Seiko 5 Sports SNZE97K

Sporty look in a mix of class and modern divers style for casual dress-up that gives the right character and feel.

Case
Made with stainless steel in a design of modern diver's with a shroud to protect the bezel and crown. Case back is screw down type with see-through crystal. Still pressure equivalent of 100m depth in water and only suited as far as casual swimming. Hardlex crystal completes the set-up upfront. Case measures 44mm with 2mm for the non-screw down crown.



Dial
This model has the two-toned gray/black dial with rectangular stick-on limed indices for the hour markers. Chapter ring is quite in a common look with other Seiko's.

Bezel
Coated in black PVD. Unidirectional bezel with 120 clicks. Quarter markers with diving guide markers up to 20th min.

Hands
Hour and minute hands from the Seiko's Diver's still, with second hand following the SKX models with the lumed ball-end at the back-end.

Movement
Seiko's 7S36 calibre powers this piece. The 'B' version in exact derived from the much celebrated 7S26 which dubbed as still an equivalent. Self winding movement with no hacking nor hand winding function. 21,600 bph, has 23 jewels to fight wear and tear, simple non decorated rotors and movement parts. Power reserve is 36 hours.

Bracelet
Stainless steel in oyster style with solid links. Deployment clasp with two push buttons lock. Fits firmly at lugs of 22mm.



Accuracy
Entry level movements from Seiko have been observed to be +/- 15 to 40 sec/day but this unit I had performed -8 secs/day out of the box.

Value
Price at $110-115 depending on the retailer.

For the price, design and quality that embodies this watch, definitely a must grab. Unassuming and purely a simple yet unique work of art. Fits nice into any naked wrist and definitely to stay strapped for many many many more years.

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Best/Worst Brands

Just came to my head when I was pissed off by my ISP's service and thought of having a list of worst brands that I have used and of course note those that have served us impressively (all the time)

Let's start with the Worst (like the bad news to come first)...and note not in any order. If you are one of the top guys who manage the brands listed on this list...one obvious message >> go to work or there won't be any!

1. A4 Tech - products of electronic devices mostly for the PC/computing industry. Have tried their keyboard, mouse and headset - all broke after 1 year use.
2. Globelines Broadband - clearly an ISP which was also stated obviously above. Not a month that it breaks down, longest was 3weeks. Great customer service but what the heck if it always have no connection. Listening to the call centers ain't gonna solve our issue.
3. Leaveland Shoes - had these shoes when I was like in 3rd grade, the rubber sole broke like after 3 months use, I was a kid that time obviously and it just stayed in my head
4. Teva - I used to love this brand, coming off with a great design and a promise of durability out there - complete opposite just on the first outing. Just by walking on creeks and running water took out the glue on the sole leaving it with an open end ready to rip out anytime. Will buy the local sandals next time.


And now the good news..yes the best and admired brands for me. They have never let me down. Here's my 2 Ks....Kudos and keep up the good work!

1. Hersheys - there is no other, no contest to other choco brands. Chocholics all over will agree.
2. Puma - yes the shoe and apparel brand. Very comfortable and durable sneakers. Classic and modern designs. Always a fave.
3. New Balance - Comfort and functionality probably the best. Wait, they've got cool classic designs, made it even better.
4. Genius - name says it all. Have couple of their products, still works even if I have to take them to the trash for an upgrade.
5. Nokia - most popular cellphone brand ain't because of pure marketing only.
6. Seiko - IMHO, the best watch brand of all, that is if everything is considered, and I mean everything.
7. Winamp - the media player born way back before everything got ituned. Still has the best audio sound for me. Will never ever replace the Llama when listenin tracks from the PC.
8. Panasonic - Its the new kenwood or pioneer or even sony, they've got good units around.
9. Coke or Coca-Cola - there is no other cola. Nothing will ever beat its taste even though its not healthy.
10. San Miguel Beer - not probably but actually the best beer of the world!
11. McDonalds - best fastfood chain, love the fries
12. KFC - best fastfood fried chicken, plus the gravy--heaven
13. Toyota - efficient, efficient, efficient. Has become the trailblazer and front runner in the automotive industry. This is the car that you need.
14. Canon - vivid colors, wide range of products, don't need balls to shoot great photos.


The list maybe pretty obvious, well just to admire the brands that make our lives simply the best and the brands that placed a cloud above our cash.

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Skin Deep by Buddy Guy

Every time I would come across newsflashes on on the net about album releases, it would instantly wake me up most specifically on artists and genres that I would die for. But I would always expect I from the new kids on the block still who are still out there to prove their thing and not from such great veterans who are now to the last chapters of a highly legendary careers. But on the July of 2008, it was too much of a big surprise to see Buddy Guy coming out with a new album. Yes you read it, Buddy Guy, born in 1936, with countless albums and 5 Grammys in his 40 years in the industry. The fire was still damn burning in this 72 year old guitar virtuoso.

The album at first hear would make you wish that time would fly so fast that you'd be able to digest and indulge the whole musical work in a couple of minutes. It was too unreal, you'd wonder if it was the 60s or 70s were these songs weren't considered old school. The album features artists namely Derek Trucks, Susan Tedechi, Robert Randolph, Eric Clapton, Quinn Sullivan, The Memphis Horns and Willie Mitchell. Felt Crossroads right there which ensures one good supporting cast. This comprises the whole 12 awesome hard core blues tracks.

Out in the Woods feat. Robert Randolph. Buddy howls like a wolf with his strat guitar on this one. Solo in this one is totally out there to hypnotize anything that comes its way and devour you with Guy's music. Skin Deep with Derek Trucks, soulful and emotional song that runs truly deeper than your skin. Every Time I Sing the Blues feat. Eric Clapton. Why we sing the blues? We live the blues, that what we are, we cant explain it, can reason it out, but its true and its basic human nature. Its emotional, inspirational, soulful and most of all honest. Just trying to tell the truth baby! Who's Gonna Fill those Shoes. First time I heard this song, many times I've asked this question myself ever since I have been influenced by such. Many candidates, diverse styles, different paths but truly one origin. Everybody has their own vote, but as of now, while blues' royalty is still here, lets just here them play for they are living saints in this musical cult. The real blues shady will stand up in his own time.


Many times on many albums I've said, this is a must grab on the list. Seldom do we see someone who can still pull off something old in this fast paced digital world, especially wearing those polka dotted shirts. Because they are living icons that still rule the fresh legs who don't know what there headed. Got to have a Buddy for every bud!

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A Pepsi Diver for the Next Generation (Seiko 7002-700A)

Just about 8 years ago, a junior in college, I was going to a beach trip with couple of buddies. And me being always having a watch in my wrist every since I learned how to interpret time, wanted a companion during two days at the beach so that I would never get that feeling of being naked when without a ticking piece on my left wrist. Observing from the past months, I saw that my dad had a watch, built for the seas, in which he seldom uses. And sort of a good kid I am, I tried to ask if I could borrow it for the weekend trip. "Oo" - Yes in English, with a grin on my face, sprinted off to their room and immediately grabbed the watch from the jewelry box. This was specifically the Seiko diver's watch identified as 7002-700A. Nicknamed in the horology fan base as the Pepsi Diver.

After soaking the watch on the beach trip, it was like I could also see it smiling at me, happy that I took it to its purpose. Well not that deep as it states on the dial but nonetheless near enough. Soon, I was wearing it everywhere, it was my daily beater. The rubber strap took a beating just by being worn almost everyday. Had it replaced 3 times before replacing it with a jubilee SS bracelet. The bezel was already loose off its clicks. Its accuracy was notably a minute plus daily. But still nonetheless, wore it proud.


Seiko, having a century of experience in watch making under its belt, have every reason that should be worn with pride. They bear this rich culture and tradition of innovation, craftsmanship, ingenuity and durability. Coming from a rich Japanese pedigree, this model sprung to the market way back in '96. Having a rugged built frame, classy looks with big hour/minute hands that boldly pointed out to those rectangular indices made it a sure bet. The design and functionality later on caught up and became popular to watch aficionados and I would say is part of the list of reputable icons when it comes to automatic scuba diver's watches. At present, Seiko presents their new lines with their new slogan - Is it you? I asked myself. Then promptly I replied: I may not be a diver, sure hell not a Pepsi, but I do reflect the person I want to be with this watch. Someone who would carry the symbol of values that my Dad had and as what Seiko encased in this timepiece.

After 12 years of ticking an incredible precious time, I had it serviced. I had it regulated, replaced the gasket and realigned the screw down crown. The movement, upon watching it serviced was still strikingly clean and looked ready for another decade or more of time beating. This watch may not be a Patek, nor did my dad give it to me on the balcony of a mansion fronting a huge hectare of vineyard with wine in our glasses, but I made a pact to myself that I am going to keep and nurture this watch till the day I will hand it down to my next generation. It was not meant, it was not planned, but it overtook its own purpose and did something better. Kudos to Seiko, Kudos to my Dad.

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Axis Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix

The 3rd and last album by the late great Jimi, this album entails a new meaning to what his music usually brings to the listener. More of evolved tunes and honest feelings for the songs that in a way is softer to the ear but harder to the heart. Regarded by some as his best work of his three studio albums, it would be just fitting to leave this masterpiece for the next generation of soon to be greats to listen by and be engulfed by its lovely bold gypsy blues music.

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Sleep Through The Static by Jack Johnson

Brand new snooze music from Mr. Laid-back Acoustic Surfer. This time around, songs present more to his love to his family as well as anything that pokes under the trustful sun. This album gives something new to the avid JJ fans with a handful of sounds from an electric fender telecaster. Although no one can expect that he'd pull-off licks and solos with this thing, its still that familiar music that we have come to grow with and spend time with on days with friends or simply alone by the beach. More like with the tune and the way the song is expressed explains what its about even though you haven't completely understood what he is sayin at all. His 5th effort in the music industry, proves to the public that with his own style that it can make waves in expressing his inner self and - evolving even deeper on it.

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The Silver Snapper

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Released late 2007 by huge market eating mobile phone giant Nokia, it was I would say an unusual launch of something deserving a big one. Since months after they went out with the N95 model, tagged as "This is what computers have become.", it was the high end phone that had it all, including the hefty price tag. But with the candybar snapper born to the consumers market, it was I would say to good to be true. It was like, people could not handle it, could not expect something like it, could not even believe it? I present you the N82. Yes some of you may say or would comment how come I made this personal review just now after like 8 months of its debut? But what the hell, hope you'll still read into this gadget's character.

The N82 in summary has it all I have to say - for now at least until some new techno thingy has come along. Let's talk features - 3G, HSDPA, WiFi, 5 megapixel camera with xenon flash, GPRS, ngage, tv-output, 3.5 mm audio jack output, 30fps video recording, what else, lots more, but these are just ones that I remember due to my needs and use. Now lets talk details -

Aesthetics. Dubbed as the "Silver Snapper" because of the silver like plated plastic cover on the front with elegant business beige strips along the rest of the body. Well it maybe classy, but not the most awesome compared to those skinny Samsung models. But it kicks around a little bit of oomph to get your eyes glowing with curiosity. Keypad and button functions are laid out correctly. Wished they'd place the cable port, micro SD card slot and charging slot at the bottom end rather than on the left side portion. Its like an incomplete design at that view. Totally ruins the whole flawless image. But image isn't everything, the least to worry about.

As a Cellphone. This thing is quite decent, not the best but would say has met my demands. The keypads I do like, it the best ergo design so far of the other phones right now - Yes I know you might say - "how the hell can you type on those keys that look like staples on the phone? I have a big long candle like fingers, and the thin pads with spaces far apart from each other makes this a typing prodigy. You might just have to try the quick brown fox on this yourself.

As a Camera. About 80 percent of all mobiles have built-in cameras, ranging from different mega pixels. And you've seen the results from the everybody's posts at socializing network sites e.g. friendster, those noisy blurred night pics, or small sized portraits. But with the N82, with camera functions such as auto, portrait, macro, nightmode, sports, xenon flash, digi zoom, AWB, color, EV compnsations, ISO, and what else, self timer - you would honestly think of a point and shoot cameras. Yes Sony ericsson rolled out the first decent camer phone with the cybershot having the xenon lights going on, but I believe for this year, the best camera phone goes to the N82. And plus, Carl Zeiss lenses, just see the samples below. To see is to beleve. But it still of course and obviously cannot replace DSLRs, it definitely can do away the powers of point and shoot digicams of lets say 2 years ago. Flaws of the camera I would are, the group shots. It's focusing power just can't yet get the job done on far out objects with multiple detections. The portrait, and macro scenesare very averagely nice. Would not differentiate from a normal 4mp digicam. Oh before forgetting, the TV out feature is quite useful. Just plug it to any tube or flat crystal displays and whoala! WYSIWYG on the screen, except though for the slide show on the gallery - doesn't work. Don't know if it's something wrong with my unit but can do without it.

Portrait...

Landscape...

Macro...

Nightmode...

Group...

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As a Music Player. With boom in MP3 players hugely dominated with ipods, the most important thing to look into is the quality of sound it produces. Quality on this is very good, sounds even better than an ipod if using those ipod or notable earphones. The earphones that came with the box are downright very bad. Its like music has no body and saoul, no balance no nothing. Just great for taking calls and that's it. Do suggest to put-on your best earphones in the house, balance out the equalizer coupled with stereo widening, cramp up the volume and your set. With the free 2gig micro sd card, the 300 plus songs you can store are just enough to get you through the day.

As a Video Camera. Specs read 30fps. Need I say more? That's the best you can get. I do hand this feature out to the LG Viewty with their boast of 120fps. Below is a sample shot. You be the judge. Well, you tube since then is the way to go, doesn't really matter. As long as the memories are sealed in an MP4 file. Works for me.

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That's all I have to say or finally say about this lovely thing. Never was an all out techy and fashion prio guy, more of a function backed by good value and usability. For those who'd like to have the all in one gadget at a price that's on the mid-range, I do recommend this Nokia Snapper. It will surely fill your conceptual digital world with your life.


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Twister in Cebu!

It was July 30, 2008, 4:30 pm on that gloomy Wednesday afternoon at Lapu-lapu City, Cebu, an unusual site at the office window brought about a mix of curiosity, excitement, fear, and minor shock from the unexpected visitor from nature.

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Viva La Vida by Coldplay

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In an industry where it's filled with critics, awards, top chart ratings and of course album sales numbers that may determine the success of a musical career. But isn't it not supposed to be about matters of these but more of intangible passion?

Coldplay, the band from the wet yet great land of England, who has stormed the airwaves with melodic slow beat songs that speak of love, depressions, and sadness that did hit the hearts of listeners to levels of profound acceptance. Touted even as the "Greatest band in the planet" for the being, would certainly want to keep it all that way. Never loose the success, never disappoint the expectations of which they were never obliged to deliver. This was the result of three damn good albums that hit both sides of the lefts and rights. This is the one instance where the mainstream and underground could certainly party about.

And now comes Viva La Vida. Their 4th musical offering. Avid fans eager to get the taste, critics dying to make a kill, and Coldplay trying to continue the passion. After grabbing a copy and jamming it up with the player, one phrase would appear in my pink mind: They have evolved..... Yes the British quartet did the unexpected. The norm that made them icons wasn't present anymore. Sure it's still recognizable with Mr. Martin's voice belting it out, but the approach, material, mixture, and balance is different. This time around, we would get new kinds of musical loudness with different instrumental formula and away from the usual mic-guitar-piano-drum set-up. Even the pattern is a mile far from mainstreams intro-verse-chorus set.

Life in Technicolor. The lyric less intro that commonly adorns most kinds of indie artists. This track sets you up, pulls you out of your assumptions and lets you meet the rest of Viva La Vida. Lost?. The song pretty answers the questions that creep you up in the night for emo (haha) people like you and me. Where we lie awake and wait for our day to come. 42. The memories that keep us alive - even for the living dead. Lovers in Japan. Forbidden love...where the two have to be soldiers to keep that fire burning and a war at rest. Viva La Vida. The Carrier single for the album, the anthem for the band's new goal, new outlook, new image. Rule the world?

Everybody would be questioning, why change a reliable formula for success at the peak of the climb? Why fix something if it isn't broken? True, Coldplay doesn't have anything wrong in it, but these guys are not just for success. I've told you it's the passion the keeps these guys going. Something isn't wrong yet, but in the near future there will be. They evolved before even eating up their own lives. But what's neat is keeping a tradition in what you do. A DNA that's truly Coldplay. Well I guess you could only change within your personality. And trust me, it will evolve on you...

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Where the Light Is by John Mayer

On top of the hills of LA, John starts of with a Gibson on his lap, the trusted two rock tubes on his side, a jacket on and starts to magically play as what he usually and masterfully does. It is simply by this that tells you, your heading for a big one. "Where the Light Is". Mayer has been around for quite sometime. Jumpstarted his career with Room for Squares way back in 2001 then two years later gave us Heavier Things, offered us his hip blues tunes with Try! and his latest studio offering which definitely has stamped him as one of the music greats with Continuum. Sure there were singles, and LPs and live albums that came in between and after in some of the line up, but this latest offering puts this up as one of the Must See and Hear.

This live album features John in his three musical personalities. Well for us, us listeners, I'd like to say it as our three different moods. You'd surely wonder or I would generally wonder how can you come up with such a full packed concert with three different kinds of sort of genres, feel, and emotions in one night. It like what I've said, you can't possibly have three moods within 3 hrs in an evening. It resemble a mentally crazy you. But worth a try to be crazy for the musical need right?

Acoustic Set. Spotlights pointing to John, starts a furiously jaw-dropping strum on his Martin which later on plucks the familiar tune of Neon... He has that sense of pureness when he plays acoustic. The nice crisp sound of those ernie ball strings that resonate to the spruce body coupled with that husky voice that screams and hums out poetic and metamorphic lyrics that resemble the scene of you waking up at the middle of the might with someone in your dreams waking you up. That calm and innocent feel that's irreplaceable and needed in some moments of a week. Mood verb: Cry

Trio. Clothed in decent tailored suits, John, Steve and Pino put up one show for the ages as expected from this powerhouse band. With his own Double Trouble, blues licks from the Try! album are once again put into fire. Remakes from Jimi and Ray bring to life that reminds us all where all came from and thank God someone is still on stage and continuing the trend. Blues, one of the basic roots of most genres is purely one influence John has that has made him what he is today. It's an imperative ingredient that John, you and me should have flowing in our daily blood veins to keep us sane and high at the same time. Blues, the ambassador of sad tunes and notes can be a party animal too. Just look at JM3, I mean who do you think theses guys are? Everyone on three... "Loose and Colorful!" Mood verb: Laugh.

Full Band. Now with his army of friends who got his back, continuumayer is in the house! This is the complete package, where the level does not get any better. Ah I take that back, it does got better during the encore when Steve and Pino join them. Pretty damn dream line-up. Well since touring with the whole US and Europe continent, this set still hasn't lost the continuum flavor that makes them distinct from every assuming other. Only this band can close a full packed concert and bring conclusion to John's music that will figure on your head till the next week's morning on what musical encounter will he next divulge and create into. Sure can't wait. Mood verb: Smile

Grabbed from a lyric of one pulling song, opened it up in a hill in LA, this will introduce you, redefine you, and wonder you to John's music from anything you've missed and will be missing. From pop prince to blues balladeer, almost a decade of guitar strummed songs, together we cry, laugh and smile once again as we get the dog eyes view to the top of the surreal stage of our hunger for musical taste, we know where to find it... we just look at where the lights is....spotlight's on John Mayer everyone.

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