#184: Hassles in Tech Support Service

It is a common occurrence for small businesses to tend to give a lot of power to their Tech Support staff. This is a common pitfall for business owners who doesn't want to deal with the intricacies of technology.

If you have a technician on board or you are planning to contract one, here are some tips you need to know.

1. Have your technician give you a comprehensive technical map of your network. Access codes for every devices such as your internet modems, routers and switches.

2. You must have all administrative passwords for your servers and computers.

3. Register domain names under your control. I have encountered businesses where they cannot access their registered domain because they are not the registrant.

4. Keep track of every software you buy including license keys. Make sure all these software are all under your name or your business name in case you need technical support.

Follow this step and you can rest assure that when someone takes over your technical support service, there will be a smooth transition.

#183: A touch of Nadire

Three days before new year, and I'm nursing a cold. I needed something hot. Maybe a soup. I always like the egg drop soup. And this recipe seems to be very simple.

I followed the 5 "easy" steps but it didn't turn out to be something I would enjoy. "How is it?", asked Nadire. "Bland!", I said, as I tried to shove the soup my mouth. She noticed I didn't like it.

I'll make you a bowl of avocado with milk and a little bit of sugar, she said. And I loved it.

I feel better now.

#182: I'm half way through

I'm six months away from making through one year of blogging. Except from 2 or 3 missed blogs, I feel that I'm still on track in achieving my goal.

In 4 days, it will be 2010. A new year and of course time for new year's resolutions. I have not thought of anything just yet. In a few days I surely will.

#181: Way back into love

While lazily slouching on the sofa and channel surfing, I bumped into this romantic comedy movie "Music and Lyrics".


The movie kinda intrigued me (at first) because it starred Hugh Grant as Alex, a washed-up 80's singer trying to write a song for a teen pop sensation. What Hugh Grant a singer? That's not all, he met Sophie (Drew Barrymore) and convince her to write the lyrics. Another what? Drew Barrymore a lyricist?

Surprisingly as the movie goes on, I found myself enjoying it (and yes Hugh Grant can actually sing) And not to mention the song they finally composed made me cry...ok am exaggerating. But listen and watch the song and tell me you won't love it.

I've been living with a shadow overhead, I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long, Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

 All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine, I've been searching but I just don't see the signs. I know that it's out there, There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

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#180: Ties that bind

I have not seen my mom for long time. Ditto my brothers and sisters. Christmas season definitely gives us a chance to reconnect with each other either through phone, or through the net. But the important thing is the love and caring we have. Those are the ties that bind and you'll have a family forever.

#179: Christmas

Christmas. Receiving is okay. Giving is good. Sharing the memories with love ones is the best. Once you recognized that, it'll be for keeps.

#178: farewell

I thought it was a Sunday today. I'm a bit disoriented because I said farewell to a friend. I said it's all alright, why do I feel so sad?

#177: Just Friends?

We've known each other for a while. We understand each other. In her own words she would say "we get it". She's a very good friend, actually a very special friend.

It's the first day of winter and I long for more of her. Sometimes I wonder if we ever be more than just friends.

#176: My top 5 Christmas Song

5.Band Aid Do they know it's Christmas

4. Mean Girls Jingle Rock (aren't they hot?)

3. Jackson 5 Give Love on Christmas Day.

2. James Taylor The Chirstmas Song

And my number one Christmas song is this version of Santa Claus is coming to town by Bruce Springsteen.

#175: Favorite Christmas movie

It's five days before Christmas. Wherever you turn, where ever you are, it's hard not to be reminded the best time of the year is in our midst. Even on TV, reruns of Christmas movies are all over the channels. And of course I can't stop but watch these movies again and again. No matter how old they are it's still feel like I watched it for the first time.

But of all the Christmas movies, my definite favorite is "Christmas with the Kranks". It's a hilarious movie about a couple (Luther - Tim Allen and Nora - Jamie Lee Curtis) who planned to skip celebrating Christmas because their daughter is joining the Peace Corps. Luther convinced Nora to spend Christmas in the Caribbean. Trouble began when their daughter Blaire decided to come home with a new found love to spend Christmas back home. 

This movie by the way was based on the novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham , best know for his legal thriller novels.

Definitely a must see. Who could ever pull up a stunt and skip Christmas? Would you?

#174: Forever young?

Today I found out that I can pass as Nadire's brother. I guess It's true what they say that women is as old as they look and men is as old as they feel.

#173: Will be gone fishing

Tomorrow will be my last day at the office before I go on a long vacation. I do this every year to re-charge my battery.

I always look forward this time of the year. For one thing, I got to just lounge around with the kids most of the time. Catch up with some sleep and finally watch every single movie/show stored in my DVR.

Most important thing though is to NOT even think about computers, rather think about other stuffs like normal people do. Like read a gossip magazine, learn a new recipe or join a book club.

Whatever it may be I am pretty excited! I will be gone fishing - figuratively speaking.

#172: Dear Santa

This is another one of those email forwards. She's just so cute not to share her thoughts.

Dear Santa, this year, please send clothes for all those poor ladies  in Daddy's computer

#171: Google Phone, another iPhone "Killer"?

For the past few days, the internet is buzzing about the reported Google Phone called Nexus One. According to this report

the Google phone would be an unlocked GSM device running the Android 2.1 mobile operating system. Google, they claim, would sell directly to customers with no wireless carrier subsidy. The device could go an sale as early as this January.

Of course as with every smartphone coming out of the market, there's always speculations that it could be an IPhone Killer such as this article.

#170: Speak softly love

Today is my late father's birthday.He would have been 75 years old. I've talked a lot about him in this post and this too. My mom was never the same when he died. I know she missed him a lot. We do too.

Anyway, I heard my mom cooked  Arroz Caldo and Lechon (easy on the skins mom!) to celebrate his birthday. For me, I wasn't feeling well today. I have some feeling of sadness as I recall how he has been great with our family and how he worked hard (to the point of exhaustion at times) to provide the best I father could give to his children.

Aside from his sense of humor, my dad loves to sing. So on this day I am remembering him with one of his favorite song from his favorite movie. I remember how he would hum this song while sitting in front of the house after dinner. Here's to you Pa!



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#169: Office party

I missed posting yesterday. This is the second time I did it. And for the second time, I had a good excuse.

Me and my kids attended our office Christmas Party at the Casa Guadalajara, a very festive Mexican watering hole off San Diego's famous landmark Old Town. This year, the company went all out with great food, overflowing beer and margarita and to top it all, an all night strolling Mariachi (Mexican Musicians) serenading every table.

All in all it was a great night, a fitting year-end for another great year for the company. Although I had too much to drink, I know we're safe going home as Deirdre was my designated driver as Josh brought his car.

By the time we were home, I had a terrible headache and in no mood of writing anything.So there's my alibi.

#168: Love of my life

Freddie Mercury of the rock band Queen, has been voted many times as one the the greatest rock vocalist of all times. Here's why!




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#167: Against the wind

Aside from Running on Empty, this is another song featured in the movie Forrest Gump. I play this song a lot of times. Nadire knows the lyrics so well that we would sing along while we drive.

"And I remember what she said to me, How she swore that it never would end
I remember how she held me oh so tight, Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then."

"The years rolled slowly past, And I found myself alone
Surrounded by strangers I thought were my friends, I found myself further and further from my home. And I guess I lost my way, There were oh so many roads
I was living to run and running to live."

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#166: Friendster makeover, now up for sale

Friendster, was the pioneer of social networking until it was overshadowed by myspace and facebook. Although this is the case, there are still big following specially in the Asia-Pacific Region.

I have not logged in to my friendster account for a long time until i bumped into this article outlining major makeover. I was curious and checked it out. It was indeed a major facelift. Somehow the design  has a facebook look and feel. Gone are the clutters and it's much cleaner.

But just as the big fuss on the announced change, a Malaysian based company is about to buy friendster with a reported price tag of $100M. This is much lower than when the asking price was about $200M a couple of years ago.

So the battle lived on. Looks like Friendster won't easily drop dead despite the dominance of Facebook and Myspace. Take your pick. And if you can't then settle for a much closely knit  community of abrenian.com.

#165: All I want for Christmas

My kids have been asking me what I want for Christmas. I always wanted an Aston Martin, I said. Seriously they asked. All I want is for you guys to be happy, I said. Ok it's lame because that's a given.

Alright let me be more practical. Here's my list. I hope Santa is listening. I know I have been good (most of the time) so I'm sure I'm on his nice list.

5.  Digital CamCorder - I had one couple of years ago and it uses the 8mm tapes. Maybe if I have this, I can finally shoot my comedy series I have been developing for a while. Ok I have not written the script but I probably have 10 episodes ideas so far.

4. Android Phone - my iPhone is getting more annoying each day. I hate being constrained with stupid apps. With the Droid maybe I can get into apps programming.

3. Kindle - an electronic book reader. Although I still prefer reading the traditional paper-based books. I want to know what's the big fuss about this gizmo. Maybe I can now catch up with my reading.

2. A MAC -  tired of widows. Need I say more?

1. Finally my top wish for this Christmas is.... Bunch of shirts and/or pants - what I have are too big for me now since I became serious about my weight. Maybe some linux shirts.

 My kids breathed a sigh of relief. Oh a shirt! that's affordable! Well what can I say, I'm cheap!

#164: everybody loves Stevie

This song by the rock group Fleetwood Mac featuring the amazing voice of Stevie Nicks. Another all time favorite and even this baby loves Stevie.

"well...Lightning strikes...maybe once...maybe twice...Oh....and it lights up the night...."

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#163: Who's smarter?

In the movie As Good as it Gets, The main character Malvin Udal (played by Jack Nicholson) 

Melvin Udall is a racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic misanthrope who works at home as a best-selling romance novelist

In one scene, a receptionist asked him "How do you write women so well?"  Melvin Udall replied  "Easy. I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability"

But is it really? Is a man really smarter than a woman? Well according to this report,  the male ego is often larger than his actual IQ and women tend to underplay their intelligence.

I say it's neither. Both have human impulse in a spur of the moment.

#162: Technology can't wait but so is Our Christmas Tree

I had to work today (yes on a Saturday) but technology can't wait. It's crunch time. We have to finish the development of Simple Transactions. At the same time working on upgrading a Law Office's technology systems - building their network, website, telephone system and email. This should be fun.

As the holidays creep in, so is work. But of course with all these craziness I would certainly not forget to put up our Christmas tree. That would happen tomorrow. Kids' can't wait!

#161: Three great shows

I can't remember the last time a watched a play. Tonight I had a great time watching Josh on stage acting multiple roles (Sgt. Duffy, Bill. Mad Dog Mulligan) in 2 plays. Entitled "Sorry wrong number" and "Nightmare High School".

I definitely like his role as Mad Dog, the psycho Cereal (serial) Killer. He actually killed a Chex Cereal.

The play was well received by almost 100 cheering crowd. One funny quote "We will be the first to discover why students go the restroom before taking the test".


Monk the finale
I arrived early for the play. I was determined and excited to finally watched Josh in his first play. He has been staying after school for two weeks rehearsing.

I finally settled in my sit when it suddenly hit me. It's Friday and it's the last episode of Monk. I totally forgot to set my DVR to record the show. There's no one home and my IPhone apps to access my DVR has been going crazy lately. But I tried it anyway and was surprised that I was able to access my programming and set to record the show. And I was calm.

Anyway, the show finally revealed who killed Trudy. It's a judge who Trudy had a secret affair (and got knocked-up) long before she met Monk. The judge  killed Trudy (and the midwife who delivered their baby) to cover up the affair because he was up for nomination for a higher position. The baby (girl) was hidden from Trudy (she was made to believe her baby died) and was taken away for adoption.

In the end, Monk finally figure it out the puzzle with the help of a taped message of Trudy before she died. The judged was put to jail, Monk finally met Trudy's daughter, Randy Disher moved to New Jersey and married Sharona (Monks former assistant), Capt. Stotellemeyer remained with the force.

Finally Monk remained a police consultant and continue his brilliant crime solving ability with his loyal assitant Natalie Teeger at his side.


And just like that. My friday night TV event ended after almost 8 years.

#160: The Lady wants to know

This song of Michael Franks used to be my lullaby. The week is winding down and tonight I am tired and I'm feeling some body (maybe even heart) aches. This song will definitely makes you at peace for a moment and then realize it's going to be another day tomorrow. 

"The Lady's just like heaven when she smiles"

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#159: A worthwhile project

Tonight I was coordinating a simultaneous technical install on 4 business locations around San Diego.

My phone was off the hook most of the time as we were racing against time. We were given a 3 hour window to take out a system that seems to be running for decades and install a new system that would (perhaps) run better.

It was tiring but it was a good experience which makes it worth the effort. Maybe in the future I will be coordinating a nationwide roll-out, who knows!

#158: Overwelmed and concerned

After launching the new abrenian.com last night, the site has been buzzing with activities. As of this writing we already have more than 130 registered users and still climbing.

The launching of the site coincides with the last day of filing for Candidacy for the 2010 Local and Presidential Elections. Already, Abrenians are reacting to the candidates in our province. Looks like a two cornered fight between the Valeras and the Lunas, with some other familiar names like Ching Valera and Mailed Molina.

For those familiar with politics in Abra, you can be sure that with the protagonists I just mentioned is a recipe of disaster. The only question is who's going to draw first blood.

I have mixed feelings, overwhelmed and concerned.

#157: Retiring early

I've always been a night person. There's something about the quiet night that makes me awake. I think better at night and sometimes decisions are made at this time. But for a change I am retiring early. Interesting day tomorrow,the first day of December and a big decision to make.

Oh by the way, the new abrenian.com is now live. Check it out!

#156: On Holiday mood

All in all it was a great 4-day weekend. I haven't had such a productive break for a while. I was able to achieve my goal with the turkey, spend most of the time with the kids plus I finally finished setting up the new abrenian.com site (which will be launched on Dec. 1, 2009).

It's back to work tomorrow. As in previous years, Our IT Department will be on the look-out with our Internet Traffic as it's going to be Cyber Monday (a day where staff would shop online).

The long Thanksgiving weekend is over. That means it's a start of countdown to Christmas. Already Christmas songs is playing on the air waves. Holiday mood is here.

#155: Finally some rain

For a change, today it's raining in San Diego. I can't remember when was the last time it rained in San Diego. I always read in the news the we need rain as our water supply is on dangerous low level.


I always love when it rain. It brings back the memory of my childhood (every kids love to play in the rain) when I would pester my parents to play in the rain. There's nothing better than feeling the cold raindrops soaking my body.


Today, I felt the urge of playing in the rain but that would be embarrassing for an adult running around half naked for all eyes to see. That's not good for anyone, is it?

#154: Maybe just a smile...

I mostly listen to rock music but in my college days  I had some favorite Filipino Music too. I remember those days we commonly called them OPM (Original Pilipino Music).

One comes to mind this song by Jam Morales. Okay not that Jam Morales but this Jam Morales. Why can't they make songs like this anymore?



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#153: How to tame a turkey - The Finale

In my earlier post, I promised that I'm going to tame a turkey. Today's the day and here's the blow-by-blow account of my battle with the great bird:

9:30am: I woke up a little sore and nursing a slight cold. Ok I'm trying to find a way out.

10:30am: Ate Breakfast (bacon and egg) with Nadire. Deirdre and Josh as usual has already eaten much earlier.

11:30am: Run out of drinking water. Quickly swing by refilling station.

12:00pm: Review my game strategy (Ok the recipe I should say.) Took a quick shower to take out some tensions building inside me.

12:30pm: Lay down the 12 pound Turkey on a tray. nothing fancy, just glazed turkey with some olive oil and sprinkle with just enough salt (NOT to much sodium- Deirdre). No stuffing too. what the heck is a thyme

1:00pm: "I'm hungry" - Deirdre. Whoa! turkey won't be ready in 3 hours? No worry, I brought a backup. Fully cooked Ham

1:30pm:We started to continue watching the Korean Soap Opera Glass Slippers.

2:00pm: Turkey is ready for the chamber. Oven is heated at 400F

2:30pm: Continue watching soap opera (episode 9 is playing). Lower oven temperature to 350F

3:30pm: Deirdre and Joshua seems to want to eat Nadire.

4:30pm: Is it done yet? No!!!. Eat some more Ham. Lower down oven temperature to 225F.

5:00pm: Come On! It must be ready now? We want to eat Nadire's lips now! Continue watching Episode 11.

 5:30pm: Ding! Timer's done! Voila! Here's your Bird! Hot, crisp, brown and juicy!

Yes I know. My carving skills sucked!

Prime parts for the cook. Leg, wing, neck and the tail! Can't find the gizzard and liver!

The Cook: Come on guys be honest! How is the birds? Kids: Perfect!

6:30pm: Drove to the movie theater and watched Ninja Assassin. A fitting finale for a great day with my kids and a sweet victory for me!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

P.S. Did I mention there was a slight bobo on my part! the gizzard and liver were left inside the turkey with the plastic still in-tacked! ooppppssss :-( . alright it's my first turkey so give me a break, will yah?

#152: Test drive the new abrenian.com site

I started abrenian.com back in 2002 as a hobby to learn web technology. Little that I know, that the site would become the most widely (even controversial) read website for Abrenians around the world. The site has become a major source of information for Abrenians living abroad.

Through the years, the site had undergone a couple of make-over to keep up with the technology at hand. And for the past few weeks, I have been working (on my spare time) on a completely redesigned website. The new site is currently accessible at group.abrenian.com and it's still on beta testing.

The new site uses elgg, an open source social networking software with features similar to popular sites such as facebook, myspace or friendster.

I invite everyone to test drive the site and would appreciate your feedback. 

#151: Monsters

The world is zeroing in on the Philippines with the shocking massacre of at least 52 people in Maguindanao which according to the news is politically motivated. The victims are known supporters of a politician who's planning to run for Governor.

Most of the victims where shot point blank execution style and dumped in a hollow grave. And to top it all, the victims are mostly women (there were signs of rape as well) and journalists. But why are these monsters so brazen in their acts? Well for one thing they are Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's hardcore supporters (check this photo of Arroyo being so cozy with the suspects). Why not, this Political clan delivered the Coup de Grace and gave Arroyo presidency in 2004.

 This news is so horrible that it was even mentioned in a local radio station in San Diego. The announcer asked this question "What's with the Philippines? "What's so special being an elected official in that country that you kill 52 innocent people just like that?, What kind of people would do such a thing?".

Only in the Philippines that you see monsters in power.

#150: Thanksgiving rush

As Thanksgiving approaches in the U.S., One can't help but notice the sudden rush of people going to the groceries. I was in the grocery and took me 20 minutes just to reach the cashier.

Evidently everyone is in a Holiday mood. Frozen turkeys and hams and the usual stuffs are in everyone's cart. Thank God, I had my turkey a week ago safely tucked in my freezer. Big question is if my turkey will ever make it to the dinner table come Thursday.

I wasn't in the mood to look around. The girl behind the counter was all smile and seems to be wanting to engage everyone with small talk. But I feel sick, it's cold and I need to make dinner tonight. I just wanted to pay my $2.00 light bulb and get the hell out of there.

#149: Songbird

One of my favorite instrument is the saxophone. I don't know how to play the sax (I wish i could) but there's something about the music it produce that makes my ear sings. One of my favorite sax player is Kenny G.

Kenny G played romantic jazz music such the Silhouette, Going home or this duet (What a Wonderful World with Louis Armstrong. But definitely my favorite is Songbird. What makes his music great is you can listen to it if you're madly in love or just got dumped big time. Either way you'll still enjoy it.



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#148: Glass Slippers

Today I made a mistake watching Glass Slippers, a Korean Soap Opera (with English subtitle) with my daughter Deirdre. This 21 episode drama was lent to her by her Korean Taekwando Grandmaster.

We have watched 4 episodes so far and now am hooked. I guess I still have the sentimental side of me.

#147: What a fraction of a second can do

I had expressed my frustration about elastix VOIP PBX System on this post a couple of days ago. Not anymore because I finally solved the puzzle.

It took just the letter "w" that made the difference. A "w" when dialing a phone number from a handset translates to a 0.5 second pause before dialing the rest of the number. 

0.5 Seconds is eternity in technology when you think of high speed computers running millions of processes in seconds. Or when you have to have 99.9999% system availability. So it's not surprising that a fraction of a second can make or break this PBX system.

I spent more that 30 hours trying to figure out the solution. It wasn't a waste of time though, because I also learned more about the core asterisk codes which is the underlying platform of this amazing open source PBX System.

Lesson learned: Sometimes complicated problems can have very simple answers, you just have to know where to look for it.

#146: I was young once

I have a deadline tomorrow. I've been banging the keyboard for the past 3 hours. I was in a zone, until I started searching some files on my 450 GB NAS (Network Attached Storage) and got distracted by this:

 

I don't know how old I was here, but looking at these pictures makes me want to be young again!

#145: Did you know?

Grilled Chicken, vegetable stir fry and eggs for dinner. I can cook this combination with my eyes closed. What makes it so easy is how my kids would entertain me with our usual "Did you Know" banter. I'm savoring the moment because in a few years, I would still be cooking this food while they soon go and build their own lives...

#144: Tech Challenge

Elastix without tears so they say. Instead I found myself wrestling with this complex system. Technology is great if it works, otherwise it's just a piece of dumb box wasting precious real estate.

#143: Change in the offing?

Today I got a surprise call that could change my career path. It's early to tell if this opportunity is something I am looking forward to or something I want. But if this chance becomes a reality, I would seize the day.

#142: Food, Taste and Hunger

This was sent to me by a friend of mine. This video is hard not to pass along. It shows the reality of what our country is suffering from. This film entitled Chiken-a-la-Carte was written and directed by Ferdinand Dimadura.

Synopsis: This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

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#141: What I saw (learned) from the Pacquiao fight tonight

5. This is the best fight I've ever seen since the classic clash between Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Although I was a bit distraught when the fight went on despite clear indications that Cotto is in alot of trouble. They should have stop the fight in the 9th.

4. It's been a while since I heard someone really sang the Philippine National Anthem so well.  This group La Vida (who are they?) was much better (and prettier) than Martin Nievera (he sang the National Anthem during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight).

3. Boxing is a savage sports. Children should not be allowed so close to the ring. I'm sure everyone noticed when the camera focused on Cotto's wife (Melissa) and his kid grimacing in pain as if feeling every punch Manny throws at Miguel. Melissa was wise enough to take her son out to spare the kid from the horrors of the sport. Melissa should have defied Cotto's corner and throw in the towel herself.

2. Manny should retire now. He has nothing else to prove. He has his millions that will last him two life times. Take it from Mohammad Ali or his trainer Freddie Roach who are both suffering from Parkinsons as a result of too much beating during their boxing careers.

1. Events like this gives us a very good reason to get together and re-connect with friends and family.

#140: Why don't you stay?

At some point in ones life, we experience people close to us leaving. Friends, families or love-ones leave for reasons we can't explain or control. All we can wish sometimes is for them to stay just a little bit longer.



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#139: How to tame a turkey?

Thanksgiving is in two weeks. This will be our10th thanksgiving since moving to the U.S. And each year, I never had a chance to cook anything since we either get invited or someone would cook for us.

Not that I don't want to cook. I know how to cook (I guess). However the mere site of an imposing turkey makes me think twice of even trying to shove it in an oven. All these years I was able to evade such situation.

But this year, the inevitable is about to happen. I decided that we are staying home for thanksgiving. This means I will be confronting the great bird in my kitchen.

I have two weeks to prepare for war. I've though of some strategies. Maybe a run and gun technique like the Phoenix Sun or a triangle offense from Phil Jackson. I could open using a Sicilian Defense or a rope-a-dope like Mohammad Ali. I would still have time to read Sun Tsu's Art of War or borrow Miami Dolphin's Wildcat offense.

Too many options at this point. Obviously I would need to decide my right move quickly. A little help here!

#138: The Suns are rising again

I posted a question earlier on who's going to be our NBA team this season. I've caught some games for the past weeks and I wasn't sure who it's going to be.

Until recently, I checked the team standings and was surprised a quick start by the Phoenix Suns. Right now they are at the top together with the Boston Celtics.

The Suns was my team for a couple of years because of their high-octane playing style. The Suns would run and gun for 48 minutes. It was an awe watching them. Until they acquired the Big Shaq last year, who not only slowed down their style of play, but also affected other players because of his antics.

Today I made a point to watch them play against the New Orleans Hornets. And boy I was amazed how they played. Led by the two time MVP and most popular Canadian point guard Steve Nash, the Suns run around the Hornets with back breaking fast-breaks, pick and rolls (with the rejuvenated Amare Stoudemire)  and booming triples.

By the end of the 2nd quarter, Suns had scored 75 points and midway in the 3rd, the game was already decided. They went on to win by 20 points.

The Suns are back and they are running and on the rise again. And I'm back cheering on the side line. Now if I can only convince Deirdre

#137: Free Wi-Fi what's the catch

Google is playing Santa early this holiday season by offering free Wireless Access to major airports around the U.S.

"We're very happy to extend our Holiday Wi-Fi gift to the millions of people who will spend time in airports over the next few months," said Google vice president of search products Marissa Mayer. "We know that this is a very hectic travel season for people, and we hope that free Wi-Fi will make both traveling and connecting with friends and family a little bit easier."

 But what does Google gets in offering such generous gift?

Travelers who log into free wireless networks will be invited to reciprocate by making donations to one of three charities, with Google promising to match contributions to a maximum of 250,000 dollars.

Many travelers probably are armed with an iPhone, Blackberry or the Driod already connected to the Internet. But if you are tired of looking at the miniature screen, then using the free Wi-Fi access is a good option.

But not so fast. Keep in mind that open systems like these are vulnerable to hackers. So here's some good tips you might want to follow in case you get tempted.

Have a worry-free and safe traveling during the holiday season.

#136: Old and Wise

I was reminded of this song from a post from my sister Nanette when she considered me Old...and wise.

Old and Wise is a song by The Alan Parson's Project. The lyrics is haunting as it speaks of someone's leaving and appreciate everyone who shared his darkest hours:

As far as my eyes can see
There are shadows surrounding me
And to those I leave behind
I want you all to know
You've always shared my darkest hours
I'll miss you when I go 

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#135: It's not you it's me

Here's a tip for you out there. When you're about to get dumped and she/he started to say the "It's not you it's me" routine. Here's a good come back.

This was taken from my favorite sitcom Seinfeld . In this scene, Goerge Constanza was about to get dumped.





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#134: It's about time

Yes, it's about time. The U.S. House of Representative just passed  a comprehensive Health Bill called the "Affordable Health Care for America Act," The Bill was pass  in a 220 to 215 vote.

You can read the the full text House bill here. All 1,990 pages of it. It may not be as dramatic as a Sydney Sheldon or a Danielle Steele novel, but this is very important for everyone. There are many key provisions of the bill but I specifically like:

 Creates a public health insurance option and a national exchange for the uninsured and small businesses to purchase health insurance. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would negotiate rates with doctors and hospitals on reimbursement rates.

This is a sigh of relief to have an option instead of being locked with an HMO.

 Insurance companies are prohibited from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition. There are caps on deductibles and annual out of pocket spending is capped at $5000.

Again this will force HMO to give coverage to all individual regardless of their medical condition.

You can read more about this key provision here.

I've been working for a non-profit clinic for years. We see more than 20,000 patients a year of which more than 60% are either uninsured or under-insured. For the past years, that number have shoot up due to people losing their job and consequently lose their medical coverage. I've seen funding from the State and Federal Government reduced so much that it caused a heavy burden to Community Clinics. But we have no choice. Our clinic has a standing policy NOT to refuse patient regardless of their ability to pay.

This bill, (despite vigorous opposition) is a positive step towards fixing a broken system.  Is it perfect? maybe not but it's better than continuing what we have right now.  Of course this bill still has to pass through the Senate and expect a full throttle lobbying from the HMO's to kill this bill.

If nothing is done about the U.S. Health Care System then you either not allowed to get sick or move to Canada or France where they have universal health care.

#133: My plate's full

I'm having a hard time deciding what to write. It's one of those days that I feel like doing nothing after a hard day's work.

As always, my day starts by dropping off Nadire to school at 7:30 AM. My work doesn't start till 9AM so I had all the time to prepare.

My plate is full and projects keep piling up. First order of business in the office on fridays is a teleconference with our developers in implementing ClearHealth in our Clinic. Next is a new project to develop an online survey system based on LimeSurvey to be used by the sdAPI project. Another is a VOIP implementation of Elastix for a small business. Elastix is a tough nut to crack.

Later in the afternoon is another brainstorming session for my SimpleTransactions project which will soon be launched in December.

In between these craziness, I caught a glimpse of a scene from the movie "Erin Brockovich" (fast forward to 6:27)

Ed Masry: What makes you think you can just walk in there and take whatever you want?
Erin Brockovich: They're called boobs, Ed.

By the time I was done, it was 6PM and I have to rush back home to have dinner with the kids. Josh is out watching his school's football game. Nadire's out with her friend. So it was just me and Deirdre. We decided to go for Vietnamese food this time.

So many things to do, so little time. Can't wait for the long thanksgiving break.

#132: Livin' it up

As I was busy doing serious coding for a new website, I suddenly found myself humming this song. It goes:

I finally got my life together. 
Scraped my heart up off the floor
My attitude is so much better
And I hardly ever cry the way I did before

This song Livin' It Up was by Bill LaBounty released in '82. It's unclear how or who introduce me to his songs but LaBounty's songs are more of an alternative when me and my friends got tired of listening to our rock music. Or at times we end up playing his songs as we are about to wind up our nights. Everyone's favorite also includes Look who's lonely now and It Used To Be Me.



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#131: First taste of Windows 7

I just had a chance to install Windows 7 in my laptop today. I decided I would try it out and see how it fair to the older version of windows.

I wasn't so sure I would like Win7 so I installed it on a different partition to make my laptop dual boot with my Windows XP.

Preparing to do a dual-boot install is straight forward. First I  need a tool to re-size my original partition to make room for the new operating system. I used a free tool gparted - a linux based live CD to easily create a new partition.

Next is to pop-in the CD installer (I was using the Ultimate Edition) and like installing any other operating system, the waiting time is quite annoying. After 5 or more computer restart, I completed the installation.

I must say that Windows 7 is much improved that Windows Vista, particularly on the way it was able to detect most of my hardware devices. I admit that I felt like I was installing a Linux distribution. Speed is also noticeable. There's some slight changes on where to find what but generally easy to figure out.

All in all it was an easy setup. Probably because my computer was originally loaded with Windows Vista (until I downgraded to XP) so most of my devices are able to handle windows 7. Also I am using the Ultimate Edition so I'm not sure the other version will run as smooth .

So if you have a computer with Windows Vista, it's worth it to upgrade to Windows 7. Although I suggest you get the full version of Windows 7 and install from scratch. Rule of thumb before doing the upgrade or clean install, check with your computer manufacturer if your hardware will be compatible with Windows 7.

So far I have XP, Win 7 on my laptop. My next project is to add Ubuntu.

130: what if...

Today I was reminded of an event that happened almost 30 years ago. This was during my high school days.

I've been pursuing her for weeks and it was that day when she would say yes (at least that's how I believed). But lo and behold it never happened. That was the end of it and the rest was history.

Now it suddenly came back and the real question what happened that day? Frankly I really don't know. I keep trying to remember but it was so long ago.

Thinking back makes me realize that things happened for a reason. Although sometimes you can't help but think the what ifs.

#129: Are you a soda drinker? think again

I used to drink soda or soft drink everyday. I couldn't eat without soda on the table. It's certainly refreshing specially if it's ice cold. But that was three years ago. Since then I have taken out soda in my grocery list.

So what wrong with soda? Here's a good article on that.

Soft drinks contain little to no vitamins or other essential nutrients. However, it is what they do contain that is the problem: caffeine, carbonation, simple sugars — or worse, sugar substitutes — and often food additives such as artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives.

A lot of research has found that consumption of soft drinks in high quantity, especially by children, is responsible for many health problems that include tooth decay, nutritional depletion, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.

 What if you just drink diet soda? Well it's just as worse:

Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your health. Saccharin, for instance, has been found to be carcinogenic, and studies have found that it produced bladder cancer in rats.

  So what the best thing to drink? Ever hear of water. Yes the good old water is your best bet. In our household we drink around 30 gallons of water each week. I know because I go to the water refilling station every to days to fill up my container. Another alternative is to drink tea (green tea is a favorite) or low sugar juice drink.

So next time you chug-a-lug your soda, think again.

#128: Power Failure

I couldn't use my computer today due to some power issue. I need a new one. Maybe this time a Mac is an option. Let's see.

#127: Two ways to celebrate today

It's called Halloween in the U.S. but in the Philippines it's more commonly called "All Saints Day", at least that's what I always remembered. In The U.S. it's all about customes, candies and chocolates. In the Philippines it's more of remembering our dead, visiting their tombs, lighting candles and saying a little prayer. In the U.S. it's wild parties, in the Philippines it's more of a solemn day.

My kids where all out today with friends and I was left alone in the house. There were occasional knocks at my door from trick or treaters. That's no problem, I did bought some packs of chocolates to give away just to avoid toilet paper being thrown in our house.

Being alone gave me a chance to think about my love ones who are no longer in my midst specially my father and my daughter Aemes. I still wonder how it would have been different with them alive.

I learned to like Halloween but I also miss All Saints Day.

#126: Believe it or not

Heard on the radio this morning the song Believe it or not from the TV series Greatest American Hero back in the 80's

This show chronicles this average man who got a red suite from a group of aliens which gives him supernatural power. Things get complicated when he inadvertently lost the instruction manual in using the suit.

This show is definitely a timeless favorite. Here's reminding you what the show's all about



And what about George Constanza paying tribute to this show by using the theme song as his answering machine greeting!



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#125: Ubuntu on the move again, Clooney's quote

There's a new version of my favorite distro, Ubuntu Linux. Version 9.10 code name Karmic koala offers great new features for the Desktop and Server environment.

Notable enhancement in the server edition is a built-in cloud computing feature that enable you to create your own private cloud.

There's also the Ubunty Remix specifically designed for netbooks users. This distro is awesome as an alternative OS. Best of all it's free and you can also have thousands of free applications software.

Can't wait to upgrade my computers.

 ----------------------
Oh before i forget here's a quote from George Clooney (I read this on a magazine while doing a VOIP phone system install for a client) about Facebook: "I would rather have a prostate exam on live television by a guy with very cold hands than have a facebook page."

#124: Jealous Guy

This song is a John Lennon original. Didn't like it that much until Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music did a cover. Specially how he whistle (at 3:38) towards the end.






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#123: Who's going to be our team?

Today's the opening of the 2009-2010 NBA Season. I caught the game between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. There were some new guys on both teams. Shaq for the Cavaliers and Wallace for the Celtics.

As I was watching the game, Deirdre sat beside me and asked "So NBA is back, who's gonna be our team this time?". Aren't we going for the Orlando Magic just like last year?", I asked back. "Mmm probably not, they don't have the original players like last year anymore", She answered. "So who are we going for then?", I asked curiously. "I don't know, who do you think?", she asked again. So I started to name some teams.

Dad: Hey what about the Boston Celitcs? I love to see them play when we go to Boston
Deirdre: I don't know anyone from that team.
Dad: Well Kevin Garnet is back
Dierdre: Don't know him
Dad: Ok, what about the Spurs, they have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker
Deirdre: Is he still married to Eva Longoria?
Dad: I think so, he's French
Deirdre: Maybe
Dad: Then let's go for the Lakers
Deirdre: yuk! I don't like Kobe
Dad: Yeah me too.
Deirdre: Shaq is still playing?(referring to the current game) Isn't he like 100 years old?
Dad: I think he's 37
Deirdre: He should stop playing
Dad: I agree. We can always go back to the Magic
Deirdre: But the team is not the same anymore.
Dad: Hey what about the Hornets! Nah I don't like Cris Paul
Deirdre: I don't know dad, I think let's just wait for the playoffs then we decide
Dad: You're right
Deirdre: Let's go (referring to Taekwando practice), am driving
Dad: here you go (tossing my car key to her)

So for now, the choice of our NBA team is up in the air.

#122: McDonald's is leaving

Stumbled upon this news about McDonald's leaving Iceland.

Iceland's three McDonald's restaurants -- all in the capital Reykjavik -- will close next weekend, as the franchise owner gives in to falling profits caused by the collapse in the Icelandic krona.

I should say this is a good news for them. For one thing a big mac meal (burger, fries and drink) has around 1,200 calories. For an average person that's more than twice your required daily calorie intake.

To burn this calorie according to this site, you need to walk 9.5 miles.

My family had stopped going to McDonald's or any other fast food restaurant long time ago because of these facts.  But not everyone in the U.S. agrees. No wonder 65% of American's are obese.

You want to start losing those extra fat? You can start by simple avoiding fast foods.

#121: Bell

She came into our lives just as we arrived from the U.S. in 2000. She's generally quiet but chirps when she's hungry and whistles when we call her name.She gets excited when we come home and she likes to get out of her cage and play.

She used to have a partner, but when we were moving in 2002, her mate flew away and never to be seen again. We though that she's going to be very sad. We were thinking of letting her go. We tried several times. Once I took her out of her cage and put her on my shoulder and strolled outside the house. But instead of flying for her freedom, she just just stayed on my shoulder like a leach.

She flew out twice before. The first time, we left the door open and she dashed out. We were so sad that day but at the same time relieved. Maybe this time she wanted to be free. But yet she just stayed atop a tree just in front of the house. She stayed there for three days and each day we would be calling her and she would answer back. On the third day, she just came down from the tree and flew back to my shoulder. She was dirty, she lost some weight and was so hungry. She did it again a couple of months after and again came back to our midst.

That's when we realized that she would stick with us forever. Her name is Bell. She's a cockatiel and she's part of our family.

 

#120: Words of Wisdom

Christopher Cross has probably the most soothing voice. I love to listen to his song when I want to relax, just close my eyes and go into oblivion. When you talk about Cross, you think about Sailing, Think of Laura, Arthur's theme or Swept away.Or his best ever song Words of Wisdom.

I can hear your voice and I have no choice cause the pain is too deep inside
And the hurt of a love that is lost has no cure but the love of another heart
Your friends try and say it will all get better, they say that they know how you feel
But your heart isn't sure 'cause it knows what it heard, all the things that it read in the letter

All the words of wisdom never seem to ease the pain, All the words of wisdom sound the same

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#119: Microsoft vs Apple vs Verizon

It's an all out technology war. With the release of Windows 7, so are these new commercial from Apple taking a shot at the "broken promises" of Microsoft.

Just in time for today’s Windows 7 launch comes a new Apple “Get a Mac” ad called “Broken Promises” swinging at the new operating system.
“Windows 7 is out, and it’s not going to have any of the problems my last operating system had. Trust me!”

Replace Windows 7 with Vista, XP, Me, 98, 95 and even Windows 2, and you’ve got another pot-stirring ad spot. Watch “Broken Promises” on Apple’s site.

 Here's another video and another video

But then Verizon is giving Apple a taste of it's own medicine blasting the iPhone and AT&T

first there's this ads "There's a map for that" obviously mocking Apples "There's an app for that" catch phrase.

then recently the iDon't ads highlighting every thing that the iPhone can't do. At the same time launches the site drioddoes.com

Gloves are off, it's survival of the fittest

#117: Microsoft vs Linux

Big news in the tech world, Windows 7 just hit the PC market. Microsoft is hoping to redeem itself after the infamous debacle of Windows Vista.

Executives from Microsoft have fanned out to celebrate the launch of the company's core product upon which the rest of Redmond's empire has been built. The software giant is counting on favorable reviews and new features to help Windows rebuilt its image in the face of a disappointing response to Windows Vista.  

As always home users who will buy a new computer will be the first to experience the new OS. As for businesses it will be hard to predict when or if they will ever switch to Windows 7.

But of course Linux is again challenging Windows 7 with IBM and Canonical for Ubuntu Linux  announcing the launch of Linux and cloud-based desktop software in the U.S.

IBM and Canonical in their press release have stated that the cost of migrating to Windows 7  will be as much as $2,000 for most PC users, with hardware accounting for much of the expense. Linux (and specifically Ubuntu) together with the IBM software is according to the two partners, cheaper to deploy.

"If a company is a 'Windows shop,' at some point it will need to evaluate the significant costs of migrating its base to Microsoft's next desktop and bolstering its defenses against virus and other attacks," said Bob Picciano, general manager, IBM Lotus in a statement. "American businesses have asked for a compelling alternative and today we are delivering IBM Client for Smart Work in the U.S."

 Our office had stick to windows XP and even run Ubuntu Linux on some of our desktop. I don't foresee the use of windows 7 in the near future. Our major applications such as our Medical Software, Email and knowledge-based system are all using web-based technology, This means that all we need is a web browser such as Firefox to run our applications.

With the release of windows 7 and eventually the sun-setting of windows XP, there's no choice but to switch to Linux.

#116: Playing around with Google Voice

I recently got an invite from Google to sign up for Google Voice. This free service (available only in the U.S.) enables you to create a phone number. You can set it up so that when someone call this number, you can either route the call  to your cell phone, your home phone, your office phone or simple send it to your google voice mail.

Another great feature is you can use your google voice phone number to make free calls and SMS anywhere in the U.S.

But there more which I think the best feature of this service is it automatically transcribe voice mail into a text message and will send it to your email or text directly to your cellphone.

Not everyone can get google voice at this time, you need to get an invite from google to setup your google voice. Check out this page on the different features and also how to get an invite.

Want to try how it works? go to my blog and click the "Call Me" widget.

Now I can see why Apple blocked the gooogle voice app for iPhone since it truly will affect AT&T's revenue stream. But the app is available for blackberry and android phones.

#115: Sharing your knowledge

 I used to teach Computer Course at UEI College. I was teaching for about 9 months until I left due to some projects that needed my attention. Plus the fact that I was logging more than 14 hours of work everyday. It was too much to handle.

Today am back. The school called me and they needed me to teach once a week to cover the night class. It is hard to refuse considering I always love to teach.

I met my class tonight and they seems to be good students, lots of potentials and I feel I would enjoy the time with them.

I always think that knowledge is power but only if you are willing share it.

#114: Young Turks

Yesterday (Oct. 17) was my good friend Pancho's birthday. I have spent countless time with him during our college days. We were inseparable for years. We had so many exploits, fun times, deep secrets (that remains secret to this day) and what not.

But one thing we really share interest is our love of music. There were times where we just sit around and listen to our music for hours until it's time to go home. Then we would get together again and listen some more.

I remember this song we love to listen from Rod Stewart, Young Turks. The song is about two young lovers who decided to run away and live together despite their family's objections. as the song goes:

Billy wrote a letter back home to patti's parents tryin to explain.
He said were both real sorry that it had to turn out this way.
But there aint no point in talking when theres nobody listning so we just ran away
Patti gave birth to a ten pound baby boy, yeah!

 here's the rest of the lyrics.

Hey Pancho, where ever you are I hope you're doing well.  One of this days we would relive the past. Here's to you my good friend. Cheers!






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#113: Paranormal Activity, The big hype

My kids and I just came home from the movies. Yes we decided to watch the movie Paranormal Activity after I wrote about it yesterday.

I wasn't surprised that the movie house was packed as I figured most of those who came are as anxious as I am and see what's the big hype about this movie.

The movie seems to drag on for the first half hour with no action at all. But slowly pick up the tempo a little bit half way through. There were some moments when some at the audience jumped out of their sits. But there were more reactions towards some funny lines by the actor.

We left the movie still puzzled how this film became a sensation. Maybe it's because people are curious how an $11,000.00 movie made it to the big screen. Maybe because the film maker made it appear to be a reality show.

It's still a good movie to watch considering that the total production was done in just seven days. But for me it's definitely not the ultimate scary movie. Maybe if I believe in paranormal being, I would change my perspective.

That's all there is to it - a big hype

#112: Paranormal Activity

I first heard on the radio a discussion about the movie "Paranormal Activity". Apparently this movie has taken the movie world by storm. Numerous reviews were unanimous that this is the ultimate scary movie. Some compared this movie to the Blair Witch Project.

Paranormal Activity has a simple storyline:

After a young, middle class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban “starter” tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially when they sleep. Or try to.

What make this amazing is the production only cost $11,000.00 (compared for instance to the recently released couples retreat with the cost of $60 million) and was screened at limited locations. Reactions caught like wild fire. Demand for extended screening reached 1 million fans nationwide. The movie is now showing to a theater near you.

I hope I will have a chance to see this movie and see what the big fuss.

#111: Wide awake

I'm still wide awake despite having a very hectic day. I decided to listen to the Album "The Pretender" by Jackson Browne. This is my favorite JB album and I specially love the song Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate. This song  is probably one of the most riveting and emotional song by Jackson Browne. According to this songfact site,

Jackson Browne wrote this song weeks after the suicide death of his wife, when he was just twenty-six years old. I believe that "I found my love too late" refers to finding her body after she had overdosed. "Oh, God, this is some shape I'm in, when the only thing that makes me cry is the kindness in my baby's eye" is about the infant son that he was facing raising alone. Remarkable how he turned his grief into creativity. The album was released less than a year after Phyllis Brownes' death. - Suzy, Stamford, United States

This song is about lying awake at night and reflecting upon your life as you wait to fall asleep. It is romantic in the archaic sense, as he thinks about love, the self, and past friends and times. (thanks, Sam - Boise, ID)

Here's the full lyrics

Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder
Where my life will lead me
Waiting to pass under Sleep's dark and silent gate

I found my love too late
Running around day after day
Looking for the time to play
While my old friends slipped away

Never should have had to try so hard
To make a love work out, I guess
I don't know what love has got to do with happiness
But the times when we were happy
Were the times we never tried

Sitting down by the highway
Looking down the road
Waiting for a ride
I don't know where I've been
Wishing I could fly away
Don't know where I'm going
Wishing I could hide
Oh God this is some shape I'm in
When the only thing that makes me cry
Is the kindness in my baby's eye

Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder
Where the years have gone
They have all passed under
Sleep's dark and silent gate

Finally a live video here. Good Night!

#110: First ever blogger?

It suddenly crossed my mind today while thinking what to blog the question about who was the first ever blogger?  After much searching for the answer I ran across some blogs that it was Doogie Howser.


Doogie Howser, MD was family favorite in the 80's.

it was a television comedy-drama starring Neil Patrick Harris as a brilliant doctor (at the age of 14) who also faces the problems of being a normal teenager.

The best part of every episode is when at the end of each day, he would turn to his Personal Computer and would write a short journal which basically called blogging or twitting nowadays. The only difference is he wasn't doing it online.

Surprisingly, I found this blog that seems to show all Doogies' journal from 1989-1993, the actual dates when this show was on this air.

For those Doogie Howser Fans who wants to relive the show, you can watch every episodes here.


Neil Patrick Harris has recently made a comeback with the mild success of another comedy-sitcom How I met your mother.

#109: Time to migrate to Linux

Windows Vista was definitely a disaster. Now Microsoft is about to release Windows 7 this month. Although I read great reviews on Windows 7, I'm personally not looking forward to upgrading. So does a lot of businesses I'm sure who would still prefer Windows XP since most of their applications could have some compatibility issues with Windows 7.

Another problem with Windows 7 is Microsoft wants to squeeze out every penny from the users thus they have 6 different version. Of course different version different pricing and features and capabilities.

Well it's time to migrate to Linux. Linux is free. No complicated pricing or crippled versions. You install Linux, you got the whole nine yards. Does your computer seems too sluggish even though you got all the computing power? Most average user would think that they need a new computer. But the problem is actually windows itself.

So here's a good way to ease migration to Linux and get the life back in your computer.

#108: Fire and Rain

Tomorrow is a big day. The day that we will be announcing a new technology company. This company has been brewing for the past several months.

I will be posting more about this company on my next post. As I'm finish up the new company's website, I was listening to the song Fire and Rain from James Taylor. The song has some deep meanings. According to Taylor, the song has three parts:

The first part was indeed about Taylor's friend Suzanne, who died while Taylor was in London working on his first album after being signed to Apple Records. Friends at home, concerned that it might distract Taylor from his big break, kept the tragic news from him and it was only some time later that Taylor found out.

The second part details Taylor's struggle to overcome drug addiction and depression.

The third part deals with coming to grips with fame and fortune, looking back at the road that got him there. It includes a reference to James Taylor and The Flying Machine, a band he briefly worked with before his big break with Paul McCartney, Peter Asher and Apple Records.

the complete lyrics is here.



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#107: Demostration project for Abra High School

I got a surprised call from my brother Panchet from the Philippines. He said he read about my earlier post about online Course Management Systems. He had earlier checked the site and opined that this could be an interesting project for Abra High School. Panchet is currently the principal of the school.

Apparently, the school is somehow already connected to the Internet and most of the teachers and students are allowed to use their system.

The idea of the project is for me to establish a central host in the U.S. and install the software. The School will then be connected to this server via the internet. The system will feature an online learning tool for students such as courses, schedules, resources and even a facebook-style collaboration.


This project will certainly teach student, teachers and even parents about utilizing technology to improve collaboration, communication and the quality of education.

And by the way, I would like to point out that this project will be of no cost for the school.

Watch out for more detail about this project in the coming days.

#106: The coming out

Nine months ago, I was presented an opportunity to do something really cutting edge. In three days, a new kid on the block will be born. Opportunity knocks but ones and I'm definitely opening the door.

#105: A friday night out

What does a single father do on a Friday night? A romantic dinner date? Bar hopping? A good movie perhaps? try again. Well what about a night out with a bunch of 12 year olds.

Tonight I was the designated driver for my daughter Nadire and her friends (kathy, Jenny and Darlene) to visit the haunted trail in Balboa Park. I've never been to this place but I heard it can scare the hell out of you.

We had problem finding the place even with my garmin GPS and the iPhone in hand. But after driving around the park we finally found it. The place is packed, mostly teenagers. Parking was a challenge as well.

I decided not to go in and told them that I'll just wait in the car. Few minutes later, two of Nadire's friends (kathy and Jenny) came back and told me they couldn't take it. It was too scary for them they said. Nadire and Darlene (with much hesitations) went ahead.

Together with her two friends, we probably waited for about 45 minutes. I tried to entertain them both so they won't get bored. Believe me you don't want to get stucked with bored kids on a friday night. Finally, Nadire and her friend finally came out panting and still pumped up with the experienced. She said the place was awesome, really scary at times but all in all it was fun.

later, I decided to treat them for a night cap at iHop. Well it was more of a dinner and even pretended it was Kathy's Birthday to get a a complimentary ice cream.

As I was paying the bill, the waiter smiled and asked if everything was ok. I said it was all good. "Are those  your daughters?", he suddenly asked. Probably wondering about these lovely kids together acting like their sisters. "Yes they are, they are sisters from different mothers", I said as I turned towards the door trying to hold myself from laughing.

He shouted back "you're my hero!".

#104: Time for an android

Exciting tech news today. Google, Verizon Sign Android Phone Pact.

Google’s Android phone OS may have gotten off to a slower start than I’d have expected, but it’s quickly making up for lost time. Today’s news: Google and Verizon Wireless are working together directly to design new Android phones, the first of which will be unveiled in “the next few weeks.” They’ll come with Google Voice.

Unlike the iPhone, Android is the first free, open source, and fully customizable mobile platform. But like the iphone, android has tons of apps available for download. This include the power apps Google voice which was rejected by apple in apparent attempt to protect AT&T's lock on iphone users.



You see, Google Voice gives you the ability to tie up all your phones into one number and make your own rules how your phone behaves based on who's calling which of your phones. You can learn more about Google Voice here.


If you have T-Mobile, i suggest you grab an android phone. I have Verizon for my kids' phones so I might get another line for an android.