Ok so the bomb is dropped. I have to relocate for work, otherwise my boss will let me go.
Well, in a way, its a good thing because I need to move forward with my life.
I've been stuck for quite a long time in my current job. I see no advancement nor work satisfaction in terms of meaningful achievement. In other words, I just work for money, and my boss' money. I don't feel like I have helped anyone in a meaningful way.
Now I have a chance to do real work again, meet new challenges. I have a lot of options in front of me, but I can say that I'm a bit afraid. And uncomfortable with the changes that lies ahead of me.

Anyway, in this slow and boring weekend with nothing to do, I'm kind of in the middle of two good books.

End This NOW!

Quiet

Who knows economist is so important. Since my college days, I thought that economist does nothing but talking and promoting their opinions. Which.. sort of true in a way. What I didn't realize is that how much impact they make on peoples' life when some world leaders or monetary authority listen to them. (PS: I went to the Economics faculty myself, being an accountant by education.)

The second book is about introverts, their traits, and how to use their "power". The author thinks that the world tends to be 'extroverted'.. or in favour for extroverts. I've read only the opening chapters.. but its a very interesting one.

Google

Today I found this on Google search page

which reminds me I have a book about Doisneau coming this week.

And while reorganizing my room, I found my Chinese class handout, which has finished last week. That means six months have passed. I remember the first day in class like it was yesterday... man.. time flies. *sigh*

Wonderful World (Be an Optimist)

My watch just arrived this week. I love it to bits! The design is not exceptional.. but the workmanship is. It has a rectangular case with classic roman numerals.The dial have subtle sunray brush pattern with guilloché on the center. Just lovely!

Sure the world is not in a good condition now, I read it every morning in the news... But has it ever been in a good condition, really?  I don't think so.

So we should enjoy life and not take it too seriously. Sure a little planning would help a lot, but over thinking is not (well.. your mileage may vary).

I printed few of my pictures from Europe trip over the long weekend. Honestly I'm a little bit disappointed with Harman Gloss Baryta papers. Its a waay cheaper alternative (at least locally) from Ilford Gold Fibre Silk, but the paper has major flaking problem.

Its printed using QuadTone RIP. I haven't tried the Epson ABW mode for comparison.

The good news is that I'm now free on weekends to do photography, most probably street photography. Also eyeing on a messenger bag for more convenient walk around. =)

PS: I know its late.. but... HAPPY EASTER!

Book Lust

I just found another online bookstore, The Book Depository.

I bought this for $12.. not bad.. Amazon price is $10.. before shipping.


They even ship to Asia for free!
Well.. after some research.. it turns out that they were acquired by Amazon just recently.
Anyway.. as long as the customer (me) gets the benefit..... *shrug*

Lightroom.. and The Age of the Internet

Well.. if you haven't notice what age this is.. I welcome you.
Yesterday, Adobe has release Lightroom 4, its workflow and photo editing software.
Its been highly anticipated by the photo community, including me, who have tried the beta version.
I find the image rendering improvement alone is a significant factor to upgrade from my current LR3.
However... there is just one problem... pricing. Adobe decided to charge international customers more than its US buyers. This pisses a lot of people, moi included. I mean.. what were they thinking ? Do they think we are stupid? Adobe has bright developers, but clearly its management/marketing is not. I don't know what game they are playing, especially after the Photoshop upgrade fiasco. I think they could be the next Kodak.

Recently, I went to the local watch retailer and ask about a model that I fancy. Its quite expensive, so I went home and think about it. Then I browse around and I found the model on Amazon for almost a grand less. Unbelievable! Guess which one I bought from?

Kodak

Kodak has filed for bankruptcy protection. From what I've read all over the internet, employees and management consultants gives similar explanation, that they brought it upon themselves. I don't deny that they have great products, but that alone won't make them successful forever. They need to take care about other things like marketing, customer relationship, etc.
Its sad to see their decline, but I really think technology will eventually fills in the gap that film left. I think the only thing that digital have to catch up is the highlight roll off. Many people talking about film color rendering, but with a good color profiling, that should be no problem. That being said, the best time to live is now, its time to move on.
Or watch a movie.. Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson. :)

Printing Experience

So.. after just a few prints I notice that my ink cartridges are almost empty!

I search the web for explanation for some time. Eventually I stumble into this on a third party ink website.

The easiest method to install Piezography inks on the R3000 is by installing them into the printer as it's first set of inks. The reason for this is that when the R3000 is first turned on and ink cartridges are installed for the first time, the printer performs an ink initialization which pulls in about 15ml of ink from each cartridge into the ink dampers, the ink lines, and the print head. This is not much different than that of the Epson Pro 3880 - and this printer shares many of the same components.

Quite a shock.. but OK.. that explains it, so I can move on and sleep peacefully :)