I have been lusting after this handsome retro looking Leica for the past few months, patiently waiting for it to become available. While this Leica D-Lux 3 is still categorized as a Ultra-Compact Camera, it is a big step up in size comparing to the SONY T7 I currently own.

Although I’ve never owned a Leica, it is definitely a familiar name to me. Leica, the grandfather of camera-makers, was the first to introduce a practical 35mm camera, aspheric, multicoated, and rare earth lenses and among many other innovations. Leica’s statement “lifetime investment in perfect photography” proven to be true, attested by its first original M3 (1954) camera, which is still being manufactured and still being regularly used by photography aficionados world-wide today! Known for its exceptional lenses, and simple yet functional design, it is said that photographs taken with Leica lenses were distinguishable from photographs taken with other lenses, go ahead and argue on this…

I have the habit to carry my camera around with me everywhere I go, literally. My T7 is so compact, I have it stored along with my mouse, iPod and other electronic goodies in my laptop bag. While the D-Lux 3 is much smaller than any SLR, it is still massive next to the T7. So why, you might ask, am I opting for a bulkier camera, not to mention a very expensive Point-n-Shooter?

I love the look of D-Lux 3. Call me superficial, or whatever vocabulary you can think of, but it is all about the looks to me. D-Lux 3 is simple in design, handsome in styling, it is just eye-catching!

I love the specs of D-Lux 3. Not all mega-pixels are created equal! The size of the sensor used in today’s digital cameras can be as small as your pinky-fingernail or as big as a stamp for the same mega-pixel count. The aspect ratio of the CCD sensor used on this camera is 1.65! Its 10 mega-pixel CCD captures the picture in native 16:9 format, with max resolution of 4224x2376 and features ISO as fast as 1600. The camera is highly flexible and offers abundant manual adjustments. So it is perfect for someone like me, who doesn’t know a whole lot about photography but is not afraid to divert away from all the automatic options.

Although I carry my T7 everywhere I go, I am finding myself less and less likely to take it out and use it. The flat, noisy pictures the T7 is only making me not even want to bother with it. Now, the Leica, can not to get my hands on it, point and shoot…

One of Dutch’s largest radio stations, Radio 538, announced that Tiësto will host a new weekly show titled “Club Nouveau by Tiësto”. The show will broadcast every Friday evening, beginning April 6th, from 10 pm to Midnight.

Tiësto: 'With 'Club Nouveau by Tiësto' I can reach a worldwide audience on a weekly basis. For me it's a way to experiment with the variety of styles which dance music has to offer'.

Tiësto’s show will be split in two parts. The first hour will feature a mix of current hits, and in the second hour Tiësto will present all kinds of genres, from minimal, house and trance, and of course the most exclusive releases in advance. Included in the second hour Tiësto will give an upcoming DJ the opportunity to have their “15 minutes of fame”.

Tiësto’s show will also be produced in English. This will result in a podcast and show which will be broadcasted through digital internet radio. At the moment possibilities are being explored to syndicate the radio show to various countries worldwide.

Club Nouveau presented by Tiësto will kick off on Friday April 6th, from 10pm till midnight.

(Grabbed from official www.Tiesto.com newsletter)

Ritz Carlton is usually associated with the image of plush five-star hotel filled with snobbish rich people; abundant of valet, concierge and attendants to assist with your every need; lavishly decorated rooms with supple comfy bed; and plentiful thick and soft towels to make you wish you had them at home…

Well, your own image of the Ritz Carlton might be different from mine, but can’t be too far off, am I right?

Welcome to Ritz Carlton, New Orleans! This was my first time staying at a Ritz, previous visits to the Ritz was either attending wedding or planning for my own upcoming wedding, never stayed overnight.

Anyways, pulled up in front of Ritz, no doorman at the door, that’s alright, it was midnight already, understandable. We went inside, can’t find the reception desk, three man polishing the floor told us to take elevator to three floor, where the main lobby is actually at. Weird, but fine, no problem… Reached third floor, found the reception desk this time, but can not find any receptionist. It might be late, but I have never been to a decent hotel where the reception desk gets left unattended. 15 minutes later, after calling the hotel’s toll-free number, receptionist came back and checked us in.

Went to my room, had trouble finding the light switch, I stumbled and tripped, and eventually found out that all the light switches are installed in reverse, meaning switch up to turn off lights, and down to turn them on… what da…?

Anyways, I am running out of patience to finish this entry, so I am just gonna leave it as-is. Just hope my experience with Ritz will be much better this September when we host our wedding at Ritz Carlton – Half Moon Bay!