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Top 10 Reasons Why College Graduates Can't Get a Job

2009-05-12T10:38:00.003+08:00

1. Increased competition.

The days when college was only accessible to the rich and elite are over. College has become more affordable and a lot of pressure has been put on students to attend college in order to find a good job. The result?

Record number of college applications across the nation, resulting in more college graduates, and thus, more competition for the limited number of jobs available on the market. I can also safely assume that every person reading this knows at least one person in their social circle who has graduated college and is still having difficulty getting a job.

The secondary effect of this is that the days when having a degree alone would get you a job are over. The “prestige” that comes with having a degree has now become diluted with the rampant number of students graduating. You now need something more than just a degree to get you that first job out of college. (more on that later).

2. Little or no work experience.

Many college graduates make the grave mistake of assuming that their degree alone will qualify them for a job. They spend their college years just getting by, partying, and essentially, wasting their time. Because there’s more competition, college graduates are now a dime a dozen. What’s going to separate one college graduate with a degree from the next and the next and the next?

The result is they get stuck in a catch 22 position. They have no job experience, yet all the jobs out there require it if you want to apply. So they can’t get a job because they have no experience and in order to get a job, they need a job for work experience, but they can’t get a job without work experience and the cycle viciously continues.

One way to get out of this cycle is to not pass up on jobs that you may think are beneath you. Swallow your pride and take those jobs or intern for free at a company you would like to work at. You could also propose a new position to an employer if you have the creativity and the boldness to do so. You’ve got to start somewhere, and if you didn’t take the time to gather decent work experience during your college years, this is the price you may have to pay.

Always keep in mind that jobs can lead to other jobs. You never know if the job you think is beneath you can lead to the job you want. There’s always room to move up in the company. Always do more than what you are asked to do. That is one of the keys to moving on up Plus, by actually having that job, it can provide valuable work experience and knowledge, as well as the much needed dough.

3. No skills

You have to be good at something (aka skills) in order to contribute something of value to a company. People with computer skills (or at the very least computer proficient) will always be in high demand. Learning these types of technological skills will always be in your best interest because companies leverage technology in their offices in order to be more efficient, and if you can integrate well with that, you’ve got something good going for you.

Another valuable skill to have is people skills. (more on that later)

4. Lack of networking

Many people get jobs through referrals. Statistics show the majority of people get their jobs this way. The reason why word of mouth is so effective is because it cuts through all the worry of whether or not this person can do the job.

If somebody has been working for a company for some time, then that employee knows what it takes to succeed, and if that employee knows somebody who can do it, it’s an easy fit. The employer will trust the employee referring the new candidate and the new candidate will most likely get the job.

There’s just one catch though. You have to be “worthy” of being referred. Remember that the reputation of the person referring you is one the line. If you do a bad job, you make them look worse. So have a fine reputation of being a hard worker, someone who learns easily, etc. so people will be happy to refer you.

Spend a lot of time networking at college. Make a ton of friends, get in touch with recruiters, career counselors, etc. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth. (btw, my first job out of college was due to such networking.)

5. No preparation on the resume and cover letter.

Your resume and cover letter act as your first impression. You can’t charm them with your presence or your smile. Your writing does it all for you. So spend some time to make it look and sound good. When describing yourself or your work history, use action words. It makes a big difference. Go to google and type in “resume action words” and you should get a ton of sites which you can use as a reference when crafting your resume.

Get a proofreader to look over your resume and cover letter. Make your cover letter and resume stand out. Be detailed and descriptive.

I had a friend who volunteered to look over my cover letter when I told him I was applying for jobs during my senior year. He made some good suggestions and I implemented them and it sure made the cover letter look a whole lot better. It didn’t hurt that he was a copywriter by profession. His suggestions helped enormously in me getting call backs.

I suggest you get some professional editing done as well. It’s worth the investment. Think of all the money you can earn by just investing a very small portion of it to professional editing.

6. No interview skills

So you’ve got past the resume stage and now you’re at the interview. Think it’s a breeze? Think again.

They WILL ask the hard hitting questions. Why should we hire you? What do you bring to the table? Tell me about yourself (that throws off a lot of people) What’s your greatest weakness (obviously reframe this question when you answer), etc. There are a ton of resources online you can tap into in order to prepare. Use our trusty friend Google.

You must prepare. Have all your answers ready to go when the question is asked. Be prepared to give examples of things you’ve listed on your resume.

When you meet the interviewer, don’t give the limp fish handshake or the bone crushing one. Give a firm handshake and smile. Show your friendly side. We are all human.

Wear the suit, tie and jacket. It’s never wrong to overdress. Even when I applied for a part time position while in college, I went to the interview wearing a suit and later found out I was the only applicant to do so and yes, I did get the job.

Don’t go in blind. Research the company. When I went to interview at the Hilton Hotels Corporate Office in Beverly Hills, my interviewer actually asked me when and where the first Hilton hotel was built. I answered Texas, 1919 of course. Did I get the job offer? Of course I did.

When they ask: Do you have any questions?, make sure you do! Always ask questions. This shows you’re interested in the job. Ask what kind of skills/qualities are needed to succeed in the job. Ask what a day in the life of the job is, etc.,

This is also your opportunity to flip the tables on them. Start interviewing the interviewer. Ask about opportunities for advancement, benefits package, etc. Remember, YOU are interviewing companies as well to see which one is best suited for you. Own the frame.

7. No weapon x

You’ve got to have an edge. Something that’ll make you stand out from the rest. Be different. Among a sea of black family sedans, be the fiery red convertible.

I can’t help you with this part as the only person who knows yourself the best is you. So take some time, sit down and think of what are some of the best qualities you have and write them down. You can use this when they ask you the hot question of: Why should we hire you?

8. No follow up

So you sent the resume and cover letter, but didn’t hear anything back? Follow up. It can’t hurt. It can only help. Shoot an email or a phone call and ask what’s going on. Chances are, they may have not received it or forgotten about it. It also shows your tenacity and separates you from the rest of the people who don’t follow up. Don’t just assume that they don’t want you and wallow in your self pity. Take action and make it happen.

9. Quitting too easily

Not getting any call backs can be depressing. Don’t look at it as a negative thing. Look at it as a positive thing. It’s just a sign you have to change things because it’s not working.

If you have worked in sales, you know that all sales is just a numbers game. If you have a good product (which is yourself) and if you can put the product out there in front of as many buyers as possible, you’ll eventually make a sale. It’s inevitable.

So don’t quit. Keep on going.

10. A lack of people skills

One of the greatest myths regarding getting a job is that you just have to have the skills and knowledge. That may be true for some jobs, but the other major thing that employers are looking for is social skills. Will you integrate well with the staff? Will you mesh with co-workers? Are you a positive person? Are you easy to get along with?, etc.

I remember times when a lot of staff members would talk about the interviewee right after he left. They talked about whether or not to hire him based on not his skills, but his behavior, demeanor and likeability.

This ties in with the tip of: Be nice to everyone you see in the office because they DO talk about you after you leave. The secretary, the intern, etc,. they all chip in and can help make or break you.

Try to avoid these types of mistakes and you shouldn’t fall into the pool of college graduates who are having a hard time finding a job after they graduate.

SOURCE

Photoshop Basic Tutorial: Superimpose

2009-02-14T14:15:00.004+08:00

Steps:

1. Open two different images.
2. Using pen tool, create a section from one image to be transferred to another image.
3. In the path tab of Path Palette, choose Load path as a selection.
4. Go to select, the feather. Adjust to 20 or any desired value.
5. Delete the Path in the Path Tab.
6. Then copy the section to the other image.
7. Adjust to desired location.

Result:

Photoshop Basic Tutorial: Bevel and Emboss

2009-02-14T14:07:00.004+08:00

Steps:

1. Open one image.
2. Use Rectangular Marquee Tool.
3. Create rectangular selection in your image.
4. Copy the section and put to another canvass.
5. Choose any button style in the Style Palette.
6. Remove overlay effects.
7. Double-click bevel and emboss to adjust desired depth and size.
8. Click Background Layer.
9. Go to Foreground Color and adjust color to Black or any dark colors.
10. Fill the background by using Paint Bucket Tool.
11. Go to Filter and Choose Texturizer in the Texture menu.
12. Adjust scale and relief to desired one.
13. Choose invert.

Result:

Photoshop Basic Tutorial: 3D Button

2009-02-14T13:58:00.003+08:00

Steps:

1. Create empty canvass in desired size to become a button.
2. Using Rectangular Marquee Tool, create smaller rectangular shape inside the canvass.
3. Choose desired color in the Foreground Color.
4. Use Gradient Tool.
5. Use Linear Gradient and pick reverse.
6. Drag from top left corner to the bottom right.
7. Go to select, modify then adjust contract by 6 or any desired.
8. Drag starting from bottom right to upper left to draw gradient.
9. Adjust again contract now to 3 or any smaller than previous contract value.
10. Go to select, then feather by 2.
11. Drag from top left to bottom right.
12. Go to select, then deselect to see final result.

Result:

Obama becomes the first Black American President

2009-01-21T10:55:00.001+08:00

WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama became 44th president of the United States at noon Tuesday in a swearing-in ceremony imbued with tradition while ushering in firsts, with millions of spectators watching in person and a majority of Americans witnessing the event on television.

Beneath a partly cloudy sky at noon on the west side of the U.S. Capitol, the 47-year-old Obama placed his hand on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln and vowed to *faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States* and preserve and protect the Constitution.

Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. administered the oath to Obama,an African-American who now leads a country where civil rights were still denied to many black people the year Obama was born, 1961.

Obama's inauguration was filled with symbols of inclusion, and not just racial ones. The Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in southern California, a conservative minister who opposes gay marriage, delivered the opening prayer. But the Rev. Joseph Lowery, a civil rights lion and contemporary of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, gave the benediction.

In between, soul diva Aretha Franklin, the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sang *My Country Tis of Thee." Preeminent classical musicians including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzahk Perlman played a composition titled *Air and Simple Gifts," penned by the renowned American composer John Williams.

After a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall, Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, will travel the 1.7 miles up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House in the traditional inaugural parade. Parade participants include the Ohio State University marching band and a bagpipe-and-drum corps filled with Cleveland-area firefighters.

SOURCE

Technology: Its Effect to the Society and the Strategies against Skill Shortage in Advanced Technology

2009-01-02T15:37:00.002+08:00

The technology which surrounds almost everyone in the modern society, affects both work and leisure activities. Technology contains information that many would rather it did not have. It influences minds in good and bad ways, and it allows people to share information which they would otherwise not be able to attain. Even if a person does not own a computer or have credit cards, there is information on a computer somewhere about everyone. The technology which is just now beginning to be manipulated and harnessed is affecting the minds of small children and adolescents in ways that could be harmful. It is affecting our immediate future. It also gives another form of communication and exchange of information which was not available before, information that is both good and bad.

Technology is one of the principal driving forces of the future; it is transforming our lives and shaping our future at rates unprecedented in history, with profound implications which we can't even begin to see or understand.

Many different elements affect how satisfied we are with our lives. The impact of technology on these elements can change how safe, healthy and happy people feel. Throughout history, people have looked for better ways to meet their needs and to satisfy their expectations. Technology has improved the way people feed, clothe and shelter themselves. Technology has also changed other aspects of everyday life, such as health care, education, job satisfaction, and leisure time activities.

People have used technology since they first chipped stone blades to improve their hunting. Yet some people call the current age the "Technological Age" because of society's dependence on technology. For the first time in human history, almost all the goods and services people use depend on technology. The products of technology are available to almost everyone in society. The economy of a country influences how the people of the county live. Technology is often considered the key to a nation's economic growth. Most economists would say that it is one of the factors in economic growth, but they would probably disagree about its importance.

Many economists think that if technology sparks growth in one sector of the economy in the form of increased productivity, growth will also occur in other sectors of the economy. Jobs may be lost in one industry, such as agriculture but new jobs may emerge in other sectors of the economy. There may be more jobs or, in some case, completely new kinds of jobs. Technology may also be used to solve urgent problems. Our growing population is using up infinite supplies of natural resources. Innovations in technology can allow for more efficient use of limited or scarce resources. More products might be made from the same amount of raw material using new techniques.

According to Wikipedia, in terms of the people's lifestyle, technology affects the society in both ways. It simplifies life and at the same time it complicates our life.

In many ways, technology simplifies life.

The rise of a leisure class
A more informed society,which can make quicker responses to events and trends
Sets the stage for more complex learning tasks
Increases multi-tasking (although this may not be simplifying)
Global networking
Creates denser social circles
Cheaper prices
Greater specialization in jobs

In other ways, technology complicates life.

Pollution is a serious problem in a technologically advanced society (from acid rain to Chernobyl and Bhopal)
The increase in transportation technology has brought congestion in some areas
Technicism (although this may not be complicating)
New forms of danger existing as a consequence of new forms of technology, such as the first generation of nuclear reactors
New forms of entertainment, such as video games and Internet access could have possible social effects on areas such as academic performance
Increased probability of some diseases and disorders, such as obesity
Social separation of singular human interaction. Technology has increased the need to talk to more people faster.
Structural unemployment
Anthropocentric climate change

Philippines Strategies in addressing the Skill Shortage in Advanced Technology Sectors

The IT Skill Shortage Issues

“A first quarter 2008 study conducted by XMG, a global ICT research and advisory think tank, of leading offshoring countries in Asia that include China, India, Malaysia and the Philippines show that the average growth of the IT labor pool in the Philippines for the past 5 years rests at 10% and is forecasted to grow by another 3% in the next 2 to 3 years.”Despite the steady increase of the IT labor pool, the study revealed however an insufficient labor pool to sustain the total ICT growth in the Philippines which is projected to grow by 30 to 35% FTE year-on-year through 2010. Majority of fresh talents will be sourced from Metro Manila making up 22% of the estimated fifty to sixty thousand graduates each year. According to XMG statistician Benedict Dormitorio, "There is a clear need to establish additional training institutions and ladderized degree programs by existing universities to boost the dwindling talent supply due to the growth of the Philippine offshoring industry and the migration of IT skilled workforce to countries such as the United States, Singapore, Canada, the Middle East and Europe". The XMG analyst also stressed the importance of ensuring curriculum alignment of educational institutions with the current market needs of the industry through close consultation with ICT companies and organizations.

The Strategies

APEC believes that skill shortages can constrain the expansion of output in the short-term and limit the possibility of diversifying productive structure in the long-term. APEC member economies expressed concern that the growth and development opportunities afforded by liberalization may be jeopardized by the gap between the skills needed by industry and the output of educational and training institutions.
In view of this, APEC spearheaded a study in 2001 focused on Multinational Corporations in selected economies. The research aimed to assess the nature and extent of skill shortages and training needs in eight selected APEC economies by focusing on the experiences of multinational corporations in four industries--manufacturing, banking and finance, insurance and business services. They found out that the firms were found out to experience recruitment difficulties for managers and professionals than recruiting clerical, sales, services and production personnel. The study results showed that looking for non-technical workers is simpler as they can be easily trained even if they are skills deficient upon entry. Recruitment for technical positions is another case as there are minimum levels of competencies required of the workers at the time of job entry. Hence firms tend to exercise greater selectivity. Though, they found out there a big skill deficiency here in the Philippines, they found ways to deals with the problems in skill shortages and deficiencies. Here are the following:

1.Expatriation. Results revealed that hiring expatriates in filling vacancies in MNCs is seldom done. Of the surveyed MNCs only 17 percent of managers and less than 1 percent of professional and technical staff are expatriates. The reasons being are the large base of employment hopefuls and the labor market restrictions on the employment of foreigners in the country.

2.Recruitment. Notwithstanding the large pool of applicants, the MNCs still experienced the lack of qualified applicants. Thus, they are employing various modes of recruitment to ensure the competitiveness of the selection process.

3.Job Contracting. More than four-fifths of the Philippine sample were found to outsourced one or several tasks. The most commonly outsourced tasks are those that would require general skills such as maintenance, security and clerical. The main motivation by MNCs for job contracting is to keep its permanent staff lean but mean and for greater flexibility. Multinationals tend to maintain permanent platilla position for firm-specific skills.

4.Training. Sample MNCs indicated that high proportion of employees in all ranks has been exposed to various forms of training whether internal or external to the company as a means of correcting skill deficiencies. Manufacturing firms located in the Philippines tend to spend higher training expenditures compared to Malaysia but lower when compared to those situated in Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Training expenditures for business and services firms were found to be lesser in Indonesia and Malaysia but greater in Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand as compared to the Philippines.

The XMG study mentioned that, "In order to minimize paralysis on critical operations and sustain growth, companies must extend their recruitment reach, improve their skill development pathways, enrich retention and provide hot skills training on the existing talents in the organization to avoid high additional cost components associated with these skill areas."

Technology both have the negative and positive impacts to the society. The impacts also brought to the society to open some opportunity to have jobs and use the skill of Information Technologies professionals. However, the Philippines faces skill deficiencies and shortages in the sector of Advanced Technology. In order to solve this, some sectors made studies to found some strategies to solve this issues. Moreover, the government must of course support this strategies to help both the society and our economy,

http://www.tesda.gov.ph/page.asp?rootID=4&sID=154&pID=34
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_and_society
http://www.infoworld.com/news/feeds/08/04/04/Critical-skills-in-the-Philippines-face-shortage.html

Steps and action against the Climate Change: The IT ways

2008-12-19T11:05:00.010+08:00

Average global temperature has risen by 0.8 degrees Celsius since the start of the industrial revolution. This may not sound like much, but the consequences are enormous. Glaciers and polar icecaps are shrinking year by year, island nations and low lying communities are at risk to increase in sea level; and extreme weather events and cyclones are on the rise. Climate change is already damaging our ecosystems and endangering the lives and livelihood of millions of people. And that is only the start.

This problem is unlike anything in the past. It affects the whole planet and threatens human beings living in all countries on all continents. But we can do something about it. It is not a threat coming from outer space. It is people and the technology around the people who are causing climate change by polluting the atmosphere with too much carbon dioxide or CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Before I could site some steps and action to be taken against this global problem, let me first tell you about the climate change.

According to Wikipedia, climate change is any long-term significant change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences. Average weather may include average temperature, precipitation and wind patterns. It involves changes in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over durations ranging from decades to millions of years. These changes can be caused by dynamic processes on Earth, external forces including variations in sunlight intensity, and more recently by human activities.
In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, the term "climate change" often refers to changes in modern climate (or also known as Global Warming).

The term climate change is often used synonymously with the term Global Warming., but of course, the two have distinct meaning. Global warming is the combined result of anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions of greenhouse gases and changes in solar irradiance, while climate change refers to any change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the average and/or the variability of its properties (e.g., temperature, precipitation), and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer.

So what are these greenhouse gases that affect the warming of the Earth’s surface? The so-called greenhouse effect is an accumulation of warmth in the atmosphere. Without it, our planet would not be habitable. If some of the warmth reflected from the earth was not ‘captured’ by natural greenhouse gases, our planets surface would be 33 degrees Celsius colder. The problem is that we human beings are now releasing more and more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and this is seriously upsetting the delicate natural balance. Where do these gases come from? Here are some facts where these gases come from:

“A heavy off road vehicle or a large limousine emits 1.3 tons of CO2 to travel less than 3000 kilometers or 2000 miles”

“A family in Bangladesh emits the same amount of CO2 ¬over the whole year – every thing it does. The present per capita emissions there are 0.3 tons per annum. A Filipino, meanwhile, emits two-thirds of that amount over a whole year. Each Filipino’s per capita emissions is 094 tons per annum.”

“In contrast, four average consumers in the industrial countries pollute the atmosphere to a similar extent merely as a result of their meat consumption. Because every kilo of meat produced causes release of greenhouse gases (including methane and nitrous oxide) with an effect equivalent to between three and four kilos of CO2”

“A flight to and from a holiday destination 2500 kilometer or 1500 miles away causes release of greenhouse gases with an effect equivalent to 1.3 tons of CO2 for every passenger on board. So a journey like this uses up the whole of your annual personal carbon budget.”

Energy use is the primary source of greenhouse gases. The main factors that drive energy use are economic growth and population growth. Contrary to most popular conceptions, it is economic growth not population growth that is the primary driver, both historically and in model projections, of greenhouse gas emissions. Population growth is, however, still a significant contributor to increased future greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions of most greenhouse gasses are expected to continue to increase in the future. Greenhouse gas emissions from developing and developed countries are currently comparable in magnitude. However, most of the growth in greenhouse gas emissions will occur in developing countries, where economic growth rates are much larger than those in industrialized regions. If developing countries follow the energy-intensive development path followed by the presently industrialized countries then atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will increase dramatically.

One of the largest uncertainties in future greenhouse emissions is the effect of technological change. If renewable energy sources become cost-effective, if there are major gains in the efficiency of energy utilization, or if there is a large increase in the use of nuclear energy (fission or fusion), then emissions of greenhouse gases may be substantially restrained.

Of course, every one of us can do something about the global warming. If we act all together – governments, industry, people everywhere in the world, it will all be possible to keep the temperature increase down to 2 degrees Celsius. And the bad news is that, if we keep on doing the same as in the past, the average global temperature will rise by as much as 6 degrees Celsius during the course of this century. Can you imagine what will happen if we fail to take action on this global problem?

Well, here are some facts that are happening to are planet today:

“Flooding and landslide will increase dramatically as violent storms and heavy rainfall will become more frequent. This translate to lives lost, families displaces, economic losses and destroyed ecosystems.”

“The world’s glaciers are already melting at a frightening rate. This means that the rivers will dry up in many parts of the world and this will seriously endanger water supplies.”

“The rise in sea levels is not a threat not only to low-lying countries and archipelagic nations like the Philippines but also in cities like London, Shanghai, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong,.”

“Droughts are already becoming more frequent, for example in Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. Millions of people are increasingly threatened by famine, especially in the poorer countries, and this is expected to get much worse in the coming decades. But rich countries like Australia will also pay a high price for their irresponsible climate policy – in fact, they are doing so already.”

“The extinction of species will speed up, as animals, plants, and ecosystems find themselves unable to adapt to rapid climate changes. This danger is seriously for fauna and flora in coral reefs, forests, savannah, the Polar Regions and the mountain ranges, scientists fear that one third of all existing species could have died out by 2050.”

I have also read in the National Geographic channels the fast facts in Global Warming and that are occurring in our climate. These are the following:

• Average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the world since 1880, much of this in recent decades, according to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
• The rate of warming is increasing. The 20th century's last two decades were the hottest in 400 years and possibly the warmest for several millennia, according to a number of climate studies. And the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that 11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850.
• The Arctic is feeling the effects the most. Average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia have risen at twice the global average, according to the multinational Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report compiled between 2000 and 2004.
• Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first completely ice-free summer by 2040 or earlier. Polar bears and indigenous cultures are already suffering from the sea-ice loss.
• Glaciers and mountain snows are rapidly melting—for example, Montana's Glacier National Park now has only 27 glaciers, versus 150 in 1910. In the Northern Hemisphere, thaws also come a week earlier in spring and freezes begin a week later.
• Coral reefs, which are highly sensitive to small changes in water temperature, suffered the worst bleaching—or die-off in response to stress—ever recorded in 1998, with some areas seeing bleach rates of 70 percent. Experts expect these sorts of events to increase in frequency and intensity in the next 50 years as sea temperatures rise.
• An upsurge in the amount of extreme weather events, such as wildfires, heat waves, and strong tropical storms, is also attributed in part to climate change by some experts.
And what will going to happen if we don’t act upon this? This are the following frightening event that could happen to our planet:

• Sea level could rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 to 59 centimeters) by century's end, the IPCC's February 2007 report projects. Rises of just 4 inches (10 centimeters) could flood many South Seas islands and swamp large parts of Southeast Asia.
• Some hundred million people live within 3 feet (1 meter) of mean sea level, and much of the world's population is concentrated in vulnerable coastal cities. In the U.S., Louisiana and Florida are especially at risk.
• Glaciers around the world could melt, causing sea levels to rise while creating water shortages in regions dependent on runoff for fresh water.
• Strong hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and other natural disasters may become commonplace in many parts of the world. The growth of deserts may also cause food shortages in many places.
• More than a million species face extinction from disappearing habitat, changing ecosystems, and acidifying oceans.
• The ocean's circulation system, known as the ocean conveyor belt, could be permanently altered, causing a mini-ice age in Western Europe and other rapid changes.
• At some point in the future, warming could become uncontrollable by creating a so-called positive feedback effect. Rising temperatures could release additional greenhouse gases by unlocking methane in permafrost and undersea deposits, freeing carbon trapped in sea ice, and causing increased evaporation of water.
We may face it or not but these facts are happening to our Mother Earth today. If we will not act today, more and worse of this events can happen. Unfortunately, people are only one of the contributors to this global problem, another one is the technology. Sadly, technology must be the one who are helping us to save the problem against the Global warming. But on the contrast, it is the biggest contributor to the frightening climate change.

As an IT student, I can help spread the word by telling people the about the climate change. First, I can posts information about the global warming in my blog. With this, some people may read it and realize the effects brought by global warming. Second, I can participate in advocacies in helping against our global problem. Like the “Green Campus Computing” in our department in our school. It was started by my IT schoolmates. Third, well, I am quite capable of making images using drawing software. I think, with this, I can make some posters about helping the earth and spread it in the World Wide Web. And fourth as a human being, I can do some of the following things to help lessen the carbon dioxide brought by the technologies.

One of the obvious technologies that contribute tons of greenhouse gases is the transportation. Mobility is the area where personal carbon balances are widest apart. Whilst some people drive around in the massive off-road vehicles, others take the bus. Some need to jet around the world in their leisure time, and others p[refer a walking vacation. These are big differences in behavior patterns and the energy-saving potential is just as big.
Here are some actions we can do to help against the climate change in terms of the transportation. If we will not carry heavy loads during our travel, we can ride in public transport vehicle. Buses and rail systems are three times more fuel-efficient than private cars. In this thing, we can at least help to lessen the release of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Also, if our destination is only a walking-distance, we should stretch our legs. We can walk, it will keep us fit and it will not harm the climate. We can also use bicycles as out transporting vehicle. Bikes use no fuel. It is quite and clean and it keeps us fit. When buying a new car, we must put in to our minds the most important question: “What is its fuel consumption?” cars burning 4 liters per 100 kilometers are already on the market. It will be possible to cut figure to 2 liters. Help us to make those owners of limousines, SUVs and other fuel guzzlers too embarrassed to show them in public. Another one is the fly only when you really have to. I mean, air traffic is on of the top league of climate-killers. Look for alternatives like telephone and video conferences. Cut long distance flights. If you are very use to traveling inside the country, please bear in mind that traveling in land is whole lot more climate-friendly than traveling in planes.

Another one is the technologies around our houses. Our daily energy use contributes to climate change. Do not waste energy. Let us save it, as well as the money we pay for it and the impact brought by it. Let’s chase the “power thieves” in our house! A lot of household appliances consume much more energy than necessary – even when they are switched off. We can change all that with a combination of wise purchase decisions and a few simple tricks, which will definitely decrease both our household electrical and climate accounts. Well, here are some steps and actions to help our climate by saving energy. First, we should buy the most energy-efficient products. These are products that require less electricity for the same output. When buying, look for the ones with the energy-saving label – and check what they actually mean. In our country, here in Philippines, there is a mandatory labeling on several electrical appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioning and lighting. Second, switch off appliances like TV sets, video recorders/players, PCs (especially monitors), microwaves, radios and all the accessories that come with them still keep on consuming electricity – even when in standby mode. Households consume at least 120 kilowatt hour of electricity per year by leaving their appliances on standby mode – this is at least 70 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. So either pull out the plug or use a multi-socket power strip with its own power cut-out. Third, use energy-efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs cut power consumption by as much as 80 percent and lasts 8 times longer as compared to incandescent light bulbs. In relation with this, light out rooms that are not being used. Fourth, is our powerful refrigerators. Let us defrost it regularly. Fridges and freezers consume more power when they ice up. So defrost them from time to time – for example, when we go to a holiday. Fifth, for the people who have coffee makers. Unplug it after use. We can transfer the extra coffee to a thermos instead of continuously heating it on the coffee maker. Sixth, for our knowledge, tumbler driers consume a lot of energy. A four person household that throws out its tumbler drier will save 480 kilowatt hours – and save 300 kilos of carbon dioxide annually. Let us use our nature, let’s dry our clothes using the powerful energy coming from the sun. Seventh, do not use battery-driven appliances like shavers and toothbrushes because they consume more power than mains-powered appliances. If we can only get a battery-driven appliance, at least make sure that we charge it up properly. Pull out the plug as soon as the battery is recharges and dispose it correctly when it is no longer usable. Eighth, let’s save on the laundry. Wash at low temperature and forget to pre-wash. Normal laundry will come out perfectly clean and you power consumption will be cut by up to 80 percent. Always wash with a full drum. If we can, we can wash our clothes using the old way – hand wash. If of course, there are only few laundries. Ninth, for the people who have air conditioner in their house. Make sure to close the doors and windows once you open the air conditioning unit to prevent the cooled air from escaping. Make sure also to turn off the air conditioning unit at least one hour before you leave a room. You can save up to 100 kilowatt hour each month!

In our country (Philippines), we can achieve a good quality living in hot humid climates by maximizing traditional wisdom, smart design and new innovative technologies. For the people who can afford to buy solar panels, they can install one in their houses. In temperature latitudes an area of just 1.5 to 2 square meters per person is enough to heat 60 percent of the water needed for showering and washing. That figure can rise to 100 percent in sunny regions like our country. They have proved their worth a million times over. For these, at least we can help in saving energy consumption. Let us also go for natural lighting. Some houses with smart designs can decrease energy consumption by reducing dependence on artificial lighting. Sun roofs and strategically placed windows can be integrated design of the house. In a hot humid climate like our country, trees can necessary in reducing the temperature of our surroundings. Trees can also provide shade and it can lower the temperature around 3 degrees Celsius.

Simple yet with this steps and action, we can help our planet to decrease the temperature level by doing this little acts. Climate change is the biggest threat that our planet faces today but by doing even the smallest things, each one of us can make a difference. We can ensure our survival and we can save the world. Save the world in simple ways and the IT ways.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_Change
http://www.aps.org/policy/reports/popa-reports/energy/climate.cfm
http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/~lusignan/Climate%20Change%20-Causes,%20Contributors,%20and%20Consequences.doc
http://greenpeace.org.ph

10 Things LOSERS do on Friendster.

2008-12-14T17:20:00.004+08:00

*Okay. I just read this one in Bulletin Board on Friendster and somehow want to post it here and make my comments. Haha. I will then make some comments to this 10 things. I promise not to be rude. =p

ONE:

Stop posting multiple bulletins! People would read your bulletin if they really want to! Or even stop saying, "READ ME", like I said, people would read it if they want to.

*Yeah, right! They post they're bulletin like Naruto with his special power! "Times two! Times two! Times two!" Duh.

TWO:

To the people who have like 1,000 friends, are you serious? You don't know half the people! You're stupid. Go play in traffic.
*Definitely! So stupid! They're boasting around telling everyone, "Oh, i have 1000 friends, can you imagine that?" Duh again. Sometimes, they even say, "OMG! Papa Piolo is my friend!" DUH! I can also make an account as Jessica Alba. Whew.

THREE:

Don't ever post pictures and say "OMG, I'm so ugly", "OMG, I'm so fat" because if you were, you wouldn't post them. And if u do ur a f*cking idiot.

*Uh huh. You post them and you stab stupid comments on you're self. Imbecile. XD

FOUR:

Nobody cares about threats over the internet. Don't try to act hardcore with the keyboard. Fighting online is like racing in the special olympics; even if you win, you're still retarded.

*Yup. Stupid people believes this threats. Duh.

FIVE:

Quit crying because you're not on someones featured friends. Who cares? IT'S THEIR PROFILE! NOT YOURS!

*Haha! I remembered my cousin commented on my other cousin, she said to him, "Why is ate Kalile is in your Featured, why not also me?" Demet. XD

SIX:

Who really cares if I don't accept you as a friend? MOVE ON! Don't send me another request or message asking "What's up with you not adding me?" I don't want you as a friend, that's what's up dumbass!

*LOL! Maybe they think they're good enough to add all people in the FS.

SEVEN:

6th graders who have Friendster and look like sluts, and act like whores go somewhere else because nobody wants you here.

*Agree! Agree! LOL They acting like they're selling themselves.

EIGHT:

If you have decided to read this, you are a true Friendster Friend. Real friends read their bulletins.

*Huwat? XD

NINE:

I say you go and pass this on and maybe it will finally get through people's brains.

*Definitely. Spread the word! XD

TEN:

And if you open a bulletin and it says something like " Repost this in 100 seconds or a ghost will rape your dog tonight, or "some dead skinless girl is gonna rape your mom " QUIT BEING A DUMB A$S!!

*LOL I really pity people believe in this. Tsk.

*So that's all. I hope people realize some points here. =D

"I Think, Therefore I Exist"

2008-12-12T13:29:00.003+08:00

In our last meeting for our course "Future Technology" last December 06, 2008, before sir Randy start our presentation, he first wants us to reflect for the quote: "I think, therefore I exist." by Rene Descartes.

For me, the quote mean that whatever you think, you must be responsible for it and be sure that the consequences are fair enough to justify whatever you do. Well, that's my opinion. In relation to our presentation for our diorama, I think, means i have given my ideas for our diorama presentation and did my best to do it, so therefore I exist in our group.

After almost everybody gave their opinions about it, sir Randy, set an examples by this quote. Like for our classmate who comes late in the class, he ask them if they exist, of course they said yes. Technically, they exist, but in relation to the quote, sir Randy said, they're not. Because, if they think about the time that we should meet for that class, they shouldn't be late. I definitely agree to what sir Randy said. In whatever reason, they shouldn't be late. If the class starts early, well, we can wake up early and leave our house early too. If we don't have sleep, well, it's not the class's fault or sir Randy's fault, we should be in class whatever the consequence is.

In relation also to the quote and to the subject or to the presentation of our past diorama, all of us don't exist. Why? Because we haven't think deep for our presentation. Like the letters for the temporary use of the lobby for our exhibits and the dividers. Well, I admit that I just put the works to the assigned groups for the all preparation. I didn't even think to help. And that was very selfish, I must admit. Because of that, I don't exist. *Sigh*

Now, I carry this quote every now and then. I don't want to be called that I never existed. I want to exist. Exist in everything especially for my future. =D

Significant Events in Society to Technology

2008-12-12T13:13:00.003+08:00

Technology has been very significant in the life of many people, from the past and up to now, the present and of course, to the future. Technology has brought great impact in human living. People are using different technology in everyday of their lives. Our lives are now improving, better and better, because of the unstoppable innovations that are happening to our technology. Many significant events happened in society to the innovations of technology. Every event that happened can be considered important to the technology but of course, some are the ones which are very vital because some technology can’t be invented without the discovery of the first vital events that happened.

Before I would relate some significant events, I would like to first define the term innovation. So what is innovation? According to the Wikipedia, the term innovation means a new way of doing something. It may refer to incremental, radical, and revolutionary changes in thinking, products, processes, or organizations. A distinction is typically made between invention, an idea made manifest, and innovation, ideas applied successfully. So what were the events that are very significant in the incremental changes to the technology? Here are some events that I think brought a great innovation in our technology:

First is the invention of the flying machines or aircrafts. According to Wikipedia, an aircraft is a vehicle which is able to fly through the Earth's atmosphere or through any other atmosphere. Have you ever imagined life without this technology? Probably not. This technology helps us to travel everywhere at any part around the world. And this technology is very useful in the military operations. They use this especially in wars but most importantly in rescue missions. We should be very thankful to the Wright brothers who first invented the flying machines. Without this, I guess we'll be walking our way from here to the US or to any part of the world.

Second is, I guess the most important event in the innovation of the technology, is the discovery of the communication tools. One of these is the invention of the mobile phones or cellular phones or most commonly known as cell phones. A mobile phone (also known as a wireless phone, cell phone, or cellular telephone) is a short-range, electronic device used for and mobile voice or data communication over a network of specialized base stations known as cell sites. In addition to the standard voice function of a mobile phone, telephone, current mobile phones may support many additional services, and accessories, such as SMS for text messaging, email, packet switching for access to the Internet, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared, camera with video recorder and MMS for sending and receiving photos and video Most current mobile phones connect to a cellular network of base stations (cell sites), which is in turn interconnected to the public switched telephone network. Personally, I am very grateful with this innovation. Every now and then I am using my cell phone to contact my friends, and other colleagues. Especially my family, because I am far from them now. When I need money for my expenses here in school I will just text my parents to inform them. I can't imagine if there is no cell phone now, how will I then tell my parents what I needed? Will I just relay it to people so that my parents will receive my message? Well, that will probably took a day or two to relay my message. Ugh. Another significant event in the innovation of communication technology is the discovery of the Internet or the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web (commonly shortened to the Web) is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. With a Web browser, one can view Web pages that may contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia and navigate between them using hyperlinks With this, information are widely available in the Internet. We can easily get information anytime we want. We don't need to browse thick books to find the data we need, all we need is just a click in the Internet. With the Internet, we can meet different people in other places. We can socialize to them. And with the Internet, we can also find our long-time-no-see friends.

I can also say that one of the significant events happened in the society of the innovation of technology is the invention of automobiles or cars. An automobile or motor car is a wheeled motor vehicle for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to eight people, to typically have four wheels, and to be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods. Flying machines or aircrafts are used to travel up above the Earth's surface. This machines are used for long distance travel, while cars are used for short distance. Can you imagine going to Makati City from Quezon City? Well, that will be a long walk. But thanks to the inventors of cars, we don't have to travel that long and death-tiring walk, all we need is to ride up in our cars, or of course if we don't have our cars, we can definitely ride public utility vehicle, just paid then the right fare. Hehe.

Another one is the one which I will also thank about. It's the discovery of the electricity. Electricity is a general term that encompasses a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. We all know that almost everything was ran by electricity. From our little gadgets like TVs, computers or laptops, to biggest one like the machines in the factories. Can you also imagine life without electricity? No lights. Maybe we're living in the time we're fire is the only source of life. That would be definitely hard. Maybe there will also be no appliances around the corner of our houses.

With these significant events happened in the society of the innovation of technology our lives our now easier and better. Well, thanks definitely to the people who are behind all of these. Without them, maybe we will still be living in the simple life. i am not saying simple life is not good, but i am just saying that with these technology, it helps us a lot to improve our way of living.

Are You Afraid of the Future?

2008-12-10T14:57:00.004+08:00

Are you?

Well, if were to be asked by this question, my simple answer is NO. I am not afraid facing it. I'm actually excited to see what lies beneath the future. I'm excited to experience it. It's like I'm holding the world in my hand in the future.

Some people were afraid because they might think that the inventions of the geniuses like the Robots may take over the world someday, may kill all the people because they wanted to rule the world. Well, for me, it can happen. But you see, people were so genius that of course we can't allow that to happen. Why would we create things that may someday kill us all? Why would we created things that would rule over the world someday? Why? Well, think again.

So, I ask you, are you afraid of the future?

My Sister's Request

2008-12-10T08:32:00.003+08:00

Well, i made this background image for my sister.

She requested me to made this for her friendster profile.

I actually made one before but it's too "noobs". XDD

This time, i hope it's not too "noobs" just "noobs". Haha.

Hmm..

I hope she likes it 'coz it only took me a hour or so to made this.

LOL.

I'm not boasting the idea but i'm just inspired the moment i made this one.

^___________________^

Link

Twilight

2008-12-09T09:28:00.000+08:00

TWILIGHT is an action-packed, modern-day love story between a teenage girl and a vampire. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) has always been a little bit different, never caring about fitting in with the trendy girls at her Phoenix high school. When her mother re-marries and sends Bella to live with her father in the rainy little town of Forks, Washington, she doesn't expect much of anything to change. Then she meets the mysterious and dazzlingly beautiful Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a boy unlike any she's ever met. Edward is a vampire, but he doesn't have fangs and his family is unique in that they choose not to drink human blood. Intelligent and witty, Edward sees straight into Bella's soul. Soon, they are swept up in a passionate , thrilling and unorthodox romance. To Edward, Bella is what he has waited 90 years for - a soul mate. But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. But what will Edward & Bella do when a clan of new vampires - James (Cam Gigandet), Laurent (Edi Gathegi) and Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre) - come to town and threaten to disrupt their way of life?

ABOUT TWILIGHT: Based on the #1 New York Times Best-Selling series with over 17 million books in print by Stephenie Meyer, TWILIGHT is a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base that eagerly awaits this movie. There are over 350 fan sites devoted to TWILIGHT, and it has been chosen as the New York Times Editor's Choice, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Amazon's "Best Book of the Decade...So Far", Teen People's "Hot List" Pick, and The American Library Association's "Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults" and "Top Ten Books for Reluctant Readers," among others. Critically acclaimed director Catherine Hardwicke brings to life this modern, visual, and visceral Romeo & Juliet story of the ultimate forbidden love affair - between vampire and mortal.

Bella and Edward (top)

and

The Cullens [ Emmett, Rosalie, Esme, Edward, Carlisle, Alice, Jasper]

The Technology.

2008-12-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

Reasons why we use technology today:

because it gives us a huge information;

because of the entertainment it brings;

it makes our works easier and faster;

and it lessen the hard work.

Points that influenced us to use technology:

the great speed;

the easiness it brings;

trends;

and of course, the modernization of the world.

Factors involved in technology change:

the great competition;

and the need for the improvement of the existing technologies.

People today are now greatly dependent on technologies because of these reasons. For me, people can't live without technology. And people won't stop developing and improving new technologies, because humans never stops thinking. =D

Technologies i want to introduce.

2008-12-09T07:57:00.000+08:00

Let’s say that I am worthy to be called as an IT Professional, what technology or innovation that I will introduce or contribute to improve the living of many people? If I had given this wonderful chance, the following were the technology or innovation that I want to introduce or contribute into our community.

Nowadays, there were many technologies that are available to all. Maybe if I am an IT Professional now, I think it will be a very hard challenge for me to create a new technology or to innovate a new one. But as I dig deep through the Internet or World Wide Web, where information and data are very open and accessible for all people, there were many innovations that are currently on way for development. As I browse through their web sites, I am kinda inspired and amazed by the people behind this innovation. I mean, they were great and genius! They invent things to make the lives of people easier and get better. But of course, there are consequences behind these innovations. People are now getting lazier because. They mostly rely on this technology so that they can just rest down and leave the things up to the gadgets around them. Not just that, some technologies are hurting or worst, destroying our Mother Earth. And it is really really bad because in the end, it will just affect us. Especially in the issue of Global Warming, this big issue had a great impact to all of us, let’s admit it, it is because of us, it is our entire fault.

So, if I am an IT Professional and have a chance to introduce or contribute a technology or innovation to improve our life, I want it to be eco-Friendly, I want it to be as energy-saving as possible because I know that overusing of energy is one of the factor for the increasing Global Warming and I want to support the campaign for helping to less the factor that brought Global Warming to life, I want it to balance the way people live, I mean I don’t want people to be lazier than they are now. I believe that once you introduce a certain technology or innovate a new one, it should have goals that help people improve the way of living and not the other way around and it should be friendly to the environment as possible.

At the present time, people are all now into the famous and most known gadget, the mobile phones. Mobile phones or also known as cellular phones, wireless phones or cell phones are known to all people because of the convenience it brings. I got a definition from of the mobile phone from the Wikipedia: “A mobile phone is a short-range, electronic device used for mobile voice or data communication over a network of specialized base stations known as cell sites. In addition to the standard voice function of a mobile phone, telephone, current mobile phones may support many additional services, and accessories, such as SMS for text messaging, email, packet switching for access to the Internet, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared, camera with video recorder and MMS for sending and receiving photos and video. Most current mobile phones connect to a cellular network of base stations (cell sites), which is in turn interconnected to the public switched telephone network.” These mobile phones are very famous to people because of the many services it can gives. Of course, these gadgets need a power to run its system, well; this is the same with cell phones. Cell phones are equipped with a battery that needs a charging every time its power drains. It gets its energy from power supply in our homes, in the office, in the school, our every where the power supply is available. Every time we charge our cell phone, of course we used energy to bring back its power. By the thought of this, I am thinking of a way that can help people to save from using energy from power supplies. It is a way where they can use the environment without hurting it but also helping it because of the less-energy consumption. Helping the environment in a way it can lessen the use of energy, because as I said, overusing of energy will just make the Global Warming worst. Well, I want to introduce a cell phone that is equipped with a special battery and a very special casing. This special casing is equipped with solar cells that can get energy from the powerful energy of the sun. The energy it gets will be then stored to the special battery. So the special battery can be used as the proxy for the normal battery that gets it energy from a power supply. In this way, energy consumption from recharging those normal batteries will be then less. It will help us contribute to the campaign of people from saving our planet form the Global warming. So how does this work? Of course, we know that the casing of the cell phones serves as its dress. So this special casing that is equipped with solar cells will also serves as the dress of our cell phones. We can just put our cell phones under the sun so that the solar cells will do its job to get energy from the sun. This special casing that is put under the heat of the sun can get the enough energy in just a small span of time to supply the need of the special battery. So that’s what I want it to be. At least we can help in a small way to save our planet because it is eco-Friendly and it is an energy-saving device. I hope one of these days, or maybe I can make this one soon (Hehe) after I am truly worthy to be called as an IT professional.

Second of what I want to introduce will, hmm, let’s say help some bikers or bicycle owners from the thieves. Well, of course we know that thieves is just everywhere, waiting for the right timing to steal things that are not theirs. Every thing that they seen that can be steal is their big chance, even small things. So, I just wanted to help bikers to secure their precious bicycles. Honestly, it’s also because I was once a victim of bicycle thieves. Let me just tell a short story about it. My mother asked me to go to the market to buy something she needed. Of course as a good daughter, (Ehem) I obliged her. I used our bike because the market in our place was somehow close, you can also walk but of course I prefer to ride in a bike to also save time. When I got to the store in the market, I placed the bike in front of the store. I was confident to place it there because it is just in front, maybe anyone can notice if someone stole it. As I was buying what my mother needs, I am not looking or watching for the bike because I am facing back to it. After a few minutes, I am through buying what I need; I was shocked that it was gone. (Sigh) So, that’s it, and enough for it. Well, I want to create a bike where it can be transform into something hand carry gadget; a bag, or attaché case look. Honestly, I somewhat read this kind but of course I don’t want to be accused of plagiarism so I will just add or change some feature. The one I read to the Internet was called a Folding Bike. From the name itself, it is a bike that can be folded. It is actually a somewhat 2 in 1 type. It can be a bicycle and when you fold the front wheel, it can be a unicycle. It is somehow like that kind. Since it is some kind of a folding bike, I want to make a bicycle, that can be folded into a bag or an attaché case-like so that it can carried by the bicycle owner. So that, he or she won’t be anxious of thinking if his or her bike was still in its place or the bike was not stolen. I want it to be light as it can be so that the owner won’t be also anxious of its weight. If again, this can be created by other, or I can make it (LOL), I’ll be very glad, because thieves won’t have the chance to steal again.

Third on the list is what I read from a Tuvie.com site. It is called a “WaTree” technology. It is a tree-look-a-like that can store water and can be used by people. It is a rain water harvester and it has a size of a big tree. People can also use its shade against the sun. The “Watree” is like an umbrella-look placed upside down that acts as a shade in the rain. The water that it gets from the rain is stored in a tank that is in the underground that can be placed on the areas that are away from the playing surface, the water that was stored can be used during the summer months though series of underground pipes. It is a practical way and a self sufficient solution in these times where water is very important. Over the last few years it has become more apparent just how susceptible our planet is to the ever changing climate. This research or design based project explores the challenges of what our community faces today and how certain strategies may be used to combat these climate changes. The aim of this project was to further develop water conservation strategies within the environment and design a device and system that would be used in the collection and storage of rain water. The Watree concept is for urban sporting rounds, like a big baseball or football stadium, and based around the idea that almost all of these reserves have buffer zones around them. A buffer zone is more common around ovals due to their shape, but can be found around tennis clubs and soccer pitches as well. A buffer zone is essentially an area of land around these sporting reserves, unused. Often they are just grassed areas or areas dotted with a few unsightly shrubs, sometimes used as car parks. These buffer zones do not provide any particular use to these sporting organizations and when rain falls, its seeps straight into the ground. So a researcher proposes using these buffer areas as location points for open air rain water collection. The Watree concept is to have a number of these points around an oval, with the collection unit to be in the centre of these buffer zone areas. The idea is for these devices to open up when it rains and create a large surface area that would then collect and funnel the rain either into storage directly beneath it, or along a pipeline to central tank storage for the ground. The water would pass through a filter accessible from outside of the Watree structure on its way to storage. This water, previously wasted, would be stored and used during summer periods to keep the sports surface in a playable condition. Combined with a playing surface converted to warm season grasses, a large storage tank would be a suitable amount of storage for weekly watering of the field over summer. In the case of a tennis club for example, smaller tanks and water collection would be required dependent on the number of grassed and clay courts. So the water that falls into the open spaces of sporting environment can be saved and can be used by people in times of need. I am very amazed by this technology because it helps people in water storage and water consumption.

So that will be the technologies that I want to contribute or to introduce in to our community to help improve or make our life better. Maybe someday, I can make one of those technologies or if not the ones I introduce, maybe the other more useful technology. Someday.

Yamato Nadeshiko: The Wallflower

2008-12-08T13:07:00.000+08:00

SUNAKO NAKAHARA.

The star of the anime Yamato Nadeshiko: The Wallflower.

PLOT:

The Wallflower a girl who was called "ugly" by a boy, the first and only person to whom she confessed her love. This incident sparks a life change, and as a result Sunako shuns all forms of beauty, both in herself as well as in life. Concerned by her change for the worst, Sunako's aunt, the owner of a beautiful mansion where four very handsome students live, offers the guys free rent in her mansion if they can turn Sunako into a "perfect lady" (referred to in Japan as the titular Yamato Nadeshiko).
While the four of them manage to make Sunako physically beautiful enough to become a lady, the problem lies with her attitude and interests (which Sunako has no intention of changing). Up until the most recent release in the story, they've managed to convince Sunako's aunt that her niece is indeed a lady befitting the mansion in which they live (and prevent the rent from skyrocketing to triple the required amount). However, in reality, Sunako has not changed considerably.

CHARACTERS:

Sunako Nakahara

The female lead, Sunako is often referred to as Ghost girl or Scary girl due to her dark presence. A lover of solitude, gore movies, anatomical dolls and objects that reflect the ugly side of life as she puts it, Sunako has locked herself away in a world of solitude due to a traumatic experience with her first love. She has especially mixed feelings about Kyouhei, and as the storyline progresses, their relationship becomes more solid and intimate.

Kyouhei Takano

He is the most popular of the foursome. He is very loud and bossy when it comes to his needs. He is a lover of food and can devour anything in seconds. One of his favorite foods is Sunako's fried shrimp. He was forced to leave home because all of the mobbing and harassment by his fans were taking a toll on his family. He loves to fight and even becomes a gang leader in the manga. He can't hold a job either, because he seems to be prone to sexual harassment. He has unsorted feelings for Sunako which he demonstrates by constantly provoking her rage. Recently, he stopped Sunako from getting married to a prince. He made it look like that he wanted to simply eat her japanese style food.

Takenaga Oda

He comes from a very wealthy family and is quite serious in nature. He is the brain and logic of the group often trying out logical strategies to make Sunako become a lady. He is a book worm who loves to study. This is evidenced by him having the highest grade point average out of all of the boarders. He has a love interest in Naie "Noi" Kasahara, but his shyness gets in the way when he wants to express his feelings. As the manga progresses, he becomes more social and open about himself. He prefers Japanese-style formal wear.

Yukinojo "Yuki" Toyama

A shy character, he is sweet and has a very loving nature. He comes from an humble family and has two younger twin siblings who make an appearance in the manga. Yuki is the most innocent of all the characters, often crying and becoming scared when he enters Sunako's room. Due to his extremely girlish face Yuki is often forced to dress up as a girl, creating self esteem issues for him. He has a girlfriend who is only spoken of. In the story Yuki tries to make himself strong and have more confidence so as to not be scared as easily. But he is easily defeated by Sunako's extreme taste in decorations.

Ranmaru Morii

The playboy of the group. Ranmaru comes from a wealthy family and is an only son. He is very extroverted and a lover of older women. He has a very sexy nature and extremely high self esteem. He is often going out on dates with married women, provoking trouble. However, he does have a very good heart and loves his friends. Later on in the storyline, he is set up in an arranged marriage date by his parents. Because he's unwilling to get married to anyone, he asks the guys to help him. Upon encountering the girl though, mixed feelings arise inside him making him unsure of his playboy ways.

Naie "Noi" Kasahara

She has an unbreakable love for Takenaga and is often questioning their relationship. She is very beautiful and kind. She is the first female friend that Sunako makes, even if unwillingly. She is always standing up for Sunako at school when people make fun of her. She has a very quick temper around Kyouhei and the two are often found fighting. Like the boys, Noi is not that good when it comes to housework.

A Step Back: Historicizing Information Technology

2008-12-08T11:35:00.000+08:00

A History of Information Technology and Systems

Four basic periods
Characterized by a principal technology used to solve the input, processing, output and communication problems of the time:
1. Premechanical,
2. Mechanical,
3. Electromechanical, and
4. Electronic

A. The Premechanical Age: 3000 B.C. - 1450 A.D.

Writing and Alphabets--communication.
1. First humans communicated only through speaking and picture drawings.
2. 3000 B.C., the Sumerians in Mesopotamia (what is today southern Iraq) devised cuniform
3. Around 2000 B.C., Phoenicians created symbols
4. The Greeks later adopted the Phoenician alphabet and added vowels; the Romans gave the letters Latin names to create the alphabet we use today.
Paper and Pens--input technologies.
1. Sumerians' input technology was a stylus that could scratch marks in wet clay.
2. About 2600 B.C., the Egyptians write on the papyrus plant
3. around 100 A.D., the Chinese made paper from rags, on which modern-day papermaking is based.
Books and Libraries: Permanent Storage Devices.
1. Religious leaders in Mesopotamia kept the earliest "books"
2. The Egyptians kept scrolls
3. Around 600 B.C., the Greeks began to fold sheets of papyrus vertically into leaves and bind them together.
The First Numbering Systems.
1. Egyptian system:
  - The numbers 1-9 as vertical lines, the number 10 as a U or circle, the number 100 as a coiled rope, and the number 1,000 as a lotus blossom.
2. The first numbering systems similar to those in use today were invented between 100 and 200 A.D. by Hindus in India who created a nine-digit numbering system.
3. Around 875 A.D., the concept of zero was developed.
The First Calculators: The Abacus.

One of the very first information processors.

B. The Mechanical Age: 1450 - 1840

The First Information Explosion.
1. Johann Gutenberg (Mainz, Germany)
  - Invented the movable metal-type printing process in 1450.
2. The development of book indexes and the widespread use of page numbers.
The first general purpose "computers"
- Actually people who held the job title "computer: one who works with numbers."
Slide Rules, the Pascaline and Leibniz's Machine.
- Slide Rule.
  
  Early 1600s, William Oughtred, an English clergyman, invented the slide rule
  - Early example of an analog computer.
- The Pascaline. Invented by Blaise Pascal (1623-62).
  
  The Pascaline (front)
  
  (rear view)
  
  Diagram of interior
  - One of the first mechanical computing machines, around 1642.
- Leibniz's Machine.
  Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz (1646-1716), German mathematician and philosopher.
  
  The Reckoner (reconstruction)
Babbage's Engines
Charles Babbage (1792-1871), eccentric English mathematician
- The Difference Engine.
  - Working model created in 1822.
  - The "method of differences".
- The Analytical Engine.
  
  Joseph Marie Jacquard's loom.
  - Designed during the 1830s
  - Parts remarkably similar to modern-day computers.
    - The "store"
    - The "mill"
    - Punch cards.
  - Punch card idea picked up by Babbage from Joseph Marie Jacquard's (1752-1834) loom.
    - Introduced in 1801.
    - Binary logic
    - Fixed program that would operate in real time.
- Augusta Ada Byron (1815-52).
- The first programmer

C. The Electromechanical Age: 1840 - 1940.

The discovery of ways to harness electricity was the key advance made during this period. Knowledge and information could now be converted into electrical impulses.

The Beginnings of Telecommunication.
1. Voltaic Battery.
  - Late 18th century.
2. Telegraph.
  - Early 1800s.
3. Morse Code.
  - Developed in1835 by Samuel Morse
  - Dots and dashes.
4. Telephone and Radio.
  - Alexander Graham Bell.
  - 1876
5. Followed by the discovery that electrical waves travel through space and can produce an effect far from the point at which they originated.
6. These two events led to the invention of the radio
  - Guglielmo Marconi
  - 1894
Electromechanical Computing
1. Herman Hollerith and IBM.
  Herman Hollerith (1860-1929) in 1880.
  
  Census Machine.
  
  Early punch cards.
  
  Punch card workers.
  - By 1890
  - The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).
    - Its first logo
2. Mark 1.
  
  Paper tape stored data and program instructions.
  - Howard Aiken, a Ph.D. student at Harvard University
  - Built the Mark I
    - Completed January 1942
    - 8 feet tall, 51 feet long, 2 feet thick, weighed 5 tons, used about 750,000 parts

D. The Electronic Age: 1940 - Present.

First Tries.
- Early 1940s
- Electronic vacuum tubes.
Eckert and Mauchly.
1. The First High-Speed, General-Purpose Computer Using Vacuum Tubes:
  Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC)
  The ENIAC team (Feb 14, 1946). Left to right: J. Presper Eckert, Jr.; John Grist Brainerd; Sam Feltman; Herman H. Goldstine; John W. Mauchly; Harold Pender; Major General G. L. Barnes; Colonel Paul N. Gillon.
  
  Rear view (note vacuum tubes).
  - Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC)
    - 1946.
    - Used vacuum tubes (not mechanical devices) to do its calculations.
      - Hence, first electronic computer.
    - Developers John Mauchly, a physicist, and J. Prosper Eckert, an electrical engineer
      - The Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania
    - Funded by the U.S. Army.
    - But it could not store its programs (its set of instructions)
2. The First Stored-Program Computer(s)
  
  The Manchester University Mark I (prototype).
  - Early 1940s, Mauchly and Eckert began to design the EDVAC - the Electronic Discreet Variable Computer.
  - John von Neumann's influential report in June 1945:
    - "The Report on the EDVAC"
  - British scientists used this report and outpaced the Americans.
    - Max Newman headed up the effort at Manchester University
      - Where the Manchester Mark I went into operation in June 1948--becoming the first stored-program computer.
    - Maurice Wilkes, a British scientist at Cambridge University, completed the EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator) in 1949--two years before EDVAC was finished.
      - Thus, EDSAC became the first stored-program computer in general use (i.e., not a prototype).
3. The First General-Purpose Computer for Commercial Use: Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC).
  
  UNIVAC publicity photo.
  - Late 1940s, Eckert and Mauchly began the development of a computer called UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer)
    - Remington Rand.
    - First UNIVAC delivered to Census Bureau in 1951.
  - But, a machine called LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) went into action a few months before UNIVAC and became the world's first commercial computer.
The Four Generations of Digital Computing.
1. The First Generation (1951-1958).
  1. Vacuum tubes as their main logic elements.
  2. Punch cards to input and externally store data.
  3. Rotating magnetic drums for internal storage of data and programs
    - Programs written in
      - Machine language
      - Assembly language
        Requires a compiler.
2. The Second Generation (1959-1963).
  1. Vacuum tubes replaced by transistors as main logic element.
    - AT&T's Bell Laboratories, in the 1940s
    - Crystalline mineral materials called semiconductors could be used in the design of a device called a transistor
  2. Magnetic tape and disks began to replace punched cards as external storage devices.
  3. Magnetic cores (very small donut-shaped magnets that could be polarized in one of two directions to represent data) strung on wire within the computer became the primary internal storage technology.
    - High-level programming languages
      - E.g., FORTRAN and COBOL
3. The Third Generation (1964-1979).
  1. Individual transistors were replaced by integrated circuits.
  2. Magnetic tape and disks completely replace punch cards as external storage devices.
  3. Magnetic core internal memories began to give way to a new form, metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) memory, which, like integrated circuits, used silicon-backed chips.
    - Operating systems
    - Advanced programming languages like BASIC developed.
      - Which is where Bill Gates and Microsoft got their start in 1975.
4. The Fourth Generation (1979- Present).
  1. Large-scale and very large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs and VLSICs)
  2. Microprocessors that contained memory, logic, and control circuits (an entire CPU = Central Processing Unit) on a single chip.
    - Which allowed for home-use personal computers or PCs, like the Apple (II and Mac) and IBM PC.
      - Apple II released to public in 1977, by Stephen Wozniak and Steven Jobs.
        Initially sold for $1,195 (without a monitor); had 16k RAM.
      - First Apple Mac released in 1984.
      - IBM PC introduced in 1981.
        Debuts with MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
    - Fourth generation language software products
      - E.g., Visicalc, Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, Microsoft Word, and many others.
      - Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for PCs arrive in early 1980s
        
        MS Windows debuts in 1983, but is quite a clunker.
        Windows wouldn't take off until version 3 was released in 1990
        
        Apple's GUI (on the first Mac) debuts in 1984.

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