Well now that you've compared the flash to a silmaril I'm rather fond of it.
I took some pictures with the flash and some without, but I was also experimenting with how to hold the camera, so most of the non-flash pictures are stunning photographic captures of the sink. My concept of depth and such has never been good.
I do have pictures that friends or family took of me, but don't you just hate it when someone's fiddling with the camera while you're standing there smiling and being careful not to blink? And then when they finally take the picture you have a really forced, pained grimace on your face.... Or at least that's what most often happens to me.
Next time I'll try just holding the camera at arm's length and pointing it at myself. Outdoors when its sunny.
It IS on topic to discuss photographic techniques, I hope?