mesh-ified!

Today I was invited to the private Beta of Microsoft’s Live Mesh! Thanks to Nadia Fortini for inviting me. There’s so many things to say about mesh so I’ll just quote something from Liveside.net:

Live Mesh is a “software-plus-services” platform and experience that enables PCs and other devices to “come alive” by making them aware of each other through the Internet, enabling individuals and organizations to manage, access, and share their files and applications seamlessly on the Web and across their world of devices. Live Mesh includes:

• A platform that defines and models a user’s digital relationships between devices, data, applications, and people—made available to developers through an open data model and protocols.
• A cloud service providing an implementation of the platform hosted in Microsoft data centers.
• Software, a client implementation of the platform that enables local applications to run offline and interact seamlessly with the cloud.
• A platform experience that exposes the key benefits of the platform for bringing together a user’s devices, files and applications, and social graph, with news feeds across all of these

According to the news the beta is limited to 10,000 users only but some folks at Liveside was able to find a loophole on the system. Mesh allows you to invite people view your shared folder. Invited user will need to sign-up before they view the folder. Viola! Instant access to the system.

I’m a Foldershare user (which is also in beta) and functionally speaking they’re pretty much the same. But since in the coming months, Mesh will allow users to add their mobile devices (my assumption is Windows mobile powered device is the first priority, but support will come to other phones. Especially MS recently announced the availability of Silverlight to Nokia phones) and will support Mac computers, I think Mesh will be another great product from MS. And it’s been getting a good review. Here’s a great article from TechCrunch stating why Google should be worry about Live Mesh. And here’s another from ZDNet.

Being a Microsoft fan, I’ll be objective and use the product first before I give my verdict. I’ll use it for a week and get on with my review then. In the mean time , I still have a few invitations here, so if you’re interested, leave a comment with your email. Thanks.

Update:

Here are some more interesting links:
– Robert Scoble made a very good post with lots links.
– TechCrunch outlines Mesh.

the food court analogy

Public transportation here in Metro Manila is like a crappy food court during lunch time, you have a lot of choices but you know they all serve crap. But since you’re half way to starving to death, you have no choice but to dig in. In my six-month stay here, I have nothing good to say about it. Yup, absolutely nothing (yes offense).

Every single ride is such an ordeal. Come to think of it, it is the most stressing part of my day. First, falling in line for every ride feels like a refugee on a feeding camp. While a guy shouting orders like you’re a bunch of military cadets. “O usog-usog naman kayo diyan! Ipitin nio yan! Mam, ser ayusin nio upo nio, wala kayo sa restawran!” And then he’ll pat the vehicle like it’s a can of sardine and we’re fish being pull out on it. Oh I hate it when they do that. I hate it so much that I wish I’m one of those kotong cops where I can just pull it my stick and beat the hell out of that guy (Sorry, that turned out scary, hehe). Then you have to endure the a thousand-degree ride. If you sweat like a pig, every little preparation you did with your clothes is ruined. And if you think it can’t get any worst, I have one word for you: ‘traffic’.

I have listed four vehicles that I usually ride and my rants with them. I didn’t include FX and vans since I rarely ride them.

• Bus – I hate buses. They are the worst kind. If they are not causing traffic in EDSA while honking like hell to pick-up passengers (shoot me now), they are recklessly overtaking other vehicles. I don’t think they’re here to transport people, they’re here to pick-up, ask for the fare and forget about us. They don’t have even the slightest idea of the word ’service’. They have violated almost every imaginable violation there is: Illegal loading and unloading, illegal parking, hazard parking, etc. you name it, they have it as violation ticket.
  
• MRT – In my food court analogy, I imagine MRT like those fast food chains, they serve food that’s tolerable enough but you just have to wait until people settle which, in reality, doesn’t really happen. The phrase “I’ll get into the next one” doesn’t apply because the next will also be full. So either you get stuck on the station forever or ‘fight’ your way through to get home.
  
• Jeepney – jeepney’s are not annoying per se, they are just not built with comfort in mind. In fact, I have lesser headaches than them compared to bus. But because of that it’s so easy to get irritated with it. Case in point, it’s too crowded for a mass transportation. The driver would say “Sampu-an ho yan, Konting ipit lang po“. How did he arrive with a number like that, people’s waist size varies! Here’s another, when it’s raining you get wet, when it’s not, its like oven inside. It’s harsh but someone has to say this, jeepney’s are mediocre type of vehicle.
  
• Taxi – I had a hard time figuring out what I can complain about them. I even thought that maybe they’re the exception to my rant. They just don’t fit in my food court analogy. And I was right. They don’t. They’re more of a restaurant. The kind that let’s you wait outside and while a bitchy receptionist hold you in line with her stupid waiting list. Yeah you could go to the another restaurant (or to the food court) but all of them are full and you’re dying to taste some good ‘ol steak. Most taxi drivers are arrogant and proud, especially the ones that are driving brand new models. If they don’t see you on your best Sunday suit, they’ll simply pass by you and pick up the next well-suited passenger on the next corner. And when they stop on you (it’s your lucky day!), it does not necessarily when that you’re getting in. Oh hell no. The driver will ask you questions and negotiate with you first “Boss, plus 20 na lang ha?” and it may sound that he’s asking but he’s not. Because if you don’t agree, this asshole will shut the door and leave you to dust.

My point is, I think that we deserve a better transportation system. Not because we are paying taxes but because it’s a basic thing of an improved lifestyle. It should be one less thing to worry about.

cardwheel madness!

Speaking of my phone, I got very excited yesterday about it. I have successfully reverted one of the features I like about it. I am using Samsung i600 (Blackjack I) with Windows Mobile 5.0 pre-installed in it. A friend who has the same phone told me that a free upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.0 is available, I just have to bring my phone to Samsung wireless center in Greenhills Virra mall. Of course anybody’s basic assumption would be upgrading a phone to a new operating system would mean additional functionality. But I was so frustrated when I found out that the Cardwheel home screen was gone! I googled around if this is really how it should then and I found out that the Cardwheel plug-in was lost during the upgrade. Ouch! I really love the Cardwheel because not only it looks cool its also very productive as a homescreen (see the video). I tried looking for a solution to add it back but I didn’t find any. So I just let it pass.

Fast-forward to yesterday, I was reading an article about Windows Mobile 6.1 which was release early this. This time, my phone is not entitled for an upgrade which really sucks because the UI of WinMo 6.1 is really nice. With iPhone getting all the buzz lately, Microsoft is playing catch-up where WinMo has been criticized a lot: UI. Anyway, So I got into this forum where a hacker was able to modify the WinMo 6.1 so that it can be installed on Blackjack phones. But the process is really scary that I can actually brick my phone if I did something wrong. But I was still curious. So I googled around for more, and to my surprise, I found a solution to my previous problem instead: how to get get back the cardwheel plug-in on my Blackjack. I found it on airfagev’s forum. Which led me here. Which finally pointed me to this chinese forum (look for a link that says “i600.Carousel.cab”). At first I was reluctant to download the installer since I don’t understand any of the post on the forum’s thread. But what the heck, worst thing that could happen here is me bringing my phone to the wireless center for a reinstallation. Moments later, I found myself installing the plug-in. After it was done, I quickly set my Home screen to “cardwheel” and then the system started to load plug-in. It worked! Wuuhuu! I quickly check for quirks but it works like a well-oiled machine. Smooth and snappy. Slick and very easy to use.

So if you’re a Samsung Blackjack owner, enjoy!

fring!

I recently discovered this app called fring. Basically, it’s a “mobile Internet service & community that enables you to access & interact with your social networks on-the-go, make free calls and live chat with all your fring, Skype®, MSN® Messenger, Google Talk™, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo!™ and AIM®* friends using your handset’s Internet connection rather than costly cellular airtime minutes“. With just a few hours of using it, I must say it’s awesome! I had an application like this before called IM+. It was good but not free. I tried the 30-day evaluation copy but I was too lazy to purchase the actual product. I used to have it on my iPaq 6325 until it was stolen.

Right now I’m using Samsung i600 with Windows Mobile 6.0. Great smartphone but there’s no built-in IM here (ugh), so I tried Skype Mobile but it’s not compatible. I also tried Yahoo! Go but only version 2.0 (current release is 3.0 beta) is compatible with my phone and this version did not include the messenger. So I sadly retreated to Yahoo! Mobile Messenger which is so frustrating because you have to refresh the page to check for new messages. My main IM app right now is Yahoo! Messenger so finding an app that support it is the main consideration. Recently, I’m thinking of dumping it for Skype. Yahoo! services suck these days. Yahoo! Photos was shut down. Then they also pulled the plug for 360, which was my only social networking site. Damn it, Jerry what’s happening! If selling the company to Microsoft would mean better service, then I’m all for it.

Anyway, I can’t believe it took me this long to learn about this software (though it’s still in beta)! So far it’s really good. UI is well-polished, elements are well placed  – It’s perfect for a smartphone with QWERTY keyboard like mine. I like the cartoon-ish touch here. It’s also snappy and responsive, almost like you’re on a PC. And here’s the real treat, it supports video calling!

So I think I’m gonna stick on this one. Anything other than Yahoo mobile messenger is better. And if you have a Smartphone of Pocket PC you should get this one. I highly recommend it! iPhone users, fring is also available for you and it’s the first VoIP app for your phone, click here.

Update:

To install fring on your phone:

1. Fire up your phone’s web browser to http://www.fring.com .
2. Click the ‘Download’ link. The site will automatically detect what kind of phone you’re using and will give you the proper installer.
3. Follow the installation process
4. After the installation, you will need to register and subscribe to the services that you want to use (e.g. Yahoo!, Gtalk, MSN, etc.)

postcardsfromyourmomma

I was watching CNET Buzz! Report when they featured on their “What’s clogging the tube” portion this hilarious website: postyourmomma.com. I think you pretty much get what the site is all about. So far, here are some of my favorites (I’m not done yet):

Please tell me you will wear a bra.

I just saw the pictures after I wrote the email to you. How weird is that?
The dress-I love it! It looks really great on you. What will you wear for a bra? Please tell me you will wear a bra.It looks like maybe the straps are a tiny bit too long can you adjust them?
What do you think? Do you like it?

What kind of jewerly are you going to wear -and shoes-and bag?I know I am being such a mother right now but I feel so much better now that the you have a  dress to wear so now I can worry about the other things. I was really starting to panic about it. That’s Great -thanks for sending the pics. now I can go to sleep! Goodnight- Love you,

MUM

 

microsoft excel

How do I send the spreadsheet to someone else without sending the comments you made when you sent it to me?

Love Mum xxx

 

scrabble

I just got 94 points on one scrabble word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the word was squishs

love,
mom

 

hello
www.nellyfurtado.com.
do you know her?

 

alarm
We had burglar alarmed fixed and are going to be using it.   Call me for code or get arrested entering

Enjoy!

missing the fab four

It started yesterday. On my way home, I was looking for something different tune. These days, my Zune 80 (Yep, a proud owner) is pretty much tuned in to new artists. Since I was feeling that it’s the end of the world yesterday, I was desperately looking for something different. Something not new. Something timeless. Classic but not archaic. I have a huge library if MP3 so finding the perfect sound is a challenge. Then, it appeared in front of my eyes, in the midst of ‘E’ artists: Eraserheads.

I’m not a huge E’heads fan. I remember back in High school we did a mock-up poll on which band is cooler: Eraserheads or Rivermaya. The E’heads won though I chose the latter. Back then, not listening to them separate me from millions of E’heads lemmings. Plus, I’m a huge Bamboo fan. So this is really blasphemy on my part. Anyway, I started listening to their songs again. Good thing I have most of their albums in my music library. At first it was just some sort of relief, “Finally, something different”, I told myself. Then when my Zune played “Ang huling El Bimbo”, “Harana” and “Torpedo”, I started paying attention and singing along (Sidebar: for those pe

ople who laugh at me when they see me walking on the street singing like idiot, I can see you and I don’t give a damn!). I realized how I miss listening to these guys. And this time I can actually relate to their music. I don’t know maybe it’s my mood, but I’m actually digging them. 

   

Hypnotized by their songs, I figure out what makes this group so phenomenal. I think their music is straightforwardly good, period. It’s very easy relating to it. You don’t have to repeatedly listen to their songs, you just know that it’s good. Case in point: lyrics. They are profoundly honest. Most of them depict stories about every day Filipino life with sheer irony. “Field trip sa may pagawaan ng lapis ay katulad ng buhay natin” (Huwag mo ng Itanong, Cutterpillow) , How do you pull something like that? Or “Sana’y hindi nakita. Sana’y walang problema. Pagkat kulang ang dala kong pera” (Magasin, Circus), I say it’s one heck of writing skill! The same goes for tunes. Now, I am not a musician but I know how to identify good beat, and these guys will surely rock the house anytime. Lastly, I think they were one of the few bands that were able to innovate their craft, maintain their signature sound but never became monotonous. From ‘Ultraelectromagneticpop’ to ‘Carbon StereOxide’ (Actually their last album was “Please Transpose”, an EP, but Ely is no longer part of the group) there’s always that distinct E’heads tune.

It’s good having a dose of their music again. I kinda wish they’d do a comeback album or something. But it’s ok, MP3’s will do for now. Not only it snapped me out from a routine depression but it also brought back lots of good memories. I’m sure it will to you. To Ely, Marcus, Buddy and Raymond, thanks for the music. Keep rockin’!

episode iv: a new hope

When I was a kid, I had always imagine my grown-up life to be one of those Filipino commercials where the father would come home from work to his family waiting for him for dinner. He has some pasalubong (typically a softdrink or a bucket of chicken, thus the product) for them and they’ll be enjoying the dinner together. I always get that warm feeling watching those commercials.

I don’t know if this is the right time to check that dream but if it is, then I failed miserably. The closest thing I could ever get to that is having a decent job. It’s the one thing (I think) I got right in my life. If there’s one word that’ll describe my life right now that’d be ‘chaos’. Oh wait, I need a stronger word than that. Here at 26, I look at my life and I feel that I haven’t accomplished anything good and I don’t know where the heck I’m headed. Quarter-life crisis? Maybe. I mean, I hope so. If you are blessed (or cursed) with a very active imagination, the more you try to figure out life the more it blurs in front of you. All I wanted was a simple life. You know, go to church every Sunday, get a pet dog and enjoy a movie over some Chinese food. But I guess simplicity is something you got after mountains of complexity. Don’t get me wrong, I made efforts to have it. I avoided being stupid so I don’t end up living the rest of my life broke so I burn my ass out studying. I also make sure that I don’t turn into one of those teacher’s pet students. I had a fair amount of craziness in my life. And I always believed that money is the least priorities of all and I value time and relationships with people above else. And somewhere along these rules and steps, I made a wrong turn and *kapuff* a big banner that says “Welcome to the convoluted world of real world” was in front of me. Nobody told me that somewhere along being a well-rounded student and life-junkie is a shortcut to complicated life.

Yet I tried “surviving” in this complicated world. But the more time I spend surviving, thriving and pushing through, the more it drives me swirling down the drain. It was like a quicksand. The more I make mistake, the more I was sucked into it. And in the middle of shouting and begging for help, I stopped. I stop because I’ve gone to a point where nobody can understand me anymore (pull me from the quicksand). And I checked my life only to find out one startling revelation: the life I’m trying to live is the very life that I swore not to have. So I summon all of my remaining strength to reach out for the solid ground, hoping that everything is not too late.

I am not a changed man. I am far from it. The introduction alone would have tell you that. I am a man in hope. This blog is a waning hope in me. Waning before I turn into one of those dark, pessimists people who hate everything. I used to be an optimist. Now, I don’t even care. I used to be a life-junkie. Now, I’m keeping myself from being a “junkie”. This new blog is a new start for me. I’m trying to get my life back. And I hope it’s not too late.