iPhone!!!!

I got me an 8GB iPhone 2G. I got it for a little over $300. It's difficult to find people who sell iPhones here. People say I got ripped off. They say that maybe because they don't know how hard it is to find an iPhone in this country. Or maybe I really got ripped off. It's okay though. I'm happy with it. First thing I did after I bought the phone, was update it.

The firmware on it was 1.1.1. It worked fine. However, my itchy hands could not take it. I had to make it 3.1.2 if possible but I settled for 3.0. I downloaded the firmware, and updated it using iTunes 8.2 on my mac. I've updated an iPod Touch before. I wasn't scared.

I wasn't scared 'till I saw the "Insert Supported Carrier Sim" screen in iTunes. I didn't know that would happen. That took me back a bit. But I was determined to push on. I went on to jailbreak and unlock it with Redsn0w. Bear in mind, I'm using my mac here.

I followed the instructions from the ihackintosh site. When the instructions to go into DFU mode flashed on screen, the thing wouldn't go to DFU mode.

I also tried using PwnageTool following the instructions from Simon. It still wouldn't work. I read a lot of blogs and forums and I couldn't find a solution. I gave up.

I went to a friend's house for help. He was using Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit. I told him about the problem and he said he'd take a look at it. He did unlocked and jailbroke the phone in less than 10 minutes.

He said he just followed the instructions from the ihackintosh website. So I'm guessing that Redsn0w has problems on mac. (???) I've jailbroken millions of iPod Touch units on my mac and never did I have any problem. It's still a mystery to me till now.

Anyway, I've installed Appsync 3.0 and Installous via Cydia to play downloaded games. I've also installed the Yahoo Messenger, Skype, and Facebook apps for my social networking. I'm also trying Cycorder to do basic video recording. Eat that 3Gs! lol. I put in some of my mp3s just to eat up space. I'm enjoying my experience so far but I had to go through hell first.

PC Specs Updated...Sort Of...and more

I haven't been doing much online for a while, just the occasional tweet or facebook update. So I have decided to make another useless blog post. Just PC specs and what I'm up to.

Here's what I'm running with now:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 running @ 2.4GHz
Memory: 4GB DDR2 667 (2 x 1GB Kingston DDR2 667 and 1 x 2GB Transcend DDR2 667)
Hard Disks: 500GB (2 x 250GB Seagate SATA 7200rpm 8MB Cache)
Video: Inno3d NVidia 8800GT 512MB 256bit
Monitor: 22" AOC 210V @ 1680 x 1050 res
Keyboard: Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard
Mouse: Logitech G7 Wireless Gaming Mouse
Speakers: Altec Lansing ATP3 2.1
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (Build 7100)

For those of you who keep track, I'm still running the same outdated system but I got a wee bit more RAM. I know it's not much but it's a start. Also, I got rid of the 32" LCD TV and put it in the living room because my XBox 360 is gone. I can't, no i refuse, to use it as a computer screen because it doesn't give me a decent enough resolution (1080i cuz I don't have an HDMI cable). I'm kind of glad to have my 22" AOC back.

In other news, I've finished playing with the single player mode of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 on 4x AA High (not Ultra-high) settings. The game was nice. Just like Modern Warfare, it has a very nice plot. I enjoyed it for about, oh, 4 hours. Just wish there was more. However, I'm making my way through the Solo mode of the Special Ops. This just shows that I need more friends. lol.

Also, I've just finished watching the DVDRip of Samurai Princess and Gamer. No comments. both movies were mediocre at best. However, if you're into blood and gore, Samurai Princess does it like no one else. Just be sure to get subtitles (the link above includes them), or learn Japanese quick.

Oh and I'm also trying out Parallels 5 on my mac. It boasts that you get full support for Aero Effects and Flip3D. We'll just have to see. It's still installing right now.

What's on my mind? This.

I read a few days ago that a New iPod may come out even sooner than the Zune HD. Well, I guess that puts a bigger emphasis on Apple’s victory over Microsoft. Also, a lot of these Netbooks are coming out. There was also this one announcement from Apple that they’ll be coming out with their own. You can also see a lot of what it might look like if you do an image search in google for “apple netbook”. Well this is the truth. Netbooks are small and eye straining. Most of them have keyboards so tiny, you’ll be pressing two keys at a time. Don’t get me started on the battery life. While my white Macbook sports a 5-hour operating time, my girlfriend’s HP Mini 2133 can only do one hour (1:30 tops). What’s the point of carrying around a laptop all day, which you can only use for an hour? Well, I guess it’s the “chic” image.

Also, I read somewhere that they also might be phasing out all the iPods and just keep the iPod touch and the iPhone. Well, that’s fine by me. I never owned an iPod anyway. But notice this, the first iPod that came out was white. Also, the first Notebook by Apple was also white. Now, they seem to be getting rid of everything white. Well, they’re leaving a white macbook. Everything else is black and silver. It’s just like basketball and politics. Goodbye white, hello black. Well you have to admit, black is stylish. Wonder if they’ll ever paint that place in DC and call it the Black House.

I didn’t see GI Joe and Transformers 2. I couldn’t find the time and money. Well, mostly, the money. I saw Ice Age 3 and Terminator Salvation though. Both movies were fine but I just don’t think it’s worth paying $15 for. I could have bootlegged a copy and still enjoyed it. Oh by the way, you can. Good R5 copies are out there somewhere.

My Xbox 360 finally had its last breath. I just experienced the 3 red lights and it won’t turn on anymore. I have to give it some credit though. It’s one of the original Xenon units. It did 3 years and it was about time. RIP Xbox. I wasn’t playing anything on it anyway. Last I did was NBA 2k9, which I enjoyed.

Oh and I’m on Facebook and I waste a lot of my time on it. Twitter, I don’t pay much attention to these days. There are a lot more things to do on Facebook than Twitter. But I’m hitting two birds with one stone. I post both on my Facebook and Twitter status using Tweetdeck. Nifty app and works for me.

I’m getting sleepy now. I have places to go and people to kill tomorrow. Y’all take care.

Vacation Mode

My vacation has started. I'm here right now in Medellin, Cebu. Today, we went to one of Mayor Ricky Ramirez's beach houses located in Tindog. Although it didn't have that nice a beach, since the place is more of an industrial, commercial area, the mayor did have some nifty stuff. For example, he had a speed boat which he used to tour us around the different towns here in the north. Mayor Ricky practically drove us around in the boat and at the same time, gave us a tour. He's a real down to earth person. He also owns a 450cc wave runner which my sister was able to ride till it broke down. Had some engine problems, whatever. We were served with 2 lechons, which is a delicacy here as well as every other part of the Philippines. Pics to come.

As of yesterday, I am now unemployed. My vacation has started. I'm going to be working with RQ when I come back and I hope everything works out ok. To all at FALG, I hope you enjoyed the time we spent together and don't hesitate to contact me for any gimmicks or parties, ok?

I'm here at my mom's house right now writing this. My mom and dad are having beers downstairs. I'm about to join em. Hope I don't get too drunk. I love freedom.

My Current PC Specs

Due to lack of things to post, here are my PC Specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 @ 2.4GHz
DFI 975XG Motherboard
1 x 2GB Kingston DDR2 800
1 x 1GB Kingston DDR2 800
2 x Seagate 250GB SATA Harddisk
Inno3D NVidia 8800GT-OC @ 650MHz
32" Sony Bravia LCD
Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G7 Gaming Mouse

Here are my laptop specs:
Macbook White 13"
Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz
160GB SATA Harddisk
Built-in Intel 950GMA Video

My PC's fine for me. But I know my laptop is something to laugh at. Heheh. Don't care.

Come Fly With Me

When flying Cebu Pacific Air, stay the hell away from seat numbers 10 and 11. Why? These are the exit seats. They will give you a hard time for sitting there. They won't allow you to keep your handbag on your lap or the bottom of the seat. They force you to read the instructions on the cards on how to open the exit doors. Okay, "force" is too harsh a word but I kinda felt like I was being forced to do it.

Also, when I came on board, I was immediately asked to put my bag in the compartment. I asked the flight attendant why. I was told that I would be sitting on the exit seats. Period. She didn't explain. If I were a dumber person, I'd ask, "So?!!!" Well, she was lucky. I understood fast.

So before I put my bag in, I took out my laptop. I went and slumped into the window seat with my seatbelt on and all. I took my macbook out of the sleeve. I didn't turn it on because I'm pretty sure they'll ask me to turn it off during takeoff. A little while before takeoff, another flight attendant came to me and told me to put my laptop in the overhead compartment and said I could get it back once we were airborne.

Okay. That's fucking fine with me. I understand regulations and all that shit. Why wasn't I told that when I took the damn laptop out of the bag? It would have saved some effort there. Are these people sure that they know what the hell they're doing? Okay whatever.

Now I'm airborne and took my laptop out of the bag to write this. No problem so far. A comment though. I know we're supposed to turn off all electronic devices during takeoff. Then why does my phone, along with a million others, have an airplane mode? What the hell is that for? I thought the reason they didn't want phones turned on is because it gives off some electronic signals that'll fuck up their equipment. Hasn't technology gone a long way since those days?

These days, it's just damn bureaucracy at work here. So in conclusion, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, and all those mobile phone companies are just wasting their money on Airplane Mode. To anyone from these companies, keep these features off of the phones you sell in the Philippines. These are completely useless to us.

The next flight I took was a totally different experience. When I approached the check in counter, I told the teller to put me in an aisle seat and to put me as far away from the exit seats as possible. I wasn't asked to put my bag in the overhead counter. My laptop was on my lap the whole time. I watched a movie in peace. We landed, I took a cab and I'm now in the comfort of our office. I hope I never have to fly again. But I'm sure I'll have to again soon. Tsk.

Lexmark and what they had to offer

I showed up for a whole day activity of Lexmark goodness. I answered a fairly intermediate writing exam. I had to admit, my brain was somewhat jolted. I showed up wearing my favorite shoes, the old Crocs and I got into an argument with a guard who considered them slippers. FYI, Crocs aren't damn slippers! We came to a compromise wherein Crocs were sandals. Ok fine. Sandals aren't part of the dress code. I know better now.

After that exam, I was interviewed by two lovely ladies who I gave my blog link to (I hope you comment ;) ). I was asked a series of questions regarding my previous employment. I told the truth. This was the first interview I ever had wherein I told the actual truth. These ladies were so warm and friendly, I just couldn't BS them.

I asked what type of pay am I going to expect. They didn't give me a direct answer. They told me that it would be based on my experience and how I did on the exam. I'd give myself 20k. Hee hee. But I know it's not up to me. Anyway, I also asked about the working schedule. They told me it was somewhat flexible. I could show up anytime from 8am-10am which is about the time I'd like to show up at work anyway. So that's ok, I guess.

I had lunch with my dad at a nearby mall before my next interview. Here's how it went: Since I was already telling the truth, I was interviewed by the manager. I told her about my previous employment as well and she asked me a series of questions. She also asked me a question that took me by surprise. "If my current employer gives me a counter offer, will I take it?" It took me some time to answer. I thought for a bit before opening my mouth. Again, without any BS, I told her that because of the my "job stability", I was inclined not to. I'm really used to lying to HR personel and managers. However, Lexmark gave me the impression that they were warm and accomodating. I just couldn't bring myself to lie to them even if I wanted to.

I learned something today that I should have learned a long ass time ago: The truth shall set you free.

Work work work

For our company to have a working network via the internet, we needed the help of a VPN. We initally subscribed to PLDT's Shops.work but it just isn't working out. At first, we were so okay with the idea. The thought that we would be able to get connectivity between all our sites was like bliss to us. And if there was a problem, PLDT would just take care of it. Well, our high hopes blew up in our faces. We were having more problems than what we bargained for, and PLDT did not take care of all of them. We decided to scrap the service.

Now, we were stuck wanting to set up our own VPN. Animansys, an IT company ran by Jimmy Alvarez, proposed a solution. It was going to be a VPN and Remote Access combined. Our data would still be recieved from our sites but the terminals recieving them were located at our main office. Meaning, there would be no actual data transfer over the network, just a remote server to receive the data. It sounded so good. I loved it. However, it costed a fortune. Our company wasn't willing to pay.

Now, we found a more cost effective solution. We enlisted the help of one of the IT Gods here in our country, RQ. He came up with a real solution. All we needed was to purchase a VPN server for our main office, and we just connect to there from our sites. Then a couple of remote access servers using Slackware and VirtualBox. And we're set. RQ did everything. I just have to familiarize myself with Slackware and Mikrotik RouterOS so that I can make it more customized. But it's fine just the way it is.

On the other hand, Lexmark gave me a call. They asked if I was interested in a Technical Writer position. From where I'm standing now, a Tech Writer position would be a step down for me. However, it's Lexmark calling, the big boys. So I don't know. I'll just show up and see what they have to offer. I don't have any final decisions yet. I just want to see where the winds of destiny blow me.

What My Work Has Done For Me So Far

Okay. So I forgot to mention that I was employed now. I'm a Systems Administrator for a Retail Company. I've learned a few useful things during my one month on the job.

1) Training is useless

• I came into this company with everything I know already in my brain.
• I was pushed into the fire with no know-how whatsoever about the company's operations.
• I did not go through any training whatsoever yet still I managed to survive this long. (Although, it's still too early to tell.)

2) Learn New Things

• On my second day, I was asked to revamp the website. Although I knew how to do basic HTML, it was not enough for the company's CEO.
• I learned Flash, Photoshop, CSS, and a little PHP just to get what the big boss wanted.
• The HR Manager of the company wanted me to develop an HRIS (Human Resource Information System) for her use.
  
• I have no idea what the hell it is so I googled it. I read and read until I found OrangeHRM. It's an open source HRIS system developed initially for Linux. However, since it was PHP based, it can be (and I did it) implemented in Windows.

3) Make Friends at the Office

• On my first day, I was introduced to a number of people around the office. I'm really bad at names but later on, I could remember everyone.
• I hang out with 4 chicks. The 4 most beautiful and somewhat powerful women at the office.
• Consequences...Nobody questions my DTR. Nobody asks why I don't show up. I'm never alone. I have reasons to look forward to going to the office.

And there you have it. I'm pretty sure my life sounds boring. And it is. So fuck you and fuck the world. I love Torrents!

What I Did With My Free Time

After finishing the website my boss has asked me to do, I helped a friend write a love letter. Here it is:

Hi Baby,

I've finished fixing your laptop. I hope you'll be able to use it na. Babe, I know you're stuck in a very confusing situation right now. I also know that it's really difficult for you to make a decision. I just want you to know that I completely understand. I understand everything that you're going through right now. This is why I don't want you to rush things. I don't want to see you get hurt. God knows what I'll do to myself if ever see you get hurt. I know how hard this might be for you but I really need to get some things off my chest.

Ever since I saw you again, all I could think about is you. Your smile, your eyes, your face, your voice, it's all I could think about everytime I'm alone. This only gets amplified when I look at our pictures. I never thought I would feel this strong for you. I knew I was in love with you when we started talking endlessly on the phone. No one else has ever made me feel this way in my entire life. I know this is starting to sound cliche, but that's how I really feel.

When I first saw you on that bus, my heart started skipping beats. I felt like I was breathing again. I felt like all the burden in the world was taken off my shoulder. It was then I knew that you were the one. That first hug, that first kiss, meant everything to me. My life had meaning again. It was you all along ****...You...I'm just hoping someday that you could be mine. Realistically though, I realize that it's
impossible because from my standpoint, I know you still love him. On the other hand, you and I both know that love has no boundaries.

Remember before when you were with ****? I used to tell you that I didn't want to see you cry. Well, now that I'm here, I will make sure that a single tear will never fall down your beautiful cheeks. I would even stop time if I had to. Your happiness means everything to me and that is the sole reason of my existence. I will make sure you are loved the way you are meant to be loved.

Baby, I'm not a very lucrative person. As you can see, I don't have money, nor a car, and not even a house. I am a nobody. All I could promise is that this deeply flawed excuse for a man will love you the best way he could. He will do everything he can to become as stable as possible so that he can give you the life you've always deserved. I want you to enjoy life as a queen because that's what you are to me. You've mentioned before that we start fresh, starting from the bottom. Without any hesitation, I know I'm up for that challenge. All I need is you beside me. You are my inspiration Babe, and you always will be. If you really meant what you said, I am more than willing to cross the highest mountain or the deepest ocean just to climb up that ladder with you. We can do this together, Baby. Please have faith.

****

I almost cried writing this letter. It felt so real and so raw, except that it wasn't coming from me nor did the recipient mean anything to me. Damn. I replaced all the names with an asterisk (*) for obvious reasons.

Also, I wrote a song. That same friend who I wrote the letter for is going to provide me with a tune. You won't understand the song unless you see this. Make sure you see the contestant who "performs" second to the last. I'm pretty sure you'll laugh. Here goes:

sometimes you're up sometimes you're down
either you smile or either you frown
you either slack off or you give it your all
one thing's for sure life's inebitabol

you live today you die tomorrow
you experience happiness then pain and sorrow
one day you're on top the next day you fall
one thing's for sure life's inebitabol

life is inebitabol you don't realize it.
life is inebitabol you just cant fight it.
life is inebitabol you think that you can.
life is inebitabol cuz your just half a man.

everything's going according as planned
people love you and you're in demand
you decide to risk it all in Philippine Idol
guess what bitch...it's inebitabol..

life is inebitabol you don't realize it.
life is inebitabol you just cant fight it.
life is inebitabol you think that you can.
life is inebitabol cuz your just half a man.

Other than this shit, I haven't been up to much, lately. I still have a lot of plans for the office which I can't implement right now because of an infrastructure issue. Thanks for your time.

Latest Movies I've Seen

Here are the latest movies I've seen and my brief summaries of them. Please take note, they're in no particular order.

The Rocker
It's a story featuring a fictional Robert "Fish" Fishman (Rainn Wilson from The Office) depicting his life as a failed drummer from a rock band called Vesuvius. After getting ditched by the band, he goes on with his life as a mundane office employee until he loses the job and he somewhat got dumped by his girlfriend. He lives where his sister where his nephew invites him to join their teenage band called A.D.D. He becomes a rock star again and there's drama and comedy and all. I don't really think it's a must see but if you have nothing else better to do, then it probably is. The movie is available on most torrent sites. Just google "The.Rocker[2008]DvDrip-aXXo".

Note: If you have no idea what a torrent is, check out my tutorial here.

The Wrestler
This movie was interesting enough. Starring Mickey Rourke and Marissa Tomei. In this movie, you get to see Marissa's titties. The story is about a wrestler (Rourke) who is past his prime and how he makes a living doing what he does best, wrestle. He eventually falls in love with a stripper (Tomei). He also tries to have a relationship with his daughter whom he abandoned when he was still at the top of his wrestling career. The basic story is he seems to fuck everything up except wrestling. It's interesting but again, it's not exactly blockbuster material. It's downloadable on most torrent sites. Just google "The Wrestler (2008) [DvdScr] [Xvid] {1337x}-Noir" for an excellent copy.

Seven Pounds
This is a drama starring Will Smith. He takes on the role of an IRS agent who fucks up big time by messing 7 people up and makes up for it by giving 7 other people better lives. Again, not really blockbuster material, but if you like have a girlfriend and you like, wanna get laid after watching something, this is the thing to watch. I'm not really a sensitive guy, but the movie got me teary eyed towards the end. Again, google "seven pounds.[2008.Eng].DVDScr.DivX-LTT" for a decent copy.

The Fifth Commandment
This action packed action movie is more like my cup of tea. Starring Rick Yune (from Fast and The Furious) and Keith David, the movie is more like a beat 'em up if it were a video game. The story revolves around a Chinese kid (Yune) whose parents died during a drug deal and was adopted by a hitman (David) who brought him up to become one of the best hitmen of his time. Story is an absolute cliche of other hitmen action packed movies but the fight scenes are what etched an image into my brain. If you have a bunch of friends that are into action, and you all happen to be hanging out at your pad, this is a must see. Search for "The.Fifth.Commandment.2008.DvDRip-FxM". FxM did a great job on this one.

Bedtime Stories
Comedy drama starring Adam Sandler. I watched this movie with a friend and I fell asleep. I have no idea how it went. But it's not the movie's fault. It was mine. I hadn't slept for 48 hours at that time. I'll probably watch it again later when I have the time. Synopsis is available here. It's a fairly new movie so there aren't any DVDRips available. Just google "Bedtime Stories 2008 TELESYNC XviD-KingBen". It has a decent enough quality.