Tuesday, June 23, 2009

New spam floating around

Just thought I'd give a heads up to my readers (imaginary or otherwise). There is a new spam floating around. What is worrying is that it look pretty authentic (none of the usual typos, grammar mistakes, etc) to the normal person. Well, it isn't.

First of all, Microsoft wouldn't mass email their customers. We have this thing called Windows update that pretty much pings the user. Also, they (or shall I say, "tech journalists") will flood the news channels online (lovely thing this thing called the internets) with news of a ultra critical update.

Secondly, I doubt that they will use your email address in that manner. Plus, if you're like me, you have multiple email address. How can all of them get this spam?

Wheels turning yet?

Now how does the spam look like?

Well here's a screenie courtesy of me:


So yeah, delete the email immediately.

More info about this HERE.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

It's always the small things ain't it?

These past few days, I've been kinda caught up with something (more accurately, someone... ;) ). Still nothing going on yet though. I guess things always will take their natural progression no matter how fast or slow. But at least I am upfront huh? :D

Anyways, I've been doing a lot of self reflection lately. It really is the small things in life that matter. Most of us (if not all of us) are always out there scurrying around trying to accomplish things. But really. For what end? If one completes tasks for the sake of completing it, why bother right? It's passion that separates those who want to do something, and those who want to do something well. What is the distinction? I think it is the small things. By voicing out a small short sentence, it could possibly be the defining moment of doing the job to be over with it, or doing the job and wanting it done well (like it actually mattered to you).

But which do people prefer? That's something that you'll have to see for yourself. There are people with strong expectations for others to finish what is theirs. Actually that could possibly be all of us no? But then that group can be divided by those who simply follow, and those who are a bit more proactive (try to lead or help steer the way). But how does one know who wants which? Again, it's the small things you have to look for. Are things in a rush (aka is it the time and place)? How big of an impact do you think you can make? These are all things that are seemingly small, but could potentially exponentially create big ripples.

Though it really isn't just limited to work place. Even everyday life, the small things still apply. If you don't look out for them, you may risk just walking through life without knowing about it. You may miss out on having the chance of meeting a wonderful somebody who was there all along right in front of you (as I am kinda learning).

It's sometimes maddening on how such a small thing like a short sentence, a gesture, or a small occurrence can make or break all of your hard work. But these "small things" are a sword that cuts both ways. As with all things, there is a concept of internal and external controls. The small gestures and acts that you have control over (sacrificing your seat for the elderly, donating to the needy, smiling to those around you, etc) and those that you don't have (when you were born, where you are at what time - to a certain extent, and all of the other "unfortunates").

For me personally, I have suffered greatly at the stupid "small things" (PWNT by people that was loved and trusted usually) but at the same time it has also brought me much joy (rediscovering someone who turned out to have a lot of things similar, actually being thanked by people who was helped, witnessing acts of kindness by others, catching lucky breaks, etc). But then again, who hasn't lived through this thing called life right. I am pretty sure that there is more pain and joy in store for me when it comes to these "small things". I asked a good buddy of mine (as we were chatting over a meal), if pain was a risk but happiness was the prize for success, and you have tasted pain and defeat before, would it be enough for you to "quit" the game? Naturally, everyone tries to avoid/reduce pain whenever and as much as possible. I don't think a majority of people are pain loving peons right? Plus wouldn't the prize be worth the risk? Theoretical happiness until the end of days (and beyond)? Generations have played this game and have succeeded (each and everyone of us is a testament to that I guess - in a sense). So who are we to stand against such statistics.

Live life to the fullest. Enjoy all the trials and tribulations that it has to offer (regardless if you had or had no hand in it). It is much better than a "perfect" and boring life. :)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Microsoft Sidewinder X8: First impressions

Sidewinder X8 mouse

So far, I can say that I really like this mouse. It is nice and big (which is good for my somewhat larger hands). I have to say that I am somewhat partial to the vertically oriented back and forward buttons, but to be honest, I am so happy to have a forward button once more! (Logitech G5/7 didn't have one - stupidly).

Software was painless to install and no real tacky interface like Logitech's SetPoint software. Very integrated with Windows mouse properties (surprise surprise?).

Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the mouse pretty much worked real well in Ubuntu Linux. Even the on the fly sensitivity buttons below the scroll wheel worked really well (wonder if it is stored in the mouse).

Battery life has been amazing. I haven't had to charge it since I first fully charged it on Wednesday afternoon (it is now Saturday afternoon).

I'll probably whip up a proper review on TechARP and give a link back for my readers.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

blablabla

I finally made some real contact with our neighbor. Before that we did the normal neighborly stuff. Wave hands. Empty 2 minute chats. Etc etc. But today my neighbor's son who is kinda my age (post bachelors) finally came over and joined the three of us for bball (so 2v2 - YAY!). It was really cool to break the ice over a game of bball. The neighbors invited us over to their son's wedding (the dude who came over to play) and beyond that, we didn't do much more. But it was a lot of fun. He was actually fit (as opposed to "the still losing tons of weight" me, "I love to eat" youngest brother, and "super defender without conserving energy" middle brother). So it actually gave me a good challenge (I played competitive bball in college until I injured the ACLs on both knees...). Heck it even made my side hurt after running around so much. But our neighbor was super nice. Really friendly and polite dood. I told him that we play every afternoon and that he was more than welcome to join us.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Megadeth: In My Darkest Hour

Favorite song/lyrics from my favorite guitarist & band (that's using my favorite guitars).



Really love the lyrics too.

* HAH! Edited the size to not upset my blog layout. Muahaha. 420*255 - 75% of its 'original' size.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Time for a new mouse

Input devices.

What are they you ask?

They are the gateway to the wondrous machine before you. (I mean how else are you pondering upon this humble nook in the internets?) Keyboards and mice (commonly, though not limited to it). Basically anything that you, um, well input into the computer (biometric devices, light pens and tablets, et al). Until they invent something that you can hook up to your brain to use your computer, then everything else you use to interface could be classified as an input device (technically speaking, when they day does arrive, the thinga-ma-bob that hooks up to your noggin would still technically be an input device).

Again, since everyone uses it, I find it surprising that a lot of people do not really pay all too much attention to it. I mean really. Even for the most hardcore pc upgraders, there still are a few 'constants' (by constants, I mean things that don't get cycled out every 6-12 months - hey that's ages in our world).

I personally invest a great deal of time, effort, and cash on my input devices. Of them, I have long since been a devout Logitech user. Infact, I have never used anything but Logitech (they should so <3 href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logitech_G15">Logitech G15 keyboard and my G7 mouse has been in service for quite a few years. Alas my G7 has started to become finicky (it apparently has developed a hobby of not responding - believe me when I tell you that it is super frustrating regardless on desktop or in game). When that happens, I have to start turning the mouse off, ejecting the battery, and disconnecting the dongle (in no particular order) until it starts working. If I am on desktop, then I will have to navigate (via keyboard) to the Logitech connection utility (which sometimes works). For more severe bouts, a restart usually takes care of it. All remedies are annoying (surprise surprise?).

So alas I have given up and was in search of a source of pointing device dpi heavenly goodness. My first obvious choice was of course the Logitech G9. However, the looks really didn't jive that well with me. I loved the kidney shape of the old Logitech mice (MX5xx/G5/G7). So instead, I settled for a Microsoft Sidewinder x8 (HERESY I know). It seemed to have exactly what I needed (large sized mouse, wireless, convenient charging, a forward and backwards scroll button and DPI adjustment). Can't wait for it to arrive and start tinkering with it. And maybe *gasp* I will write a review on it (haven't really written an 'actual' article for a while).

We'll see.

Stay tuned for this Wednesday!