Categories
Mostly Everything

Google Fiber launches in a few hours

Looks exciting? What exactly is Google Fiber?

Google Fiber is a project to build an experimental broadband internet network infrastructure using fiber-optic communication in Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, following a selection process. Over 1,100 communities applied to be the first recipient of the technology. Google announced on March 30, 2011 that Kansas City, Kansas will be the first community where the experimental network would be deployed.On May 17, 2011, Google announced that the service would be expanded to include the Kansas City, Missouri metro area. On July 24, 2012, Google announced that fiber would be available in two days (July 26). Neither pricing nor initial availability were mentioned. [Wikipedia]

So essentially, it’s an ISP that gives 1 gigabit per second and it’s not in the Philippines.

That is all.

Categories
Mostly Everything

Sony announces the new Walkman NWZ F800 running on Android 4.0

While HTC went the “beats” way and included Dr. Dre Beats headphones with most of their high end smartphones, Sony continues the Walkman line with the latest version of Android.

The NWZ F800 Walkman also known as the F800 or simply the new Walkman phone from Sony is a beauty. It’s basically comparable with Sony’s current line of Xperia devices but focuses more on audio enhancements.

Continue reading “Sony announces the new Walkman NWZ F800 running on Android 4.0”
Categories
Underwater

The Whale Sharks of Oslob

BIG 2015 UPDATE: I was part of an underwater video crew that helped document whale shark tourism practices in Oslob and Donsol. You can watch the trailer below. It is titled ‘On the Brink’ and will be shown next year (2016).


MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: DENR has ordered that whale shark feeding be stopped in Oslob.

DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim gave the directive in a letter to the DENR regional executive director.

It was made in response to an email of whale shark researcher Elson Q. Aca addressed to DENR Secretary Ramon Paje “regarding the practice of feeding whale sharks by tourists and scuba divers in Oslob, Cebu.”

SunStar Cebu

———–

EDIT: There is a similar practice with swimming with whale sharks in the island of Leyte and it seems to be more sustainable.

—-

I promised myself that I would write about the controversy behind the whale sharks of Oslob on the condition that I see the phenomenon myself. Being there, seeing it — it contributes to being informed. Frankly I’m tired of “armchair activists” who pile on issues like this — making sweeping generalizations about what’s best for these fish yet are so far away removed from the situation while they drink their lattes and sport clothes that apparently have buttons made out of poached Philippine shells. All oblivious.

Continue reading “The Whale Sharks of Oslob”
Categories
Mostly Everything

Remember the “You Wouldn’t Steal a Car” Anti-Piracy ads? Turns out the ad is pirated.

As one YouTube commenter (PianoGamer64) said, “You wouldn’t steal the background music to your own anti-piracy propaganda…”

But they did.

With the proposed tightening of Philippine laws to combat online piracy, a very recent article was called to my attention regarding the anti-piracy ads that have become staples in the movie theaters and in DVD releases. “You Wouldn’t Steal a Car” … I’m sure you remember the catchy music in the background. As it turns out, that music was pirated from its original composer.

Dutch Musician Melchior Rietveldt explained was asked in 2006 to whip some background music “to be used exclusively at a local film festival”.

When he noticed his music popping up everywhere (first hearing it in a Harry Potter DVD) Mr Rietveldt went to royalty agency Buma/Stemra, who made a € 15,000 ($AU 17,500) advance and then appear to have completely dropped the ball.

[source]

There you have it. These anti-piracy laws need to be thought through very well. Every single DVD that had that clip is violating copyright law. And every single movie theater that played that advertisement. What does this say about the industry?

Categories
Mostly Everything

Expanded PowerBag lineup include Tablet Messenger and Deluxe Bag

A couple of weeks ago I road-tested the PowerBag, a backpack that lets you charge your gadgets on the go. It’s essentially a backpack + battery pack + gadget cables. The battery pack is user replaceable and can carry between a 3000 to 6000 mAh charge. That’s essentially a full charge and a half for an iPhone 4s.

These two other models fit a 14″ laptop (you could probably fit in the 15″ retina display MacBook if you tried hard enough) and your favorite tablet be it a Samsung Galaxy Tab or an iPad.

Tablet Messenger PHP 6,490

• 6000 mAh battery allows for power on the go
• Dedicated External charging pocket with micro, mini and Apple connectors • Internal tablet pocket
• Adjustable shoulder strap

Deluxe Black Backpack PHP 7,490

• 6000 mAh battery allows for power on the go
• Dedicated External charging pocket with micro, mini and Apple connectors • Carries up to 14″ laptop
• Suspension contoured back strap