Technology Article: 1 in 3 laptops die in first three years

November 23, 2009 at 9:53 pm (Technology)
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1 in 3 laptops die in first three years
Christopher Null: The Working Guy

So your new laptop computer died in inside of a year. "I’ll never buy a computer from [insert manufacturer name here] again!" I’ve heard the protests time and time again.

Yeah, maybe you got a lemon, but no matter which brand you bought, you truly are not alone in this situation: An analysis of 30,000 new laptops from SquareTrade, which provides aftermarket warranty coverage for electronics products, has found that in the first three years of ownership, nearly a third of laptops (31 percent) will fail.

That’s actually better than I would have expected based on my experience and observations on how people treat their equipment.

SquareTrade has more detailed information (the full PDF of the company’s study is available here) on the research on its website. But here are some highlights about how, why, and which laptops fail:

> 20.4 percent of failures are due to hardware malfunctions. 10.6 percent are due to drops, spills, or other accidental damage.

> Netbooks have a roughly 20 percent higher failure rate due to hardware malfunctions than standard laptops. The more you pay for your laptop, the less likely it is to fail in general (maybe because you’re more careful with it?).

> The most reliable companies? A shocker: Toshiba and Asus, both with below a 16 percent failure rate due to hardware malfunction.

> The least reliable brands? Acer, Gateway, and HP. HP’s hardware malfunction rate, the worst in SquareTrade’s analysis, is a whopping 25.6 percent.

None of the numbers are overly surprising. As SquareTrade notes, "the typical laptop endures more use and abuse than nearly any other consumer electronic device (with the possible exception of cell phones)," so failures are really inevitable.

Want to keep your notebook running for longer than a few years? Ensure your laptop is as drop-proofed as possible (use a padded bag or case, route cords so they won’t be tripped on, lock children in another room), and protect it as best you can from heat and dust.

 

Source: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/154921

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

October 20, 2009 at 7:07 pm (Books)
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 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone fighting against you?

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

WINNING WILL MAKE YOU FAMOUS. LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.

 

This is the latest book I’ve read, which I was influenced to read by a book review I read on the internet. It’s a wonderful book with a plot that keeps you gripping on to your seats. I swear I couldn’t put the book (well, in my case, iPod Touch because I was reading an e-book) down. The story is a bit like Battle Royale in which the children are required to fight to the death as a means of quelling rebellion (I’m not sure about Battle Royale but I’m pretty sure the Battle Royale was also cooked up by the government).

It’s a YA book and I really can’t recommend it to younger children because of the violence in the book. But the story touches on more than the character’s struggles to survive the death match she has been chosen (sort of since she volunteered but with good reason) to participate in. I recommend it to people who love to read and possibly to those who don’t since the book is so filled with action that I doubt you’ll ever be left bored while reading. I’m going to read the next installment in the series, Catching Fire, after I finish tackling all my academic requirements for this semester. Enjoy.

♥ Eceined

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Finish Last

October 18, 2009 at 11:02 pm (Inspirational, Lyrics)
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During the homily in mass today, despite our parish priest’s usually boring sermon, I was reminded of this song. Father Jorge’s sermon was all about how everyone seemed to vie for the top spot, whether it be in politics, business, or the community. His message brought this song to mind and I think that this song speaks of how we should look at life. Enjoy.

Finish Last
by Stellar Kart

People change and plans get changed and
Everything changes but You
Everybody moves around and
Everything gets pushed around but You
You always stay the same, stay the same

[Chorus:]
I wanna finish last
Last in the world’s eyes
No matter what I do
I will be first in your eyes

I am running in this race and
I am pressing onwards towards the finish line
You have promised me a better life
Far beyond this world
Far beyond this place in time

[Repeat Chorus:] (x2)

People change and plans get changed and
Everything changes but You
Everybody moves around and
Everything gets pushed around but You
You always stay the same, stay the same

[Repeat Chorus:] (x3)

I wanna finish last
In their eyes

♥ Eceined

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Fasting

April 14, 2009 at 5:16 pm (Inspirational)
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I found this little “article” posted on the bulletin board at the entrance of St. Francis Church last April 11 (Black Saturday). It’s all about fasting, since Holy Week was ongoing but this article shows a different way to look at fasting. I wish I could have found it sooner so that this post will be more relevant but what the hey. I really like it and I would love to share it too everyone.

 

A Different Approach to Fasting…

Fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television. But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus’ healing touch.

Here are some suggestions you might want to consider.

1. Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.

2. Fast from judging others. Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults.

3. Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus’ promise that He has a perfect plan for your life.

4. Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.

5. Fast from resentment of bitterness. Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you.

6. Fast from spending too much money. Try to reduce your spending by 10% and give those savings to the poor.

 

I know this post is pretty late considering that Holy Week just finished, but I think that this is still significant and applicable in our daily lives. I believe that if everyone, regardless of their religion, can learn to abide by these simple “fasts”, then the world would be a more peaceful and happy place to live in.

Anyway, that’s all for today. Until next time everyone. :)

♥ Eceined

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Dito Sa Koro

March 11, 2009 at 2:34 pm (Lyrics)
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My sister and their school’s chorale joined the Korus Klef competition, organized by the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus. This song was their obligatory piece and was written by one of the tenors of the UPCC. I feel in love with the song because of it’s beautiful lyrics and upbeat tune. Here’s the lyrics of the song, Dito Sa Koro.

Dito Sa Koro
Music and Lyrics by Manny Aquino
Choral Arrangement by Ronald Dolor

Nagsimulang mag-aleluya
sa gilid ng simbahan
Sumapi dun sa high school choir
gamit namin ay lumang gitara
Mula nung bata pa, alam ko na,
hilig ko kumanta nang kumanta

Pagdating sa colegio
sumali sa malaking koro
Kahit puyat sa pag-aral
dunadaan ko na lang sa dasal
Di ko mapipigil, di ko matatanggihan
ang tawag ng masayang kantahan

Chorus:
Dito sa koro, dito ang barkada
Dito sa koro, and tunay na pagkakaibigan
Dito sa koro, dito ko natuklasan
ang pag-ibig sa musika

Dito sa koro, dito ang sayawan
Dito sa koro, dito ang kanchawan
Dito sa koro, dito ko natikman
ang tunay na kasiyahan
Ha ha ha!

Di niyo kami mapaghihiwalay
pag may racket kasal, party at lamau
Mura lang ang bayad po
Konting pantaxi, sandwich at pang-coke
Medyo mahirap nga pero okay lang
Tuloy kanta kahit nga pautang

(Chorus)

Payo ng magulang ko
Ang koro ay pambalanse sa buhay mo
Huwag mong kalimutan ag may musika
Ang mundo’y tuluyang masaya!

(Chorus)

As a side note, I totally believe that the Don Bosco Makati’s chorale, Boschorale should’ve won. Not only did they sing their songs well but their performance was also very entertaining. Anyways, I’m going to go now. Until next time everyone. :)

♥ Eceined

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Stolen from Kelly: Stress Management Tips from the Masters

February 25, 2009 at 9:09 pm (Stolen From)
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Stolen from Kelly’s Multiply and Kelly’s LJ:

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological tests.

The funny thing is that it works.

1. Picture yourself near a stream in the mountains.

2. Birds are softly chirping in the cool mountain air.

3. No one knows your secret place.

4. You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called the world.

5. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

6. The water is crystal clear.

7. You can easily make out the face of the person you are holding under the water.

See. You’re smiling already.

♥ Eceined

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Stolen from Tateen: Written By a Guy

February 23, 2009 at 10:11 pm (Chain Letters)
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Stolen from Tateen’s Multiply:

We don’t care if you’re friends with other guys. But when you’re sitting next to us, and some random guy walks into the room and you jump up and tackle him, without even introducing us, yeah, it pisses us off. It doesn’t help if you sit there and talk to him for ten minutes without even acknowledging the fact that we’re still there. We don’t care if a guy calls OR TEXTS you, but at 2 in the morning we do get a little concerned. Nothing is that important at 2 a.m. that it can’t wait till the morning.

Also, when we tell you you’re pretty/ beautiful/ gorgeous/ cute/ stunning, we freaking mean it.Don’t tell us we’re wrong. We’ll stop trying to convince you. The sexiest thing about a girl is confidence. Yeah, you can quote me.

Don’t be mad when we hold the door open. Take Advantage of the mood I’m in. Let us pay for you! Don’t "feel bad". We enjoy doing it. It’s expected. Smile and say "thank you."

Kiss us when no one’s watching. If you kiss us when you know somebody’s looking, we’ll be more impressed.

You don’t have to get dressed up for us. If we’re going out with you in the first place, you don’t have to feel the need to wear the shortest skirt you have or put on every kind of makeup you own.

We like you for who you are and not what you are. Honestly, I think a girl looks more beautiful when she’s just in her pj’s. or my shirt and boxers, not all dolled up.

Don’t take everything we say seriously. Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. See the beauty in it. Don’t get angry easily. Stop using magazines/media as your bible. "Don’t talk about how hott Chris Brown, Brad Pitt, or Jesse McCartney is in front of us". It’s boring, and we don’t care. You have friends for that.

Whatever happened to the word "handsome"/"beautiful"? I’d be utterly stunned by a girl who greeted me with "Hey handsome!" instead of "Hey baby/ stud/ cutie/ sexy" or whatever else you can think of. on the other hand I’m not saying I wouldn’t like it ether.

Girls, I cannot stress this enough: if you aren’t being treated right by a guy, don’t wait for him to change. ditch his sorry ASS, he’s a disgrace to the male population and find someone who will treat you with utter respect.

Someone who will honor your morals.

Someone who will make you smile when you’re at your lowest.

Someone who will care for you even when you make mistakes.

Someone who will love you, no matter how bad you make them feel.

Someone who will stop what they’re doing just to look you in the eyes….and say "i love you" ..and actually mean it.

—0—0—0—0—0—0—

I got this from Tateen and though this is actually part of a “chain meme” (not a chain letter since this isn’t really a letter and would be more appropriate as a meme), I just took the part which I really liked. The rules for this were supposed to be that guys who agree would repost this with the title “Girls should realize that” and girls who like this would repost with the title “Written by a guy” but you don’t really have to do so. But you’re free to repost this if you want to.

Anyways, that’s all really. I’m going to go now. Until next time everyone. :}

♥ Eceined

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Random Bits of Mushiness (June 28, 2007)

May 14, 2008 at 9:42 pm (Dreams, Writing)
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Tuesday was creative day for me. I found myself writing bits and pieces of random mushiness and it made me slightly happy. And because I feel so much in a sharing mood, here are the bits of complete and utter romance/angst I wrote.

—0—0—0—0—0—0—

“Don’t dwell on it so much, just say what’s in your heart. You’ll soon find the truth that was hidden there all along.”

“As much as I love him, his heart belongs to someone else. And whatever I do, however I try, nothing can ever change that. All I can do is smile and do my best to try and make him happy.”

“Good night my muse, sweet dreams.
Let calm sleep ship you to peaceful dreamland.
Where I’ll be waiting throughout the night,
Until wonderful morning light claims you.”

“The sunlight shines on my face
Morning has come again
Stealing me from wonderful slumber
And sweet fantasies of you.”

“I don’t think you see me
But I’m here watching you
You are my muse, my inspiration
The center of my romantic dreams

And so here I am writing
Another love-filled ode to you
The only thing I can really do
To let out all my love for you.”

” ‘They say that if you look into someone’s eyes, you’ll see the person they love, the one they fix their gaze upon.’

I laughed and joked, ‘So, who will I see in your eyes?’

‘Why don’t you look for yourself?’ he challenged, his tone more serious than playful.

With great hesitation and a blush tinting my cheeks, I shyly looked into his bright smiling eyes. I gasped and choked out, “I see me. No one else but me.’ “

“With a small sigh, I let out all the disappointment in me, and forced a smile on my face to hide all the sorrow in my heart.”

“And as he walked away
The smile faded from my face
No need to keep pretending
I was happy and content

I didn’t mean to fall in love
So I keep on smiling for him
But seeing him makes my heart ache
Because I know he’ll never love me.”

—0—0—0—0—0—0—

And there’s my mushy romantic-slash-angsty pieces. I know they’re not much but I loved them. ^_^

By the way, here’s something I just learned. Apparently, I’m quite good at guessing things. Steel really does like Armé. I only thought that they’d be perfect in Dreams but…

…too bad Skye likes Steel a lot.

Anyway, I’m gonna go again. I’ll see you later. Au revior. ^_^

♥ Eceined

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Poetry: The Path

May 7, 2008 at 10:10 pm (Poetry, Writing)
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~Just a Glimpse~

I’m looking out my window
hoping to get a glance
of his wonderful smile
that brightens my nights
and livens my days

I know what I’m doing
is childish and foolish
yet I can’t help but seek
his beautiful face
as I get lost in a crowd

Even when I’m driving
or walking along the street
He seems to enter my thoughts
and I can’t get him out
of my tormented mind

Finally, when I see him
I don’t know what to do
Should I fight?
Should I flee?
I’m frozen in my place

But when he talks to me
or I talk to him
I heave a heavy sigh
to try and keep myself
from acting like a fool

And after that fateful meeting
here I am again
looking out my window
hoping to get a glance
just a glimpse of you

♥ Eceined

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Meme: Movie Quotes

May 6, 2008 at 9:10 pm (Meme)
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Stolen from Kelly and Kuya Mark.

Rules: Go to IMBD.com and get lines from 15 of your most favorite movies. Have people guess which film goes with each line. Bonus points if you also know who said it. Have fun!

1. How am I supposed to take you home when I can’t make my feet move from this spot? If I could die tomorrow I would, just so I could spend one more night with you.

2. So let’s just give this everything we got. We may fall on our faces, but if we do, we will fall with dignity!

3. The truth is I gave my heart away a long time ago, my whole heart, and I never really got it back.

4. I am not the awful person that I know that I was. I don’t even know that person. And I’d like to believe… I have to believe that if you knew that… if in your heart, you really, really knew that… you wouldn’t be getting ready to marry someone now. Unless that someone were me.

5. Hugging’s very different. Hugging that involves arms and hands; and leaning is whole bodies moving in like this… Leaning involves *wanting*…and *accepting*. *Leaning*…

6. What do you want to do? You want to fly to Paris? See the Eiffel Tower? No problem. You wanna dance on a beach in Bali? Let’s go! Let’s do it! Anywhere in the world…that will take MasterCard or Visa. Anywhere.

7. And even though I’ve said cruel things and driven her away… she’s become the voice in my head. And I can’t seem to drown her out. And I don’t want to drown her out.

8. I’ve directed rescue missions all around the world. I’ve directed numerous snatch-and-grabs from countries whose names you are not allowed to know. I’ve choreographed multi-pronged amphibious landings and stealth air attacks! Do you think I would have the military profiency to direct this production?

9. Hard to breathe, feels like floating, so full of love, my heart’s exploding. Mouth is dry, hands are shaking, my heart is yours, for the taking. Acting weird, not myself, dancing around, like the Keebler elf. Finally time, for this poor shlub to know how it feels, to fall in lub.

10. I would like to be cremated. I spent my whole life in a box. I don’t want to be buried in one.

11. You broke my heart. And you acted like somehow it was my fault, my misunderstanding, and I was too in love with you to ever be mad at you, so I just punished myself! For years! But you waltzing in here on my lovely Christmas holiday, and telling me that you don’t want to lose me whilst you’re about to get MARRIED, somehow newly entitles me to say, it’s over. This – This twisted, toxic THING between us, is finally finished! I’m miraculously done being in love with you! Ha! I’ve got a life to start living.

12. Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

13. My father… your son… Holy canoli! You are my sister!

14. So… Here’s to the men who did what was considered wrong, in order to do what they knew was right.

15. You can’t blame the location, you can only blame yourself. The suburbs are just a state of mind.

♥ Eceined

PS.
And since I ran out of numbers and I didn’t want to have two lines from a movie, I’ll just post it here. One of my favorite movie quotes:

Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don’t have to live forever. You just have to live.

If you wanna guess where this is from, that’s no prob. But, no points! XP

PPS.
I just realized, line # 1 sounds like something Edward or Jacob would say. XD

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