Dedicated to the goons of Chicken Mafia:
21
Aug
Adobe doesn’t heart open source
Well, it seems that Adobe doesn’t heart open source.
In a blog post, a senior Adobe executive has hinted on most Adobe products staying proprietary and at the same time hitting on open-source alternatives on the company’s products.
Money quote:
And obviously, I have thought about whether open source has a place in Adobe’s creative products strategy. But what designers need is tightly-integrated workflows and high reliability right out of the box so the really important question to ask is what’s the impact to the user. Yes, clearly it’s cheaper, but does it really save money in the end?
xxx
Don’t get me wrong, open source software can be a perfect solution. It’s just not right for everything. Or for everyone – like many creative professionals who are on deadline and prefer to innovate vs. integrate.
And yes, the blog post smacks of marketing, using a customer as case study.
So open-source and free software users should stick with Gimp. But don’t tell the Adobe executive he has not warned you.
(Via CNet)
21
Aug
Virtual plague lends new insights into epidemics
A mistake in a challenge to high-level players in a popular massive, multiplayer, online role-playing game (MMORPG) has led to new insights on how a new epidemic may spread.
Reuters reports about how the “Corrupted Blood” challenge led to an accidental virtual plague in World of Warcraft.
Here is the variable that researchers will have to factor in soon – the stupid factor:
“Someone thinks, ‘I’ll just get close and get a quick look and it won’t affect me,'” she said.
“Now that it has been pointed out to us, it is clear that it is going to be happening. There have been a lot of studies that looked at compliance with public health measures. But they have always been along the lines of what would happen if we put people into a quarantine zone — will they stay?” Fefferman added.
“No one have ever looked at what would happen when people who are not in a quarantine zone get in and then leave.”
(Curiousity might have killed a cat, but stupidity could kill millions of them.)
Anyway, this virtual accident can hopefully help us in predicting and preventing an epidemic. BTW, the Reuters report ended in an ominous tone – we are ripe for another epidemic. Scary.
20
Aug
On freedom
I used to hold that freedom is absolute. Putting restraint to freedom makes it no longer free.
In the natural state, freedom is absolute, and in such state, man is free to do what he wants, he is free to say what he wants. However, this puts man in a problem. Exercise of freedom in its natural state puts him in conflict with his fellow being. Left uncontrolled, this conflict ultimately leads to violence.
The evolution of the social contract theory led to a society agreeing to be bound to an unwritten agreement to respect each other’s property and rights. This agreement, I believe, to the social contract does not put restraint to freedom. Freedom remains absolute, but man agrees to be responsible for the exercise of such freedom.
We have evolved several means to put the social contract in force. We enact laws to list down our freedoms, guarantees to the exercise of such freedom, our responsibilities when we exercise our freedom, and sanctions when we refuse to bear our responsibilities. We have social norms that govern how we act in a group. We have values that guide our every decision, and these values we usually share with others.
One of the freedoms that we should cherish and exercise with care is the freedom of expression. What does this exercise entails?
1. Libel and slander are in our statute books to hold us responsible for the words we say and write that are either against or might be detrimental to others.
2. Persons affected by what we say should be allowed to respond to or refute our allegations/criticisms/observations.
3. Whatever adverse words we say against others will naturally cause reactions. We should be ready to listen to them, understand them, and answer them.
The response to whatever we say might be illogical, ad hominem, and foul; they are of course free to express what they feel and think.
Where does responsibility comes in? Action brings a reaction. When we exercise our freedom to the detriment of others, we should be responsible enough to face the consequences of our actions. However, responsibility is not limited to what effect our actions might have or cause. Responsibility also calls on us to think first before we act. It is not only prudent but wise not only to avoid trouble but to respect others.
Freedom is absolute, but it comes with responsibility.
—
The next logical step in this Malu Fernandez issue: the mainstream media taking note. But will they?
As an adjunct to Nick’s campaign, maybe we should begin informing other news organizations about the irresponsible words that Ms. Fernandez had unleashed upon the word. Otherwise, we will just limit ourselves to the confines of cyberspace. Remember, majority of Filipinos in the country don’t have access to the Web. If a tabloid takes this up, it will probably spell the difference.
18
Aug
Smart 3G in Caloocan
18
Aug
The Malu Fernandez Campaign Index (Updated)
UPDATE: I urge the readers to control your emotions and please watch your words. Show that you are better than her. Prove that she is wrong. You are only proving her correct by calling her names. Sure she had called you names and insulted to, but returning the favor will actually validate her assertions! Thank you.
Mag-komento po tayo kung bakit sya mali. Wag po natin syang kutyain at tawagin nang kung anu-ano. Patunayan natin na mali si Malu sa pagtawag sa inyo nang masama. Wag po natin patunayan na tama sya. Salamat po.
—
UPDATE: ABS-CBN reports that Malu Fernandez has resigned from Manila Standard Today and People Asia.
—
I am helping in Nick’s campaign by placing links to all blog posts supporting the campaign.
Here are Nick’s instructions, if you want to join:
Specific Actions We Can Take
1. Email the Newspaper and request the resignation or firing of Malu Fernandez
2. Write a blog post about your stand as well as regarding the ban and campaign to fire Malu Fernandez (I will link to your blog in this post once you comment and give me the url)
3. Don’t buy Manila Standard Today until the matter is reconciled
4. Email your friends and family about this issue
5. Spread the issue through word of mouth
6. Write or call local and national newspapers regarding this issue, and our stand to have Malu Fernandez fired
Here is Manila Standard Today’s contact page. Contact People Asia via The Philippine Star here.
The Index:
Bitter, Spiteful Snob (UPDATED!!)
Si Consuela
Swine Mentality: UPDATED
Fierce and Fabulous Ingrata
Still more on “La Diva Loca”
More on The Diva or was it Di Na Bale (Never Mind) Malu Fernandez
Matapobre Ba o Nagpapakatotoo lang?
Matapobre Ba o Nagpapakatotoo lang?
MAHADERANG MATAPOBRE SA OFWS
Just another acerbic wit?
Elitist Mindset in Action
The Devil Wears Jo Malone
Putting on the “Other’s” Shoes
Malu Fernandez: The hate continues…
Malu Fernandez’ Condescending Statements on OFWs
The abominable snob-woman
The Bigotry of Malu Fernandez and In Defense of the Filipino Migrant Workers
Panawagan: Patalsikin, Boykotin
On the Democracy of the Pinoy Blogosphere a.k.a Malu Fernandez, Take Your Cue
Fire Malu Fernandez, Boycott Manila Standard, and People Asia Magazine
I am Filipino and Proud to Be One!
Malu Fernandez: What’s Economy Class?
How To Piss Off Hardworking Filipinos And Pinoy Bloggers?
YOU’RE BACON, BITCH!!! (or how the Pinoy Blog Community is frying up Malu Fernandez)
Malu Fernandez – Persona Non Grata
Dear Malu Fernandez
Episode 18: Paglipas
On Malu Fernandez: we have feelings too you know
Gigil
Mala Malu, Nuestra Senora de la Mata Pobre
Bad cholesterol, very bad cholesterol
Ang OFW at Malu Fernandez isang Elitistang manunulat!
Da Daily Donkey Goes to Malu Fernandez!
Show Malu Fernandez What ‘Wit’ Is: Be Intellectually Mean
Isang Dambuhalang Idiot
Of Boracay, Greece, and Malu’s Acerbic Wit
Malou Fernandez, Who do you think you are?!
La DIVA Kolokay
Malu Fernandez
Pinoys Blog against an offensive article
That People Asia Article
What’s really “Manila’s Standard”?
The case of Malru Fernandz: exorcizing a self proclaimed diva
An Homage to Malu Fernandez
by the way… Malu Fernandez and Kris Aquino:…
MALOU FERNANDEZ BOYCOTT
I’m sorry but who the hell is Malu Fernandez??
Social climbing is not a sport*
Everybody hates Malu Fernandez
Malu Fernandez: Needs To Know What Witty Means
Nation building with Malu Fernandez
Value of an Employee
Bigotry = Malu Fernandez
Seething With Anger
Malu wag Diva
Pinakamagandang Komento para sa OFW ay mula kay malu Fernandez
Another Hopeless Character
Is Malu Fernandez the most hated Filipina ever?
Malu Fernandez flies economy class…
BIG ot Malu Fernandez
Malu Fernandez? Who? Google her? But… oh. Look…
KILL THAT STINKIN PRETENSIYOSANG LECHON
to do list part 2
On Social Scents
Some news turns me red sometimes and this is one…
ouch!
A Must Read to Everyone.
Let Them Eat Cake
The Devil Flies Economy
Who is Malu Fernandez?
Must Read! Bigotry in Philippine Media
The Blog Lynching of Malu Fernandez
The Bigotry of Malu Fernandez and In Defense of the Filipino migrant worker
This is Why I Hate Society Pages
malu who?
PAOLO’s HIERARCHY OF ELITISM
this is for malu fernandez
how NOT to write as a journalist
Irresponsible Media.
Malu Fernandez Controversy
Malu Fernandez, Manila Standard Today, Bigotry…
THE MORAL ISSUE OF ELITISM
malu fernandez of the manila standard is a wuss
must read bigotry in Philippine media
You can’t buy class
BOYCOTT THE MANILA STANDARD!!!
To all J121 Students, PLEASE READ!
Her Crystal Palace
The Malu Fernandez Story
Bigotry In The Media?
Malu Fernandez, dikit mo ilong mo sa putik!
from boracay to greece you b1atch!
The Malu Fernandez Experiment
From Boracay to Greece
SUPILIN SI MALU FERNANDEZ NG MANILA STANDARD…
Between the Writer and the Editor
Here’s Wishing Malu Fernandez, the Divalicious *slash* Witty *slash* Well-Read (Not!) CAKE-EATER a Belated Bastille Day
Pinoy bloggers vs Malu Fernandez
A BIG MIDDLE FINGER FOR ELITISTS.
“Acerbic wit” is Extremely Overrated (Acerbic wit, however, is not)
The Pedestrian Observer is maintaining a more complete list.
I suggest you Technorati tag your posts as Malu Fernandez. There are WordPress plugins for this, or you can manually tag your entries.
If you have created a post regarding this topic, go to Nick’s campaign page and leave the post URL. Or leave it here, in the comments.
Will update this page when new URLs arrive.
17
Aug
An open letter to a friend
Hi, Ice.
First, thanks for the rather surprising email. Glad to hear from you. As much as I want to create a long reply, my brain’s dead, no thanks to stupidity, loneliness, the weather, stupidity, loneliness, the weather, wash, rinse, repeat (not in particular order).
Second, the ad is not that urgent. Don’t push yourself too hard for that. It’s not worth your health. OK?
Third, yes, I felt that I was left out, and please understand that during those times (and up to now, I guess), I was (am) one lonely person. Heck, I have almost given up looking for someone to love and instead be a best friend someone could have. But how can I be, when my own friends I don’t even know at all?
For three years, I have been thinking if what’s wrong with me. I have a family, I have a nice-paying job, yet why do I always feel lonely? I have friends, but do they really treat me as such? Why do I feel so left out all the time? Why do I always have to be the last to know? Am I not communicating right?
I always ask those questions up to now. I have no answers. Yet. Maybe there are no answers. Maybe the answers are just there, and I can’t see them yet. Maybe I’m looking at things using dark glasses. Yet time’s fast catching up on me, and I am afraid of something.
In the novelization of a Star Trek movie, there was a scene where the lead character almost died when he fell off climbing a mountain with no safety gear. He was scolded by his friends, but he said: “I know I will not die, because I have my friends with me. I know I will die alone.”
I know I will die alone. That statement has stuck in my mind. That is my greatest fear.
So I hope you understand what caused the post. I know the cause of that post was childish and stupid. I hope I have conveyed my apologies for such embarrassing juvenile remarks. It was so petty, I am scolding myself for adding to your worries, when I should be working to help you lessen your worries! What kind of friend am I! I’m so ashamed of myself!
Take care of your health. All your dreams, all the things you want to do, depend on you being strong to pursue them. Take it easy, for you have all the time in the world. It is not a race, it is a journey. Enjoy each step, for you cannot go back. When your health is no more, you cannot turn back the clock.
And lastly: treasure your friends. The true ones will stick to you through thick and thin. They will catch you everytime you fall, they will lift you up when you are down and out. Some of them will leave you, but at least you’ll know who your true friends are.
I remain, your friend,
The Prince in Hell
16
Aug
From one agent to another
Dear Call Center Agent,
Ang hirap ng buhay natin, no? Ngayon pa lang tayo nagsisimulang magkakilala nang mahusay, nagkakaproblema na agad tayo. Hirap pala pag nagkakilala ang dalawang tao online, tapos magkaiba pa ang oras natin.
Tulad na lang nung last tayo magkausap sa YM. Patulog ka na, kaka-online ko lang. Medyo awkward pa naman ang daloy ng usapan natin nun, pakiramdam ko napakaboring kong tao. Kaya siguro ako single for 3 years in the running.
Tapos ngayon, ang komunikasyon natin eh, via text lang, tapos ganun pa rin, patay pa rin dahil sa schedule. Magtetext ka, tulog na ko; pag magtetext ako, malamang tulog ka or nasa office na. Siguro kaya ako single pa rin kasi maaga ako matulog.
Paano pa tayo magde-date nyan? Pag rest day mo, uuwi ka pa sa probinsya, at pagbalik mo, wala ka nang lakas para makipagkita sa akin. Dapat yata umabsent ako sa trabaho para makita ka lang. Ayoko pa naman ng umaabsent. Kaya siguro single pa rin ako hanggang ngayon.
Ang gusto ko lang naman eh makausap ka nang matagal, makilala ka ng husto, makasalo sa isang simpleng hapunan, manood ng sine, tumanaw sa kawalan katabi ka. Pero eto, umaasa tayo na sana, magtugma ang ating schedule.
Di pa rin ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Darating din ang panahon natin.
Ingat ka lagi.
Love,
Isa pang Call Center Agent
16
Aug
It’s just a show
Today, the Bureau of Customs has destroyed 18 luxury cars, upon orders of Gloria Arroyo. She was supposed to witness the event, but she was not able to come due to some problems in the backup choppers.
There are several quarters who think that it would be better to auction the cars instead of destroying them. The ideas was turned down because (1) the Commissioner claims that the cars are right-hand drive cars and conversion of such cars is illegal; and (2) Arroyo thinks the smugglers themselves might win the auction.
When I saw the TV clip of the cars early this morning, some of the cars are left-hand drive cars, so that pricks up the Commissioner’s balloon. So destroy the right-hand drive cars, and auction the others off.
Arroyo’s reasoning, however, stumps me. Why do they smuggle these cars? To avoid customs duties. So if you auction these from a base price plus the customs duties, do you think the smugglers would even join the auction? Besides, by auctioning them off with a base price plus duties, the government earns from the auction, as if the winner of the auction has paid the necessary duties and taxes, even if he is a smuggler.
And here’s the real problem. By destroying these cars, the Arroyo administration is sending a message to smugglers. Fine. But that’s just a message. Have they hailed a smuggler to court, presented a fool-proof case, and sent one to the jail? The destroy-cars-as-message is just rhetoric, like drum-beating for a phony war, which is what about to happen in Mindanao. But that is another story.
15
Aug
Pitiful
The Philippine Experience has posted his reaction to a magazine column by a social columnist. The column is not available online, but one blogger posted JPEG images of the column (here and here).
As much as I want to react to her ramblings, I cannot. I should say, I will not. Because if I do, this post will turn into the most virulent, and trash-talk filled post ever.
Right now, I pity two people, both of them society columnists who wrote only about who’s rich and who went to what party. They treat those who they feel are inferior to them with disdain and contempt. I pity them because what they write reflects on the shallowness of their minds, the corruptness of their souls, the emptiness of their hearts. I pity them because the more they speak up againts their fellow men, the more they lose their humanity.
The society columnist in question is one of the two. The other I had already tackled somewhere.