travelling polander

Emailoracle.com Coupons

2011-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Just that! I've been sleeping on this blog for quite some time when I came across a website with my Tweet link on this "coupon" thing...

Which, after another click did I arrive on a site with my name as a user on it...

Okay, I got this little disclaimer below which says it all..

Good luck Chuck!

The "in" and "out" machine

2010-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

With the rising case of dengue patients in the Philippines, the growing number becomes worst to dangerous and vice versa.

Yahoo! Philippines just recently posted an alarming 7,000 individual cases that although DOH (Department of Health) mentions that this wasn't an epidemic status yet. One thing is certain: to those who already died, this news will never reach their ears and to those whose fate is still hanging in the balance of motivation to live - to all measures done in order to survive, the ability to live is something they are certain that they really, really need...

In my own little way, I've done my part (which I could say isn't my best) but at least I'm proud to say - I've been a part of it. What I'm talking about is donating your blood - but in this case using an "Apheresis" machine to do that.

Similar to the one I've been recently hooked-up a few weeks ago, this "Apheresis" machine draws my whole blood, process it and then returns it back - drawing only the much needed part for potential dengue patients.

The aftermath of a small prick to initially test my blood for the later donation has its rewards too...

...which I believe is fairly enough to make me or somebody smile after an "Apheresis" blood donation. See, I got this KFC Fully Loaded meal - which is my choice anyway after a "wholehearted" letting go of a portion of my blood. Fair enough right?

I still got an extra, although having this meal is already an "extra" for me - I can say that having a Chuckie is worth it! Of course, with a "Fully Loaded" KFC Meal on top of it.

Special thanks to "The Impulsive Buy" for the KFC "Fully Loaded" Meal image, to the "Bone Marrow Donor Support Network" for the "Apheresis" machine image, as well with "Pinoy Shop n' Save" for the Nestle "Chuckie" image...

An unlikely typo

2010-09-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

The habit of rising up early in the morning to read my e-mail has taken my memory to new height, and for this example being able to spot a "typo" on one of the newsletters that I daily receive.

Hmmmm... a "typo" isn't it? Of course, this was from their e-mail.

No more "ptomized" things...

The article however is already corrected online, as we speak and it also reminds me of MagicDisc and the blog I've written about it...

Finding the fastest DNS to use... locally

2010-09-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

While trying to resolve the slowness of our family internet cafe, I came across MacWorld article which tells about finding locally available DNS numbers to use near your geographic location. This DNS ("Domain Name System") thing kept ringing on my ears at work as well. Well, in the office - we do have problems regarding our ISP's DNS and it keeps on getting worse :-(

Prior to writing this supplementary article about this DNS thingy, I've been a fan of mixed cocktails of other DNS services like OpenDNS, NortonDNS, and so on. Went testing OpenDNS before and deploying it in a faith-based private hospital in Cebu, Philippines as well to a couple of organizations that I have performed consultancy projects. As for OpenDNS, I was able to do (as I've already said "cocktail" mix-up) together with some Linksys router restriction setup. The byproduct was a Conficker-free, malware and phish-free network that made an ease out of my work as a former Systems Administrator. At the same time, increasing working productivity by blocking certain restrictions on web browsing, etc. In short, non-essential things that aren't included in your usual job description which you're trying to include.

Now back to the finding a local DNS service thingy, here's a screenshot of namebench - a program which I've downloaded within Google Code that looks for DNS providers globally, as well as those near you. Well, since I live in the Philippine - I do need one here. Not necessarily the one my ISP assigned.

Now here's the end product screenshot of namebench - a clearer view of what should I have been using as my DNS numbers for all these times.

Trying namebench...

For those who want to test their ISP assigned DNS numbers, as well the possibility of finding a DNS number better than what their ISP has assigned them, namebench is readily available for downloading. To download, just click here.

2010-07-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

"Happy Sys Admin Day 2010! to all the SysAds out there...!!R%@@#@#.. hehehe..." Although this is my 2nd time to celebrate it (first one with the "actual" title and the second the "actual" responsibility), I wouldn't say that I'm a newbie in both ways. But I do confess its still a long, long way to go and hopefully I could get there in time...

Here's my Multiply post as a recap from the past of what I had for myself as a treat for those who consider me a "threat... ;-)"

An inspiring thought about IT guys who work for the Healthcare sector

2010-07-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Read what's on the top? Well, it does say "what's it like". Yup! I do agree on that. IT Professional might not look like Medical Doctors, Nurses or any front liner medical staff and yet our job do play very significant roles nowadays. It might not be a biological virus, but that of a "programmed one".

In case you like to check out the original page about this hospital ad, click here.

HOSTS hijack???

2010-06-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

As I recently recently installed Windows Ultimate on my Toshiba notebook, I noticed a new wave of problems that could possibly hamper me in using this nth installation to infinity.

Anyway, as indicated in Figure A. Windows Defender suddenly popped out of nothing in my screen to alert me about my HOSTS file. Of course, I do edit my HOSTS file to suit my taste of website protection (especially blocking adverts) but not in the sense that I put 127.0.0.1 lines also in A/V companies.

Figure A. Windows Defender Alert in Red

This is the first time I have encountered this popup screen. In a good sense, I actually saw what Windows Defender is all about: personal protection – although there are comments on the Word Wide Spider-web mentioning how “weak” Windows Defender is. I mean, its a good try – or good for nothing, as they would say…

Figure B. Windows Defender Alert in Green

At work, I don’t have as much liberty to say final words of approval for security applications and/or network improvements. As for A/V systems, all that I could do is research, study and recommend. Though not having a well-defined A/V system to use, its a good thing that there are a couple of trusty reliables to choose from. At the end of the day, its that which is easy, familiar and mostly – free secures the day.

A brand new notebook

2010-05-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

“A brand new notebook” is what I have entitled today’s blog. Not exactly that I have a brand new one. Instead, I have it reformatted suddenly…

Are you promoting what???

2010-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Roughly just a few short weeks, I've been already exploring some In-Text Ads for this blog of mine. Oh boy, there's quite plenty around the net. Let me bring you into something that both made me laugh and hate it.

I came across (as I always do) with Create-a-Great-Website and it tackles about Kontera's In-Text Advertising: How to Make Money out of your Website. While much have been mentioned about Kontera, one can say this is an oxymoron type of explaining it. Why? I simply placed by mouse on the in-text links and look what I've found:

It's quite clear that there are more Infolinks "links" than a single Kontera ad that can be found of that URL. To test if this is true or not, simply move your mouse pointer and there it goes!

So, you are promoting what??? Can anyone offer me that Infolnks mug for telling that???

Youngest Everest climber inspire kids

2010-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Just woke up to read my e-mails. Ah, another day to start. But just right after logging out, I've been directed to the Yahoo! Philippines page where I saw this:

Youngest Everest climber hopes to inspire kids - Yahoo! Philippines News

I am sooo inspired to read about a 13-year old to became the youngest climber in Mt. Everest - the tallest mountain in the world. I hope this challenges everybody, especially young kids to dream big and soar like an eagle - way above the clouds of doubt and confusion.

By the way, speaking of peaks and mountains - why not checkout this DVD from Amazon. I'm sure its pretty worth watching...

Online Worship

2010-05-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I was given another opportunity to worship the LORD GOD and be an online speaker as well for former co-workers of mine.

I based my topic on this online sermon with a Bible text coming from 2 Peter 3: 8-10. As you may already have read or about to read it - it should be clear enough to say the quote, "...in His time." Indeed, GOD's time is perfect for the glorification of our souls that is made perfect through Jesus Christ. We might find that our current time and situation may be different than we have desired. Are we far from friends, family and loved ones right now? Do we have no other options than what we already have? There are many more questions indeed that can't be answered in this time line of ours right now. GOD is the best resource person to ask about these kinds of questions.

Let me reflect the time before this online sermon has already transpired. It was just last week. I was then hoping to have myself lead the online sermon. I promised that I would. I failed and wondered why. I believe that we have our own time lines and sometimes committing to certain time lines with other people fail. This time, it has to proceed. By the time it was already about to begin, my headset wasn't working well. I hear my friends' voice whereas I only hear mine, and they don't hear it of course. I was a bit disappointed about this and I promised to find a way: either buying a new headset/microphone or looking for a computer which I could use equipped with a headset that working. Either which and hopefully it does work.

The online worship experience I had right now was trully a blessing for everyone, especially me because I wasn't able to worship with my brethren this particular Sabbath day. I came from my nighttime weekly rotation at work handling emergency calls involving accidents, situations and so on. Hopefully next week, I won't be assigned again - at least once in a month is okay. As I compare sitting on that desk handling calls and a few minutes ago, there's quite a big difference. Nonetheless, there is nothing fulfilling than to be close with the LORD GOD and understanding well HIS message. So, I bid safety to everyone out there.

As the online worship already ended, what I could only say is that in supplement to the Bible text I've mentioned, there are a couple of situations where people have been given ample time about GOD's word. Noah preaching his neighbors about the incoming deluge, Moses telling Pharaoh to let go of HIS people and Jonah asking the citizens of Nineveh to repent and return to the ways of the LORD. There are still many sample situations in and our of the Bible. Whenever there is time to do so - let us worship HIM in truth and in spirit. GOD is there and promises won't last as promises only. They will be in action very soon. Sooner than most of us think I'll be so...

Take time to consider reading other materials I've gathered prior to this online sermon. I want to thank www.bibleencyclopedia.net and www.sermoncentral.com for the sermon aids I had. Too bad, it was either I have a voice of a mouse that time or some external unseen figures want to disrupt the online worship. I praise GOD for all HIS divine providence and I say AMEN.

Paalam Bululoy

2010-05-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

"Paalam Bululoy", that could be one of the things my parents would whisper in the wake of Engr. Rafael Nantes: incumbent Governor of Quezon Province - now dead in a helicopter crash accident. To those who knew him well, especially relatives - he's a good friend, a great cousin and an "always smilling" kababayan...

Former Governor Rafael "Raffy" Nantes - was born on January 04, 1957 in the islands of Polillo, Quezon Province. He is 53 years old or to be exact: 53 years, 4 months, and 13 days (excluding the end date of his death).

Raffy, as what my mom would call her during their childhood days used to read "komiks (comics)" at my Lola Fanny's store in an upside down position. I mean the "komiks". The last time I saw him alive was in a meeting of relatives and kababayans in New Manila, Quezon City. I was then working with Republic Chemical Industries. His property and office was just at the back of ours (together with Dunkin Donuts), so each time somebody would mention "kay Nantes yan" or similar to that, it was always in my mind to think how lucky a Polander to like him to be in such a position.

To all those who knew not, or have not reached the islands of Polillo, Quezon province - we call it "Po-land" or "Polillo Islands". While theirs was in Mabini St. our was in Bonifacio St. and Raffy would come and ask my lola for the "komiks". She (my lola) wouldn't charge him a cent, and would even laugh the way he reads those "komiks".

To everyone still looking for more news about Quezon Province Governor Rafael "Raffy" Nantes, click this whole line...

Oh well, I am indeed saddened about this tragedy which happened. As a Polander myself, I pray that the Lord God have prepared him in peace. To every Polander (sa mga taga-Pulo) we are indeed sad and sorry for what has transpired. May God help us all...

Dim out of the sun light

2010-04-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Its a fine Sunday right now and I'm here in my sister's room, trying out my luck to put my thoughts into writing. Back during High School times, I remember writing a couple of poems now and then - all which extended during college times writing more of it, woowing some cute and pretty girl out there. Though we didn't end up together, I learn to write more but less. Write more not for myself, but for some website "thingy" and less because I'd say I'm a work-bed-eat-work guy. Ohh, so that's why...

2010-03-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

You Scored as Zetsu

You are Zetsu, a venus fly trap who eats bodies, you are also an akatsuki spy who has a split personality, your eyes are similar to the byakugan.

itachi

92%

Zetsu

92%

Tobi

83%

kakuza

67%

Orochimaru

67%

Deidara

67%

Kisame

58%

Pein

58%

Sasori

42%

Hidan

33%

Exponential Figures in Microsoft Word

2010-03-03T21:30:00.001-08:00

While logged in Facebook, somebody called my attention on how to type an exponential figure. Although I have no idea on where she needs to have it typed, I think it was (probably in Microsoft Word). The details that I'll be showing here in fact isn't detailed - since its just a two image screen shot.

Image (A) The Font Dialog box

Procedure:

Open Microsoft Word (in this case, I am using Word 2007)
Type at least a couple of numbers like "2010" (don't include the quotes please)
Highlight the number 10 and make a right-click on that number
Look at (Image B) to know what I mean about right-clicking on the number 10
Choose Font...
On the lower part of the Font dialog box, it mentions Effects
Put a check mark on Superscript.

Here's another image... (Image B)

Latest Issue: Bleach Episode 259

2010-02-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

Presenting this weeks sub: "Terror! The Monster That Lurks Underground". This is Bleach' Episode 259.

Now, available for viewing. Just click here to watch it.

I'm also updating post for both Naruto and One Piece. The English Sub of Naruto would probably come in a few hours, while One Piece should be available on Sunday afternoon. I'll be posting updates for both, which I think of starting backways - meaning adding previous episodes near the lastest subbed episode and the ones starting from "zero" and up. Hopefully I could keep this up which I think I could, hehehehe...

Wi-Tribe 4G Broadband

2010-02-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been quite amazed with the number of wifi-stands sprouting in all four corners of Antipolo City. What I'm talking about here is wifi-sales stands of Smart and the new one: Wi-Tribe. Of course, we all knew that Smart has been in the business, so is Globe and so is Sun. The last two however aren't active. Globe does house to house selling and Sun is mainly focused on marketing their wifi/portable "USB" wifi inside their Sunshops.

I just started my research on this new provider, so I've added them on my Twitter account. They also have a Facebook account that I added as well.

Wi-Tribe is powered by Liberty Broadcasting Network, Inc., which is financially backed up by San Miguel Corporation and Qtel Group (as their Telco partner).

I used their speed tester and this is what I got...

Back Issue: One Piece Episode 438

2010-02-23T04:56:00.001-08:00

At last, Luffy was able to snuck inside Impel Down, only to be impaled later by Warden Magellan and with all the poison that Luffy came in contact with - were not sure if he's going to survive.

I like the previous issue (which means the issue before this issue, hehehe...) were Luffy manifested his Haki in defeating the army wolves. Talk about asking Luffy do perform some circus and crowd control. Pretty sure everybody will be knocked out unconscious.

To those who have already watched Episode 438 - Paradise in Hell! Impel Down Level 5.5, and especially to those who haven't - let's watch altogether. Just click here to do that.

Back Issue: Naruto Shippuden Episode 147

2010-02-23T04:42:00.000-08:00

Naruto fans who want to watch back issues, I'm offering you Shippuden Episode 147 - Rogue Ninja's Past. Download it by clicking here. Animé fans of Bleach, I have already uploaded a link where you can click to download and play the video. It's Episode 257 - "A New Enemy! The True Nature of the Sword Beasts". Likewise, click it here to download.

As for One Piece fans (what was I thinking when I mentioned both Bleach and One Piece here... grrr!!!), I'll be posting later next morning a link to watch Episode 438 - Paradise in Hell! Impel Down Level 5.5.

Keep in touch!!!

Back Issue: Bleach Episode 257

2010-02-23T02:06:00.000-08:00

Due to security restrictions disabling me to get the actual flv or mp4 of this episode of Bleach (it's episode 257), I've created a small file for everybody to download, (and then open) to enjoy watching. Don't worry, just click here and download the file, then open it. That's all!

Ohh, don't forget to maximize the video :-)

Presenting Episode 257 entitled "A New Enemy! The True Nature of the Sword Beasts"

Download it here.

Dont forget to take time and donate me something. It'll help me post this happily :-)

Enjoy!

Posting my favorite animé

2010-02-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

Starting today on a weekly basis, I'll be blogging online about my favorite Animé. Actually, there's just three of them: Bleach, Naruto and One Piece and their latest videos.

Bleach is about a young guy named Kurosaki Ichigo who was able to see a soul reaper named Rukia Kuchiki in his own naked eye. Later, Rukia Kuchiki was at a scene fending off a bad spirit when she got hurt and eventually managed to transfer all her powers to Ichigo who managed to finished the bad spirit.

Bleach currently is under Episode 258, entitled "Stray Snake, Tortured Monkey" You may watch it for your convenience by clicking here.

I'll be posting Episode 259 later this week or depending on when an English sub has been already made. Episodes earlier than 258 (meaning 1 to 257) will be posted depending on the speed my hands can get these links. Hehehe...

Naruto

As for Naruto, he's another kid on the block (even weirder than Ichigo) who'll go anything just to get his village recognized him. Initially an outcast because he has the Kyubi inside him, Naruto learned how to harness the Kyubii's power to do good. But because of the possessive nature of the Kyubi's power, Naruto is into training not to depend on it anymore.

Naruto currently is under Shippuden Episode 148, entitled "Heir to Darkness" You may watch it for your convenience by clicking here.

See the whiskers? Hopefully I won't get one when I do some power-up or else I'll be in big trouble with my dad on carpentry and overall household renovation works.

One Piece

Now here's some real sea-faring adventure I'm sure no one would dare miss! In the One Piece world, Luffy sets sail, hoping to find that precious "One Piece" the legendary pirate: Gold Roger mentioned about. Together with a crew of pirates, Captain Luffy explores the world, finding new friends (nakama) and of course - getting into trouble.

As for One Piece, it's currently under Episode 439, entitled "Luffy's Treatment Begins! Ivan's Miraculous Ability" You may watch it for your convenience by clicking here.

For all the fans of these animé characters - cheer up! I'd made this blog for all of you so you can sit back, relax and watch a movie... err, I mean the Bleach, Naruto and One Piece episodes on your high-speed internet connections. Just saying to everyone "sorry" because most of these links are English only.

I also mentioned giving out links on next and previous episodes, but it'll come in a trio-back and forth episode at a time. So, if you have an episode you really, really need to watch right now - let me know. I might do that for you.

So, until a few days more before the week ends - just stay in touch! For all those who want to donate and keep me happily posting these, click on the "Donate" button below.

Thinking About Last Year

2009-07-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

It was still fresh on my mind what I was doing this very night, last year: this was that night when I was checking out if I still miss anything on my travel to Cebu City to work there as a fulltime Systems Administrator for a private, religious-funded hospital. I had thoughts of backing out, and yet I wasn’t able to do so. I could say its mixed feelings: finally being able to join the “Institution”, meeting a lot of your fellow-kind, being able to materialize your work+religious life in one sitting. These were the thoughts I have as I fill-in the space gap of my rollered maleta.

Polo, shirts, boxers, notes, memories, etc. I just kept stuffing things together, but not everything – for everything has its place in the sun. So, I left a few things back at home – especially for my brother to use: my computer, a couple of reference manuals for the Master Guide training of our church youth.

Surely, I’ll also be missing co-workers back at the manufacturing facility whom I have built a lot of trust and sweat. I do remember back then when my boss had me go to our Laguna facility to investigate and assist in retrieving a corrupt HRIS database. It was my first and last night to be able to sleep there. Peaceful, but gloomy. With the exemption of our resident security staff, there was no one there – but me. I was then able to extract everything and backed it on another computer for them to use. However, I wasn’t able to work that very Monday morning, since I slept on a relative’s house in Alabang.

As for this trip I have last year, I guess that decision to “re-locate” was quite a venture I’ll never forget… especially that on this very night (that I am already here, these thoughts made me smile a bit, laugh a bit) is the culmination of my one year at work.
Hmmm, time’s up! I had to sleep now. It’s another big day tomorrow being the One and only one…

Phish me not

2009-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

With the prevalence of spam e-mails and fraudulent websites, its hard to trust whenever you're really visiting a legitimate site or replying to a "real" e-mail. And so the birth of online questionaires guaranteed to test your ability to distinguish legal or not, phishing or not.

So phish me not please...

When God Made You by Natalie Grant

2008-10-31T10:27:00.001-07:00

When God Made You is a lovely song by Natalie Grant. Its lyrics is the embodiment of God's love that man wasn't made to be alone in his life, for HE then made a partner for him...

Chat with me on Travelling Polander

2008-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I created this chat box just to get your concerns. If you have anything to say against me (hopefully nothing!), comments and suggestions - why not use this chat window below. I'll help me sum up everyone's concerns about me.

If you like to have a similar chat box, just click here.

How to learn "computer hacking" from me

2007-11-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the week-long vacation, I feel very relaxed right now at work-but not too relaxed in dealing with everyday issues at work. I need to work on this and I need to work on that. All of this and that, in a monthly report.

I'm giving myself a breaker right now to ease this a bit and its quite an opportunity right now to discuss a certain topic such as "hacking". Although I won't let you know how to "hack" or why do people "hack", I'm posting something that's on the lighter side of it...

Take for example this kinda silly question I got from a friend of mine. The message (translated in "English" goes like this:

my friend:
how do i hack a computer

me (gil villamater) :
it's easy. 1) first, you need to have a lot of money to pay me so i could tutor you 2) second, if you can't do number 1, you have to find me some cutie out there which you'll be introducing me so that she could be my girlfriend eventually 3) third, make sure that you've followed either number 1 or number 2 4) fourth, if you're able to accomplish number 3, i can now teach you "hacking"

my friend:
hahaha

Now look guys, the word "hack" or "hacking" has two sides. It's like a coin. Either which way you'll be, think first on what you actually intend to accomplish about this? Are you going to use it to establish a more secured and safe world? or are you trying to pin somebody down? This post might be worth laughing, but just like in the Spider man movies: "with great power, comes great responsibility". So, are you responsible enough?

Think of these things...

Yahoo - The "lively" Messenger

2007-10-31T00:43:00.000-07:00

I just came across Yahoo! Messenger's recent aesthetic changes and oh boy, I sure appreciate the "face lift". The pale lavender color brightens up as you focus your mouse cursor on the app. I haven't yet explored the possibility of changing the backgrounds since this is the first time I have installed the update (thanks to FileHippo) but it should have provisions for that, since its possible that not everyone likes lavender (or purple) color...

As you see here (it's me), I made a few "Photoshop" changes just to hide the names and protect my privacy - but everything's a-OK! I remember the last version (aside this one) that I'm quite dumbfounded with the extra plugins underneath that most of us wish it would just go away, and never comeback.

I've been quite critical over the years about Yahoo! regarding various things such as unused BHO's (browser helper objects), script errors on Yahoo! Mail under Internet Explorer 7 (which makes me prefer to use Mozilla Firefox accessing it) and extra buttons / flash-based controls which I don't really need and I don't know how to make them disappear. Oh well, at least they've make the "lavender" Yahoo! Messenger pretty. How I wish it won't be bombarded with "ads". By the time that comes, there's nothing more but to have it called as "Ad-ware".

Medical Science

2007-08-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

There was a time when we still got cable TV, that I was able to watch a lot from different channels around the world. Well, it ended years ago...

What's posted right now is a shoot from a movie scene called "Doctor K". It's kinda like the "X-Files" or "CSI", but this one's Korean. Good thing there's an English subtitle that benefit everyone who knows no language aside from their mother tongue and English.

The movie's situated in a South Korean hospital, where Dr. Soo investigates her former classmate, the brilliant but cold Dr. Min, who has been successfully conducting neurosurgeries even the hospital’s most skilled surgeons would dissagree the success rate of such an operation. With the investigation backed up by Dr. Soo's uncle (the hospital administrator), her work as a colleague with Min comes into balance as she braces her feelings for him and the mystery behind each operation he successfully conducted.

Now comes Seh, a young teenage girl with a fatal brain tumour, that will undergo Min's "mystical" operation, only to discover that Dr. Min uses shamanistic magic to heal her (Seh). In the end, Dr. Soo realized that this would quite be fatal for Dr. Min to exercise and persuades him not to perform the "magic".

Oh well, this would be a good movie to my friends in the medical field...

A Frog Story

2007-08-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Although there's nothing special about this story (especially this "blue" eyed buddy on mine staring at you right now), I'd like to share it to everybody anyway...

One typical evening when I'm on the way home, it was quite rainy. I was suppose to pay for a one way ride (my usual last ride as I reach home is a motorized bike with a sidecar on it which we call "tricycle" here in the Philippines) but I've got a few coins left so I just flagged down tricycles going along M.L. Quezon Avenue (bound to Angono, Rizal). Tricycles going this way would in turn pass straight thru our subdivision's main gate, and that's were I usually stop. I was near Shopwise Antipolo that time.

Now, since there's a road construction going on right now near our subdivision gate (part of the road collapsed because the foundation wasn't that well packed), its easy for me to ask the driver to stop at the subdivision's gate which I have to cross the other side in order to be walk through and inside the subdivision, and finally home. Of course, I have to look sideways for incoming vehicles so I don't get smacked down and have my HMO bill my workplace for the accident. I have to be careful though while crossing.

As I was suppose to cross the other side of the highway, I saw this tiny little frog trying to get itself safely on the other side (we both started on the same side, trying to cross to get to the subdivision's gate). Although there's a traffic officer managing the road (since there's a construction going on, right?), there are still vehicles passing on both sides. There I saw that little frog jumping slowly, surely, until it crosses the highway safely.

Frankly, I was quite nervous over his/her fate should some speedy vehicle "swacked" it up! and there leave Kermit's cousin bloody. Good thing that didn't happen, and I was able to write this story in behalf of that frog whom I don't know where he/she is right now or is he/she still living or what.

I suppose that its quite a custom to give moral lesson on a story. This one doesn't have. I won't write one. Rather, I'll be asking reading to post their comments on how God provides safety, even to the minutest of animals.

Go on! Write me some feedbacks! Thanks in advance.

While you were sleeping...

2007-07-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

I decided to get back to the office after my 15 minute lunchbreak to finish some quick task when I remembered that I also have to accompany somebody who'll be visiting to fix one of our Line Printers. Well, he wasn't there yet and guess what? I wasn't aware that I was sitting beside two (2) co-workings from our Laguna facility in a nearby resto. So the three (3) of us talked abit, then altogether went back to the office...

Even though I'm quite sleepy after a good meal, I managed to slip into our Accounting office and talk to another co-working if her computer still bugs her down. That day, it didn't so I'm very thankful about that.

...also, somebody bought her digital camera and make a few shots. As seen in this photo, the owner of the digicam is seated on the center. The rest of us (except the "you know who?!?!?") posed and smiled for a shot. In the process, I came up with a title for this post I've made. While it should have been another "zzzz..." I renamed it instead "while you were sleeping" and oh boy, he does match the part...

Back to the Line Printers: hhhmmmm... the technician came after, he fixed it. It was fixed, I signed a service sheet just to verify it was working and off he goes. Later, I got the JPEG files of this shot in which one of them (as you see) is already posted online. << end >>

Useful app comes with a "typo"

2007-07-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

One of the few programs that I came across with (in terms of) archiving needs would be MagicISO's MagicDisc. This particular application lets you create images and save them into either BIN (*.BIN/*.CUE), Standard ISO (*.ISO) and Nero (*.NRG). You can also save it in the new Universal Image Format (*.UIF)

I gave it a try comparing how an ISO, NRG and UIF would par in image size and this is what I got:

ISO 284 MB (298,461,184 bytes)
NRG 287 MB (301,510,812 bytes)
UIF 224 MB (234,945,911 bytes)

ISO compared to NRG, was less 3,049,628 bytes. ISO against UIF was 63,515,273 bytes while NRG compared to UIF is 66,564,901 bytes less.

Not much about UIF is mentioned elsewhere on the web except on the MagicISO site, but you can try checking some details here. Lastly, although this isn't part of the image compression, I'll prefer calling it a "typo."

I don't think that its part of the freeware application to have a typographical error upon completion of the imaging task. So let's ask them to change word "iamge" to "image".

Conclusion: MagicDisc which comes as a freeware is one of the few good applications out there on the web. Great for archiving requirements! Download one now at www.magiciso.com

Another set of auto-sent emails

2007-06-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, I'm been very out recently... out in the midst of our very forested home (lott'sa trees in our lot) just spending playful time with my sister's kids who crash my computer from time to time. Hehehe...

Anyway, what this blog concerns me right now is the prevalence of worms, trojans and viruses I'm encountering daily despite the updates I checked on desktop and notebook computers at work. More than that, I've been continuously receiving emails from somebody I perceive that the user didn't even know that her mailbox automatically sent those.

Here's the rest of the story...

Trojans

The most common in this arena would be "HTML/Phishing.gen" and its so common that I'm already pissed about it. Hahahaha. On NOD32's website, "HTML/Phishing.gen" comes in a variety of names. Smithfraud, Bankfrand, etc., You name it! All those financial-type emails requesting you to update something based on the link provided on the email. Well, yeah correct link. Just putting your mouse over that link before clicking it means a difference. It's another link though: so careful please!

Worms

Here's something you wouldn't ordinarily found in your vegetable garden: internet worms. Nope, they're not to enrich your online soil experience. Rather, it just soil you much. "Win32/Bagle" is one of those worms that comes with siblings. Who says that internet worms doesn't have sexes? Win32/Bagle.AS, Win32/Bagle.DL, Win32/Bagle.DR, Win32/Bagle.FB, Win32/Bagle.FL, Win32/Bagle.FO, Win32/Bagle.HE Just naming a few...

Viruses

Like their biological cousins, computer viruses still do need a host to deliver a payload on the intended (or rather random) recipient. Not much to tell about here, but I'm pretty sure there's plenty lurking out there.

Consider this: I recently got an item called "Microsoft.WindowsSecurityCenter.AntiVirusOverride" using SpyBot - Search & Destroy. What is seems to do is it redirects common A/V update servers or sites (like "Microsoft.Windows.RedirectedHosts") to 192.168.0.101 You can check out Sophos for details.

SpyBot is such a good tool that when combined with your default A/V (I prefer BitDefender, McAfee, Sophos and Trend Micro though I consider Eset's NOD32 the best), an anti-spyware tool (Lavasoft's Ad-Aware).

TIP #1: Whenever you're having a hard time removing files, why not try a "Safe Mode with Command Prompt". From there, you can remove the unwanted files created by all the badwares.

Here's one example of a trojan which requires a "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" procedure:
Generic BackDoor.u:
- mstcpcon20.dll
- netmanage.dll
- netused.dll
(All removed via "Safe Mode" Command Prompt)

TIP #2: Hating to wait till your computer finishes loading those processes everytime you bootup? There's a tool available from Microsoft called "Autoruns" and it will help you determine which of these processes are legitimate and can be disabled. It can also be used to remove all the nastly entries worms, trojans and viruses inserted. Combined with "Process Explorer", it will be an effective tool (call it "dynamic duo") in killing those processes and removing them after. Click here for more details. Just a word of concern: do things the intelligent way, or else you might end up reformatting your computer.

TIP #3: If possible, disable System Restore because Windows backs up your files on a certain folder on your computer. So everytime you clean your computer, infected files are also backed up, leaving another opportunity that once restored - the badwares would be present again in your computer. McAfee Threat Center has details on this. You may go there by clicking here.

Sites to Avoid
(If you're using Yahoo! Messenger and a friend or somebody sent you a message, asking you to visit these sites, please don't - they're nasty conveyors of badwares)

72.29.67.138
danhba24h.com
decore.biz
drantispy.com
hiddenprofiles.net
nhatquanglan6.t35.com
quicknews.info
spylocked.com
t35.com
taiwan-cool.com
thecoolpics.com
thecoolpics.net

Lastly, for the auto-email sender, its a Win32/VB.NEI worm. A simple Google search would yield hundeds of results for the Win32/VB.NEI worm. Here's a transcript of the actual email sent to me:

X-YPOPs-Folder: @B@Bulk
X-RocketYMUMID: ALjJjkQAADx1Rn9l0QmvJXlMNOI
X-Apparently-To: *********************** via 68.142.201.184; Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:50:57 -0700
X-Rocket-Spam: 58.69.174.125
X-YahooFilteredBulk: 58.69.174.125
X-Originating-IP: [58.69.174.125]
Return-Path: <************************>
Authentication-Results: mta263.mail.re4.yahoo.com from=*****************; domainkeys=neutral (no sig)
Received: from 58.69.174.125 (HELO ******) (58.69.174.125)
by mta263.mail.re4.yahoo.com with SMTP; Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:50:56 -0700
From: "******************" <************************>
To: <***********************>
Subject: [virus Win32/VB.NEI worm] the file
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="----=_NextPart_9.45058643817902E-02"
Content-Length: 129662
X-NOD32Result: Infected, Win32/VB.NEI worm

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_9.45058643817902E-02
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

how are you?
i send the details.
OK ?

__________ NOD32 2350 (20070624) Warning __________

Warning: NOD32 antivirus system found the following in the message:
document.pif - Win32/VB.NEI worm - deleted

http://www.eset.com

------=_NextPart_9.45058643817902E-02
Content-Type: text/plain
X-Removed: Removed by NOD32 Antivirus System

------=_NextPart_9.45058643817902E-02--

Got it? That's all for this blog!

Things GOD never meant in your life (re-edited)

2007-05-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

There are things that GOD never meant for you to have in your life. Yes there is, and I've been contemplating in these thoughts after each passing day. A single day that ends gives way to another day of trial.

There are times (a lot of times) that I think there's more than following GOD, reading the Bible, obtaining fellowship and showing kindness (or compassion) - even to the undeserving. And these doesn't make some sort-of-a "buffer" to protect you against the wiles of sin, sinful men and women, sinful nature, compromising situations, difficult situations.

I had high school classmates living somewhere in the United States right now, another in Europe and the rest back in Poland. Who cares? Does the "status quo" of being there makes them better than I am or I am with them? As I learned in Solomon's book of Ecclessiastes, and the story of Job as written by Moses - good and bad things both come with the just/righteous and wicked/unjust. When it rains, it pours and it doesn't select where does the rain drops. For as long as the water cloud enshrouds beneath, so will be for good and bad guys.

We all pray and ask GOD for the better things this life needs to bring us. I have a different prayer though - read through:

-->> LORD, am I asking you the right things in life? Will it make me closer and closer to you each passing day? It's easy to shed a tear for the poor and brokenhearted, but do I have compassion for "even" the greater need? I've been asking you a lot of things - wonderful things, but it seems you're not looking forward to make them happen. Maybe, I am not asking the correct things. Maybe these things, you oh LORD with thy infinite wisdom - you're only looking for the best, "the very best" for me.

Crying For Things God Never Meant For You To Have In Your Life

-->> LORD, show me rather what I need to do. Sustain me against a wishful, silly mind and corrupted heart. Cleanse me against my infirmities, and made me whole. I've been asking too many things, non-essential things but you knew "the very best" and I think you want to surprise me!

-->> LORD, I frankly miss my parents. For I am a parent right now to my older sister, her siblings and my younger brother - doing all I can, to make this home that you left for awhile in an-OK shape, till you return back to see me, us. I miss You LORD, much, much more than the longing that I have for my parents. May my relationship with you be like that my longing of them.

The composition of my life's goals is to be even closer to you. I love you very much LORD. My heart has found comfort in these words that I want to let You know. The cryings won't stop, but it longs for your promise of wonderful Love.

Meet the Author

2007-03-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

For the fast few days, I've been struggling on finding a way to daily update this blog without the frustration of having to log-in and out or use a lot of tools. So far, Blogger for Microsoft® Word didn't do much of a help and I'm still having those #401 errors. Na'h...

Anyway, I've found a picture of myself while scanning some CD's in my drawer. Among the photos that I've had there-well, this one really interest me. For some reason, it seems a new me!

Do you agree?

(Last updated: Feb. 25, 2006)

Virus on the index [dot] page

2007-03-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

It's a fine Sunday morning, with nothing much to do but just surfing. It's almost as fine as I've expected when I came across website (LKG Group) synonymous to a certification training school. Instantly on the index page (others call it root page, whatever development platform they've made it up with - php, asp, dhtml, cgi, etc.,)

I was practically annoyed because of the site's good reputation and yet in their main page, my antivirus scanner popped-up indicating a "Generic.PWS.o" trojan it got, and deleted instantly. A quick research on the internet gave me two (2) interesting sites that you could review about the trojan. Check out these links below:

http://vil.nai.com//vil/content/v_132847.htm
http://www.sophos.com/security/analyses/trojhazifkita.html

I did multi-tasking immediately: making a screenshot of the virus, sending an e-mail to LKG Group (hopefully they'll read it though) and to the web developer as well and lastly, composing this blog.

Though its not a bad thing to surf in their website and look for the information you wanted, please be cautious. Until there are websites like this one, chances are that if you don't have a pretty good antivirus and updated definition (signature) files for that program - you're really in trouble with the rest of your installed programs, documents and personal files (including usernames and passwords).

Beta testing Ad-Aware® 2007 beta

2007-03-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning of time, I've been involved with testing applications, utilities, etc., Just recently, one of the new things that got me hooked testing for is Ad-Aware® 2007 beta. In the office that I'm currently working for, we use Ad-Aware SE Personal. Mind you, even with the SE version - there's no good catch, but a lot of detected spyware/malwares. Especially those using notebook computers.

Since its still in beta stage, probably a lot of bugs - take a look at what I've found:

In this screenshot, we can clearly see that the installation progresses with only a few more seconds before it completes the installation process. However, you'll notice that on the next screenshot that I got

...you'll notice a small window popped-up (Error 1722) indicating that there is a failure in the installation process ang thus it cannot be completed.

As usual, the only escape to this side of the avenue would be clicking the OK button.

My attempted installation of Lavasoft's Ad-Aware® 2007 beta left a couple of files. Yes, temporary files that might not be temporary at all, especially if its not asking a restart or if you happen to forget the same folder you did the same testing like I did. My probable next move would be an "off" screenshot, or no screenshot at all. Just plain tracking of the installation process, and the files it created, moved (or removed), as well as renamed.

Feel free to make a comment if Ad-Aware® 2007 beta properly installed in your computer or not.

One funny thing

2007-03-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

With nothing much on the queue to do, a co-worker of mine posted a question to me. Our conversation goes like this:

[11:00:28] kuya gil..busy ka? my mga alm ka bng games or activities during trekking for example, ala survivor! bsta ganun..

[11:02:19] kala ko ba ini-reresearch mo na yang mga iyan?

[11:04:26] hndi aq kc mkakita ng site n my guidelines talga pano gawin..usually my bayad,kya mgideas n lng knukuha q! pra s company outing to gus2 nla kc ala survivor ang theme! quiet ka lng ha..

[11:05:15] quiet?

[11:05:54] n nsabi q sau ung theme..:)

[11:09:08] nalimutan ko na ang theme eh... "theme park"? "sandara park"? or "national an-theme"?

[11:09:36] ha-ha-ha funny!

a-biff, a-biff, that's all folks?!?

Need a screen sharing? Read this...

2007-01-28T01:31:00.000-08:00

Forgive me my dear readers if it took so long before I made an update on this blog. After my last post, I was sooo busy enjoying Christmas Parties here and here, meeting friends, eating. What a life!

Right now, I came accross a tool which I'm evaluating right now. It's called TeamViewer - an Instant Desktop Sharing Application.

Free Remote Control

Want it yourself? Register for a free license (for personal use) by clicking here.

Introducing.. FunTrivia.com Bible Quizes

2006-12-15T06:07:00.000-08:00

Here's something I recently discovered on the web: an online Bible Trivia (and other Categories as well) quiz. Now, lunch breaks would never be the same.

I also got this Quiz Badge from them by obtaining my first 1,000 points. Oh well, its time to sleep already. I'll be off to Cavite tomorrow...

Christmas in our Hearts

2006-12-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

They say that the month of December is Christ' birth, as is it both merry and cold. Cold in the sense that the air is so cold, that people living in the Northern Hemisphere wore double jackets then. Here in the Philippines, we're experiencing that too! Although not that cold compared with my relatives in Chicago, New York and Maryland.

Oh well, here inside the company I'm working for... my hands are almost cold to frozen. Goosebumps on my skin are on the loose. My work's about to begin, so just stay tuned and read all my blogs please...

Bible Gems

2006-12-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

While cleaning up my table, I noticed a familiar envelope which I received a few weeks ago. To my surprise, it contains the certificate I got from Area 7's Bible Quiz for having the topmost spot. As I remember, the competition was intense. I represent my district, as other one's do. There's a lighter side of it. Let me tell you...

That Sabbath afternoon of November 25th, I was so sleepy that I think I'm unable to get back for the AY program. However, I had a few flashback memories of things worth making me come back, so I shook off this sleepy head of mine.

I was able to get back to church and the program's just starting. I also brought my digital camera with me to take a few pictures here and there. Meanwhile, here's Julie Ann, a fellow church mate of mine wanting to ask me something. Great! Now, what was that? Well, she asked me to join the Bible Quiz and represent our district: Rizal 5 for the quiz. So I said OK...

All after a few more minutes, I wasn't aware that the Bible Quiz was going to start and they began to mention names already. I was talking with a few peers of mine from another church about "church hopping" stuff a.k.a "prospecting a girlfriend." Hahaha... Well, I went up to our tiny pulpit and took a seat together with another guy representing Rizal 5. The Bible Quiz began...

As I've notice, the one's other districts represented are mostly Masterguides. Not only that, I personally trained some of them. It makes sense that each district within Area 7 is resorting to the best means of hitting the top spot. Oh, my! I even lost a few questions from Easy, Average and Difficult Round.

There was a question about a certain deity in Ephesus (during Paul's time) that nobody got a correct answer about it. Using our mini-chalkboards, I wrote and answered that it was "Diana" but got told that it was wrong. The Quiz Master told us that it was "Artemis". Weeks after that, I still searched for answers and I got one. "Diana" is correct. "Artemis" is the deity's name in Greek, while the same is called "Diana" for the Romans. I didn't contested this though but went on through that quiz. When my peers from Antipolo Center saw that I wrote the words "PLEASE HELP ME!!!" on my mini-chalkboard, they even laugh. Hahaha...

In short, the quiz ended and let's say I'm lucky enough to hit the top spot. So from that moment up to our finals with other Area contenders, I'm very busy reading, digging and discovering Bible Gems.

So, what's the lighter side? The lighter side is that I got late with a Bible study meeting arranged by my Uncle Alex in an exclusive subdivision here in Antipolo City. I'm supposed to be attending the church' "Social Night" gathering after sundown, but I told my friends that I couldn't because of that Bible study. Err.. My uncle's car already passed through our house by the time I arrived. Sad to say, I couldn't go back and enjoy "Social Night" just because of that. Poor me. Hahaha... That's the story.

The moral lesson is this: don't get too sleepy during Sabbath afternoons or else you won't be able to get a certificate for a Bible Quiz [!]

Problems with Spam? Report them with eMailTrackerPro

2006-11-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

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Not only you'll be able to get back to those spamming you, you'll be able to help me finish my studies. So much, much thanks to you!

About:Polander

2006-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Before I get off my home computer and commute to work, I'd like to mention Jarek for asking me "Why do you call myself a Polander?" Pretty interesting right? Well here's an answer for that...

The same answer is also mentioned back as a reply in his own blog. Just click his name in this blog...

Still on Yahoo! Online and (more on Offline) Messages

2006-11-12T00:25:00.000-08:00

These past days, something's going weird with my Yahoo! offline messages. The fact that bothers me is that my legitimate contact are sending me illegitimate messages. I don't know. I'm very sad about it. Are their computers hit by a virus? Phished or what? Don't they have an "anti-virus" installed?

In the company that I work for, I'm priviledged to sit in all the computers and laptops of almost every personnel. Sad to say, I'm sorry to see that there are programs sitting in their respective units that they might be unaware of. That's were my favorite program Ad-Aware comes in to the rescue. More than a few instances of Malware installed, a few games, etc.,

Now back to Yahoo! Messenger - this issue everyone seems silent about. How come my friends who are in my contact list are sending me messages (even Unicode messages) I couldn't imagine they could translate or speak. Non-English of course...

Regarding spoofing issues on Yahoo!? Check this site out regarding filename spoofing on Yahoo! But I'll be asking guys from Secunia if they are familiar about this issue. However when I researched on the keyword "thanatos18388" which was a (past) sender on my Y!M, I found out that Secunia did have some information about it: a certain TROJ_AGENT.EVJ that Trend Micro passed to them. Maybe I could include contacting McAfee about it (since most A/V installed in our office is made by NAI).

The night Noah's flood came

2006-10-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

If there's something I'm really sad about, that's the time when our house got flooded inside and out...

Dated: October 1, 2006 - At around 7:00pm to 9:00pm, heavy rains poured down Antipolo City. Two of the water lines broke out and spewed much water, thereby flooding a great portion of M.L. Quezon Avenue and other one going to Gloria Heights Subdivision. Water poured out so hard that the entire Nayong Silangan Subdivision was flooded two feet deep.

As you look at my computer right now, I'm not able to use this at the moment because of electrical / ground shock concerns. Our house on Mabolo Drive was one of the most heavily affected because the location of the entire subdivision is like a water "catch basin".

Dated: October 1, 2006 - I wasn't able to go back to work this day because I have to clean room by room. The flood last night left much mud that by the time I took this picture of my computer, I already consumed 3 hours re-mapping the floor.

The only human(s) left in our house that time of the flood was my niece (Sasha) and his brother (Ohm-Ohm). Good thing that they've stayed in the masters bedroom complete with drinkable water, some flashlight and candles. My sister was in her Community Service at a local city health office, while I'm stuck near Fortune Disco bar (near, but not inside definitely) together with other people hoping to pass on the other side of the flooded highway.

My parents (currently in Arizona, US) called us in the morning to get an update about the things that happened that evening and the things were currently doing. Much of the damage is the flooring. So everything that touches the floor is drenched in mud water. It would be good and benefiting if that's clean water, but it ain't. That's the problem. The other problem - well, my problem is that I texted my boss in the office that I won't be able to work today / or that day and she didn't get my message. Worst, is that the HR person who gave her number to me - I got an incorrect number of my boss (which she forwarded to me). That's my first time to be absent in the office, the office in which I just got hired and began to work October 1st.

Anyway, the past is past. Now going back on the mop...

My first online exam...after a couple of months

2006-09-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

It was nerve-cracking to analyze some context about published reports in an exam I had using ExamBuilder. Simply enough ExamBuilder let's you "Easily Create and Administer Exams Over the Internet." Of course, I'm not the one creating the exam. Instead, I'm the one taking.

Now the good news is that I've passed it with flying colors c",)

Since no one's greeting me up

2006-09-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

...Once held every year, we all have our own special day. Hehehe.. I don't have much to say right now inside this internet cafe near my place.

Just cherrios!

Pinatubo on my Mind

2006-09-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Reminiscing an exciting trip all the way up to Mount Pinatubo last November 2003 was more than an adventure. I had mixed feelings back then. Will I able to climb all the way up? or end hearing stories of those people I joined with, but failed to go up? Here's the story...

A couple friends of mine joined me to form Team Antipolo with fellow SDA's from different parts of Luzon in this enduring trip. The road all the way up isn't that great, as sand mixed with water creates friction and bruises our sensitive heels.

All made it up to the top with the exception of the husband of my friend's wife, and my friend herself. She had some heart illness, while her sister's husband has rheumatism. I almost got stripped of tent, clothing and food when I had to sacrifice an extra short, my favorite Lotus Notes T-shirt and my Coleman 7x7 dome tent for their use. Until now, both the shorts and the T-shirt never made it back to me.

A total of 298 people were able to made it up, with those 2 guys which remained and went back to the nearest military post which we stayed that night before the climb. It was already dark when I arrived at the top. Some of our fast runners made it as early as 2:00 P.M.

Using my extra tent, a Coleman stove, a burner and some easy cooking meal I shared it with a few close friends as we had fun at the top (near the crater). I also treated myself for skin injuries, rashes for the reason that I brought my first-aid kit in the first place. Some of those who joined which I'm not familiar with also asked for first-aid treatment. They got help of course!

While having fun, after meals someone noticed earring human sounds. We did search and found out that a friend of mine who's resting in one of the tents is suffering hypothermia. My close friends came to the aid, somebody brought his thermal insulation equipment (the one's you put into the car's dashboard & windows when you park, so that the heat generated by the sun is deflected back) and I bought myself. I embraced him, so that I could transfer whatever warmth there is in my body. After that, I myself got weak but not shivering. It indeed was cold, much more outside. I'm the only one walking without shoes, sandals or slippers. Its too complicated to wear anything for my feet at those moments. I got bruises, cuts all over my feet for the reason that I only wore sandals without socks to protect my skin. Its a good thing that they heal up fast. The only thing that doesn't heal well in me are those pimple marks I got in pre-adolescent stage. They're still in my face still on a permanent basis.

After everything that night, I still got a good night's sleep and an early morning rise. We just went there, took shots in groups, personal ones then had to go head back...

The crater now is in full glorious view that morning. It's about time to go home too! All the way up, I endured a death march myself that probably my mom & dad's fathers experienced too. All the way down, I have to walk up to the ranger's station then ride a 4x4 (equals 16) all terrain vehicle.

At the military camp, those two guys which were not able to come had their stories of their own. I had too, including experiencing LBM all the way up. I think I lost 10-20 pounds. All the way down, there's people Kodak'an ng Kodak'an. I met all the way up an elderly Japanese woman coming down riding a horse. The terrain is terribly difficult. I little girl accidentaly stepped at a stone and slipped down, getting an open wound. I hope she still remembers me: as one of the guys who helped her with my favorite white hanky covering her wound and a fellow Masterguide securing it with an appropriate knot.

The best part of this trip began when all Team Antipolo parked at a local restaurant in San Fernando, Pampanga. The guys, including me as as much as our heart and our pocket's content. Still heading back to Antipolo, we ended a gracious meal that we had. I think I arrived home around 10:30 P.M.

I had other mountain-top stories to tell, but this is the first time I've posted my story about our journey to Mount Pinatubo in 3 years time. There's also this Windows XP desktop-like mountain that I've went in Batangas twice but that would be posted on a separate blogg. Keep in touch with my postings...

Regarding Yahoo! Mail Sign-In Seal

2006-09-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Everytime I sign into Yahoo! Mail, there's a Sign-In Seal in the upper right portion of my browser (I use Internet Explorer version six point "O") usually appears. I tried replacing it just for fun with my favorite blue litterbug which is also posted in this blogg page of mine. Wallah' the default Sign-In Seal got replaced by a few mm's (wxh) of a shrinked shot of litterbug...

But there's some problem behind this. Two things: The use of cookies and a script-containing trojan, virus or things that would hack inside your computer. Yahoo! Mail possibly uses cookies to change the Sign-In Seal image, but what if your computer had all those cookies removed the modified Sign-In image should return back to its original (default) image.

I tested it, just to make sure. Good thing my little blue litterbug's still there. What could have made it in effect? I don't know yet. Have to research further regarding that matter.

In effect, I see nothing special about the Sign-In Seal. It's just something aesthetic, added to make Yahoo! Mail a legitimate site for accessing @yahoo e-mails. There's a better way to do that without getting phished. Just access http://mail.yahoo.com and that's it!

Careful to click those offline messages' links

2006-09-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

Just recently, I got two offline messages in my Yahoo! Mail from sombody whom I already knew that she's not using anymore her Yahoo! Messenger.

Here's the first one:

..and the second one:

The point is, it's asking me to visit two specific sites indicated (aside from the many offline messages she sent me) with practically two (2) identical sites, namely:

http://www.geocities.co.jp/ie_protector
http://www.geocities.co.jp/thanatos18388

I'm not familiar that Geocities does have a local "Japanese" site (bearing a ".co.jp" domain) and if they do, well that's another story. With a lot of pseudo-sites posing as branded, familar one's; if you're not that observant, you'll might end up with something else in your computer...

Yahoo! Mail Beta's New Page

2006-09-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

I'm looking at the new Yahoo! Mail Beta which I've included the actual screen shot indicated in a pre-image page in my own Yahoo! Mail.

It looks like Microsoft Outlook with a Yahoo! logo on the left...

Although I wasn't able to use it because I currently have a Windows 98 machine at home (Yahoo! Mail says you can only use the new Yahoo! Mail Beta if you got Windows XP/2000 or MacOS), it intrigues me to log-in a nearby internet cafe or open up Yahoo! Mail Beta in the office, just to check out how good this new interface would be and how will it par with other online mail services that's available on the web...

Polander's Beginnings...

2006-09-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

This is the Travelling Polander's Blog Site

Welcome. You might be a traveller yourself like the Polander living in the lovely cool mountain regions of Antipolo City, within the Rizal Provinces. Even the place where I stay called "Nayong Silangan" which literally means "East Valley" is quite far from the place I've worked before, and will be working then...

By the way, the image you're looking at is a tiny, yet shinny blue litterbug which I took a shot using my dad's 4.0 megapixel camera. I came all the way from Antipolo City to the outskirts of Batangas just to have this picture taken. "No way!!!" Actually, it was a weekend together with some youngsters in our church.

While everybody was having their siestas, I'm busy looking for subjects that appeal me. There goes my interest: photography. This cute litterbug came out of nowhere and landed on a small tree's leaf. I'm able to notice it of course because while everythings very green, this one's blue and shining.

Hope you enjoyed some kind of introduction that I've got here. Enjoy viewing the rest of the pages and do post a comment before you leave this site... THANK YOU