The Puzzle Chronicles

Twisty Puzzles and Stickers For Sale

2010-03-30T09:34:00.003+08:00

Reasons that competitions are always lacking time.

2009-10-03T20:27:00.004+08:00

I just attended the Quezon Megaminx Open 2009. We had very few competitors that joined but still we still had difficulty in having all the events.

These are some of the reasons:

#1: Competitors doesn't want to help. They keep on complaining about slow scrambling or that a lot of time is wasted because of lack of scramblers/judges.

**1f2) All competitors should be available for scrambling, if needed by organisation team. Penalty: disqualification of the competitor for the competition.

This means that if you refuse to help, you may/should be disqualified for the competition. This of course is not followed in the competitions in the Philippines. But don't wait for it to be implemented.

#2: "I'll borrow 's puzzle. So I can't solve right now". Seriously guys, if you don't have the puzzle. Don't join in that event. Personally, the reason why I don't really lend my puzzles during competitions (except for my brother, but that's another story), is so that I would be able to use any/all my puzzle whenever I want to (practice, actual solves, etc). Yes I am selfish :)

**3a)Competitors must bring and use their own puzzles. Competitors may borrow puzzles from other competitors, although both competitors must be ready to compete when they are called for to do so.

Yes, borrowing is not a crime. But make sure that you will be ready when you are called for your solve. Maybe I'll talk with the other PCA officers about being strict about this.

#3: Noise. This is unavoidable, I know. Talking is ok, Shouting, sometimes, is also ok. But please, avoid to make unnecessary comments that is utterly pointless and extremely irritating. :)

**2g)Competitors must remain quiet when inside the designated competition area. Talking is permitted, but must be kept at a reasonable level, and away from those competing.

I'm guilty of this myself. So is everyone else :)

#4: "Wait, I'll take a video of myself". Yes, I am guilty of this. And so if everyone else. Obviously, this consumes time during a competition. If you wish to be filmed, bring a friend. Or a tripod. =]

#5: This is not really the reason, but yes, this consumes time too. Practice more. So that your times will be faster. hahaha.. (ignore this, really!).

People, have the initiative to help. If you see they lack on some parts of the competitions (judge/scrambler), have the initiative to volunteer. It will be greatly appreciated. =]

I'll post my results, maybe after it is posted in the WCA website. For now you can see the result here

Cube4You White Gigaminx

2009-09-26T19:51:00.005+08:00

Cube4You Gigaminx. Enuff said. LOL

Fresh from the packaging. :)

Opening of the plastic containers

2 Sets of Stickers. I also ordered another one as spare.

Lubing. I got bored and didn't organize the pieces.

Assembly of the Last Layer :)

Center caps

Sticker application. I had to use the applicator. IT'S SO MANY!

Ta-Da! It's done :)

Side by side with my MF8 Megaminx :)

First solve: 53:43.38.
Done with Centers at 15:30
Done with Edges at 42:06

I need to adjust the tensions

Cube4you 3x3x4

2009-09-26T19:43:00.002+08:00

Since everyone already have this puzzle, its normal for me to get one as well. It's a fun puzzle. I scrambled it right after i placed the stickers. Right now I still don't know how to solve it... YET :)

It has the same dimension as the normal Rubik's Cube + another 1 layer. Smooth plastic. This will actually turn good without lubing. It has too many cover caps. hahah!

BTW: I got this form Cube4You

Fresh from the Box :)

Stickers :)

After spraying Cyclo Silicone Spray :)

Finished Product. Without the sticker of course :)

3x3x3 Edison Cube

2009-09-26T19:27:00.006+08:00

After almost 2 months of waiting, It finally arrived yesterday. Thank you to Tribox Puzzles for selling Edison Cubes. I ordered 3 cubes where I will be selling one. Anyone interested feel free to contact me :)

Few points that I need to mention: It's a bit heavy for a Rubik's Cube. It has the same size as the Cube4You 3x3x3. It also came lubed and assembled with perfect tensions.

They came in this cute boxes. :)

Edison Cube Logo

I'm selling the other white one. :)

Internal Mechanism for this puzzle.

The Cube - The Ultimate Guide to the World's Best Selling Puzzle by Jerry Slocum

2009-09-20T10:39:00.002+08:00

I also got this book together with the speedsolving the cube (by Dan Harris). It has good information inside. As well other twisty puzzles and puzzles that were popular before the invention of the Rubik's Cube

Speedsolving The Cube by Dan Harris

2009-09-20T10:35:00.003+08:00

My book order from Powerbooks arrived last Friday. A great addition to my cube and book collections. I haven't read this yet since I'm still busy with work and I am still reading another book.

Black Super Floppy Cube 3x3x1

2009-09-13T11:37:00.002+08:00

This is exactly like my White Super Floppy Cube. Except it's black

Mozi Cube A.K.A Skewb Diamond

2009-09-13T11:30:00.003+08:00

Another one to be added to my collection. I saw this first at cube4you.com, but then a few days after, I saw it at deal extreme. Since it's a LOT cheaper at deal extreme. I bought from DX instead.

Interesting Puzzle, I haven't really scrambled or played with it yet. Just open the box and took some pictures. :)

The weird Packaging

The box got damaged in the shipping process.

Mozi Cube

Mozi Cube (different angle)

Pink DIY Translucent Cube

2009-09-13T11:24:00.004+08:00

I got this from Deal Extreme. I just had to order this. Pink is one my favorite color. This will fit well with my other Pink Type F cube. I'm still trying to identify what kind of cube this is. It has the screws and core of a Type C DIY Cube, but it has the cubies of the 3x3x3 Speed Cube.

Quezon Megaminx Open 2009

2009-09-08T21:23:00.004+08:00

Quezon Megaminx Open 2009 is now an official event. Click here.

Events:
Megaminx
4x4x4
5x5x5
Pyraminx
6x6x6
Square One
7x7x7
Rubik's Clock
3x3x3 Feet Solve.

Limited slots only. I believe there will only be 40 competitors allowed for this event.

For more information regarding the schedule and the events, click here

RCPO2K9 is Over!!

2009-09-02T09:29:00.002+08:00

RCPO2K9 went well. Alot of records has been broken. There were many disputes, but still it ended up successful. I joined a lot of events. Below are my results in the competition.

My 3x3x3 second round sucked. Not to mention my Rubik's Magic and Pyraminx. I lost the NR of Rubik's Master Magic (average) by .10. Then I saw in the video that the timer didn't stopped on my last solve. It ended up 5.16 (instead of 4.xx). A lot of things to ponder. I need to prepare for the next competition.

On the positive side, I did improve on my official personal records. Hopefully, it would improve more for the upcoming competitions.

Current Personal Records before RCPO2k9

Current Personal Records after RCPO2k9

*There were no Rubik's Clock, 6x6x6, and 7x7x7 event during the RCPO2k9
*I didn't join the Square One event.

Fifteen Puzzle

2009-08-26T12:01:00.002+08:00

I got this puzzle from Hobbes and Landes. This is like the puzzle my mom bought me when I was young. I remembered spending endless hours playing my sliding puzzles way way back.

The Puzzle comes with a small red bag

Made from High Quality Stainless Steel

Brainteaser Set

2009-08-26T11:53:00.006+08:00

Yesterday, I bought this Brainteaser Set from Hobbes and Landes. I was actually looking for the Planets Puzzle only. The saleslady pointed me to this set instead (there was a Planets only puzzle in their other branch). When I checked the price, it was as if the other two puzzles we're free. I just had to buy this set. Money well spent IMO. Pictures below will show the content of the set.

It came in a huge box. It has great packaging btw. :)

Brainstring

The Brainstring Puzzle

Crossteaser

The Crossteaser Puzzle

Planets

The Planets Puzzle

I am planning to play with this puzzle after RCPO. For now, they'll be on display in my room :)

A Quick Guide to Replace Old Stickers

2009-08-23T11:13:00.004+08:00

Here's a quick guide to replace your puzzle's stickers.

Using a plastic blade, or even just your fingernails, remove all stickers of your puzzle

Notice after you removed the stickers, there would be some residues that will remain from your puzzle. You may use a tape for removing this residues. I use 3M's Adhesive and Wax Remover spray.

3M Adhesive & Wax Remover. Php 199.00 from True Value Hardware Shop

After removing the residue, it should look something like this.

Now you are ready to apply the stickers. :

Note: Make sure you remove all residues before placing in your new stickers. This will prevent bubbles under your puzzles. :)

QJ Mini 4x4x4 from Cube4you

2009-08-23T10:55:00.005+08:00

I bought a QJ Mini 4x4x4 cube. It has the same size as the East Sheen brand, but has the same quality as my Meffert's 4x4x4. It's a great puzzle off the box. Already pre-lubed and ready for speedsolving. I had problems with the stickers though since the orange and red are almost the same.

Packaging

QJ Mini 4x4x4

Side by side with my Meffert's 4x4x4. The Meffert's 4x4x4 is still bigger even without it's tiles.

Problem with sticker shade. Red and Orange are almost the same.

The pre-lubed oil that I mentioned earlier

The QJ logo on the center pieces. I think there were about 10 of this in my puzzle.

Cuboctahedron, Master Cuboctahedron, Half Truncated Cube, and Hexagonal Dipyramid

2009-08-23T10:46:00.004+08:00

I got this great mods from Jan. I meet him at the Pulilan Bulacan Rubik's Cube Exhibition. He's the one in yellow at the center of the picture (if you clicked the link). I'm planning to order the stickers from cubesmith.com. But not right now. I have a lot of things to spend on. :)

Half Truncated Cube

Hexagonal Dipyramid

Master Cuboctahedron

Cuboctahedron

1982 Alexander's Star

2009-08-20T23:20:00.003+08:00

Together with my Peter's Black Hole, I also received a 1982 Original Alexander Star. Thanks to Hidetoshi again for sending this to me. Although I want to solve this puzzle, It's a bit hard to turn and I don't really want to lube this puzzle simply because it's old and rare. I'll just display this puzzle too. Maybe if I get another one, I would play with it.

Hidetoshi send me spare stickers for it :)

*Alexander's Star was invented by Adam Alexander, an American mathematician, in 1982. It was patented on 26 March 1985, with US patent number 4,506,891, and sold by the Ideal Toy Corporation.

*The puzzle has 30 moving pieces, which rotate in star-shaped groups of five around its outermost vertices. The purpose of the puzzle is to rearrange the moving pieces so that each star is surrounded by five faces of the same color, and opposite stars are surrounded by the same color. This is equivalent to solving just the edges of a six-color Megaminx.

*source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander%27s_Star

Peter's Black Hole

2009-08-20T23:01:00.003+08:00

Another neat puzzle came together with my deal extreme orders. It's my Peter's Black Hole Puzzle. This was sent to me by Hidetoshi, a good friend of mine from Twisty Puzzles. I'm not planning on scrambling this puzzle yet. Maybe after Philippine Open 2009. For now, I'll put it on display.

*They consist of a cubical cage in which there is room for 3×3×3 small cubes. There are only 26 cubes inside though, leaving one space so that the cubes can slide around. It is very much the three-dimensional equivalent of the Fifteen puzzle.

*Peter's Black Hole:
The starting position shows silver stars on the outside facelets of the puzzle. The hole is at a corner, and the three exposed facelets at the hole each show one word of "Peter's Black Hole".
The solved position will show only black facelets, except at the corner hole which again shows the puzzle's title.
The other internal facelets all have coloured stars.

*source: http://www.jaapsch.net/puzzles/blackhole.htm

Deal Extreme Puzzles

2009-08-20T22:40:00.003+08:00

Today, the three puzzles that I ordered few weeks ago arrived. It's 2 pieces of soccer keychain puzzle (looks like a 2x2x2 puzzle), a white super square one, and a white megaminx puzzle. See the pictures below together with its description.

There's some dirt in the stickers of the megaminx. It is still good though.

White Megaminx

Sticker of the Super Square One. Doesn't look good, but still good quality PVC stickers.

Super Square One

Soccer Ball 2x2x2 Keychain

If you wish to order this items, just go to www.dealextreme.com. They offer free shipping to the Philippines. :)

Pulilan Bulacan Rubik's Cube Exhibition

2009-08-17T11:07:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, We went to Robinson's Pulilan to join the Rubik's Cube Exhibition that was held there with the help of Toys 'R Us.

In attendance were, Me (paololzki), popoy, TheJoker, UnscarreD1925, lestersantos.

Here's a our picture, together with the Bulacan Cubers.

Super Floppy Cube 3x3x1

2009-08-17T11:00:00.005+08:00

I saw this from cube4you.com and decided to order one from Eryx (venom). Then, during my forum browsing at twistypuzzles.com, I stumbled on to this topic regarding James Lee (owner of cube4you.com), stole the idea, or illegally produced this products. In other words, this puzzle is a knock-off. Seeing that topic, I decided that, I will only purchase knock-off products, after I have purchased the original one. Excluding this puzzle, all the knock-off puzzles that I have, I also have it's original one. (eg. Void Cube, Floppy Cube, Mirror Blocks).

Also, I will make it a point that I will never sell knock-off products over the Internet. :)

Here's the picture of the Super Floppy Cube 3x3x1 that I got from Eryx. :)

Cube4you Gigaminx V3

2009-08-13T07:54:00.003+08:00

Here's a video of the Gigaminx prototype from Cube4you. It will be in production soon.

Stackmat Available locally in the Philippines

2009-08-11T22:42:00.008+08:00

Yesterday, I got my brand new stackmat competition timer set. I got it for Php 1,600.00. The set includes one Stackmat timer (with data port and save function), Mat (Picasso style for me), and Carrying case.

I remembered before, the time when I was a newbie, it was very hard (not to mention very expensive) to own a stackmat set. We have to order from www.cube4you.com for a set. Luckily, speedstacks invaded the Philippines and with it came stackmat.

If you wish to buy your own set, you may visit them at Mandaluyong. Here's there complete address and contact number:
*Phone Numbers: (632) 407 3848 and (632) 534 6781
*Office Address: 364 Apo St. Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Office hours are 9:00am - 6:00pm Mondays to Fridays

You may also visit their website for other concerns regarding speedstacks products. www.speedstacks.ph

Below is a couple of pictures of my new timer.

Setting the Date and Time

* Source: www.speedstacks.ph

Mini Mefferts 3x3x3

2009-08-09T20:38:00.003+08:00

Logo

Actual Picture

Compared to actual Rubik's Cube size.

Well it's not really a mefferts cube. I just decided to put the tiles that I removed from my Mefferts 4x4x4 Cube to the Mini Dian Sheng cube that I have. :) Looks cool right?

Cubemeet at Gateway

2009-08-05T23:22:00.003+08:00

We had a small cubemeet earlier today. It was fun even though we were few. We revived the cube tower, which was a tradition in all cubemeets. Eryx even organized a small tournament. A great way to unwide for me. :)

Thanks to James Sangil for the pictures.

Random Puzzles

Class Picture. LOL *points at the cube tower*

[Rubik's Cube] Permutation of the Last Layer Algs

2009-08-04T18:52:00.008+08:00

Here's my list of PLLs for the standard Rubik's Cube solve. I am using the JSCC notation since it's easier for me to understand them.

Case:Algorithmn

[Aa] Lw' U R' D2 R U' R' D2 R2

[Ab] (r) R2 D2 R U R' D2 R U' R

[E] (r) U R' U' L U R U'L' U R U' Rw (r)' U R' U' L'

[Z] U R' U' R U' R U R U' R' U R U R2 U' R' U

[Ua] R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'

[Ub] R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

[H] R2 Rw2 U R2 Rw2 U2 R2 Rw2 U R2 Rw2

[T] R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'

[Ja] R U2 R' U' R U2 L' U R' U' L

[Jb] L' U2 L U L' U2 R U' L U R'

[Ra] R' U2 R U2 R' F R U R' U' R' F' R2 U'

[Rb] R U2 R' U2 R B' R' U' R U R B R2 U

[F] U' R' U R U' R2 F' U' F U R F R' F' R2

[Ga] R U R' (u)' R2 Uw' R U' R' U R' Uw R2

[Gb] R2 Uw' R U' R U R' Uw R2 (u) R U' R'

[Gc] R' U' R (u) R2 Uw R' U R U' R Uw' R2

[Gd] R2 Uw R' U R' U' R Uw' R2 (u)' R' U R

[V] R' U R' U' (u) R' F' R2 U' R' U R' F R F

[Na] R U' R' U R (r)' U F U' R' F' R U' R U R' F R'

[Nb]L' U R' (f) R2 U R' U' D R D' R2 U R' (f)' R U'

If you think that some of the algorithms are incorrect, feel free to inform me through the feedback. Pictures for each cases will be posted soon.

Giant Rubik's Cube

2009-08-01T17:57:00.000+08:00

This came together with my white fake floppy cubes. Thanks to Chia again for this one. He got it from Taiwan. (though it's made from China). Suprisingly, this turns pretty good, even without any lube in it. This could be a great speedcube except that it's big. See pictures for actual evidence.

Puzzle is not stickered. Colors are painted

On its left is the Cube4You brand 3x3. On its right is the mini Dian Sheng. Notice the size difference.

This could be a DIY. But I'd rather not open it. It's for display after all. :)

Packaging :)

Floppy Cube 3x3x1 White

2009-08-01T17:51:00.001+08:00

If you remember, I was talking about the fake floppy cubes on my previous floppy cube post. Thanks to Chia-Wei Lu, I was able to get three fake floppy cubes. I will give one to Justin since he loves white puzzles, not to mention he also collects puzzles. I will keep one, and modify the other one.

Just like the original, This puzzles turns well out of the box. You may or may not put any silicone lube in it. I am amaze on how well they duplicate the original puzzles, down to it's packaging. This is definitely cheaper than the original one. Great pick if you just want to have them but kinda low on budget.

Rubik's Cube Philippine Open 2009

2009-07-29T10:25:00.004+08:00

Date: August 29-30, 2009
City: Manila, Philippines
Venue : Robinsons Place Midtown Activity Center
Website: Philippines Open 2009 website
Organiser: PCA Organisation Team
WCA Delegate: Jonathan Papa

List of official events
2x2x2 Speedsolve
3x3x3 Speedsolve
4x4x4 Speedsolve
5x5x5 Speedsolve
6x6x6 Speedsolve
7x7x7 Speedsolve
3x3x3 One Handed
3x3x3 Blindfold
3x3x3 Feet Solve
4x4x4 Blindfold
5x5x5 Blindfold
Multi-Blindfold
Megaminx
Pyraminx
Square One
Magic
Master Magic
Clock

Non-official Events
Mirror Blocks
Rubik's 360

* I will be joining all the events that are bold. The 3x3x3 Blindfold is tentative though.

* Congratulations to Jonathan Papa for becoming our new WCA delegate.

My Puzzle Collection as of June 09, 2008

2009-07-28T23:32:00.004+08:00

A year ago, this were my puzzles.

Stay tuned for my updated collection :)

Pillowed Mastermorphix - White

2009-07-16T20:04:00.002+08:00

I bought this from Eryx Abcede AKA Venom. Thanks :)

Nothing much with this puzzle. It looks difficult at first, But if you will look closely, you'll notice that it's just like a Rubik's Cube. Very easy to solve once you figure out what I'm talking about. This puzzle comes in two variations; one color and four color mastermorphix. I only have the one color now. I'm planning on buying cubesmith stickers in order to change one of them to four colored Mastermorphix.

Floppy Cube 3x3x1

2009-07-13T12:42:00.001+08:00

This just arrived today. I had to go to the post office just to get them. Another new puzzle to be added to my collection. I got three pieces which I would be selling the other two locally. Hopefully someone will still buy them even though fake ones are already out on the market.

Turns really well. It works even better if you apply lube on it. No need to disassemble. Just apply a small amount on the sides. Very easy to solve. A great puzzle to have if you collect puzzles.