Rob & The Blogosphere

ClearSounds Wake & Shake alarm clock features a choice of loud tones, a flashing strobe, or vibrating pad to alert you when the alarm signals or as an added bonus, when the phone rings!

Tone control offers 95 dB ring level volume intensity. Flashing strobe light breaks through sleep to wake you up. Vibrating pad can be positioned under your pillow or mattress for a sturdy nudge out of bed.

The Drill Sergeant Alarm Clock

After a bugle plays “Reveille,” your personal drill sergeant clears the cobwebs from your brain with an inspiring round of orders you can’t fail to obey. LCD display provides you with time, alarm time, and date. Alarm with snooze button sounds with bugle, drill sergeant, or AM/FM radio (when you’re off duty, of course).

Price:$19.98

Milk

Milk is an ultra-modern table designed for the people with an elegant taste.

This is the onlt table in the world wherein you can put your Mac or PC on top of with without revealing the wires.

It is a high gloss lacquer RAL 9016 with a solid MDF table top. The height of the tablecan be adjusted electronically through a button underneath. You can also add a small fish tank!

SawStop table saw

Have you seen SiCKO? Now if the guy who paid 12 grand for his ring finger had a saw stop, that wouldn't happen to him. Why? Because SawStop is the world's safest table saw.

And oh, this one made it to the 4th place: The Safe Bedside Table.

The Safe Bedside Table was designed by http://www.jamesmcadam.co.uk/

3D Graphics (Alternative for Maya 3D)

• Blender 3D - My personal favorite. Blender 3D is unbelievably professional looking for a free software. If you are a frustrated 3D artist/developer or just a noob in the 3D scene, Blender 3D is just right for you. Tutorials can be found at their official website and at Tutorialized.com
• Google Sketchup - Dream, Design and communicate in 3D. Google Sketchup comes in two different versions, the free version and the paid one. Google sketchup is more exciting to use if you have Google Earth installed in your PC. You can create models of real-world buildings and other structures, upload them to the Sketchup servers and let the world see your creation!

Anti-Spyware / Anti-virus / Anti-rootkit (Alternative for Norton and McAffee)

• Ad-Aware SE Personal - This is the most popular anti-spyware ever, with nearly a million of downloads every week! It has a sleek design... but forget the design, when talking about anti-spywares we talk about performance -- which Ad-aware has.
• AVG Anti-Virus Free - Probably the most popular free AV, I've been using AVG, January last year till now. Unlike Norton, it doesn't run heavy load on your background so it won't affect the performance of your PC.
• RootkitRevealer - one of my fave. It is an advanced root kit detection utility. It output lists Registry and file system API discrepancies that may indicate the presence of a user-mode or kernel-mode rootkit. (nosebleed).

Media Player / Streaming / Podcast (Alternative for Microsoft Media Player and Real Player)

• Songbird - Ubercool player! I love the streaming radio stations embedded on the player. Now, I can listen to my music or radio stations with just one player that does not eats up my memory!
• Pandora - Lets you discover music by means of analyzing the patterns of the type of music you like. (not available outside US)
• Musicovery - also lets you discover music only that you chooses the genre and the timeline instead of the artist or the song. (Available everywhere)

Browsers / Plugins (Alternative for Internet Explorer)

• Mozilla FireFox - who doesn't know Firefox? Winner of numerous awards, Firefox is famous with its Tab Browsing and fast loading of pages.
• Hyperwords - This plugin makes the internet more interactive by making any word or phrase into an immediate search term. Watch the video here.
• Comodo Verification Engine - an anti-phishing or identity theft tool. Place your mouse cursor over a site logo. If it is authentic, a green border will appear around your browser. So if you really wish to be sure you are looking at the real Paypal site rather than a clever imitation created to steal your identity, install Verification Engine now!

Office / Documents (Alternative for Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat)

• OpenOffice - The real alternative for the whole office apps, OpenOffice is complete from Word processing to diagram maker (Visio).
• Cute PDF Writer - Don't confuse the name with what this free software can do. If you don't have the commercial version of Acrobat, you probably can't create PDF files too. Cute PDF Writer is the free version of commercial PDF creation software. CutePDF Writer installs itself as a "printer subsystem". This enables virtually any Windows applications (must be able to print) to create professional quality PDF documents - with just a push of a button!
• WikiPad - Hearts on this free software! What makes WikiPad different from other notepad applications is the ease with which you can cross-link your information. Links in a wiki are created by typing in WikiWords. A WikiWord is any mixed case word typed into the editor. TodoList or JohnDoe are example WikiWords. The term wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian, and wikis are all about quickly linking your information together.

Events / Calendar (Alternative for your real calendar!)

• 30 Boxes - It lets you connect with people who matters most. Does what most calendar do, only in a techie, cool way.
• Google Calendar - C'mon, everybody loves google products. They are light and easy to use. Google Calendar isn't far from those.

Email / Communication (Alternative for Outlook Express and paid POP3 Mails)

• Thunderbird - Another Mozilla product. I once used this, and I could say that it's a great client. If you have a Gmail account, you can use this to instantly download your mails to your PC.
• Desktop SMS - Send your SMS directly from your PC! - Just download DesktopSMS and install it. Desktop SMS allows you to send SMS as easy and convenient as emails. Just enter the recipient and your message, press "send" and your done! Desktop SMS seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Outlook® and Outlook Express®!

Imaging / 2D Graphics (Alternative for Adobe Photoshop)

• GIMP - GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc.
• Draw Plus - Are you one of those people who always wanted to unleash your creativity with a powerful drawing and graphics product, but didn't want to spend hundreds of pounds on software to do it? Have you always thought that to produce high quality graphics and animations you'd need expensive training and hours of concentration? The award-winning DrawPlus 4 is the user-friendly program that will enable you to produce outstanding results with all your drawings, graphics, illustrations and animations. You'll be astounded by how much power this amazing software sensation gives you, and all for free!

Desktop Enhancement

• uTorrent - µTorrent is a lightweight and efficient BitTorrent client for Windows with many features.
• FlashGot - is a free Mozilla/Firefox/Flock/Thunderbird extension (compatible with Netscape too), meant to handle single and massive ("all" and "selection") downloads with several external Download Managers.

Games (Alternative for many over-rated commercial games!)

• Line Rider - An internet based application. You probably heard about this many times. Line rider had been featured several times on YouTube. I'm not an expert with this game but I find it nice nonetheless. The interface is simple but requires knowledge in Physics! OMG!
• Invasion Force Turbo - features smooth graphics, addictive and fun game play, frenetic action, spectacular and colorful particle effects and it is completely free!
• Plasma Pong - Plasma Pong is a variation of Pong that utilizes real-time fluid dynamics to drive the game environment. Players have several new abilities that add fun twists to the classic game. In the game you can inject plasma fluid into the environment, create a vacuum from your paddle, and blast shockwaves into the playing area. All these abilities have fluid-based kinetic effects on the ball, making Plasma Pong a fast-paced and exciting game.
• MechCommander 2 - MechCommander 2 Shared Source Code Release - This is the Shared Source release for MechCommander 2. This release contains all of the source code an source assets required to build MechCommander 2. This release can be used with the Microsoft XNA Build March 2006 CTP.

Programming / Development

• Krugle - Krugle is the search engine for developers! Krugle makes it easy for developers to find source code and technical information - fast!
• Browsershots - Ever wonder how your blog looks like at IE, Firefox, Opera or any other browser? Browsershots is a free online platform where you can test your web design in different browsers. When you submit your web address, it will be added to the job queue. A number of distributed computers will automatically open your website in their browser. Then they will make screenshots and upload them to the central server here.

Video Blogging / Multimedia (Alternative for iTunes, Adobe Premier and Nero)

• Miro(Democracy) - The free open-source internet TV and video player.
• Split Camera - SplitCamera is a freeware virtual video clone and split video capture driver for connecting several applications to a single video capture source. Usually, if you have a web camera or video camera connected to your computer, you cannot use it in more than one application at the same time, and there is no standard Windows options that makes it possible. Split Camera driver allows you to easily multiply your web-camera (any models), video cameras ( any model: analog or ditial : VHS, DV, TV-IN or TV-tunner ) in video chat or video conference software like ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Skype Video, Camfrog, AOL AIM, Pal Talk, or whatever... and to broadcast it to many users at a time.
• ImageToAVI - ImageToAVI will quickly convert a list of image/picture files into an AVI video. That video can then be loaded into your favorite DVD authoring program and burned to disc. Just imagine, your entire family photo collection converted to everlasting 1's and 0's.

Whew! That's it for now. If ever I found new freebies, I will post it here in my blog. If you like this post, please Digg it or Stumbleupon it.

One thing that I noticed about their website is the theme. It is monochromatic and lacks the techno style for a tech and gadget website. However, readers wouldn't actually mind the theme because of its content. They posts great gadget reviews in a way most of us would understant -- what I mean is they don't use tech jargons just to appear intelligent to their readers.

One of my favorite products that they reviewed is Polly, the foul-mouthed parrot. The evil idea is quite nice.

EVIL IDEA: Let’s say a member of your family invites some guests over - guests with little kids. All you need to do is hint them that the parrot toy talks, and that kids love it. All of those idiots guests will drag their kids to hear the talking parrot. All that is left for you is to retire to a nice observation point and watch the show. However, don’t expect for a reaction from the kids - nowadays, small kids can curse a lot better than some mechanized bird.

Polly, the foul-mouthed parrot

So for all y'all tech junkies who's tired of getting the same syndicated content, why not try B5 network and see how much those things you thought useless would be so much fun to have!

PS: Oh yeah, I also found a great party supplies website there too!

But not all of us are impressed with this sleek gadget. The Blogosphere was asked if they would buy an iPhone, and this is what they answered:

Hell no! It's overpriced and overrated. Why pay $500 for a phone with a 4GB mp3 player, when you can buy a $100 cell phone and 30GB iPod Video for around $350? I have a Samsung t629 that was $99.99, and a 30GB iPod Video that was $248.44. Both cost $348.43 before tax, and I have MUCH more storage than both of the iPhones.

No because i have an ipod for an ipod.. a digital camera for a camera and a cell phone for what its intended to be a cellular phone... Why would anyone want that very expensive phone and if one of the features breaks such as the camera ,, then it ruins your whole phone .. also with it having so many features if could disrupt your coverage and or signal...

No I think it will be very cool but I can't afford the monthly fees. My daughter used to have the bill over $200 a month.

iPhones which cost $499-$599 are expected to be sold to over 1 Million potential buyers according to AT&T COO Randall L. Stephenson.

Video Credit: Gizmodo

Microsoft would have to take on some debt to do that, despite its massive pile of cash and equivalents. Yahoo is up to a market cap of over $38 billion, thanks to rumors of the Microsoft talks that began in the New York Post.

The Post carried a story earlier in the week that claimed Microsoft was ready to purchase 24/7 Real Media, in order to offset Google's DoubleClick deal as well as Yahoo's Right Media purchase. A Microsoft spokesperson would not comment on the story to WebProNews, citing the article as rumors and speculation.

If Microsoft were to make a deal with Yahoo, the WSJ thinks there could be some massive upheaval in Yahoo's executive ranks. Considering Yahoo's performance for shareholders over the past couple of years, it's hard to think of that as a negative here.

Because of its shorter wavelength (405 nm), substantially more data can be stored on a Blu-ray Disc than on the DVD format, which uses a red, 650 nm laser.

Most of the Blu-Ray discs are used in High Definition movies. A 50GB Blu-Ray can hold up to 9 hours of HD movies or 23 hours of standard definition movies.

But how long will Blu-Ray hold up to the market?

With the coming of other competiting technologies like HD DVD, EVD, FVD and of course the Holographic Versatile Disc which is the proposed next generation disc after HD DVD and Blu-ray.

Or will the recent unlawful events be a calling for the HVD?

But really, I am not a fan of these "safe-non-hazardous-eco-friendly" pipes. They really make a loud sound and am not just talking about any other "loud" sound -- I mean LOUD SOUND!

I think I even developed a phobia out of it. Because everytime I see someone spraying denatured alcohol at his canon and started shaking it by holding its shaft, I start to cover my ears, I feel squeamish. It seems like the PVCs makes me insecure. Plus the fact that these PVC devils are devil enough to point the barrel at the buses passing by. I so hate them.

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Last Wednesday and Thursday, we attended a two day seminar from IECEP (Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines), the talk was about 3G Technology, VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Digital Television and other nose bleeding topics.

It was a little boring, but fun never left us. Oh sorry I forgot, WE are the FUN nga pala. Thank goodness. The day one was the busiest, because after "listening" from the speakers, at around 4pm, I went to San Sebastian College Manila, to attend the 3rd OAR Mission Congress and to watch "my kids" perform.

The people at SSC-R de Manila were nice (and cute). I was surprised to discover that they also have Twinbee at their cafeteria. The architecture is much more like the SSC-R de Cavite Canacao Campus but the aura is that of SSC-R Cavite College campus.

While there, we stayed at the PRO's office and chatted a little with the student assistant, whom i forgot to ask the name. In front of their office is their internet lab, which has "genius" mirror wall to keep the kids browsing porn. I envy them because they have the liberty to enter and exit the lab whenever they want to and they can use the PC however long they want. Unlike from Cavite campus' 1 hour limit per use. They can even use YouTube and Yahoo! Messenger. In Cavite, all these services we're banned.

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Among the invited Recoletos institution (aside from SSC-R Cavite) are USJ-R Cebu which I am telling you are all goodlooking people and the Recoletos seminary from Baguio.

I remembered Danica gigling over the male USJ-R performers as they dance an Igorot ritual wearing T-backs and a piece of cloth covering their front and behind.

Ang ganda ng pwet!

-Danica

By 10 pm, we left Manila, even though the cultural presentations have not yet concluded.

Haaaay... How I wish I am as rich as my Tito Bill.

But the thought of having all those money treasure scares me. Its like the more money you have the more problem you see. You'll be conscious of your security, the way you dress, the way you speak and more security. Its like the money you'll be earning will be useless. But come to think of Bill, he seems to be a happy man -- contradicting the saying that most of the rich people aren't happy at all.

Noong student pa si Bill, he is one of the geeks. Isa sya sa mga unnoticed people sa university and I think he was even bullied. Pero ngayon, yung mga bullies na yun they work for him... Kaya I agree with this quote:

"Don't mess with the geeks, because someday they will be your bosses."

-anonymous

Back to the main topic... (wait what is my main topic???)

Let's just pretend that my main topic is that I have 500 Million pesos (I can't handle 1 Billion or more). What am I going to do with it???

I won't be a hypocrite and tell you that I am going to donate half of my money to the church or whatever foundation. I won't. Instead I am going to open a clothing store (yeah), probably something that would compete with Team Manila. At kapag nagsisimula nang lumago ang business ko, then that will be the time na mag dodonate ako.

Malamang bibili rin ako ng kotse. Pero I have no idea what car I should buy... Maybe the RAV4 2006 model or a Lexus or a Jaguar. My personal adviser would help me on that. *wink*

I'll also implement a wireless LAN throughout our house or should I say mansion???

TIVO and HDTV would be my entertainment companion. Everything would be automated careof Siemen's PLC technology. From the lighting to the ambience to the window panes and the motion sensor intruder system.

Pero sa reality... ang laman lang ng pitaka ko ay 134 pesos. Huhuhuhu! And *that* day is coming near na!

Sana bukas pag-gising ko may milyones na sa bag ko!!!

Ang dalang ko na magpunta sa mga blogs nyo ngayon, kahit na lagi naman akong online. Madalang din akong mag YM, or kung online man ako naka-invisible ako or may status na busy. Wala lang. Feeling ko lang talagang walang kausapin sa chat. Eh ang lagi ko lang namang ka-chat na mga kablogkada ko ay si broken hearted, si tangkad at si yachang. (LOL)

Basta hindi ko pa nararamdaman yung "urge" na magbasa ulit ng mga blogs kahit yung mga paborito kong blogs. Kapag online kasi ako, nanonoood lang ako ng southpark at mga kung ano-ano sa youtube at mga porn sa xtube.

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Kung matagal na matagal na kayong reader ng blog ko, kilala nyo marahil si Pandora -- isang A.I. (artificial intelligence) na radio software. Kaya nyang hulaan ang taste mo sa music. Magbigay ka lang ng isang artist or song at mag plaplay sya ng mga kantang paniguradong magugustuhan mo. Karamihan dito ay hindi mo pa naririnig... pero magagandahan ka.

Sa katunayan, nakikinig ako ng music ngayon sa Pandora. Ang pinaplay nya ngayon ay yung kay Charlie Wilson na Without You. Parang gusto ko ngang i-didikit itong kantang 'to kay... alam nya na kung sino sya. Hehehe.

Could this be the real iPhone???