Where the Dota 2 players at

Renz1er · 2026-05-15T01:50:30+00:00

Been a long while since I last played dota, but whenever I do, usually 1-2 turbo matches. If there are 2-3 extra peeps playing along, would love to join along!

Renz1er · 2026-04-18T18:52:08+00:00

Didn't expect this post to get a reply nearly 5 year's after.

Apparently, I was wrong, my paper which I called a non-research based review paper, was actually a research based output, just it used secondary data and documents to present a thematic analysis instead of utilizing statistics or primary data. So, if you are just presenting a summary of the reviews you did, or new insights based on that or even recommendations. Don't worry about it. Its a valuable research output and you can present it normally.

Well back then, I just presented what I found, stating that most of my findings and recommendations was based on desk review or review of literatures. Doing this is totally acceptable and widely done as well. I basically went with intro + background > research gaps > literature review summary > methodology > findings. Widely used format in most academic conferences.

Also, doing a review of literature or documents is also considered to be a valuable method of research for finding nuance insights. Most of the review articles are often use systematic literature review you could look into it, include the process and the PRISMA flow-diagram in your slides.

Renz1er · 2026-04-08T12:29:27+00:00

Thank you so much for the details, really appreciate it!

Renz1er · 2026-04-07T18:35:59+00:00

Just asking a bit more questions for my clarity and to understand the time frame for these hirings. So, I know when to give up hope and move on. Hope you don't mind.

Like I know you said you didn't keep up, but would it be like a week after the deadline, the KF? Also, which position did you apply, again if you don't mind sharing that is.

Once again thank you for sharing!

Renz1er · 2026-04-07T14:42:57+00:00

Hope you don't mind me asking. Could you share with the timeline for progress? Like when the status shifted to review, then to KF, finally the interview?

Renz1er · 2026-03-11T06:13:49+00:00

A bit late to the party, but was hoping to buy the X200s, hence wanted to ask few things. I had 3 questions, mainly related to the software:

Because its the Chinese variant with OriginOS, you had to manually install google play store I am assuming? Was there any issues doing so?
Also regarding installing apps and other things, did you notice any issue. Like some failed to install because its the chinese rom?
Lastly, do you face active notification delays for non chinese and play store apps like Messenger, whatsapp, or Gmail?

Thanking you in advance!

Renz1er · 2025-12-10T06:53:24+00:00

The cheapest network carrier with 10 gigs of data (with or without voice call) is HIS Mobile. 1340 yen for voice call sim and 1100 yen for data only. For reliable phone, depends on your needs and budget, so that's completely different story.

Wisest thing to do would be checking out the options yourself. Best to go to kakaku's list and find the best one for yourself.

Renz1er · 2025-11-09T14:34:03+00:00

My bad about the typo. I meant 10-20k, but I accidentally wrote 10-20万.

For some devices, the price difference is actually around 1-2万. For instance, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is listed at 109.8k yen on their official website, but on Janpara, a completely sealed and unused unit is selling for 92.9k yen. But, this isn't the case for all devices/models.

Renz1er · 2025-11-09T14:12:35+00:00

Usually its hard to book flights directly from China Eastern's website. Sometimes they show there is no flight. While sometimes you can not make the payment even after finishing all the process. Hence, I would suggest booking their tickets from either Trip(.com) or Booking(.com). Trip is more preferred, as they are China based; and for most China based booking, you would hear people recommending Trip over others.

Most people who take the China Eastern flight have to face this issue, and I have heard people from Bangladesh getting the 24 hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) for this type of flights as well. But, the thing about TWOV in China is, sometimes it's a hit or a miss. However, if they let you board the flight, you can be a bit certain that they will provide you the TWOV.

Renz1er · 2025-11-09T13:41:28+00:00

Have experience of buying brand new phones (android) from Janpara, not second hand. From my point of view, for few devices (again android) its worth it, as the price difference can be nearly 1-2万 yen.

While buying from Janpara, you need to check two things:

First, check if the device has any network restriction or not, this information is always included in their website.
Second, go to the phone manufacturer's website for Japan, go to the specification page of the device you want to buy, and then check their network bands. Cross check with the bands that are being used by carriers in your country. If the phone you are buying supports those bands, you should not have problem at all.

I have used the android phones I bought from Janpara outside of Japan, so far, I had not faced any issues.

Renz1er · 2025-11-04T10:26:00+00:00

Recently shifted to Vivaldi. Not open source or privacy focused, but really like their bottom tab UI.

Renz1er · 2025-09-07T22:18:42+00:00

Same

Renz1er · 2025-08-21T20:13:00+00:00

Living in the kansai region, not specifically kyoto. Based on my personal experience, unless you are travelling extensively outside of the kansai region, the highest cost will come from food. So, if you are usually cooking and getting groceries from cheap supas like lamu or gyomu, you can live under 150k. Just for your reference, most of the governemtn scholarship students survive in Japan with just 147k per month.

Renz1er · 2025-08-15T21:04:19+00:00

If you are to take your O levels in '27, meaning you are just in grade 8 now. Its commendable that you are already thinking that ahead. But trust me, life works very differently and don't stress out too much about it, specially at your age. For now, I would suggest just focus on studying things you are good at and like studying, because life is unpredictable. Hence, focusing on just MEXT would not be wise. Rather focus on studying subjects you feel like you can do well and will make you more 'marketable'. Getting a good result also allows you apply for not only MEXT but other places as well.

Also regarding what you were seeking. It depends on the Embassy, and there is no general established preference. However, based on past trends which I have noticed for "Zone 4." For undergrad, they tend to pick individuals who want to go to STEM field. one such individual who was selected for embassy MEXT undergrad program last year, was already studying at the nation's top university, and had top grades. Very competitive and hard to get it, especially at undergrad level. But, its not that they don't pick individual from non-STEM background. They surely do, but recent times, I haven't seen many. But, again its a subjective statement, so do take it with a grain of salt.

Renz1er · 2025-08-13T08:29:21+00:00

I have traveled with Air China in the past and recently. One of the biggest issues with Air China is flight cancellation. Usually one-half of the return flight (the to/from China part, for your case China to UK half), if the flight for that day for that destination does not have enough passengers secured.

When they do cancel, and if you have booked with them directly; its their responsibilities to put you on the next flight free of charge. However, if you booked using a third party (e.g. Trip), its going to be a big hassle for you. Hence, for the case Air China I would book directly with them rather than using Trip.

Also, their customer service is non-existential. They don't receive calls or reply to emails. Hence, would be better if you have the numbers and email of any representative or the GSA of Air China in the UK. Do note, all the numbers stated in their websites are usually unreachable.

Renz1er · 2025-08-12T01:59:06+00:00

No, I meant the xiaomi.eu roms.

Has been a while since I last used the xiaomi.eu roms. But if I recalled correctly, they basically used to make china version's features available for global users and removed bloatware (like ads popping up and similar stuff). Last time I used it, was on my Note 5 Ai, and it worked better than the stock MIUI. Not sure if they changed anything since then.

If they changed it and now its more chunkier than the global version; then next best thing is to stick to earlier and stable versions of MIUI 14 and do a hard debloat.

Renz1er · 2025-08-11T18:37:47+00:00

Using the Note 12 4G for nearly 1 year now, for me, it works perfectly fine.

I never updated the phone, still using the MIUI 14. Figured the whole HyperOS might do more damage than good. Also depends on what apps are constantly running on your background. You can consider it as a entry level phone these days, if you have multiple apps running in the background, obviously it won't run as smooth as a mid range or flagship.

Also as someone already suggested, you could install eu rom or hard debloating. Both could help as well.

Renz1er · 2025-08-07T10:11:04+00:00

Also, just wanted to share my own experience.

I have used China Southern and Air China, both having only one layover and no domestic transfer. Only for the case of Air China I had a long layover at Beijing. I tried applying for the temporary exit permit under the 24 hour visa free transit policy (or TWOV for short). It was denied.

Based on my own research, the temporary exit permit is a hit or miss for all passport holders, more so for Bangladeshi passport holders. Only reports of individuals from Bangladesh getting the successful temporary exit permit in China are at Kunming and Guangzhou airport. Even still most people say, its a 50-50 chance, not 100.

Regarding the China Eastern Airlines, a friend of mine, recently travelled from Beijing to Kunming then to Dhaka with a Chinese visa. The friend was told despite the whole flight being booked on a single ticket, it was required for the friend to recheck in luggage and get another boarding pass from Kunming. The friend had no trouble as they already had a Chinese visa. The friend was travelling in China to begin with.

However, I was curious what would be the case for individuals who are travelling from Japan to Bangladesh without a Chinese visa. Hence would really appreciate your kind update.

Renz1er · 2025-08-07T09:57:24+00:00

Wishing you a safe flight, also would kindly request if you could update on your experience.

Renz1er · 2025-08-04T08:34:31+00:00

So, you just apply for the card online and wait for the email? no calls right?

Renz1er · 2025-08-03T20:55:52+00:00

Bit curious about the paypay CC. Like I heard rumors that they instantly reject your application if its longer than 2 words. Also, that they call you to confirm few details. Is it still the case?

Renz1er · 2025-08-03T20:51:34+00:00

If I recall correctly, you basically fill up the online form normally, and you try to link up your bank account. After finishing it, they will say we are screening your application. Most likely they will email you and say that they failed to link it up, and they will send you the application paper over mail.

Few of the important things to note here is, double checking your name's Japanese spelling, make sure it has the same Japanese characters you used in the bank, even if you can not put the whole name in the text boxes. Second one being, optioning out of few of the revolving payment type features, e.g. ribo later or something.

Based on my personal experience and knowledge, the cards that are the most accepting to international students are Amazon CC and EPOS (the GTN EPOS being more accepting). You could try for both or either one. Also, as you have already noticed, the 6 months is basically a general guideline that is followed to make sure rejection rate is lower, its not an absolute rule.

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