PLANET ZERO

One Of These Days...

2011-02-19T08:07:00.000+08:00

I will peel myself off the bed and start joining an amateur marathon

This costume should intimidate the hell out of my competitors and make myself a bigger ego!

A Valentine Truth

2011-02-14T00:00:00.004+08:00

I, for one, am in for meaningful overnight relationships and just like in any fairy tale, you won't fall in love with me until the last page. Ha ha

Happy Valentines!

Psychology Is Witchery!

2011-02-01T06:17:00.000+08:00

The Pros of Being a Psych Major

Cuchi Cuchi Coo

2011-01-29T13:58:00.000+08:00

I hear that this is how you train lions in the circus!

Astrology Today

2011-01-14T22:07:00.001+08:00

This week, slightly viral news about the new zodiac sign has people worried about their signs changing. (some even had their original signs inked on their skin)

This is my opinion on it.

HTC Desire Z Leaves A Few Things To Be Desired

2011-01-04T23:32:00.000+08:00

Even though I am as poor as the vermin at home, I asked a friend to get me my first Android phone, The HTC Desire Z.

Not my actual picture!

I was never really a big fan of touchscreen type phones as I find them cumbersome to use but I welcome their additional functionality in providing easy access to applications without navigating through a lot of options via the QWERTY keyboard.

As a newbie coming from the Palm line of smartphones, I have found new life on the screens of these new phones along with the impressive UI found in Android devices. I feel like I have a lot of extra desktop space on the phone since it enables desktop switching via finger swipe gestures to move on to different home screens. If you are familiar with Linux you can switch to several desktop screens unlike Windows where you only have one desktop and switch to different windows which will clutter up your task bar.

I would like to point out though that the only issue I have on the way the Desire Z has been designed is the location of the audio jack at the top of the phone. I find it a bit difficult to use the hardware slide keyboard while my headphones are on. I don't like using bluetooth headphones since it eats up more battery and I would like to avoid looking like a douche having a rectangular piece in my ear.

So far, I have been jumping on different ROMs ever since I rooted it and have tried Villain Z 1.0.0, Q'n'D-MIUI ROM, and Cyanogenmod 6.1.1.

I have been trying to learn how to properly make my own ROM using Dsixda's Android Kitchen for HTC phones in order to add/remove some of the applications.

Right now, am currently using Villain Z 1.0.0 and I like the way Sense integrates social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter but it seems a bit sluggish for me so I think I'll start ROM jumping again.

Overall, I do like the way my first Android phone is built and the option to truly customize it is addictive and a truly awesome experience!

PLANET ZERO Goes Down Before The Year Ends

2010-12-31T02:02:00.001+08:00

With the year nearing its end, I am suddenly slapped in the face a few times by a stroke of bad luck with computers, specifically my desktop.

There's a reason why I still stick with Windows and keep Linux on the netbook. I still like playing games from time to time and am still not overly proficient with the nuances of Ubuntu. After more than a year running the desktop for 24 hours and I guess 4 or 5 reinstalls due to software issues, my primary drive decides to go down. I have never owned a Western Digital drive in my life but since they were cheaper I opted to get a 1.5TB for storage purposes and rarely access it except for downloading new stuff. Thankfully it hasn't gone down yet but it is currently going through a file consistency check which appears to take more than ~~a few hours~~ the maximum wait time to finish.

My main issue is the 320GB Western Digital which still has an IDE interface. My 40GB seagate still works but I had to format that as well due to software issues which caused my torrent files and a few files becoming unreadable. It sucks that I have to redo everything but I hope that the 1.5TB data is still intact.

I may need to build a new box dedicated to storage and P2P soon and start a RAID system to avoid this situation from happening again. I am thinking if I can do this on Ubuntu or FreeNAS but the latter is using ZFS which is used mostly by Solaris or FreeBSD, I may need to do more research on that.

In my opinion, Western Digital sucks and I am sticking to Seagate on my next system.

Anyone want to buy all my Western Digital HDDs?

Useless Anecdote

2010-12-26T20:19:00.000+08:00

Yes, There is nothing interesting today and I am bored.

Holiday Greetings!

2010-12-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

And they'd like to greet you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas (The Politically Correct version)

2010-12-24T00:00:00.006+08:00

Politically Correct Santa by Harvey Ehrlich


'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves",
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.

And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.
Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.
And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.
His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."
And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose

And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.
So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,

Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.
And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.
Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.

Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.

For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.
No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.
So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
But you've got to be careful with that word today.
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;

Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.
So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."

Notice:  This poem is copyright 1992 by Harvey Ehrlich.  It is free to
distribute, without changes, as long as this notice remains intact.
All follow-ups, requests, comments, questions, distribution rights, etc
should be made to  mduhan@husc.harvard.edu .

'Twas The Night Before Christmas (The Dieter's Christmas)

2010-12-24T00:00:00.005+08:00

Just at the right time when I think the world is getting fat, I found this excellent parody of the poem The Night Before Christmas penned in 1823 allegedly by Clement Clarke Moore or Henry Livingston, Jr (depending on who you trust)

I hope you get to read this before you take the first bite of your Christmas dinner.

Enjoy!

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips
Were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips.
Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care
In hopes that my thighs would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps
Had just settled down to sugar-borne naps.
When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Tore open the icebox then threw up the sash.
The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow
Sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!
That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick
I knew in a second that I’d wind up sick.

The sweet-coated santa, those sugared reindeer
I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear;
On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
A Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales to the top of the hall
Now dash away pounds now dash away all.
Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress
My clothes were all bulging from too much excess.

My droll little mouth and my round little belly,
They shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

I spoke not a word but went straight to my work
Ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger beside my heartburn
Gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned.

I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry–
If temptation’s removed I’ll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again as I turned for the night
In the morning I’ll starve… ’til I take that first bite!

Ladybug Plays With Sprinkles!

2010-12-20T11:13:00.000+08:00

Enjoy!

Fun With Google Translate

2010-12-14T12:54:00.003+08:00

Boredom And Its Chilling Effects

2010-12-14T12:00:00.000+08:00

Doing nothing and just randomly search the hivemind for something interesting I found this but do not know what to make of it.

Ah well, enjoy!

State Of Being

2010-12-12T21:57:00.000+08:00

This is what I need to be doing right now.

But I am peeved by the fact that I am in this frustrated state and I need the above so that I can be doing this.

I am still searching for my creative muse...

Writer's Block & The Importance Of Grammar, Punctuation And Capitalization

2010-12-10T21:39:00.001+08:00

Whilst I try to fight off writer's block I opted to bring back some little nuggets of knowledge fun via twitterverse.

Enjoy!

"From now on, ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put." - Winston Churchill

"You can be a little ungrammatical if you come from the right part of the country." - Robert Frost

"Punctuation is important. For instance, commas save lives: Let's eat grandpa. Lets eat, grandpa" - Unknown

"Capitalization is important. Capitalization is the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse and helping your Uncle jack off a horse." - Unknown

Working Under Moonlights

2010-11-14T10:39:00.001+08:00

It has been approximately 2-3 months since I got a paycheck.

Although, it does not bother me that much right now I have to preempt possible inflation and emergency situations that may hamper my economic development. I find it funny that I sometimes consider my existence as a recognized entity by the UN

I was contacted by one of the local recruiters to join a startup seeking to grow as a pioneer in Recruitment. It sounded a good idea at that time and the proponents of this organization also founded the now rebranded Stream Global Services. I would still like to focus on writing but everyone still has to eat.

I accepted a lower paying job with lighter responsibilities and thin benefits. At that time, I thought to myself "why not?" It is a startup so they may not be able to pay much and perhaps now is the time to at least weaken the barriers a bit and see how it works out. Compensation-wise, according to some people that work on the local recruitment scene, it is above-average and since I came from a specialized industry they estimate that it does sound interesting and something new indeed.

I was not promised the moon and the stars during my job offer but I think they missed to mention that there are limits to how high the sky will be. Something I only learned during my first week.

Very disappointing in my opinion. They talk about the usual corporate values, mission and vision, blah blah blah. Potentially, I can compare this to another Dilbert world.

I have a week to decide and I guess I need to concentrate more on observing what I should anticipate from this organization.

I remember reading or hearing something regarding something that most likely would be apt for this conundrum "It is my lime & I will squeeze it when I want to".

Archos 43

2010-11-08T21:52:00.001+08:00

I tried crowdsourcing for an answer in the quest for my new PMP from a previous post.

A kind soul answered my query and pointed me to the Archos line. I probably chose Creative at first due to it being a brand name and of course, they were the pioneer of sound back in the mid-90s.

After my first day at work, I thought I'd pop in to one of the shops and ask around. I found out that the specific model I was looking for is relatively new but I saw a glimpse of the Archos 5. A soon to be discontinued model that basically looks like the iPod touch.

I checked the unsealed box and it seems a better choice than the Creative Zen X-Fi2 that alternative PMP users have been hearing about. The Archos seems to match almost everything that I am looking for in the PMP. If it was readily available and a few hundred off the current prices I would have probably made an impulsive decision just like when I purchased my ASUS 1000HE netbook which I still hold dear.

I am going to email the distributor right now and see if it is available. I hope I get to touch before making the purchase!

Alternative PMPs - The Day My iPod Died

2010-11-07T22:56:00.004+08:00

I just found out that my 4th Generation iPod Nano died.

While I felt a tinge of sadness but I think now is the time to find an underdog when it comes to Portable Music Players (PMP).

Here are some brands that I found out as an alternative to the Apple iPod as being the best in its class.

Archos

Creative

iRiver

Samsung

SanDisk

I am thinking the following features should be available in search of that PMP:

Full video, picture, audio support on both proprietary and open alternative formats
MTP support on most sync software found in both Windows and Linux,
24 hours battery life when in continuous playing mode
USB and WiFi support for synching data and installation of apps (latter could be waived)
Small and thin form factor
Digital recording function
Support for 3.5 mm connectors

So far, Creative is on top of my list. I have yet to explore which models are fit for my needs. I'll have to research a bit more and get some ideas. It looks like I'll be thinking more during trips than just let wind vibrations distract and capture the attention of my brain!

Happy Days - An Evolution Of A Generation

2010-11-06T13:16:00.000+08:00

'Happy Days' actor who played Mr. Cunningham dies - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

When I first heard this I have always wondered what it would have been like to be there witnessing a generation change the world through free-thinking ideas. The Happy Days series was one of those shows you tend to keep close to your heart as it changes the way you view things.

I remember watching the show on an old colored TV with bad RF reception as Richie Cunningham and his gang going through the motions of American puberty growing up in the 50s. I must say that the 50s was a decade of innocence. Nearing the end of the decade, this generation started to question the necessity of conforming and realized individualism and innovation as the new "cool".

In my personal opinion, some time between the 50s and the 60s was where the term "being cool" became popular as the urge for individualism and being different in a socially acceptable level rose to be what defined their generation.

It would have been nice to be there and be part of the grassroots movement of coining the term cool in a global scale.

According to Wikipedia there is a timeline of cool:

For what it's worth, Thanks to the Happy Days gang for allowing us to remember how it was like to be innocent and documenting what it was like to be part of a generation that has freed us from the shackles of conformity and promoting individualism.

I certainly hope that future generations will take the better characteristics of individualism and conformity and unite them to form a better society than we have now.

Norton 360 - Does Any Self-Respecting Geek Still Use This?

2010-10-22T21:33:00.001+08:00

I don't know about you guys but I don't use Norton or McAfee anymore. I am unsure why Norton 360 was there on the scene but does anyone still actually use this on a geek-powered production environment?

Fail!

If you do, let yourself be heard!

Media Consumption - It Can Eat You Alive

2010-10-22T14:57:00.000+08:00

The Internet is just piles of stacks of information bunched up together, read or viewed by persons who have interest in a particular subject. Personally, I call it a media glut.

Strangely enough, people just like to consume information. We have become or soon to be a media-consuming society. If anyone remembers the movie WALL-E, the little robot saves humankind from lethargy and the heavy loss of physical human social interaction which has lost its appeal due to the addicting lure of media consumption. The humans in this animated movie have subjugated themselves to a comfortable chair and the basic needs have been rendered so common that they take it for granted.

The majority of developed countries have these conveniences easily accessible that they are considered fat. I mean no offense to those who are horizontally challenged but I would bet that a part of that group is plopped down on a comfy chair, consuming media. I know it must be hard to pry off yourself from the chair but if you think about it, this will lead you to consume large amounts of visually appealing forms of entertainment and render your body physically unfulfilled with huge amounts of energy being stored in unappealing areas. Let me ask you, why would you want to be glued to the tube and feel bad about it?

If you don't feel anything at all then you may be as worse as the crack addict on the street. We start becoming dependent on media and forget the other niceties that life has to offer. Social relationships for one comes to mind. When was the last time you had an intellectual conversation over a non-intoxicating drink with a friend? When was the last time you grind yourself against another warm body in the dance floor? Better yet, when was the last time you felt you have reached a higher form of physical exhilaration because you made your body go through an adrenalin-induced exercise?

Recently, someone posted this story in a forum. You would not want to be the subject of this story.

On a chemical level, you need endorphins. I remember being so bored once I watched Legally Blonde. There was this scene where the heroine got an internship in a law firm and had this bright idea to prove why the defendant could not have allegedly murdered the victim. As it turns out, the defendant excercised a lot and to quote the heroine directly "I just don't think that Brooke could've done this. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't"

I for one, am still thankful that in the real world we still try to cope up with the conveniences that technology offers but there are certain people I know who have been enslaved by these lures of convenience. When was the last time you really went out?

I encourage you to spend some time outside. Once in a while, try working that physical body of yours and try a mental exercise to get the rust off of those underutilized parts. You don't buy a car that you never use, right? It is a waste of money and resources if you don't use that car once in a while. The same goes for your meat bag, how about using it by helping those who lack the physical faculties to do simple things.

Maybe you should stop reading this and start contributing by making yourself useful!

Dog Dating

2010-10-10T00:34:00.005+08:00

You know I'm cute, right? In case you haven't noticed, I can be funny too!

That's it, Dating has gone to the dogs!!!

The Weather

2010-10-09T10:30:00.000+08:00

I think I saw a bird pant in midflight!

Map Of Online Communities

2010-10-06T15:44:00.013+08:00

Map of Online Communities

I chanced on this while browsing Gizmodo.

LOL at the Icy North part of the map! Ha ha

Found a larger map posted by Zak. Credits to the author and the original poster.

Laptop VS Notebook VS Netbook

2010-10-06T15:11:00.002+08:00

I just finished reading a netbook review and the 126 comments crawling with ideas and opinions about the distinguishing features of a Netbook, a Notebook, and a Laptop. It seems that on every new product model that comes out, the lines between them get blurrier and blurrier which strikes me as odd.

In the interest of simplicity, I researched more on what the official definitions of each is:

Laptop - From what I understand, this is your desktop replacement. Huge 17in screen and works as a desktop that you can carry. Typically, powerful enough to run the latest games and other productivity apps you want to run. This category is also heavy. I have heard they can weigh around 8-10 lbs but it comes with almost all the bells and whistles that a desktop can have.

Notebook - This would be the lighter version catered more for the mobile office user. In this category, you deal more with office productivity apps and other office-related tasks. You need it to be portable if you switch desks to sit with clients, create presentations for a meeting, or just check your office mail. They are not as powerful as the Laptop but that is compensated for mobility and longer battery life.

Note: There is a sub-category for the notebook called a sub notebook. This is a much more lighter version of the notebook usually by taking out the optical drive and replacing it with more USB ports or better design for cooling.

Netbook - This is a relatively new category in the market of mobile computing. I am actually writing on one right now. The Netbook is more for the casual user who wants to surf the web and is very light by a pound or two from the Notebook. It is also the cheapest among the aforementioned but is not as fast and runs apps at minimum speed. I chose this category since I do not plan on doing heavy graphics from games plus I do more light writing and browsing. The battery life is a little better than the Netbook and theoretically some manufacturer claims to provide up to 15 hours battery life which I have yet to experience.

By this time you may be wondering why the lesson of distinction for this category. I'd like to hear from you folks if the ASUS 1215N is a netbook or a notebook? I am considering selling this one and start getting something much more powerful.

You think it is worth the upgrade from an ASUS 1000HE?

Possibly The Most Racial Field Trip Ever

2010-10-06T13:49:00.000+08:00

During the first 3 months of the beginning of the year, students usually go on field trips. Signed waivers, unhealthy snacks, and other contraband one usually cannot bring in to the classroom is now in backpacks getting the student ready for an awesome field trip.

The usual destinations for a break from the dreary walls of the classroom are museums, Beverage manufacturing plants, Pencil factories, planetariums, and historical sites.

I found this little gem from last year about how an innocent little field trip goes hilariously wrong at the end.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants Are Concerned With Your Safety

2010-10-05T13:21:00.007+08:00

For regular flyers, safety is important but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. Cebu Pacific Air communicated this messsage on safety through dance when someone posted this video.

Personally, I think this is a great idea, especially for their upcoming IPO. Reading various comments and news about this video were half and half on the pros and cons.

In my estimation, people are entertained by this but it begs the question, Does this stunt actually deliver the message clearly on flying safely with Cebu Pacific Air? One of the points that were made is that the dance is distracting, the pros of this is that it grabs the attention of the passenger before the long boring flight. I think I will leave everyone to their own opinions on this one.

Unfortunately, as quoted by the Philippine Star, Vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog mentioned that this demo on flight safety is just a test while they are up in the sky. Frankly, I hope they continue this and make it worthwhile for the long trips.

It would be interesting to note that another video was posted that they have been practicing the dance.

Nevertheless, Kudos to the person(s) behind this bright idea. I think PAL needs to come up with great ideas and we do need innovation through competition.

Credits to the posters and articles linked to this post.

Vogon Poetry

2010-10-03T23:51:00.000+08:00

Here is a little anecdote I thought of before my brain cells gave up...

"I tried turning my life around too many times I ended up dizzy and puked a little"

Someone out there may have thought of the same thing but I posted it first! Ha ha

Modern Jose Rizal Protests In Church - A Commentary

2010-10-02T16:59:00.003+08:00

December 30, 1896 was a day when a national hero died. His name was José Rizal. A Filipino educated in the west and died by firing squad during the 333 year colonial rule of Spain. Some local historians claim his heroism to be riddled with controversy and historical rumors surround this character as one of the proponents of the Philippine Revolution against Spain's colonial subjugation.

September 30, 2010 a quaint man dressed in the fashion of the late 1800's holding a placard with a name inscribed, "DAMASO" protesting the Church's involvement in state politics by shouting during the normal ritual of professing one's faith through holy mass as a member of the Roman Catholic church.

Carlos Celdran is a big supporter of the Reproductive Health bill and for what its worth I partially agree with the freedom of choice. Unfortunately, I do not agree to his methods of protest. Out of respect to any religious enterprise, one should not interrupt their rituals of solemnity. I do not see the point of committing a sin by a catholic against the heads of their own religion.

Nevertheless, I agree that the church should never involve itself in politics. Their opinion matters but they cannot decide for themselves on behalf of others as to what should be the best course of action. This is why we have religious conflicts, they tend to decide with others that they are right and the rest are wrong. Why can't we just say our piece and leave it to the public to decide what the best course of action is?

This same thought goes to Carlos Celdran's approach to showing his support for the Reproductive Health Bill. As clever as he is, I think he would have been more effective doing this in Luneta instead of disrupting a holy ritual (maybe after?). If this was done in a Mosque he may have ended up being stoned or whatever form of punishment our Muslim brethren deem appropriate for such intolerable behavior.

Looking at this from my point of view, the intention seems to have merit but the creative approach could have been better.

Can't we all just get along through civil debates and letting the public decide for themselves what the merits of your side of the argument is?

Of course, this is just commentary but I believe it is something that you, the public, should ponder on.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and bicker about them.

Geotagging On Games

2010-09-30T23:43:00.001+08:00

I recently tried using FourSquare via Firefox on my netbook. If you do not know what FourSquare is you need to read up on your mobile app news. In a nutshell, it's a social networking site similar to the recently introduced Facebook Places. The site logs where you and your gadget is which they call "checking-in". It seems fun for a few times but it gets boring and the fact that you tell people where you are seem to be a bit too invasive on one's privacy.

On another note, there is also Alternate Reality Games. The first time I heard of this was back in 2005, the biggest one of all was Perplex City. I subscribed to their mailing list and found out that you have to actually travel and purchase cards from the creators to actually enjoy the game.

In this mobile world becoming increasingly smaller, I wonder about the business opportunity on these two great ideas. Why not a Geotagged game local to a specific region (or country)?

I remember back in the 80's when I was still active on the RPG scene, AD&D was one of the hottest pen and paper games played by those who loved to read and imagine. Fanatics went a little bit beyond the pen and paper and started it out in real life.

I see a potential profit model here with most of society owning mobile phones and love to play games. Since social networking is the big thing nowadays, why not create a new mobile alternate reality game? If I only knew how to code this would probably be a good idea. I am probably not the first person to come up with the idea but I would encourage anyone with the resources and knowledge to think about it.

We all like money in some level and if you have the talent and resources why not go and start it up? Please don't forget my cut, by the way....

Enjoy!

How To Make Your Roomie Wash The Dishes

2010-09-30T16:04:00.001+08:00

For most people, dishwashing is a boring chore. You are stuck next to a sink and get wet while still smelling like last night's bad dinner.

If you can skip for work before your room mate wakes up, you may try this as an incentive to get him/her to wash the dishes...

If you put it this way, who knows? Your mate may just say yes.... Ha ha

Enjoy!

OpenOffice files Oracle divorce papers

2010-09-29T00:10:00.001+08:00

OpenOffice files Oracle divorce papers:

"Uncertainty breeds mistrust

Open sourcers have seized control of the OpenOffice project and product and declared their independence from database giant Oracle.…"

It appears the Open Source community is doubtful of the capitalist corporation Oracle, and their intentions with one of the more popular competitors of MS Office. I just renewed my use on OpenOffice since I installed Linux again on my laptop. I'm glad to say it is still as solid as ever but then again I am a light user of the open source office suite so that observation may be mixed with bias.

Nevertheless, the name change to LibreOffice will not affect my decision on sticking with what works. I'm happy with what I have and I thank the developers and maintainers for keeping the software free from capitalist hands.

If I were you, help support free software by encouraging it's use. Eventually, when the dust settles, everyone will follow suite to the standards and you may never have to pay for a full office application again.

Now, let me cash in my last paycheck and get back to my pursuit of the great capitalist dream!

Plan On Changing Your Notebook Soon?

2010-09-27T16:21:00.000+08:00

I found this on my RSS reader. Never hurts to spread out some good news....

Planning on getting a new laptop or a desktop PC, perhaps shopping early for a Christmas gift? Then you might want to visit The Great Lenovo October PC Fest on October 1 to 3 at Metrowalk Ortigas.

Score up to 60% off on selected Lenovo laptops and desktops. You may want to surprise your kid with a Lenovo S10-3 netbook for Christmas. Or get an All-In-One PC for the family. Well if you’re looking for a new laptop or a desktop then this sale might be something that happened just for you.

Also, if you find it in your kind hearts to buy me one, you know where to contact me. :)

According to Wikipedia, this is what "blaming others" looks like.

2010-09-23T20:56:00.000+08:00

Don't you feel silly when blaming others for your fault?

The Best Bill You Can Ever Recieve!

2010-08-23T14:26:00.002+08:00

You know it, I know it! We hate pending bills! Ha ha

Job Hunting

2010-07-24T08:06:00.034+08:00

Here I am updating my old rickety resume with the last stint I had in IT. I cannot belive that more than 4 years have passed since I did a major update. I kept thinking what made me stay for all those years. Was it the money? The people? The benefits? Such thoughts got me thinking that first it was money, then it was people, then the benefits.

As I mentioned before, I have met a lot of characters here and there. It's your typical A-Z crowd. From the people who I think I jive with to the people who are just plain nutty. I don't mean to abandon anybody, I tried to know everyone either by face or name but this brain can only take so much. Thinking back, I remember a lot of faces but rarely remember their names.

Anyhoo, I digress so let's go back to my resume. Apparently, keeping track of what you have done is mentally taxing. There are so many minute details that you can write on but the question is, which of those mattered? I'd like to think that I contributed something culture-changing but since they expanded, the culture evolved. I guess being a melting pot of different perspectives can be bad if not utilized properly or nobody takes their time to guide the direction that it takes. If I were in a position to make a decision, I could have prevented that and would probably not allow such a thing to devolve the office culture I once loved.

We all hear about that change is a constant but we always forget that we can redirect that change and use it to our advantage. If left alone, you get chaos. That rarely puts us in a better position in moving forward. We love to bicker and we love to take advantage of others. I guess its a natural thing for social beings. Its engraved in our minds that we should be at an advantage. Sad but true.

Ah well, I'm almost done with updating my resume and will just proof it later.

Inception

2010-07-22T13:52:00.005+08:00

When was the last time you watched a movie that left you mentally exhausted? That was the question that impeded on my mind after watching the latest Christopher Nolan project, Inception. The cast is led by high-caliber actor and academy award winner, Leonardo Di Caprio and supported by a strong support cast which includes, Ken Watantabe ( The Last Samurai) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3^rd Rock from the Sun, Ten Things I Hate About You).

The brunt of the story shows a seemingly unlikely future where people can manipulate the subconscious by entering the victim's so-called Dreamscape and plant the most simple of ideas that affect the way a person decides in the real world. In a much more deeper level, if too much ideas are planted on the victims subconscious, this can affect the totality of the person when they wake up form their slumber.

It appears that this sort of activity is considered illegal yet used often in any type of espionage for those that can afford but yet again this has never been shown to be true. Proof that this is accepted as part of the future's business practices have not surfaced either during the movie.

The plot maintains the old anti-hero versus the system feel but in this script it deals with mind manipulation using the subconscious as the medium. If you remember the Wachioksi Brothers the Matrix and Phillip K Dick's Paycheck, you can see the similarities and know that this was inspired work in the realm of science fiction. Depending on how deep one thinks, I do not see that anyone will get the canon of the movie immediately. I can imagine the difficulty of executing complicated situations in a visual form that requires the mental capacity of the above-average to grasp in a few minutes the visual and mental stunning concepts while watching the film.

Just like in the Matrix Trilogy, the concepts are similar but the difference is that the aforementioned shows reality as generated by computers and the current is reality generated by the subconscious. The battlefield in this story is interestingly enough the subconscious of the victim which has a whole plethora of possibilities and limitations.

There is a dark quality to the movie that projects a clean-on-the-outside-but-dark-on-the-inside atmosphere. Leonardo Di Caprio's character, Dominic Cobb and his supporting cast shows this in the simplest way possible. I strongly believe that this is the appeal of the film. There is not much visual grit and violence to see but the mental concept is left to the viewer's imagination.

As the movie progresses along, one will initially think that the plot revolves around Leo's team versus the victim. That plot slowly shifts that implication and draws it's attention slowly to Leo and the complicated past his character endures.

There is a lot of implied ideas on the film where you think you will grasp it but a twist changes the flow of the plot and as I mentioned this is a mental roller coaster and the mind needs to be active at all times.

I feel I do not need to discuss the whole plot as I encourage you to watch it with a clear mind. If I go on about the details of the plot, I'd end up with spoilers and you may soon realize that the little spot on your screen is spittle from your mouth after a moment of cursing at me in the most vicious of tongue.

What I liked about the elements on the film is the use of real-world experience's to explain what we tend to miss. One example is what they called the Kick. This is essentially how to wake up a dreamer in the dreamstate. If you remember dreaming, you always end up in the middle of something but never at the beginning of the dream. Most of the time you either wake up from that dream, falling from a high-altitude or dying. When one thinks about it, these explanations of what happens in real life are true. In the film, they attempt to explain these truths in order to simulate the Kick by waking up the dreamer by either plunging the dreamer's real body in a tub of water or simulating the feeling of falling from a chair or any place where the body itself will feel like its falling which in turn causes the dreamer to wake up.

Here is something to think of when you watch this film which I believe is the best movie this Summer of 2010.

Is Dominic Cobb still dreaming or is he still in what he considers his own reality?

I'd like to hear your own interpretation of the movie and tonight when you dream, I challenge you with a question:

Will you be dreaming tonight and be able to control your subconscious?

Let me know how it ends.

The Last Day

2010-07-17T21:36:00.001+08:00

Today is my last day at work. I have been planning this since August when I heard that the account I was working in had to pull out when they were swallowed up by a bigger institution. It's too bad since I was starting to like it and I knew almost every nook and cranny in their process. Alas, all good things must come to and end. I do not regret staying here for as long as I have but I felt I am no longer needed here and I need to do something new.

I have met a lot of interesting characters and I surely hope I have made a name for myself here. Beyond the courtesy and social niceties, I decided to leave abruptly to avoid any regrets on my choice of leaving. Taking into account the cost-cutting measures and the egos I have encountered have added a stronger affirmation of the urge to leave and start anew in a different field of discipline.

I understood the risks and I plan for the long-term and have a recovery plan in case it doesn't work. If this doesn't work out I may have to succumb back to my origins and try again. Nevertheless, I am in the pursuit of passion and when was the last time that the romance of pursuing a passion been a disappointment?

Off to a new adventure is both exciting and unnerving but that's why it is called a leap of faith.

Box Upgrade!

2009-12-24T09:04:00.000+08:00

It's been a year, 2 months, and some odd days since I got back to actually using Windows everyday again. I've been meaning to do a major upgrade on the pretty much the guts on this box this year but time and money was a hindrance.

Yet just last night, I started my first upgrade...Memory!

I just recently started playing games again starting with Dungeons & Dragons Online then moved on bit by bit to the current fad Dragon Age: Origins.

I just popped it in the slot so I am now running at 4GB Memory on dual channel mode. I haven't noticed much difference yet (Although she turns off much more faster now, I was hoping for faster boot times but it seems the effect was in reverse) but nevertheless I am a bit more content with the performance.

I need to check if I can open a slush fund for more computer upgrades and if you will indulge me, I am soliciting donations for such in cash or kind (i.e. the actual parts I need)

He he he

Palm OS Or Android

2009-11-08T17:42:00.003+08:00

Just recently, I've been considering switching my phone to something new. I didn't want to try bleeding edge stuff but wanted something stable. Yes, I already have a Treo 680 but nowadays it feels lacking. The trend right now with mobile phones focus on applications, GPS, WiFi and a high resolution camera. What probably got me to consider the urge to migrate is the arrival of Android 2.0 and the Motorola Droid.

If you are not familiar with Android, it is the latest innovative products from search behemoth Google. Essentially, the idea behind the Android is a free, open source mobile OS based on the Linux kernel wherein the search giant can go ahead and riddle your phone with their free services.

(If you don't even know what Linux is, I suggest getting a hammer and hitting yourself on the noggin.)

Better yet, read the Wiki article here.

I actually thought of the HTC Dream which was one of the first phones that made it to the mass media. Officially it was exclusive to T-Mobile and marketed as the G1 or Google Phone. The usual hubbub of the geek community provided new buzzwords such as gPhone, ubiquitous device, and touchscreen albeit the latter has been with us since the arrival of Apple's iPhone.

I asked around regarding the HTC dream and a PLUG lister commented he bought the developer version of the phone but somehow the keyboard is sadly lacking. I guess this is my only deterrent and getting on pruchasing the HTC Dream. In case I forgot to mention, Motorola's droid is not available yet for GSM, only CDMA. That plus the fact that Verizon has first dibs on the device. Now, I have several factors on what to consider on migrating to a new phone:

WiFi - Not sure if this is a must but it would come in handy as whipping out my netbook is kind of silly just to tweet something personal.
Camera - Not a requirement but would be nice for those quick shots. Kinda reminds me of what someone mentioned during a DDO game, "Today's word is Legs, Go and spread the word!" That cracked me up... Ha ha!
Synching - It would be nice to have a nice offline backup in case you lose the phone. Android synchs up with your Google applications, haven't done enough research to see if this can be done similar to the Palm Desktop. More importantly, There are still some glitches when migrating from Palm OS to Andorid so I'll wait for a free utility that can do that for me. :P
Battery life - WiFi is a power eater. Add camera functions and cam-flash that could eat a lot more. What I liked about my Treo is that it has overcharging protection. You can leave the phone charged for 24 hours and your battery wont break. There are also some power settings that can help extend battery life and I have yet to experience where I unintentionally forget to charge my phone and leave the battery empty.
QWERTY - Yesiree, I like my phones like I like my keyboards, ergonomic and comfortable to use. I still have an old S-type keyboard that doesn't match the color of my computer. I guess Im just partial to comfortable typing. I don't want to develop carpal just becuase I type a lot.

Hmmm...What else should I consider? Perhaps further reading is needed. I'll get back to this if something useful comes up.

Currently, I am still open to suggestions following the criteria above. I've got nothing better to do today so I opted to post in a few thoughts after a month of no blogging.

Enjoy!

For Our Dear Users Who Were Born With Stupidity As A Congenital Defect

2009-10-19T03:44:00.001+08:00

Perhaps in 2 weeks, I just might pray for this ability as well and move on.

Canine Love Forever

2009-10-11T14:17:00.003+08:00

There times when you find the sweetest things in the most odd situation.

Hey, If you didn't feel anything after looking at this picutre, You need serious help!

Another Year, Another Life

2009-09-25T16:04:00.003+08:00

I just came off the plane.

Another few days in the most sacred of places, not even my friends know where it is. Too bad I could not stay long. It was a bit unplanned. I was supposed to be going to Cebu and see my best girl but for whatever reason her mom is unreachable. That was a waste of effort but nevertheless no point in bickering.

I've decided, I'm switching careers. No more of the being helpful and kind while making a wry face while helping users at the other end of the line. Now I think it's about time to stop worrying about others and start worrying about myself. I'm hoping to get retrenched and leave quietly with out fuss and off to another adventure in another industry.

I just got myself a netbook. Spur of the moment decision really!

What was supposed to be a 500GB external HDD turned to a 10 inch ASUS EEE 1000HE. So far so good. I've had this a little less than a month and have not seen anything to be annoyed with (except for the lack of readily available broadband).

Here I am writing this pointless post on my new toy and not much going on really.

Well, A little more than a month and maybe a few days of rest and this sorry story will hopefully pickup.

Ha ha ha ha

I Miss Her

2009-09-05T04:51:00.002+08:00

I just can't say it enough...

I really do miss Her!!!!!

Why Do You Love Me

2009-05-18T16:08:00.001+08:00

'Jesus in jeans' sculpture unveiled in Britain

2009-05-14T13:58:00.003+08:00

A church in East Sussex has unveiled a Marcus Cornish bronze statue dubbed "Jesus in jeans" depicting Christ as a man of the 21st century.

read more digg story

I Really Need A Hobby

2009-03-09T16:51:00.002+08:00

This one just made me realize that I need a new hobby...

What On Earth Has Happened to the Popeye Chickn & Biscuits Franchise In The Metro?

2009-03-08T12:47:00.003+08:00

For some reason, I suddenly remembered that delectable chicken & biscuits meal served a little less than a decade ago and wondered what happened to it.

While fooling around in Google, I found this article in Wikipedia.

In a more interesting note, I did find a branch of Church's Chicken on the east side of SM Mall of Asia.

I have tried eating once and it doesnt seem to be the same Popeye we used to know and love. I think I'll try it again one more time and see if this is a replacement to quench my hunger.

Mmmmm....

How Did This Happen?!?!?!

2009-02-23T16:44:00.000+08:00

The mysteries you find in Digg!!!!

KEEP: Emulator That Aims To Save Obsolete File Formats

2009-02-16T12:24:00.001+08:00

The emulator will also be regularly updated to ensure that formats that fall out of favour remain supported in the near and far future. Called Keeping Emulation Environments Portable (Keep), the project aims to create software that can recognise, play and open all types of computer file from the 1970s onwards.

read more | digg story

I Am Bored

2009-02-16T11:57:00.002+08:00

*sigh*

Sometimes, I wish life was a comic...

The Measurement Of Funny

2009-02-15T12:05:00.002+08:00

A guide to laughing online

This is why I love Digg...

2009-02-06T16:17:00.002+08:00

Tell me a more organized comments section and I'll slap my head and call myself [C] hicken!

Heh!

read more digg story

What is Grimace?

2009-02-05T15:08:00.001+08:00

The question is pretty short. What exactly is Grimace, the McDonald’s character? I mean Ronald McDonald is a clown, that’s pretty clear. And the majority of the remaining McDonald’s characters seem to have at least a passing resemblance or relation to McDonald’s food. Grimace is just a purple blob. So help me solve the mystery of Grimace

read more | digg story

Bizarre Glasses - You Have To See 'Em To Believe 'Em

2009-02-03T18:38:00.002+08:00

Alas, I just went out with my best girl to Star City and ended up losing a pair of Rudy Project sunglasses.

Im in the market for a new one and while fooling around in the interwebs, I found this obscure set of pictures of different glasses from the late 50's to the mid 60's

The shapes were really odd back then.....and they claimed the 50's was a conservative era...ha! See what weird abstract shapes they reproduced to get attention towards the eyes!

7 Famous Works of Art Remade, Simpsons-Style

2009-01-21T17:29:00.001+08:00

Gallery of famous works of art drawn in the Simpsons style of Matt Groening.

read more | digg story

Wetware hacking

2009-01-12T20:24:00.004+08:00

How to hallucinate using ping-pong balls and a radio

Do you ever want to change the way you see the world? Wouldn't it be fun to hallucinate on your lunch break? Although we typically associate such phenomena with powerful drugs like LSD or mescaline, it's easy to fling open the doors of perception without them: All it takes is a basic understanding of how the mind works.

read more digg story

I Knew Physics Wasn't That Hard!

2008-12-21T02:30:00.004+08:00

Money Isn't Everything... [PIC]

2008-12-21T02:27:00.002+08:00

In this economic crisis. It's proved that Money isn't everything. So send me your money and i will suffer for you.

Seriously...

YAWN

2008-12-20T23:25:00.001+08:00

I only had 2 hours of sleep today. The mother of my daughter asked to use the scanner at home and that didnt happen.

I've been picking up tickets like crazy at work and ready to pass out.

*YAWN*

I hate it when this happens

Leonardo Da Vinci's Notebook

2008-11-24T03:01:00.003+08:00

Finally a scanned version of perhaps the most idea-filled notebook by the creative yet elusive Leonardo Da Vinci.

http://www.bl.uk/collections/treasures/digitisation.html

Too bad, I cant look it up at work because of a few JavaScript revisions but hey!

That hasnt stopped me yet. May be it'll inspire me with a few ideas of my own I can spawn upon the world.

Freaky Friday

2008-10-17T04:52:00.000+08:00

45 chats on the queue

3 Windows

Multitudes of idiots

What fuck is going on?

Another Sign That I Don't Understand

2008-10-05T02:49:00.000+08:00

It's probably just me but I think this is German for no standing. Sit goddammit, sit!

Moving Forward

2008-10-04T14:49:00.000+08:00

I missed her company. Too bad she's leaving.

Oh well, it's sad but what's new?

Maybe in the next life we could have been...not at this time though.

The Art Of Conversation

2008-10-01T08:46:00.000+08:00

How I miss people who pratice the art of conversation.

It was said that conversation is a dying art. It's been a while since I've talked to people who can really converse.

I may be hanging with the wrong crowd. I miss my friends back in highschool. We may have been high all the time but I remember them well.

I wonder what they are all doing right now. Hmmm....

Hair Loss Has It's Advantages

2008-09-28T20:54:00.000+08:00

I had my first haircut in 5 years!

I wonder what the people at work will say...

I'm not that impressed with my haircut but it's a start!

Hair Loss Has It's Advantages

2008-09-28T20:44:00.001+08:00

I had my first haircut in 5 years!

I wonder what the people at work will say...

I'm not that impressed with my haircut but it's a start!

The Journey Has Just Begun

2008-09-26T10:40:00.000+08:00

What happens in Cebu stays in Cebu.

Tee hee!

11.59PM

2008-09-20T00:01:00.000+08:00

Writing this through email since I can't bring my phone to work. It's a few seconds before midnight.

My journey starts...

Ooops! I Think We Made A Bad Investment

2008-09-16T03:29:00.001+08:00

I just have to say this....

The global economy tripped up.

Is capitalism starting to get weak on the knees?

Here we go again...

Tsk, tsk, tsk

Garfield Propaganda

2008-09-15T02:40:00.000+08:00

I didn't realize that it was already a Monday...

(sigh)

Broken Memory Cards

2008-09-11T11:56:00.000+08:00

I'm glad I was able to crash a ride with a friend down south.

Work has been stressful as of late plus I've been puking on excel formulas.

Reports, reports, reports.

I had to take the edge off with some tea before marching on to my bed. Today had it's first. My first time in a little less than a decade ordering something hot at Starbucks.

Green Tea Latte surprisingly works for my urge for a hot drink. It's not bad but I think Figaro will remain on top of my list.

I was fiddling with some Hi-Res pictures from my last trip to a relatively uninhabited beach. Too many writes on the card broke my SD that lasted 4 years.

I guess it's time to buy a new one, so after choking on the last few drops (the syrupy bottom end did not agree with my throat!) I found myself at the front of the local CRD King chain. Got myself a 2GB micro-SD with an adapter for Php 420.00.

So far so good. Never ever use your phone to muck with Hi-Res photos. Too much data writing will kill it.

Especially on very cheap ones!

End Of Days

2008-08-31T23:35:00.000+08:00

Tonight's the last day in DayS. I chose NightS because I really need the money. I'm not in any serious debt but a preemptive strike against debt would relieve a little pressure on my bill fold.

Too bad I didn't enjoy the gathering as much. I just came from a drinking session at Alan's last night & got home around 4:30AM.

Besides the lack of sleep, it's sad to say a few people can't hold there drink & this person I work with just really pissed me off while going home. Threatening me with what they can.

Be glad I am calm, cool, and collective and not abrasive as I was before. I wont stoop to their level because they are obviously beneath me.

Huh?!??!

2008-08-27T12:32:00.000+08:00

What? I made the PA Internship?

Well, dip me in glue, blow feathers on me and call me [C] hicken!

When You Watch On A Big Ass Screen...

2008-08-26T22:29:00.000+08:00

Here I am watching Star Wars: Clone Wars alone on a guaranteed seating....

This is the best 140 bucks I ever spent!

It's not because of the movie but because the lack of audience in the cinema.

How would you feel if you had the whole screen to yourself?

This is what exactly happened to me tonight!

I reserved a ticket and I came in 40 minutes earlier to make sure I did not lose my seat.

I didn't lose my seat but even better I had the whole screen to myself. I don't normally raise my feet on the railing of the movie house. It's uncouth & frowned upon...

Except for this night! Ha ha

The interesting shit that I go through sometimes cracks me up!

Now, I can crash & pass out. I still got work tomorrow.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! - An Impression

2008-08-22T23:21:00.000+08:00

I just caught the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show in cable. It looks ok. In case you don't remember Jimmy Kimmel is...Well, he's one half of the now defunct Man Show featured in Comedy Central.

A show of comedy mixed with male debauchery & not really recommended for immature audiences.

The show I caught featured Katherine McPhee. One of the hottest females I have ever seen in American Idol.

I am surprised that she just got married & an acquaintance mentioned that she tied the knot with some old guy.

How lucky can a guy get?

There was also a featured up & coming comedienne from laughingmyaoff.com.

She could be a hit. I've heard some of her material when she did a 10 minute stand up & it's actually fresh.

Too bad they showed a recent episode. I wish Star World showed it since it's inception.

We could have had some continuity.

I just remembered that it's been a while since I watched a movie.

I'll see if I can find a date. Just a friendly one, nothing romantic.

Oh well, it's time crash & pass out. I feel stressed out from work & dividing time with Erin. I love seeing Erin but there are other obligations to work on.

A Secret Thought To A Secret World

2008-08-09T00:07:00.001+08:00

I've been very bored the past week or so. I feel very lethargic. Every time I wake up for work, torpor seeps to the day that just begun and I always wish it would just end.

I wake up and feel that I don't know anyone & I feel like a different person. It's like I don't know myself. Which reminds me I plan on getting my first skin ink this September. Something to remember the big 3-0. A Greek saying that translates to

ΚΑΤΑ ΤΟΝ ΔΑΙΜΟΝΑ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ

It's true, I don't know how to be myself. I don't even know anyone anymore. Maybe I should keep to myself again & watch what everyone is doing.

I made arrangements with a co-worker to get me a copy of Peter Gabriel's Secret World live album. I'm not necessarily a big fan of live albums but then I ate my own words.

When I heard the music and the words, it felt like something stirred. I felt better for some reason. I always thought that I'd be torporic for the longest time yet now I have something to look forward to, at least for the meantime.

I'd highly recommend the album. It's a big hit in my book. Usually when I hear a live album it feels a bit detached yet this one feels like I am part of it. I watched the concert on youtube & you'd be surprised that these songs include simple choreography that looks fun to do!

I remember I attended some sort of praise concert once back in high school. I was always willing to try something new with my old highschool friends. It was a religious high for me. Speaking in tongues can be a good thing to do when you are unable to express your raw emotions. I'm guessing Ursula Dudziak felt great when she sang songs in the scat jazz format.

I checked some of the Secret World videos and you won't feel detached from a third person perspective. I felt like I was part of the music. Look up Shaking The Tree in youtube, it's absolutely awesome!

I always liked Solsbury Hill when I first heard it in Rockstar: Supernova. The part where Toby Rand bopped the bongos during the song was amazing!

I said it once and i'll say it again. I don't easily impress but watching the Secret World concert was impressive to say the least.

It was inspiring & makes the world a bit brighter despite the way everything seems to crumble around you.

I miss that feeling, I wish you could bring it back at will then maybe life would be a bit more bearable.

Lost In Translation

2008-07-29T11:08:00.000+08:00

I received a forwarded SMS regarding a quote from Bob Ong, a writer who writes truths in paper lined with humor. His writings are actually interesting...if only I did not have difficulty reading in Tagalog.

It is very embarassing for me to translate the local language into english so that I can understand. Just for kicks I translated the SMS message into english & sent it to the sender.

I don't know if she got the joke but I found it entertaining. Maybe I should start doing that when I don't understand something. Translate in my head to something I could digest in my mind & absorb it's contents.

I hope I don't get lost when I do....

Bad Storm Blues Party

2008-07-27T23:35:00.000+08:00

Have I ever mentioned that during my work weekends I have a small group I call my My Girls?

Yep, you read it right and no I am not sleeping with them or anything like that. A bad storm was brewing outside the office on a lazy Sunday. One of my girls couldn't reach the office premises because of the bad weather and she felt sick & claims to be throwing up like an anorexic. I offered to cover for her during her absence. I was just fortunate enough to come in before the storm. My girl was supposed to come in earlier than me but due to unfortunate circumstances she could not make it even to take half the day off due to the weather. It was ok though. My issues with her have already passed after a few months of not talking to her. Time does heal I guess but like I said it leaves scars.

This storm has been brewing for 2 days now & very unpredictable. It's sunny & warm out then suddenly the clouds darken, the wind whistles an evil tune & the sky weeps...or spits on the window depending on how you describe a bad weather.

I must be very lucky this week. I partied out last night at Mark's because it was Trish's birthday, I came in a few minutes after 12AM. The birthday girl seems tired, she's taking up law now at my old college & she looks haggard, unsure of herself, and thinking the amount of words she has to read. Bah! I'm glad I didn't take up law. I probably would've just wasted my time reading & memorizing something I probably won't even use. Then again there father is part of the business of jurisprudence & somehow it is very interesting but it's a body too deep for me to swim in.

I brought my umbrella today when I didn't yesterday which was when I needed it most.

This past week has been lucky. Erin & I still have a date on Wednesday & I am taking half of the day off to watch Lea Salonga's Cinderella at the CCP.

The Word Of The Day Is Outage

2008-07-26T22:31:00.000+08:00

It's always sad to know when a co-worker leaves the program. Apparently there was an outage under the account I work for. We were always told that only leads can declare an outage but as it turns out we can too!

A pregnant co-worker got first dibs on the ticket. We on DayS(hift) don't have a lead to consult after 1PM & our west coast counterparts leave for the day after 8AM so we are pretty much left to ourselves. What kills me is that other co-workers who had a lead later that time did not know whether they should declare it or not. The lead did not know either probably due to a lack of training since he just came on board or he was uniformed of the process for outage.

Well, I hear top management tried to keep my co-worker on the program but losing $7 million isn't something you can just wave away. It was also on that day of the outage that it was posted on the intranet that last quarter loss was $33 billion and they are struggling with a bad economy but things are still afloat. Do I dare blame operations management, training, or just lack of common sense. It's actually all those three but of course, there is nothing else to be said. The shit had hit the fan already and at the very least this was salvaged with some damage control.

Outage is the word of the day my dear reader...I will risk getting blamed for firing up the smoke signals indicating an outage rather than ignoring the emergency at hand.

I wish this preganant co-worker the best of luck & hopefully nothing like this happens again...

Missed Tasks

2008-07-23T00:29:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to make a facebook group today for WaMu TSG. I checked on my finances and had to postpone it for a later date.

No one's at home as usual, haven't had a decent meal for a while so scoffed up some pizza and reluctantly paid for it from what I had left on my billfold.

Hmm...i hope I can fulfill my plans next week. I still have to go to the Cinderella play next week with Erin and still do some work on a few projects that I have been working on.

The last thing I need right now is this harsh temperature. It's like 90° out...well, not really but you get the idea. I feel a storm coming up soon enough....again, it's the last thing I need.

Erin & An Arab

2008-07-22T21:24:00.000+08:00

I took my best girl out today. I promised her I'd buy her something if she finished the writing book in 3 weeks. I'm glad she did. She probably had help from her mom. It was good nonetheless.

So we went out & we just walked around SM. She chatted up on what has been happening since the last time I saw her about her grandfather having a stroke & has difficult seeing which of course I'm really sorry to hear. She also talked about something about her mom & this co-worker that she has been seeing and her of course being together. I think what she was trying to say is that they went out or something. Being a 5 year old she left out the details. I'm glad she got to spend time with her mom. I've always felt that Erin was being neglected but I guess that is me feeling guilty not seeing her often.

I bought her a small billiard table that came with a overpriced tag price because it was branded off with HighSchool Musical, which seems to be very appealing to her. It seems to me that the whole world is akin to the show. All fruity songs about love and whatnots and whatcoulds.

Interestingly enough I caught up with my own parents at Starbucks. They talked a bit and since they were still waiting for my sister for dinner & they asked us to join them. Hey! It's a free dinner so why not. Since there was nothing much to do, I asked if she wanted to go ride the roller coaster. Being the kid and all you could see her eyes light up. I guess I forgot to mention that I am a bit strapped for cash but this is my best girl we are talking about so I went ahead with it. She always enjoyed that roller coaster maybe because she was in the mood for a little adrenalin. I didn't mind myself. I told her about this interesting tidbit I caught wind of in CSI. One of the leads rode the roller coaster when he got depressed or wanted to think. I myself would want to try something like that I guess but the ride at SM lacks the adrenalin I'd like to endure.

Anyway, we went back & had dinner at Tempura. She tried to use the chopsticks and started playing with it. The kind waiters saw her frustration and mine trying to learn and me trying to teach her how to use it, they proffered up a banded up pair used to train them for use. I told her to eat her vegetables and had some noodles too! I'm very proud of Erin when she knows when to behave. I don't mind her being a bit naughty sometimes, it's part of a kid's life I guess. It's both endearing and engaging to see her decide what's right and wrong then act on it.

After dinner, I asked her to join me so that we can walk around & I ended up with my usual after meal cigarette. I tried to test her on counting and this Arab nearby saw us and tried to teach her himself. It was kind of surprising and he was teaching my best girl to count in Farsi. There were only 2 numbers that I remember. Nen is 2 and Ashram is 10. I was looking at Erin and she suddenly became shy but you could also see he was curious as to who this stranger was.

I talked with the guy a bit and he says he was from the U.A.E. with family for vacation. I remember a friend working in Abu Dhabi that mentioned that it was summer there so I guess this warm weather isn't as bad. We are just probably not used to it.

We went back to Tempura and I just couldn't help smiling at Erin because I just knew she had an interesting day. I had one myself and I'm glad I spent it with my best girl!

Lazy Sunday

2008-07-20T21:19:00.001+08:00

Lazy indeed!

I just picked up a few tickets that were still unowned. I've noticed that the weather has been warm as of late. So I played some tunes off my workstation speakers

(By the way, my play lists seems to agree with everyone today!)

The cute one from the office and another female co-worker borrowed my audio plug and they watched Knocked Up on the latter's 3rd gen Nano. Funny to think what people will do when they're bored.

There I go again taking pictures & videos of everyone. An idea popped into my head. Why not create a WaMu TSG facebook group so that we can put faces on the peeps we chat & talk with for support?

Everyone seems to agree with it. Tomorrow I'm starting that after seeing Erin or maybe the day after tomorrow.

I was browsing about El DeBarge in Wikipedia. Ha ha ha I just got a new track from an officemate...in a related note, I also found out that Aztec Camera,a band from the 80's when blue button down shirts & pink undershirts were the style of that time did a somewhat lighthearted rendition of Jump which was a Van Halen original. It was refreshing to hear a more light hearted tone and I just can't stop playing it in my head.

I also happened to chance upon the wikipedia entry for The Doors and found out that Jim Morrison's grave is located in Paris. I posted an interesting Greek saying here. (Link pending till I get my new blog up)

The same saying led me to another interesting blog made by Tony Powell. Interesting stuff if I may say so.

I'm a the coffee bean & tea leaf right now writing this since I am in no hurry to get home.

Just a few minutes alone with my thoughts....

Blog Comments

2008-07-19T23:17:00.000+08:00

An acquaintance chanced upon my blog and asked why I referred to my best girl as mine. It seemed pretty selfish she said. True enough I thought that Erin is mine but it's even blatantly true that I should mention Erin as OUR daughter.

I'd like to be fair to the mother, I thought. Even if we don't speak much anymore she still is part of something special & it physically exists.

Come to think of it I do miss Erin. I haven't seen her for quite sometime. I'm glad my half-day got approved even if I can't file it as paid which for some strange reason I still don't understand. I think I should talk to our Operations Manager and check with him.

Frankly, I guess for political reasons but that's too much assumption.

I'll look up Erin next week even if I don't take her out. I'm scrimping on cash right now and trying to make the odds & ends of this energy crisis.

It sickens me to know that we still rely on an 80 year old fuel that is slowly causing disruption in the whole social strata. I hope we fast track on renewable energy resource soon. It's just a matter of time...

For how long? I don't know

On to the lighter side of this post, I had a short chat & walk with this really cute girl from the office. Again, she is way taller than me...how frustrating is that? Oh well, I guess this ended not as light as I had hoped.

He he

In Debt & A Short Skirt

2008-07-15T21:15:00.002+08:00

I've been consistently watching How I met your mother...Robin wears lots of skirts...i love girls in skirts, they're sexy

I'm in debt by the way not that much but still in debt. Blame it on credit cards....don't use them for small purchases. It's like sticking needles slowly on your spine. It'll hurt a bit only but a lot of it may soon hit a nerve and just paralyze you.

Sometimes capitalism doesn't really work...tsk tsk

I Forgot My Umbrella & 6 Other Excuses

2008-07-10T20:24:00.000+08:00

This sucks!

Instead of getting some shuteye tonight, the rain suddenly poured...

(Excuse #1) Just when I forgot my umbrella

I feel dizzy because...

(Excuse #2) I handled 30+ tickets today

I am thinking of leaving my current employ...

(Excuse #3) because of the rising cost of gas that just hit the Php 60 mark

I am broke & down to my last moolah

(Excuse #4) because some people depend on me to pay for their wants

I still remain unattached

(Excuse #5) since I can't find anyone who matches my standards

Ha ha, I just ran out of excuses (Excuse #6)

Freakonomics

2008-07-08T18:05:00.000+08:00

I just computed daily expenses & it seems I have to decide if I want to stay in the company I work for a little longer. If gas prices start hitting the Php 75 mark I should start applying somewhere else.

It just does not make financial sense anymore. I am probably going to give myself till the end of the year to make a decision. If I don't get a bigger paycheck soon it seems there is need to think about my economic strategy. I have to make up for my losses & I can't get from point A to point B with this kind of energy crisis affecting the global economic situation.

There are still a lot of plans to be made & soon I'm turning 3 decades and it is sad to say I am starting to feel the purse strings tighten.

I am now at a crossroads at what to do.

Think...

Desperate or Bored?

2008-07-01T02:16:00.000+08:00

Hmm...i'd like your opinion on something. Is it just me or is it because of boredom I am starting to watch chick flicks on DVD?

I have watched Grey's Anatomy & I sort of like it because of the surgery & the drama behind the surgeries (Actually, Kathy Hiegl is sooo...whew! That's the real reason). I can't call myself a fan because I forget the names or the exact details in the series, but it's entertaining.

I just started watching Private Practice, a so and so series spinoff of the aforementioned....and for some reason I get it, despite it's predictability.

It's not entertaining but Shonda Rhimes has written a more clean, honest, & stereotypical comedy-drama. It's so goody goody series but it kind of works. You just have to learn to appreciate the good side of human drama. I'm not saying that Grey's Anatomy is the opposite of Private Practice but the former is more intense as the latter is more light-hearted, mature & uncomplicated.

By the way, the highlight today is Wanted...the movie with Angelina Jolie-Pitt & Morgan Freeman. It was a very cool & action-centered film.

I give it 5 out of 5 tickets! (Sieskel & Ebert will start cussing my name just about now.)

Dinner out with my best girl was so and so. I wish I wasn't as tired, I would have loved to be with her the whole day. Well, easy come, easy go. Her mom & my almost In-law was there. I'm not complaining but I'd like to spend more time with Erin alone.

Anyway, it was a day of some note. I gotta go, I have a full sleep schedule tommorrow & it's going to be a busy day!

Slow Sunday

2008-06-29T23:12:00.000+08:00

Yessiree! It's a slow day at work. I had a somewhat decent conversation with someone at the office. Too bad we don't have any common interest (or I may be just jumping to conclusions)

I'd love to ask her out for dinner sometime. Get to know her better.

I just want to have dinner with someone smart!

I hope that isn't too much to ask.

Workstation Synapse

2008-06-27T00:09:00.000+08:00

I just got home after a gruelling day of ticket & chat handling. They say that good things come and go & it's sad to say that the good has gone.

I am not even sure why I am staying. I hope BBC isn't as bad. If I ever get the chance to move there....

I am thinking of opening up a new blog just put in what I think are fragments of thoughts and ideas that hopefully someone can use.

Gosh, I need some sleep...My lips are starting to touch my own chest...*Yawn*

Paranoid?

2008-06-26T01:00:00.000+08:00

A bird watcher who hates being watched for awake open heart surgery?

How paranoid can one be?

I myself try not to but of course old habits die hard. I just use more finesse in being paranoid I guess.

Oh well...

2008-06-24T00:44:00.002+08:00

This is a story for the presses...

I took my best girl out!

We watched Kung Fu Panda which I thought was pretty funny. Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman & by golly, Angelina Pitt-Jolie starred in the animation!

I also got an SMS from an old contact and is offering PBX services and from what I hear, it's a pretty cheap price.

I asked a friend to see if he is interested he says he's willing to listen so tonight, I am setting up a meeting in Figaro GB3.

Looks like it's going to be a full week for me....

Alchemy - Just Another Party

2008-06-23T23:10:00.000+08:00

I'm a bit hammered so i'll keep this one short

There were girls & I met someone named Maggie, a girl out of my league. One of the dancers who was part of the production party that organized whole shebang. She was wearing this really short skirt.

(Did I mention that I'm turned on by girls in skirts?)

I skipped early since I eventually got bored. Besides I had a picture taken with Maggie, the first was when I kissed her on the cheek which caused her to run! Ha ha I guess she got offended so the next chance I got her alone I apologized & promised her a decent picture but I don't remember who took it. Damn, that was a waste.

Anyhoo, I crashed at Pao's for a while then I went home....or so I thought. I ended up in a friend's place and she took me to the bus terminal the next morning.

I don't remember the in-betweens but I'm hoping nothing that I would regret happened.

Ah well, I sometimes miss highschool then again I know i'd regret it. I'm glad I turned out alright though. Sometimes it's nice to fool around but you always have to consider the consequences.

Lesson learned!

Lazy Day...

2008-06-17T09:39:00.001+08:00

It's a lazy day. I think tomorrow I'll ask someone out.

I hear The Happening is bitching! Last night, I asked someone out & The Incredible Hulk happens to be very appealing. Thanks to Cathy, she spoiled a piece of the movie. Tony Stark did a cameo. I was surprised that Lou Ferrigno was there too! Except for the wrinkles, the dude is still alive. His hearing problem is a bit obvious to the trained eye.

This year's Hulk movie is better than the old Eric Bana version. The latter was boring as some people I know. At least I got what I paid for.

I wonder who I can ask. I don't want to rotate dates yet but I fear the list has been growing short as of late.

Decisions, decisions, decisons.

I might succumb to dating in the office. I hope I find someone for myself.

Gas(p!)

2008-06-15T23:37:00.000+08:00

I just could not believe my eyes when I passed the Shell gas station...

58.86

See what I mean? You'd be surprised yourself & I don't drive that much.

Hold on, I think I just heard my wallet scream bloody murder!

I Finally Found Some Songs!

2008-06-09T21:28:00.001+08:00

Finally found Parang Bowling by Ethnic Faces! After years of searching I finally found it in IMEEM. I also downloaded a couple of MP3'S from Anjo's DSL connection. It's freaking awesome!

I forgot my earphone's at Alan's & just bought a pair of new Sennheiser M51's. It includes a lanyard & comes with a 2 Year warranty so I guess it kind of works out for me.

Gosh! I hope I don't over spend on my card. I hope to get a better paycheck this 15th. Cross your fingers lest I drown in debt!

Post Date Review

2008-05-18T21:48:00.000+08:00

You may be wondering what happened on my date with a girl 9 yrs my junior...let's just say she could've been better.

She's OK although there is nothing worth noting. I don't know what was in me but she held most of the conversation. I should have probably told her that I do not impress easily. Oh well, we may setup another date.

After reading Scott's review of a movie claiming disappointment, I asked a friend this afternoon to watch Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls. This actually reminds me of the old Tin Tin graphic novels. Maybe I should complete my copies of them.

Hmm....

Waste Markets

2008-05-18T11:42:00.001+08:00

I found this in one of the mailing lists I subscribe to...

SM Supermalls also has the "Trash to Cash" event every first Saturday
of the month, 8 am to 2 pm.
====
Ayala Foundation has a project called Solid Waste Management. They have a
team which, together with other groups, organizes a waste market every
Friday at different locations. Every first Friday they are at the Goldcrest
parking lot near Landmark and (old) Anson's Makati, second Fridays they are
at Trinoma parking area, and third Fridays they are at Alabang Town Center.
Very successful organized regular events.

You can call up Adel or Tin or Camille at 7521084.

I think I should show up in one of these events and just drop off some stuff for some cash. Help the world and make some money off of it never hurts I guess.

Dating a 21-Year Old

2008-05-15T17:46:00.002+08:00

An acquaintance set me up on a semi-blind date & get this...

A 21 Year old!

I know I told myself I won't date anyone over 2 yrs younger than me but she appeals to me. I thought to myself why not give it a try.

Let's see what happens on Saturday when we go out on our first date...