Category Archives: Toys

That’s Just Prime!

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I’ve never been a fan of collecting Optimus Prime, but this Transformers Classics version was too awesome.


Awesome full articulation! I’d say, the best, most-well balanced designs I’d ever seen (not counting the giant Masterpiece Optimus Prime that is.)


I then realized that I had a few Primes, really. (From left: Transformers Classics Optimus Prime, Transformers Energon Powerlink Optimus Prime, Transformers Alternators Optimus Prime, Transformers Energon Powerlink Rodimus, Transformers Cybertron Excellion. Transformers Beast Wars Optimus Primal is in front.)


…I also have a collection of trucks (addition being Transformers Energon Powerlink Barricade.)


Primes, transformed!


Transformers Classics

Thinking Inside The Cube

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Thanks Ed for sending me these!


A smiley Rubik’s Cube. (Obviously, shooting with a 50mm at F1.4 won’t have enough depth-of-field.)


Properly done. (It’s as easy as a 3x3x3; just watch out for the center face alignment.)


Thanks also for the Rubik’s World! (I have trouble with the parity of the last two corners, as with all even-numbered-divisor cubes.)


Tumpang glamor.


Yes, I’ve figured this out! How?

I cheated by examining before jumbling it up; noted that if you spin it on one of the axises, all the numbers on the sides are the right way up. Based on this discovery, I positioned the corners.

I then checked with the pictures I took, and yay my corners were correct!

The edges were designed in such a way you’d know if they belonged to the top or bottom face, or on the middle layer (if they were both facing up or down) and then through simple Sudoku rules, I could tell where they went.

I then did non-destructive edge flips where needed. I’d then be left with middle faces that weren’t aligned. I’d put a correctly aligned middle face downwards. To correct misaligned middle faces on the middle layer, I’d pull out the edge cube below it, put in another edge cube, and finally return the original edge cube such that the middle face is aligned. After aligning all middle faces, the top face would be aligned automatically.

The top layer would have misaligned edges, so non-destructive edge swaps and non-destructive edge flips would solve the cube.

More Cubic pr0n here:
Rubik Cubism
Professor Erno’s Revenge

Smells Wood!

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Ah, smells wood doesn’t it? (Credits to smashpOp for this shot.)


Shaz prides himself for this shot of me.


However, his two-handed technique is illegal.


And for a greater challenge, stack them 5 pieces per level.


It takes longer to grow the tower, and having one piece in a level is more challenging.


Orange (not her real name) topples it rather cutely.


Thanks Jack the aspiring architect for this Christmas present, Pavilion’s Tumbling Tower!

Dinobee

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More Transformers Classics!


A typo on the back of Grimlock’s box labels Jetfire as Astrotrain.


Bumblebee!


Grimlock!


More Tyrannosaurus Rexes!


From left: Transformers Alternators Grimlock, Transformers Beast Wars Transmetals 2 Dinobot, Transformers Energon Grimlock (ugly bugger) and the very handsome Transformers Classics Grimlock.


Me Grimlock like tailwhip!


Meanwhile, Bumblebee has a… jet ski.


…which transforms into a jet… pack.


Transformers Classics from left: Astrotrain (handsome triplechanger), Bumblebee (cuuute), Grimlock (badass)


“You won’t crush me right?”


“Me Grimlock will protect you yellow-bellied robot.”


On a side note, in flourescent light, where there is no infrared light around, he looks good through the infrared-modded Fujifilm Digital Q1 with Seagull 50mm F1.8 MC lens.

More Than Meets The Eye

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A long overdue post; Transformers!


Transformers Alternators Mirage, who is a Ford GT.


Mirage with Grimlock (who transforms into a 2006 Ford Mustang GT.)


And now, for some 1:18 scale knockoffs; a Toyota Celica and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.


Toyota family, left to right: MR2, Supra, Celica, Land Cruiser


The knock-offs have more detachable kibble, and weapons that light up. Respect to them Chinese imitations!


Argh the light!


Back to originals: Transformers Cybertron Excellion (which is homage to Hot Rod) and Transformers Energon Powerlink Rodimus.


Excellion is a handsome robot, yes he is, next to clunky Rodimus.


I also found the rare Transformers Cybertron Soundwave. He even has a catridge-loading mechanism!


Stealth fighter jet, he now is.


His catridges transform into two weapons, and…


Laserbeak!


There are also mini versions of Excellion and Soundwave, with limited articulation, of course.


“Hey I’m parking here!” (Mini Excellion in Transformers Alternators Sideswipe, a Dodge Viper, to mini Soundwave in Transformers Alternators Windcharger, a Honda S2000.)


The token cheesy fake-background shot.


Transformers Classics Astrotrain points his rifle at the Takara reissue of Astrotrain. (I thought this was the only Transformers Classics release worth getting so far.)


They both transform into space shuttles… (spot the rubsigns!)


…and trains! I prefer the original Astrotrain’s steam-engine train design though.

Star Wars… Roll Out?

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At last, my Star Wars Transformers collection is complete!


The Imperial Shuttle (yes, I added the cheesy lens flare effect.)


It transforms into Emperor Palpatine. You better believe it.


…I suspect Botox was the force at work.

Clone Pilot

Then there’s the sweet ARC-170 Starfighter.


These figures are now RM65, cheaper than their previous RM75.


Freeze, space trucker!


“Boba Fett, I am your father. Jango Fett.” (On the right.)


Then we have the classic space ship; the Millenium Falcon!


This is a chunky deluxe space trucker that separates into…


Han Solo!


…and Chewbacca!


GRRRMMMMPPPHHHHH!!!


“Chewie, I know you feel misrepresented, but it does look like you, you oversized wookie.”

I don’t get why the crappy figures (especially those with lousy legs) get recolors like Jango Fett being a recolor of Boba Fett and Anakin Skywalker being a recolor of Obi Wan Kenobi. God forbid another recolor! Emperor Palpatine has by far the best articulation and balance for the small figures; Han Solo and Chewbacca are excellent, chunky, poseable figures too.

Previously:

Part 1: Obi Wan Kenobi/Jedi Starfighter, General Grevious/Wheel Bike, Darth Vader/Tie Bomber Advanced, Luke Skywalker/X-Wing
Part 2: Darth Maul/Sith Infiltrator, Boba Fett/Slave I, Anakin Skywalker/Jedi Starfighter

Transformy pr0n

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And now, for a barrage of Transformer pr0n. No, not tranny pr0n, thank goodness.


This is the closest I’ll ever get to a car blog. The Toyota Supra actually lights up!


No, this is not a Transformer Alternator – in fact, it is a knock-off.


Roadbot transforms like Transformers Alternator Tracks, but without the horribly tight leg pegs. The rear booster bit is now detachable, making transforming a lot easier.


Another innovation would be how the lights from the engine can then be reused on the weapon, to light up the side boosters!


He doesn’t have a bonnet that splits in the middle; instead, they made him a shield. So much cleverer.


And now, for a real Transformer Alternator – Optimus Prime, a Dodge Ram pickup truck.


Blue, red and badass. (Okay, just imagine that his rifle is a sawed-off shotgun instead.)


And here he is, with Sideswipe the Dodge Viper and Windcharger the Honda S2000.


Bluestreak the rally Subaru Impreza, with Tracks (that clunky Chevy Corvette) and Skids the majorly pimpin’ Toyota Scion xB.


Juveniles versus the authority: From left, Grimlock the Ford Mustang GT, Meister the Mazda RX-8, Prowl the American Acura RSX (Honda Integra for the rest of the world) and Hound the Jeep Wrangler.


Here, Optimus is pictured in scale to Skids (left), Hound (right) and Grimlock (in front).


The Dodge SRT-10 family.


The Honda family.


“Autobots, roll out.”


And now, Roadbot makes a guest appearance. Yep, he’s a clunker at 1:18 scale (the Alternators are 1:24 only.)

I intentionally omitted Transformers Alternator Silverstreak in favor of Transformers Binaltech Smokescreen for the photoshoot.


But that’s not all! I only bought one Transformers Cybertron figure and one Transformers Galaxy Force figure because I was collecting motorcycles, but I broke that by getting this major pimpin’ muscle car.


Pimp my ride.


Left: Transformers Cybertron Downshift. Right: Transformers Energon Powerlink Downshift.


Yes, he does look quite like Wheeljack of yore.


He’s smaller, but he’s finally got leg articulation (the older Downshift on the right couldn’t bend at the waist!)


Okay, that’s it. Really.

Star Wars Stars Transformers

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Okay, okay, so I actually got these early April. Here’s to a healthier obsession, approved by the self-appointed emperor of the galaxy. Star Wars Transformers.


Darth Maul is badass.


Boba Fett has a cool helmet. Well, cool enough that he managed to make mundane colors look cool.


From left to right: Obi Wan Kenobi, recolored-twin Anakin Skywalker duke it out against General Grievous.


Before and after: Anakin Skywalker dons the helmet to become Darth Vader.


From left to right: Boba Fett (Slave 1), Luke Skywalker (X-Wing), General Grievous (Wheel Bike), Obi Wan Kenobi (Jedi Starfighter), Darth Vader (Tie Bomber Advanced), Anakin Skywalker (Jedi Starfighter), Darth Maul (Sith Infiltrator).

There are more pictures with the first four arrivals here.

I’m still waiting for Han Solo and Chewbacca, who combine into… the Millenium Falcon! *dies a happy geek*

Star Wars Was, Is. Has. Transformers!

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So I bought the brand new Star Wars Transformers. (I got it a while back; just got Luke Skywalker to complete the first set.)


For its price, which was 75% of a Transformer Alternator, it was amazingly detailed. It took after the Star Wars series, with a penchant for detail and quality.


Featuring the cowardly robot.


The one who would teach them all.


The heavy-breath-taking father.


The eager son.


Note the paintjob on the helmet! Superb craftsmanship.


I might as well take time to squeeze in a little photography lesson; when taking macro shots, switch to Aperture Priority if you have such an option, and change the aperture to say F5.6 to get more of the picture in focus. F2.8 (on the left) means that less of the picture would be in focus. Below is a missile from Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing; note the ball-release mechanism. I loved it compared to the spring-loaded missile launchers because it was less likely to jump out during transformation.


Yes, that’s right kids; the mini-me figurine can fit in their vehicles! Major props for the innovative design. Also, all except General Grevious’ Wheel Bike have smart ways of storing their lightsabers when in vehicle mode (and no, it doesn’t turn off and retract.)

And I wonder too; if Obi’s mini-me is in scale to his Jedi Starfighter, and his droid is in scale to it too, and Luke is in scale with R2D2 and X-Wing, why is Obi’s droid so big?


Anyway, action figures were meant to be posed, as much as their articulation would allow, and boy are these Transformers articulate. Sure, they have the chunky old-school look, but I love it. In a way, it was like the transforming ship in Spaceballs.


Yeah, yeah, technically this scene could never happen.


“Luke, I am your father.”


“What a way to do a DNA test. At least the videos were good, none of that Wookie-on-Gungan trash.”

Gay? Bah

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Out of the blue, a friend asked on MSN:

albert are you gay?
hahahahaha why
tell me honestly, are you?
why do you think so ah
hmmm
you think i like rainbows? you wanna introduce me to a guy?
do you have frens who are gay?
yes, i have friends who are gay
ok..do you know how diff gay?
how different?
how to differentiate lar
well, gays usually like Mariah Carey
really?
yeah
why arr?
why la you asking
cuz arr…hmmmm im kinda fall for someone lor… frens all suspect he is a gay
then he probably is. 😛
arr?
introduce to me la, then i find out for you 😉
u know why..cuz that’s usually a guy in and out with him, wearing the same design pendant, same hair style
means matching?
hmm… what do u think?
how about his shoes? are they very clean?
yeah. very
OOOOOOOOOO
he’s my instructor lar
instructor for? gym?
yeah
is his hand soft? i mean, like when he talks, does he flop his hand
hmm i didnt notice
means don’t have la? wait wait, why you suspect me aaa?
maybe yes but i didnt notice
how would you know if i am gay?
i dont know… heard from ed long time ago, i couldnt remember
so why did he say that?
hahaha
i mean, he got reasons ah? i mean, i thought i look pretty straight
you heard from Ed… or Shaz?
yo you there?
wait arr on the phone
ok

If I told her I wasn’t, I would not be able to find out why she thought I was gay.

The next day, I watched Actorlympics, where the flamboyant gay guys were the funniest, as always.

The day after that, I was kissed by a guy. Two girls made a deal; “you guys kiss for two seconds, and we’ll make out for 30 seconds.”

It didn’t matter to me whether they did it or not, I’ve been there, seen that. And I didn’t mind a meaningless kiss from between straight guys, because really, in the end, we did it not because we wanted to see them make out, but because they so obviously wanted to make out so badly, and needed some excuse.

But hey, guys kissing are a lot more precious than a mere 30 seconds. And if I wanted to see girls making out in real life without having to kiss a guy, I could hop over to Frangipani when it is their ladies night.

I went to dance, and when I came back, apparently all the guys had kissed each other.

Or maybe they were just getting back at us, as the girls wanted to drop by Frangipani before Zouk.

Finally, I made up for all the gay debauchery on Saturday. Bored of all the Klang Valley malls, I headed to Jusco Seremban 2 (there you have your answer for the sign) with LIMITED EDITION 01. The place smelled of food all over, and it reminded me of Ikano a lot; parallelogram-shaped wide shops and modern, brightly-lit design.

Unfortunately, I am not able to tell a story as imaginative as hers, so I’ll just say we went to watch Pink Panther. It was well-executed slapstick. However, watching Mr. Bean on TV, I still think the British are the best at slapstick and comic timing. In Mr. Bean, for example, the kid uses a remote control to control a toy boat. The remote seems to be spoiled, so Mr. Bean hacks the remote control, and unwittingly makes it take control of a electric wheelchair. He then drives the boat across the pond, with the poor man in wheelchair rolling in the background. He hands it to the kid, and the kid turns it, unaware that the wheelchair is about to crash into him.

With Pink Panther’s style, you’d see the wheelchair hit the boy into the pond, with a splash, and the man’s expression as he flies into the water. Funny.

With Mr. Bean, they cut to the next scene. Funnier.

Interestingly, Inspector Jacques Clouseau is seen in one scene downloading a ringtone for System Of A Down – B.Y.O.B.! Rock on, old incompetent Frenchman.

More interesting was the taxi ride to KL Sentral; the taxi driver asked, “You pergi mana? Seremban?” Caught by surprise, I mumbled, “Bukit Bintang“. Then he asked, “jumpa amoi?”

On Sunday however, I found the love of my life! I never had the real thing in my hands until late last year; one was from London, the other, Australia. We could have a few quickies under one minute. People would look at us on the LRT.

ARGH! After I got Hannna to get me one from Selfridges London, and Ed got me one from Australia, I finally found this, at RM24.95 at Toys’R’Us Express, The Mall, near Putra World Trade Centre. Bloody hell that’s USD 6.56 (online, USD12)! Why was it cheaper? I found that they stuck a white label over the Milton Bradley and Hasbro Toys logos. No wonder it was cheaper!

It felt more consistent than the Australian cube, solid and did not lock. It didn’t seem like friction, but it felt slower, and slower it was; 74 seconds was twice my record.