Failed Again on Windows Server 2012...

Except this time was Windows Server 2012 R2. My company has asked me to retake Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Installing and Configuring course last week. Same as usual 5 days training courses driving up and down to the capital. After that taking the examination yesterday and failed again miserably for the last 2016.

I actually not interested retaking the course again but due to the limited course's selection set by AITI (Government). My boss insist I have to go for the same course and see what’s new in Windows Server 2012 R2. Honestly, if you want to learn what’s new then better off looking at Windows Server 2016.

The early examination was surprising unexpected and a bit disappointing not enough time preparing. The reason behind this was because it was subsided by the Government, you cannot postpone to next month which is kinda button pusher. I didn’t even know at first and thought able to take it next month once the holiday is over. The rush really put me really stress even I have to study during Christmas day and at the same time dealing nonsense in the company work.

I only managed gone through 30% of Windows Server 2012 R2 topics before the examination day. Still, not bad for myself able to score 600 points. I might able to passed if given more time. Will I retake the exam again next month? Nope, I really want to focus Windows 10 Installing and Configuring since the study book is here and today I just finished prepare the image in the Virtualbox. Let’s see if I might score big on 4D next month then I will retake one last time.

Anyway, goodbye 2016!!!

The Craze on End of the Year Sales - Books

How much did I blow so far is unbelievable. This time around are more on about getting something useful. Yes, books! I can’t believe myself would ever bother to buy books that I don’t usually like to read. Age probably really changes part of me and of course it’s about keeping up. Three study books from Microsoft Press Store (just arrived from FedEx) and two Richard Dawkins from Book Depository.

If I couldn’t find a way to change my current IT Technician position then you better stay and get some knowledge upgrades. When Microsoft Press Store offer 55% coupon for all the paperback books and eBooks, this is something I can’t overlook. The timing of these offers probably the best so far because both Exam Ref 70-698 Installing and Configuring Windows 10 and Troubleshooting with the Windows Sysinternals Tools (2nd Edition) were published two months ago. Nice~!

The last one took me a while to decide was Windows Server 2012 Inside Out. I previously attended the course (I failed) three years ago and continue hands on deploying to the market today. Continuing support and optimizing the operating system are the most important part of my daily job. Despite the book was more than three years without any further update. I felt it’s best to have around with me. I just had to say wow, total 1381 pages to read.

Now, are you having a hard time looking for certain books and waiting for discount? Look no further, Book Depository might become one of your favorite online bookstores. I am really surprised with the huge selections titles available at their store. The wildest part is able to get free worldwide shipping deal.

Since I already brought three Microsoft books, why not get some controversy books to read? Yup, ‘The God Delusion’ and ‘The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True’ books. Got a great deal from the bookstore and in case you wonder, these two books are highly recommended by tons of people (not just atheist) around the world. Sadly, they are still separately on the way from UK. I do hope one day I might able to get Richard Dawkins to sign the books.

Maketoys Manga Mech Series Set Get!!!

To be honest, I don’t really want to get it but because I have extra Cyclonus from the Classic/Universe three pack 2010 sitting in a plastic bag with the same left arms many years. I feel that he deserved a second chance for some upgrade since I got another one for free complete replacement. But due to the high US dollar exchange rate and the terrible global oil price, you got to think twice on your spending. Needless to say, 3^rd party Transformers toys are freaking expensive these days.

My original plan was supposed to go for MM-02 Rear End alone and mixed with others. Since Robotkingdom no longer (two years?) carry both FansProject and Maketoys, you have to looked somewhere else. I only have two websites in mind previously, either Robotoy Base (formerly known as Chimungmung Toy Shop) or Upgrade Commander. The total price and shipping are definitely don’t come cheap. Yes, I know. Both countries shipping fee have increases. However, it doesn’t mean you got to suck it up. I am patience guy and it doesn’t matter to me losing any exclusive or limited toys in the collection. As long the price is right, I will pay.

After spending time looking deeper through the web in Asia, to my surprises discovering Maketoys happen to sell discounted Manga Mech series set for US$99.90 bundle at their own exclusive shop. I thought they only offer limited version at their exclusive shop. I didn’t imagine they would include other as well. Nonetheless, now it’s time for price comparison against the others.

*Price Comparison Chart (Last checked on 26.11.2016):

Website#	Maketoys Exclusive	Robotoy Base	Upgrade Commander
MM-01	-	-	7,999 YEN
MM-01 w/M.F.B	-	US$84.90	-
MM-02	-	US$54.90	8,999 YEN
M.F.B	-	-	1,299 YEN
MM-01/02 (Set)	US$99.90 ($132.90)	-	-
Shipping Fee	US$16.95	US$37.70	2,400 YEN
Total	US$116.85	US$177.50	18,297 YEN
Convert to BND (XE.com)	$166.809	$253.390	$230.826

Interesting isn’t it? I can’t believe myself saving so much from it! The offer has been ongoing for quite a while when I made my purchase first week of this month. You can see a ‘Half Decade Deal’ button below at their official website. So if you plan to get it, better hurry before the offer over.

I Got An Idea Starting Company But Kinda Tricky...

Over the years of dreaming, I really wanted to start my own product and company. I see myself falling behind in the IT path and still seeking ways to switch. Back to study is no go, I truly don’t have the motivation focusing unless I am working projects and testing several systems. It just I can’t think of anything other than selling toys and computers these days in Brunei. People always told me if you are good at these, go for it.

The answer in my mind says ‘nope’. Many locals are already doing the same thing I am good at so why bother wasting time? This is the reason I need to seek something new and different. My mind is looking at creating and rectifies an existing product to be more useful in any environment. Things are not looking exactly simple.

Producing the Prototype

Making a prototype is not an issue anymore since there is one local company pops up in the newspaper headline last year offering 3D printing service. How well their 3D printer can do is later because I haven’t start designing and even sketching the idea yet. Even if I did prepare the designs, the probably most important thing must do is register intellectual property first to prevent getting stolen or copies. I have to remember we are now in digital era.

Are There Any Green Manufacturers in Brunei?

Finding the right manufactures to produce my idea prototype are tricky because I want it to be made with green technology and able to use recyclable material to reproduce again. Most importantly to be able to made in Brunei. Overseeing the progress, QC and made changes directly are much easier if you plan to cut the costs flying around.

I’m not really sure if there are any well-known local companies have this kind of manufacturing green technology machine available. My search shows up empty in the yellow book and web search. I may have to start searching from oversea…

Dealing with Intellectual Property (IP)

I don’t have any experience with the IP when it comes to registering. What we need to know Brunei is the member of ‘World Intellectual Property Organization’ (WIPO). But my main concern remain is how much do you really need to pay for to get protected? Some countries (like Australia, USA etc) IP law only stated cover at their own not including overseas. Does this mean we need to register the IP separately as well? This is where I am kind of stuck and needed to go through the information bit by bit more at BruIPO. Headache…

BOX Assembly Display Case 3628 for Brick Toys

When it comes to collecting Lego Minifigures, many of us would want proper display cases to showcase. There are many sizes and types of display cases available in the market these days so majority of us would preferable getting good quality made cases. In this post, I will take a look at the BOX assembly display case 3628 (*model/product code) made for brick toys. In the content, you will get three-step detachable brick base and also separate windows cover clear plastic. The size complete assemble measure by 250mm (L) x 145mm (W) x 120mm (H).

Accidentally Wipe Out Scheduled Posts

Yeah, I did put lots of effort trying write for my blog. There are many things I wanted to lashed and talks about it. My shitty fingers just hit delete the entire pending topics after realizing I am writing in the header column. Now I have to rewrite the whole topics again. As for now, I will write short recap of the things I did last few weeks (and today) after I came back from Kota Kinabalu work trip.

First, I joined the charity run this end of the month. Since Schlumberger is celebrating its 80^th anniversary in Brunei and decided to hold a charity run in Seria which is closed to my home location rather driving a long way to capital. Why not try doing some challenge for 5KM Borneo Bulletin category.

I personally not an active charity runner because I do jogging and work out on weekdays. Weekend are my days off for relaxing and building Gunpla

Next, finding plastic storage drawers for Lego to sort out the bricks. I did found 9 drawers storage at Soon Lee Mumong last month. BTW, it cost BND12.90 each. But I decided to put on hold seeking out more selections at different location this month. Good news was the 30 drawers storage model was spotted at Soon Lee, Sea View location and cost BND19.90 each.

Now for the bad news, there are price treachery. So you need to be extra careful. Can you imagine the same 9 drawers storage found at Mumong branch cost BND15.90? They add another BND3.00 more. There is possibility you could purchase much cheaper price around BND16.90 if found at Mumong branch? I kinda hate this grocery store when they do this kind of tactic. Not the first time and I’m going to hold off until upcoming Brunei ends of the year sales.

Lastly, the damn old car acting up again. The engine temperature needle suddenly pointing to dangerous high red when I hit brake at the highway before turning to Mumong entrance. After few seconds when I drive to Mumong road, the temperature drop back to normal on the way home. The next morning I did a check on the water tank and found decrease. I refill and drive around, same thing happen and arrange to send over to the workshop.

The mechanic found no leak in the water tanks and the hoses. Goods news at least. However, they did another check and suspect radiator cap might be damage causing the water leaks out including incorrect engine temperature needle reading. I got it replaces today and going for test drive this Monday morning to see if the problem still persist.

You Called Me Uncle? WTF!

I don’t know if age caught up on me but I’m still in the 30’s. However, this starting to occur very often being called ‘uncle’ in the street. What pissed me off was these cunts are in their 30’s too. I don’t know if it was intentional jokes or just a whole misunderstanding since my mom sit beside me. Still, very rude.

Okay, I do admit don’t shave my mustache during weekend. Despite even if a person having mustache, should you simply jump into conclusion calling someone an uncle straightaway for the first time you met? Of course not, I personally see it very disrespectful way of greeting someone. Don’t get me wrong, I accept my cousin and friends children's calling me uncle. They are kids and I cool with that. But by a dude? WTF? Did he even looked himself into the mirror how he looked like? What kind of generation that guy is living in right now? My flaws may not be great in fashion type and good in choosing right clothing. I fully aware how I looked and dared to say myself belong to an average grade human being.

No matter, good rule of thumb. Don’t simply call someone aunties and uncles out of nowhere. Only do that unless you are certain and known that persons very well (like relatives or friends parents etc). Nowadays we usually call people by nick names, first names or sometimes formality way using Mr or Mr’s as greeting.

 

So did I drive into madness getting this new free HG original weapon parts this week? Nope, not going to. I already learned hard lesson last year and just doesn’t want to get dupe by HLJ again. Despite my heart is still so itching to press the purchase button. In the end, not happening.

There are plenty of Gunpla backlog stuck in my room and hardly finished half of it. It’s best I tried to complete majority of them before start buying again. But it just unimaginable that P-Bandai just screw us again. Who knows HG 1/144 Z-Plus C1 limited release recently just announce for no reason!

Again, I don’t understand why it has to be limited release. If they previously released both S Gundam, Xeku Eins and Z-Plus A1. Why just can’t Z-Plus C1 continue to be retail release? Gosh, this Bandai.

Kingsglaive Final Fantasy XV - First 12 Minutes

Impressive CG animation as always from Square Enix. Although I'm not fan with English dub in Final Fantasy and usually prefer Japanese voice, but it indeed looks pretty well done. I can't wait for the release end of the month!

Pokemon Go Craze!

Everyone says it’s a waste of time and stupid if you look at it. I was one of them but once I started playing after see the game landed in Apple app store, the crazy starts walking around my office and visit the public parks to catch the damn Pokemon monster as long it shows up in my GPS radar. For now I mostly go to Billionth Barrel Monument in Seria because currently one of the good places with three PokeStops there. Not to mention, my one stop jogging location after work.

Man, ‘Pokemon Go!’ really forces everyone out from home. You get to see tons of different people and even long time friends hardly see these days including some elderly and seniors joined the party. No one gives any damn laughs at anyone. Everyone just do their things, busy catching monsters walking around and battling at the gym on their phones.

Majority still skeptic about ‘Pokemon Go!’ game. Of course I too have issue especially players with no sense of safety while driving in highway and at towns. I encounter few sudden braking their car and then pull over just to catch the damn monsters. Worst, forget or without signaling light. Parents as well to worry their young children’s wander (some alone) in dangerous places and late nights catching monsters outside.

I do have to admit these games actually help players to be more active outside, sometimes making new friends and at the same time making you exercising just by walking, all for the sake of hatching the eggs (me, when jogging). But we just need to aware the surrounding and safety. Well, time for hunting adventure!

Bandai Continue Nightmare Release Limited Kits

I just don’t get it! How the hell Bandai continue to screw modelers like that releasing those limited kits that grantee to be long term popular? It just not cool playing such card on us especially the exchange rate already 76 YEN against our 1.00 dollar. To be honest, it doesn’t really looks so good for plenty of us if it continues to drop and in case you haven’t notice, the price of the normal Gunpla kit does indeed increase.

The toy market are slowing down definitely and I see several online shops having hard time clearing them off. Even they slash half the price of the toys, whether I should pick up or not because the limited kits are in the way.

So what are the new menus got for me to hunt? Let’s see...

 RAG-79-G1 Waterproof Gundam

Dream comes true for me. Bandai really up with their sleeves reusing the same mod knowing the retail release Gundam The Origin MSD Local Type not doing well in the market. This change, I am going to get it.

RGM-89S Prototype Stark Jegan

I already brought CCA-MSV version, why not this?

Ghost Jegan F & M

Thinking! Thinking!

GM Sniper II Lydo Wolf Unit

Nah, skip! I still like White Dingo version.

Gundam Thunderbolt Expansion Unit “Weapons & Armor Hanger”

Gundam Thunderbolt Anime and comic without doubt my favorite. So I am making excuses getting MG. Now waiting for the full preview of the kits and the price.

Where Is Da Missing Persons?

Quite long, yes. But question still need to ask. Where are the missing persons reported missing in Brunei? Are they found, suspect kidnapping or dead? Although I hardly buy newspaper, it doesn’t mean I never follow up reading local news every day online and peak at the newspapers if found at my company reception.

Brunei may continue to be peaceful country, I slowly find it very disturbing the police hardly follow up with the public regarding the missing persons. If they require public help, the police need to be responsible providing an update or better way setting up a website for us to check whether they are found or not.

Anger Strike Back!

It’s really been a long while self explosion anger on someone else. No not the kid I always complained about. I gave up on him already but another working colleague I know for long time which I will call him the ‘manager’ in this post. It truly strikes me it has to come down to this unreasonable and nonsense fighting at work. Of course, I am terrible person swearing and insulted him over the work issue recently. But I’m not sorry for my action. Well, not without reason.

I was given a task by my boss to follow up, inspecting and help to prepare computers to be ready for new project at overseas. Additionally, the computers must able to handle heavy task especially their usage on drawing documents like AutoCAD so good hardware specification is a must. Not only that, it is prioritize jobs to be settle ASAP that definitely affect my current ongoing maintenance jobs because this involve with the directors. The last minutes packing and shipping are unpredictable.

Let’s start off with my boss sending out emails to all the department managements asking if they have any unused good desktop computers at their place can be released for the new projects at oversea. One of them response able to source out five sets for us, good, problem solved. The remaining five sets I was told (also stated in the email) to phone the manager who is a focus point arranging for shipping and if his warehouse had any good desktop computer left. I call him almost 5.00PM and got answer there aren’t anymore. My mind thinking, okay, I have to start fast looking else where. We even joke for a while and mentioning to him the site office location I’m going to source. He even asks for favor helping him find a nice replacement PC over there since he is using very old machine. I said yes and tell him no problem while I am there.

The next day I went over to the exact site office to look for the desktop computer. First thing first, look for the head of the department including the admin and get permission to find any unused computers over there. Suddenly, they told me the manager wants five set desktop computers to be ready ASAP early morning and deliver to his warehouse location on that day for packing. None of the ladies had clear ideas why. So I made a call and asked him what this is about. He started talking differently telling me he and his boss have decided needing them to transfer the five set desktop computers to his place for me to inspect before it get pack to shipped out. The question pop up is why all that sudden and trouble? I started to confuse that time.

First of all, I am already there looking for unused computers and doing inspecting on the spot. There’s empty table and power outlet available. There isn’t any point for me to travel again for 30 min trips to his warehouse location. Secondly there are many unused computers there and has no knowledge which one are working or not. You can’t rely on the admin to check because they are not expertise with it. Thirdly, he didn’t explain if this five sets desktop computers are basically reserved for me or not. Worst, not even his own subordinate who station in the same location knew exactly why.

I tired to press for clearer answer, but few minutes later our conversation heated and got hanged up. I thought mine was out of range, it’s not. I didn’t waste time thinking too much, the more I drag on the more I got myself into trouble not getting it ready. I rush, inspects and finally prepare the five computers sets. Told his staffs to send to the manager location for packing. The remaining five I cleared on the next day delivering to the location and the second day I emailed to informed the guys at oversea that the computers they requested are completed. Half an hour later, my boss phone me telling me that actually I didn’t complete the job and the previous five sets computers I prepared are basically transferred to the manager department to swap their old PC for overseas used. The fuck?

I am so loss of words and anguish seeing how two days spent wasted. Worst, not even a phone call or email ever sent to informed me regarding this arrangement. This is where I started calling and blast him in the phone over this. Of course he didn’t take my behavior lightly, who do when you get angry call like that. His response was that we brought upon this confusion our selves that messed it up. He even told me this was already mention in the email. The problem here was, I never once received such discussion email messages except he mentions about transferring only after he received the five unit. I went thoroughly and checked every written details carefully in the Outlook. If I did, I am in deep shit insulting the manager for no reason. Good news is, didn’t find any and went on blasting back to question him when did this ever happen. He said ask your own boss! Phone hang up. My colleague beside few sit away heard my conversation steps in telling me this is possible. The bad news, my boss indeed knows about this arrangement.

This is whole simple job task becomes from bad to worst after confirming this. Does it mean my boss are all at fault here? Not really, although he is wrong to forgetting telling me including not forward me follow up email message about the new second job task. The problem here was the manager has the responsible to informed me too because I am the key person doing the job and he is the key person arranging for packing and shipping. We both doing the same director oversea project goods. I already call him twice but still keeping quiet. His action no doubt to me is very irresponsible and the secrecy going so far just of the sake of swapping computers. Seriously?

The company itself has retrenched so many employees. Why so afraid there won't be any computers left for the manager to swap? I really do not know what to say to these managements involve in this thinking. Seeing how they so clueless prioritizing between first and second job task really can screw everyone over when this simple thing goes side way.

As for right now, the concern of my time in the company will be in lots of trouble insulting the manager. Who knows I am now in the list of getting fired. Still, not sorry. I don’t like keeping quiet when someone trying to screw my work. I know which to prioritize and will try my best working together to complete it no matter if they don’t respect me. How funny a simple job task can become so complicated. I really have to prepared better survival plan because it will happen more often soon.

WD RED 2.0TB Arrival for My Home Custom NAS

Finally, my long awaited first Western Digital 2.0TB RED has arrived! Yeah, I know its stupid making a big deal out of it. But hey, this is WD RED version we are talking about and not to mention the most reasonable price in Brunei. Of course, you need friends and sources in order to avoid getting chop.

Now, why using ‘chop’ word in my writing? First of all, I have been holding the anger when the local computer shops claimed to be distributor for the brand they are selling would cost around BND180+ to 260+ (NAS version) for 2.0TB? The Thailand flood was already long over and even before global oil price fell happen. Higher US dollar exchange rate won’t affect too much to the pricing, not to mention we don’t have GST tax (yet).

In order to find out some sense to this pricing issue, I asked few of my friends working in local computer shops why would they go such extent to price like that? Simple answer, others do it we all follow. Sad to say, they underestimate the power of internet and the attitude ‘you can go elsewhere’ no longer applied these days to the customers. Of course, building good relation with customers is another way keeping business going. But if you can’t sell, it becomes an eyesore stocks and don’t forget there are distributor limited time warranty as well. If the customer can’t get their 2 years warranty claim after register online, you better be ready for cash refund.

I admit, not all local prices are terrible. Currently both 500GB and 1.0TB for both internal and portable are listed acceptable price. Sooner or later, the 2.0TB HDD (mind you, 3.5” size) will consider standard storage size in the market thanks to the blooming affordable NAS file server. I was surprised internal 1.0TB HDD already start replacing 500GB and ridiculously low price in Singapore. So how will local computer shops going to play out. It’s hard to see at the moment. I for sure will not buy from them (except my friend) if they don’t do anything about the overpriced starter 2TB HDD first.

Telbru Giving Free 10GB Anniversary

This morning I was shock when received Telbru email message saying I have 50% quota left. At first could be the torrent but it was impossible because I disable and block others using torrent at their PC. Secondly, some suspicious someone hacked into my router. No other mac address found in the list. So my last is to call immediately to report the issue. Well, it appears that Telbru giving a free 10GB quota for its anniversary. I’m not sure for anyone else but it was good. Still, the message need somewhat better way to separately its top-up quota warning in order to avoid misunderstanding in the future.

Super Robot Wars OG: Gesterben Kwai [Serena]

I never had a chance to collect Gespenst Mk-II when Kotobukiya released back in 2009 even missing out Gesterben (Dengeki Shop Limited). Now I got Gesterben Kwai and sitting in the top shelve for almost two years. Why not take the challenge to refresh my mind since getting stuck and frustrating working on the Gunpla kits without new ideas.

As much I understand when looking at the manual and compared at Dalong.Net, Gesterben Kwai was basically reused mod from the first released Gespenst Mk-II (2009). This means the content inside not only featuring new parts but the old Gespenst parts as well which is the reason why it so expensive. Since this is also my first time building it so there’s need to be careful self procedure in place. The first steps right now are cut, sanding and straight assemble.

The four days progress so far is good except slight errors on the shoulder armor that create for lining. I need to fix by applying putty to the lining but that will be later plan. The completion assembling for all the remaining parts are almost done. The next steps will be adding new option parts details and custom weapons unit from Kotobukiya. There’s need in some modifications after finding out few parts are quite weak. Hopefully nothing breaks during the work because I don’t have any single sources to find replacement parts from Kotobukiya to ship internationally.

Gunpla This GM Quel New Arm Workshop

I finally went to restock the stolen tools last month and this week too from the local top shop in KB. But bad news guys, the price of the spray paints now cost extra 50 cent! I think the tools follow so I just choose those that needed first for the work. The remaining stuffs had to buy separately every each month onward for the sake of budget control.

Ever since my spray paints went dry at the same time unable to continue the current work. I decided to take times and play around with the Bandai Builder Arms Arm. Many of you know the movable joints are very useful parts that can help many older HG/HGUC kit arms breathing new life. I pretty sure there are guides already out in the internet teaching how to implement. But not all kits are the same and my challenge was HGUC RGM-79Q GM Quel.

I completed four Advance of Zeta Gunpla kit previously and all gave me same headache on the painting in the arms. I couldn’t figure other way rather using masking tape method during painting. Unlike the revised GM Kai and GM Custom arm moving part, they are more flexible and can be separate for easy painting. In order to solve the problem, the Builder Arms Arm had to come in. You can check out the photos below to see how I modify allowing inserting new movable joint. Note: the top is final and below is using plastic plate creating L shape.

Not as good as the original movable joints found in the newer Gunpla. Still, it turns out pretty good and now able to paints separately. But wait! How about the shoulder part connection to it? Did I drill, insert plastic pipe and glue? The answer is no.

I find the method risky and higher chance damaging the kits itself if not careful. This is where the Wave Pla-Support option parts come to play safe. The photo below is the 3mm T pipe version I put on shoulder part (compatible to all existing HGUC AOZ series). Perfect fit, just cut the right length and your new rotating arm is good to go.

The Wave Pla-Support option parts come with different size from 2mm to 5mm and only cost 240YEN. You really can’t beat the price and amazed how usefulness its option parts can do. The below is another Wave sample picture in case you having hard time looking in the online shops. Happy Gunpla!

Yet Another Controversy for Brunei Citizenship Unanswered

Again and again, another repeated unanswered coming from the Home Affairs Minister handling the Brunei citizenship issue at LegCo sessions (news). Well, it’s now official we no longer matter to the country. I read the voices in the BT article today and I agree. The minister should have just give us a yes or no answer if we are qualified for citizenship. Lets us know we fail in the exam and require retaking. That way, no one will continue to question and pressing for answer every years. At least we know what the next steps to take, even the Government employees no longer get to annoyed by us.

But these never happen for so many years. The issue continue to dance. They can’t fool us an exam papers require more than three years to review. Background check needed for so long? Get real. Either way, they may have some sort of grudge against us or thinking us as a threat in the country. Not like its hard to imagine. Before the global oil prices crisis started, many local and PR business already start suffering two years ago. Who’s fault? Well....secret!

If they truly think this is the good way damaging the livelihood on other race, majority of us will continue to move on despite the terrible outcome ahead. Don’t be fool by nonsense becoming a Muslim will grant you citizenship too. It won’t. So stop wasting time and start moving on. Money is now the highest priority in life and everyone need backup plan during difficulty time this year. I myself have to worry how to deal with my fucking car exhaust pipe broken few days.

The Maxima Fox Hound

 

Damn Bandai have to come up some new parts making Ez-SR-Maxima sick this year. Now they decided to bring in another into the family, the Ez-SR-Fox Hound. The only different are new Shadow Phantom head and sniper barrel. Take note also, Maxima will released only in Japan as Hobby Pro-Shop exclusive and Fox Hound will be P-Bandai exclusive. Damn them!

I really love both of them and definitely will try to hunt it down no matter what despite facing high probability in increase of standard of living, pay cut and even possible jobless. I already save quite a bit and managing my budget hard so I think can spare a few. Heh!

CNY Holiday Over For Me

Just like that. A blink on the eye and the holiday leave is over. I didn’t go anywhere and visit during Chinese New Year. Some of my relatives and cousins choose to travel. I didn’t and even think about it at the moment. Only my sister went to Singapore to met up with my mom and brother family. The only things I did at home is playing online games and catching up with the TV series I miss.

To be honest, I no longer really understand how to enjoy life anymore and more like avoiding for some reason. This is fucking terrible and finding what I am fearing for something that I couldn’t understand this whole week resting. I can say for one that hunt me these days is doesn’t have your own home are the most frustrating and stressful part in life. Probably I need to start working out tomorrow and continue my Gunpla work next week clearing off my mind before this shit start distracting me.

Why We Should Install and Learn How to Use LibreOffice in Brunei

First of all, it's a top free office suite on the internet today that provide much of the features needed to get things started. Why spend money buying Microsoft Office when you don’t really use often? Retail version only allow installed 1 PC and doesn’t get other access to their Cloud features service. Mind you, this applied to their latest collaboration (version 2016) feature for businesses. Your only choice is purchase subscription plan. Of course, it may sound like you save money in a long term. Again, ask yourself, do you really needed this Cloud features using at home? Not unless you work at home often.

It just a shame that not many local users knows about LibreOffice. Reason is simple, Microsoft is dominated the market in Brunei. You can say 99.9% of the schools, public, private sector, oil and gas industries and even Government sector uses Microsoft Office. This is why almost everyone here overlook free office suite. 

I will cut short talking about LibreOffice history. All you need to know this is an overhaul version from OpenOffice code base. No fancy ribbon menu or whatsoever you going to find. It still onto friendly and clean classic menu style. The reason is simple, they want to make sure the users able to easily access the most use features in LibreOffice. 

There are doubt and controversial about today document formats issue but so far I hardly encounter the problem myself working with Word and Excel documents between my office desktop and own laptop on site from the DropBox. The Document Foundation teams (and volunteers) have done remarkably by providing monthly update release that bring bug fixes and improvements. You can say working with Microsoft document formats slowly becoming less headache. In case you wonder, LibreOffice does have feature working remote files directly in Google Drive, One Drive etc. 

As always, it is recommended to save a copy of OpenDocument Format (ODF) before creating different format. You don’t have to worry about Microsoft Office playing tricks not supporting the format. They have to but not in a good way and basically not LibreOffice issue. Why? As you may not know, LibreOffice actually has being seen various mass deployment by the companies, schools and Governments worldwide. Taiwan was the latest country migrating to ODF/LibreOffice last year. Can you imagine how pissed and unhappy Microsoft nowadays? You can check out the ‘Migrating Libreoffice in Taiwan’ story by Franklin Weng to understand better. 

I do not know if our Government follows the news or even interested adopting free and open source software into their office. But I think its important they start looking as it can pave way for future cost cutting solutions. Same goes for the private schools communities if they planned to tighten up their budget saving yearly. More importantly, another way helping low income parents to save money without needing to buy Microsoft Office for their children to do homework or projects. LibreOffice features already provide sufficient needs. 

While I do admit LibreOffice has long way to go and limitation on its own comparing with Microsoft Office 2016. Microsoft continue stand strong selling to companies especially their latest Cloud and collaboration features. You won’t find the features in LibreOffice. Good news is, they are going to bring it this year. With the support from the Government around the world moving towards LibreOffice. This definitely going to be huge threat to Microsoft, which means more competition and option to offer. So I suggest everyone should start installed and learn LibreOffice. Who knows one day you will be working in some company or Government sectors using LibreOffice where Microsoft Office is not available.

Toy Collectors Slowly Target by Thieves?

Have you ever worry and question about this issue? I did and somewhat happening. My modeling beat up dirty toolbox just got snatched for no reason and not even single things you can say its valuable. It really caught me off guard seeing my Gunpla cabinet gets open this morning. Hard to say if this any related to drug abuse thieves wanted to find thinner to sniff. Geez....Why my toolbox?

Looking at how the thieves' behavior searching my cabinet in our home front entrance (inside). He/she knew what they trying to look for. The toolbox inside contain, the sand papers, filers, cutter, brass rod, thinner, cement or whatever I can remember. This stuffs already cost me between BND60-70.00+. Luckily I separate the most of the tools into different storage boxes earlier to prevent minimum losses. Now I have to guess when the thieves might going struck our house again and this is worrying what we might lost next.

No doubt the toy collections are already popular these days especially when we looking at mint in seal box (MSIB) that worth more than a hundred to a thousand in the market. If the thieves are smart and starting to realize, probably they are going to after it in the future. Seems like I have to invest security tech for home soon.

My 2016 Resolution

When my friends talk about what is our New Year resolution plan during outing, mine is all about saving and time to completely slow down buying new toys. I had to admit my room is getting smaller stashing all the Gunpla and Lego which is getting more problematic. There are plans to sort this out but my trip to Hua Ho department store getting storage rack was cancel due to huge spending during holiday (last year) so got to on hold for a while see till next month. The Transformers still have some room, but I’m trying some luck to get rid few of them and stay off buying using USD for the mean time.

Right now, finding way to lock out my saving is the top priority. It just in Brunei, there are hardly a safe way financing a saving and of course only small returns. But if you are low income person, jump into non-risk free plan is like committing suicide because we always think earning big buck fast way. So better be safe than sorry and I already learned hard lesson losing unnecessary saving on risk investment.

Let’s hope the best for all new 2016.

Gunpla Works - Gundam Aeolus

Old work from last year, nothing much to explain since I am doing some experiments on colors and mixed with left over parts. I quite liking the results.