Thoughts and Non Thoughts

The Best Is Yet to Come!

2012-01-01T19:33:00.000+08:00

Life Math

2011-11-29T06:34:00.001+08:00

A burden shared is burden halved. Happiness shared is happiness doubled.

Of Gurus

2011-11-29T01:00:00.001+08:00

The problem with most gurus is that they preach the ideal life. Advice such as "follow your heart" and "do what you love doing" is good, but unfortunately not everyone can follow them. When faced with practical needs, like a family to feed, or a mortgage to pay, people need something that can help them go through it. Even Christ, the ultimate guru, asked that "this cup be taken away" when He was facing the moment of truth in Gethsemane.We need gurus who will help us not only to "grin and bear it", which is resignation to one's fate, but to "bear it and grin", which is finding happiness in what we call life.

Fear of Mortality

2011-11-29T00:39:00.001+08:00

The fear of mortality is not so much the fear of a finite life, but rather the fear of a life that passed without significance.

Memo to Self

2011-11-27T19:36:00.002+08:00

Go with the De La Torre method.It's what works best for you.Proven when trying different approaches in a round.Always the swing thought, specially the downswing with both arms, when playing well and striking irons solid.

Technics SL1200 mk2 and Shure M97xE

2011-11-26T21:19:00.001+08:00

A match made in heaven.The Technics is a disco machine with a DJ cart such as the M44-7. With the M97xE it becomes an audiophile turntable. Smooth non-fatiguing yet detailed sound. Plenty of bass without being heavy. Most of all the midrange, which is what analog is all about. It has the TONE.I can live with this analog source for years. And it doesn't break the bank.

Surigao City Sunrise

2011-11-14T23:36:00.000+08:00

The sun rises above Nonoc Island and Siargao.View from The Tavern. Taken with Canon EOS550D.

The Lure of the Unfamiliar

2011-11-13T06:10:00.001+08:00

It was alien to me, a world I wasn't born in. But I wasn't scared, on the contrary I was intrigued by it. When I was offered a glimpse of it I chased it. I was hypnotized by this new vista, and I adored this window to this new world. I thought it was better than anything I had or was.But then I learned more about this world and entered it myself, by my own discovery and effort this world welcomed me. And I became a part of it. It was no longer unfamiliar, it was no longer mysterious.It is indeed a better world, but it just makes you more of what you already are. Because of this I realized that the window that offered me the first glimpse to this world is not the only window, nor the best one. And I'm glad I entered this world through a different door. Still I am thankful for being given that view, and the fortune of having been offered another door to this unfamiliar world.

Broke 85!

2011-10-15T13:44:00.001+08:00

Scored 39 on the back nine for a round of 84!

Noel Cabangon - Byahe

2011-10-08T17:58:00.000+08:00

A classic album.The Pinoy heart speaking.

Broke 90 again!

2011-10-08T17:52:00.001+08:00

It's been a while I thought I'd forgotten how! :)Putting was good, no disaster holes, one birdie for an 86!

The Bottom is Here

2011-10-05T21:34:00.002+08:00

I think the stock market will bottom this week or next week.

The Philippines has more cash than the US government?

2011-07-31T20:36:00.000+08:00

According to Businessinsider.com, the US has only $54billion in cash. The Philippines had $68 billion at the end of June (and rising).

-----------------------------------

There are two neighbors, Juan and John.

John owns restaurants, car dealerships, cinemas and other businesses. Some of his businesses aren't doing so well lately, in fact he just lent them some fresh capital.
He also lives a lavish lifestyle and wants to pay for the hospital bills of his poorer relatives, but his well-off cousins don't want to pay for these bills because they want to keep the money in their businesses and say these poorer relatives should work for their living. Besides they are busy supporting some turf wars in the neighborhood. John has to pay some bills but his checking account balance is running low unless he can borrow some fresh funds from the bank. Of course the banks are willing to lend money because he has a number of businesses but are getting worried about all the squabbling.

Juan doesn't have much, in fact he just waits for the remittances of his OFW children and the contribution from another child working in the call center. But for now, his checkingn account has a bigger balance than John's.

ADELE - 'Make You Feel My Love'

2011-07-20T20:52:00.001+08:00

Goosebumps.

Excellent cover of a great Bob Dylan song.

Adele is Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, and Macy Gray put together.

E-mail to Self on Investing in Stocks

2011-07-19T16:17:00.000+08:00

Up to second liners only. Since you cannot watch stocks every minute so
highly speculative plays may cause 10-year ipits.

There is no hard and fast rule on how long to hold. Always think
returns. Say, an increase of 10% in one day is better than 12% in one
week, and there's a possibility of correction. As long as you are
doing better than the bank...

Lock in profits then look for the next opportunity.

Stick to 5-6 stocks only so you can watch them. It's all about tutok.

The market cannot support all the sectors simultaneously, it's
typically cyclical.

Basura stocks signal the tail-end of a rally. Attention will go back
to blue chips soon.

The P6 index will reach 5,000 but it needs to rest first. Ghost month
opportunity to buy.

Good luck!

Investing

2011-07-14T05:53:00.000+08:00

Investing in the stock market or in anything is like driving in Metro Manila. Sometimes it's smooth, sometimes it's tough. Whatever it is, you can't "beat" the traffic, you have to understand the flow.

Sometimes the trick is to choose the best lane that will get you there faster and stick to it. Sometimes you have to turn around and make a detour. Most of all you have to be careful and avoid an accident.

Mortality

2011-07-03T23:58:00.001+08:00

No wonder there is crisis at mid-life. A glimpse of mortality. The feeling of a start of an irreversible slide towards old age. And the realization that old age may not be the most pleasant stage of one's life.

There's the fear of the loss of physical strength and mental ability. Most importantly, the fear of losing one's dignity and the respect of others, especially one's loved ones. The sense of uselessness creeping in.

Scary this thing. Yet I see some cross over to the twilight years with their head high and joy intact. It may not be hopeless after all, but it won't be easy.

Slowing Down

2011-06-28T06:38:00.000+08:00

One post a month, not sure I'll exceed twenty this year, after breaking a hundred last year.

I've posted it before, that the number of posts seems inversely proportional to the speed of events around me. Is the world getting faster or am I getting too slow for it?

Actually been catching up on a lot of things. Completed two sideline projects and learning new financial stuff. My golf handicap has improved by one. I'm facing life head on.

But, yeah, sometimes the thought of slowing down comes in occasionally.

Can one ever really? I talked to a "retired" friend (in the sense that he's no longer employed but living off his nest egg). He said thinking that retired people are not doing anything is a misconception. He seems very busy with many things related to his farm and providing livelihood to people. Another friend, a former banker, has not been employed for two years but he says he is making more money now and enjoying it tremendously.

So this is life after 50 (the new 40)? I'm not there yet but the decade promises to be exciting.

Dream

2011-05-20T06:45:00.006+08:00

I went to the house unannounced. I was going to inspect it since the tenants have given me notice that they were not renewing the lease. It was a nice big house, with high ceilings, traditional in design and furnishing. I saw some scuffs on the wooden window frames and some other wooden furniture. "Children," I thought.

Then I met the tenants, I introduced myself and they said "fine go ahead." They were a couple, foreigners, and there was a small group with them. They were quite busy preparing and packing up.

I walked with them towards a large hallway that looked like a lobby at the foot of a staircase. The floor of the hallway and the staircase itself were made of white marble. Actually the staircase was quite wide, had about eight steps leading up to a platform. I realized this platform was used as a stage for some religious program, with the audience at the hallway. There was a picture of the couple taken on the platform in some kind of program and still some signs and posters of the program being held here.

As I was going up the marble steps, I saw someone looking at me, and I saw that it was my former boss. He was in a Hawaiian shirt and was smiling at me when I saw him. We shook hands and laughed, and I told him I was just inspecting the house for any damages. He said of course, I should do that, and these tenants are his friends, and if these are minor I can just let those pass. I said sure and we parted ways. His wife was with him.

At one side of the platform was a large open door that leads to a garden at the back of the house. The garden had trees, with a grassy lawn, and there were small huts under the shade. I walked on the concrete path, going into the garden, and saw that there were stacks of canoes on both sides housed in huts near the end. The back of the property was up on the edge of a lake and this was a water sports facility. I thought that the tenants have really made this property very nice. There was a man in a wet suit tending to the canoes and I asked him where the property boundary was. He pointed out to m e the whole fenced area, which was big and this whole back area was for people to enjoy nature and the lake.

Beyond the fence, the area has developed into a community, in fact, it was becoming like a town, where it used to be a really remote area. This place has turned out nice, I thought. I could see the back of the house, its walls in a Mediterranean cream color standing out from behind the trees.

I called up my wife on the cellphone and told her the place is now very nice, and we can live here now. She said it's up to me.

I walked back to take some pictures of the house with my cellphone but I couldn't see it from behind the trees.

Then I woke up.

Entrance - Taal, Batangas

2011-03-20T21:12:00.000+08:00

Taal Houses

2011-03-20T21:05:00.000+08:00

Taal Basilica

2011-03-20T20:52:00.005+08:00

This imposing Basilica claims to be the biggest in all of Asia.
It does have a commanding view of the whole town, being situated on top of the hill.

Blue Window

2011-03-20T20:50:00.000+08:00

Detail of facade of Taal Basilica.

Lemery

2011-03-20T20:48:00.001+08:00

Still fluttering.

Batangas Day Trip with Canon EOS 550D

2011-03-20T20:40:00.000+08:00

I figured I can wait till full frame becomes more affordable and got an EOS 550D in the meantime.

What a revelation -- Canon's DSLR technology has moved in leaps and bounds since the time I got my EOS 10D. The higher resolution really counts in the improvement in image quality, and the low-light low-noise ability is amazing.

The kit lens (efs 18-55mm) is quite sharp too.

Perfect companion for a day trip when one wants to travel light.

Overheating Nuclear Reactor

2011-03-14T23:04:00.004+08:00

Race to avoid a meltdown.

It's like an overheating car.

The engine is off but it is still very hot so you need to cool it. Unfortunately the radiator pump is broken, so the water in the radiator boils over, the pressure builds up, and the cap blows off. You hose down the engine with sea water to cool it down as a last ditch effort.

My Admiration for the Japanese

2011-03-14T22:58:00.000+08:00

No other country is better prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis than Japan.
Yet TV footages show how considerable the damage can still be.

My total admiration goes to the Japanese people. Very disciplined and orderly as the earthquake and tsunami struck. And very dignified in the middle of all this human tragedy.

What a people! They will surely surmount this challenge.

March Around the Corner

2011-02-27T18:00:00.001+08:00

Been busy that little time was left for distractions.
Or is 'busy' distracting me from life?
Blogging about little things may be mundane, but they tell stories of living in the present.
But time flies too fast I'm having trouble catching up with the present. It does not wait, and I hope it does not disappear from view around the corner.

Wishing List for 2011

2010-12-31T17:11:00.000+08:00

May 2011 bring Quantitative Easing of your worries, and may you pass your Stress Tests with flying colors.

May your General Domestic Peace (GDP) continue to grow and Inflation of the ego stay tamed.

May you see an appreciation in your Investments in non-wordly assets, and may you have a Bull Run of happiness in the New Year!

Vintage Seiko Solar

2010-12-29T22:53:00.000+08:00

My wife's mom gave this to her when she was in grade school.
A Seiko Solar from the 60's. The manual wind mechanism still works.
The dial and bracelet need some work but it's a beautiful vintage piece.
Can't wait to see how this turns out after servicing.

Vintage Ogival

2010-12-29T22:48:00.002+08:00

Got this beat up Ogival from my father over Christmas.
Here's how it looks after servicing.
Not much info about this 100-year old Swiss-made brand, but I like the jumping fish.

Those markers are thick!

94 Again

2010-11-16T14:13:00.005+08:00

OK, maybe my game is really good enough for the 90's. To get to score in the 80's I need to go to the next level.

For starters a longer drive, and more length overall. More work at the driving range. I need to keep building both my long and short games.

In the meantime, the foundation needs to be a consistent iron game (including hybrids). Here are excerpts of really useful tips from David Leadbetter's "100% Golf."

Approach Play - 170 yards and in, the strike zone.

"Watch most tour players and you will find that they hit these shots with a compact, almost three-quarter action. They swing within themselves."

"The irons are direction clubs, not distance clubs."

"Keep your feet flat on the ground as much as possible.... That will give you a real sense of stability in the lower body providing the base for a good upper body turn and a controlled arm swing."

"Look for the hands to swing to about 11 o'clock on the backswing through to 1 o'clock on the way through. That's all you need to play controlled iron shots."

The Full Wedge - from 100 yards

"Governed more or less by the arms and upper body, this is not a full swing and does not involve the body in a forceful way."

"To do that, the consistency of your rhythm has to be uppermost in your mind."

"Take the extra club if necessary, and swing comfortably within your ability."

"A compact, three-quarter action further enhances your overall sense of balance and accuracy - vital ingredients whenever you are within sight of the pin."

"The upper body is the engine that drives the arms and hands along, and focusing your eyes on the back of the ball keeps you turning about a steady axis."

"Feel the weight of the clubhead and swing it."

"The confident release of the right hand and right side generally is one of the keys to pure ballstriking."

Could Have Done Better

2010-11-13T17:57:00.002+08:00

Ok, 94 isn't bad for my handicap. But I missed too many short putts, including a couple of birdie putts within six feet.

And I don't know how I could miss that drive on the 9th hole.

That game without those misses was good enough to break 90.

More practice?

Aja

2010-11-11T19:42:00.002+08:00

Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you

Up on the hill
They think I'm ok
Or so they say
Chines music always sets me free
Angular banjoes
Sound good to me

Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you

(Steely Dan)

Movies in My Mind

2010-11-07T21:44:00.003+08:00

I make movies in my mind, or they write themselves in my sleep. In one of them I see you smiling, coming into the bedroom as I wake up. I ask you about some nonsense and you laugh. You pick up something and glance at me as you step into the bathroom.

In another I lie on your lap as you gaze in the distance, not sure if we were on a beach or some park but we were alone in a world of strangers.

It's when I open my eyes that the reality of our distance hits me. Not just the distance across the world but the distance of our worlds.

It is sweet to imagine living in the movies in my mind, even if reality alway comes to wake me up. In these movies you are as close to me as reality.

DIY Yoghurt Snack

2010-11-06T13:24:00.004+08:00

I like White Hat, Red Mango, Fru Yo, Lulu Belle - all of them! My favorite toppings are granola and almond. But I sometimes concoct my own version at home.

I start with BTIC (Better Than Ice Cream) Frozen Yoghurt, Cookies & Cream flavor -- thaw for about 10 minutes, and get two (or more!) scoops.

Add a tablespoon of crushed Kellog's Raisin Bran for texture and body, and a teaspoon of Coco Pops for that crunchy surprise.

Sprinkle half a Choc Nut for mouthfeel and nutty flavor.

Simple pleasure!

Passion

2010-10-29T18:55:00.001+08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting a person who is doing something he is passionate about. His passion is helping people be the best that they can be. He has been doing this for more than thirty years and still loves doing it. And he continues to love learning as much as teaching. Isn't it something we all aspire for - to be able to devote our life to something that means the most to us?

(Un)dying Love

2010-10-28T22:47:00.002+08:00

Gnarls Barkley's
Who's Gonna Save My Soul

From their album The Odd Couple.

Tube 101

2010-10-22T22:38:00.003+08:00

Tried the Amperex e88cc (Holland 1966 vintage) in my LSA Standard Amp.

What a match!

My system is singing, and sweet music is flowing.

I'm in audio nirvana!

One Hundred

2010-10-16T00:40:00.002+08:00

Century.
Perfect score.
The boiling point of water.
The square of ten.
All you've got.
Certainty.

The number of posts I have made this year.

Pause

2010-10-14T20:37:00.002+08:00

A pause can precede a step back or a leap forward.

Or it can be a chance to simply look around before resuming one's gait.

Life is a Summation of Time and Experiences

2010-10-13T17:32:00.004+08:00

I've been slow in writing on this blog. It's because life has been fast but time has been scarce.

Things have been happening. (I scored decently - for me - in my last golf round, so it looks like the slump is not permanent.)

Got sick over the weekend. (Feeling better now but still a sore right knee.)

Work has been really hectic this week so far.

Another meeting later tonight with the village BOD.

The world is moving fast but time is flying slow.

Met with a couple of former colleagues and spent a couple of hours reminiscing and laughing at our adventures and misadventures. It's nice to see a glimpse of the past while standing on the bridge to the future.

Events have a way of making time take a loop.

It's my 98th post this year. It's a couple more posts to a hundred, but I feel no need to hurry.

Halloween is round the corner and Christmas is not far away. They will get here at their own pace. Slowly but surely, like a leaf floating on a river, winding its way down towards the bend, and then the waterfalls beyond.

No mathematical formula has been written to sum up time and experiences.

In the meantime we write on our blogs, at least when we can.

Europe Wins the Ryder Cup!

2010-10-04T22:28:00.003+08:00

Great putt by McDowell on the 16th.

Both teams played well, the US making a strong comeback on the last day. But the two-point lead was too much to overcome, and the Europeans held their nerves.

Decisions

2010-10-04T21:04:00.002+08:00

When you are caught between a practical choice and an emotional one, what would you do?

Blogger Attacked by Spam?

2010-09-26T23:01:00.003+08:00

I don't mean this (and I don't mind it either). But not those masquerading as comments.

Slump?

2010-09-26T22:34:00.003+08:00

Going through a bit of a slump lately.
Only broke 100 once in the last four outings.
This after breaking 90 for the second time.

Too many holes that blew in my face.

Gotta turn it around. Or maybe just relax and enjoy the game...

5th Avenue

2010-09-11T11:44:00.000+08:00

Ping Tour W

2010-09-10T17:36:00.008+08:00

Been gaming this wedge for about a month now.

Nice balance and weight, the ZZ65 shaft is perfect for me. Has a nice spin that makes it versatile around the green. It looks very durable and can be used with confidence from the rough.

Great too for approach shots up to 75 yards.

This is definitely a keeper.

The Feel of Forged

2010-08-29T20:47:00.006+08:00

In this post about the Mizuno MP 57, my current gamers, I mentioned the soft feel of these irons vs the Taylormade Burners.

Just as an experiment, I brought the Burner 6-iron to the course. On a par 3 teeshot, I hit the Mizuno 7-iron; then I hit another ball with the Burner 6-iron. I hit both solidly but I really felt the difference in feel. The Burner was hotter but harsher. I guess when one goes forged there's no going back.

Golf Swing for Body Type

2010-08-28T19:58:00.007+08:00

Work by Dr. Jim Suttie et al has focused on the appropriate swing for your body type ("Your Perfect Swing").

Body types have been classified into ectomorphs (tall and thin), endomorph (short and round), and mesomorph (muscular and athletic).

The theory is that one's body type dictates one's tendency to adopt a certain way of swinging a golf club. It also provides clues on what to watch out for and how to counter them for more consistency.

I believe I am closest to an ectomorph, and the key swing thought is "width." These include (according to "Golf Rx" by Dr. Vijay Vad):
- feel as if your arm reaches the top of the backswing at the same time as the body
- don't bend your right elbow more than 90 degrees.

The feeling I get is that it stops an overswing (on the backswing).

What's the Subject?

2010-08-21T21:53:00.002+08:00

Philippine International Motor Show
World Trade Center

Detailing 101

2010-08-15T21:15:00.010+08:00

Found a simple and effective way to maintain the paint of my new white car.

Since it is brand new, the first "treatment" was
- a washing with Microtex Car Wash
- waxing with Pure Carnauba Wax (Mothers)
- topping up with (Mothers) FX Spraywax.

Microtex Wash cleans grime without polishing (or removing any previously applied wax). Carnauba Wax provides protection (it lasts longer than synthetic polymers). The Spraywax (I think this is silicone-based) enhances the sheen of the Carnauba wax and adds another protective layer.

For subsequent maintenance, this is the routine
1. Weekly car wash with Microtex, then FX Spraywax after each wash
2. Every 4-6 weeks clean and wax with Carnauba Cleaner Wax (Mothers, Meguiars, or Turtle Wax), and FX Spraywax after waxing
3. Every 4-6 months a (Mothers) Clay bar treatment.

See the sheen!

Hole No. 14

2010-08-14T13:28:00.005+08:00

Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club.
On the rare occasion that the water is still and you can see the mountain and sky reflected on it.

Hole no. 14 as viewed from the teebox of hole no. 15.
(taken with Nokia N95 8/14/10)

Clark-Subic

2010-08-11T17:39:00.002+08:00

SCTEX.
Just after Clark on the way to Subic.

Stop This Train - John Mayer

2010-08-06T23:00:00.001+08:00

Something for mid-lifers and not so mid-lifers...

SCTEX

2010-08-01T22:35:00.003+08:00

View along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
This looks like the flow path of Mt Pinatubo's lahar.

The Sound of Silence, Ticks and Pops

2010-07-30T20:03:00.007+08:00

I have always experienced some hum or static noise with my analog playback. Found a phono cable that minimized RF interference.
But some noise remained, I theorized from lack of proper grounding, static crackle when I touched the tonearm, for example. I ignored it and just turned the volume up.

Then I changed amp (to an integrated) and the first thing I noticed was how much quieter my system was. But the static crackle and occasional hum was still there. A quick search led me to some previous discussions regarding grounding. So I whipped up some cable and connected my phono stage and amp to the window metal grill with alligator clips.

Absolute silence.

I think someone wrote somewhere that one could either raise the listening volume or lower the noise floor. I was discovering lower noise floor.

And ticks and pops?

When I played this LP

it was full of ticks and pops. But when Ella sang
Someday he'll come along
The man I love...
And when he comes my way
I'll do my best to make him stay

it brings goosebumps. Her voice brings me back to the days when each song is a performance. The ticks and pops makes the time warp just more palpable.

And when she swings
we're making a wreck
of Mack the Knife

it brings goosebumps. Sheer admiration for her talent and music.

What is the point of this post?
Nothing really. My system is not perfect or the best by any means.
Probably just sharing some experience that may be useful to someone, about the importance of grounding perhaps, or that analog takes some effort but can be rewarding. Or just another example of the things we do to get our boat float, even if our system is not perfect.

Ping Anser Forged

2010-07-27T22:33:00.003+08:00

Hit the demo 7 iron at the range.
Wow, this is one sweet feeling club!
Feels just as soft as my Mizuno MP57.
Only the Ping TFC graphite shaft (by Tour AD) was available and it felt surprisingly stable.
Ping has a winner here.

Photo courtesy of golf.com

Jazz Seen

2010-07-26T22:22:00.003+08:00

Jazz Seen. Jazz heard. Jazz felt.

Inception

2010-07-26T19:53:00.007+08:00

Thought-provoking. The Matrix meets Avatar meets Ocean's Eleven.
Still a good movie.
Fast-paced, though it was slow at the start, picked up when they took on the mission.
Great entertainment!

Ugnayan: Connections of American and Filipino Jazz

2010-07-25T10:46:00.007+08:00

Ugnayan is a great jazz CD.

Featuring the best Filipino jazz performers such as saxophonist Tots Tolentino playing inspired compositions by Maestro Angel Pena. Directed and produced by Gerard Salonga, this is a treasure that should be given more exposure.

Great to enjoy with a top-notch audio system.

Interconnects: Ecosse Maestro, Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II, Analysis Plus Oval One

2010-07-25T07:52:00.016+08:00

Quick impressions of my system with these interconnects between my CD player and amp.

CD Player: Ah! Njoe Tjoeb with Amperex Bugle Boy 6dj8s
Amp: LSA Standard Integrated with Electro Harmonix 6922s
Speaker: Dynaudio Contour 1.3 mkII
Speaker Cable: Van den Hul The Revelation
Stock power cords.

Ecosse Maestro – Very detailed, a bit of emphasis on upper midrange, great timbre, ideal for vocals and acoustic jazz.

When Diana Krall sings

Well, you know,
A girl, she really got to eat,
And a girl, she should eat right

from Frim Fram Sauce, she is whispering these words right in your ear.

It sounds refined but a bit lean on the upper bass. With orchestral music the emphasized upper mids puts the solo instruments forward. Not to say these interconnects aren't good, in fact they are. One can say they are just letting the character of the CD player and tubes through, as they were great when the CD player had the Siemens CCAs in them. With the Bugle Boys, maybe you can have too much sweetness at the expense of other flavors?

Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II – Great detail on the high frequencies yet smooth and refined. Deep solid bass and has the full body that is lacking from the Ecosse Maestro. Excellent for rock and classical music, specially orchestral material. Throws a wide soundstage. Ironically, this wide soundstage and full body seems to overwhelm the midrange in my smallish room. It's a big sound but gives a feeling of dryness with vocal material, specially since some of the sweetness of the Amperex BBs seems to have disappeared.

When Diana Krall sings

And a girl, she should eat right
Five will get you ten
I'm gonna feed myself right tonight

it's as if you are inside her mouth.

Analysis Plus Oval One – Has the best overall balance in my system. Detailed highs without harshness, full-bodied, solid and tuneful bass. Lets the sweetness in the mids from the Amperex BBs through; perhaps because of this, live rock recordings don’t have the same bite as with the Acoustic Zens, but still fun and toe-tapping. Vocals and jazz sound great as do classical music, pop and classic rock. Great cable that lets the music through.

When Diana Krall sings

I'm never satisfied
I want the Frim Fram Sauce
With the oss and fay
With shifafa on the side

she is there in front of you, seducing you, with tongue firmly in cheek.

I prefer Diana Krall this way, and hence also the Oval One in my system.

The usual caveats, YMMV etc apply. Changing just one component or tube would change the impression appreciably -- it's all about matching.

Amperex Bugle Boys in Ah! Njoe Tjoeb

2010-07-20T07:37:00.007+08:00

Put in a pair of Amperex BBs into the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CD player.
(A Stereophile article on this fine CD player.)

What a match! It sounds as close to analog as it can get.

These are magical tubes.

Previous tubes used were Siemens Cca's. Also very good. Goes down really low yet fast and taut bass and extended highs. They just can't beat the midrange magic of the Bugle Boys.

The LSA Standard Integrated Amplifier

2010-07-16T17:20:00.003+08:00

This amplifier just found its way into my system, replacing the Musical Fidelity A3cr pre-power combination.

What an upgrade!

On the power side of things, it has so much control over the Dynaudio Contour 1.3mkIIs. It doesn't have to reach 9 oclock on the volume knob.

On the sound side of things, the tubed pre-amp section gives it the full body, fluidity and smoothness.

A review by Stereomojo.com.

Saying Goodbye to my Bimmer?

2010-07-08T21:16:00.005+08:00

A Peek into the Future

2010-06-25T07:39:00.004+08:00

This McKinsey article talks about the inevitable dramatic changes that will take place in the global economy. Current imbalances will eventually correct, making the economic stage more level between developed and emerging economies.

These changes have major implications on currency exchange rates and commodity prices, as well as the structural shifts that would need to be managed in both the developed and emerging nations.

If you are live in developed nation, get ready for devalued currencies and higher commodity prices. If you live in an emerging nation, be ready for higher wages but more expensive cost of living and higher unemployment.

The world is getting flat indeed.

Father's Day

2010-06-19T22:12:00.003+08:00

When the Father created fathers, He was delegating some of His tasks. It's a tough assignment, but we try despite our shortcomings.
To all the fathers out there, give yourselves a little pat on the back.

Hole No. 2

2010-06-19T14:59:00.004+08:00

Approach to Ayala Greenfield's par 5 Hole no. 2.

45+43 = break 90!

2010-06-19T13:59:00.003+08:00

Finally broke 90 again!

Thanks to Swingyde for the backswing and the dela Torre method for the downswing.
Backswing with the wrist cock and body turn and downswing with the arms.

No birdies, 5 pars, 10 bogeys and 3 double-bogeys.

NYC

2010-06-14T22:00:00.011+08:00

Some night shots.

Driver Aide-Memoire

2010-05-30T14:05:00.010+08:00

Here's what works for me.

1. It starts with the grip. For the driver, I grip it in my palm and fingers (Hank Haney). I use a Vardon grip. I align the clubface exactly to the target with a slightly strong grip.

2. The rest of the set-up is standard. I stand farther from the ball than with my hybrids, the ball is positioned just inside the left heel, weight favoring the right leg, right shoulder lower than the left (reverse K).

3. Backswing starts with a low and slow takeaway. The sequence is takeaway, then begin cocking of the wrist halfway back then full shoulder turn (Leadbetter). I feel my weight on my right leg as I complete my shoulder turn.

4. Downswing starts with the weight shift, not with the shoulders. Smooth transition, no jerking. Swing the arms from the inside. Tempo is key for maximum clubhead speed at impact.

5. Keep the left wrist firm and left elbow straight (no chicken wing) at impact.

6. Release after impact by turning the right hand over the left, throwing the arms towards the target (de la Torre method) in the follow through. This will result in a more rounded swing that stays on plane.

Watch the ball go straight a long way.

90

2010-05-29T16:16:00.004+08:00

Just one stroke to break 90 again.
Too bad -- that disaster in the 15th hole and the double bogey on the 18th...

So close. Getting closer.

Foggy Morning

2010-05-22T18:56:00.004+08:00

Fairway of hole no. 1.
Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club

Has Man Created Life?

2010-05-21T21:10:00.005+08:00

This report, that a laboratory has created an artificial bacteria that reproduces itself, is going to be remembered as the start of something significant in the history of man. Like the invention of the atom bomb, or the computer.

It raises questions about life, ethics, religion, science. It's another watermark, heralding a different, new phase in humanity's journey in this universe.

Splendido Clubhouse

2010-05-15T21:38:00.004+08:00

Democracy Hanging By the Line

2010-05-10T23:03:00.003+08:00

Four hours to vote. Democracy hanging by the line -- literally. If people didn't respect the queue it would have been total chaos. The tolerance and patience of the Filipino showed through.

The bottleneck was not the PCOS machines, it was the handing out of ballots.

The good news is that the counting seems to be really quick, 38% counted in 3 hours. We could have full results the next day -- this will be historic!

Honda City, the Little Car That Can

2010-05-09T12:53:00.008+08:00

Good looks, but does it perform as well as it looks?

It does not pretend to be a big sedan, but is it a tame passenger car or a sporty urban compact? From the rumbling growl of the engine when one steps on the pedal, it immediately gives the impression it wants to race. The 1.5 L model does deliver that feeling upon acceleration. Though its gear ratio is aimed at fuel economy one does not feel the engine holding back as it chalks up the rpm. There is no doubt that the City can pass other cars as it navigates the city lanes. Steering is responsive and the handling is surefooted.

It is perfect for the city, but it can hold its own on the way to the suburbs too. It can cruise at 100 kph on the highway and easily summon another 20 kph for overtaking. Trunk space is generous, too, for those out of town trips. One can directly link an ipod and control it from the stereo system for uninterrupted sonic thrills through the superb sound system.

It's ride is typical Honda, on the firm side rather than mushy, designed for driving rather than being driven in the backseat. It may look small but it is large on performance and the fun factor.

The Honda City is a little car, but it can.

Volvo XC60

2010-05-02T22:55:00.023+08:00

D5 AWD

Good looks. Comfortable, car-like ride. Lots of conveniences, including hands-free sync with your mobile phone and full ipod connectivity. Not to mention City Safety (the car stopping itself when it senses you are about to hit the car in front of you).

Handling is excellent and steering is responsive. The 205 hp D5 diesel engine is powerful and quick. Has that true SUV character yet has the comfort of a mid-size sedan.

It's a winner from Volvo.

Lagos del Sol Resort

2010-05-01T19:25:00.006+08:00

Sunrise on Lake Caliraya from the Lagos del Sol Resort.

Mt. Banahaw

2010-04-29T22:09:00.004+08:00

Mt Banahaw during sunrise, as seen from Cavinti, Laguna.

Pagsanjan

2010-04-26T21:58:00.006+08:00

This historic town in Laguna has more to offer than the waterfalls.

Stone Arch

This Spanish-style house has not been spared from the election campaign.

Detail of the Stone Arch

Lake Caliraya

2010-04-24T21:03:00.005+08:00

Water from Lake Caliraya is used to run a hydroelectric plant.

Although it's a man-made lake on top of the Sierra Madre, sunrise here is naturally inspiring.

Phil Mickelson's Masters

2010-04-12T21:07:00.004+08:00

No one deserves this US Masters win more than Phil Mickelson.

This Masters began being about Tiger Woods. Then it became simply about golf. Then it became about Phil Mickelson.

One of the best Masters of all time and the best thing that could happen to golf this year.

Mizuno Bettinardi C06H

2010-04-06T21:40:00.003+08:00

Gave my Yes! Nicky a break after I lost the putting touch during 3 days of golf. I bought this putter on a closeout sale (after Mizuno and Bettinardi parted ways) but it has been lying there waiting for its turn in the sun. The putterhead is made of carbon steel and nickel-plated, giving it a durable finish. The face has the characteristic Bettinardi honeycomb milling pattern. A real beauty.

It is a face-balanced heel-toe weighted compact Anser style with a double bend shaft. For some reason, it looks good at address to me and the double bend disappears from sight and my eyes focus on the sightline. Perfect weight for a straight-back-straight-through stroke.

This Mizuno Bettinardi C06H has great feel, the secret is to grip it loosely in the fingers and use the shoulders.

Some putting tips from Dave Stockton (via YouTube) helped get the putting feel back.

Tried it on the fairway over the weekend with promising results!

Sun Valley Golf Club

2010-04-06T21:28:00.004+08:00

The best public course near Metro Manila, no more than half an hour from the city. Has the feel of a private golf club.

Quite challenging too. Here are the greens of hole 13 and 14 (from the tee mound of hole 14). The 14th hole (elevated green on the right of the picture) has no fairway; a 170-yard shot over a ravine.

Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club

2010-03-30T21:29:00.004+08:00

One of the best golf courses in the Philippines. It also has a very cool microclimate, with a classy retirement community around it.

The clubhouse as viewed from the fairway of the 9th hole. If you have a good drive, you will be tempted to go for the green in two over the water. But the green is narrow from this approach -- classic risk-reward.

This is a challenging course. The greens are very tricky, the most difficult I've played in. My driving was quite good (for me at least) but my short game was shred to pieces by this course. I still have a long way to go to be able to conquer this course from the blue tees.

Definitely worth going back to.

My SKX007

2010-03-26T18:12:00.005+08:00

One of the best value for money divers out there. Classic design.

You Can't Always Get What You Want

2010-03-18T21:01:00.004+08:00

Great rendition of a great song

A real artist.

Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project

2010-03-12T20:01:00.005+08:00

Beautiful!

Speedmaster Pro Alaska Project

Dynavector 20xL

2010-03-09T06:17:00.007+08:00

More than three years on and I'm still enjoying this one. Matches well with the VPI Scout turntable.

It's not the most refined cart, but it is not rough either. It borders on the warmish side of Dynavector carts but has that dynamism and a lot of the highest-end Dynavector character at a fraction of the cost.

One of the best analog bargains out there.

Dynaudio Contour 1.3mkII

2010-03-08T19:19:00.007+08:00

I've had this pair of speakers for more than four years now.
Very versatile, works with all kinds of music. Well-balanced sound, with a rich midrange giving it a slightly warm presentation, yet vivid and detailed. Bass is quite good for bookshelf speakers, specially for smaller rooms.

What more can you ask for?

More Countryside Scenes

2010-03-07T09:39:00.006+08:00

Family Portrait

Homeward Bound

Philippine Countryside

2010-03-06T08:16:00.006+08:00

On the way from Tagaytay Midlands to Batino exit (Calamba). Mt Makiling clearly visible in the distance with the setting sun behind me.

Just had to stop the car to take this shot with my cellphone.

Tagaytay Midlands

2010-03-05T21:23:00.003+08:00

The 18th hole as viewed from the Clubhouse.

This has got to be the fastest green I have ever come across, and, putting against, the ball actually makes a U-turn if you don't putt it hard enough.

Fantastic view though, isn't it?

Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club

2010-03-03T22:01:00.006+08:00

Hole no. 14, a tricky par 4.

Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club.

Letting it Happen

2010-03-02T20:17:00.004+08:00

Don't make it happen, just let it.

Swim with the current, not against it.

Go with the flow, not of the river, but the earth and the universe.

Another Day

2010-02-27T22:00:00.003+08:00

Island Cove, Cavite
taken with Nokia E75

Ten-Finger Grip

2010-02-25T22:57:00.007+08:00

From a Jim Furyk grip to a 10-finger grip. They may seem at opposite extreme ends, but they have their respective advantages and use, specially as drills.

The Furyk grip keeps the right hand out of the downswing. It promotes an inside-out downswing, or prevents an over-the-top move, depending on how you see it.

The 10-finger grip provides great control. It inhibits a handsy release and encourages a full shoulder turn. The key is to keep the grip light -- and not to chicken wing. This is even worth trying on the fairway!

Another Aqua Terra Close Up

2010-02-24T07:55:00.006+08:00

Sunrise

2010-02-22T22:23:00.007+08:00

To see creation everyday...