#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.

#103: Help for the Philippines

The government of Canada is responding positively to our typhoon ravaged country. Canada recently announced special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is responding on a priority basis for those directly affected by the disaster.

This will be applied to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. They must, however, identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the current situation and notify CIC.

 In addition, CIC also posted a guide (FAQ) about priority processing in this link.

This is a great gesture from the Canadian government to reunite Filipinos in Canada with their families back home. Canada is definitely a great place to live specially with their Universal Health Care System, a system that is seems to be impossible to attain in the U.S.

Also related to the calamity in the Philippines, the Abranian Association of America in San Jose President Mr. Julieto "Juli" Elpa Dizon calls for help in this post at abrenian.com.

An effort to help the affected Abrenian students in Metro Manila by the Abranian Association of America in San Jose, under the leadership of its President, Mr. Julieto "Juli" Elpa Dizon is ongoing. Displaced students are being contacted to determine their immediate needs. You will be updated with their progress in the immediate future and on how you can help in alleviating their plight.

Please pass along these important announcements to your relatives and friends.

#102: 3rd Rock from the sun's technology

This is a funny sitcom in the 90's. My kids gave me the first season DVD sometime ago. 3rd rock from the sun is show about a group of extraterrestrials on an expedition of what they consider to be the least important planet, Earth (the 3rd Rock from the Sun), while posing as a human family of four, to observe human beings.

One of the  character Dick Solomon ( John Lithgow), the high commander, tries to use earth's technology which he considered primitive in this hilarious scene.



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#101: Hotmail users beware

Yahoo News just reported Hackers exposed hotmail accounts password.

Microsoft blocked access to thousands of Hotmail accounts in response to hackers plundering password information and posting it online.

Cyber-crooks evidently used "phishing" tactics to dupe users of Microsoft's free Web-based email service into revealing account and access information, according to the US technology giant.

phishing is process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwoods and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy website. 

If you have hotmail account, immediate change your password. Of course it's always a good practice to use strong password such as combination of letters (uppercase and lower case), numbers and even punctuations.

#100: Words to live by

Who has not heard of godaddy.com. This site offers very cheap domain names registration, hosting, security certificates and more. It made more famous by the endorsement of the lovely Danica Patrick, the famous indycar driver. Godaddy.com's superbowl ads are also a must see.

This successful business was founded by Bob Parson who shared his business success through his 16 rules for success. Here they are. I particularly like 3, 8, 10 and 12.

1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone.
      I believe that not much happens of any significance when we're in our comfort zone.  I hear people say, "But I'm concerned about security."  My response to that is simple: "Security is for cadavers."

2. Never give up.
      Almost nothing works the first time it's attempted.  Just because what you're doing does not seem to be working, doesn't mean it won't work.  It just means that it might not work the way you're doing it.  If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn't have an opportunity.

3. When you're ready to quit, you're closer than you think.
      There's an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true.  It goes like this: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."

4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be.
      Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of "undefined consequences."  My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, "Well, Robert, if it doesn't work, they can't eat you."

5. Focus on what you want to have happen.
      Remember that old saying, "As you think, so shall you be."

6. Take things a day at a time.
      No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don't look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment.  You can get through anything one day at a time.

7. Always be moving forward.
      Never stop investing.  Never stop improving.  Never stop doing something new.  The moment you stop improving your organization, it starts to die.  Make it your goal to be better each and every day, in some small way.  Remember the Japanese concept of Kaizen.  Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.

8. Be quick to decide.
      Remember what General George S. Patton said: "A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow."

9. Measure everything of significance.
      I swear this is true.  Anything that is measured and watched, improves.

10. Anything that is not managed will deteriorate.
      If you want to uncover problems you don't know about, take a few moments and look closely at the areas you haven't examined for a while.  I guarantee you problems will be there.

11. Pay attention to your competitors, but pay more attention to what you're doing.
      When you look at your competitors, remember that everything looks perfect at a distance.
Even the planet Earth, if you get far enough into space, looks like a peaceful place.

12. Never let anybody push you around.
      In our society, with our laws and even playing field, you have just as much right to what you're doing as anyone else, provided that what you're doing is legal.

13. Never expect life to be fair.
      Life isn't fair.  You make your own breaks.  You'll be doing good if the only meaning fair has to you, is something that you pay when you get on a bus (i.e., fare).

14. Solve your own problems.
      You'll find that by coming up with your own solutions, you'll develop a competitive edge.  Masura Ibuka, the co-founder of SONY, said it best: "You never succeed in technology, business, or anything by following the others."  There's also an old Asian saying that I remind myself of frequently.  It goes like this: "A wise man keeps his own counsel."

15. Don't take yourself too seriously.
      Lighten up.  Often, at least half of what we accomplish is due to luck. None of us are in control as much as we like to think we are.

16. There's always a reason to smile.
      Find it.  After all, you're really lucky just to be alive.  Life is short.  More and more, I agree with my little brother. He always reminds me: "We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!"

#99: Running on empty

It has been extremely busy week for me. I am in the crossroad of a very important project that I have been working on for almost a year now. I'm not in the liberty of divulging this project until it goes public. Until then I have to keep mum on this for now.

But as I was channel surfing tonight, I caught a glimpse of the movie Forrest Gump. It was that scene when Forrest decided to run, just keep running with no reason at all. Then it played briefly in the background the song "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne. What I coincidence I thought to myself as I'm feeling the same today. 

This is a bouncy song that lifted my spirit as I decided to listen to the song on its entirety. And as a bonus I even found a version where Jackson Browne played this song with Bruce Springsteen.



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#98: Two Birthdays, a Funeral and new belts

Couple of things happened today.

Birthdays

First birthday is for my younger brother Panchet. I talked about him on my earlier post. Panchet is the youngest of the family but I feel he had achieved more than what most people have done in their lifetime. I heard he's having the time of his life. What's with all the parties they have prepared for him. A lot of people would like to be in his shoes. That includes me. I'm very proud of him.

Second Birthday is for our youngest in the family, JR. He listed his birthday today but some argued that he's birthday is really on the 5th. Well, either way he's celebrating his birthday. JR is my nephew's son. My parents took him in our family at a very young age. My parents fell in love with JR the first time they saw him. Why not! he was so cute, like a baby in a soap commercial. JR like any other kid, has some shortcomings. But who doesn't. The important thing is He knows very well that his family loves him the way we love each one. Happy Birthday JR.


A Funeral

It's wasn't a surprise. It was announced as early as January this year. Intel Philippines is closing.

internal memo circulated yesterday that Intel is definitely moving out of the Philippines. Actual reasons vary — from high corporate taxes, to expensive electricity charges and even stealing of microchips.

Today, it finally happen - the last nail in the coffin. Intel Philippines is officially closed. This is a big blow to the Philippines specially the hundreds (it was thousands at its peak) of Filipino workers who lost their job. One of them is my good friend and classmate Francis . He's a Design Engineer at Intel. Back in my college days, he was my study buddy. We've collaborated in many school projects as well as "other" projects. He's a brilliant Engineer so I'm sure he'll bounce back.

New Belts

My two girls successfully moved closer to their quest for the black belt. It was a grueling one hour of testing of forms, routines, breaking boards and sparring.  It was also a test of stamina and mental control. In the end it was very rewarding as Deirdre moved two belts up to green belt. The grandmaster explained that she was so good that she qualified to skip yellow belt, which doesn't happen often. Nadire, though, was two point shy of following her sister's feat. She still got the yellow belt but I sense her disappointment, I was too. But I explained to her that "never mistakenly consider one defeat a final defeat". Don't worry dad, I'm ok, she said. Later, I treated them to a nice Japanese restaurant  with some sushi, udon and a mochi ice cream dessert. And they were all smiles.

#97: High Tech in Education, anyone?

Schoolforge.net is  an interesting site that collects free and open source software for use in education.

SchoolForge's mission is to unify independent organizations that advocate, use, and develop open resources for education. We advocate the use of open texts and lessons, open curricula, free software and open source in education.

One section of the site highlights some of the best software applications, for uses such as education assessment and evaluation, cirriculum planning, and teaching education. Learning management systems & Course management systems and administrative tools to fit various needs of schools.

To mention a few:

Moodle is a course management system (CMS) - a free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities. You can download and use it on any computer you have handy (including webhosts), yet it can scale from a single-teacher site to a 50,000-student University. Moodle is one of the most popular CMS out there.

Open Admin for Schools  - is entirely web based and can run from a centrally located division wide server or a single computer in a school. It is designed to support an entire division on one or more central computers but can also work just fine for a single school. Currently several school divisions use this approach and have 15+ schools on a single central server. This is because it is designed to be lightweight both in server resource requirements and in communication bandwidth.

 SchoolTool will draw members of the education community: staff, students, parents, alumni and administrators into a tight-knit community with instant access to relevant information. SchoolTool will not depend on a technology-intensive environment, but in those schools with broad and deep access to technology in the form of computers, laptops, PDA's, cellphones and wireless pagers, SchoolTool will leverage those forms of communication and devices to deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

 These are great technology tools that can improve the way teachers teach and communicate with student. And the best thing is it's free and it's so easy to implement using cheap computers.

Such solutions can be a cheap for the entire public education in the Philippines to use. I would love to be involved for such a project. Maybe a pilot project in Abra (e.g. Abra High School) could be launched to prove it's viability.

So what about it sir Panchet? are you up for the challenge?