Penang Georgetown - Penang Teochew Association

Penang Teochew Association is located along Chulia Street in Penang Georgetown. It is also named as Han Jiang Ancestral Temple. You can get lots of details about the place at asiaexplorer


At the side of the entrance, you can see this Asia Pacific Heritage Awards 2006 won by the place.


Once enter the main door, I can saw lots of nice purple flower around, did a macro shot with my LX3.


The cross point between the new and the old world. Just beside the temple, it is another world that I had never realized exist in Penang. It looks like some cluster house...


The stone carving which record down the history of the Penang Teochew Association on the right. While the sun is shining bright and the weather is so hot, there are breeze flowing through from the front to the back in the temple. So, it is still possible to stand there and read it, just bring an umbrella will do. :P


On the left, it is the Penang Teochew Association.


Macro on the wood carving on the door.


This is the middle part of the temple.


While walking around, I saw this interesting window...



The back part of the temple, where the ancestral altar is.


While at the temple, don't forget to always look up, there are lots of interesting sculpting and objects which shown the traditions of Teochew clan.


Lots of nice plaque place around in the temple...

Once you have done with visiting the Penang Teochew Association, go straight into the opposite lane as you can get some nice view around as well like below...


Trishaw Drunken Master?? Hmm......


Another heritage - Sri Mariamman Temple


Close up on the sculpture, that is the closest my LX3 can go to, argghh.....the only minus point on LX3......

GPS coordinate of Penang Teochew Association: 5°24'59"N   100°20'16"E

The mystery of f-stop

After taking photograph for many years (and still I'm just an amateur photographer), I'm still not really understand about the "f" number printed on the lens. And why is that?
1. There is no Google in the past.
2. When the answer is given to me (either in workshop, forum and etc.), I was like listening/reading Navi language.
3. When I asked the questions, I always (not 100%, some nice people really answer me, but it falls into number 2) get the answer "photography is an art, it is your skills count, not the technical knowledge".
4. As long as you can take nice photograph, and you know how to manipulate the mystery "f" number, who cares?

Despite the above reason, I still feel like being stab at the chest when someone actually ask me the questions "what is the f numbers mean?". This question always stunned me and feel shame as I don't really have no idea what it means. The only thing I know is it control the aperture, make it big or small. The smaller the f number, the bigger the aperture. and why is that? ARGGGGHHHH.........

Well, we all knows that wikipedia is a huge and nice encyclopedia, so I try to figure it out from there...and this is what I got in the first paragraph (taken from wikipedia):

F-number

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  (Redirected from F-stop)

"F number" redirects here. For other uses, see F scale.

Diagram of decreasing apertures, that is, increasing f-numbers, in one-stop increments; each aperture has half the light gathering area of the previous one. The actual size of the aperture will depend on the focal length of the lens.

In optics, the f-number (sometimes called focal ratio, f-ratio, f-stop, or relative aperture^[1]) of an optical system expresses the diameter of the entrance pupil in terms of the focal length of the lens; in simpler terms, the f-number is the focal length divided by the "effective" aperturediameter. It is a dimensionless number that is a quantitative measure of lens speed, an important concept in photography.

Damn, so pro, but I don't really understand it (since English is not my native language). This make me thinks, why can't someone write something in a lay man language? I know it is cool to sounds technical and pro, but the most important of knowledge sharing is to make someone to understand the idea behind it, right? That's why a hibiscus is called hibiscus and not by the name of Hibiscus rosa sinensis;

Ok, no luck with wiki, continue on Google......then I found this really cool site A Tedious Explanation of the f/stop. I was attracted to it due to its title. It sounds cool, so I went on and click on it. That's really lots of text on the page, but never mind, as usual I give a chance to the page by reading the first paragraph (I do have a believe that for any website you visit, if you can't understand the first paragraph you read, you'll have 0% chance to understand it). Ok, the first paragraph was easy to understand, so I went on to read the second paragraph...woohoo......read this:

"Despite being one of the exposure controls in photography, the f/stop remains a source of confusion and mystery to many photographers, even to some who use it all the time."


It speaks out my mind! So I went on and finish the reading.....finally, after so so so so many years, I understand what is the f-number, and why sometimes it is called f/2.8 instead of f2.8.

So, here is the summary:

• f/number is a formula.
• the "f" stands for the focal length of your lens.
• It is use to calculate the area of your aperture where light can pass through.
• The full formula is: area = n*r² where n is π and r is the radius of the aperture.
• The aperture is calculated by: r = (f/ratio)/2 where f is the focal length of the lens and ratio is the number you saw either on the lens or on the camera screen. Example: You saw f2.8, the ratio is 2.8.
• f/ratio is representing the diameter of the aperture.

Kekeke......finally, I understand.......there is actually lots more of information at the site, do visit the site and read the details, you'll get a better understanding. :)

Oh ya, one more thing, don't try to use a ruler to proof the concept, because the area calculation is with assumption that the aperture blade is at the front elements of your lens while in real life, all the aperture blade is located at the rear of all the lens elements. So, it is a much more complicated life......:P

epixels

Epixels, a company I had no idea it ever exists in Penang, which has been there for quite sometime, I got to know it when I decided to get a nice Kata camera backpack which can fit all my gadgets (my 350D, 18200 lens, 1022 UWA, 430EX flash, my netbook, batteries, chargers and my lx3). After consultation, advices and googling, I decided to get Kata DR-467i which can fit my Acer 15inch laptop as well (If I choose to bring it along, which most probably not since it weight more than 2kg).

With recommendation by my boss, I decided to go to this the suppose distributor of Kata in Penang (epixels) to get the bag. While we reach there, it is a bit disappointed since there is really not much of the choices left, while I expecting the whole range of Kata's bag there...

So, maybe they had decide to not distribute Kata bags anymore as I didn't see Kata as one of the brand at their website anymore. So, I try to ask for the DR-467i and they don't have it. Sigh, so I look around and voila! there are 3 DR-467 left, a black-green, a pink and a beige version. So, I take a look at the price tag, wow....RM359.00....pretty steep. So, I ask for the price, and they directly take 30% off the price tag, nice......but, I wish to get a black-red (since I'm a canon fans. If I'm Nikon fans, I'll try to get a black-yellow version). When I ask for it, the shopkeeper told me that those are the only one left. So, it really sounds like they are really pulling out from Kata distribution. :P

As I wish to get a nice hard casing for my LX3 as well, I went on and ask for the EC-01 and still the same answer......those are the only one left. So, no luck for my LX3.

With limited choice, I pick the black-green eventhough mutombo (not the one in NBA) keep asking me to get the pink, there is no way I'm gonna get a pink bag to bring along with my pro looking black 350D!!!! But I'll get a pink bag if I have a pink color Panasonic Lumix GF1. :P

Before I pay, the shopkeeper pass me the namecard. I flip to the back, wow, I saw "Canon EOS Academy"!!!!! WooHoo!!!!! Finally, it is in Penang!!!!!! Starting from May!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!!!!! With a further asking, they actually say that we can test any Canon equipments there until you satisfied before you bought it. Hopefully got 30% discount for the equipment they are selling as well. Kekekeke.......

So, as I grab one of the last 3 bags, there is only the pink and the beige color left. If you want to get a Kata DR-467 and  want to get it cheap? Grab it!!!!!!!

epixels:
website: www.epixels.biz
Add: 28, Nagore Road, 10050 Penang, Malaysia
Phone: 604-2277486
e-mail: arden@epixels.biz

P/S: If you are canon fans, after May, lets go there test out all the Canon lenses and dslr there!!!! It has been my dream to test a 7D with an L-lens!!!!!! kekekeke.......

Oh ya, one last thing, check out their website, they offer quite some interesting workshop, especially the one for Mom and for kids, really nice that they actually do that. :)

Almost a nightmare to me!!!! Nearly lost photos......Picasa, foolproof your program

It gave me a fright when I opening up my Picasa today, suddenly one of my folder is gone! I manage to catch a glimpse of it before it is gone, which make me wondering, what happen?

The only thing I remember is that the folder was importing when the Picasa update pop up and ask "There is a new update, do you want to update now?". As a programmer myself, I know that it is no good to do it during an operation, so I try to click "No". Now, the problem with netbook is that, the keyboard and touchpad is smaller size, hence, I accidentally click "Yes". So, the next thing I know is the "update" hang, the Picasa also hang, which leave me with the only option.....yes, I kill both processes.

Then, I reopen the Picasa, and it seems like the folder was imported successfully, which leave me happy and praise the programmer of Picasa for 24 hours (Yes, I praise them until now. :P). And now, it is gone!!!!!!! How can it be? It is in Picasa yesterday, it is in the HDD folder yesterday (Yes, I always check the physical copy is exists everytime after import), and now, it is gone!!!!! Don't know that Picasa actually apply Chipsmore concept (Now you see it, now you don't).

So, it left me with only 1 choice - file recovery from the SD card (Yes, I know I shouldn't select the delete file after import option, but I'm a lazy programmer. :P). First, I try to recover using the SanDisk Recovery Pro. It is very pro indeed, it turns my .raw2 (LX3) into JPG/PNG/TIFF and my recorded .mov into thoussands of JPG. So Pro.......and it takes 20mins to scan through my 8GB SD card.

So, I got no choice but to use Google (Damn, I realized that I can't live without Google. :P) to search for a better file recovery program, and most importantly.....it must be free. So, I saw another one which is called "PhotoRec" (sounds pro right?), so I downloaded it and give it a try. The program file is small, around 1.5MB only, which make me so excited since the software size is so small. When I fire it up, I was stunned.........a software without GUI in year 2010 is so wrong.......

Next, try to search for another one again......and I found GlarySoft Undelete, the name, so so only, but the file name is nice, it is called "gunsetup.exe". I fire it up, the interface looks clean and simple, press search on my SD card.......Whoaaaa........10 seconds, it shows all my lost file in its explorer!!!!!!!! Press on "restore", 2 mins......done!

So, lesson learned:
1. Don't ever update your Picasa while importing photo.
2. Don't use the option "Delete after import" in Picasa.
3. Always have a file restore software ready (Just in case anything happens, except if your card is burned)
4. Google is human after all, they do make mistake. :P

Lastly, if you interested with the free software, here is the link: http://www.glarysoft.com/gun.html

Teluk Bahang - Penang Tropical Fruit Farm

Penang Tropical Fruit Farm, located at the north of the Penang Island, in the area of Teluk Bahang, it takes around 1 hour drive from the Penang bridge. I had never have interest to visit to the place since tropical fruits is easily accessible from the local wet market or roadside fruit stalls. Well, since it is my boss treat, why not give it a try? :P

So, first thing first, to get to the place, you'll really need to make sure your car is in good condition to concur the winding and up/down hill access road. You should prepare some car sick bag so that your passenger have some place to vomit (if you drive like Jay Chow in Initial-D movie). There are 2 route to get to the farm, first is through Batu Ferringhi -> Teluk Bahang (For those who stay in the area of Tanjung Bunga, Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Tikus, Gurney Drive), second is through Bayan Lepas -> Batu Maung -> Teluk Kumbar -> Balik Pualu -> Teluk Bahang (For those who stay in the area of Bayan Baru, Relau, Sg. Nibong).


The last hairpin turn (please don't try the drifting act here) before reaching the fruit farm. The photo is taken inside the fruit farm. :P There are not really a lots of car park at the farm, so be early especially on the school holiday season. The farm open from 9.00am to 6.00pm daily and the entrance fee is RM25 for adult and RM17 for children age from 6 to 12 years old. If you wish, there is package for bbq lunch (RM35 - RM45) as well. For any packages, there will be a fruit farm tour which takes around 45 - 60 mins.

The farm has more than 250 types of tropical and sub-tropical fruits planted on the 25 acres land. Some of the fruit are seasonal, so you might miss those fruits which are not in season when you are there.


The bbq lunch, which have bbq chicken, lamb, beef, fish, sotong, hot dog and pineapple fried rice.


The "chef" at work.



The communication tower near the farm


Fruits served at the bbq lunch as well, yellow watermelon......there are other type of fruits served as well. Also, there are free flow of fresh fruit juice served as well, you can even customized your fruit juice by mixing different combination of fruits.


Butterfly enjoying lunch as well......

After the lunch, the fruit farm tour get started, there will be a dedicated tour guide for each visiting group.


First to introduce, the highlight of the farm......Sky Fruit. According to the guide, it is called "sky fruit" due to the fruit is actually growing up (towards the sky), it has lots of medical value, and the farm actually selling "sky fruit" coffee (3 in 1).


The guide with one type of the fruit, forgot the name but it sounds something like "banana apple"? Later we went lots of kind of apple, which none of them looks like the apple we always see on the market or the fruit stall.


Papaya leaves, photo taken from a young papaya which is still short.


Banana.......


Dragon fruit, with ants......


A bigger dragon fruit...


An even bigger dragon fruit...


These are the roots of the dragon fruit. They actually plant it on a round shape concrete, and you can see the roots going round the structure.


Star fruit, taken in the hut where they selling tropical fruits produced from the farm.

If you are interested to pay a visit, below are the infos:
Add: Batu 18, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang
Tel: 604-8665168
Fax: 604-8665170

GPS coordinate: +5° 24' 52.62", +100° 13' 1.00"

Penang Georgetown - Peranakan Mansion

Penang Peranakan Mansion, one of the heritage building in the Georgetown area, is one of the most interesting building. The Peranakans, also known as Baba and Nyonya, has a unique lifestyle and traditions which is a merge of Chinese and Malays culture. Hence this building also served as a museum for the Peranakan culture where there are lots of antiques and collectibles can be seen in the building. The mansion is open to public everyday from 9.30am to 5.00pm (including public holiday). The admission fees are RM10.00 for adults. Children below 6 years old is free to enter the venue.


One of the traditional Chinese myth figures antique displayed in the mansion.


Kitchen wares...The kitchen is really huge, it is like the space of a 1000 sqft apartment.


The antique ceramic bowl used by Chinese for meals seen in the mansion.


Open area at the kitchen, there are some traditional granite stool and table.....


Traditional mortar and pastle used by Nyonya to mince the sambal and spices.


Rattan lazy chair......


Macro shot on the lazy chair...


Dining table at the kitchen. You can find lots of the traditional eating and cooking wares there...


Water filter! Don't know that there is already water filter since ages ago...


Close up on the brand name...




Wok and the sauces in the kitchen...


Drink drink drink...


The famous brand......for fridge......




Panorama at one section of the kitchen. Yes, it is only one of the section, the actual size of the kitchen is much bigger than this.


This is the first version of the electrical bread toaster (claimed by the tour guide) ever invented. It is really amazing as it has function almost like a microwave, it can toast, grill, steam and etc.....


The details carving on one of the wooden door around in the house.


One of the sign, which means Peace and Joy...




Murano crystal chandelier at one of the room.








My daughter sitting at one of the kapitan's seat posing for photograph. :P


The main door at the altar.


The carving on the door.






Tour guide explaining on the fengshui of the main door.


One of the handcrafted lamp in the house. There are a lots more and various pattern design around the house.


The traditional rosewood chair from China, there are dragon head carving at each of the foot of the chair.


Beware, don't simply open any door in the mansion. :P


Heaven......


Hell......






The main beam of the house is made of steel...


Some interesting floor tiles......




Crystal glass lamp (handcrafted)


View from 1st floor


Main staircase, made from teak wood.


Imagine you'll need to bring this machine around to take photo.......


Cologne, the old style......

Lastly, all photos taken by using my lumix LX3, didn't bring my Canon 350D as not expected to take some special photograph. But still I'll said that LX3 rocks!!!!! :P

I'll definitely revisit the place with my Canon...