~ DARE to BE DIFFERENT... but always BE YOURSELF! ~

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Why Google Plus is about to Change the Web as We Know It




( Re-blogged from techrepublic.com )


Takeaway: After a series of failed attempts at social networking, Google may have nailed it with Google+. See why and how it could have a major impact on the future of the Web.

This is the way Google always wanted social networking to work, and this time the company may have pulled it off.
Google’s previous social attempts have been unmitigated train wrecks, if we’re being completely honest. Open Social failed because Google couldn’t get Facebook and other social networks to buy into the idea of a shared social identity. Google Wave missed the target by not being useful enough to attract any users. Google Buzz freaked people out by naively overstepping its bounds on privacy.
So, when Google unveiled its latest social experiment last week — called Google+ — I was extremely skeptical. Still, Facebook is so malignant in terms of privacy and such a mess to use and configure that I was more than happy to give Google+ a try. I just expected that it would be a speed-dating relationship like most of my product reviews and destined to last no more than a few weeks at the most.
Damn, was I wrong. After almost a week, I fully expect this Google+ thing to turn into a long-term relationship. I mean, we’re not buying matching workout suits or anything yet, but this is definitely more than just a crush on the hot, new thing.
To start, Google+ is what Google calls a “field trial” — a fancy way to say that it’s still in beta. For now, it is open mostly to technology industry insiders and the press. Google reasoned that since reporters were going to be writing about Plus anyway, they might as well let them kick the tires. Wise move.
Vic Gundotra, Google’s SVP of Social and the head guy in charge of Plus, said, ”We chose the initial seed very carefully. We wanted a lot of diversity, so we have people that represent over 42 of the world’s languages… We’re trying to really test the product, make sure that we meet people’s privacy expectations, that the systems are working, [and] that we can scale. We’ll slowly grow that initial seed as we’re ready.”
The other Google executive running the Plus project, Bradley Horowitz, added, ”Field trial is the right term. That’s not a euphemism. There’s a lot of rough edges in there and a lot of learning we have to do. The feedback we got in the first 24 hours is tremendous.”
Even with its rough edges and without the masses of humanity having access to Google+, the core experience is pretty powerful, and it’s easy to see where Google is going with this.
As I wrote over the weekend while diving into Google+, the most attractive part is how easy it is to find, add, and organize your friends (I cited that as the main reason you won’t hate Google+). The friend issue is the heart of all social networks, although it’s so obvious that it’s often overlooked. In fact, Twitter still isn’t very good at it, Facebook is a little better, but both of them now look like neophytes compared to the way Google+ does it.
The friend feature on Google+ is called “Circles,” and it turns out to be an intuitive mashup of friending (from Facebook) and following (from Twitter). Circles are basically sets of friends that you can drag and drop into groups, mirroring your existing social circles — Family & Friends, Colleagues, Local Techies, etc. — rather than just the one big lump of friends you have on Facebook that can result in moments of “worlds colliding,” since you have to share all of your updates with all of your friends. On Google+, you can selectively send updates to different circles, and you can quickly click between the news streams of your different circles.
You can also make circles for people you don’t necessarily know but are interested in following their updates (e.g. Tech Journalists, Famous Engineers, Web Celebrities, etc.). This is where Google+ echoes Twitter, because people don’t have to follow you back in order for you to add them to one of your Circles. At that point, you’ll see all of their public updates, and most of these folks make the majority of their updates public in order to be seen by more people (it’s the whole social media narcissism meme, and it has already transplanted itself on Google Plus).
The real killer feature to Circles in Google+ is how easy it is to find and add friends. Everywhere you see a user’s name or avatar you can simply mouse over it, click “Add to Circles,” and then select which circle to add them to. On Twitter, it took me about three years to find about 200 really interesting people (mostly in technology and the media) worth following. It took me less than three days to find that many on Google Plus. Of course, most of them are the same people, so Google+ has the advantage of speed by letting us quickly re-coagulate our existing social graph on the new service.
I’m not predicting Google+ will replace Facebook and/or Twitter. This will definitely not be a zero sum game. Facebook has the most to lose from Google Plus, but it’s going to be years before Aunt Jenny and your plumber show up on Google+ the way they recently showed up on Facebook (and it’s possible they never will). All three of these social networks — Facebook, Google+, and Twitter — will still be going strong three years from now. People will gravitate to them for different reasons. They’ll go to Twitter for news and to cyber-stalk celebrities. They’ll go to Facebook for private networking, water cooler chats, and games.
So, where will that leave Google+?

Monday, July 25, 2011

Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend


Truth be told, basketball isn't really one of my passions... but boy, do I love the game!  And why the hell not?  It is one of the most celebrated sports in the Philippines.

Basketball, more specifically, the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend, is what kept me up, about, and glued to the television screen last Saturday and Sunday night.

Say we put NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul (CP3), Derek Fischer, Tyreke Evans, James Harden, Derrick Williams, Javale McGee in one team - and call it Smart All-Stars?  And then the PBA MVP's and Rookies led by James Yap, no less, in another team - and call it PBA All-Stars?  Plus, the Philippine National Basketball Team, Smart Gilas, in yet another?  It'd be a BLAST!


That is just what happened at the Araneta Coliseum this weekend.  It was a blast, a madhouse, and definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Too bad I wasn't able to get tickets (they were freakin' sold out!). *sigh* :(  Thank God they had a live telecast of Saturday's game and a delayed telecast of Sunday's game.  


The Smart All-Stars won the game against the PBA All-Stars, 131-105 on Saturday.


And on Sunday, they also won versus the Smart Gilas, 98-89.


It was an amazing and intense two-day event, and the first ever, in the Philippines. You can feel the excitement and exhilaration of basketball fans from all over permeate through the TV screen.  It's contagious!  I, for one, was so happy and excited just watching the game on television. 

The NBA players were so cool!  Not only did they strut their stuff, with game faces on, on the court, they even threw out their autographed rubber shoes (OMG!) to the audience after the game on Sunday.  Those who caught them were really lucky dudes.  


It was an intense ALL-STAR weekend, indeed!

One that the Filipinos will never ever forget.

So Surreal.


NO to Plastic Bags: Going Green, One Step at a Time



The lush greens of Los Banos, Laguna
(photo source: lonjaurigue.wordpress.com)

I first encountered the plastic bag ban from where else but the suburban town of Los Banos in Laguna, Philippines.  We went there for a family leisure trip and I was surprised (and somehow inconvenienced at the time) to have to carry a big (used) box of goodies coming out of the supermarket.  For smaller items, they use the brown bag or for any number of items that can fit in their biggest bag.  It was the first time I experienced such.

Everything you buy in this town, whether it be groceries, school supplies, take-out food, hardware items, and what-not, the brown bag (or box) it is!... Or, you can bring your own bag.  Upon learning that it was an ordinance implemented by the local government, I can't help but feel utmost respect and admiration towards the government officials and the locals as well.  To be able to do that takes one hell of a lot of discipline, for people are not always amenable to changes in their ways.  Kudos to the people of Los Banos!  Since the implementation of this ordinance in Los Banos, I heard that 10 more municipalities and cities in the Philippines have passed the same ordinance.


I just realized that in the past, the Philippines have slowly been becoming eco-friendly.  I remembered first seeing the bio-degradable plastic bag way back... say, a few years ago.  I know the SM chain of stores started it, then National Bookstore, and some others followed suit.  I do not believe that plastic bags can ever be bio-degradable but I've personally seen that, through time, the bags become brittle, its components slowly disintegrate, and can be easily crushed much like burnt paper.  Now, I am a believer!  Hahaha!

(photo source: liljoshua.multiply.com)

And then there are those stores that assign a certain day or days in a week as "bring your own bag" day.  SM stores, for one, has the M.O.B. (My Own Bag) Day where customers who do not bring their own bag will have to pay P2.00 (I think) for each plastic bag used for their purchases.  A meager amount, I know, which is why I hope they would charge more to encourage people to bring they own bag.

(photo source: cosmomanilla.blogspot.com)

A lot of other stores, on the other hand, only use paper bags as their usual packaging ~ which is good!  At least they do not contribute to the tons of non-recyclable plastic bags that lay around garbage dumps for years and years.  Clothing and shoe stores are usually the ones that utilize the paper bag.  Top of mind would be Marks & Spencer, Zara, Girbaud, The Body Shop, Folded & Hung, Penshoppe, Bench, and a whole lot more.

(photo source: rackell24lumberio.blogspot.com, francesmahyeii.wordpress.com)



I wish someday the Philippines would become a plastic bag-free nation.

We'll get there... one small step at a time.
 
(photo source: edbiado.blogspot.com)


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Mer-Nel's Chocolate Cake

I have a sweet tooth, but when it comes to cakes, chocolate isn't really one of my favorites.  I've had my fair share of chocolate cakes though - commercially-sold, bought from different cake shops and bakeshops, and those made by family and friends.  So far, for me, aside from the moist chocolate cake of Starbucks & Ms. Polly's, Mer-Nel's is one of the best I've ever had.


Mer-Nel's Cake House started with but a small stall in the town of Los Banos in Laguna, Philippines.  To this day, that first stall still stands and three more others were opened.  Later on, they built a restaurant along Los Banos' main highway to cater to a wider clientele (Laguna is a favorite out-of-town destination due to its famous hot springs and its proximity to Metro Manila).  Now, Mer-Nel's Chocolate Cake is starting to become a staple "pasalubong", much like the very famous Buko Pie.


It was my cousin who recommended Mer-Nel's Chocolate Cake to me saying that it's one of the best there is.   I was hesitant to buy at first but when I saw that it comes at a very reasonable price, I opted to buy a small one.

heart-broken...? ;)

And from the very first bite of the heavy yet soft and moist chiffon cake, I was sold!  Since then, I've been addicted to the chocolate-y, caramel-ly, marshmallow-y taste of Mer-Nel's Chocolate Cakes.  It has a distinct flavor that is truly its own.  With a slight hint of caramel, plus the flavors of chocolate and marshmallow icing melded into one distinct taste, it's just but the right combination for me.  Add that to the fact that their chiffon just kinda melts in your mouth (I swear!).  It is heavenly!

Know more about Mer-Nel's here.  Also check out their Facebook page.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Harry Potter... It All Ends!


Finally, the final installment to the Harry Potter franchise has been released about a week ago and I am quite excited to see how it will all end.


I am not an avid fan, but the rave on Harry Potter was just too strong I can't help but get whirled into it.  I missed the theater releases of a sequel or two but caught it up in DVD.  That's the beauty of having siblings and friends who are die-hard fans (of the story). Hehe!


I haven't read the books, which means that after watching the movie, I had nothing to compare it with. ;)  But I do hear people comment (well, complain actually) that they were disappointed because:

a. the plot was not followed,
b. the story and fight scenes were more beautifully illustrated in the book and was not captured in the movie,
c. not all of the story highlights were shown in the movie, and
d. unlike the book, scenes were not executed creatively enough,
... and so on and so forth.

But clearly, the seven (7) installments were able to get the message across so I think the writers, directors, and actors did a very good job despite these "flaws."

I was looking into the previous sequels and just realized how young they were when the first movie was released (or how they've grown since), until I saw these photos.  Gosh, they practically grew up on the set of Harry Potter!

  

No wonder Emma Watson suddenly cut her hair short right after filming the last installment.  Imagine wearing your hair the same way for 12 years?!  Oh well, the trade-off was well worth it.  After all, they are now one of the richest celebrities in the world, or so they say.



Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) Trailer:





Monday, July 18, 2011

City Hunter: Lee Min Ho


Since I've been blogging about artists - singers, bands, and actors (among other things) - I might as well write about my favorite Korean actor as of late, Lee Min Ho

( photo source: spv.sbs.co.kr )

( photo source: leeminho.wordpress.com )

Not much is written about him, online (and in English) that is.  I do know that he was cast as the lead actor in Boys Over Flowers, it was his first major role, and that it shot him to fame.  It  was a well-deserved one though, 'coz  I think he has proven how good he is as an actor.  He's got this certain charisma that just draws audiences to him.  I don't know, I am never really one to follow drama series, but lately, I've had my fair share of addiction.  And Lee Min Ho dramas just happen to be one of them.  XD!


His drama Personal Preference (Perfect Match in the Philippines) got me into knowing more about him.  At first, I watched it because of the charming and bubbly but clumsy character of Son Ye Jin (the lead actress), but later on got hooked because of Lee Min Ho.  He gets into the character he portrays and owns it, and I mean really owns it!  I thins that's one of the reasons why he is so brilliant and effective as an actor.


Not only is he an excellent actor, he is charming as well, not to mention gorgeous... what with those perfectly chiseled features and all!  And his eyes... they are very expressive.  I especially love it when he doesn't say a thing but his eyes say everything ~ not all actors can do that.  He... is so... damn good!

( photo source: spv.sbs.co.kr )

( photo source: spv.sbs.co.kr )

Now, I am watching his new drama, City Hunter, online and it seems that he's only getting better in his craft.  I admit I was quite skeptical when I learned that the lead character in this drama is a womanizing detective, but he was perfectly able to play the character and bring justice to it.  Oh, I'm really lovin' this guy!  He is a natural.

( photo source: spv.sbs.co.kr )

( photo source: spv.sbs.co.kr )


City Hunter Trailer:




Catch the episodes with English subs via Youtube or mysoju.com.

Know more about LMH through his website: www.leeminho.kr
Check out his Facebook Fan Page
Follow him on Twitter: @ActorLeeMinHo



Wednesday, July 13, 2011

God Gave Me You




For all the times I felt cheated, I complained
You know how I love to complain
For all the wrongs I repeated, though I was to blame
I still cursed that rain
I didn't have a prayer, didn't have a clue
Then out of the blue


God gave me you
To show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why
Now I do,
'Cause God gave me you


For all the times I wore my self pity
Like a favorite shirt all wrapped up in that hurt
For every glass I saw, I saw half empty
Now it overflows like a river through my soul
From every doubt I had, I'm finally free
Now I truly believe


God gave me you
To show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why
Now I do
'Cause God gave me you


In your arms I'm someone new
With every tender kiss from you
Oh, must confess
I've been blessed


God gave me you
To show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why (didn't know why)
Now I do (I finally do),
'Cause God gave me you (God gave me You)


GOD GAVE ME YOU...




A beautiful song indeed!  I think anybody who knows how it is to love, be loved, and get hurt can so much relate to this song.  When you think you are at your lowest point and there's nowhere else to go, God somehow gives you something or someone to hold onto... and hopefully, be there no matter what.  For me, finding that "someone" who would complete your life is like finding the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  


Monday, July 11, 2011

An Nyeong Ha Se Yo, KOREA!


My niece just came back from a vacay in Korea.  It was so thoughtful of her to still manage to buy us some things despite the fact that pretty much everything in Korea is quite expensive, except for gadgets and electronics she says.  Can you believe the Samsung Galaxy Tab only sells for Php8,000 when converted?! What the F!!!

She bought me these loots...

Yogurt.  Yup, I love yogurt and I love 'em plain.  Funny one of the cups actually burst during the flight due to air pressure but luckily, they were in shrink packs so it didn't smear all over her clothes.  Dunno if these are the best there is in Korea but they taste really great! Very creamy and not too sour, unlike other commercially sold ones.



These chocolates smell like Cloud 9 but taste like Big Bang (talk about 2 chocolates in 1). XD  She didn't buy them though, they were given by a friend.


Nice packaging for cigarettes.  I think the one on the left are filters.  The Marlboro is menthol (we don't have this kind here yet).  This one has an "ice ball" embedded in the filter that you pinch/crush, which brings out a burst of a much cooler menthol flavor... pretty much like inhaling menthol candy.  XD


Noodles... Haven't tried this one yet.  I hope it's spicy!


And, socks galore... these are soooo cute!





Sunday, July 10, 2011

Thundercats: The Movie?


This is AWESOME!





Too bad... it's NOT real.  That's right, there really is no Thundercats movie.  Although it would've been great if there was one.

The trailer above was done by a fan. That's what is says so in the video's description in Youtube:


"The trailer was made by San Francisco graphic artist WormyTV, the same artist responsible for past photoshop classics like The Dark Knight teaser (which featured the first real image of Heath Ledger as the Joker), and the now infamous Spider-Man 3 gif (which featured the first real image of Venom).


According to Wormy, Thundercats: Sword of Omens took a year and a half to produce. The trailer splices together an array of identifiable films, including Aliens, Troy, The Chronicles of Riddick, Garfield, Spy Kids, X-Men: The Last Stand, Galaxy Quest, Underworld, Planet of the Apes, Mortal Kombat Annihilation, Stargate, and (what looks to be) Mad Max.


Its impressive mashup of clips; add to that the painstaking frame by frame photoshop work needed to transform Brad Pitt into Lion-O, Hugh Jackman into Tigra, and Vin Diesel into PanthroLets just say that Wormy deserves serious props for this (highly amusing) achievement."


Oh well, it would've been great if there really was a movie.  Thundercats, like Transformers, was one very popular action-packed classic cartoon series when I was young, together with Daimos & Voltes V.

Dang!  Brad Pitt would've been good as Lion-O


More so Vin Diesel as Panthro.



Actually, there was word going around that a real Thundercats movie should have been released last year.  But no movie came out.  So I guess, the project didn't push through.  That is so disappointing... :(


Thursday, July 7, 2011

Head in the Clouds




“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
 
Rabindranath Tagore - Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Transormed... Again!



I admit I am not an over-the-top die-hard Transformers fan.  Sure I watched the cartoon series as a kid and enjoyed it quite a lot.  But I was never hooked.  Until the first installment of the movie was released... and I was totally transformed!  The story was great, the special effects superb!  Each and every transformation was so perfectly executed I was transfixed.


I just saw the 3rd installment of the movie. And although the story, as with the 2nd installment and unlike the first, isn't something to die for, the awesome CGI is just something to behold.  The stunning action sequences and remarkable special effects more than made up for the lack of a good storyline.  So to me, it's still the best one in that regard.


The movie was 2 hrs. and 35 mins. long but it was worth it.  One thing disappointing to me though was that the transitions in the "cuts" made on the movie weren't smooth.  Some parts seem to jump from one scene to another leaving you wondering what the heck happened in between (I really gotta find me a Director's Cut.).

Once again, the respectable & fearless Optimus Prime proved to be a good leader....


And Bumblebee is just as charming as always.


The Official Movie Trailer:




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