Monday, December 10, 2007
Shameless Self Promotion #001
First suicide attempt
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Netspionage: the cost of internet hacking...
Millions of programmed information all around the world all went through this way called the cyberspace. And it is never impossible that even the most private information can be illegally accessed or what we termed as being hacked. But the question is; what is hacking, who is at risk and what should we do to avoid this illegal activity?
Hacking can be defined as the process of gaining unauthorized access to a computer or computerized system and the information it contains. Both corporate and home users can be at risk of hacking. Everybody from home internet users to office can be a victim. The risk to home users from hacking is growing. Until recently, the use of conventional dial-up modems meant that users tend to be connected to the Internet for short periods of time. However, broadband and cable connections, which systems are permanently connected to the Internet, make it easier for hackers to be aware that you are online and will attempt to gain access to your system. Faster connections can also make it easier to transfer information from your system very quickly. Some viruses are known as ‘Trojan Horses’ or ‘Trojans’. Once installed these will open a ‘back door’ to your computer and notify the sender. The sender can then accesses your computer and open, delete or copy files from it without your knowledge.
If we can remember way back the year 2000, one computer science student was caught because of an ‘I Love You’ virus that he spreads on the internet. It reached a total of $10,000,000,000 damages that it caused in the United States. The Federal Burue of Investigation or FBI even joined the investigation. But the virus suspect was acquitted, because during that time there is not yet law that imprisons internet criminals.
Crime of the future is the termed used by the authorities on the criminal acts made in the internet. According to Atty. Efren Meneses, the head in the NBI Anti-fraud & Computer Crimes Division, sometime in the year 2000 they already sent a request to the FBI about the investigation of what they termed as white-collared jobs or the crimes of the future which is now the internet fraud or cyber crimes.
Because of the damages made by the ‘I Love You’ virus there is already a law against internet crimes. Atty. Meneses also added that after the ‘I Love You’ virus, there were already eight to ten filed cases with regards to the violation of the law. There is an assigned punishment from 100,000 pesos up and an imprisonment from six months to three years to whomever hackers caught. Even though it is hard and this crime is new for the NBI agents, they are optimistic that they can catch most if not all internet criminals.
According to Jerry, a computer analyst, new virus or computer programs are being born around the world everyday. And within a wink of an eye it can already spread as fast as bullets with the aid of the internet. Jerry believes that it would be better to be careful and be preventive than to regret at the end. In relation to this, he shared some simple yet very useful steps you can take to help protect your computer and the information it contains. First is to use a “firewall”, a piece of hardware or software that blocks unauthorized access to your system. Software versions can be found on the Internet, and many computer magazines feature software in their cover CDs. It is also necessary not to leave any files that contain sensitive information – for example, your bank details - where they could easily be found by someone hacking your system. And make sure you are running the latest versions of any software that acts as a server.
Remember as long as your system is switched on and connected to the Internet, it could be at risk of being hacked. You don’t have to actively be using your system for it to be vulnerable. As with other Internet crimes, the best cure is prevention. If you have been the victim of a hacker you may not realize until any sensitive information stored on your system has been put to use. Still, hackers will gain access. If a fifteen year old can shutdown NASA, should we expect more?
Viruses, shutdowns, crashes and email hacking will be the burden of the user, a company losing money because of internet theft will be the burden of its customer and the government’s money spent on the security system will be our burden, the nation’s citizen.
Is there anyone affected by internet crime? No one, everyone is affected.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Unto the world of Morpheus...
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Trials and Tribulations of being an OFW
The day my mother left us to work abroad was one of the saddest moments of our family life. I pity my two little brothers, they are too upset that our mother will left us for a long time.
In the life of a typical Filipino family, this situation is very common because parents would like to give better future to their loved ones especially for their children. Good opportunities in the
But working abroad will not always mean a good life for our parents there. Some may be very lucky to have a very kind employer but some may not. Some can get the perfect job that they really wanted, others cannot. Some gets high paying jobs, some do not. Some Overseas Filipino Workers have the opportunity to bring their families with them but some do not.
It is not good for our hardworking OFWs that they would be maltreated on abroad or even here. Take for example the Manila Standard Today columnist Malu Fernandez in her People Asia magazine article “From Boracay to
Many trials are surrounding our Filipinos abroad and as mentioned earlier is being far from the family. Being far from our loved ones can often lead to the foundation of this relationship to become weak. Usual contractual jobs would last for two or more years. There are cases that an OFW who left his wife and children in the
Children were not guided properly. Sometimes, both parents are working abroad and children would only be left under the guidance of one of their relatives. Sometimes the guardian cannot fully discipline them that can cause children to be stubborn. Long separation also creates gaps between the parents and children; closeness with each other is not firm or strong anymore.
As a Filipino working abroad it is a must to save for the entire year but some of our relatives there earns nothing, and this is the common mistake. This is the reason why many Overseas Filipino Workers are coming back to the country for retirement but are not successful. Finding local jobs after working abroad is also a problem for the Ex-Overseas Filipino Workers. Some companies are choosy and don’t want to accept applicants whose job experience is outside
The sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers cannot be avoided as they need to struggle to fulfill their dreams and to achieve success in life. Those hardships and sacrifices should bear sweet fruits rather than a bitter one. In the case of our OFW citizens living far away from the land where you really belong would definitely be a burden for anyone to carry. Let me share this to my fellow Filipino, OFWs worked hard not just for their selves, for their family but for the whole nation. Filipinos outside unite for the common goal, and maltreating them by foreign or even co-Filipinos should not be tolerated. We should proud of them rather than be ashamed of.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
LOLed at Bohol
Just recently went there a couple of weeks ago with mu co-VSU folkoloric dance troupe members.
It was a fun and exhilarating experience
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Out of Sheer Boredom
Bi the Way: A Case of the Hidden Identity
People learned that there are only two genders of human sexuality. However, in this modern society, the existence of the third sex just broke out. Now another sexuality came-about. Bisexuality is considered the most complex of all human sexuality because it has the tendency to love both sexes- male and female.
Some considered bisexuality as a state of confusion. But what is really bisexuality? How does it differ from homosexuality? How do we know if a person is bisexual?
The Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia in the internet, defined bisexuality as the sexual orientation which refers to the aesthetic, romantic, or sexual desire for individuals of either gender or of either sex. Although observed in a variety of forms in human societies and in the animal kingdom throughout recorded history, the term "bisexuality" was only coined in the 19th century.
Loosely interpreted, bisexuality is not only the possession of attraction for members of more than one sex, but also the potential to feel so. For some individuals, bisexuality is a life-long commitment. For others, it is a step on the continuum between homosexuality and heterosexuality. Recent research is even suggesting the intriguing idea that heterosexuality and homosexuality are phases on the way to bisexuality.
Many myths surrounding bisexuality exist. A commonly perceived notion is that bisexuality mandates equal attraction to both sexes. Most bis assert an inclination toward one sex versus the other. However, in some cases of attraction the sex of the individual is deemed irrelevant. The main factors involved are the appealing qualities of the other individual, with little attention given to gender.
Many misconceptions about bisexuality are perpetuated in movies, television, and magazines. The media has a tendency to trivialize bisexuality, presenting it like the cheap pornographic fantasy of a man having two women. This is related to the myth that bisexuals are fiendishly focused on sex and must have lovers of both sexes to feel completely fulfilled. Many bisexuals remain celibate. Other bisexuals are very capable of maintaining monogamous relationships. These individuals are not choosing to be gay or straight. They are still bi no matter who they commit to spend their lives with. As with people who are gay and straight, the decision to be celibate, monogamous, or polygamous rests with every individual.
Along with the myths of bisexuality can come other complications. The difficulty of calling oneself bi is sometimes exacerbated by a fear of stigmatization and discrimination from both the homosexual and heterosexual communities. Bisexuals are sometimes viewed by members of the homosexual community as blurring the issues and weakening the lesbian and gay movement. Attitudes are changing, though, and the communities are learning to live in harmony.
Mainstream society also seems to be taking the cue about changing attitudes. The new Bisexual Chic is taking over as America realizes the emergence of this "new" sexual identity. The mention of bisexuality in written publications has tripled this decade in comparison to the previous as the changing American society develops a love affair with this take on sexuality.
It seems now that with the changing values of our society, more and more people are open to sexual experimentation and exploring their long suppressed bisexual feelings. The orientation which once proposed a serious challenge to the gender polarity involved in sexuality is now coming into its own, disputing former boundaries and causing the more "established" views on sexual preference to redefine themselves.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
The Essence of Time
Time is the most important thing we should put in order for us to achieve what our hearts and minds wish to fulfill. Time is like a wild horse that we should tame or use wisely, or else, they will just pass by without noticing it.
We usually hear people regretting for something and saying: “If only I could turn back the hands of time.” This statement surely comes from a person who has done mistakes in the past or have never used his time wisely and productively.
Time is gold, as they say it is, and time as well as the tide awaits no one. Many of us should learn that the art of time management is very essential. But before anything else, we should learn the true meaning of time management and its spelling. Time management is not only about time but it also means commitment, wise priorities, and determination. These are just some of the few but very important features and aspects of time management. If you want to make use of your time, you have to determine what’s important.
Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend. Once you have mastered time, you will understand that most of the people underestimate what they can accomplish in a year, and underestimate what they can accomplish in a decade. Time is the most precious element of human existence. A successful person knows how to put energy into time and knows how to draw success from it. Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in a year as you make use of. One man gets only a week’s value out of a year, while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week. Remember the words like lost and yesterday. No reward is offered for they are gone forever…
Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone can determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you because anything that is wasted means a wasted time. The best management off time thus becomes an inseparable link with the best utilization of your efforts.
Indeed, a typical student is living a life full of hectic schedules. Create a history of your own. You should be wise because every second spent is comparable to every letter you scribble in writing your life’s history.
A Closer Look at Ad Superfiiality and Dorm Realities
“Walaaang pasook!” These lines may seem familiar, right? Exactly, this is the famous shout by a male occupant in a coffee commercial a couple of years ago. In that famous ad, a bunch of boys are doing their daily routine- ironing their shirts, brushing their teeth, taking a shower as if there seem to be an endless supply of water. All these are done in a Glamorous slow motion as in a trance-state sequence. But when one handsome guy shouted out ‘walaang pasok!,’ they all break out into happy grins and drink coffee, in a high ceiling lobby and huge windows very happy and laughing all around. Everything’s perfect. Hurrah for world peace. But my question is, can you relate?
The ad had probably made our eyebrows rise especially to the real dorm and boarding house occupants.
Actually, in an ordinary dorm or boarding house there will be about four to eight guys in one bedroom. Their shared bathroom will have a long line due to the morning rush. There won’t be even shower heads, but instead they’ll be using ‘tabo’ while taking a bath.
I addition, the all-male dorm will be occupied by at least, to be polite about it, a handful of not-so-good-looking occupants as opposed to the tisoy ones in the ad.
The details in the ad makes us think if such a dorm exists, and if so- where? So why should the setting be so artificial? One of my friend commented that advertisements are superficially glamorous yet so dishonest just to catch the attention of the audience and their target market. In general, there are no ‘real’ ads; ads are always above or below true conditions.
Let us not argue that boys would rather drink coffee instead of going back to sleep knowing that the class is suspended. But it would be better if the advertisers to create an environment setting so close to reality so that the viewers can relate.
But well, on the other hand, the ad probably wants to comment on the recent state of dormitories in the campus! It is very obvious in the commercial that it wants to promote a dorm-awareness campaign in different and even at different boarding houses. If we look at it in depth, the ad wants to speak to the students: “this is how your dorm should look like!” “You should have clean available water, your bathroom tiles should be germ-free gleaming like glass and you should also have comfy sofas!”
So why do all guys have smooth, fair skin instead of pimples? Of course, because they have clean, insect free- beddings. There are other things that our dorm should have; since the guys looked fit, the dorm must have a gym, and needless to say the fast food must serve nutritious yet affordable food. Frankly speaking, something that our dorm administrators should provide.
To be bold about it, the ad stimulates all dorm occupants to have a sense of activism and fight for their rights for proper housing that is, a dorm so nice you’d prefer drinking coffee there than in the cafeteria. Well, students in LSU are still lucky enough they found an affordable place to stay. But despite the affordable rentals, is your dorm decent enough for you to call a home away from home?