched wide, the power and maneuverability allow for a decent shot, but it's difficult to hit winners when out of position."

The Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Long is an easy racquet for many players to use. Those who will find it most appealing are probably 4.0-5.0 all-court players with medium to medium-fast swings, although there will be plenty of pure baseliners and serve and volleyers who are also going to like this racquet. The 1500 offers a little more power and stability than most 'tweener racquets, including the Ultimum RQ Ti 1700 MP & OS, but still provides enough control to keep it from being considered a game improvement racquet. Players seeking slightly more power than control, good spin potential, maneuverability and comfort in a larger-than-midplus headsize will be hard pressed to find a better racquet than the Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Long. Just ask Anna.
Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti-1500 Long Technical & Statistical Data

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester Profiles
Granville 5.5 all-court player currently using a Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 85
Dan 5.5 all-court player currently using a Gamma Tradition 18 Midplus.
Mark 5.5 serve & volleyer currently using a Prince Thunder Ultralite Titanium Oversize.
Don 4.5-5.0 all-court player currently using a Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti-1700 Midplus.
Drew 4.5-5.0 baseliner currently using a Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 85.
Ron 4.0 baseliner currently using a Wilson Hyper Hammer 6.3 Oversize.

BMW GINA

2008-06-15T04:09:00.006+08:00

This car is gonna be so light and stable. And it can change its form. The headlights? They work like our eyelids. Very interesting concept by BMW. Don't like the creasing on the doors but it should be easily fixed.

Isaac Shepard's Before Dawn

2008-06-09T00:09:00.002+08:00

This is a wonderful piece.

You are quietly reflecting upon the past, where everything you did right or wrong, when you were calm, angry or spiteful, oddly all the dilemmas and frustration feel insignificant at this point because despite all that, you did all right. Really.

And suddenly you realise it's time to move on again, wondering what's in store for you when this dawn breaks.

Audi R8

2008-06-05T00:24:00.002+08:00

Gosh, that drive around the circuit sure looks fun. Slipping and sliding but always in control. One of the best toys ever!

Batman The Dark Knight ArtFX

2008-06-01T00:56:00.001+08:00

Batman ArtFX
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

Wow. Just wow. I think this could be one of the best ever. Definitely gonna get this. More pictures here.

Ironman Fine Art

2008-06-01T00:48:00.003+08:00

Ironman Fine Art
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

I am so gonna get this. More pictures here.

Emergency Party Button

2008-05-26T01:23:00.004+08:00

OMG OMG! I gotta do this once I get the chance! Imagine the parties!

The Emergency Party Button began as a novelty idea that has become the focus of every event that goes on in our home. A big red button is, by human nature, an object of compulsion. If you see it, you are overcome with the desire to push it. But what happens when you do?

Golf Bummer

2008-05-18T16:42:00.002+08:00

Golf
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

I missed my golf lesson. I was so occupied with other stuff that I thought my lesson was on an entirely different day. Bummer.

I guess this is how golf screws with your life. Other than the usual ways Robin Williams told me. Watch the video.

Iron Man Speed Painting

2008-04-27T14:46:00.002+08:00

Iron Man The Movie is finally coming to cinemas in a few days time. Check out the Iron Man speedpainting done by various artists online.

The rock music you hear in the trailers and in this speedpainting is Iron Man by Black Sabbath.

The story behind the song is about a person who travels through time for the benefit of mankind's future. On his way back, he is transformed to steel with "boots of lead" when he passes through a "magnetic field."

Because of his new form, people reject him despite his efforts for the benefit of mankind. As revenge he tries to kill them. It turns out that the terrible event he tried to warn people of was him.

Xbox 360 on a HD Projector

2008-04-21T01:46:00.001+08:00

Xbox 360 on a HD Projector
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

Connected my Xbox 360 to my iMac. By the way, the song The War is Over by Trust Company is really great. Recommended.

There isn't a official music video but here's a pretty good one to the darker Spiderman 3.

Rick Astley Still Smashing

2008-04-05T12:31:00.003+08:00

Rick Astley's hit songs were crowd favourites at Zouk on Mambo Night a few years back (is it still popular? is there still a Mambo night? i haven't been back in ages).

The man is still smashing at this live 2005 concert. The voice still hasn't changed a single bit but the style has changed slightly to keep up with modern times. Watch the video. The warm-up ends and the fun starts 0:45 into the video so be patient.

Soundproofing My Room

2008-03-23T13:02:00.001+08:00

My Bedroom
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

That's my mattress you see there butting out the door.

You see, I have finally gotten around to setting up my screen and projector. I am finally able to screen movies in my room to a small crowd.

However, there's the snag of keeping the volume and woofer down to preserve the sanity of my parents and neighbours.

But like they say in the movies, an EXPLOSION has gotta SOUND like an explosion and an explosion has gotta FEEL like an explosion right!?

Solution? I needed to soundproof my room. I did some simple research and finally settled on getting weatherproofing foam tape to fill up the gaps in my door and hammered a door sealant to the bottom of my door.

It worked really well. By turning up the Iron Man trailer and making sure the explosions SOUNDED and FELT like EXPLOSIONS, I walked outta my room, closed the door and stood right outside the door.

Results? Like someone was watching TV with the volume a little bit too soft for liking.

If I walked into my parents room directly next door and closed the door? I could hear the swishing of the fan blades and felt barely noticable vibrations through the concrete. A 97% silence rating and a 100% sleepabilty rating. Success!

If you are wondering what the mattress is for, well, I don't have a bedframe and my mattress is always placed against the wall when I am not sleeping. I just figured it could do its teeny part in keeping the noise down and by the way, it does help a little actually.

That Won't Do

2008-03-23T00:34:00.000+08:00

I don't wish to settle for this.

Travelling Salesman Problem

2008-03-22T20:27:00.001+08:00

travelling_salesman_problem
Originally uploaded by Arnold Ho

The modern solution to the Travelling Salesman Problem.

I never laugh out loud to stuff online. But I did chuckle out loud. This means it's really funny.