The Human Side of Technology

30 Day Reading Challenge Update (Day 6 to Day 9)

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Wed, 29 May 2013 06:20:00 +0000

Check out the updates fr my 30 Day Reading Challenge:

Reading Challenge Day 6: Winston M. Estes' Another Part of the House
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-6-winston-m-estes.html

Reading Challenge Day 7: Sylvia Louise Engdahl's Enchantress from the Stars
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-7-sylvia-louise.html

Reading Challenge Day 8: E. L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-8-e-l-james-fifty.html

Reading Challenge Day 9: Robert Fulghum's All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-9-robert-fulghums.html

Fast & Furious 6 Goes Faster - Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Wed, 29 May 2013 06:16:00 +0000

Fast & Furious 6 Goes Faster - Movie Review
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/fast-furious-6-goes-faster-movie-review.html

30 Day Reading Challenge Update (Day 2 to Day 5)

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Sat, 25 May 2013 09:51:00 +0000

Check out my latest entries from the 30 day reading challenge:

Reading Challenge Day 2: Books Read More Than 3 Times
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-2-books-read-more.html

Reading Challenge Day 3: The Odd Thomas Series
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-3-odd-thomas.html

Reading Challenge Day 4: Brother Odd of The Odd Thomas Series
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-4-brother-odd-of.html

Reading Challenge Day 5: Bob Ong's ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-5-bob-ongs.html

Star Trek Into Darkness and Beyond - Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Star Trek Into Darkness and Beyond - Movie Review
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/star-trek-into-darkness-and-beyond.html

30-Day Reading Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:41:00 +0000

I had just started with my 30-Day Reading Challenge. If you have time, check it out!

Day 1 - The Best Book You Read This Year

Links:
http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-30-day-challenge-i-shall-accomplish.html
http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-challenge-day-1-carl-hiaasens.html

Les Misérables: Big Momma of Musical Movies - Love IT or Hate IT

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 06:02:00 +0000

My review:
Les Misérables: Big Momma of Musical Movies - Love IT or Hate IT
URL: http://sanityhunter.blogspot.com/2013/01/les-miserables-big-momma-of-musical.html

The Dark Knight Rises... Rises... Rises More, then Clunks Downward Spiral - A Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:20:00 +0000

Check out my movie review for The Dark Knight Rises at The Sanity Hunter.

Yadda!

A Love Story in The Amazing Spider-Man: Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 01:38:00 +0000

The Amazing Spider-Man: Movie Review is up at The Sanity Hunter. Check it out!

Start Anew with a New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:10:00 +0000

I will be starting a new blog, The Sanity Hunter. Please support it as you had with this blog. Thanks!

Here's my first post at the other blog site.

Start Anew with a New Blog

Blogging is in my blood and it is already a large part of my life. Yet it's been a while since I last posted a blog, so I decided to be motivated to start anew by creating a fresh blog site, The Sanity Hunter.

I know I had already spent some time talking about myself here in the Web, especially at my other blog, The Human Side of Technology. So worry no more, cause this blog would focus more on topics that matter to more people in general. Of course there will be instances wherein I will be incorporating my personal opinion and point of views.

I will also be copying few of my old posts at The Human Side of Technology which I find important or simply wanted to share again.

So, expect more fresh content in the next few days. Booyah!

Speech about Christmas and Advent

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:18:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to write down a speech about Advent and how we prepare for Christmas. This is a duet and students from my club performed it well. Just wanted to share in case it'll be of help to you.

*******
Christmas. A lovely word to hear. A season everybody is excited about!

But what does it really mean? What is its importance for us as students?

To our school president, our high school principal, school administrators, teachers, and fellow students, good morning.

Yesterday was the first Sunday of advent. But what does that signify? Well, as a member of Media Club, I researched the Internet and found some answers. And here are the following:

… Merriam-Webster defines Christmas as a Christian feast on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Christ, and Advent is the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting.

Wikipedia on the other hand defined Advent, from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming", as a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

A friend of mine in Facebook defined the season as vacation, celebrating parties, having fun, getting gifts, and a time to sleep and not do anything.

But isn’t Advent and Christmas more than these?

Christmas, we must remember, is fundamentally about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. It is more than a day or a season; it signifies our salvation, the promise of forgiveness and everlasting life. And of course a reminder of our eternal duty to love and do good unto others. And Advent is simply to prepare us for the coming of this day.

But if Advent and Christmas is this important, it is an immense task to prepare for, isn’t it? But as a student, is there anything we can do?

Yes, we can help in the preparation in our small and simple ways. I, for instance, can prepare for the season by spending more time with my family and helping in the little chores at home. Not only we can learn more practical things, we get a little exercise.

Or we can use up more time studying to get better grades rather than to surfing what is more than necessary in the Internet. With barely three weeks left in the 3rd quarter, it will be nice to get better scores in our quizzes and activities.

And of course, we can pray for others, especially those who are in great pain and need. A little time we sacrifice would do great healing.

Indeed, these may be small things, but I know, in the long run, these will greatly contribute to our progress to become better persons, not just for the sake of our family or for others but also for ourselves.

So how about you, my dear schoolmates? To end, I would like to leave you these questions for reflection. How do you plan to spend the Advent and prepare for Christmas? Even in the simplest of your ways, how do you plan to serve others? And how are you to become a better person?

May everyone have a wonderful and meaningful Advent! Thank you and good day!

*******

Notes in Computer IV

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:57:00 +0000

The following is the link to the reviewer ginven in the Computer class:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5Eku7tM-clgMThiN2QyN2MtOGM4ZC00OWJjLWEzYTYtZDUxN2RiZGU1NTFi&hl=en_US

SYLLABUS IN COMPUTER IV

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Mon, 09 May 2011 07:58:00 +0000

ATENEO DE ILOILO
Santa Maria Catholic School
High School Department

SYLLABUS IN COMPUTER IV

I. COURSE TITLE: JAVA PROGRAMMING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGEMENT

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Computer IV deals in the development of the learners’ knowledge in programming skills in terms of doing programming exercises through object-oriented programming. The course also allows them to enhance their logical and analytical skills by immersing into the different facets of computing.

The subject course has two essential and complementary parts: Java Programming, and I.T. Project Management. The first part of the course covers some programming fundamentals that will aide in learning to program using Java language and to equip the students the essential logical and analytical skills that would enable them to create simple programs. The last part of the course is a culmination of their computer subjects from first year to fourth year through an I.T. project. The I.T. Project Management is a project oriented course that will instill team support and effort as the students will undergo the same procedures of an I.T. Team.

III. GENERAL OBJECTIVES

At the end of the school year, students are expected to:
1. define common terms and basic concepts in object-oriented programming;
2. enhance programming skills by constructing java programs in solving simple or common programming problems;
3. learn the basic principles of I.T. project management;
4. simulate phases of I.T. project management through a small scale I.T. project; and
5. present IT project as a Team output.

IV. COURSE TOPICS AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

A. FIRST QUARTER
Java Programming

1. IT Fundamentals I
a. The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
b. Number Systems and Conversion
c. ASCII and the Machine Language

2. Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
a. Basic Concepts in Object-Oriented Programming
b. Introduction to Java
c. Getting Started
d. Compiling a Java Program using an IDE
e. Executing a Java Program using an IDE
f. Common Programming Errors

3. Your First Java Program
a. Explaining Welcome.java
b. Explaining Main.java

4. Data Types, Literals, Keywords and Identifiers
a. Keywords
b. Identifiers
c. Data Types
d. Literals

5. Java Operators
a. Arithmetic Operators
b. Relational Operators
c. Logical Operators
d. Bitwise Operators
e. Operator Precedence

6. Decisions
a. if statement
b. if-else statement
c. Nested if statement
d. switch statement
e. break statement

Project:
1. Java program calculating the taxes based on different inputs
2. Proposal on final project in Java Programming

B. SECOND QUARTER

1. IT Fundamentals II
a. Flowcharting

2. Loops
a. for structure
b. while structure
c. do while structure

3. Exceptions
a. Nested Loops
b. continue
c. break

4. Classes
a. Classes
b. Constructors
c. Inheritance
d. Interface
e. Overloading Methods
f. Overriding Methods

5. Arrays
a. Single Dimensional Arrays
b. Multi-Dimensional Arrays

6. GUI
a. Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT)
b. Containers
c. Layout Managers
Project:
1. Completed proposed Java program.
2. Calculator GUI

C. THIRD QUARTER
I.T. Project Management

1. IT Fundamentals III
a. Basic logical circuits
b. Truth tables

2. Planning an Information Technology Project
a. Introduction to It Projects
b. Types of IT Projects
c. IT Project Life Cycle
d. IT Project Team Structures

3. Defining the It Project
a. IT Project Scope
b. IT Project Storyboard
c. Work Breakdown Structure

4. Planning your It Project Resource
a. IT Project Resources
b. Resource Availability and Sourcing Options, and Project Budget Plan

5. Developing an IT Project Schedule
a. Project Scheduling
b. The Gantt Chart
c. The Project’s Critical Path

Project: I.T. Project Proposal with documentation of its scope and schedule.

D. FOURTH QUARTER

1. Developing a User Interface
a. User Interfaces
b. Basic Principles of Interface Design
c. Documenting User Interface Needs
d. Acceptance Criteria in User Interface Development
e. Developing the User Interface

2. More Specifications
a. User Specifications
b. Technical Specifications Development
c. Acceptance Criteria in Technical Specifications Development
d. Technical Specifications Documentation

3. Monitoring the I.T. Project Status
a. Introduction to IT Project Status Monitoring
b. Steps in Team Member and Project Manager Reporting
c. Identifying Delay Causes and Resolving Problems
d. Monitoring Completion of Corrective Action

4. Testing and Project Quality
a. Quality
b. Project Quality Management Processes
c. Introduction to Testing
d. Types of Testing
e. Peer Review

5. IT Project Documentation
a. Introduction to IT Project Documentation
b. Types of IT Project Documentation
c. Additional Documentation Requirements

6. IT Project Retrospective
a .IT Project Evaluation, Feedback, Maintenance, and Enhancements

7. IT Fundamentals IV
a. Flash Game Making

Project: Complete documentation of the I.T. Project proposal.

V. GRADE COMPONENTS

Project ----- ----- 40%
Exam ----- ----- 30%
Quiz ----- ----- 20%
Recitation ----- ----- 10%
Total ----- 100%

Criteria for Projects:
Content ----- ----- 15 pts.
Organization ----- ----- 5 pts.
Mechanics ----- ----- 10 pts
TOTAL ----- 30 pts.

Note: Projects and its corresponding rubrics or criteria will be introduced to students during its presentation.

V. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Official Computer IV Textbooks:
Abe, Lesley, Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). Java Programming. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
Abe, Lesley, Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). IT Project Management. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
2. Computer Notebook
3. Black Pen and Intermediate Paper

VI. REFERENCES

1. Official Computer IV Textbooks:
Abe, Lesley, Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). Java Programming. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
Abe, Lesley, Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). IT Project Management. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.

CONSULTATION:
Academic consultations are highly encouraged by the subject teacher/s by appointment during school hours depending on their availability. Students and/or parents can contact the teacher through e-mail, and may still be accommodated after class (4:00 – 4:30 p.m. only) if deemed necessary and upon appointment set two days (or earlier) before the said consultation.

Prepared by:
Mr. Rodolfo C. Eregia, Jr.

SYLLABUS IN COMPUTER II

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Mon, 09 May 2011 07:46:00 +0000

ATENEO DE ILOILO
Santa Maria Catholic School
High School Department

SYLLABUS IN COMPUTER II

I. COURSE TITLE: FLASH ANIMATION AND WEB DESIGN

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Computer II is introduction to the basics of creating animations using Macromedia Flash 5 and designing Web pages with Notepad.

The first part of the course tackles on the fundamentals of creating animations that will be used as movie and animated clips and publication to the Internet. The second part is Web Design. It includes the key procedures and principles of designing for the web and optimizing the content such as the quality of the images and the texts and the efficiency of layouts and hyperlinks. It also includes review of the interface of Windows Movie Maker and the basics of movie making.

III. GENERAL OBJECTIVES
At the end of the school year, students are expected to:
1. use Macromedia Flash 5 in creating animations;
2. create simple movie and animated clips;
3. develop awareness and practice publishing ethics and guidelines;
4. compile multimedia images and clips using Windows Movie Maker;
5. develop appreciation on the use of HTML tags and CSS properties by creating a well-formed website according to W3C standards; and
6. evaluate the efficiency of other websites.

IV. COURSE TOPICS AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

A. FIRST QUARTER
Animation in a Flash

1. Animation
a. Animation Defined
b. Traditional Animation Process
c. Animation Techniques

2. Flash Animation
a. What’s Up with Flash?
b. Creating a New Flash Document
c. The Flash GUI
d. Modifying Flash Document Properties

3. Drawing and Developing Objects
a. Flash Drawing Tools
b. Illustrating Characters
c. Layers
d. Grouping Objects and Breaking Them Apart
d. Library and Symbols

4. Making Things Move
a. Action and Movement
b. Timeline
c. Basic Frame-by-Frame Animation
d. Tweening

5. More Animation Techniques
a. A Tad More Tweening
b. Changing Color Properties
c. Motion Guide
d. Timeline Effects

Projects:
1. Flipbook animation
2. Flash animated clip complete with the storyboard and dialogue.

B. SECOND QUARTER

1. Character Development
a. Tips on Conveying Emotion
b. Importing Sounds
c. Synchronizing Mouth Movements
d. Importing Raster Graphics for Backgrounds

2. Masks, Text, and More
a. Masks
b. Using Text
c. More Animation Tips

3. Interactivity
a. Buttons
b. ActionScripts
c. Button States

4. Flash for the Web
a. Laying-out for the Web
b. Integrating Texts and Graphics
c. More ActionScripts

5. Publishing Your Flash Movie
a. Movie Assembly
b. Publishing Formats
c. Distribution Ethics

Windows Movie Maker
1. Introduction

Project:
1. Flash Website complete with menus and content with embedded flash objects and clips.
2. Movie clip explaining the interface of their Flash Website project.

C. THIRD QUARTER
Web Design

1. Introduction to Web Page Design
a. Your First Web Page
b. Web Tools
c. Format

2. Playing with Tags
a. Heading
b. Paragraph
c. Lists
d. Preformatted Text
e. Horizontal Rule

3. Fashioning Text Styles and Colors
a. External Style Sheet
b. Font
c. Color
d. Text
e. Special Characters
f. Comment Tags

4. Working on Images
a. Internal Style Sheet
b. Background Values
c. Image Attributes
d. Image File Types
e. Animated GIFs

5. Working with Tables
a. In-line Style Sheet
b. Tables
c. Table Tags
d. Table Attributes

Project:
1. Webpage developed only with the use of Notepad and its corresponding layout for its design.
2. Individual Full Webpage of Ateneo de Iloilo designed using notepad

D. FOURTH QUARTER

1. Opening the Box Model
a. Selected Style Sheet Topics
b. Page Layout: Layout Table vs. CSS Positioning
c. Span and Div Tags
d. The Box Model
e. Margin and Padding

2. Links
a. HTML Links
b. Link Target: New Window
c. Link to other parts of the same page
d. E-mail Address as Link
e. Image as Link
f. Multimedia

3. Going Beyond Tags
a. Meta Tags
b. Web Advertisements
c. Website Sections
d. Uploading Files
e. Submitting Your Site for Crawling
f. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

4. Web Interactive
a. Web Technologies
b. Web Tricks

5. Executing Forms
a. Online Forms
b. Content
c. Input Fields
d. Submit Query and Reset Buttons
e. Processing Forms

Projects:
1. Individual Full Website of Ateneo de Iloilo designed using notepad and with integration of Flash Animations.
2. Group Integrated Full Website of Ateneo de Iloilo designed using notepad and with integration of Flash Animations.
3. Design layouts for both websites.

Note: Projects and its corresponding rubrics or criteria will be introduced to students during its presentation.

V.GRADE COMPONENTS

Project ----- ----- 40%
Exam ----- ----- 30%
Quiz ----- ----- 20%
Recitation ----- ----- 10%
Total ----- 100%

Criteria for Projects:
Content ----- ----- ----- 15 pts.
Organization ----- ----- ----- 5 pts.
Mechanics ----- ----- ----- 10 pts
TOTAL ----- 30 pts.

VI. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Official Computer II Textbooks:
Maximo, Alexander C., Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). Animation in a Flash. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
Aquinde, Janice Julia E., Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). Web Design. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
2. Computer Notebook
3. Black Pen and Intermediate Paper
4. Post-it (3x3)

VII. REFERENCES

1. fficial Computer II Textbooks:
Maximo, Alexander C., Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). Animation in a Flash. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
Aquinde, Janice Julia E., Jaime D.L. Caro, et al. (2010). Web Design. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.
2. Internet Websites
http://www.w3schools.com/

CONSULTATION:
Academic consultations are highly encouraged by the subject teacher/s by appointment during school hours depending on their availability. Students and/or parents can contact the teacher through e-mail and may still be accommodated after class (4:00 – 4:30 p.m. only) if deemed necessary and upon appointment set two days (or earlier) before the said consultation.

Prepared by:
Mr. Rodolfo C. Eregia, Jr.

Book and Movie Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Tue, 03 May 2011 01:51:00 +0000

Been a little busy, but I've decided that to frequent my posts, I'll be making reviews about the books that I read and the movies I see.

First up, next week, I'll review The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

Yadda.

Rio: Overcoming the Fear of Flight! - A Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:14:00 +0000

Indeed, it has been refreshing to see a movie so unpretentious, especially in today's world where movies are all about special effects and violence. Rio has been like a blast of cold and fresh air.

The movie is about Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, who, being the last of its kind, travels with Linda, his owner, to mate with his only living female counterpart. However, things go wrong the moment the two blue macaws gets abducted.

It has been a very long time that I laughed so hard during the screening in which I attended. The funny moments are intelligent, yet they are realistic in nature that anyone, kids and adults alike, really find them hilarious. This may be owing to the fact that, despite the exaggeration of speaking animals, the characters are someone we can relate to, with special mention to the main character, Blu. Throughout the movie, we share his experiences together in a very comprehensive manner. The audience feel the fear of flight just as Blu does, we fall in love with Jewel just as he does, etc. And this is what I like in a movie, the connection the main charaters to its audience.

Being a tech junkie, the animation of Rio is also commendable. The crisp and the variety of colors really fit with its characters and the setting, which is in Rio de Janeiro. How'd I love to go in there! There has been a great improvement with animation as we progress with technology. Being said, it is of great recommendation that one experience it in 3D cinemas. A little expensive, but totally worth it.

If I'd get the chance, I'll go see it again. 4 stars out of 5!

Oscar 2011 Best Achievement in Visual Effects Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:03:00 +0000

Indeed, there has been a great improvement with the visuals of the movie industry last year. 3D has become a fad and good special effects translate to large revenues. (Although, there are still victims of this confidence, aka, The Clash of the Titans)

And to prove this point, the nominees for the Best Achievement in Visual Effects of The Oscars this year are the cream of the crop. The following movies prove the point that visuals is not a simple business.

First off, Alice in Wonderland: Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas, Sean Phillips

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1: Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz, Nicolas Aithadi

Hereafter: Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky, Joe Farrell

Inception: Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley, Pete Bebb, Paul J. Franklin

Lastly, Iron Man 2: Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright, Daniel Sudick

Well, there you have it! My bet? I'd go for Inception any day.

For the complete list of the Oscar 2011 Nominees, visit IMDB.com.

Book Review: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 06:16:00 +0000

One question that has always intrigued me is what happens to demonic beings when immigrants move from their homelands. Irish-Americans remember the fairies, Norwegian-Americans the nisser, [...] but only in relation to events remembered in the Old Country. When I once asked why such demons are not seen in America, my informants giggled confusedly and said, 'They're scared to pass the ocen, it's too far.'

- Richard Dorson

There is no better way to start a review on American Gods than state the quote written at the start of Neil Gaiman's bestselling novel.

Synopsis: Shadow dreamed of nothing but leaving prison and starting a new life. But the day before his release, his wife and best friend are killed in an accident. On the plane home to the funeral, he meets Mr. Wednesday — a beguiling stranger who seems to know everything about him. A trickster and rogue, Mr. Wednesday offers Shadow a job as his bodyguard. With nowhere left to go, Shadow accepts, and soon learns that his role in Mr. Wednesday's schemes will be far more dangerous and dark than he could have ever imagined. For beneath the placid surface of everyday life a war is being fought — and the prize is the very soul of America.[Source: Powell's books online ]

The novel starts in such a low tone that I had to drag myself to read the first few chapters, but it's just right that it sets the mood for what the main character is experiencing. Though when Shadow starts to accompany Wednesday, everything turns interesting and very intriguing. As every charpter of the first part passes through, you get to see yourself getting more and more immersed in a world where the impossible becomes possible while, at the same time, the boundless is bound by the limits of the modern world.

The second part of the book, we get a taste of how our world would work like, reminding us that despite all of the possibilities, we still live in the same world that we had been before. Also, this is my favorite part of all the four parts since it helps us understand more about Shadow, what kind of person he really is and not a shallow person as presented on the first part.

The third and the last parts will be just a breeze, since one cannot stop reading or even put the book down. Revelations come after another until the ultimate sacrifice and secret is revealed.

If you are to think of the concept of the book, one thinks its impossible to be written, much less for it to be believable. But Gaiman is just amazing. He has made a feat that no modern writer would be able to do (yes, I dare say that, Stephen King). He makes this world of the gods very real, that one may even consider that it exist in our world. As I've said before, he uses magic to create a place where the impossible becomes very possible yet is still bound by the rules of the modern world.

American Gods is a must read, whether you're a Neil Gaiman fan or not. Five stars out of five!

Pinoy on Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 06:54:00 +0000

The surge of the use of technology and the boost of social networking sites these days is proved to also be true with the Filipinos. Juan de la Cruz seems not to far to the currents trend, just as recent surveys has showed.

First up, the just released 2008 Functional Literacy and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) results indicated that 58 million of the estimated 67 million Pinoy with ages 10 to 64 years old are functionally literate, or they can read, write, compute, and comprehend. This is a big improvement as to the functional literacy rate is now 86.4% compared to the 2003 FLEMMS result, which was 84.1%. More details of the report can be read in The Manila Bulletin official website.

On another hand, the latest report of the IT research and advisory firm Gartner Inc. states that the Philippines leads Asia on worldwide social media usage. In simpler terms, Pinoys are the most avid users of social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, in Asia.

The report had said that, "While Asia's biggest economies have been slow to embrace the global social communities of Facebook, Yahoo and Twitter, many countries in the region have followed the adoption patterns of Europe and the US. The most avid social networkers are in the Philippines, where Facebook is the country's most visited Internet site."

Does the two reports mean something that is good, I don't know? But it does mean that we are improving. Despite of the problems we encounter, I am still proud to be pinoy! Yeeehaa!

On Computer Games and Surveys

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:21:00 +0000

A former student of mine asked my help with a paper in one of their classes (I'd assume in Filipino) and it made me think of some of my stand on computer gaming. Well, it was a little research wherein I would answer few questions. Well, I'm not a fan of surveys but since she was good in my class (and a very nice student), I gave in. Just wanna share my answers. (translated in english)

1. What is your current profession?
I am currently teaching computer to high school students in Ateneo de Iloilo.

2. How old are you?
22

3. Why are you giving importance to playing computer games?
Playing computer games help me with my focus on tasks ahead of me. On instances that I'm fatigued with work, along with opening social networking sites, it helps me clear my mind off things, giving me the more opportunity to compose my thoughts better.

4. When you were still studying, how do you manage your time between playing computer games and your studies?
To be honest, during my college years, I got addicted to online games. It came to the point where I skip classes just to play. I do not know how, but it came to point where I realized it was unhealthy, so I made a decision to leave my 3 year old account and give more focus with my studies. though I still use game applications, online games are off-limits.

5. Why are you giving all your with playing computer games?
During the times where I was addicted to online games, the main reason why I continue playing is because it gives me a sort of feeling of fulfillment. Finishing quests and leveling up increased my confidence and self-esteem. (It was only later that I realized it does the opposite)

Please understand that these was true in my came but may not be for you. Don't try this at home! LOL! Yadda!

Google Doodles!

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Google's best feature for me is their Doodles, or the change of their logos every time there is an occasion, whether it is globally or for a certain region only.

Well, I enjoy looking at the logos, and it entices viewers to use Google more! Take a look at their logo last April 22, 2010, Earth Day.

Also, I liked their Philippine Independence Day logo. Try to check it out. They list all their logos at Google Doodles page.

Sorry for not being able to write well these days. Been very tired and exhausted. Yadda next time!

Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:57:00 +0000

Now, we all know that this blog's purpose is to seek and prove that still, there is a human side for technology. This in fact is also the purpose of almost all advocates of the correct usage of technology. Well, we just got another day, today, to prove our gift of maintaining humanity in this modern and technological age.

Today is Earth Day!

According to Wikipedia.Org,

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in held on April 22, 1970. Earth Day is celebrated in spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Many communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues. The first Earth Week originated in Philadelphia in 1970 (starting April 16 and culminating on Earth Day, April 22.) Earth Day Network, a group that wishes to become the coordinator of Earth Day globally, asserts that Earth Day is now observed on April 22 on virtually every country on Earth. World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5 in a different nation every year, is the principal United Nations environmental observance.

So what's the whole point of celebrating this day? This gives us, as users and beneficent of Mother Nature, the responsibility to take part and be aware of protecting her, not just today, but any other day of the year. What do we need it for? Why do it? Why not depend on technology? The answers to these questions are already known to us. It's either we embrace it or we pretend not to know.

Happy Earth Day!

(Photo source: http://www.theothero.com/media/2009/090422_earthday/earth_day.jpg)

A Blogger's Code of Ethics

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:51:00 +0000

Sorry, been a while since my last post. Been very very busy at work. Damn! Now I really know why teaching is called a vocation! Haha!

Anyways, I thought of dropping by now because a co-teacher of mine placed something on my table. Now, I've been familiar of this Blogger's Code of Ethics before, still, it was a nice thought that he shared it with me. So here I am, sharing it to the world. Just wanna let you know that this list came from Cyber Journalist.

Here we go:

A BLOGGERS' CODE OF ETHICS

Be Honest and Fair

Bloggers should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Bloggers should:
Never plagiarize.
Identify and link to sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
Make certain that Weblog entries, quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancement is only acceptable for for technical clarity. Label montages and photo illustrations.
Never publish information they know is inaccurate -- and if publishing questionable information, make it clear it's in doubt.
Distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information. Even advocacy writing and commentary should not misrepresent fact or context.
Distinguish factual information and commentary from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

Minimize Harm

Ethical bloggers treat sources and subjects as human beings deserving of respect.
Bloggers should:
Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by Weblog content. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of information is not a license for arrogance.
Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects, victims of sex crimes and criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

Be Accountable
Bloggers should:

Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
Explain each Weblog's mission and invite dialogue with the public over its content and the bloggers' conduct.
Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas.
Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence content. When exceptions are made, disclose them fully to readers.
Be wary of sources offering information for favors. When accepting such information, disclose the favors.
Expose unethical practices of other bloggers.
Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

Nice list, eh?

I'll try to update The Human Side of Technology, at the same time, my Ateneo de Iloilo Computer Teaching blogsite.

The Google Story

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Google's official youtube account has uploaded a nice little video showing the brief history of the said company. Just dropping by to share this to all of you!

Sorry for not being able to make posts recently. I'll try to make posts on the next few days. Yadda!
Rod of the Future!
.(@_0)"

Trailers I Just Can't Get Enough Of!

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:43:00 +0000

I love movies!

I am always open and proud about that! And it has been a long time since my last movie post! Whoa! So I just decided to just drop by here to post few of my favorite trailers for the past few days. Here they are.

Surrogates. People are living their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic surrogates -- sexy, physically perfect mechanical representations of themselves. It's an ideal world where crime, pain, fear and consequences don't exist. When the first murder in years jolts this utopia, FBI agent Greer (Willis) discovers a vast conspiracy behind the surrogate phenomenon and must abandon his own surrogate, risking his life to unravel the mystery.

Zombieland. In the horror comedy Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus is a big wuss -- but when you're afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. Tallahassee is an AK-toting, zombie-slaying' bad ass whose single determination is to get the last Twinkie on earth. As they join forces with Wichita and Little Rock, who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem, they will have to determine which is worse: relying on each other or succumbing to the zombies.

The Last Airbender. The story follows the adventures of Aang, a young successor to a long line of Avatars, who must put his childhood ways aside and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water, Earth and Air nations.

Avatar. In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture.

It's amazing how technology has evolved, right!

ABS-CBN NewsCasting Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Rod Jr.) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Posting my blog on my other site: ABS-CBN NewsCasting Competition:

Last September 12, 2009, Abs-CBN held a newscasting competition at SM City Iloilo Activity Center. College, High School and Elementary students compete with the English, Filipino and Hiligaynon category.

Our three High School contestants, namely Alyanna, EJ and Aezel Jade, did their best on the three categories. And Ateneo de Iloilo won the championship on the Filipino category, with Aezel holding our shool flag up high.

Go Ateneo!