Author Mitch Albom, disciplined

Several days ago I blogged about Mitch Albom's Flap and it looks like disciplinary action has been taken against five employees, including Mitch Albom, for their roles in putting Albom's April 3 coulnm into the paper

Link via Romenesko

New Pope for us Catholics

The announcement was made official the other day that German born Cardinal has been elected as the one who will lead the almost one billion Catholics worldwide. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI will be installed formally and have mass mass this Sunday.

How exciting to witness the great announcement. Well, even though it was just through television screen. Basing from the news, it seemed like Pope Benedict will continue what the late Pope John Paul started- Catholic doctrines of no divorce, no to abortion, no to gays and same sex marriage.

While majority are celebrating, the Gays and AIDS activist dismayed about the choice because he is likely to be even more rigid than his predecessor, the late John Paul II, on questions regarding the use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS gay rights activists said.

Text messages as evidence in court

SMS admissible says the Supreme Court (here in the Philippines).

A saved text message from a Court of Appeals (CA) employee trying to extort P1 million from a litigant proved to be the court worker's undoing.

In deciding the case of indicted CA employee Elvira Cruz-Apao, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that under the present rules on electronic evidence, the short-messaging system (SMS) or text message sent by the latter to her intended victim is sufficient evidence, which corroborates the other proof held by law enforcers against her.

text messages were properly admitted by the committee since the same are now covered by Section 1(k), Rule 2 of the Rules on Electronic Evidence which provides: "Ephemeral electronic communication" refers to telephone conversations, text messages and other electronic forms of communication the evidence of which is not recorded or retained."

"We have no doubt as to the probative value of the text messages as evidence in determining the guilt or lack thereof of respondent in this case," the SC said. Read full news article via Sunstar Online

Crossing the threshold of Pope

PopeJohn Paul II is now in near death as he lies in his Vatican place with shallow breathing. All the faithful could do now is to just wish him a good trip in heaven. He has served all Catholics with passion, pride, with love for all even those who belongged to different sects. He one of the most influential and revered person the world has known and now Many are weeping for what might be the inevitable.

There is sadness all over the world at the news of his grave ill condition. I for one share the feelings of many. He is and will always be the most beloved pope of all time.

"Pacman's" revenge next time around!

It's been almost days now since Manny Paquiao lost his bout with Eric Morales and still people here in the Philippines are still talking about it. Maybe it was fixed. Who knows really but the thing is I guess if, he, Manny really wanted to, he could've KO'd his opponent. But speculations still on what really happened still going the rounds of manila streets and coffee shops and afficionados.

Anyway, there will be a nex time and by then... he'll win!

Journal entry: Free To Wear Sunscreen

Tomorrow will be Palm Sunday. Officially, the start of Jesus's cavalry to death and back again through resurrection. It also signals a long week of lenten season culminating into Easter Sunday. But with Filipinos along with observing the Holy Week, it's also long holiday, so to speak; Going to the beach, long road trips to the provinces, going out of country and other places bonds the family together and presents an opportunity to get out of the office and enjoy a long weekend but (knowing Filipinos) without negating their Catholic obligations to what Holyweek is really all about. Read more?

The poem Free To Wear Sunscreen they say was an internet chain letter and made to appear to be Kurt Vonnegut's work when infact with was a Chicago Tribune columnist's speech and part of a Baz Lurhmann movie/musical

Minty Chocolate Drink

Yummmy Chocolate Mint Milkshake! Hehe. I saw the recipe while checking out My Yahoo.

What you need to know when blogging

It's been there for some time now but here it is again. The Blogger's Code of Ethics courtesy of Cyber Journalist.

A BLOGGERS' CODE OF ETHICS
Be Honest and Fair
Bloggers should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Bloggers should:
• Never plagiarize.
• Identify and link to sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
• Make certain that Weblog entries, quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.

First one is really important!

And again to the hospital he goes

For the second time in a row, the Pope was rushed to the hospital once more because of the recurrence of the flu.

The whole Catholic entity be filled with void if something grave were to happen to the Pope. For so long he's been at the helm of the Catholicism and morality. Of what is proper and what people of all walks of life need to do in order to be good in the eyes of God. Also he has gone through a lot and seen history made with different nations. Despite some not fully agreeing with his beliefs and teaching, sermons and rules (I think), he has done wonders for the whole Christian community. Get welll soon..again to the Pope

Get well soon Pope

Pope John Paul II was admitted to the hospital.

He's been battling with flu and I hope he recovers prettys soon.

Capturing the day the wave strucked

This is gruesome. But along with that, some heroes emerged saving lives.

Guilty Pleasures, sinful delights

Since I like eating junkfood and such. This site review and rates snack food/ junk foods. Chocolate bars and chips and all the fattening things you can chew one and enjoy. Right now I think I'm craving for something like Aero Mint Bar from nestle and the Reese's milk chocolate dipped cookies. These fattening delicious junkies making me salivate.. Hehehe. I wanna have some too!

Wild, wicked and wanton

I'm cold. This weather we're having right now seems to make my skin all tingly. Normally December up to February would be cold months. I dunno if it's just me or the weather actually. I suppose it's partly due my red hell days and tummy aches. It makes me want to get away from anything that emits cold air. Talk about weirdness! Haha. Read all

The world's richest man speaks out.

Bills Gates granted interview to one of my favorite tech blogs Gizmodo

And from CNET news a perspective of a more kinder, gentler media friendly Bill Gates.

Throughout the '90s--when tech was booming and tech CEOs lined up to wax eloquent about their latest business plans or products and to jab the competition. It was fun to listen. Ellison talked up the Network Computer, Schmidtmapped out his plan to turn around Novell, and Bezos stressed "get big fast." Jobs was a magazine cover boy. Gates, meanwhile, struggled to define his image and endured pies in the face when he showed up in public. While the media was making celebrities out of dot.com CEOs and other "Davids," Goliath Microsoft was portrayed as the "evil empire" and out of touch. Read more

The tech news seems to be all about Firefox, Apple, browser wars and others. At least a Bill Gates interview is different one.

An "Apple" for the Poor!

Apple unveiling cheaper products at the Macworld Expo.

For those seeking to have one but cannot afford. Gee, how thoughtful! And I say that with a hint of sarcasm.

Apple Computer Inc. introduced a cut-rate computer the size of a paperback and a tiny iPod that starts at $99 but holds far fewer songs than the company's hard drive-based music players.

Ah, okay..it holds fewer songs! Like only 120 songs! The iPod shuffle lacks a display.Designed not to play songs purchased from online music stores that compete with Apple's iTunes.

And there's even mac budget desktop! Which I dunno what it can do because smaller than even some standalone external computer drives, they lack a monitor, mouse and keyboard. The 40-gigabyte Mac mini will cost $499, an 80-gigabyte model $599.

Great! cheaper apple, yeah! As if $499 is cheap! It's still big bucks! It lacks feature!...gah! Just buy the expensive ones bcause I know some people wouldn't mind spending if it has all the features and is much better.

The spread of web design influence

From Jefrrry Zeldman: Web design: A decade under the influence

If you're into web designing. Making layouts and such.

Hi tech new year gadgets

Ah, the wonders of technology even comes to clothing! Now you can have any images and convert it to embroidered patters. The Innov-is 4000D will do that for you. Heh. Homemakers out there will like the techie thing . Oh and Gizmodo says it's one "bad ass sewing machine." Hahaha. View product here.

And for gaming how about some Nintendogs. Lets see if it becomes a hit.

The curse of the new year. A Hollywood breakup!

I wasn't gonna blog about it but what the heck. Why not. We've been inundated with tsunami stories anyhow. And so....it's the end for Brad and Jen as they head to splitsville town. Awww. But putting my onw two cents worth of blogging thoughts. I think Gywneth and Brad was a better match and couple! Haha. Yeah I'm very showbiz you know!

Video blogging the tsunami disaster

The power of the internet and blogs proven again. Tsunami video blogs are a hit! Many of videos from the horrible tsunami disaster came from amatuers be it locals or tourists vacationing when disaster struck. ( many news organizations are now paying tons of dollars even for just a few minutes for their videos). It didn't matter if it were captured through cam phone either. It's been quite a success some you could watch for free but others do charge fo them now.

Web blogs and the bloggers proved that it's not just mainstream media who can offer many viewers information and videos and those wants to see for themselves what really transpired that awful day when wave of water crashed down and swallowed up many lives. Many Asian bloggers are recounting their tales nows and [video]Blogging about their ordeal.

This is funny

Better get the Portable Cellular Phone Booth invention for you rude folks out there. Ha! Who knows it just might be the latest gadget craze. It's too squared and bulky though. Yay. Haha.

Link through Gizmodo

On the brink of starvation, a 'Miracle' helicopter flew by

Link via Manila Times thru AFP it's the story of the 'Miracle' helicopter

I think it's good that that happened because most of the Aid Agencies are now in place in the most hardest hit nations and areas by the horrible tsunamis. Donations of money and from government, corpoeration and rich individuals are flowing but it's the logistics that bt the American that needed now. They're the onese whose got the capacity to bring in most of the relief goods with the use of their fleets, cargo planes, and soldiers to distribute immediate needs of the many victims most especially the basic needs such as clean drinking water and food and medicines and medical needs.

Philippines Included in Deadliest Places for Journalists

Still a look look back at 2004 as Iraq was named deadliest place in the world for journalists . Philippines along with India, Brazil, Mexico and Bangladesh.

There were about several journalist that were killed here. It has been deadly place especially in South of the country.

Freebies

I'm sleepy. I downloaded two more extensions for Firefox and signed up with Flickr. I'm blogging off.

Death toll rising

BBC: Tsunami toll 'to exceed 150,000

Hope it stops there cosit's just too much

In their opinion

Got this news link from Google news. Toronto star has been dissecting the Anatomy my of a Disaster. It's quite long and here's part of what they said Okay...

If you happened to be in Toronto — where it was seven seconds before 8 p.m. on Christmas night — that single, brief shiver along the planet's rigid skin was humanly imperceptible, just as it was to people in most parts of the globe.. Read more

Should've been detected

Git this new link from Google news. Toronto star has been dissecting the Anatomy my of a Disaster. It's quite long and here's part of what they said Okay...

If you happened to be in Toronto — where it was seven seconds before 8 p.m. on Christmas night — that single, brief shiver along the planet's rigid skin was humanly imperceptible, just as it was to people in most parts of the globe.. Read more

Philippine News of 2004

Well, we had Presidential election here but unlike in the U.S it took weeks and several hearings and arguments before Supreme Court declared President Arroyo the winner. But some say the late FPJ was cheated hence he lost the elections.

A spate of storms hit the country resulting death and destruction especially in the Quezon province area. Illegal logging is being blamed for contributiting to the deaths of so many. Fernando Poe Jr's sudden heart attack and passing away left a void in the movie industry here. His politcal allies saying the fight will go on.There was good news for us though. Manny Paquiao won a title bout. It was actually te night FPJ had an attack.

I wonder what 2005 headlines will be. Destabilization and coup rumors probably.

News That Made The Headlines Of 2004

Happy New year everyone and while it was a very sober welcoming celebration for 2005, here's a look back at some of the major news of 2004

• President Bush winning a re-election and convincingly too. Apparently there were more red states!
• Beslan Siege in Russia last September the killed hundreds of children and evoke emotions of hatred and anger for those terrorist who stormed the school that ended in bloody rescue.
• Madrid Train Bombing in the early part of the year that killed dozens.
• Iraq Bombings..on and on and on. Soldiers dying almost every week.
• Americans and other Nationalities being abducted and getting killed by radicals.
• Death of PLO leader Yasser Arafat. Left a vaccum of leadership in array.
• December Earthquake that triggered tsunamis all In most South Asian Countries. More than 100,00 deaths.
  

Other major grabbing news in field of Entertainment and Tech Industry

• Mel Gibson created a mega hit with his popular but very controversial movie The Passion Of The Christ. It made Mel go to the back though and count lots of money!
• Michael Moore--either you love him or you hate him. (I never liked the guy if you ask me) Got lambasted by Senator John McCain in the Republican Convention.
• LOTR geting most of the oscar trophies--it was expected

Technology

• Browser Wars! Mozilla Firefox trying to topple IE--succeding actually.
• Search Engine Wars! Yahoo, Microsoft and host wanting to offer stiff competition to leader of the pack Google.
• Cellphones with camera and video recorder, Digicams. PDA's a must have essentials.

Noise and Firecrackers Lights up the Sky

It's only past 6 oclock here and already there are firecrakers popping off one after the other. It'll be even more louder just before clock strikes 12. But it probably wont be as noisy as it was several years ago. It

Filipina among the thousands of dead

Manila times is reporting that Sharleen May Ang Tan was confirmed by her sister to be among the dead in a hospital in Phuket, Thailand. There are other missing Filipinos being monitored also by OWWA.

The scale of devastation is beyond comprehension

Earthquake/Tsunami dead is rising.Jsust several days ago it was 44, 000 now it's staggering 114,000. It's horrfying. It's sad. It's too much overwhelming.

AP reports that the death toll from last weekend's earthquake-tsunami catastrophe rose to more than 114,000 on Thursday as Indonesia uncovered more and more dead from ravaged Sumatra island. Read more

To learn more and view other news related to the terrible disaster click here

At last, an upgrade for PAGASA!

We are every lucky here that our country has been spared from the appalling tsunamis that struck most of the South Asian Counrtries. There weren't any Tsunami warnings they say thats why number of dead is just overwhelming. Here in the Philippines, President Arroyo is now making sure that similar fate wont happen to Filipinos and has authorized the release of 17 million pesos to upgrade the country's weather forecasting system. Buti na man!

The money will be given to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Dapat lang! This should've been done long time so PAGASA can calculate accurate storm system warnings and forecasts how it will affect the Philippines. Plus of course with mordernizing PAGASA one hopes that we can prevent similar kind of destruction that has devastated several Asian nations.

Worst Natural Disaster

AP: Tidal Waves Death Toll Rises to 40,000

It's heart wrenching to see(in the news) so many dead bodies washing up ashore or lying in the streets. All the Aid agencies pooling their efforts together to bring aid to thousands devastated by this horrific tsunami.

Still according to AP... Stories of survival emerged amid the devastation.

A blond-haired 2-year-old found sitting alone on a road in Thailand and taken to a hospital was reunited with his uncle, who saw the boy's picture on the hospital's Web site.

"When I saw Hannes on the Internet, I booked an air ticket to come here in less than five hours," said a man who identified himself only as Jim. Hannes Bergstroem's mother died in the tsunami; his father was in another hospital, the Swedish paper Aftonbladet reported.

In Malaysia, a 20-day-old baby was found floating on a mattress soon after the waves hit Sunday. She and her family were reunited.

Edit/update: Death toll now 44,00 [ link ]

Death and Destruction In Asia

It is horrendous and terrible what happened in South Asian nations as powerful strong 9.0 earthquake devastated Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Phucket in Thailand, India, Maldives and as far South Africa. The pictures from cable news is really tragic and shocking as they showed the tidal wave tsunami wiped away people and cities and cars, houses just everything! The death of thousands of people in those nations are just staggering. One guy interviewed in the news said it was like "nightmare from a hollywood disaster movie." Mother nature's wrath spared no one within it's path. It is the tsunami sea surge brought about by the powerful earthquake that really devastated killed thousands and thousands (death toll rising) of people and properties.

Philippines is lucky it was spared from this horrific earthquake. After all, we couldn't bear any more calamities as we're still dealing with typhoon and landslide victims here.

If I were a Christmas Present this would be me


Engagement Ring

You sure are loved, or are loving! Filled with
romantic giddiness, you radiate love,
affection, and caring. You know how to make
other people's day. Your only problem is that
you risk a chance of being rejected, which is
probably a large fear of yours.


What Type of Christmas Present are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

All true somehow and hmm, I wouldn't mind reciving diamond ring as well. Haha.

Merry Christmas to all

More about "Da King's" death

click this for more

FPJ Funeral March On the Way Now

Im still watching t.v and they're now showing coffin of "D King", Fernando Poe Jr., placing it in a horse drawn carriage and the streets outaide Sto. Domingo Church packed with suppoerters and mourners and friends and people from all walks of life here. Still emotionally charge scenes.

Last Farewell

Watching t.v right now and few minutes ago they were showing Erap's arrival at FPJ's wake. He went over to the casket and remove the glass so he can touch his hand and body and face. It's a very emotional scene actually. Erap's got tears in his eyes. IFernando Poe Jr and Former President Joseph Estrada are best friends cos they' both started in showbizness.

Go to INQ7 to view video feed

Update/Edit: Close friends of FPJ are eulogizing him but mostly of what they're saying and remembering have hints pertaining to him getting cheated in the last election(most people think and okay, maybe so do I). Richard Gomez was like Blah blah blah but the eulogy he gave was well written one. Dolphy also gave an endearing one; sharing funny anecdotes about FPJ and fond memories. And then Erap was the last to deliver eulogy. Wasn't really THAT moving but he was given standing ovation. Yeah, in eulogy.....*shrugs*

Dying Young, Dying Old and the Sorrow It Leaves Behind

Famous personalities here in the Philippines and the heart wrenching loss has been the main news headlines for the pass weeks now. After Actor Fernando Poe Jr, 65, succumb to death last Tuesday (news) another tragedy struck and this time it was the Speaker of the House's daughter, Kristina Casimira "KC" de Venecia , 16 year old, who died due to fire and suffocation inside their house. That is really really so sad. Losing a daughter a week before Christmas. The pain loved ones must be going through losing most precious and treasured part of their lives.

The Philippines right now is suffering from spate of tragedies and sufferings. Not only well known people but the many Filipinos who've been under the mercy of the typhoons that struck the country a few weeks back. It seems it's been only bad news, sad news, grim news thats been invading the papers and the televisions and radios everyday. And to think this is the season to be merry. But how can one rise above these sorrows that has befell us?

One needs to go on living despite woefulness state te nation's been dealing with for weeks now. Anne Frank once said " Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around and be happy. And whoever's happy will make others happy too"

I hope to see goodnews once more. It's rarely happens now but it will lift the spirits up.

A chaotic funeral

I'm watching cable news right now as they're showing the funeral of Yasser Arafat and it's certainly not a very dignified one starting from when the helicopters carrying the coffin got swarmed but throngs of Palestinians wanting to pay their last respects tho their leader. The news anchor are saying keeps saying Arafat would've love the attention because as they say he is "people man." But funerals should be solemn and dignified. At one point they showed that coffin almost falling because of the sea of people wanting to touch it and the Palestinian flag nowhere to be found atop. I was afraid it would burst open and then the body would fall or something like that..ahh the horrors! Not only would be reallbe undignified way to be buried but..really silly. but fortunaely nothing like that happened.

One thing I learned.. people didn't mind the guns as long as they can touch and be near coffin of their leader.

Such chaos for funeral march and burial.

Technology Lifesaver

Wired News: How SMS Could Save Your Life

1 gd thng abt tchnlgy f celfons and sms nt only cn it b use 4 sndng rcycled crny kowts msgs (n smtyms nnsense txt ..he3x ) bt it cn sve lives 2 o( ^_^)o

A bit of sms lingo there.

Now showing..Long face and the Losers

Where are those Hollywood Losers!? Hmm, probably sinking and never wanting to be seen! And I feel like laughing! Not only did Kerry lost, probably Hollywood too and majority of those in the entertainment industry whose fervent endorsement of Kerry failed! Their candidate lost the election!. It's Bush whose gonna run the country for four more years. Accept that! They should have just stick their noses to what they do best: Be fake and phony! They're good at it!

I remember several months back blogging about celebrity fakes and phonies and their anti-Bush campaign..I was right back and I am right now. Look where where are they now?--licking their wounds of defeat along with Kerry.

Now for those handful of Bush supporters in Hollywood....wait for Inagural Ball invitation.

Googling Your Desktop

Here's review of the newly launch Google's Desktop search

Some gripes.. it doesn't search PDF files.

Also coming soon google's to IM chat?

Do you think you need this?

From CyberJournalist: NewsGear 2004 recommended tech tools:

• Toshiba Portege M200 Tablet PC with a full-size keyboard and good battery life, making it a great tool for the multiskilled journalist.
• Apple iSight Video Conferencing system makes desktop video conferencing easy for bureaus and source interviews.
• Sony DCR PC330 Camera?s high quality captures broadcast quality video and still pictures at newspaper quality.
• Archos AV320 Video Recorder is an all-in-one digital media tool used for Web-quality video, print stills and audio compatible to Mac and PC.
• Nokia 6600 Imaging Phone can provide audio and video for breaking news as well as low-resolution streaming video over high speed networks. More here

Gosh, that is waaay too much of a tools for journalist!

Open mouth, insert foot

Washington Post: 2 in 3 Polled Find Kerry's Comment 'Inappropriate'

An overwhelming majority of voters believes it was wrong for John F. Kerry to have mentioned in Wednesday's presidential debate that Vice President Cheney's daughter is a lesbian, according to The Washington Post tracking survey.

Eeeks. My bad! and Greenday sings... don't wanna be an American idiot... la la la.. hehehe

Big Deal?

I'm talking about Newspaper endorsement . NY times and Boston Globe endorsement of Kerry is no surprise. Shouldn't the media play fair and not endorse any candidate but just stay in the middle. But I guess it wouldn't be America if there's no democracy in choosing. It's their perogative but heck, does it really matter? It certainly will give something to ponder on for the voters if their national paper thinks that the best choice is the one their endorsing. It's helps but not really the one that counts though.

And the Polls keeps changing

It's soo tight nobody really leads for long. One minute it's Bush, and thr next it's Kerry. Latest now shows John Kerry having slight edge. The thing is there's so many different polls taken by vairous origanization and tracking pollster offering different results.

What matters really, and I've blogged about it before, is the election itself.

Blahgging!

I'm sleepy. Looking at m blogs the last few times had something to do with entertainment. I guess Politics and Showbiz are one and thesame.

Still leading

Survey polls indicate.. Bush still leading over Kerry

Goodbye Superman

The actor who played Superman three times, Christopher Reeve, died today. After battling for nine years of being weelchair bound and Enduring months of therapy to allow him to breathe for longer and longer periods without a respirator, Reeve emerged to lobby Congress for better insurance protection against catastrophic injury and to move an Academy Award audience to tears with a call for more films about social issues.

How sad. He battled for nine years with his spinal injury and becoming quadruplegic(?) and now he's dead. It somehow reminded me of young poet and frequent and favorite Oprah guest, Mattie Stepanek who was also wheel chair bound because of distrophy who died earlier this year.

The Terminator for President?

Californians not really liking it but according to reuters report..courtesy of yahoo...

The U.S. Constitution bars foreign-born Americans, who include figures such as Schwarzenegger and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, from becoming president. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the issue, with the committee chairman Orrin Hatch, a Republican, backing a change to the Constitution.

Hmmm....anything's possible and as the famous termnitor Ahhhnuld would always say.. I'll be back! I guess this time as President? Errr... *shrugs* hehehee :)

A Telling Documentary

So I watched Bowling for Columbine (links below) earlier. Michael Moore, the anti Bush film maker, featured a lot of the guns that easily available on the streets, the net, anywhere actually. Of course who could forget the tragedy that Columbine(high school) suffered. It was the place where those gun toting teenagers riddled bullets everywhere killing a lot the students. More than the guns, He also high lighted the fact that whenever there's a crime, whatever level of it maybe, it would always be the black men who gets the blame and is incarcerated. He cited some samples in the film. He also featured, the panicked that people dealth with because of the Y2K scare and he mainly(and I think that it is what he was trying to point out) presented that because of the way the government handled the situation, they somehow created a picture of doom come the Y2K event..which of course nothing happened..duh. But basically, the main focal point of the film is what really ails America's society that really pushes them to brink of social disintegration.

I can't really critique the film. Just saw parts of it and it was good. But I still don't like the film maker!

Moore than you can bargain for

Controversial film by the anti Bush, anti war director Michael Moore, Farenheight 9/11 showing here. I've no idea of what it really is all about except I know it condemns President Bush for going to war in Iraq. I dunno if I should watch it or not I'm curious though.. Gah! I think I just wanna watch shark tales.

Axn Asia will however show Moore's film Bowling for Columbine I'm gonna watch that one even though I really don't like that Moore Guy.

Who's going to win the Debate?

Next week, people will get to see who is more convincing in their answers and approach to problems facing the their nation! Election may hinge debate. Whoever wins or projects self much better with answers and solutions. In fact report says that But while civics teachers, activists and other concerned citizens might not like to hear it, presidential debates are at least as much about style as substance, veterans of the process agree."They call them debates, but they're not debates," said Republican debate coach Sheila Tate. "They're platforms for the two candidates to position themselves" for an audience of undecided voters who, research shows, tend to rely on their gut, Tate said.

So I guess the main blogpoint here is..if Bush wins the debate, he's got a great chance of winning the election...right? Yeah!

Blogtechs: Gizmodos I like!
According to the Nokia's press release , there's new series model again and this time it's the 6670. I notice it's kinda similar to 7610..which I still don't have( no $$$ plus I think I like the 3220) but want to for blogging purposes. The new 6670 could probably like an upgrade of nokia's 7610. Another gadget is the Microtek Portable DVD Player. now, that I wanna have for those boring times when the teachers are not around and I'm just staring at ceiling and don't feel like having sore thumb smsing ancient Nokia phone! Hahaha.

The Art of Sharing

Time for to open the source so says Bill.. and so Microsoft has decided to allow governments and international organizations access to source code for its Office 2003 productivity suite.

Hmm, just for th government? what about geeks of no importance and the everyday people? Most are intoopen source coding now soo Gates opening up too. Heheee.

Biased in the media..

And Bill O'Reilly Got It Right this time

If Fox is for GOP then CNN is for the Democrats.. but the problem with that is journalist, broadcasters losing some credibility in reporting what really is the truth. We are somehow lost in verbal laments and prostrate debates and the biases of media men. Where does one draw the line then? CNN show crossfire has two blabbermouths who works for the Kerry Campaign, Paul Begala and Jame Carville. A for Fox, geesh! the whole network is GOP itself.

The point here according to Frank Rich article in NYTimes is Bill O Reilly attacked CNN for keeping James Carville and Paul Begala as hosts on "Crossfire" after they had joined the Kerry campaign, he fingered yet another symptom of the decline and fall of the American news culture. Mr. Carville have argued that the line wasn't blurred here because the liberal "Crossfire" hosts are unpaid, loosey-goosey Kerry advisers and their show is an opinion-mongering screamfest, not a news program.

No matter how long the overlap between Mr. Carville and Mr. Begala's TV and campaign roles, that brand and CNN itself are now as inextricably bound to the Democrats as Fox is to the Republicans. The network has succeeded in an impossible feat — ceding Mr. O'Reilly the moral high ground. The thing is, The Bush campaign doesn't have to enlist Fox hosts for its staff since they're willing to whore for it without even being asked.

I think individuals who works for election campaign and candidates should be castigated for doing shows which ultimately affects perception and can ulimately change opinions of people especially if all they do is defend their bosse instead of being neutral.

Presenting.. Avant Browser!

Hahaha, yep yep, I downloaded the new browser. It was really toss up between that or Mozilla Firefox I read most of the reviews before finally deciding to try Anderson Che's work. (The pros). It's damn good interface and skins and everything than IE. I can disable sound and music and flash to speed up connectivity and it has the ever popular pop up blocker. It's sight for sore IE soreyes. I love the tabs and all the mulitfunctions it offers.. it's faster too..definitely more than IE though when I go to my journal it's tad slow..ugh! Also (The cons)I can't open another broswer. It still uses the Shell of the IE.. It's not yet my default browser though. I wanna try them all..hehe.

Next up...the Mozilla Firefox!

Update: It turns out, i can open another browser..goodie and I thought it wont let me.

Can I have a car too, Miss Oprah!?

WoW! Ohrah is the modern day FAIRY GODMOTHER! She gives away 276 pontiac cars! Oh man, how lucky an audience can one be! huh!? Sheesh! I'm still drooling with envy. Queen of daytime talk show is really heaven sent to everyone..especially audiences. Imagine, Each car was worth $28,000 retail - meaning the total of the big giveaway was $7.7 million.

All those money, wow!

Tech Blog: New iMAC desktop

Feel like taking a byte? But it's the price, stupid! if it's expensive, who'd want to!

In a related Apple product news... according to Gizmodo for $37 you can be the proud owner of the world's most superfluous iPod shrine!

Couldn't agree more! Wahahaa!

Theme of the day: War is in the way, vote Bush to stop it!

Speakers talked about war and war and war! Alright already. I get it! A Senator and former Mayor showed vote of confidence for President Bush when it comes to fighting global terrorism and they both lauded him as the only one who can have the leadership and and the conviction to continue the fight against war and terror.

Whoa! no mention of economy, jobs, healthcare and other domestic problems or the agenda for the next four years

I was hoping they'd at least tackle those but I guess that will be brought up next couple of days. After all, it's only the first day of the convention. The need to bring back the shining moment and glory of President Bush after the 9/11 tragedy and the toppling of Saddam was the forefront of the the speeches of two famous moderate Republicans.

Bush was popular back in the days when the whole of America was healing from terrorist attacks and and he enjoyed high marks after toppling Hussein..

And so, on the first day of the convention..it's sprucing up the image of the president!

Live from New York, it's GOP CONVENTION!

The city that never sleeps, the state where corporate centers, businesses, class, money, chicness and not to mention the United Nations of cab drivers will be the place to be seen, mingle and trade matters of interest with people in power. NYTimes(reg req'd) says the Convention will be lavish, and certainly more expensive, affair than the Democratic bash in Boston last month.

Big businesses for many restaurants and hotels since most of the Convention goers will be staying for week almost and will be at those parties and cocktails sponsored by big American companies and a just think, a lot of lobbying groups would want to attend and mingle with senators and state representatives.

Heh. Time for them lobbyist to cozy up with commitee chairmans. If you read the whole report you're gonna see the many parties lined up for just about people whose got something to do with the convention and probably socialites wanna be seen with the powers that be. The Republican convention is expected to be a far larger opportunity for special interests than its Democratic counterpart

But it's not gonna be all glitz and hobnobbing, I'm very sure protestors would interrupt just about anything to be heard and express their dislike for Bush.

Gee, I wish I'm there to just to blog any and everything at every aspects of the big affair. Too bad I'm a lowly amateur blogger!

Celebrity phonies and their anti-Bush campaign

Group of hollywood phonies launch an anti-bush ad via this site. Obviously the stars such as Matt Damon and others bashes the President.

Traditionally Hollywood supports Democratic party and so in this election period, they are all out in support of John Kerry. I dont even get it! What is it that they think he can do for them? And why are movie stars and hollywoood personalities wants him to be the one in the White House? I know they keep saying that lives would be better and economy will foster and grow. Wel Duh, as if they're the ones affected! Most if not all of them live a luxurious lifestyle and have power to command anything in their own superstar status so who are they kidding when they mention words and like economy and future of the Americans? Do they really give a damn about those stuff? Do they really know what's going on out there? Don't think so!

No doubt they have the appeal and the clout to pull or sway voters to their cause of unseating the current president and replacing him with their preferred choice which is Democratic nominee, John Kerry. But the reason, uhmm leaves something to american voters. I bet they just want a piece of the action. The star at the moment is the US Election.

If Holden Caulfied is for real, he'd probably have same thoughts--most celebrities are damn phonies!

Uh oh, the rain is pouring down!

Here comes the floods again! MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando should do something with the clogged drianges and garbages otherwise Metro Manila will be flooded again! We still haven't recovered from Yesterday's water world flooding!

This is what I'd call "D Bomb"

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's army has developed a pungent new weapon for driving back Palestinian protesters -- the skunk bomb. Read more

Jeepers! Ewww. I bet Palestinians would rather have the rubber bullets. Hahaha. But hey. the skunk bomb wouldn't really stop protestors I guess it will only make them smell soo stinky and foul.

Here the funny thing, they say it permeates clothes for five years, Uhm, they're probably just gonna throw the clothes away! duh uh!

Here's what I think, we need to have that skunk bomb odor here instead of the tear gas! I guess it's much more leathal in a skunky odory way! Hehehe.

The Metro is flooded!

Rain rain everywhere. Floods everywhere too! I didn't go to school today. Who would when the whole of Manila it seems is submerged in water and garbages swimming! Gross!

MMDA! wake up!

Oh no, Dismantle CIA?

The idea came as shock the Democrats as well as the White house. The report from Washington Post says that Republican chairman of the Senate intelligence committee proposed to remove most of the nation's major intelligence-gathering operations from the CIA and Pentagon and place them directly under the control of a new national intelligence director.

Why remove it? Hmm.. to save money? cold war is over? Maybe because of the flaw with what happened during the course of senate investigation of the 9/11 athe report. CIA wasn't really prepared.

According to the report In outlining the proposal, Roberts said, "No one agency, no matter how distinguished its history, is more important than U.S. national security." The paper also said: "We are not abolishing the CIA. We are reordering and renaming its three major elements." But the senior intelligence official said little would be left at the CIA under the plan. "That's exactly what it would do: demolish the agency," the official said.

White House indicated it would study the proposal, but a senior intelligence official said yesterday the plan "makes no sense" and would cause more problems than it solves.

The Central Intelligence Agency has been around for long and has helped a in terms of information gathering albeit with controversies along the way--lots. Anyway, if it's removal is approved (though I think it won't happen..unless maybe Kerry sits in the oval office).

I'm thinking novel murder mystery politcal writers--Tom Clancy, Fredrick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum, etc- will not be happy lots I guess. No more CIA, no more thriller plots to write about. Most of their stories involves the CIA. Hehehe.

Blahg: Boring Olympics

I used to love watching the games. I would always wait for the gymnastics--which happens to be my favorite and a couple of other events. This time around I'm finding it not exciting. Maybe the coverage of our own local station of the games and events which they're showing aren't really that exciting..except for swmming. Besides it's predictable, USA, China, Russia, Australia..they're always the ones winning medals.

The Kind of Blogger I am

I took the Blogging Personality Quiz at About Web logs and I am...

The Writer
Words captivate me. And, I like to capture words. Blogging enables me to write often. It also provides a place for me to share what I write with a reading public. I can be funny, inspiring, intelligent, cynical, or morbid. It doesn't matter what I write about in my blog. It only matters that I write.

Uh huh okay... I think the answer fits more with the kind of journaler(sp?) or diarist I am

Politically Gay

And you thought it only happens in movies but, New Jersey Governor shocked the world Thursday, first by admitting his homosexuality and an extramarital affair with an unnamed man

Ewww..hehee

Comedians having field day with the story.

Here in the Philippines, I bet there are similar stories like that..err... well, there are political figures with *questionnable sexuality". Haha.

Blahgs: Taxi flat rates way too much!

Omigosh! If you're a tourist here or a regular taxi passenger, the flat rate has risen to 30 pesos. That's too much! No wonder people don't flag down cabs anymore!

The Google IPO coming very soon

Its the tech industry's long awaited event despite having IPO auction problems containing misleading information

Google hopes to sell 25.7 million shares for $108 to $135 per share, but the so-called Dutch auction is designed to set the final price. The Mountain View-based company plans to close the auction sometime next week and distribute the shares to winning bidders before the stock debuts on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol "GOOG."

Well, if I have money I'll invest in stocks too and buy shares and hope to just swmim in cash like those two Google founders. Hehe.

A positive blog. A good news.

SunStar Bcolod: Twins' mother happy at last

Read and be uplited .

Now thats what I call nice piece of blog news

Are you serious?

President Arroyo is re thinking of sending back peacekeeping force to Iraq. And to think she was do adamant in pulling out the Filipino contingent there to save the life of a hostage whom militants had threatened to behead. Tsk tsk. No har in trying to help build Iraq but rememberbut..here she is after ordering troop pullouts, the possiblity of bringing back Filipino peacekeepers under a UN framework looms.

What if something simlar to that of Angelo Dela Cruz hostage case happens ? Will she recall back the Filipinos in Iraq..again? Gee, we'll probably be laughing stock if itever happens

Blahgging Thoughts: Wanted good positive news

Gosh, most news are just depressing. I think I need to Blahg about good jolly features and funny albeit lame silly ones and one with heart. Hehe =)

The terror plot thickens

From Drudge Report the news about Al Qaeda's plans for America.

So maybe the terror alert was justified.

Rot in Hell!
Terry Nichols..the man who helped Timothy Mc Veigh(who was excuted 4 years ago) in commiting the the worst domestic terror act by bombing Federal Building in Oklahoma, has been sentenced a life in prison with no parole. For the victims of the bombing, I think he should suffer same fate as that of Mc Veigh which he deserves! I Remember there was time he tried to hide here cos his' ex wife is a Filipina.... who eventually testified.

Greencard as a prize!

To win a greencard, one must join the reality show "Gana la Verde" ("Win the Green"). It seems Hundreds of contestants willing to eat burritos crammed with live worms, jump off high-speed trucks or wash sky-scraper windows in exchange for a year's legal help in speeding up their visa or green card cases.

Talk about different kind of prize! I be if there was reality show like that here in the Philippines, many would join just to be able to go the states and live and stay there and have a greencard.

According to the shows maker, Mr. Liberman " immigration and legal status is the number one issue ... But I thought, what would be the ultimate prize for someone living in the United States as an immigrant? "

Yeah, a green card naturally, aimed at the Hispanics.

But Alex Nogales, who campaigns for positive Hispanic representation in the U.S. media comments "how humiliating it is, and how desperate do people have to be, to get something that is so necessary to your life and to the future of your children. It is heart-wrenching," Read the whole story here

Of Terror Threat and Warning

I think the question most Americans ask is how reliable and true they are. NYTimes (reg req'd) article about How Severe is the Threat reports that some people wonder whether Bush administration was trying to manipulate the terrorist threat for political advantage. Probably because there was no evidence of it .

I thought about thesame thing too that maybe it is being used as politcal ripple effect of 9/11 but in hindsight, they, meaning Bush and Homeland Security, were right in issuing precautions and alerts even if it's based on some old information of plannedterror activities

The fact of the matter, people complained (after 9/11 had happened) that the Government and it's agencies--FBI,CIA- didn't do enough in advising and warning people about terrorists might've who had infiltrated the US. And so now in the post 9/11 where every minute detail and news and information as to the movements, words of any possible terror suspect is taken as threat, and as a result a a heightened security alert is issued, should not be taken as something that is being used for politcal purposes.

People were caught unaware of the 9/11 attacks because there was no warnings whatsoever. Maybe now even if there's no real big evidence about the threat (so far), Americans would be conscious enough(and be aware) and heed the warning--but not so far as to live in terror and let it get to them.

Eh He He. Blogged as if I'm a Republican!

Updated: Ah, now I get it. The alert was based from report that a man arrested in Pakistan was the basis for the the warnings.

Uhm, what US ban?

From INQ7 site: No travel ban to the US says the DFA. Heck, because of a terror lalert, tendency is to be wary and scared. Geez. nothing would stop Filipinos from going to the US even with a terror threat warning.

When the rain comes so does the floods and traffic!

Too much rain pouring down earlier in the day and into the night and as usual, floods hit the streets of the metro causing traffic. Calling MMDA!

NASA and the M&M'S

Heh. After Mars and the rover landing, it's time for Mercury. The Spacecraft messenger rocketed to the closest planet near the sun-- Mercury

According to report..Scientists have been yearning to study Mercury up-close ever since Mariner 10 zoomed by three times in the mid-1970s. If all goes well, come 2011, Messenger will be the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury.

Mars and Mercury are lucky planets, too bad there aren't any living creatures or aliens there else they'd know the amount of money and time and expertise scientists at the NASA Lab pouring over M&M's exploration.

Oh Mate, I object!

The rift is growing all because of a (Philippines) decision to withdraw troops and when Aussie Foreign Secretary, Alexander Downer said that he blamed the Philippines and Spain for a new threat against Australia by a purported al-Qaida affiliate. And then his boss, Prime Minister John Howard, defended Downer's statements, saying his foreign minister was ``strongly putting the view that you do not give in to terrorists, and I totally support him.''

Philippines did not give into the situation. View it more as saving a life. Not just one but of many overseas workers.

Bloggers at DNC Convention

Dozens of people will be blogging the Democratic Convention, creating an entirely new stream of information from political conventions so says Cyber Journalis.net

And so DNC gave crendentials to a lot of individual bloggers and journalist blogging for news sites. View the list if you're interested. You'd be very familiar with a lot of them if you read other blogs and go their blogsites regularly.

 Lucky bloggers! I think it's mostly the type of blog site one runs and how popular it is that can get a blogger crendtialed.

Aw shucks, I wanna be part of the event and blog too even if I'm an amateur, an unknown and I dont get paid to blog!

Marketing the Un-Britney

How it's done. According to the Washington Post A giggly, bouncy whirlwind of blond ambition, the 16-year-old Duff has been slickly marketed to the 8- to 14-year-old set as the anti-Spears have all succeeded thanks to Duff's flirty, sassy but ultimately G-rated persona. Credit Duff's handlers!

Heh! After all the many politcal newsblogs...a cutie, general patronage article for all you [Hilary] Duff fanatics. Oh and I think it's a good one for her too.

Okay okay, fine. I watch Lizzie McGuire....happy now? Hahahaha

More of what US officials are saying

Stll the harsh criticism continues to emanate from White House.

US Secretary of State Colin Powel: "in effect the kidnappers were rewarded for kidnapping." "We were very disappointed in the actions of the Philippine government," he said.

"A very high price was paid for the policy position that the Philippine government took."

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Wednesday that "weakness is provocative."

"The Philippines is seen as taking orders from terrorists," - US charge d'affaires Joseph Mussomeli

There are consequences to be paid it seems

What they're saying about the Philippines

Newspaper reports and editorials(international papers mostly) about President Arroyo's decision to pull troops out of Iraq is not really being favorable to her.  Most if not have severely criticized her actions.  US is an angry big brother right now and very upset with the move Arroyo made.   NY Times(reg req'd)reports that Groups apparently emboldened by the   Philippine withdrawal issued threats to three other American allies in Iraq - Japan, Poland and Bulgaria - to pull out their soldiers or face attacks.

Because those militant Iraqis "won" the battle of driving out Filipino troops just by threatening(sp) to behead a Filipino Worker if their demands weren't met (which is full withdrawal of troops ) they can do thesame with other  countries.  I guess that's what the US  are trying to point out.   President Arroyo have to defend herself against barrage of criticism from other nations and coalition forces who thinks that her decision is the wrong one. 

Majority of Filipinos approved of what did though.

Filipino Hostage in Iraq Freed by Captors
 
Meanwhile United States and  other  Coalition forces are still seething MAD over Philippines decision to pull out troops from Iraq.
 
President Arroyo is not looking good in their eyes because of her decision-- she did it so that people won't topple her if a headless  Hostage is shown instead of a released one. 
 

iPod, Therefore I am

So says in the Newsweek cover featuring Apple Ceo Steve Jobs as the magazine was the first to see and review   apple's redesigned iPod.

Visit Gizmodo to see more pictures ofthe mini iPods. They're cuties and they say less expnsive. Heck, I still can't afford one! Hehe.

Castigated by Others for Leaving!
 
Ouch! Philippines  at the receiving end of criticism from other nations for leaving Iraq and caving in to the demands of those militants.  Officials from US and the (new) Iraqi government were dismayed and disappointed at our troops pull out from their duties in Iraq. Geez, even Bulgaria, Australia, Italy and others didn't approved of  what the Philippines did (in order to save the life of  Filipino hostage).    
 
 Philippines  has been the main  supporter in the  fight against terrorism and was the first one to  join  Bush in declaring  full support  in the War In Iraq. But now,  looks like Manila and Washington's relations is starting to be little jagged already.  It's souring already.
 
I think that  President Arroyo ordered the pull-out to gain points with the different militant groups here at the risk of US getting mad.  I wonder if she's regretting her decision. 

Blogging  Styles and Phones to Have

Get the Nokia 7610 (which has been available here for quite sometime now) if you're always in a hurry you and don't have time to log online to blog, you can just MoBlog using the phone of course and use the Lifeblog features. I wonder if it'll work with this site. I know it wont probably work with Wordpress or something like Movable Type.

There's also  Sony Ericsson 900-- much too expensive though, but heck it's cool

Now the joke's on us!? Are we Laughing?

And again, Phlippine troop withdrawal gets an opening monalogue jokes from Jay Leno.

Jay: Hey, have you heard about this, there's a new track and field world record. Yeah, The Philippine troops!

And then Jay Leno action's a person running fast.

Yayness me! now because of PGMA decision to withdraw troops-- all 51 of them-were getting the butt of jokes from a late night tv show.

Errr...uhm..*scratches head* say cheeeeese!

On the other hand, news tonight says people are divided against the move of sending home troops earlier than expected. one something's for sure most Filipinos just wants to see Angelo Dela Cruz safe and home.

Defying what The US wants

The news read: Philippines Pulls Troops From Iraq. Looks like the White House is not happy with that development. The move was criticized by US and Ausatralian Government.

Which matters really? Filipino sentiments or American Opinion? Obviously the US was pissed with the decision and says "A decision by the Philippine government to withdraw its 51 troops ahead of schedule would send the wrong signal to terrorists," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters traveling with Bush in Michigan

Well Boo hoo! For crying out loud, It's only 51 contingent not the whole batallion! Soldiers in non-combative mission(Which is good!) For Petes sake! The US shouldn't be upset! So we caved in the to demands of the Militants, but a life is at stake here.

Update: This from a Jay Leno's The Tonight Show monalogue skit:

Jay: How do you feel about Philippines withdrawing it's troops?
(Fake)George Bush: Well Jay, I'm so upset I ban all the use of Manila Folders!

WAHEEEHEE. NYAHAHAAAHAHA! Man, that was funny! Teheeehee. Somebody say cheeeseese! ^_^

Grr. My pc is soo damn slow! s l o w... as in and it's ticking me off! I'm about to burst in annoyance! Maybe it's my browser. I use IE but whenever I use NS it's much more faster! Shouldn't it be the other way around?

What I need is a super computer P4 3.0 256 byte 80 gig and all that pieces necessary to have a much faster pc! Heh. I'll blog off and dream about it!

He who is stupid!

Imagine saying to a little girl her names means "stupid dirty girl". The thing that made it worse was it came from an official. The remark was made by the California Education Secretary, Richard Riordan. He said he was "teasing" whe he made that comment. Yeah right!

According to the article The conversation, videotaped by KEYT-TV, took place Thursday at a promotional event for summer reading at Santa Barbara's central library. The girl, 6-year-old Isis D'Luciano, asked Riordan if he knew that her name meant "Egyptian goddess."

Riordan replied, "It means stupid dirty girl." Read full story here

Geez, he ought to pack his bags now and leave his post!

Look whose talking... speaking!

Apparently Ron Reagan will address the Democratic National Convention in Boston about stem cell research.

You think the Republicans are insulted? It's a Reagan after all. Me thinks John Kerry will give the son of the late President Reagan a good exposure at the Convention. Dont think it will make a huge impact but maybe for the stem cell research issues.

Meanwhile, Streisand will speak at the Republican Convention...NOT! heheee.

Got Mail?
I do! I got Gmail!

The waiting game
72 hours will lapse soon and if President Arroyo wont heed to the demands of the militants, they will behead Angelo dela Cruz. Al jazeera network showed a new video of dela Cruz wearing orange suit and asking to heed the demands of The militants.

The militants in Iraq should just release him, he's not even soldier. He's a civilian contract worker!

Why a Filipino?

Those Iraqi imilitants at it again. This time a Pinoy worker was abducted in Fallujah after his convoy was attacked by a group of insurgents. The insurgents demanded a pullout of the Philippine contingent in Iraq in 72 hours.

Why hostage somebody from a third world country?(whos not even a troop but instead an OFW) Would it really make any difference. I would understand if it's someone from Canada or UK or even from Spain.

Heck, I don't think our contingent is even that big! I'm not sure.

Update-Philippines will pull out troops....next month. They put a ban instead on pinoy workers going to Iraq to work.

I'm baaaack but, But the Godfather's dead!
Yes, it's me back from my shackles of bordomness! I'll bloody go back to my blogging rhythm in the couple of days.I'm savoring staring at the screen and absorbing all that've missed..news and otherwise.