2008 Mercedes C300

Took my dad's car in for service at Mercedes again (the car's 1 year old, went back for service 5 times already!!). Got the new C300 as a loaner. The new C-series handles well, still lacks power, and has cheap looking interior (compared to other luxury cars). One feature I really liked is the integrated bluetooth connection, called home to test it out, very nice & clear.

Notice the license plate? Guy at the dealership told me "you got 69", I was like huh? Oh 69!

GTA IV

GTA IV is set to be released on April 29th. Just pre-ordered the game online to make sure I'll get my hands on a copy on the 29th. I think I've spent too much money online this month............

Asus M50SV-A1 Update

I did it, in my drunken state last night I did it. Ordered the laptop after coming home from drinking. Was planning on checking out the local stores first, but planned on ordering anyway. Hopefully I won't regret this.

New laptop?

Noticed how hot and noisy the laptop has been running, which didn't improve after I cleaned the cooling fan. Think it's time for a new laptop. Bought my first Asus laptop over 2 years ago (current laptop) and was very happy with it, only problem is that it can't handle some of the new games & software, but that's how computers are, it's understandable. I hardly ever shut down the Asus (always downloading something), so 2+ years is actually pretty good.

Been looking at the Asus M50SV-A1, with the latest chipset and 512MB video memory (video memory is one of my top priorities). Still debating if I should keep the default Vista Home Premium or pay extra to have XP Home Premium installed. The total damage should be around $1500, will be making the decision in the next few days.

M50SV-A1 specs

Movie Realization Figures

The Movie Realization Figures ordered from Ebay came in today, just as good as I expected. Would be cheaper if I get it in Japan, but the last time I saw these I was too lazy to bring it back, most likely still be too lazy on my next trip. Spiderman/Black Spiderman, Kamen Rider 1 & 2.

HUD speed display

Rode in a car in Taiwan that had a HUD speed display, looked very useful and cool, so decided to buy one from Ebay. Got the G-Top HG100 GPS HUD, it uses GPS for speed readings, so there's no reading errors usually associated with units that are connected to the car's ECU.

Orchid show Grand Champion

Found a pic of the grand champion. It's a spetacular plant, looks much better in person.

More orchid displays

2008 Taiwan International Orchid Show

Helped out at this year's Taiwan International Orchid Show. Took some pics of the displays, but managed to forget to take a pic of this year's individual grand champion.

Imperial Queen's Park Hotel

Junior suite at the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel compliments of the hotel because the house keeper broke my sister's hair straightening iron last September. Not a bad deal for two nights in a $200+ per night room. Should have left out some electronics for the house keepers to break.

Misc Shots Continued

"I heart UH" sticker on Arm's Nissan Sunny Neo, and Arm's FAVORITE former company!!

Misc Bangkok Shots

1st shot: The country road by our nursery outside of Bangkok. 2nd: It's Scooby Doo!! 3rd: Some tasty Thai deserts, weird how the banana on a stick had the texture like chicken. 4th: See if you can spot the two Ultramen in the picture.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

View from my room at the 60th floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest building in Bangkok. The hotel overbooked our room, so was upgraded to the Junior Suite free of charge. Not bad for a 4 star hotel.

Mantis Shrimp aka Vicious Little Sucka

This one is for you Robert, one of the ugliest things to be found in the ocean, yet it tastes so good deep fried!

Look familiar

Spotted this poster for a Bangkok Senatorial candidate and immediately noticed the resemblance to my friend Malesa, who is half Chinese and half Thai. Except the lady is older, and much larger.