Some Decent Sleep

I finally manage to get at least 8 hours of sleep last night. It would have been a bit longer if my office has not called but I am glad I got that much sleep after being sleep deprived over this and this.

My XP is pretty much done. I am still deciding whether I will use WindowBlinds or not. It looks nice and all but Vistual Style is also ok without any load to the memory.

I am looking forward to this weekend. It will be 3-day holidays, including a national holiday on Monday. I will have the time to buy the new harddisk, transfer data and install it. Then finish cleaning out my room. Pretty much a quiet weekend I suppose.

A New Day's Dawn

I finally finish re-install XP. The rest is to re-install the required softwares, make a few tweaks, and setup some defense mechanisms.

It was a tiresome process... I went to bed around 4am last night which is not nearly enough for me now. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, reminding me that I give myself high blood pressure by being sleep deprived.

At least it is mostly done, I can watch TV and sleep before midnight tonight, Hopefully.

My Doomed XP

My windows is now inflicted with vicious trojan or virus... Something that the anti-virus and anti-spyware software did not detect...

I tried several things but none works.

So I guess my only option left is reinstall XP... Good thing I still have my XP CD.

Tonight I will do the installation... Not something I look forward to but at this point I have no other choice.

I suppose this is the high time to do some clean up to inaugurate my soon to buy harddisk. This weekend will be the high time to buy for sure.

Feeding The Demon

It finally finish. It took me four days to perfect the conversion. Finally 'Charles Pierce's Legendary Ladies of The Silver Screen' is ready for the Demon.

If you are interested, please click here.

And a message for Torn, I think this movie would be great for the advance adult class :) If you teach one ;)

Arrived Package and Another Short Circuit

The DVD I bid from eBay finally arrive today :DDD I just finish watching it and well... It still Very funny but I still have trouble getting all the references. Some I still know but some just seems too old. It was recorded of the 1982 show anyway...

It will be ready for Demon soon...

Today I brought my DS charger to the office, just in case I need it. And when I need it, it short circuit... For the third times... Luckily, I am scheduled for training in Siam Square office, it will not be long for me to go to Silom from there. **Sigh** At least they are nice enough with the warranty that I can trade it in without any cost.

Although I am contemplating an alternative...

The World Ends With You

Here is a brand new Action-RPG DS game review that I currently play (although it was not so new for Japan... it's been first release by Square-Enix a while ago in Japanese language)

Our main protagonist, Neku, find hihmself in the middle of Shibuya district when he was attacked by strange creatures. Then a young girl grab him and ask him to make a pact so they can fight off the creatures. Although he still daze by the situation, he accept the girl's request and began to fight off the attacking parties. Afterward, Neku realize that he has no recollection of his past, other than his name. He is more of a loner and tend to shut other people off, saying they are dragging him down.

The girl, Shiki, then informed Neku that they are in a 'Reaper's Game'. The objective is to survive for a week or face being erase of existance. A mission will issue each day, the players must complete the objection or face erasion.

This game is very unique in that you actually fight in both screens on DS. You control the upper screen with either D-pad or buttons and the touch screen with stylus. It was quite overwhelming at first but you will get used to it after a while. There is also an auto setting to let the upper screen fight automatically as well (or manual mode if you can Really multitask ;P). Neku fight with a variety of pins. Each pin represent a psych, each with a different way to stroke or touch the screen with stylus to execute. There are a total of 304 pins to collect and each pin has cool design as well :) Click here to download the pins images.

The soundtrack of the game are J-Pop style and modern music, which set it apart from the usual orchestra music found in most RPG game.

It is a really good game, with surprising story and characters growth. The fight sequence are fun and fractic. There are many things to collect and 'New Game +' mode to replay the game with all your stat and inventory intact, which added the the replayabilities.

If you have DS, this is certainly a game to have :)

Trio Songstresses

I just got around to watch 'The Triplets of Bellville' recently, and I must say I am quite enjoying it.

It is certainly different from the usual American and Japanese animations that usually on TV or in theater.

Each character looks almost caricature with their bodies exaggerated to emphasize the characters' characteristic. There was almost no dialogues, to the point where it only happen at the beginning of the movie and at the end. The story, however, manage to move along without a single dialogue which is quite an achievement.

Overall I like it, even though it ended rather abruptly. The car chase scene is very entertaining to watch while the dinner scene with the triplets is quite... disturbing :p

Summer Cleaning

Today my mom call me real early questioning me about my plan to move the bookshelf to the outer area and the plan to move the washer and dryer to where my younger brother room used to be.

I was not in a cheerful mood to discuss that at 7:45 in the morning, not after I was only woke up at about 6am from uncomfortable sensation after drinking a drink that my younger brother brought me. Afterward I woke up with a strange itchiness on my left knee, when I woke up again around noon I notice angry red patch on my arms, left knee, and the back on my neck. I am not sure if this is sunburn or not... Since I am pretty sure I was not out in the sun that long plus the red patch also happen in the area under my upper arms too. Anyway I already make an appointment with the doctor tomorrow... Although now it felt like a sunburn... Tomorrow I will know for sure.

With the help and instruction of my mom and a helping of hands of a maintenance guy, we manage to sort the comics books I no longer wants to keep, move out the bookcase and closet, cleaning the room, change the curtain in my room, install a shower curtain, take out the trash, etc.

It took us whole afternoon to finish, my legs felt like jelly and I felt tired as hell. At least I won the auction of the DVD I have been longed to have :D. Although my plan for tomorrow would have to change a bit, it would be ok... I was planning to go to have Buffet tomorrow but with doctor appointment and follow up on the clean up. I guess I will just go the day after tomorrow instead and perhaps go buy the new HDD on Sat.

Resurrection of The Demon

I had just found out, just now actually, that Demonoid site has been revived and now up and running.

I am so happy I have to make this little post for it :D I guess it just a great news in time for Songkran ;D

Another Heating Post

Last night I had a revelation that Summer is finally here, for real, when I take a shower before going to bed around midnight without turning on the hot water.

Good thing though that after the shower, a breeze blew into my room and make it a bit nicer to turn in and fall asleep. The heat starting to became a bit relenting, the office is real quiet before Songkran, and I have literally nothing to do...

I tried to curb my habit of sneaking a bit of DS time while at my desk but it is hard to do so when I have no work.

I am looking forward for my Songkran holiday... I will be off for 5 straight days :D

From Phoenix to Apollo

After finishing two of the Phoenix Wright series and starting on the third one, I tried the fourth game as a change of pace and continue to see it through. I finish it just last night :p

This game take place 7 years after the third game finish. Instead of playing as Phoenix Wright, we played as Apollo Justice. At the beginning of the first chapter Apollo is a rookie attorney defending a client. The client is non others than Pheonix Wright who also have a daughter, a gifted magician name Trucy!! Who was disbarred and became a pianist as a front for being a mster poker player. During the first chapter, as it turns out, Apollo's boss was the murderer of the case!.

You will meet few of the old casts from the previous games who are all grown with new sprite, sans one quirky character :p,.

There are four cases in total in this game. The first one is also involved with the fourth one and the fourth one tied up all the circumstances involved with how Wright got disbarred seven years ago, how Trucy became his daughter, and how the murder in the fourth case involved with the murderer in the first case. The fourth case is probably the best case of the series, with all the twists and turns and complexity of a good crime novel. It is all unfolded to shows how each events links together which results in the downfall of Phoenix Wright and his scheme to find the truth and turns againts the plotter/murderer. As it turns out, the motive of the murders stem from pettiness of the murderer that started by that seven years ago case.

The game, however, is not without flaws. In my opinion, it still suffers the same slow texts, linearity, and tricky trigger events that make me stuck unless I read walkthrough. There was, literally, no back story on Apollo at all. No friends, families, or backgrounds mentions. Except for a little mention, in passing, from another character.

Overall it was an enjoyable experinece. While, the gameplay is nothing new, the story is very strong and since this is a story driven game it compensate for other weakpoints.

Hold It, Take That, Objection

The title meant that I am reviewing another DS game that I had just finish today, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, in case most people were wondering :P

Despite its, in my opinion, weak beginning/tutorial chapter, the game real episode began a real intriguing court drama and story soon after the prologue finish.

You will play as a novice defense attorney, Phoenix Wright, on his first case ever under the guidance of your ample-chested boss, Mia Fey. The first case involved Wright's long time friend, Larry Butz, who got arrested in a murder case. The goal of the game is to get the client acquitted and get the verdict of 'Not Guilty'. The court system will sure looks unfamiliar to many people who are used to see the American Court Drama TV shows as it is based on Japanese system. The game even up the stakes by having game played in the near future where the court system has been revamped to finish within three days!

Anyway, after the rather bland prologue case, the first chapter began with a bang. The boss, Mia Fey, was murdered and her little sister got arrested for it!! During the course of this chapter you will learn, from the sister, Maya Fey, who dressed somewhat like a Miko that the women side of Fey family are gifted as spirit medium. Then during the course of the remaining chapter, Mia will came back and give guidance through Maya who, although in training, invoked the spirit of Mia when she became distressed.

The game soon weaving the tales of corruption, evidence forgeries, and murders by the prosecutors and police no less. Each chapters played out in 4-5 hours, I guess it could be less if the texts are faster to display. The text should be *pressable*, like when pressing one button the text came in full instantly.

In the end, the stories that unfold are very intriguing tales of lies, deception and redemption. It is a fun endeavor that I eventually play till 4:00am last night... Which is not good, it was a work night after all. But it sure was Fun :D

Seething Heat

Summer is here... In all its glory and strong blinding sunlight...

It is a bit late for Summer, considering it is already almost April. I must admit I do not miss it that much now that it arrived. I made a mistake of wearing black t-shirt yesterday, my body and arms felt like they were licked by heat. All this does not make it fun to sleep at night, though it is the best time for shower. I know I have mention this in the past but the notion still valid.

I am looking forward to next week... Which I will get Monday off due to substitute holiday. And then it will be Songkran :D Since I have not been to my decadent spot lately I will go during Songkran for their special event. Not to mention the plan to go to Japanese buffet after a day or two from the said event. Plus my plan to buy another harddisk.

On another note, I have been trying to eat healthy-er lately. With bananas adding to my protein shake breakfast (Hopefully they will last the week now that I put them in the fridge), and the latest discovery that my local supermarket sell grapes with rose apple package for the price of 45-49 baht that will last me two days. Gotta remember that when I felt bored with the food courts.

Reclaiming Memories

Last night I began playing a DS game called 'Another Code: Two Memories' an Adventure game on DS platform, I ended up finishing the game in one go...

It is a story of a young girl, Ashley, who went to an island to meet her father whom she thought was dead 11 years ago. While on the island, she encounter a ghost of a young boy who call himself D. D told Ashley that he have no memories of his life and want her to help him reclaim his memories. Ashley who is also looking for her father agreed to help him out and thus the adventure began.

Another Code is probably the only game that I have played on DS so far that utilize ALL the functionalities of the handheld console to the fullest. From using the basic touch screen function and microphone to actually close the lid to mimic stamping and have the screens reflects on one another to see the hidden message.

Although the game is fairly short, it was adequate in telling the story and tied all the loose end.

For me the game ended nicely, although a few loose end still unanswered, it still an enjoyable experience. It worth my time to play and finish it. I would highly recommend it :)

Get Out Your Dancing Shoes

The third cycle of 'So You Think You Can Dance' began showing in the local cable for about 4 weeks now and I have follow every episode so far... *face in hands in shame*

Anyhoo... Last night, was the first performance show of the top 20s. My reaction when I saw it was that 'Boy they really pushing the performance this times' All the routines have trick moves and big endings.

I am looking forward to seeing more of the show. With little space left I will not 'acquired' the show to watch it.

On another note, summer seems to finally arrive here, not that I complain... It felt real nice to shower now. But it is more troubling come sleep time...

1 Became 1+4 and A Clima356

I did went to the ComMart fair and I am glad I did because, as I found out when I arrive at Queen Sirikit Center, that Adidas also have a sale event there as well.

After bought and ate chicken+bolognas sauce spaghetti, I began my round to scout the items. I found all the products I was looking for but end up buying only Kingston Micro SD 4GB. I did not buy the harddisk because the price seems to be dropping recently. I think I could wait until April to buy it. I also found Wi-Fi USB thingie that will broadcast the Wi-Fi. I am tempted to buy it so I can play my DS Lite online. The one I found, which seems to be the only non-Nintendo brand that have this, cost almost half the price of the Nintendo one, at 850 baht. It still pricey for me... So I will wait until the next ComMart to see if I really want to buy it. For the Micro SD, I actually walk all over the building looking for Sandisk brand to compare. As it turns out, Sandisk is more expensive and is lesser class than Kingston one. And I only pay 850 baht instead of the 890 baht listing price :D.

After the tech shop is done, I went to see the Adidas sales. I found one T-Shirt I really like but it was S size which a little tight for me. The sales staff are not very helpful. But yours truly was persistence, keep digging the tray and eventually found 3 more S size and each in M and L :DD I buy the M size though :)

Another Shopping Coming Up

There will be another ComMart Fair soon, this weekend in fact. And I am itching to buy another 500GB harddisk, since I almost filled up my current one :p

Another reason is that one of my old harddisk began having bad sector. Although it shown only on 'Harddisk Sentinel' software, it began to spead from 3 bad sectors to having 3 more weak sectors. The price is also quite alluring. I recently check the local pricing websites and found that the price has drop to about 3,500 baht, Western Digital brand.

I wondered if they will sell this at ComMart or not... If not then I will probably have to go to Pantip...

Stranger Than Fiction

I have seen the trailer and teaser of this movie, 'Stranger Than Fiction', for several times on HBO. The premise is rather unusual, the story of an IRS man who heard a woman voice narrating his life which also narrated that he will face imminent death. The *strange* part is that both the man and the narrator are real. The man, Harold Crink (Will Farrel), is a real person and the narrator is a British novelist Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson) .

It was quite a good movie to say the least. Quite thought-provoking and entertaining. There are some funny moments and sad moments. Will Farrel did a great job playing Harold Crink, showing his vulnerable and sensitive side. Emma Thompson was perfect depress, suicidal novelist.

I highly recommended it :) It would be a good evening movie to watch with your love ones. Or by yourself... if you are single like me :ppp **Sigh**

My Newly Acquired Activities

After I sign up for my own account at DeviantART.com recently, I decided to also upload some of my *work* to the site. It is an art community website afterall.

So if you are interested, please check them out :) At http://kefrayba.deviantart.com/

Right now my *gallery* is pretty low in traffic... Also feel free to pass it around if you please :)

Minor Update: Weather

Following a chat with a friend of mine who is currently in HK with his bf and was in BKK for the weekend. It is March, which is summer time here, and yet the weather did not get very hot.

Instead we had rain yesterday and it was fairly cold in this morning. Not that I mind but it feels... Out of place. I wondered if this is the effect of Global Warming. I have watch Penn & Teller show Bullshit!. In one episode, claim that Global Warming is not as big of an issue as it claim to be. But I think most people would not deny that the weather pattern seems to be out of order lately.

I have been enjoying my new purchase :) I have figured out of how to use cheat code :P So I am enjoying it more right now. it is pleasant surprise to find that I do enjoy a charming game 'Professor Layton and The Curious Village'. I would highly recommend this good puzzle/mystery game to anyone.