Tedious Holidays

Thursday - House cleaning in the morning, and go home in the afternoon. But when I arrived at the terminal, all the buses are full. So I went back home, left my bag in my room and watched "Weeds" episodes. This series is superb, from dialogues to plot twists and the laughter. Then I did some groceries because all stores will be close on Friday.

Friday - Since I wasn't able to go home, I cooked my first paella. I have been memorizing the recipe I got in the internet so when it was about time to cook, I tried to recall all that is on the recipe. A friend of mine paid me a visit in the afternoon. Evening came, I went to a friend's house because I was alone at home at stayed at their place until saturday.

Saturday - I woke up late and supposed to go home earlier. I was still at a friend's house and hurriedly went back to the apartment to get my things. I arrived at the terminal at 2pm, got on the bus and arrived at my most unlikable place on earth, my hometown. I don't like the place but my parents are here. In the evening, my father borrowed the trisikad of my brother so we could roam around the poblacion. Then got stuck at my cousins place. We ate balut, have a lot of catching up. Slept!

Sunday - Again I woke up late, and told my parents that we should get together at the beach. I hand out some cash to my father to buy some food for baon. When everything was settled, we went to the beach, with my cousins and pamangkins. At the beach, I only looked at the huge waves and dirty gulf. There must have been some landslide somewhere because there where lots of logs and leaves around the beach. We went home late in the afternoon with no one got wet.

Monday - I woke up early, had a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Prepared my things and headed for the terminal. Unfortunately, I came late in the office and with a news that my laptop is still unusable. Darn!

I'm out!

Something Technical: Using Tortoise on Visual Studio 2005

When I transferred in this company, I asked around for the source control they are using. They were using

SVN and Tortoise. Well, I was glad that I was familiar with Tortoise, but using it for Visual Studio 2003?

I was used to Visual Sourcesafe 2005 (VSS). VSS works will for Visual Studio because the controls are on

the Visual Studio IDE already. When using Tortoise, I would have to open a separate window, for Explorer,

to Check-In, Update and Lock a file while the VSS Commands is already part of the Visual Studio IDE.

I searched the internet for solutions and found one that gave me a complicated instruction which I finally did able to accomplished. So I made another example of how to attain a command inside the Visual Studio IDE without having to open an Explorer to manipulate the source control:

Hope this will be easy for you:


1. Go to Tools->External Tool

2. Add The ff:
Title: Update
Command: C:\Program Files\TortoiseSVN\bin\TortoiseProc.exe
Arguments: /command:update /path:"$(SolutionDir)" /notempfile

Title: Log
Command: C:\Program Files\TortoiseSVN\bin\TortoiseProc.exe
Arguments: /command:log /path:"$(SolutionDir)" /notempfile

Title: Check for Modification
Command: C:\Program Files\TortoiseSVN\bin\TortoiseProc.exe
Arguments: /command:repostatus /path:"$(SolutionDir)" /notempfile

Title: Lock
Command: C:\Program Files\TortoiseSVN\bin\TortoiseProc.exe
Arguments: /command:lock /path:"$(SolutionDir)" /notempfile

Title: Revert
Command: C:\Program Files\TortoiseSVN\bin\TortoiseProc.exe
Arguments: /command:update /path:"$(SolutionDir)" /notempfile

Title: Commit
Command: C:\Program Files\TortoiseSVN\bin\TortoiseProc.exe
Arguments: /command:update /path:"$(SolutionDir)" /notempfile

3. Customize your toolbar by right clicking on any part of the toolbar.

4. Go to Toolbars Tab and Click New.

5. Name the toolbar as Tortoise.

6. Click on the Commands Tab and select Tools from the Category. (The commands added will be named as External Command N. If you cannot locate the commands you just added, you may close the Customize Dialog Box and count where the command was place then do the Customization again.)

7. Drag the Commands to the New Toolbar.


----Placing Icons


8. After all of the Commands are placed, click Rearrange Commands and select Toolbar. Select Tortoise from the dropdown menu.

9. Right click the first image below and select copy (use Firefox!). On the VS IDE, select the Control for Update, click



Modify Selection, then select Paste Button Image. You may need to edit the image if there are black spots.

(To edit, select Modify Selection -> Edit Button Image). Make sure that on the Modify Selection, the Default Style is selected. Do the placing of image for all controls.

10. That's it, open the copy of your project that is connected to SVN.


I'm out!

She's a Christian!

Last saturday, my housemates and me watched 1 VS 100. Edu was about to introduce the next player when I had to go to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water. I heard one of my housemate exclaimed "She's a Christian!". My ears instantly stood up. I looked at the TV and saw Ms. Chin-chin Guttierez. Ok, so she is. Being a conscious being, I look at them and told them FYI that everyone in the Philippines is, except for Muslims, we are predominantly Christians.

Now I get what she meant, it's their way of saying that she is a Protestant. I can't understand why they label someone as Christian to identify the person as not Catholic? Do they mean that being Catholic is being not a Christian? Is this a kind of discrimination to Catholics?

I'm not sure but I'm out!

Why I Leave?

I've been asked a number of times why do I have to leave my previous company. I am hoping no one assumes because the fact is that it's a professional reason. There has been a lot of changes in ex-company which affected every single detail of my work. From being not able to decide for the project to having a boss who asks questions which can be found in the report asked. I am maybe used to deciding thing for each project given to me but its a great deal for me for given such trust, and I know I haven't failed them. I done everything for the team, helped the staff to look for solutions to every complex requirements.

I was supposed to work for the Research and Development team but as time goes by, I became a team leader which is a not a step back from my older position. Things got a little bit dirtier when a new boss came to help out sort the problem. During this painful period, I did a lot of coding, a painful exercise for my brain, which is not what I supposed to be doing. The new boss asked for a report, and after sending the report to him, asked a question which is already in the report. It made my stay in the company worst.

After a month of reflections, I decided to resign. I couldn't handle the situation anymore. So here I am now in a new company, trying to find my way into the profession.


How long will I last?

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

I'm Out!

The Beautiful Juno

Juno, a comedy film about teenage pregnancy, stars Ellen Page (Hard Candy, X-Men 3) as a smart kid who deals with her pregnancy gracefully. Juno is a junior high school student, met a guy who's a runner, had sex and impregnated. So what's so funny about it?

Ellen Page's Juno is an acerbic wit, she's a cheerleader or a campus crush, she's just a simple girl who knows how to handle her problems. Every line she delivers is perfect, always hits the right spot. There is also Micheal Cera (Superbad) who's perfect for the role of Juno's boyfriend. She has a supporting parents who trusts her every decision. She once tried to abort the baby but couldn't handle it, so she decided to opt for adoption. She found the adoptive parents and loved them. In the end, Juno did the right thing.

The movie is funny in every part but there are moments that you get to feel sorry for the lead. But you will know that she is going to do what is best for her. The other actors, like Peter Parker's boss (I forgot his name) and Jennifer Garner act their part well. The soundtrack is also lovely, I keep playing Sonic Youth's Superstar (originally done by The Carpenters).

It's a great watch.

I'm out!

Brick

A week ago I received a text message from a cousin of mine, she needed help. As an ever helpful cousin, I asked her what it is and she said her menstruation is delayed for 7 days. And she is scared, she should be.

She gave birth last April of 2007 to a not-so-healthy baby girl. The baby was delivered normally but has a heart problem, something about a blocked vessel, and no opening on her rectum. She and her partner consented to have the operations needed for the baby. They spent almost about half a million pesos. Luckily, her partner is wealthy and is eager to have a son or a daughter (he's married and her wife couldn't concieve, not sure either if they have separated) and gave all of his fortune for the baby. Currently, the baby is healthy. My cousin have two kids on her previous relationship and both are healthy and have no defects. So it must be the guy who has a genetic problem.

So why did she texted me? Apparently she remembered I told her about ECP. Emergency contraceptive pills is an available contraceptive pill is the US that will stop the conception three days after intercourse, if the woman knew she is fertile during the action. It's 3 days, not seven days, I told her. She asked me for alternatives, I said I have to ask a friend.

After texting a friend, I told my cousin about a contraceptive pill to be taken at an unusual dosage so that she will have a miscarriage. But before she do it, I told her to asked her ob-gyn if the pill will suit her. A couple of days later, she rang me and said that it didn't work. She and her partner have decided to go to the extreme and optioned for abortion.

I am pro-life and I'm against it but I'm also liberal and I don't want to control people. I told her about the risks and did not said a word about my being against it. It would be their decision, not mine. I told her to see her ob-gyn again if it won't risk her life.

A day has passed then she gave me a ring again and asked me where could she get abortion. I've texted a friend, my hands are uncontrollably shaking. I've forwarded the reply to my cousin and told her to take care of herself. She told me that they had she and her partner had decided to do it for they are not yet ready for another child. I kept thinking, it's a fetus not a baby (from watching too much of House). She said she will call me once her predicament is over.

I'm pro-life and anti-abortion advocate but I'm not in control of other people's lives. And I'm not a divine person either. The best that I can do is educate them and leave them to decide.

Am I right?

I'm out!

Brick

A week ago I received a text message from a cousin of mine, she needed help. As an ever helpful cousin, I asked her what it is and she said her menstruation is delayed for 7 days. And she is scared, she should be.

She gave birth last April of 2007 to a not-so-healthy baby girl. The baby was delivered normally but has a heart problem, something about a blocked vessel, and no opening on her rectum. She and her partner consented to have the operations needed for the baby. They spent almost about half a million pesos. Luckily, her partner is wealthy and is eager to have a son or a daughter (he's married and her wife couldn't concieve, not sure either if they have separated) and gave all of his fortune for the baby. Currently, the baby is healthy. My cousin have two kids on her previous relationship and both are healthy and have no defects. So it must be the guy who has a genetic problem.

So why did she texted me? Apparently she remembered I told her about ECP. Emergency contraceptive pills is an available contraceptive pill is the US that will stop the conception three days after intercourse, if the woman knew she is fertile during the action. It's 3 days, not seven days, I told her. She asked me for alternatives, I said I have to ask a friend.

After texting a friend, I told my cousin about a contraceptive pill to be taken at an unusual dosage so that she will have a miscarriage. But before she do it, I told her to asked her ob-gyn if the pill will suit her. A couple of days later, she rang me and said that it didn't work. She and her partner have decided to go to the extreme and optioned for abortion.

I am pro-life and I'm against it but I'm also liberal and I don't want to control people. I told her about the risks and did not said a word about my being against it. It would be their decision, not mine. I told her to see her ob-gyn again if it won't risk her life.

A day has passed then she gave me a ring again and asked me where could she get abortion. I've texted a friend, my hands are uncontrollably shaking. I've forwarded the reply to my cousin and told her to take care of herself. She told me that they had she and her partner had decided to do it for they are not yet ready for another child. I kept thinking, it's a fetus not a baby (from watching too much of House). She said she will call me once her predicament is over.

I'm pro-life and anti-abortion advocate but I'm not in control of other people's lives. The best that I can do is educate them and leave them to decide. Am I right?

I'm out!

His Dark Materials Book III : The Amber Spyglass

Lyra was abducted by her mother, Mrs. Coulter, to protect her from the Church. Mrs. Coulter found out that the Church was going to kill her daughter so as not to fulfill the witches' prophecy. Will found them and help Lyra escape, but when they are about to escape, the legions of the Church and of Lord Asriel also arrived and had a battle. Lord Asriel won but Will and Lyra escaped with Lord Asriel spies, the Gallivespians, small people the size of a hand.

The story covered the journey of Will and Lyra to the world of the dead, where Lyra wanted to seek his dear friend, Roger, who was killed by Lord Asriel on the first book. In the world of the dead, Lyra was separated, for the first time, with his daemon, and soon Will also found out that he also left his. The book describes the world of the dead as a place, like a ruined city, where harpies, some winged creatures, feed on peoples misery. It also noted that there was no heaven or hell. Soon, Will was able to help the dead people escape the city by making a window to another world. When the soul came out of the window, their soul dissipates into the air and join the atoms of the universe to be renewed, either as another human being or any matter.

The book ended with Will and Lyra found their lost daemons and the two of them fell in love with each other. There came a conflict when the witch Serafina Pekkala came with a news that the two of them should go back to their own worlds, they cannot live together for the stranger to the other world will not die young. A heart breaking scene ended it all with Lyra sending Will and Dr. Malone to their own world and with the gyptians, Lyra was back to her world.

Will also found out from the angel Balthamos that the subtle knife is the reason why the Specters existed. That everytime Will cuts a window, a Specter is brought to life. So Will taught the angel how to close all the windows and Will broke the knife.

This book is the reflection of what the beliefs of the author is all about. Through Dr. Malone's words, the author clearly points out his notion on the Church's role in the civilization and how the Church limits the free will of every individual. Also, the author points our the idea of heaven and hell, that they are invented to instill fear to keep everyone from sin.

I believe it is a good read!

I'm out!

His Dark Materials Book II: The Subtle Knife

I would call The Golden Compass the softest of all three books. Soft in terms of handling the actual theme of the book. There was not much said on the book, it was more on the girl on a secret mission.

The end of the book, which was not shown on the film version, is about Lord Asriel having finally able to move to the different world. All three books deals talks a lot about parallel universe, that there are people and animals of different kinds on a world that may be like ours and are moving around but not touching each other. Not like the Jet Li movie the one, because it was about multiverse. Lord Asriel used Roger's daemon as his vessel to open the gateway to another universe. Lyra was left in her world.

The second book introduces a new main character by the name of Will, who lives on our world and who found a window to another world. In the other world, Will found out that the place was ruled by children because the those who are old where afraid of beings called Specters. The Specters are not visible to the children. The Specters consume human lives by sucking the soul or the consciousness of the person. Here in this world, the Subtle Knife was created. The bearer of the knife would be able to use the other side to cut any objects, and the other side could create a window to another world. Will was able to possess this and he became the bearer.

Another character was introduced, a scientist of our world named Mary Malone. Dr. Malone is an ex-nun who is researching on the scientific explanation of the human consciousness. She is believed to play a bigger part in the third book, which I am currently reading.

Here, the Church's role was vividly described and their plans were being laid out. They don't want anyone to know the real meaning behind their tradition.

Lord Asriel has built his army to fight the Authority, who was described on the book as not the Creator but rather an angel who assumes the role of the creator.

Will found his father, who was mentioned on the first book, but was later killed by a witch out of love. What a kind of love!

The book ends with Lyra being kidnapped by Mrs. Coulter, who was able to pass through different worlds and Will left with his dead father and able to figure out what the knife can do.

His Dark Materials Book I : The Golden Compass

When I watched the movie, I liked it. If ever I have read the book before watching the movie, I would be disappointed.

An officemate of mine, you know who you are, lend me her book, the first of the trilogy. The European version is entitled The Northern Lights, which is the dancing golden light shown by Lord Asriel to the member of Jordan College. Although the alethiometer doesn't look like a common compass, I think it is a better description of it.

There are a lot of differences that I've read on the book than I've seen, really, a lot. They've made a huge change. Unlike the Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings films, where scenes not related to the main focus of the film were cut, but you could really tell that the movie is loyal to the book. The Golden Compass is not. The director said that he did so to stay away from the anti-organized religion theme but still, for me, it doesn't make sense. It was the main theme of the book, written in a fantasy genre. So to take that away means to create an entirely different kind of movie.

I would love to list down the differences but I won't. One review about the film I've read online said that after viewing, his son cried, not because the movie was touchy but the kid thinks that he was cheated.

I was cheated, I don't have to cry.

I'm out!

AI is back, and it's on QTV!

The first episode of the 8th season of American Idol will be aired on January 16 at 6pm on QTV.

I'll be watching and looking for my favorite.

I'm out!

Christmases and New Years (part 2)

The day before I've gone home for new year, I went to NCCC mall to have my gift certificate exchanged for the goods it is worth. It's a Fiesta Ham and the certificate was given to me by a high school classmate as a christmas gift. The supermarket was busy and the GC is only accepted on lane 12. So I went there after I got my Ham. The woman who's first in the line have 5 push carts full of items! I only have 2 items on my hands, a wine and the ham and I was the fifth.

After waiting for an hour, I decided to approach the cashier and asked her if the GC is acceptable on the other lanes. She took a look at the line and told me that it is ok. So I went to look for a fastest lane and fortunately found one. I should have ask the question earlier. Damn!

December 30, I rode a bus from davao at 4pm and arrived at around 7pm.

On the eve of new year's day, the place became a warzone. Firecrackers where everywhere. Our baby was all awake, wondering what the noise is all about. We shared a nice meal together and at around 1am, my brother and I decided to go to our cousin's place in the Bukid!

There, we spent the night drinking and merrying and went home at 5 in the morning.

I'm out!

Christmases and New Years

Christmases and New Years are the only time of the year were I get to spent a lot of time with my family. I don't usually go home on Holy Week holidays.

This past Christmas was very special, we rebuilt our house and there was a new addition to our family, my sister's son, who was born last October. My father and my mother are used to be the only inhabitants of our home, since my sister gave birth, they are now accompanied with my sister and my sister's son. My mother was very eager to leave my aunt's house, which they stayed when the old house was destroyed, on the 24th of December. She wanted us to celebrate our Christmas on our new house. So glad we did, even if it haven't been furnished yet. I bought new Christmas lights and new wall clock. My brother and I painted the old furnitures to make it look new, washed the dirty dishes, and bought groceries for the Noche Buena.


to be continued...

The Golden Compass...

I've read it's from a book written by a known atheist, Phillip Pullman, but i don't mind who is the author, I wanted a good story.

I'm a Potter fan and I have never heard of His Dark Materials trilogy before so watching the movie without having read the book means no expectations. So I just get inside the cinema and watched the entire show. The idea of a parallel universe is quite unique, the very idea of having a soul that is an animal is better. I wish I had one and I wanted it to be a tiger, just like Daniel Craig's. Although the idea of the story is very unique, the entire movie is somewhat rushed. Everything is put into the movie all at once and we left us no time to internalize the characters. I felt no connection to the character of Billy, who is supposed to be pitied upon, but I know nothing about him than just a friend of Lyra.

The actors were great, Nicole is effective and the Dakota is adorable. But the big names attached to the movie have less screen time than the space their names occupied on the posters.

The CGI is impressive and the battle of the bears is a history in the making for great movie scenes. Sir Ian's voice for Iorek is as powerful as the bear. Over all, the movie is an experience, a good journey to a new fantasy.

After seeing the movie, I am intrigue about the books so I'll get them one of these days. It's going to be another addiction.


"It's fiction, for God's sake!"

Part of your World!

Hey guy!


Just saw this post on YouTube and enjoyed the voice.

Marco, you will envy him!


Ciao!

Apat Dapat?

Wenn Deramas's comedies are known for great punchlines. Most punchlines are related to movies and pop culture. Stories are often just a backdrop, moviegoers do mind about the story but at times are more interested how the characters deliver their lines.

Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat is the latest offering from Deramas. Having delivered the box-office success to Ai-ai delas Alas's starer Tanging Ina, he again gave us another spin in comedy. The movie's theme is not laughable because most of us don't look at death as laughable. But Wenn's actors are in it to give the viewers something to laugh at. Eugene, Pokwang, Candy and Rufa Mae are good at delivering the punchlines. Problem tough is that the audio is not good and I was able to notice lines uttered like a whisper.

Some scenes are predictable, but still laughable. Eugene and Candy are more mature than the other two in terms of acting and delivery. Even in scenes that involves being dramatic, there are good in every department.

Some of the flaws, which are obvious in every Deramas' comedies, which I don't like, are the fast-forwards. I'm not sure it is necessary to tell a time is passing.

What I would love to see in Wenn's next project to have a comedy where people will laugh at the words being uttered and not on actors punching each other. That would be a movie to look forward to.

At least Wenn was able to persuade me to watch a local movie.

Ciao! I'm out!

Powered by ScribeFire.

When PREGNANCY is the subject...

I got a phone call yesterday from a friend, a kababata, and I was surprised to hear her. We are not close friends but maybe because of the bond we had since we were kids she decided to call me. We talked much about our classmates and common friends we knew in Malita. Then I asked her what is she doing in Manila, she was surprised to know how did I knew she was there, duh! your using a landline! As the talking progressed, she asked me if I was already married, I said I'm not and no plans at all. I asked her back the same question, she said she doesn't have a boyfriend so that would be impossible. She said that it's ok for guys to not think about marriage or having a family because we don't have a deadline, girls do. We are both 27 and she said that bearing a child at 30 would be difficult. I guess that's what the Essence of Being a Woman is all about. :D

My brother's wife was 32 when she gave birth to their eldest son. Now, she is again pregnant at 33. I think when a lady wanted to settle down or have a bay, 30 would be a good age. It would help the population, the budget of the government would be lessen, the parents won't be having a problem sending their kids to school, everything would be happy.

As we continued our chat, I told her about our classmates who are either pregnant and married or just pregnant. She was happy for them, whatever their situations are. I told her to hire someone to get her pregnant so she won't have to deal with her dilemma. Menopause is a mile away from her.

So I told her to go back to our place because there are a lot of guys there who would love to get her pregnant.


Oi! I'm out!

What's up with these girls?

These days, I've found myself falling in love with these girls' kind of music. They have different genre but they all sound good to my ears.

Lily Allen - Her upbeat music is very likeable.
Regina Specktor - A Fiona Apple-like music with rich lyrics.
Amy Winehouse - The British soul diva who has been hailed by critics for her sultry voice and no-nonsense lyrics. Her latest album tops the chart in UK and US.
Corrine Bailey Rae - After hearing Put Your Records On, I was curious as to what her other music would be like, it was good.
Colbie Caillat - I don't know how to read her name but her music is fresh. All good to the ears and reflective.

What's your music today?

Ciao!

Jesse Bradford hears The Echo

Jesse Bradford has signed on to star in Yam Laranas' Hollywood version of the chilling Sigaw entitled The Echo. Bradford will play the role of James Blanco's but with a different characterization. The movie had been rewritten but the producers opted to have Laranas to direct the movie. They will start shooting come August in Canada.

Can't wait!

My Birthday with my Brother, Sister and Nephew

Last June 3, I turned 27 (God! I'm getting older!). I was supposed to be with my officemates the the day before in IGaCoS (Samal), to celebrate together with one of them, but I passed on it because I wanted to spend my day with my siblings.



My sister is here in Davao for her studies same with my brother, they stayed in my cousin's house in Matina. Since my nephew, who is 21, is in Davao too, I asked him to join us. We watched Pirates 3 at NCCC (I fell asleep in the middle of the screening), while eating popcorn and sipping soda. Then we headed to my apartment to have dinner with my housemates.





Nothing much!