I want to watch The Dark Knight again. I want to watch Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D. I want to watch Wall-E on AUGUST 13. I want to eat a Champ Meal right now.
131+300+131+115 = PhP 677!!!
I need a way to generate these funds. Or else I'll not be having breakfast for...14 days. Or not eat for...5 days. Haha.
Useless post.
20 July 2008
19 July 2008
Luxury
In my journey for stress relief, I bought two sachets of two different kinds of facial wash, which i don't normally use these days and the overpriced but delicious Chocolate Indulgence drink. Yesterday, walking along Katipunan at around midnight and arriving at the dorm past my sign-out time was interesting.
These are just few of the things I did in the past two days full of trying to just do something else. But I guess, it always comes at a cost. Very big costs, such that these past two days must be my most costly since I started my sophomore year. For the past weeks, luxury was just something I couldn't think of, and now that I had the chance, I'm like going at it ferociously.
Watching The Dark Knight was just so worth it, though I guess watching it in a cheaper theater would have been better. But, anyway, just read my review. But yeah, there were so many good lines which I wasn't able to comprehend right away, so I'm searching for them right now in the internet. And I still haven't found any. If I do, I'm most likely to post them here.
And I just realized that if you want to know someone better, you really should be prepared. And thank God, though I'm not really "always" prepared, at least I have "mastered" masking emotions, though I'm not saying it is a good thing, because I actually think it is not. I do it just for the sake of trying to be "rational" and getting the chance of thinking about it. So yeah, back to the getting to know someone or some people better part, it just showed me more of the differences among us. Differences in many things - the way you live, the way you make choices, etc. And this is NOT the first time this has happened. But I am still surprised.
So though I guess I have gotten over the stress (In a very COSTLY, monetary manner), I have new things to face.
I guess, this is what makes life interesting.
These are just few of the things I did in the past two days full of trying to just do something else. But I guess, it always comes at a cost. Very big costs, such that these past two days must be my most costly since I started my sophomore year. For the past weeks, luxury was just something I couldn't think of, and now that I had the chance, I'm like going at it ferociously.
Watching The Dark Knight was just so worth it, though I guess watching it in a cheaper theater would have been better. But, anyway, just read my review. But yeah, there were so many good lines which I wasn't able to comprehend right away, so I'm searching for them right now in the internet. And I still haven't found any. If I do, I'm most likely to post them here.
And I just realized that if you want to know someone better, you really should be prepared. And thank God, though I'm not really "always" prepared, at least I have "mastered" masking emotions, though I'm not saying it is a good thing, because I actually think it is not. I do it just for the sake of trying to be "rational" and getting the chance of thinking about it. So yeah, back to the getting to know someone or some people better part, it just showed me more of the differences among us. Differences in many things - the way you live, the way you make choices, etc. And this is NOT the first time this has happened. But I am still surprised.
So though I guess I have gotten over the stress (In a very COSTLY, monetary manner), I have new things to face.
I guess, this is what makes life interesting.
04 July 2008
Interesting News
I regularly check out the "Latest Headlines" button of Firefox 3.0, and here are some socially and technologically significant articles I found interesting, all from BBC News UK.
Google must divulge YouTube log
Warning letters to 'file-sharers'
After that, I grew a little curious on statistics, so I researched a bit. And I came to this website - http://w3.bsa.org/philippines/press/newsreleases/globalstudypr.cfm. There are some other articles from that site which I read, but that one gives the most recent view, I think.
I've been thinking about piracy for quite a while now - why it exists, why it never seems to stop, and why it's like an epidemic. I was actually planning to write about this issue before I read these articles, and now, I am. But I'll try to keep it short.
For one, I am not really sure how the BSA gets the statistics on "losses" that amount to US$ 147 million. If they base it on the sales of pirated software, do they take into account the actual capability of the consumers to purchase these software by their actual costs? Like if a person buys a CD of pirated security software for like PhP 60, wherein the market price is like around PhP 2500, do they consider the 'capability' of the consumer to pay for its actual price?
If not, their statistics might be flawed.
Should they consider losses they would make if they lost the exposure they get through piracy? With all the fuss going around them because almost everyone can use them? Because, if not for piracy, maybe fewer people would use them and they would lose their popularity.
These pirated software, or maybe also movies, music, and other media, actually are very popular among the less-capable to buy original copies because of the fact that they are more affordable compared to original copies. Of course, there are some of those who have the resources to shell out, but still opt to buy the cheaper alternatives, but how many could they be? We can think that those who really do have the extra money won't buy pirated stuff as it can be considered a social stain, which they would think as "mediocrity" or "so not their stuff."
For the middle and lower classes, they think that by using such software, even through "copyright infringement," would somehow let them be in the league and have the same "leveling" as with those who are financially capable. It is an illusion of grandeur, just like what all the malls in the country provide. They think that by using these software, they get an edge. And they think that piracy makes it easier for them.
And these lead us to setbacks. Yes, there is more than one.
Technologically, it somehow slows down the drive of open source developing, as more people use pirated software, the demand for the real free alternatives lessens, too. It somehow makes the minds and imagination of some stagnant, or might lead to the open-source developers to be hired by the commercial world. Anyway, many technologies have developed because of open-source developing. There are even rumors that some commercial establishments take advantage of open-source code.
Socially and morally, it can be one of two things, or maybe both. It can show how desperate most of the world is wanting to reach equity in status, especially among the middle and lower classes, as they also want to be recognized and not be treated as guinea pigs of the richer. Or how each one wants to just get ahead of the other by any means possible, that money is just what everything is, that we think that those who have more money than us are happier in every sense, that trying to be richer in money will make us happier. Or by doing what the richer in money do, we would also be happy. This idea is just so wrong. It is cliché, but thinking that way is still very wrong.
I guess, I myself would feel bad if someone stole my pictures and claimed it was theirs. Yeah, I would. But, it would certainly be OK if proper citation be used. So, I guess, commercial software developers should be thankful that the "pirates" still include their company logos - and some even try to imitate the original box cover in slim jewel cases.
-------------------------------
See? How piracy has brought my thoughts to things that I think I can write a paper for Sociology. It even contains more words than most the papers I have made. I may stand corrected on some info, especially on factual things – please feel free to do so.
Google must divulge YouTube log
Warning letters to 'file-sharers'
After that, I grew a little curious on statistics, so I researched a bit. And I came to this website - http://w3.bsa.org/philippines/press/newsreleases/globalstudypr.cfm. There are some other articles from that site which I read, but that one gives the most recent view, I think.
I've been thinking about piracy for quite a while now - why it exists, why it never seems to stop, and why it's like an epidemic. I was actually planning to write about this issue before I read these articles, and now, I am. But I'll try to keep it short.
For one, I am not really sure how the BSA gets the statistics on "losses" that amount to US$ 147 million. If they base it on the sales of pirated software, do they take into account the actual capability of the consumers to purchase these software by their actual costs? Like if a person buys a CD of pirated security software for like PhP 60, wherein the market price is like around PhP 2500, do they consider the 'capability' of the consumer to pay for its actual price?
If not, their statistics might be flawed.
Should they consider losses they would make if they lost the exposure they get through piracy? With all the fuss going around them because almost everyone can use them? Because, if not for piracy, maybe fewer people would use them and they would lose their popularity.
These pirated software, or maybe also movies, music, and other media, actually are very popular among the less-capable to buy original copies because of the fact that they are more affordable compared to original copies. Of course, there are some of those who have the resources to shell out, but still opt to buy the cheaper alternatives, but how many could they be? We can think that those who really do have the extra money won't buy pirated stuff as it can be considered a social stain, which they would think as "mediocrity" or "so not their stuff."
For the middle and lower classes, they think that by using such software, even through "copyright infringement," would somehow let them be in the league and have the same "leveling" as with those who are financially capable. It is an illusion of grandeur, just like what all the malls in the country provide. They think that by using these software, they get an edge. And they think that piracy makes it easier for them.
And these lead us to setbacks. Yes, there is more than one.
Technologically, it somehow slows down the drive of open source developing, as more people use pirated software, the demand for the real free alternatives lessens, too. It somehow makes the minds and imagination of some stagnant, or might lead to the open-source developers to be hired by the commercial world. Anyway, many technologies have developed because of open-source developing. There are even rumors that some commercial establishments take advantage of open-source code.
Socially and morally, it can be one of two things, or maybe both. It can show how desperate most of the world is wanting to reach equity in status, especially among the middle and lower classes, as they also want to be recognized and not be treated as guinea pigs of the richer. Or how each one wants to just get ahead of the other by any means possible, that money is just what everything is, that we think that those who have more money than us are happier in every sense, that trying to be richer in money will make us happier. Or by doing what the richer in money do, we would also be happy. This idea is just so wrong. It is cliché, but thinking that way is still very wrong.
I guess, I myself would feel bad if someone stole my pictures and claimed it was theirs. Yeah, I would. But, it would certainly be OK if proper citation be used. So, I guess, commercial software developers should be thankful that the "pirates" still include their company logos - and some even try to imitate the original box cover in slim jewel cases.
-------------------------------
See? How piracy has brought my thoughts to things that I think I can write a paper for Sociology. It even contains more words than most the papers I have made. I may stand corrected on some info, especially on factual things – please feel free to do so.
30 June 2008
New Things
Yesterday, I bought a bike - the cheapest one that almost drained my contingency fund. And I'm sure I could have found something cheaper somewhere else, but I guess I don't have the luxury of going around that much to find a real bike store.
A few hours ago, I attended the NIGS Orientation for the new geology students and went along with the crowd. Free food, eh. But, amidst the cold environment of the NIGS AVR, I felt my throat going achy and my nose runny.
Now, I'm on warm-hot water and strepsils therapy, and Im worrying about CWTS Talent's Day. I'm sick and I don't know what to do. My last resort, as I've told many people already, is to sing - Angels by Robbie Williams, particularly. It's the most effortless thing to do. But in my condition, would I still be able to sing with my already-not-so-pleasant voice?
In a few minutes, we (Fed and I) would be having our "first corridor assembly" as corridor representatives, along with the newbies of WWI Girls, to discuss things about the Newbies Presentation Night. For one, I hate competition, and two, based on past exoeriences, I'm expecting 50% turn-out for the meeting. But for some reason, just like before in Kalai, I never wanted to be put to such position, but I'm thinking that later on, I might think I had enjoyed it.
But right now, I just wish I could sleep.
A few hours ago, I attended the NIGS Orientation for the new geology students and went along with the crowd. Free food, eh. But, amidst the cold environment of the NIGS AVR, I felt my throat going achy and my nose runny.
Now, I'm on warm-hot water and strepsils therapy, and Im worrying about CWTS Talent's Day. I'm sick and I don't know what to do. My last resort, as I've told many people already, is to sing - Angels by Robbie Williams, particularly. It's the most effortless thing to do. But in my condition, would I still be able to sing with my already-not-so-pleasant voice?
In a few minutes, we (Fed and I) would be having our "first corridor assembly" as corridor representatives, along with the newbies of WWI Girls, to discuss things about the Newbies Presentation Night. For one, I hate competition, and two, based on past exoeriences, I'm expecting 50% turn-out for the meeting. But for some reason, just like before in Kalai, I never wanted to be put to such position, but I'm thinking that later on, I might think I had enjoyed it.
But right now, I just wish I could sleep.
29 May 2008
Twilight Saga
My first book review in this site.
Bella is just so crazy.
Okay, I just finished reading the first three books of the "Twilight Saga" - Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse - by Stephenie Meyer. Yeah, believe it or not. I actually just started reading Twilight because of utter boredom and curiosity why my girl-friends (emphasis meant) during high school couldn’t stop babbling about it. I'd hear the name "Edward" a million times and some shrilly screams once in a while, and even some petty fights over his possession.
Okay, just to go with it briefly, it wasn't bad. Hmm, maybe a 7-8 out of 10.
Well, it is good because, well, apparently I read all of them in succession, in between my sleep-eat-surf the internet cycle this summer. It does have an engaging story. Well, it was full of teasers of love-making but never it. Frustrating? Yeah. Haha. (Just admit it) Well I guess it wasn’t such a bad idea because it makes the reader want to read MORE, hoping something will happen. The imagery was good, with the woods, the beach, the houses all able to imprint in my mind. Nice characters, as you actually have the freedom of what beautiful could mean to you.
Being in the first person perspective of a teenage girl, I guess, gives it some leverage on its audience, but lets male readers shy away from it. But it wouldn’t hurt “the men” to read it, it does give some insight of the behavior of women, not that I expect someone out there to be as crazy as Bella, or maybe it could be a good thing…*evil grin*
It lacks some action, though Eclipse gives a little more. For my tastes, I would love more action. But I guess it wasn’t meant to be that. It is a love story, Romeo-and-Juliet-like, though I have not read that story yet... yeah. But the love story itself is enough for a sucker for love stories (like me, yeah I admit it). But I really think Bella is crazy. And maybe Edward, too. Oh, whatever.
Of the three, I liked Eclipse best (more suspense, more action, more “advances” but quite not there) and New Moon the least (I guess I just found it so dragging, too “emo” especially with the first person perspective).
Anyway, another reason why I read the series is because the movie will be shown(!) this year, though sadly December, but better than nothing. I’m expecting already a lot of rants about not being faithful from the book, but just to be fair, a book is not a movie. It will never be. And don’t expect “Greek gods” and “unhumanly beautiful” people, as we all know, the series is written in first person perspective, so everything is just according to Bella. We really never know the reality. Who knows, something must be wrong with her eyes…and brain.
Well, I can’t wait for the last installment, Breaking Dawn, and the parallel-to-twilight spin-off, Midnight Sun, which is Twilight in Edward’s perspective. Though I might already have an idea of what he’s thinking, it might be more action-packed! (hoping)
Bella is just so crazy.
Okay, I just finished reading the first three books of the "Twilight Saga" - Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse - by Stephenie Meyer. Yeah, believe it or not. I actually just started reading Twilight because of utter boredom and curiosity why my girl-friends (emphasis meant) during high school couldn’t stop babbling about it. I'd hear the name "Edward" a million times and some shrilly screams once in a while, and even some petty fights over his possession.
Okay, just to go with it briefly, it wasn't bad. Hmm, maybe a 7-8 out of 10.
Well, it is good because, well, apparently I read all of them in succession, in between my sleep-eat-surf the internet cycle this summer. It does have an engaging story. Well, it was full of teasers of love-making but never it. Frustrating? Yeah. Haha. (Just admit it) Well I guess it wasn’t such a bad idea because it makes the reader want to read MORE, hoping something will happen. The imagery was good, with the woods, the beach, the houses all able to imprint in my mind. Nice characters, as you actually have the freedom of what beautiful could mean to you.
Being in the first person perspective of a teenage girl, I guess, gives it some leverage on its audience, but lets male readers shy away from it. But it wouldn’t hurt “the men” to read it, it does give some insight of the behavior of women, not that I expect someone out there to be as crazy as Bella, or maybe it could be a good thing…*evil grin*
It lacks some action, though Eclipse gives a little more. For my tastes, I would love more action. But I guess it wasn’t meant to be that. It is a love story, Romeo-and-Juliet-like, though I have not read that story yet... yeah. But the love story itself is enough for a sucker for love stories (like me, yeah I admit it). But I really think Bella is crazy. And maybe Edward, too. Oh, whatever.
Of the three, I liked Eclipse best (more suspense, more action, more “advances” but quite not there) and New Moon the least (I guess I just found it so dragging, too “emo” especially with the first person perspective).
Anyway, another reason why I read the series is because the movie will be shown(!) this year, though sadly December, but better than nothing. I’m expecting already a lot of rants about not being faithful from the book, but just to be fair, a book is not a movie. It will never be. And don’t expect “Greek gods” and “unhumanly beautiful” people, as we all know, the series is written in first person perspective, so everything is just according to Bella. We really never know the reality. Who knows, something must be wrong with her eyes…and brain.
Well, I can’t wait for the last installment, Breaking Dawn, and the parallel-to-twilight spin-off, Midnight Sun, which is Twilight in Edward’s perspective. Though I might already have an idea of what he’s thinking, it might be more action-packed! (hoping)
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