Ratatouille

Did you know that Ratatouille is a dish? I thought it was the mouse’s name! Hahahah! Pixar and Disney entertained us with their animations and Ratatouille is one of their movies that will bring that legacy a step more. Ratatouille  is definitely one of the best movies that I have seen this year. Pixar’s animation is really outstanding! 

Synopis

 A rat named Remy dreams of being a great chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the city of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau.
Despite the apparent dangers of being an unwanted visitor in the kitchen at one of Paris’ most exclusive restaurants, Remy forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers Remy’s amazing talents. They strike a deal, ultimately setting into motion a hilarious and exciting chain of extraordinary events that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Remy finds himself torn between following his dreams or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat. He learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is —- a rat who wants to be a chef.

My Review 

At first I was hesitant to watch the movie. I thought its going to be another “just for curiosity movie” just like The Simpsons Movie, but Ratatouille turned out really entertaining and fabulous! If I have the opportunity, I would love to watch the movie again. I give it a 9 out of 10 rating.

More sites to visit… Avatar State Amazing Davao Tribu Hagtik

The Simpsons Movie

If you wondered how a movie created in 18 years looks like then you got to see this! The Simpsons is one of my favorite cartoon series on tv. I love their humor and violent jokes. But throughout all the violent scenes and nasty values, The Simsons never failed to make me laugh. Although I, myself, admit that sometimes violent scenes are really funny! Hahahahaha!

Synopsis

In the eagerly-awaited film based on the hit television series, Homer must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. It all begins with Homer, his new pet pig, and a leaky silo full of droppings - a combination that triggers a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never experienced. As Marge is outraged by Homer's monumental blunder, a vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict.

As the fates of Springfield and the world hang in the balance, Homer embarks on a personal odyssey of redemption - seeking forgiveness from Marge, the reunion of his splintered family, and the salvation of his hometown.

My Review 

Although the movie tried to squeeze good values, still I can't consider it wholesome. I you have some kids with you, better think twice before watching the movie. Overall, the movie made laugh. It is not really worth watching, but to answer your curiosity,  watch it! I give the The Simpsons Movie a 4 out of 10 rating. 

Off Key for a week…

Wow, I can't believe I do not have any post for the past few days. This makes me think that "I am really in the peak of my career!". Duh, it's just plain excuse. The real thing is I am quite "Off Key" for this past few days. A lot of things have happened that brought me out of tune of my rhythm. I identified my mind some events and factors that brought me "Off Key".

The Weather

Do you still remember that I said that I am (somewhat) connected to the weather? Yesterday's weather was the worst. We had humid + warm + rain + sunshine + cloudy weather. Yeah, I just cant describe it. Anyway I hope you can understand me,

"I am not a meteorologist!" for crying out loud!

I just dont know whats happening to our weather pattern! I was really sick yesterday. I am happy I was able to get myself some fruit juice, which in a way stopped my runny nose.

An NG Grade in Graduate Studies

Now this one is really out of bounds! I received an NG in my DSS (Decision Support System) Class. Hey! Its just not fair! I completed all the requirements and all the "Achuchuchu" stuff. But, when the grades are posted, I have an NG!

Raaaaarrrrrrrrrrr!  Raaaaarrrrrrrrrrr!  Raaaaarrrrrrrrrrr!  Raaaaarrrrrrrrrrr!

I tried to talk to my professor, the dean and the registrar… but it was too late, they say, CHED already has the grades. Nakakasira ng Bad Record! My grades last semester were Programming Paradigm (97), PDIS (97), ODB (98), DSS (NG)! 

"What The ????". Damn! @#%(@#((@^(*^&&#%(@_%)$*@(*((@$(^)@

My Epiphany

Recently I had a realization on the things around me. Like Hommer Simpson, realizing that SpringField needs him. I come to think, who cares…. Its my life, Its now or never. I ain't gonna live forever! My decision is…

Move on and make the best of what is around you.

The smell of coffee

My colleague brought a coffee maker at the office and some packs of Starbucks Coffee. Our office smells like Starbucks Coffee Shop.

I really love coffee. Every time I come to visit a place, one of the first things that I look for are coffee shops. A place without a coffee shop is a ghost town. Who would want to live in a ghost town? You, would you live in a ghost town?

Coffee drinking is a lifestyle. Its a time to relax, take ease and unwind.

Coffee mania in the office is sure is fun, and is good until the last Starbs Coffee is served.

Picture Perfect

I was watching Nonito Donaire Jr's fight against Vic Darchinyian and all of a sudden I witnessed a "Picture Perfect Shot"of Donaire, knocking Darchinyan into the canvass. I could not say that it came out from nowhere because it's a perfect execution.

Nonito Donaire Jr is going to be in the list of famous Filipino Boxers today. He is an extraordinary fighter, having an Orthodox stand when boxing but a left-handed person, and his left hand hits like a southpaw. His left jobs are as good as his straight cuts, and his foot work is remarkable. He only needs to work on his follow-up punches and some cross-side footworks just like Manny Pacquiao, and he will be unbeatable.

His last bout has some sentimental value for him, since Darchinyan defeated his brother by TKO last year. Darchinyan is an excellent fighter. He is a brawler and a power puncher.

One thing that I like about Nonito Donaire Jr vs Vic Darchinyan's fight is that all is at stake. Darchinyan has everything to loose, his two titles and his untainted record. Donaire, on the other hand, has his reputation at stake, and a chance to boost his career. All fighters have everything to loose and much to gain.

Another thing is, I love to see unbeaten fighters go down the canvass.

Any comments Vic?

Ooops… I guess I'll ask you later na lang…. Hahahaha! 

A Masters Student’s Chronicle

Shhhhhh… Let's keep our voices down. We are having our class in data structures.

It is really funny that we are learning how to compile a simple Java program in our data structures class (Masteral Pa!) We are supposed to talk about data structures topics here not programming 101!

The problem is, our professor requires us to use Java for our exercises, and many - I really mean many - of my classmates do not even know a thing about Java. I even ask my self

What in the world are they doing here? Java programing should be learned in highschool or college. This is graduate class!

We are creating another "Hello World" program. I have done this program hundreds of times in C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, PLSQL, Python, Lisp and more! This is one of the useless programs that I have created. And I am about to create one again! Sh*t!

Earlier we had our MIS class - remember the case studies I was complaining, I mean talking about?  We are tasked to create an ISSP - Information Systems Strategic Plan, of our organization. This is challenging! I am going to love this, and probably complain a lot! Hehehe… You see, I complain a lot when I like it!

I got to go for now, my professor is checking our individual works amd I am third from the next.

A piece of my day… 0001

It's 10 minutes before 5:00 pm and I can not help my self from glancing at the wall clock from time to time waiting for the long hand to strike 12.

It has been a very long weekday for me, our case studies in MIS are really nose bleeders. I thought I have finished all the cases until my classmate told me that the second case required a 500-word answer per question. 

That is just not fair!

But I managed to  finish my second case study early this afternoon naman.

Keep It Coming!!!!!! Raaarrrrrr!!!!!

Anyway, I was so excited this morning because I am going to add another investment into my euro america index. I can not wait to see my daily income growing bigger and bigger every day.

I am also excited for my graduate studies class tomorrow, its going to be a long week end. I have a music session tonight, and I might as well try what I learned lately from Aice. 

I better get things packing the long hand is about to make its strike.   

The Search for My Next Operating System

I have been busy lately searching for operating systems I can use for my notebook. I have been a Microsoft windows user since its Windows 3.11 version. I have experience almost all Windows operating systems from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95 , Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. All of my systems development are done in Windows.

Lately I came to the idea of "why not explore other operating systems", I am using Windows XP for my Desktop PC at home and in the office.  I have been browsing the net for different operating systems, and these are the OS I found interesting…

Windows Vista

 hmmm… not sure about it. I heard a lot of comments about Windows Vista, perhaps this goes last on my list.

OSX Leopard

Im not sure if this runs on PC, my colleague told me that he was able to run it on his PC.

Solaris X

 Now this one looks promising. I already ordered a Solaris X DVD Software Kit. According to Sun Microsystems, Solaris X is the most advanced OS on the planet.

Linux

 This is where things get more confusing. Since there are several Linux flavors available, I think I have to take some more time evaluating them. To name a few, the is

Inspire

Mandrake 

Mepis

Red Hat

Slackware

Suse

Ubuntu

Vector

and there's more Linux flavors like KDE,  AmulG, Ark, Corel, DSL, Elx Biz Desk, Feather, Knoppix, Puppy and Xandros. Actually there are still more… 

I want to try and experience other operating systems other that Microsoft Windows. I am visiting forums, asking questions and getting ideas from friends and experts. Perhaps you have something to share also, I would really appreciate it.

All ends well that starts well

Yehey! I'm through with my MIS cases! At last I can breathe free…

I uploaded it to your group site kanina. I was surprised that many of my classmates have already uploaded their assignments as well. Sayang! I thought ako ang first!

The last 3 days have been very busy digging for information about Google, Microsoft and Dell. The case questions were nose bleeders…. I am sure nose bleed din yong mga classmates ko! hahahah!

I can't wait to see my classmates faces on class when our professor asks them to explain their answers… hahahaha. Exciting!

I am really irritated by my "sugat" sa nose. I picked some nose hairs a couple of days ako, and I think parang naparami yata ang pag pick ko… ayun na sugatan tuloy ang beautiful nose ko! OUCH!

I watched World Poker Tour - Ladies Night last night. The ladies are really good. Heres the babe that bagged the millions!

Clonie Gowen Evelyn Ng

Shes a beauty + brains + luck + charm+ millions all in one. Not even James Bond can top that! 

If I were Born in 2893

If You Were Born in 2893…

Your Name Would Be: Vor Yuu And You Would Be: The Future's Last Hope

If You Were Born in 2893

Now isn't that Cool! 

Slumbook-ish Questions

Its been two days since I have been working on my case studies for my MIS (Graduate Studies Class) . My head is full with Google's Business Models and Microsoft's Licensing shits. My professor posted several questions, and required us a 350-word or more answer. Grrrrr….. Last na lang gyud na si Prof. sa ako! …. Hehehehe, joke lang sir!

Nganong Mi-enter! 

Anyway I got this post from Kat (My Little Black Box). Its fun… I'm trying this one out.

1. Where is your dad right now?

•  Nasa project site. He's has some projects involving the renovation of Davao City Sports Complex turning it into a world-class park - you've got to visit it when you're in Davao City

2. Last time you kissed someone?

• My two year old son, Xander Daniel. Just before I left home this morning. 

3. Name five things you did today.

• Research - sa MIS case studies
• Check Emails - corporate and personnal
• Blogging and Forums
• Drink Coffee - i had 4 mugs na since this morning
• Tawa (laugh) with friends

4. Last person you text messaged?

•  Di ko pa ako naka load since yesterday evening. Siguro the last person I texted is my wife.

5. What kind of phone do you have?

•  Nokia 6020, Black.

6. Where does your bestfriend work?

• Davao Christian High School 

7. What are you listening to?

• Right now I am listening to Sarrah, our encoder, making tsika to Neil our surveyor. (hehehe) Honestly I have my headset on, pero walang music. 

8. What do you smell like?

• Dino? or Coffee - since I just finished one mug. 

9. What color are your eyes?

• Brown with a touch of brown.

10. Have you ever done a Chinese fire drill?

• Fire drill syempre, pero Chinese? What's the difference? 

11. What color is your bedroom floor?

• Red, with some rubber mats for Xander. 

12. Do you have a chair in your room? w/c room? bedroom?

• No chair. Well I can always bring one inside if I need one. 

13. What are you doing tomorrow?

•  Live and take a step closer to my dreams.

14. Do you know someone named Betsy?

• Yes, sometimes called Betsay. She has a twin pa nga e! 

15. What color is your mom’s hair?

• Black

16. Do you have a dog?

• Yes. We call him Bruce - "The Almighty!" 

17. Do you remember singing songs as a kid?

• Yes, Chonna Chicken was my favorite back then. 

18. Are you married?

• I would be lying if I say No.

19. When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings?

• This morning 

20. Do you play an instrument?

• I play bass guitar and keyboard and guitar syempre. 

21. Do you like fire?

• For cooking? yes. For burning homes, No. 

22. Are you allergic to anything?

• Crustaceans  (crabs, lobster, shrimps) and Mollusks (squid and octopus)

23. Do you have a crush on anyone?

• None that I can think of…. para safe… hehehehe 

24. Do you have a bestfriend?

• yes 

25. Have you ever been to a spa?

• No. Pero I have plans. 

26. Did you take science all 4 yrs. of High School?

• Yes, but I do not like biology and chemistry. 

27. Do you like butterflies?

• Yes, colorful little insects… am I right? 

28. Do you miss someone right now?

• Not really, when I am working (like right now) my focus is on my work. Siguro mamaya. 

29. Do you think they miss u too?

• Yes 

30. Have you ever seen your school counselor?

• Yes, back in college - to be clear. 

 Ayan, buti na lang hindi required na 350-words ang answer. Now I tag Aice, Joel, Jane and Alia!

My, am I weird?

I have been tagged by Alia, now I have to list down 15 weird things about me. I took me a few minutes, while I was having a coffee break in identifying 15 weird things about me. So here goes.

1. I think and work better under pressure. I feel like the doors of wisdom opens up every time I am under pressure. Just like this one right now.
2. Coffee can not keep me awake. When I am working on some projects overnight, I keep drinking soda. Sugar keeps me awake.
3. Do not mess up with me when I have my sinusitis. I am very irritable when I have colds due to my allergies - I hate runny nose!
4. I love collecting books. Every time I see a book that interests me I always buy it - instantly. Although I haven't finished reading even one from them.
5. I have the ability to control dreams. When I dream, I know that I am just dreaming. This gives me the ability to control my dream, assign who's super hero character I am. Usually I end up being Kenshin Jimura - Hitten Mitsuruki Style. I can even back-track dreams -like the Undo button ba.
6. I am a samurai. I always have this intuition that I am a samurai re-incarnated. When ever I am in the bathroom, sitting at the throne of deliverance, I always visualize a battle scene where I command a large army of samurai warriors.
7. I always choose the hardest part. When choosing levels, I always choose the difficult part. Easy is not in my dictionary.
8. I do not like crustaceans and mollusks. I am allergic to crabs, lobsters, shrimps and squid. Sorry but you can not find me hanging out in a seafood restaurant.
9. I do not like chain letters and corny jokes. When I receive chain letters and corny jokes it do not think twice of deleting it. Even if I haven't open it.
10. I like the villains to win! I am tired of seeing heroes win, I like movies seeing villains getting away with their crimes. Remember the movie Swordfish?
11. I feel happy when it is raining and gloomy. Somehow I think I have some opposite attraction with weather. I feel excited when its about to rain and when the wind is getting stronger. During the Millenyo typhoon I even have plans of swimming  on a pool at the top on some condo in Makati.
12. I am a cold-bloodied mammal. I love cold better that warm. I love working on cold places. I am like a polar bear.
13. I do not like others competing with me. Siguro for you, you are doing extraordinary na, I may agree with you. But for me, this is what I do, you may find it extraordinary, but not me.
14. I took a week-long vacation leave just to finish Half Life. I remember when I was still a year old regular employee in our company. I filed a week-long vacation leave just for one reason: finish Half Life and some video games.
15. I am using 60 percent of my ability. Science tells us that we are using only a fraction of our brain's ability. I agree, in fact not only my brain but my resources, skills and talents as well. 

 Parang si Taguro ba : "animnapung porsientong kapangyarihan!"

    Well, thats it. I still have lots of weird stuff in me. In fact I could even reach 50 or more. Now I am tagging joel, aice, and jane.
 

A way to end the week

This week has been very tiresome. I have two ongoing projects under my management. I have attended several meetings and planning sessions.

My boss assigned me to head our department next week. They will be going to Singapore. Well, I just wait for the pasalubongs (hehehe). The brighter side is that it is a good exposure - perform a managers role for a week.

I am very excited because on Monday, my purchased laptop will be delivered. Its not much, its an Acer Aspire Dual Core series. I am having second thoughts on what operating system I will use, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Linux. 

I went this afternoon at the mall to get a skin-head haircut. I now look line some kungfu-shaolin shit!  I believe this is a nice move so that I can make asar and tease my bald-headed colleagues here at the office!  

I came to pass by Dream World when I was at the mall. We got our son a spiderman stuff toy. I can't wait to see my kid's face when we give him the toy. 

Right now I am really tired, I slept for few hours and  woke up early this morning. We had some gigs last night. I am really sleepy.

I am like a cell phone that is draining fast.

I can't wait to get home and rest. It's been an active week. No Sabado Nights for now, maybe next week.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Sorry Harry Potter fans, but this movie didn't bode well for me.I have seen the other Harry Potter movies, but this one is different. Its more talking and less magic! Maybe because the Ministry of Magic prohibits the use of magic in Hogwarts.:D

Synopsis

Harry Potter returns for his fifth year at Hogwarts and discovers much of the wizarding community has been denied the truth about his recent encounter with Lord Voldemort. Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge appoints Professor Dolores Umbridge the infamous position of Defense against the Dark Arts teacher…seemingly leaving the young witches and wizards to fend for themselves. Harry takes matters into his own hands and secretly forms a self-proclaimed group of students, "Dumbledore's Army," prepping them for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

How do I see the movie? 

The movie took a lot of time in establish its story. So far the best Harry Potter movie I saw was the Goblet of Fire.

The casts are getting no younger — time is not on their side. I think new set of cast would be promising.

I give Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix a 7 out of 10 rating. It is a must see movie. 

FrankSwiss.biz - a scam?

I am surprised with what I heard over the news about some pyramiding scam over the internet. I have heard about FrankSwiss.biz, I was even invited by some of my colleagues. The business features are really tempting. Too bad it turned out bad.

Some of my colleagues invested much in this site, tsk, tsk, tsk. I feel sorry for them. I have joined an internet business site called www.eaiindex.com. Its working fine, I have invested a little. Little enough that I wont hurt if it is really fake. As of the present my investment has already doubled its value.

Business is all about risk. The higher you go, the greater the fall. 

Die Hard 4.0

Bruce Willis has done it again! Another Die Hard hitting movie that will take you to the extreme. Honestly this is one of my most awaited movies.

Synopsis
Die Hard 4.0, the latest chapter in the enormously successful Die Hard franchise, takes action to the next level as Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) confronts a new breed of terrorism. Set  in today's digital world, the nation's computer infrastructure that controls all communications, transportations and power is brought to a devastating halt. The mastermind behind the plot was taken every angle into account. What he didn't count on was McClane, an old-school cop who knows a thing or two on how to foil terrorist plans.

How do I see the movie?
Just like the previous Die Hard movies, this one also got all the actions and explosions set. The story didn't took much time in establishing the characters, and it goes directly into action. This chapter of Die Hard showed us another view of terrorism - through information technology structure.

My favorite part of the movie is when McClane came face to face with an F-35 Fighter. I really love the scene when the F-35 hovers infront of a giant trailer truck! Go Lockheed Matin!

Over all I give it an 8 out of 10 rating. Die Hard 4.0 is a must see movie.

An interview with the worlds second richest man

There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

• He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
• He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
• He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
• He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.
• He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.
• His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies.
• He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.

He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number

    1: do not lose any of your share holder's money. Rule number

    2: Do not forget rule number 1.

• He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch Television.
• Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
• Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on  his desk.

His advice to young people:

1. "Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and Remember: A. Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money.
2. Live your life as simple as you are.
3. Don't do what others say, just listen them, but do what you feel  good.
4. Don't go on brand name; just wear those things in which u feel  comfortable.
5. Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on them  who really in need rather. After all it's your life then why give chance to others to rule our  life."

A week at Timber City

Last week I went to Butuan City the Timber City. Butuan is located around 300km north from Davao, it was known to be the lumber capital of the country.I had an official business trip, I have a project involving system integration and automation. I have my collegues with me, our sr. systems developer and data support expert.

The road to Butuan City

The road from Davao to Butuan is well known for its credibility: bumpy, dusty and undeveloped. But those days are over.

I was very impressed how they manage to finish nearly 100% of the roads. Before it took us 7 hours to travel from Davao to Butuan, now it only took us 4~5 hours.

I really like travelling by land since you will see a lot of different places, people including their mode of transportation.
This is what we call a SkyLab, not the NASA made sky lab you see on the encyclopedia, but a lot better!

If thrill and adrenalin is what you seek, you should try this one!

The road to Butuan is unique and funny. Along the way you can pass many municipalities that ends in numbers. To mention a few Bayugan Uno (1), Bayugan Dos (2), Bayugan Tres (3), Trento (2), Bunawan (1), Prosperidad I (1) and Prosperidad II (2).

  When we were on the way to Bayugan Tres, we noticed this storm-like weather formation.

At that time I feel an adrenalin rush and chill, its like chasing some monster F4 tornadoes — remember the movie twister?

 The air was eery, vehicles were rushing away from the storm. When we reached Bayugan Tres, we met the real thing. The rain was hard and the winds were strong, it was nearly zero visibility. We can not see the road infront of us. The streets were flooded.

Finally we made it though the storm and all went well. We also enjoyed looking at the majestic cloud formations. 

Whats is Butuan City?
I have been to Butuan City before, its a small city with a lot of friendly people. Butuan has improved since I last visited it in 2004. They now have their own university and a shopping mall. Of course there are fastfood chains like McDonalds, Jollibee, Greenwich and Chowking (so you won't starve if you don't know where to eat).

  When you plan to visit Butuan City, I highly recommend Dotie's Place.

Its the best place I have stayed in Butuan so far. I have tried several hotels, all were crappy, untidy and stinks. Dotie's Place is a lot better. One thing also, Butuan's water is not so good, I suggest you should bring bottled water.

Any nice spots?
If you're in Butuan you should try the famous Weegol's restaurant. They serve dishes from  barbecues to grills and noodles. Also try Aling Cora's Restaurant for a more native ambiance, and Uncle Sam's Steak house for steaks and live bands. If you want some entertainment you can check out Woodstock, Caraga Square, Bargonomics, Moffs, Air Force 8, U-Turn, and more. If you are a coffee addict like me, they you should try Margie's Place. If you want some serene place, you can check out this mega structure, Magsaysay Bridge 2 or some calls it Erap Bridge. Many people are having picnic here after dark. Its a nice place for fresh air, solitary moments and some proposing schemes for your girl friend.

I still have a lot of schedules for Butuan, I'll let you know once I found something new.

**the pictures taken are dated 2002 because i forgot to set the darn camera's date and time. Sorry about that:D