Apple releases iOS 5.1.1

Reblogged from 9to5Mac:

Apple just released iOS 5.1.1 (build number 9B206) for iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone. As you can see from the release notes above, the 54.4 MB update includes: improved reliability for the HDR option when accessing the camera app from the lock screen and a number of other fixes for bugs affecting AirPlay video playback; the ability to switch between 2G and 3G networks on third-gen iPad; and, an “Unable to purchase” alert.

Read more… 77 more words

Digitimes says Apple will release a $799 MacBook Air in Q3. We'll bite...

Reblogged from 9to5Mac:

Digitimes today says Apple is planning a $799 MacBook Air for Q3 based on “sources from the upstream supply chain.”

Clearly, no one in Apple’s Asian supply chain knows Cupertino’s pricing strategies. Digitimes is— at best—working off Apple, perhaps building a spec-reduced model. From the context, it seems that it is making the assumption based on falling prices of surrounding Ultrabooks, which we know is a mistake.

Read more… 275 more words

Portable Wi-fi

I am in the verge of acquiring a portable wi-fi gadget some of the local cellular service providers here in the Philippines (specifically Globe Telecom & Smart Communications. Haven’t heard of Sun Cellular having one). These portable wi-fi gadgets can accomodate up to 5 wi-fi enabled gadgets, well as far as these vendors are claiming. I thought of applying for an unlimited internet service for my mobile phone, which would also cost the same as the portable wi-fi service. The good thing about the wi-fi gadget is that 5 can connect to the net simultaneously as opposed to the single connectiion of the mobile phone.

But, as previously experienced, my dad availed of the Smart’s Plug-it internet service. But DAMN! My mobile phone could download faster than that usb gadget. Some say that it was the device itself was at fault. Saying that the reception should be much better if I had the device replaced. Maybe the gadget was defective. But then again, what if ALL device were made the same, thus having the same problems?!

Now if only these service providers will give a 30 day money back guarantee, I would not be blogging now. Instead I would be surfing the net, with my laptop & my phone at the same time…

Lakbayan

Where in the Philippines have you been to?

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Dignity

1 : the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed: the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignity

Does it really exist? How to show or give some of it?

What started a fine day ended (hopefully not) in a bad mood. The day started, all charged up from the previous day’s sleep, offered to cook breakfast for the family. Ingredients ready, mood up high and show was on its way. Until a comment sparked the already heated stove. Chef’s and cooks, same as other people, have there each and own way of handling things. Some cook practice’s the method “CLAYGO” – short for Clean As You Go. Some would rather clean when all is done. Which would you prefer? Unfortunately for me, I clean all my work area just right before I serve the food I just finished cooking. Why did I say unfortunate? It just so happens that my wife works the other way around. She cleans all unnecessary stuffs while cooking. But that doesn’t mean that I would be leaving all the chopped off parts there waiting for the wind to blow it all away.

The kitchen, at the beginning, heard chatterings like “Where is the cooking oil?”, “Where is the salt?”, “Where is the thong?”. Then suddenly, the real owner of the kitchen walked in. Then now you will hear “Why did you prepare here? Is it really that hot outside?”, “You should have prepared outside so that you don’t have to make a mess out of the kitchen counter!!!”, “Why didn’t you cook the eggs first?” You should have cooked the eggs first before you cook the fried rice!!!

Was it my fault I was not born as smart as some other people?!!! Damn it!!!

I ended up surfing the web with my laptop, waiting for the breakfast I was supposed to prepare. Breakfast’s done. Now getting ready for the church. No friction happened until my parents invited us for lunch after hearing mass.

At the resto…The real story begins here. I just have to add the breakfast story just to heat things up.

There we were with my parents, my sister with her “Ideal” boyfriend, and my sickness trying to win me over. Comments, again, started hovering the dining area. To get to the point earlier than expected, we were already on our own after we went on our ways after lunch. We were doing some window shopping, when my son found something he wants. For all I know, he wanted to run and look for my mother to ask her to buy that watch.As we continue strolling, I heard my wife say to my son, “Why don’t you ask money from your auntie?” It really did caught my attention, as if it sounded to me “your father doesn’t have money so ask your auntie”. So I blurted out then raised voice was being held on not to catch any attention from other shoppers. When I got my composure back. I asked them politely what was the money thing all about. After a  short refresher course, i suddenly remembered that my mother gave my two eldest kids Php5,000 each, then tasked my sister to hold onto them. THAT’S where dignity comes in. As far as i remember, I AM the kids father. If anything should the kids have or know, or whatever concerns my children, I should know first. It’s as if some other “responsible adult” wants to run my show.

I’ve had sermons from  my parents that I should do this and that to my children. FOR YOUR INFORMATION!!! I knew all those things long before you interrupted my life!!! I’m not saying that I’m the perfect father to have, and you’re advises are way too bullshit to hear. NO! As far as I’m concerned, nobody can run my show especially when I don;t have permission for you to do so!!! GET IT?!?!?!?!?!

DUDE! Give me some Dignity! I was so surprised what my wife said to my son. Come on!!! I was right there beside you! You could have given me respect and asked me first, although you knew all the time that I don’t have the “spare” money for it…but at least you had the decency to ask me first…

On the way home, again past “wonderful” things brings back memories. What have I done to deserve all this? Was I really an asshole when I was young to get all this?! Was it because I don’t have a college degree, that’s why people look down on me? That’s why people think I’m nonsense? That’s why people think I;m stupid?! it really puts a guy down, you know?! What a way to boost somebody’s morale…

Now tell me. What should a guy do to get some respect around? HUH?! Am I doing something wrong?! Or is  it really the idea of not having a college degree that would really put shit on your head?

I never get some respect around not unless I give orders the military way. Why is that?

Answer me, IS THERE A QUALIFICATION FOR A GUY TO HAVE SOME DIGNITY?

“CARJACKING: PREVENTION AND RESPONSE”

SITUATION

Carjackers have stepped up their nefarious activities these past few days, even resorting to killing the owners or drivers of the stolen vehicles. Carjacking involves the forcible takeover/theft of a vehicle while someone is aboard, usually in transit. This is different from carnapping wherein the vehicle is taken while it is stationary and there is no one aboard it.

MODUS OPERANDI

A favored modus operandi of carjackers is to pretend to be persons in authority (e.g. police, military, NBI, intelligence services) and accost unwary motorists before divesting them of their vehicle, cash and other valuables. Carjackers using this method often ride in new model vehicles ( more often than not without plate numbers or using unauthorized commemorative plates) complete with sirens/flashers, firearms and perhaps even official looking uniforms/identification and similar paraphernalia. Another modus operandi is the pretext of bumping into your vehicle and perpetrating the crime as you alight and check the damage. Other carjackers use multiple vehicles, sandwich you between them and force you off the road.

Carjackers typically target motorists traveling alone late at night (e.g. 11pm up to around 3 am) along roads that are either deserted or have little vehicular/pedestrian traffic.

Fast, new model cars are typically targeted since carjackers either sell them on the black market or use them as get away vehicles to perpetrate other crimes such as bank robberies.

AREAS OF CONCERN

There are several identified areas of concern in Metro Manila where carjacking incidents often happen.

• Quezon Avenue underpadd which crosses EDSA
• Tomas Morato and West Triangle area in Quezon City
• Teachers village, Quezon City
• Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
• Some stretches of EDSA in Quezon City
• Katipunan Flyover coming from Libis, Quezon City

Kindly note that although most incidents have been noted to occur in Quezon City, carjackings can happen anywhere.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Becoming the victim of a crime may be avoided or the effects mitigated. Below are some avoidance tips that you may consider.

• Consider varying your daily routines and habits. Do not take the same routes or go at the same time on your regular errands. This will avoid establishing a pattern that criminals may notice.
• Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition in order to avoid vehicle breakdowns in potentially dangerous circumstances. 
• Know the areas you travel through and take note of potential safe havens such as police stations, gasoline station, etc. so that in case of vehicle trouble, you have the option of trying to reach these areas if circumstances permit. 
• Avoid traveling during unholy hours of the night. If such is unavoidable (e.g. coming home from a party or a night out with friends), avoid traveling alone through areas likely to be favored by criminal elements such as those mentioned above. 
• Avoid hitch hikers, especially when you are driving alone. 
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Constantly check your rear and side view mirrors, Note any suspicious looking vehicles that may be following you. Be wary of unmarked vehicles with flashers/sirens, without plate numbers/vanity plates or using unauthorized commemorative plates, carrying many passengers (predominantly male) and are more often that not, heavily tinted. Take note that the authorities normally travel in marked cars of with readily recognizable red government plates. Police and other law enforcement/military personnel in or out of uniforms are also required to have credentials such as ID’s and appropriate badges with them. 
• If you suspect surveillance, try taking a few turns to see if the suspected vehicle follows you constantly, be prepared to take evasive action and proceed to the nearest identified safe haven if possible.
• Keep a means of emergency communications (e.g. mobile phone, handheld radio) handy for use in case of emergencies. Keep your colleagues/families/trusted friends aware of your whereabouts.

In the event that you get caught by suspected carjackers:

1. Stop the vehicle and remain calm. If they present themselves as persons in authority, politely ask for credentials such as cards/badges.
2. Do not alight from the vehicle immediately. However, if perpetrators ask you to alight, follow their instructions.
3. Leave the door open as you get off. Put your hands up if requested to do so.
4. Apply the handbrake but keep the engine running.
5. Avoid looking directly at the perpetrators, be compliant with their demands. Your life is more valuable than any material possessions.
6. Allow the carjackers to depart without interference.
7. Take note of any details(e.g. license plates, distinguishable marks or features of the carjackers, etc) you can gather without unduly arousing their suspicions that you are gathering information for future investigations.
8. Report the incident as soon as possible to the authorities. Cooperate to the fullest extent possible during investigations.

 

The following mitigation measures may also be considered:

• Consider getting comprehensive insurance for your vehicle if such has not yet been done. New vehicles are routinely insured as such and it may be a good idea to continue this comprehensive insurance for a period of time as recommended by your insurance provider or auto dealer. Ensure that such insurance covers theft of your vehicle and other accessories thereof.
• Keep a note of articles which you commonly place in your vehicle. It may also be useful to take a picture of your vehicle from various angles to assist in description to authorities in case of a car napping/carjacking.
• It may be prudent to avoid leaving the original paperwork (e.g. registration, insurance cover) inside your vehicle. This may make it easier for criminals to sell your vehicle to unsuspecting buyers. Have photocopies of such paperwork made and place them in your vehicle for use in case legitimate authorities wish to verify them (e.g. at checkpoints).
• Consider having the vehicle plate number and other identifying marks/numbers etched/engraved on strategic areas (e.g. windshield, window glass, chassis ) in order to make it harder for criminals to sell and to facilitate identification in case it is recovered by the authorities.

 

Post-vehicle recovery recommendations:

• In the event that your vehicle is recovered by the authorities, this will be communicated to you.
• Bring appropriate identification and proof of ownership (e.g. registration papers, driver’s license, deed of sale) when claiming your recovered vehicle.
• Ensure that the authorities have removed your vehicle from the so-called “All Points Bulletin” (APB) prior to using it. This is to avoid possible misencounters with anti-carnapping elements.

 

SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO AVOID CARNAPPING

• Before buying a vehicle, whether brand new or 2nd hand, please make sure that you are buying the same from a reputable car dealer or a car owner.
• Particularly on 2nd hand vehicles, obtain clearance from the proper authorities before buying the same just to make sure that what you are buying is not a ‘hot car’.
• Always park your car in well-lit places, away from walls and hedges where crooks may lie in wait.
• Have your keys ready even as you approach your car. If you pause to look for your keys, you leave yourself vulnerable to an attack.
• Take note of suspicious looking people or cars near your vehicle.
• Before getting into your vehicle, check for possible intruders hiding behind.
• In case of a vehicle breakdown or any emergency, have a cellphone ready.
• Avoid parking in unsecured places. If you have no garage, it may be advisable to pay in a pay parking area rather than in an unattended street parking slot.
• You are vulnerable to attack if you stay behind, inside your vehicle, waiting for any companions. As a deterrent, leave your vehicle when parked and stay in a safe area.
• Secure your vehicle before leaving the same. Do not leave any valuables inside as these will easily attract attention.

 

USEFUL CONTACTS

For Life-Threatening Emergencies Only

Dial 1-1-7 or TEXT -SMS PATROL EYE or SMS: Type PNP then send to 2920

For Highway Robbery & Other Motor Vehicle related crimes

Dial (632)722-4068/(632) 725-1133 local 4359 PNP Task Force Limbas – Anti-Carnapping

For Complaints Referrals Action Center

Dial (632) 722-0650 4252 PNP Police Community Relations Group

For Organized Crime & Kidnapping with Ransom

Dial (632) 725-2147 Local 4371 PACER

For Most Wanted / Missing or Unidentified Person

Dial (632) 726-1575 Criminal Investigation & Detection Group

For Motor Vehicle Related Transactions

Dial (632) 724-8869 Traffic Management Group

For Police Services Complaints or Complaints about a Police Officer

Dial (632) 899-7504 Internal Affairs Service

Mall Guard Security

What’s your take on this? I find it very stupid for mall guards, or any building for that matter, at the vehicle parking entrance to be dragging a convex mirror on a stick just to check if you have planted bombs under the chasis of your car.

What if…the bomb or explosive is inside the cabin of your car…or at the engine bay…in the glove compartment. A vehicle has lots of hiding place these guards do not inspect. So what’s the point of sliding a mirror under your chasis?

Can this be a strategy to scare off possible threats? Was this implemented just so that guards don’t get paid by just standing in building entrances?

Heart Attacks and Drinking Warm Water

Received in an email…

A very good article which takes two minutes to read. Sent by a friend who had about 25 or 30 years in the field with such emergencies.

Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water
This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about Heart Attacks.. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will l line the intestine. Very soon , this will turn into fats and lead to cancer.. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Common Symptoms Of Heart Attack….
A serious note about heart attacks – You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we’ll save at least one life. Read this & Send to a friend. It could save a life. So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

Civil Engineering or Architecture?

I’m a 32 year old undergraduate who got an opportunity to study again. I’m currently working in a family owned construction firm, and would like to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering OR Architecture.

Now here is my question, should I take engineering OR Architecture? I know either of the two would help me be prepared when the time comes that my parents decide to hand over the company to me, as long as I am competitively able.

As far as online researching goes, between the differences among the two choices, Civil Engineer is what I should take, because it would make me be prepared of the task and obligations our company should offer. But the reason behind the question is, I do enjoy designing, sometimes revising (if the project architect in-charge would allow) the design, and trying to dream of my dream house. Being an engineer will not hamper me of designing my own dream house, that’s for sure because my father has done a couple of design and build for close families and relatives, which turned put to be quite impressive.

As a young kid, I’ve dreamed of becoming an architect as I love to draw or doodle on sketch pads and pad papers, aside of dreaming to become a lawyer, but all those flew with the wind as I didn’t take school days seriously, (now at 32, a husband, and a father of 2, soon to be three, am trying to catch on the lost opportunities).

Here’s what I understand of the subject:

- CIVIL ENGINEER: a civil engineer is responsible in fulfilling an architect’s vision of a proposed project. As experience has taught me, an architect can design a floating house, no matter what it takes, the hell he care’s, and it’s the engineer’s problem how to make the architect feel fulfilled. On the other hand, an engineer has the responsibility to inform, or worse, educate the architect if his/her dream of a floating house should stay in dream land. In real life, if a design of an architect can not be supported by the laws of physics, in terms structural integrity, then the civil engineer should inform the architect otherwise.

- ARCHITECT: architect’s, by theory, are designer’s. They dream of the biggest and grandest dream houses, buildings, or any kind of structure. Some architects don’t care if their design can be materialized, as long as they see it structured. In fairness to most architects I have worked with, they do listen to the engineer’s advise in case a design alteration should take place.

So, basically, as far as I know, Architecture and Civil Engineer courses can help me be prepared in case I need to take my fathers position as head of the company, but the big question is, should I take Architecture or Civil Engineering? I know there are a lot of things I still need to take into consideration but as of now this is all I know.

Any inputs, suggestions are most welcome. Hopefully I will be enrolling a year from now, so I have a year to decide on both. As long I get to decide based on your inputs and suggestion, maybe I can enroll next semester.

Thanks and more power to the construction industry!!!

cc

GUSTO KONG MAGING SENADOR NG PILIPINAS

GUSTO KONG MAGING SENADOR NG PILIPINAS

ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR!
Miriam Defensor Santiago was featured in Correspondents last week.

Maganda rin naman ang naidudulot ng pagiging prangka ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Ayon kay Santiago , marami ang tumatakbong Senador dahil sa laki ng budget na ibinibigay sa kanila kada buwan(kasama na siya)

Lumalabas na ang P35,000 suweldo nila kada buwan ay pakitang-tao lang sa milyun-milyong budget ng bawat senador… Kada buwan ay may Fixed Monthly Budget ang bawat Senador ng humigit-kumulang P2 Milyon.

Sa opisina pa lang nila ay humigit-kumulang P500,000 ang budget nila sa Maintenance and Operating Expenses (Rental, Utilities, Supplies at Domestic Travels) at P500,000 para sa Staff at Personal expenses. Kaya para makatipid ang ibang Senador, kaunti lang ang staff na kinukuha nila. Nagtataka pa kayo kung bakit mayroong mga Ghost Employee?

Bukod diyan, may P760,000 allowance pa sila kada buwan para naman sa Foreign Travel.. At ang masakit pa nito, hindi na kailngan i-liquidate ang mga resibo ng mga gastusin ‘yan kundi Certification lang ang Requirement.

Heto pa, lahat sila ay Chairman ng mg Komite sa Senado. Ang Committee Chairman ay tumatanggap din ng budget na sinlaki ng tinatanggap ng mga Senador na humigit-kumulang P1 Milyon din! Hindi sila mawawalan ng Komite dahil 24 lang ang ating mga Senador at 37 naman ang Committee sa Senado. There’s food for everybody ‘ika nga! Lumalabas na doble ang kanilang benepesiyo at kita kapag sila ay nabiyayaan ng Committee Chairmanship.

Sa P200 milyon na Budget para sa Pork Barrel ng mga Senador bawat taon, awtomatikong may 10% na S.O.P. o kita ng Senador na P20 milyon. Ito ang porsiyento na ibinibigay ng mga kontratista sa mga Senador na nagbibigay sa kanila ng mga Infrastructure at Livelihood Project.

Bago matapos ang termino ng isang Senador, kumita na siya ng P100 milyon sa Pork Barrel pa lang. Yung ibang Senador mas gahaman, hindi lang 10% kundi 20 – 30% ang komisyon hinihingi sa mga kontratista.

Pansinin niyo na lang ang pagbabago ng buhay ng ilan sa ating mga Senador simula nang manungkulan sa puwesto. Kung dati ay simple lang ang kanilang pamumuhay ngayon ay nakatira na sila sa mga eksklusibong subdivision, maraming bahay sa Pilipinas at abroad at mahigit lima ang sasakyan.

Ngayon nagtataka pa kayo kung bakit gumagastos ng daan-daang milyong piso ang mga Senador sa kampanya para sa isang posisyon na P35,000 lang ang suweldo kada buwan? Bawing-bawi pala ang gastos kapag naupo na!

ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR! ! !

One of the reasons why the Philippines will never, ever get off the ground…… ayon….. .. kaya talagang mahirap ng umasenso ang bayan nating Pilipinas – yung mismo nilang gobierno ninanakawan and kanilang kapuwa Filipino at hindi pa iyan….. hindi pa sila nagbabayad ng buwis sa bansa – kaya lahat ng kalyehon lubak-lubak at masyadong madumi at mababaho!!! Hindi sila nahiya sa kanilang nakikita at makapal ang pagmumukha nila. Dapat sa kanila pumunta lahat ng mahihirap. True Whistleblowers – this is what our country needs.If there are no whistleblowers the country will never ever prosper and will just sit in the sidelines watching with envy the prosperity of the other southeast asian countries – look at Vietnam now, much more progressive. ……while the rest of the new breed of filipinas are just maids – the present level of education has also deteriorated in our country – whether it be Ateneo, UP, La Salle – they could not compete anymore – they do not know how to use their education to better up their poor country, they prefer to steal and not assist in the path of prosperity for their country – they lack human factor and social conscience and no social responsibility. ….the result of a poor level of education. so wake up, you filipinos paying your taxes there, stop defending your corrupt masters and do something!!! !! we all feel so sorry for you….
Kayo po diyan nasa Middle East na mga OFW, gumising na po tayo. Panahon na.

PLEASE FORWARD TO AS MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS AND LET THE WHOLE COUNTRY KNOW THAT ELECTION IS MORE OF PUTTING AMBITIOUS PEOPLE IN POSITION WHO ARE GREEDY IN POWER, WEALTH & PRESTIGE THAN OF PUBLIC SERVICE…. ANG MASAKIT PA PERA NG BAYAN PARIN GAGAMITIN SA ELEKSYON MALUKLOK LANG SILA SA PWESTO!!!

source: EMAIL