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Removing Empty Directory

Did you know that having empty folders on you system can cause slowdown on you system?  Yes it is true specially if you have program that traverse all the files and folders on your systems.  You know, by looking to the files at our hard disk, it is a jungle out there.

Here is a simple approach to this problem:
dir <Target Dirctory> /b /ad /s | Sort /r > <output file>

EX: dir c:\Windows /b /as /s | sort /r >DirList.TXT

and append RD for each line on of the output file

The concept here is get the directory list and sort it reverse order. Why in reverse order since the directory display the top directory then it goes to it contents.  By reversing the order you will remove the inner folder first, then the outer folder.

Since RD (Remove Directory) removes empty folder only, therefore it will just remove empty folders only.

Here is a PERL function I made:
sub EraseDir()
{


if (!-d $_[0])
{
return 0; #Function Failed
}
else
{
#Get the directory list and sort it reverse order.
system ("dir $_[0] /b /ad /s | Sort /r > _junk.file");
open LIST ,"_junk.file" || return 0; #Function Failed
open FH,">_junk.Bat";
foreach my $line (<LIST>)
{
chop $line;
print FH "RD \"$line\"\n";
}


close (FH);
close (LIST);
unlink "_junk.file";
system ("_junk.BAT");
unlink "_junk.Bat";
return 1; #Successful
}
}

Carnapping Modus Operandi – Egg Throwers

We got this from a text message of a friend.  True or not, it wouldn’t hurt to take precaution.

If you are driving at night and someone threw eggs on your windshield. DO NOT USE THE WIPER AND SPRAY WITH WATER. Because egg mixed with wiper became milky and block your vision up 92.5%.  Then you are forced to stop at the road side.  And someone will approach you and rob your things, or even take your car at the worst.  This is a new technique used by robbers.

A sample egg splat, imagine this on your windshield

Please inform your family and friends about this.

Noynoy Aquino 30 Sec TVC

Saw this from Facebook,  got this from www.youtube.com. I haven’t seen this on TV.  It is a short and cute teaser.  This video clip actually plays 27 seconds.





He is our hope. He is our future.  He is our destiny.

How to get free space of Hard Disk using script?

The fastest way to get the free disk space is by looking at Windows Explorer, however most of us want to do this in command line or integrate this to a program for any unknown reasons.

The next fastest and easy this is to use dir command. Why? Since it uses Windows native  command.  I don’t know if find first find next function on Assembly or C is faster than this one.

image

On dir result we see the summary at the last line.  All we need to do is place the result of dir command at a text file and parse the last line from the text file.

Here is a sample PERL script so you can understand what I meant.
sub getFreeDiskSpace ()
{
my $dirname = "$_[0]";
#Execution of the DIR command
system("dir $dirname /s > junk");
open FILE,"junk" || die ("Cannot open temporary file - \"junk\"");

#Parsing of the last lines of the DIR results
@_ = <FILE>;
close(FILE);
my $lastline = @_;
my $dir_size = @_[$lastline-2];
my $disk_remain = @_[$lastline-1];
my @fields = split(/ +/,$dir_size);
$_ = $fields[3];
s/,//g; #get rid of commas in the number
my $folder_size=$_;
my $file_count=$fields[1];
@fields = split(/ +/,$disk_remain);
$_ = $fields[3];
s/,//g; #get rid of commas in the number
my $free_space=$_;
my $folder_count=$fields[1];
unlink "junk";
return ($free_space,$folder_size,$file_count,$folder_count);
}

I go this concept from a script I found from the internet.  I modified it and to a function for portability on the future use.  What struck me the most is I am trying to look for a PERL function and this is what I’ve got.  The lesson I got from this function is “Don’t reinvent the wheel, since it is already invented.” So use what’s available on the market.

Cool Application UI for Windows Mobile

Are you bored with on your Windows Mobile Home Screen.  Bored with the looks since you saw it over and over again.  And you want to have the “WOW” factor as you’ve seen on the iPhone?

Introducing SBP Mobile Shell 3.5. It comes with the following features:

  1. Cool widgets to customize your Home screen. 
  2. Finger friendly contacts with Facebook integration
  3. Fast access to all your phone features and applications
  4. SPB Mobile Shell comes with integrated tools, not limited to the basic phone tools.  I also includes Weather forecasts, Internet, and Facebook & Twitter status
  5. Finally you can customize your device with different options such as
    • Widget position
    • Color Theme
    • Cool Background home screen
    • and many more…

image image image A screen shot of my Home Screen and add widget feature

Aside from the aesthetics, the feature I like the most is you can select different windows with special effects.

image image

And it has cool message reading pane for emails and SMS

image

    For full presentation please refer to this video by SPB




    This cool application cost only for US$29.95. (PHP 1,403.46)  And you can try this for 15 days before purchase.

      LTO License Plate Verification using SMS

      I just got this from an email and I think this is usefull for all of car owners.

      LTO Car Plate Number Verification System

      1. Applies to used/old or brand new cars

      2. Provides information about the REGISTRATION of any of your vehicles, whether it is filed genuinely at any LTO Office or not.

      3. There are CHECKPOINTS nowadays and some unscrupulous policemen will tell you that your CAR REGISTRATION is not duly registered even if you show the OFFICIAL RECEIPT- LTO CAR REGISTRATION. The policeman will tell you that it is either tampered or fake and you have no choice but to give the policeman bribe money.


      How to use this system:

      1. On your cellphone text this message:

      < LTO space VEHICLE space XXXooo >


      ( where XXX000 stands for your vehicle's PLATE NUMBER ( Philippines ) ) i.e.   LTO VEHICLE ZFH185


      2. SEND to 2600 and wait for Auto generated reply then save to your phone.  (An amount of P2.50 or P2.00 will be charged when you send to 2600)




        A reply message from 2600 will inform you the following about the plate no.:

        • Car Plate:

        • Model:

        • Year:

        • Color:

        • Date of Last Registered:

        • LTO Apprehension: if any

        • LTO Alarm: if any


        This is useful for:

        1. If there is a problem in CHECKPOINTS, just show this text message to the officer in charge.

        2. This text message from 2600 is also very important when buying an old and cheap used car.

        3. This will also be useful when you are following a car with a doubtful car plate no.

        4. When you register your car at any LTO Office, try to check this out whether your car is genuinely registered, or a tampered/fake OR was issued to you by an LTO employee or fixer.

        Art of Magic

        Key terms to remember:

        • Salamangka = Magic
        • Salamangkero = Magician

        When I was a little boy, I usually see magicians who performed their tricks and I was amazed and believed that “magic” really existed.  Until I realized that these were mere tricks and not magic.  How come many people still amazed when they see magic show?  The answer is Showmanship, the way on how they delivered the performance.  Someone told me if you want a successfully show, even if your tricks are simple, you need a good presentation and a good delivery.  In short nasa boka lang yan… (It in the way you say it) After watching an episode of Breaking the Magicians' Code: Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed, I understand more on how things works and I was more amazed to magic than ever before.





        Metal chain magic trick revealed

        Some people ask, if these magicians can do magic, how come they are not rich?  They can use magic to create money, and not to perform on birthday parties and any other parties anymore.  As I mentioned a while ago, these are tricks and skits that they performs to entertain us.  Anyway I know some who does magic for money. ;)

        Moving on, if you think deeper you can see some botched magic made by our dearest government official everyday.  Just tune in to you favorite TV or radio program.  I will not state names, and I know that you can related on what I am saying.  If not just go to Google.com and search the issue there.  If these tricks are successfully performed, we will not know them.  Here are some famous examples of magic tricks that our great performers botched.

        1. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard – the most expensive boulevard in the whole universe according to Sen. Ping Lacson
        2. DeptEd Noodle Scam – PHP 12 from famous brand compared to PHP 18-22 from unknown noodle company and they said it is due to egg.
        3. Hello Garci - no explanation needed.  Nag sorry lang OK na (Just said sorry and everything back to normal).
        4. Series of expensive Lamp Post, we can see this everywhere, look at Manila Bay around 2004
        5. Le Cirque – as we know that salary of a Bank Manager is almost the same or higher than the salary of our President.  And the salary of a Congressman is smaller than the president.  So how did they magic money, as they claimed that they use their own money?
        6. At marami pang iba haay buhay…. (And many more. Oh! life….)

        See the difference? It’s magic… So on your next birthday party if you want a magician you know where to find him/her… :)

        Thanks to Technology

        Last week during the Tropical Storm Ondoy, we relied on technology a lot.  As we all know, some of the cellular phones services we’re not available, even landlines, and even electricity.  For some few lucky people (including me) our electricity we’re not cut and my internet is still available.

        We all know that, Twitter, Facebook, Plurk and other internet services saves a lot of people.  How?  Since these services can have a facility to share anything you want to say to the public, therefore the people shared what they see.

        Based from different sources, (news, personal witnesses, etc.)  we see item such as:

        1. Missing Persons

        2. Weather Updates

        3. People that needed help

        4. Traffic Updates

        5. Needed item, volunteers or any other things for help

        6. News Update


        Since these are like SMS (140 characters per twit) that you send to the whole world. We expect that all the information are clogged up and unorganized.  Some groups stepped up and created a site for a consolidated information (http://sites.google.com/site/ondoymanila/)
        OK, just got advice from a friend, we need to FOCUS. Let's not make the RT's remain as echoes... Pls read this http://tinyurl.com/y8pv24p

        8:37 PM Sep 29th from web by @JiggyCruz

        They maximized the power of Web 2.0 they used the following:

        1. Google Maps – by plotting the geographical information for those who needs help and the relief centers

        2. Google Spreadsheets – by providing different information on where to donate, missing persons, emergency numbers, and many more.


        In the end, we are not medical professionals, nor rescue or military experts.  We cannot say that we did this smooth and perfectly. However we, the Filipino Netizens, did the right thing by sharing the information we got. And we witnessed that these information saves a lot of families. I want to express my gratitude to the silent majority of the Filipino Internet Users for sharing the information they got in order to save lives, and for doing a good job!

        For closing, I want to share this picture from twitter and it said:



        To all the people in the world I just want to say: 我最喜歡我出生和長大在菲律賓 (I am very happy that I was born and grew up in the Philippines)

        Typhoon Preparedness Tips

        Here is a simple preparation tips at home I got from email. Being prepared for a typhoon means keeping informed on the progress and severity of the storm. And taking some common-sense precautions to minimize the problems a typhoon may cause for you.

        Typhoon Checklist:

        • Food and water - Better if you store food that doesn’t easily spoil like canned goods, noodles and food cooked with vinegar

        • Disposable utensils

        • Can and bottle openers

        • Plastic-ware to store food and supplies

        • First Aid Kit

        • Flashlights and candles

        • Paper towels

        • Garbage bags


        Typhoon Preparation

        Plan In Advance

        1. Check if you can remain in your home during the typhoon. You may be able to ride out a weak typhoon but will need to evacuate for stronger storms. Listen for warnings from your local government officials or official local media broadcasts in situations where evacuation is ordered. Note the evacuation routes and plan to leave early.

        2. Make lists of television and radio stations where you can get storm information, phone numbers to call in case of emergencies and locations of relief shelters. Get directions for the relief shelters.

        3. Have a location for you and your family members to meet if you get separated and the number of a relative in the province to call to say everyone is safe. Have a list of phone numbers of relatives that you will want to inform about your condition. The out-of-town relative can be the one to start the phone brigade to your list after learning you are okay.

        4. Find a place to take your pets where they will be safe if you have to evacuate. Some relief centers may not allow pets.

        5. Remember to turn off electricity, water and gas to your home before evacuating.


         Put Together a Typhoon Kit

        1. Pack food that doesn't have to be refrigerated or cooked along with disposable plates, bowls, forks, knives and spoons. Each person and pet in the home should have enough to eat for three days. For those with babies, please remember that exclusive breastfeeding is best for infants up to six months old. This is especially important in times of calamities and emergencies.

        2. Store water. Each person needs three gallons of clean water to drink and to use for washing. Pets also need water. For babies, please note that they are constantly feeding. If you are formula feeding or doing mixed feeding, please store additional sterilized water for your baby (both for feeding and cleaning bottles).

        3. Have flashlights, oil lamps, lanterns and candles, along with extra batteries, matches and fuel on hand.

        4. Include a first aid kit in your typhoon kit.

        5. Pack board games, reading materials, card decks and a battery-operated radio. For babies and small children, make sure to include a favorite toy or blanket.

        6. Prepare a box of garbage bags and paper towels.


         Pack Your Bags

        1. Pack a small bag or backpack for each person in the home. It should include clothes and toiletries for three days. For babies, make sure to include cloth or disposable diapers and extra plastic bags to store diapers or soiled cloth diapers.

        2. Include a blanket and pillow for each person and place them in garbage bags (to keep them dry) to take along when evacuating.

        3. Include a small water-proof bag or satchel of photos and documents you want to keep dry and safe, such as wills, passports and government-issued certificates.

        4. Place everyone's bag and bed bundle near the door so they can be quickly loaded into the car if you decide to evacuate. Make sure your car has enough gas.


        Reference: http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/article/typhoon-preparation-and-checklist

        Emergency Numbers

        As the Typhoon Pepng Arrived in Metro Manila area.  We better get ready and keep these emergency numbers.

        Rescue Operations

        1. National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120)

        2. Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)

        3. Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)

        4. Metro Manila Development Authority (136)

        5. Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)

        6. Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)

        7. Quezon City Rescue (161)

        8. San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)

        9. Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)

        10. Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)

        11. Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)


        Civil Society/ Media

        1. Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)

        2. Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)

        3. Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.

        4. ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)

        5. Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968


        Power Supply

        • Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.


        People Tracker (using your phones, get your friends and family to turn on their finderservice for you)

        • FINDERSERVICE. For Smart, text “wis <your name> <your mobile>” to 386.

        • FINDERSERVICE. For Globe, text “find <your name> <your mobile> to 7000.


        *NOTE: Bold Red Font means easy to remember numbers



        Source: http://sites.google.com/site/ondoymanila/rescue-operations-contacts

        Google Compiled Information for Typhoon Ondoy

        Appealing to twitter, facebook, and other online people. For complete information please refer to http://sites.google.com/site/ondoymanila/home, a site created by Google for Ondoy Incident.  All information came from all the people in the Internet, which one way or another you are part of it.

        OK, just got advice from a friend, we need to FOCUS. Let's not make the RT's remain as echoes... Pls read this http://tinyurl.com/y8pv24p

        jiggycruz

        We need consolidated information not one by one information.  I just want to express my gratitude to the whole Filipino and non-Filipino who have never ending strength to help others.

        How to Fix your Submerge Car

        For people whio's car submerge in water.

        1. First of all DON'T START YOUR CAR wait to dry up the car first. 

        2. Then start drying your car.

        3. For more detailed information please see this link: http://flipgear.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/how-to-fix-your-submerged-car/#more-424


        For towing Services

        AAP -P2,100 (on the spot tow)

            -include membership for 1 year

            -include 2 cars already (just schedule to tow the other car)

          for more info just visit AAP website: http://www.aaphilippines.org/contact_us.aspx

         

        Wheelers Club

             -wasn’t able to call since line is busy

           for more info just visit http://wheelersclub.com.ph/WheelersClubFAQs2.htm#

                                         Hotline: 926-7353, 925-2702

        Complete Towing or Ambulance Hotlines:

        --> http://www.trapik.com/trapik_reminders.asp

        For people outside Luzon, Philippines (including Metro Manila) – how to help due to Typhoon Ondoy

        Got this from Facebook and any other sources.  I try to post internet ways on how to help.

        Donate to Ayala Foundation through MyAyala:
        http://www.myayala.com/ondoy/

        Donate to Philippine Jesuits (tie up between the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus and Ayala Foundation
        http://myayala.com/sjph/
        (Type in "xs4ondoy" after "I would like to donate to...")

        Mail&More, FedEx, Air21 outlets accepting donations. For locations pls call 8794789 or log to www.mailandmore.com.ph (from twitter Manolo Quezon)

        World Food Programme
        https://www.wfp.org/donate/ondoy

        Via Philippine National Red Cross
        Details can be found here at their webpage http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/Default.aspx?S=48&SS=972

        Via CCF (URL: http://www.ccf.org.ph/get-involved/give/)

        No one is obliged to give; after all, everything already belongs to the Lord. However, if you would like to give back a portion of what he has placed in your care, you may do so in the following ways:
         

        1. Online payment via credit card

        2. Direct bank deposit (Philippines)

        3. Action International Ministries (Canada)

        4. Tax Deductible Donations in the USA – Please indicate that your donations are for CCF Philippines.




         

        Free PAL airlift of donations for Ondoy victims
        Philippine Airlines will airlift for free all relief donations intended for victims of typhoon Ondoy. All provincial PAL stations will load on flights bound for Manila any bulk cargo box containing donations addressed to reputable, non-profit, charitable organizations in Manila.
        Details here: http://bit.ly/16mH1Z

        CEBU
        For friends in Cebu, repost from Gino Carteciano from Twitter:
        You from Cebu? Joseph Castillo and Lui Castillo will be sending 2 20ft container vans to Manila http://tumblr.com/xll3am2mb

        DAVAO and MINDANAO
        Repost from Crise Antonette Aquino Flores: from Zen Nandu : Aboitiz also. Donations in kind are accepted at 2GO OUTLETS here in Davao City. The goods are also shipped from Davao to Manila via Superferry for free. :-D

        Repost from Crise Antonette Aquino Flores: from Mr. Edmund Gawchua, Manager, Negros Navigation is now accepting the transfer of relief goods from Mindanao to Manila for free for aid to victims of Ondoy.

        BANGKOK, Thailand
        Repost: For friends in BANGKOK who would like to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana):The Philippine Embassy will be receiving only donations in kind (ie., used clothing, shoes, blankets, and the like, and canned goods) anytime... between 9am-5pm until Fri. For queries, please feel free to contact the Philippine Embassy at (02) 259-0139 up to 40 or (08) 992-65954, or at bangkokpe@gmail.com.

        The Philippine Embassy:
        760 Sukhumvit Road corner Soi Philippines (30/1) Bangkok 10110 Thailand
        www.philembassy-bangkok.net

        BELGIUM
        For those based in Belgium they can contact Shiera Catalan at +32485328811 if they want to donate goods for typhoon relief. (source Twitter Manolo Quezon)

        USA
        - visit the abs-cbn foundation website for details.
        - you can also call 1-800-5272820

        CALIFORNIA
        SoCal Pinoys who want to donate: Our goal is to fill up a 40ft container in 1week with new or used clothing/shoes/blankets medicines,canned food items,etc. Our house is temp drop off point for now. We'll facilitate immediate shipment to Manila. 16622 Amberwood Way Cerritos, CA 90703 or call Jan at (562) 338-4737. I guess you should call first to verify... Repost fr Rowie, Jen CC Tan, friend, Janice A Balgemino

        DONATION DRIVE WILL BE IN ISLAND PACIFIC MARKET, PANORAMA CITY, CA or Online at www.pinoypinayamerica.org. 100% of Collected donations no commision or whatever will be sent directly to Philippine National Red Cross courtesy of RCBC Remit Panorama City. This drive is in coordination with Island Pacific Market, WWW.MAGICKARAOKE.COM, BENNIEBEBE and RCBC

        Stanford's Pilipino American Student Union (PASU) is collecting donations to be sent to the Philippines to help victims of Typhoon Ondoy. If you would like to make a donation, please contact AV David at avhdavid@stanford.edu or (650) 491-4561.

        Erly's Shear Beauty: We will be sending boxes of relief goods including but not limited to clothes, blankets, towels, bath soap, shampoo, toothbrush. Starting Tuesday, September 29, will be setting up boxes inside the shop and feel free to put in whatever you may have to donate. Address is 133 Hickey Blvd. So. San Francisco. email: meidelacruz@yahoo.com 

        NEW YORK, USA
        Repost from Trixie Gisbert: Ondoy New York Disaster Relief drop off center @ Pandayan Center, 406 W40th St. Between 9th and 10th Aves. New York, NY 10018 or call 212.564.6057. Please spread the word!

        HONGKONG, China
        Repost: To all those living in Hong Kong who would like to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy, you may deposit donations in cash to HSBC Account No. 808-416564-001 – Ateneo Alumni Association - Hong Kong Chapter. Please text 62957677 the amount and tie of deposit. Donations in kind can be dropped off at Camille Genuino's residence.

        Louise Kathryn Yu
        We are also placing a cash donation box at the YWCA on MacDonell Road. If they happen to drop by and want to help the typhoon victims they can place any amount here.

        SIDNEY, AUSTRALIA

        Donating goods from Sydney, Australia (clothes, shoes, pillows, blankets, canned food, etc):

        Drop off houses:
        MICHELLE BARRERA - Castle Hill (Hills district/North West) - mbcb83@gmail.com(she'd rather be contacted via Facebook email though)

        CARLOS BARRERA - Kensington (Eastern suburbs/CBD) - (Facebook email or contact Rosary & Michelle)

        ROSARY COLOMA - Abbotsford (Inner West/City Fringe) - rosary.coloma@gmail.com

        ALA PAREDES - Blacktown (Western suburbs) - ala_paredes@yahoo.com
        Please donate this week (including this weekend). The boxes are going beginning of next week.

        PAREDES boxes will reach victims mainly through ATENEO'S relief effort.
        BARRERA boxes will reach victims through SUNSHINE PROJECT & going directly to areas worst hit.

        (Source: http://rosie-postcards.blogspot.com/2009/09/donations-for-philippine-typhoon.html thru Jim Paredes Twitter)

        SINGAPORE
        From Twitter, Jim Paredes tweet: RT @cille07: @jimparedes hi jim. LBC and i-Remit Singapore will be waiving remittance fees for donations to Philippine Red Cross.
        Repost:To all Pinoys in Singapore, if you would like to help our kababayans impacted by the floods, the drop off point for relief goods is Afreight Cargo, #03-09 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Road. Contact Person: Maureen Schepers 6235-1011/91117855. Please pass on this info to fellow Filipinos and Non-Filipinos who would like to help.

        TORONTO, CANADA
        From Twitter, Jim Paredes' tweet: RT @TheDEXpress: @jimparedes for all our kababayans in Toronto: how to donate - http://bit.ly/EjE0X

        Source and other important resource

        1. Majority of details: Charo Limaco, Filipinos overseas/outside Metro Manila - here's how you can help. #Ondoy

        2. Twitter Community

        3. http://superbianca.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-am-currently-writing-this-while-sick.html

        Reminder:
        For Pinoys wanting to send relief goods from abroad, please inquire with our embassies/consulates. You don't want Customs intercepting.

        -mlq3


        DLSU Runs a call center

        DLSU now runs a call center open for pledges and any form of support. You can call 523-6158, 526-4611 loc. 128. We also need empty bottles with caps for water. you could also text 0916-4204748 0916-4204748. Please repost this. Thank you!

        Update on Typhoon Ondoy

        For update on how to help and other details on Typhoon Ondoy.  Please refer to http://sourpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/typhoon-ondoy-emergency-hotlines-and-relief-operations/

        Just want to express gratitude to sourpolitics.wordpress.com

        I just want to STRES this one
        Medical Reminder: For all those who’ve come into contact with floodwater, please take your leptospirosis prophylaxis ASAP: 2 capsules doxycycline 100mg. Take with food and avoid taking with dairy products. DO NOT GIVE to children or pregnant women, or those who are allergic. Thanks! (Source: Pao Pei Salvan)/ Dr. Jae Salvan.

        My View Today (Typhoon Ondoy)

        Since the night Sept. 25, 2009 rains in Luzon has started and until now (Sept. 26, 2009 3PM)  it haven’t stopped yet.  I want want to share some things which I have got this early afternoon.

        My view from my window. Location: Marikina River, Caniogan, Pasig,

        IMAGE_110

        On normal days you can see the river bank however now as expected you can’t.    Currently I am waiting for the water to flow over the fence so I’ll move my car.

        IMAGE_111Initially I am planning to go to my parent’s house, however according to my brother c5, Tiendesitas is already flood above knee (lagpas tuhod na).  Anyway everywhere is already in flood.

        For pubic service:

        From mlq3:

        Here's what you can do even if you're home.

        1. E-mail friends/relatives overseas to donate to Red Cross for Philippine flood victim relief.

        2. Here's what you can do to help, possible, go to Red Cross in Port Area to help wrap and prepare relief goods.

        3. Here's what you can do even if you're home. Call your parish to find out plans when rains subside so you know where , how to help.

        4. Pledge what would've been this weekend's gimmick money for disaster relief.

        Spreading around twitter

        Bagyong #Ondoy Hotline for anyone who needs help: 734-2118, 734-2120 pls retweet/repost. May everyone be safe...

        RT @dementia: RT @ANCALERTS: BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION HOTLINES: 729-5166, 410-6254, 413-8859, 407-1230

        RT @mlq3: Text Meralco at 09175592824 if you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires.

         

        For my advice

        For those who are not yet home and cannot go home. Please call home and tell them your consider so they will not worry. #manilaflood #ondoy

        Patalastas: Para sa mga Boboto sa 2010

        Sa susunod na halalan ang Pilipinas ay gagamit ng automation sa pagbilang ng mga boto.  Pero bago ang lahat, kailanganin muna natin maging tiyak kung nakarehistro tayo para sa susunod na taon.  Bago ang hi-tech na bilangan (na sana’y di naman hi-tach ang dayaan).  Bumisita muna tayo sa website ng COMELEC, upang tiyakin kung saan tayo nakarehistro.

        Natuklasan ko lang ito kahapon habang naghahanap ng mga pamantayan sa pagrehistro ng botante.  Na hi-tech na din yun Comelec dahil makikita natin dito sa website na ito yun mga detalye ng atin pagkarehistro.  Pumunta lang sa link na ito at ilagay lang ang pangalan at araw ng kapanganakan, at ibibgay niya ang mga detalye kung saan presinto ka boboto.

        comelecScreenshot ng Impormasyon kung saan Nakarehistro

        Ang address ng presinto kung saan boboto ay wala pa sa website. Mabutihin imungkahi na lang sa inyong barangay pag malapit na ang halalan,

        Kaya para sa mga may gustong supotahan sa darating na halalan at hindi pa nakakapag rehistro, mabutihing pumunta sa inyong mga Munisipyo o City Hall para mag rehistro at ito ang kanilang schedule

        During office hours, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM,
        (Mondays - Saturdays including holidays)
        beginning December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) to
        October 31, 2009 (Saturday)

        Sa mga hindi pa nakapagrehistro, mag parehistro na, sayang ang boto.

        Ang mga impormasyon ay mula sa: www.comelec.gov.ph

        Track You Fuel Consumption Online

        Last week I discovered this site, www.fuelly.com.  It tracks the fuel consumption of the cars or motorcycle.  Every time we put gasoline to our vehicle, we must record the amount of gas that is filled and the odometer (mileage).  For more accurate results full tank is a must.

        As usual it has three units of measurement, US and Metric.  It has two ways of tracking the distance, odometer or trip miles.  It also records the price of gasoline per liter (or per miles) so you can see the price trends.

        For the consumption it has the following way to display the amount of the consumption

        1. L/100KM
        2. Miles per Gallon (UK)
        3. Miles per Gallon (US)

        One nice thing on this one we can compare the consumption of the gasoline of other cars.  Sad to say we don’t have Km/L so every time I refer I convert L/100Km to Km/L.  Since I just recorded my first gasoline full tank last week so I can’t share to you my consumption.  Here is a sample screen from other vehicle.

         fuelly1

        Better starts monitoring the fuel consumption rather than fuel price since all we know prices won’t go down same as 10 years ago.  But we can control fuel consumption by car maintenance, or by simply monitoring our driving habits.

        Remembering Noah’s Ark

        Last September 13, 2009, we watched a play by Trumpets, a famous theater company in the Philippines that behind the critically acclaimed productions of Joseph The Dreamer, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Little Mermaid, titled N.O.A.H (Not an Ordinary Aquatic Habitat.  The story is based from the famous Bible story, Noah’s Ark with a little twist.  The setting is not on 2nd Century B.C. but somewhat like 2B.C. with a look of 2009A.D.  Moving on, if you haven’t read or somewhat forgot the story please refer to the Bible Genesis 6-9.

        The story started that people are already busy on themselves, they mind their own business and not considering others, they didn’t treasure God’s creation and only by throwing trash everywhere.  Therefore the world became corrupt and full of sins, and God wants to destroy the world.

        By reflecting on the previous paragraph, don’t we see these everyday? People throwing trash, robbery or snatching incident, bribery, killings, corruption, destroying God’s creation.  Just look at Philippines we can  these see scenarios, and we can also  for the other 194 countries in the world. 

        The question here what if, and I know this will not happen, God break his promise (Gen. 9:11)?

        11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."

        What if we won’t see any rainbow anymore (Gen 9:13)?

        13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

        To be honest I don’t what to do, God can destroy the world with a single click.  He can press the RESET button right away.  However since God loves us, He will not break his covenant with us, his creations.  Therefore since this world is a gift from our Heavenly Father, we better start to do our end of the bargain: to take care this world which God’s have entrusted us and to enjoy on His beautiful creation.

        Generis 9:1-7

        1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. 2The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. 3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

        4 "But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. 5 And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.

        6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man,
               by man shall his blood be shed;
               for in the image of God
               has God made man.

        7 As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."

        For further reading:

        1. Truly, no ordinary ‘N.O.A.H.’
        2. Genesis 6-9 (NIV)

        Rainy Friday Night at Eastwood

        September 11, 2009, Eastwood City Cyberpark, Quezon City, Philippines, it is a rainy night and in Eastwood City and people are relaxing and chill out since it is Friday.

        Eastwood Map Eastwood Vicinity Map

        Along the way at Eastwood Central Plaza, we saw the Eastwood Mainstay mime actor  wearing a “Michael Jackson” attire.  Standing in front of an F3 car.

        Eastwood 9-11-09 001

        Eastwood 9-11-09 002

        We, Jeffrey and me, looking for a place to eat.  We were noticed this new restaurant in Eastwood Mall.

        Eastwood 9-11-09 006

        Johnny Rockets new burger restaurant in town

        However they are closed.  I think they are just testing the lights.  Damn!!!  At far, especially when you are looking it from inside the building nearby, you will think that this is already open.  I an wondering when they will open to serve the public.

        Eastwood 9-11-09 007

        Finally we  went to the restaurant on front of it.  And I played with their menu.

        Eastwood 9-11-09 003

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

        Stackers’ Menu

        Eastwood 9-11-09 005Eastwood 9-11-09 004

        Burgers!!! YUM YUM!!! :)

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

        However I didn't order this burger as originally planned.  I settled for 2 Chicken + Fries + 2 cup of Rice.

        After meal I walked around.

        Eastwood 9-11-09 017BPI Auto-Madness “You can afford these cars, but you cannot afford to buy it in cash, therefore  just take a loan from BPI ;)” (not the official slogan.  I just improvised.)

        Eastwood 9-11-09 011

        A nice car from Kia worth for almost PHP1.32M.  Very nice car. Japorms. -  SOUL

         

         

         

        A nice Hybrid car from Toyota, Prius.  Very fuel efficient.  I didn’t bother to ask since according to  Motion Cars it is cost PHP 2.250M.

        Eastwood 9-11-09 012

         

        Setting the Global Warming Issue aside, Nakatipid ka nga sa gasolina, kaso nabawi na ng Toyota yun tinipid mo sa gasolina habang binibili mo pa lang yun kotse. (You saved money from the gasoline.  While you are still on the process of buying this car, Toyota already took your gasoline savings.) :p ^_^

         

         

        While on dinner we are discussing on how Google makes money.  And how Google facing the competition with Microsoft.  In the end I end up buying an inspirational book, The Google Story.  This book tells the story on how did Google started making business.

        After this… I finally went home as I successfully finished my work week.

        Usapang Pera at Pulitika sa 9/9/9

        Sa umaga ng ika-9 ng Setyembre, 2009 nagdeklara ng pagtabo bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas sa susunod na halalan si Noynoy Aquino.  Pagbukas ko ng Twitter kaninang umaga, isa isang nagsulputan ang mga tweet ng mga tao.  May mga ilang tweet na kumuha ng aking atensyon.

        RT @jscatalla02: At ito na. Tatakbo ang anak ng nasa limandaan. Susunod na kabanata: tatakbo bang bise niya ang apo ng nasa isandaan?Abangan

        At ang sagok ko ay:

        @Menardconnect hindi natin alam kung ano ang sasabihin ng kampo ng anak ng nasa 200

        Since dumami na ang tweet tungkol kay Noynoy eto ang naging sagot ko:

        On #noynoy plataporma na lang ang kulang...

        At sumagot ang apo ng nasa dalawampung piso

        mlq3@Jameson168 may plataporma na ang mga kandidatong may partido: http://tinyurl.com/lzzjp6

        What a day… lahat ng mga anak at apo nasa pera ay isa’t isa naglalabasan ngayon.  Isa lang masasabi ko, ngayon araw ay napakaispesyal sa pamilya ng nasa limandaang piso at maraming nangyari ngayon.

        Paguwi ko ng bahay nagabang ako ng balita tungkol sa mga nangyari ngayon. Ayon sa tugon ng kampo ng anak ng nasa dalawangdaan piso malakas pa ang kanilang kampo nila sa dahilan pinakamalaking partido ngayon ang administrasyon (Lakas-Kami-CMD)

        Ayon sa apo ng nasa limandaang piso may twitter na ang kayang tito na anak ng nasa limandaang piso:

        jiggycruzTweeps. Tito Noy has a Twitter Acct but I'm still teaching him. Follow @noynoyaquino =) no picture yet though

        Isa lang masasabi ko sa susunod na pangulo ng Pilipinas… ayaw ko na ng makakita ng mga ss:

        1. Hello Garci
        2. ZTS-NBN
        3. Fertilizer Fund Scam
        4. North-South Rail Controversy
        5. Mga biglaang holiday na nagbibigay kulay pulitika
        6. Mga hindi maipaliwanag na yaman at ari arian
        7. Magarbong hapunan na ngakakahalagang mahigit kumulang na PHP1,700,000 sa loob ng dalawang araw
        8. Pagbibigay ng pardon sa iba’t ibang kriminal na nakakulong
        9. Kapit tuko sa pusisyon
        10. Pagtanaw ng utang na loob kung kanikanino para sa mga pabor na nagawa
        11. At marami pang ibang  anumalya sa pamahalaan

        Sa madaling salita ayaw namin ng magnanakaw. Gusto naman namin makita na mauwi yun aming humugit kumulang na 30% na buwis, na mula sa dugo’t pawis, sa mga makakabuluhang bagay at hindi sa bulsa ng mga magagaling nating mga pulitiko.

        Para sa ikalilinaw ng iba kung sinu-sino ang mga nasa larawan ng pera ng Pilipinas.:

        image 

        PHP 20 Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon

        image

        PHP 100 Pangulong Manuel A. Roxas

        image

        PHP 200 Pangulong Diosdado P. Macapagal

        image

        PHP 500 Senador Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr.

        Usapang Pera at Pulitika sa 9/9/9

        Sa umaga ng ika-9 ng Setyembre, 2009 nagdeklara ng pagtabo bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas sa susunod na halalan si Noynoy Aquino.  Pagbukas ko ng Twitter kaninang umaga, isa isang nagsulputan ang mga tweet ng mga tao.  May mga ilang tweet na kumuha ng aking atensyon.

        RT @jscatalla02: At ito na. Tatakbo ang anak ng nasa limandaan. Susunod na kabanata: tatakbo bang bise niya ang apo ng nasa isandaan?Abangan

        At ang sagok ko ay:

        @Menardconnect hindi natin alam kung ano ang sasabihin ng kampo ng anak ng nasa 200

        Since dumami na ang tweet tungkol kay Noynoy eto ang naging sagot ko:

        On #noynoy plataporma na lang ang kulang...

        At sumagot ang apo ng nasa dalawampung piso

        mlq3@Jameson168 may plataporma na ang mga kandidatong may partido: http://tinyurl.com/lzzjp6

        What a day… lahat ng mga anak at apo nasa pera ay isa’t isa naglalabasan ngayon.  Isa lang masasabi ko, ngayon araw ay napakaispesyal sa pamilya ng nasa limandaang piso at maraming nangyari ngayon.

        Paguwi ko ng bahay nagabang ako ng balita tungkol sa mga nangyari ngayon. Ayon sa tugon ng kampo ng anak ng nasa dalawangdaan piso malakas pa ang kanilang kampo nila sa dahilan pinakamalaking partido ngayon ang administrasyon (Lakas-Kami-CMD)

        Ayon sa apo ng nasa limandaang piso may twitter na ang kayang tito na anak ng nasa limandaang piso:

        jiggycruzTweeps. Tito Noy has a Twitter Acct but I'm still teaching him. Follow @noynoyaquino =) no picture yet though

        Isa lang masasabi ko sa susunod na pangulo ng Pilipinas… ayaw ko na ng makakita ng mga ss:

        1. Hello Garci
        2. ZTS-NBN
        3. Fertilizer Fund Scam
        4. North-South Rail Controversy
        5. Mga biglaang holiday na nagbibigay kulay pulitika
        6. Mga hindi maipaliwanag na yaman at ari arian
        7. Magarbong hapunan na ngakakahalagang mahigit kumulang na PHP1,700,000 sa loob ng dalawang araw
        8. Pagbibigay ng pardon sa iba’t ibang kriminal na nakakulong
        9. Kapit tuko sa pusisyon
        10. Pagtanaw ng utang na loob kung kanikanino para sa mga pabor na nagawa
        11. At marami pang ibang  anumalya sa pamahalaan

        Sa madaling salita ayaw namin ng magnanakaw. Gusto naman namin makita na mauwi yun aming humugit kumulang na 30% na buwis, na mula sa dugo’t pawis, sa mga makakabuluhang bagay at hindi sa bulsa ng mga magagaling nating mga pulitiko.

        Para sa ikalilinaw ng iba kung sinu-sino ang mga nasa larawan ng pera ng Pilipinas.:

        image 

        PHP 20 Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon

        image

        PHP 100 Pangulong Manuel A. Roxas

        image

        PHP 200 Pangulong Diosdado P. Macapagal

        image

        PHP 500 Senador Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr.

        Rain Guard

        It has been raining these past few days here in Manila (and maybe elsewhere) and when I think about it, I realize how lucky we are because cars, more often than not, have air-con (A/C). However, there are still times when we prefer to breathe fresh polluted air from the outside but cannot open our windows because the drizzling rain would come in. Our solution? Auto Rain Guard =D

        I used to think that rain guards are used for aesthetics purposes only (kala ko porma lang), but NO. Rain guard does more than beautify your car, it also shields you from the rain – thus the name.

        Rain Guard Two


        Rain Guard Three



        I remember the days when I used to get wet getting the parking ticket from an outside booth; the water not only soaks the interiors of my car but soaks me as well!

        Anyway, if you want rain guards in your cars, you’ll have to purchase because this accessory is not part of the standard car package in the market.

        Since the windows is a little bit open, expect for any unexpected guest. (insects) ;)

        Rain Guard

        It has been raining these past few days here in Manila (and maybe elsewhere) and when I think about it, I realize how lucky we are because cars, more often than not, have air-con (A/C). However, there are still times when we prefer to breathe fresh polluted air from the outside but cannot open our windows because the drizzling rain would come in. Our solution? Auto Rain Guard =D

        I used to think that rain guards are used for aesthetics purposes only (kala ko porma lang), but NO. Rain guard does more than beautify your car, it also shields you from the rain – thus the name.

        Rain Guard Two

         

        Rain Guard Three

         

        I remember the days when I used to get wet getting the parking ticket from an outside booth; the water not only soaks the interiors of my car but soaks me as well!

        Anyway, if you want rain guards in your cars, you’ll have to purchase because this accessory is not part of the standard car package in the market.

        Since the windows is a little bit open, expect for any unexpected guest. (insects) ;)

        Introducing: Windows Live Writer

        Are you having a hard time on placing pictures on your blog?

        I discovered this last night since I am having a hard time putting pictures on Blogger. Adding picture here is like cut an paste same with Microsoft Word.  I am not a Microsoft fan however this is cool.

        For its features it has the following:

        1. Easy sharing of pictures and videos
        2. Cool plug-ins (Twitter, Digg and Flickr)
        3. Direct publish to different Blogging Service (Windows Live Spaces, WordPress, Blogger, TypePad, etc)
        4. Easy to edit previous published blog post
        5. Can handle multiple Blogging Service accounts
        6. and many more

        For full listing and software download please see here

        Windows Live Writer

        Samples Screenshot

        Introducing: Windows Live Writer

        Are you having a hard time on placing pictures on your blog?

        I discovered this last night since I am having a hard time putting pictures on Blogger. Adding picture here is like cut an paste same with Microsoft Word.  I am not a Microsoft fan however this is cool.

        For its features it has the following:

        1. Easy sharing of pictures and videos
        2. Cool plug-ins (Twitter, Digg and Flickr)
        3. Direct publish to different Blogging Service (Windows Live Spaces, WordPress, Blogger, TypePad, etc)
        4. Easy to edit previous published blog post
        5. Can handle multiple Blogging Service accounts
        6. and many more

        For full listing and software download please see here

        Windows Live Writer

        Samples Screenshot

        Our Adventures with Outdoor Furniture

        After we move in to our home, we put some appliance inside it. From TV, ref, couch to surround sound system up to Wi-Fi connection, we almost complete our dream home set up however our balcony is pretty empty like our neighbor’s balcony that haven’t moved in yet.

        We cannot afford that our balcony is empty since it is part of our house and we expect that if we have guest some will go to the balcony and have some drinks. So we started our journey, from ACE hardware to Malls. Mostly in those areas the material of the furniture is plastic or cheap metal. If there are good material it cost a lot, which is more than PHP 15,000, for the cheap one it only cost around PHP 3,000.

        clip_image002

        Sample of Cheap Plastic Imitation

        Last week we went to Tagaytay for a vacation and suddenly we passed by, along Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite, a lot of furniture shops there which has the specialty of creating antique chairs and tables.

        clip_image004

        Initially we found a lot creating abaca or rattan furniture and it is quite expensive so we settle to solid wood. Since they are specialize on antiques we need to be careful with the design so we don’t end up in haunted house design.

        clip_image006

        Finally we end up to this table set, made of acacia wood which has 4 chairs and a small table with 30 inch diameter, and it cost us only around PHP 7,500. For the quality we need to test it with time, but for functionality, as of this writing I am using this table while I am writing this blog entry. If you want to have some wood furniture you can take a look at Silang, Cavite. If you don’t like their design and you are adventurous you can ask them to customize for you. Finally don’t forget to haggle for bargain :)

        clip_image008

        This is it!!!

        Our Adventures with Outdoor Furniture

        After we move in to our home, we put some appliance inside it. From TV, ref, couch to surround sound system up to Wi-Fi connection, we almost complete our dream home set up however our balcony is pretty empty like our neighbor’s balcony that haven’t moved in yet.
        We cannot afford that our balcony is empty since it is part of our house and we expect that if we have guest some will go to the balcony and have some drinks. So we started our journey, from ACE hardware to Malls. Mostly in those areas the material of the furniture is plastic or cheap metal. If there are good material it cost a lot, which is more than PHP 15,000, for the cheap one it only cost around PHP 3,000.
        clip_image002
        Sample of Cheap Plastic Imitation
        Last week we went to Tagaytay for a vacation and suddenly we passed by, along Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite, a lot of furniture shops there which has the specialty of creating antique chairs and tables.
        clip_image004
        Initially we found a lot creating abaca or rattan furniture and it is quite expensive so we settle to solid wood. Since they are specialize on antiques we need to be careful with the design so we don’t end up in haunted house design.
        clip_image006
        Finally we end up to this table set, made of acacia wood which has 4 chairs and a small table with 30 inch diameter, and it cost us only around PHP 7,500. For the quality we need to test it with time, but for functionality, as of this writing I am using this table while I am writing this blog entry. If you want to have some wood furniture you can take a look at Silang, Cavite. If you don’t like their design and you are adventurous you can ask them to customize for you. Finally don’t forget to haggle for bargain =)
        clip_image008
        This is it!!!

        Why 168?



        Currently, we see a lot of establishments that have 168 on it. Previously we only see this on car plates, mobile phone number, and now on the name of the establishments such as restaurants, malls, internet shops, residential projects, etc... (like 168 Mall in Divisioria, Manila )

        But what is the main point?




        168 in Chinese is 一六八 (pinyin: yi liu ba, Fujian: chi lok huat) and it is sounds like (homophone) 一路發 (pinyin: yi lu fa, Fujian: chi lo huat) means one way luck. In Chinese language we have a lot of homophone, same sound different meaning. We can create a sentence by using number and here are some examples:


        • 9413 - 九死一生 - 90% of dying and 10% chance of living


        • 49 - dead forever


        • 54 - will not die 無死


        • 888 - 發發發 (luck luck luck)


        So as we see even on Internet we can see a lot of people specially Chinese on the Internet adding this number on their user names or email addresses


        Here are some definition of the number based from their homophones


        1 - yi - one


        2 - er/liang - a pair, since good things comes with pair


        3 - san - birth (生, sheng) or mountain (山, shan)


        4 - si - unlucky - sound like dead 四=死(dead)


        5 - wu -negate or not (sounds like) - 五=無(none)


        6 - liu - go or way, since going the way is like keep on going - 六 sounds near 路(liu)


        7 - qi - considered as a universal lucky number, also togetherness or arise (起).... but in some cases 7th month (7月) is considered unlucky month


        8 - ba -is the luckiest number of all since it sounds like luck (發)


        9 - jiu - some means everlasting (永久- yong jiu). But in some Chinese they don't want 9 but I forgot the explanation.





        very lucky money 888168 (發發發一路發)


        For further reading:

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_in_Chinese_culture

        http://www.beijing-china-guide.com/chinese-numerology.html