So I thought I could have a good free anti virus application. It turns out that you can't really have your cake and eat it at the same time.
I have been using McAfee's VirusScan for years and years. Never had a problem with infection but it comes with a price. How I wish McAfee would try selling an unbundled VirusScan. I don't use the other applications anyway - just VirusScan.
AVG Free is known as one good free anti virus application. Since, it's free, I thought I could switch without too much problems.
Downloaded AVG Free. Installed it. Uninstalled McAfee VirusScan and everything that goes with it.
After scanning using AVG Free, four programs that I made myself were detected. False positive.
As a usual practice, I synchronized my laptop with my desktop once more - only the data files. AVG prompted me once more about the supposed suspected files. I then proceeded to include those four files in the PUP (potentially unwanted programs) exception list. Re-synched my laptop with the computer. Didn't work. It was a headache.
To make the long story short, I ended up uninstalling AVG Free and as of this writing, downloading and reinstalling McAfee VirusScan.
I think I learned my lesson. Why switch when there was no problem with McAfee in the first place.
Well, one problem I could consider is the cost. Prices of almost everything are going up these days. I am still planning to discontinue with my McAfee subscription (as I am for two years and have been buying CDs the previous years) and going back to buying the CDs. DataBlitz still seels the CDs lower as compared to my annual subscription fee.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Unending protests/The return
Monday, July 14, 2008, marks the day when the minimum fare for jeepneys in Metro Manila is adjusted to PhP8.50 from PhP8.00. It was not too long ago also when the fare was just PhP7.50 or even PhP7.00. Today is the day when I am also back to writing my thoughts. The last time seemed to be too long ago, but I am back and hopefully, I could sustain it this time.
The fare increase is brought about by the constant price increases of oil in the local market.
Last week, students from different and known public universities held protests against the increase of oil prices.
But let's see, the prices of oil in the local market is not the root cause of everything.
For one, the prices of oil in the world market have increased to more than US$145.00.
Second, the value of peso has gone down again. One US Dollar is now at PhP45. It used to be around PhP41 earlier this year.
With these factors in mind, as the value of dollar goes up, everything imported would cost more peso units, thus the price of oil is expected to go up. Adding insult to injury, since the price of oil in the world market has increased, it would require more peso units even more.
The students from the different public universities are clamoring that the E-VAT be scrapped.
What I find funny though, is this. These students actually are scholars of the governement and the government needs funds for their schooling. Some students even have stipends.
But the government also needs funds for everything it spends for. There are infrastructures that need to be built and repaired. There are public school teachers that need to be paid. There are also many other public servants who need to be paid. There are public hospitals which need funding too, and doctors who already have sacrificed enough by not leaving the country for a more decent pay.
While it is true that the expanded VAT has increased prices of almost everything, this basically collects taxes from everyone, and not just the daily/monthly paid workers. If ever there is anyone who might want to do a protest, it should be us who pay taxes from our monthly salaries. Then we would have to do with the E-VAT. I do understand that it is also the responsibility of the ordinary Pinoy to pay taxes even when they don't have a TIN.
So to the students from these public universities, go ahead and protest. It may appear that you care for the wellfare of the less blessed Pinoys, but really, you are just making people laugh at you. You are just displaying the fact that you lack the intelligence of how things are. Perhaps some common sense would be a good starting point.
Another point worth noting is the demand of some protesters (who seem to do nothing but protest) that the oil deregulation law be repealed. I can still remember, not a hundred years ago, the prices of oil in the local market was controlled by the government. There even was the OPSF (Oil Price Stabilization Fund) that acted as a buffer so that even if the price of oil in the world market would increase, that would not be so in the local market.
The argument then was this: let the oil companies regulate their own prices because competition would force the prices to go down. Eventually, the oil deregulation law took effect and the players were given free hand (almost) when it comes to the prices.
Now, many of these protesters want the old system.
What do you really want guys? Can you make up your minds? Or am I correct in my impression that you just protest just for the sake of protesting (regardless if the arguments are logical or not) because you earn something from all of these?
The fare increase is brought about by the constant price increases of oil in the local market.
Last week, students from different and known public universities held protests against the increase of oil prices.
But let's see, the prices of oil in the local market is not the root cause of everything.
For one, the prices of oil in the world market have increased to more than US$145.00.
Second, the value of peso has gone down again. One US Dollar is now at PhP45. It used to be around PhP41 earlier this year.
With these factors in mind, as the value of dollar goes up, everything imported would cost more peso units, thus the price of oil is expected to go up. Adding insult to injury, since the price of oil in the world market has increased, it would require more peso units even more.
The students from the different public universities are clamoring that the E-VAT be scrapped.
What I find funny though, is this. These students actually are scholars of the governement and the government needs funds for their schooling. Some students even have stipends.
But the government also needs funds for everything it spends for. There are infrastructures that need to be built and repaired. There are public school teachers that need to be paid. There are also many other public servants who need to be paid. There are public hospitals which need funding too, and doctors who already have sacrificed enough by not leaving the country for a more decent pay.
While it is true that the expanded VAT has increased prices of almost everything, this basically collects taxes from everyone, and not just the daily/monthly paid workers. If ever there is anyone who might want to do a protest, it should be us who pay taxes from our monthly salaries. Then we would have to do with the E-VAT. I do understand that it is also the responsibility of the ordinary Pinoy to pay taxes even when they don't have a TIN.
So to the students from these public universities, go ahead and protest. It may appear that you care for the wellfare of the less blessed Pinoys, but really, you are just making people laugh at you. You are just displaying the fact that you lack the intelligence of how things are. Perhaps some common sense would be a good starting point.
Another point worth noting is the demand of some protesters (who seem to do nothing but protest) that the oil deregulation law be repealed. I can still remember, not a hundred years ago, the prices of oil in the local market was controlled by the government. There even was the OPSF (Oil Price Stabilization Fund) that acted as a buffer so that even if the price of oil in the world market would increase, that would not be so in the local market.
The argument then was this: let the oil companies regulate their own prices because competition would force the prices to go down. Eventually, the oil deregulation law took effect and the players were given free hand (almost) when it comes to the prices.
Now, many of these protesters want the old system.
What do you really want guys? Can you make up your minds? Or am I correct in my impression that you just protest just for the sake of protesting (regardless if the arguments are logical or not) because you earn something from all of these?
Friday, October 20, 2006
Old Interface on IE7
Finally, after quite some time, I am back. And I have something to write about.
A few hours ago, I realized that IE7 has finally come out. I was just waiting for it to be officially released before I would install it and now it is here.
The installation was flawless and I later loved the zoom option. IE7 has a phishing filter much like what Cloudmark has but I am not sure which one would work better. For the meantime, I'm sticking with Cloudmark as I have been using their service for quite some time already.
My only wish for IE7 is for me to have the old interface back. Yes, call me old fashioned, but I was more comfortable with the IE6 interface. You see, I have Cloudmark (to filter out phishing sites) and the Google toolbar (for the pop-up blocker). With the new interface, IE looks like a mess with the two add ons. But whatever, I just want the old interface back. I don't want to resort to using another browser because of this, but I might. I just might.
A few hours ago, I realized that IE7 has finally come out. I was just waiting for it to be officially released before I would install it and now it is here.
The installation was flawless and I later loved the zoom option. IE7 has a phishing filter much like what Cloudmark has but I am not sure which one would work better. For the meantime, I'm sticking with Cloudmark as I have been using their service for quite some time already.
My only wish for IE7 is for me to have the old interface back. Yes, call me old fashioned, but I was more comfortable with the IE6 interface. You see, I have Cloudmark (to filter out phishing sites) and the Google toolbar (for the pop-up blocker). With the new interface, IE looks like a mess with the two add ons. But whatever, I just want the old interface back. I don't want to resort to using another browser because of this, but I might. I just might.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Luigi on DZRH
On July 15, 2006, Luigi, 19, one of the youngest infected with HIV in the Philippines was interviewed on DZRH.
Listen to the interview.
Read also Luigi's story.
This requires Windows Media Player 9.0 or better. If you don't have WMP, you may download the latest version at the Microsoft site here.
Listen to the interview.
Read also Luigi's story.
This requires Windows Media Player 9.0 or better. If you don't have WMP, you may download the latest version at the Microsoft site here.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Warrior is a Child
In the hope that a small voice of a man be heard.
In the hope that this teen-ager's call be realized.
In the hope that a friend's sacrifice be a lesson learned.
Note: Clicking on the pics above will bring you to the story. Additional story: My classmate has AIDS!
Related Links: Luigi on DZRH.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
dyonisii.com
Any day in June 2006, my original domain name will be set aside and will have to give way to a new one, dyonisii.com.
This means that all email addresses with the old domain will also be changed. However, to make it simple, all you have to do is change the domain to the new one.
My site will just be redirected to the new domain, though I am thinking of having some changes. But that may come in a little later when I am less lazy. LOL!
Just an advanced info!
Cheers!
This means that all email addresses with the old domain will also be changed. However, to make it simple, all you have to do is change the domain to the new one.
My site will just be redirected to the new domain, though I am thinking of having some changes. But that may come in a little later when I am less lazy. LOL!
Just an advanced info!
Cheers!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Top Arroyo aide wants ‘Da Vinci Code’ banned in RP
Very early Thursday morning, I saw this headline on INQ7.net: Top Arroyo aide wants ‘Da Vinci Code’ banned in RP.
The story says:
CATHOLICS and other groups calling for a ban in local theaters of the Hollywood film "The Da Vinci Code" found an ally in Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
"I think we should do everything not to allow it to be shown," Ermita told reporters in a news briefing Wednesday.
Expressing his personal view on the movie, Ermita said the Philippine board of censors "should be able to take a look at their guidelines on whether such a movie with such a storyline should be allowed to be shown in the Philippines."
Ermita, a former member of the board of censors during the martial law period, said he has yet to read the book, but branded the movie as "blasphemous."
I never expected that someone in the government would want Da Vinci Code to be banned. But as I always say, anything is possible.
On the other hand, Mr Ermita should realize that not everyone in this country is Catholic. Further, he should not speak for the Catholic Church simply because he should not and he simply cannot label the movie is blasphemous because it goes otherwise on his beliefs. Plus, I don't believe that Mr Ermita has already watched the movie. He simply has shown that he already has made up his mind even before reading the book nor watching the film.
We are already on the 21st century yet many of us in this country think that we have the right to force what we believe in on other people. Many of us here think that it is proper to think for other people.
C'mon, guys, get real! I also have my right to watch what I want to watch as much as I can't force others to watch what they won't.
I suggest that government officials should rather focus on problems this country is facing such as population explosion, lack of basic services in government hospitals, graft in almost nook and crany of the country, bad roads, etc.
However, if Mr Ermita and other Catholic groups are so adamant in what they want, then this country is going nowhere, and surely, I'd rather not be Catholic if only to stay away from bigots.
The story says:
CATHOLICS and other groups calling for a ban in local theaters of the Hollywood film "The Da Vinci Code" found an ally in Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
"I think we should do everything not to allow it to be shown," Ermita told reporters in a news briefing Wednesday.
Expressing his personal view on the movie, Ermita said the Philippine board of censors "should be able to take a look at their guidelines on whether such a movie with such a storyline should be allowed to be shown in the Philippines."
Ermita, a former member of the board of censors during the martial law period, said he has yet to read the book, but branded the movie as "blasphemous."
I never expected that someone in the government would want Da Vinci Code to be banned. But as I always say, anything is possible.
On the other hand, Mr Ermita should realize that not everyone in this country is Catholic. Further, he should not speak for the Catholic Church simply because he should not and he simply cannot label the movie is blasphemous because it goes otherwise on his beliefs. Plus, I don't believe that Mr Ermita has already watched the movie. He simply has shown that he already has made up his mind even before reading the book nor watching the film.
We are already on the 21st century yet many of us in this country think that we have the right to force what we believe in on other people. Many of us here think that it is proper to think for other people.
C'mon, guys, get real! I also have my right to watch what I want to watch as much as I can't force others to watch what they won't.
I suggest that government officials should rather focus on problems this country is facing such as population explosion, lack of basic services in government hospitals, graft in almost nook and crany of the country, bad roads, etc.
However, if Mr Ermita and other Catholic groups are so adamant in what they want, then this country is going nowhere, and surely, I'd rather not be Catholic if only to stay away from bigots.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
NO to Human Mutilation!
It is summertime once more and "operation tule" is "in" again. "Tule" is a Tagalog word for circumcision.
It is during this time when young boys go and see their local doctor and have their foreskin (prepuce) cut.
In the Philippines, it has already become a ritual and has gone to the point that children and adults would make fun of a child if he is known to be "supot" or uncircumcised.
Going straight to the point, I am against this practice.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nothing to fix here, ain't it? I mean, if there's nothing wrong with my penis, why mess with it?
Many of us in this country were never even given the chance to decide on this. And that we even had to undergo some form of pain so in order for society to accept us, lest we have to suffer and be ridiculed.
Thinking more about it, this is just another form of human mutilation. You can call it by any name, but for me, it's human mutilation and must be STOPPED plus the fact that I was robbed of my nerve endings when they cut a piece of my penis away.
If you are a parent, how do you feel subjecting your child to pain over something that is not even necessary? Think about it.
Sites to visit:
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Congratulations, Keanna!
Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, ABS-CBN's version of Big Brother, hailed Keanna Reeves as the big winner.
With more than 571 thousand votes or 44.2% of the total votes, Keanna is the sure winner.
In fact, a lot of people have predicted Keanna to be the winner because of her winning qualities as a person.
To Keanna, congratulations!
Hindi nasayang ang boto ko sa 'yo.
Photo grab above is from ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Hotmail attachment?
What is happening to Hotmail?
It's been more than 12 hours already since I have encountered an error when opening an attachment on my Hotmail account.
Is this just a glitch on my account, or is this problem experienced by other users, too?
The thing is, Hotmail can send attachment to other accounts without a problem, but can't open attachments wherever the email comes from.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Sony-BMG, Symantec, who's next?
Sony-BMG hit the tech news in November 2005 because of the rootkit technology that they employed in order to curb piracy. [story »]
Then here comes Symantec caught using rootkit technology. [story »] [story »]
Makes me now think that I need to reevaluate the companies that I trust in order to keep my machines secured.
Oh well, good thing I never had the chance to play any of Sony-BMG's "infected" CDs in my machine. And good thing, too, that both my machines don't have Symantec's products.
Perhaps I am just lucky!
Then here comes Symantec caught using rootkit technology. [story »] [story »]
Makes me now think that I need to reevaluate the companies that I trust in order to keep my machines secured.
Oh well, good thing I never had the chance to play any of Sony-BMG's "infected" CDs in my machine. And good thing, too, that both my machines don't have Symantec's products.
Perhaps I am just lucky!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Kapuso Bloggers
It was a surprise when South Rock, got in touch with me and asked if I could agree that GMA would interview me for a story about the Kapuso bloggers.
I had to think and decide fast when I got that email because I was told that the story needed to be finished on that day as well.
Fortunately, Erick, my supervisor was very kind to allow me to be interviewed.
So anyways, to make the long story short, the intervew went well, and the story was aired on 24 Oras tonight.
However, please let it be known that I was just a part of a whole bunch of guys who blogged with me. There was Splash, Quill Driver, South Rock, and numerous others. You may visit the Mulawin Blog and Mulawin Network Blog for my contribution. South Rock's Channel is a site to behold and read, which I must say is really superb.
You may view the whole story by clicking on the pic above, or by right clicking and choosing Save As... if you want to download the story to your PC.
This requires Windows Media Player 9.0 or better. If you don't have WMP, you may download the latest version at the Microsoft site here. The TV clip is owned by GMA Network Inc. and is protected by their intellectual property rights.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Starting the year on time
During the entry of the year 2006, both stations, ABS-CBN and GMA, had each their own specials.
Both, I must say, did a very good job.
However, what I am more glad to know is, at least this once, both TV networks have made it a point to flash the correct times on their screens. That is, the time that they used are quite accurate.
As you can see, both networks are in synch with the time flashed by time and date.com.
Hopefully, this will also signify that starting their programs on time, all the time, would actually prove beneficial to them. After all, how can they claim they are world-class when they can't even start their programs at their scheduled times.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
MTRCB suspends cable channel
It is no longer a surprise when I read this news article about MTRCB suspending cable channels.
It also was no surprise that MTRCB still exists when they should have been dissolved a long time ago.
Anyway, this issue stems from the airing of Sky Cable and Destiny Cable of the TVE Channel and some "objectionable trailers." In the same report, MTRCB has also suspended the airing of the Wowow channel earlier this year.
I agree that what needs to be shown on TV has to be at least classified as Parental Guidance since children may be watching television anytime of the day (or night). However, I do not agree that a government body should dictate what needs to be shown or not shown on TV. It is the job of parents and/or legal guardian of minors to supervise what children can watch or not watch.
In short, I do not at all agree to the existence of MTRCB or any sensors body. The Philippine Constitution specifically protects anyone's right to press freedom and of expression.
While it is far fetched to think that sooner or later, any government body can dictate what is to be shown only on TV, it is also possible if we can't even protect our rights from abuses right now. Come to think about it, the government can later on create a scenario which it could require all media entities to air. Something like a self serving situation. The government may not do this at all, but it is possible that they can. The MTRCB is already practicing what can not be shown.
On the other hand, let us also realize that any cable company can not monitor all the channels they air 24/7. Most of these channels are produced by other entities and are fed via satellite so it is generally impossible to pre-screen what the viewing public may see.
Further, I believe that any businessman who operates a cable company is careful of what they air considering that any backlash from their viewers may prove to be fatal to them if by any chance their advertisers would disapprove of their business practices.
In the end, this is all about our rights. The right to press freedom and of expression.
MTRCB has to go!
It also was no surprise that MTRCB still exists when they should have been dissolved a long time ago.
Anyway, this issue stems from the airing of Sky Cable and Destiny Cable of the TVE Channel and some "objectionable trailers." In the same report, MTRCB has also suspended the airing of the Wowow channel earlier this year.
I agree that what needs to be shown on TV has to be at least classified as Parental Guidance since children may be watching television anytime of the day (or night). However, I do not agree that a government body should dictate what needs to be shown or not shown on TV. It is the job of parents and/or legal guardian of minors to supervise what children can watch or not watch.
In short, I do not at all agree to the existence of MTRCB or any sensors body. The Philippine Constitution specifically protects anyone's right to press freedom and of expression.
While it is far fetched to think that sooner or later, any government body can dictate what is to be shown only on TV, it is also possible if we can't even protect our rights from abuses right now. Come to think about it, the government can later on create a scenario which it could require all media entities to air. Something like a self serving situation. The government may not do this at all, but it is possible that they can. The MTRCB is already practicing what can not be shown.
On the other hand, let us also realize that any cable company can not monitor all the channels they air 24/7. Most of these channels are produced by other entities and are fed via satellite so it is generally impossible to pre-screen what the viewing public may see.
Further, I believe that any businessman who operates a cable company is careful of what they air considering that any backlash from their viewers may prove to be fatal to them if by any chance their advertisers would disapprove of their business practices.
In the end, this is all about our rights. The right to press freedom and of expression.
MTRCB has to go!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Million Dollar Baby DVD
C Interactive did it again. Their logo appears once more on the Oscar Award Winning movie, "Million Dollar Baby" DVD.
The only thing is, I am not going to buy this DVD for the reason that C Interactive has used media which is crap.
Imagine, my "The Family Man" DVD, a title that has been reproduced and distributed by C Interactive is already undergoing disc rot, a deterioration of media which, after a while will prove the disc unusable.
Now, my question is, why do C Interactive get all the good titles?
In the end, it was the 3 disc set of "Titanic" that I got instead of "Million Dollar Baby."
No way C Interactive.
The only thing is, I am not going to buy this DVD for the reason that C Interactive has used media which is crap.
Imagine, my "The Family Man" DVD, a title that has been reproduced and distributed by C Interactive is already undergoing disc rot, a deterioration of media which, after a while will prove the disc unusable.
Now, my question is, why do C Interactive get all the good titles?
In the end, it was the 3 disc set of "Titanic" that I got instead of "Million Dollar Baby."
No way C Interactive.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Every Harry Potter fan would love to see this latest Harry Potter movie.
The World Cup was superb. Even the Tri Wizard Tournament was a sight to behold. And Hermione was just beautiful.
The two and a half hour run of the movie wasn't enough to actually paint what happened to Harry in his fourth year at Hogwarts. I guess there was just too many things happening and fitting them in such a short time may leave the viewers wanting for more.
One of my problems with this movie is its inability to, either, introduce a character or plot properly. Perhaps, it was expected that the movie going public has prior knowledge about Harry and his background. Perhaps, it was also expected that those who may want to watch the movie have read a book or two of the series.
But either which way, I suggest you don't read the book within a month or two before watching the movie or you end up comparing scenes and sequences from the movie and the book. May I even suggest that you read it six or more months earlier.
However, this movie has quite a few funny scenes. It sure was great to have a good laugh. And quite frankly, I admired Mike Newell for this. It somehow makes you forget that you are watching a dark movie.
Generally, this movie is worth watching especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. I will be waiting when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be on DVD.
The World Cup was superb. Even the Tri Wizard Tournament was a sight to behold. And Hermione was just beautiful.
The two and a half hour run of the movie wasn't enough to actually paint what happened to Harry in his fourth year at Hogwarts. I guess there was just too many things happening and fitting them in such a short time may leave the viewers wanting for more.
One of my problems with this movie is its inability to, either, introduce a character or plot properly. Perhaps, it was expected that the movie going public has prior knowledge about Harry and his background. Perhaps, it was also expected that those who may want to watch the movie have read a book or two of the series.
But either which way, I suggest you don't read the book within a month or two before watching the movie or you end up comparing scenes and sequences from the movie and the book. May I even suggest that you read it six or more months earlier.
However, this movie has quite a few funny scenes. It sure was great to have a good laugh. And quite frankly, I admired Mike Newell for this. It somehow makes you forget that you are watching a dark movie.
Generally, this movie is worth watching especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. I will be waiting when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be on DVD.
Friday, November 11, 2005
The coming of First Page 2006
After years of waiting, and using 1st Page 2000, Evroft has announced that the beta for First Page 2006 is already available.
All the pages on my main site under the domain dennislazo.com is made using 1st Page 2000.
The catch is, the beta is going to expire on the 1st of December 2005.
Anyways, this is still beta, which means that a better product is eventually coming.
Further, here is to hoping that First Page 2006 will also be free for everyone to use, same as 1st Page 2000.
You may visit Evrsoft at their website at evrsoft.com. You may also download 1st Page 2000 and First Page 2006 at their download page.
All the pages on my main site under the domain dennislazo.com is made using 1st Page 2000.
The catch is, the beta is going to expire on the 1st of December 2005.
Anyways, this is still beta, which means that a better product is eventually coming.
Further, here is to hoping that First Page 2006 will also be free for everyone to use, same as 1st Page 2000.
You may visit Evrsoft at their website at evrsoft.com. You may also download 1st Page 2000 and First Page 2006 at their download page.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Phantom of the Opera and other DVDs
A week ago, I was at the video store for the Star Wars episode three DVD only to find out that the said DVD will be released here in the Philippines on the 9th.
Anyways, since I was already there, I decided to look around. What caught my eye was the Phantom of the Opera.
I might have already bought it until I found out that it was released locally by C Interactive. It was a great disappointment.
I already have The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni and the C Interactive DVD was crap! There are no special features, no subtitles, and the media itself is crap as well.
I have also seen another C Interactive DVD -- A Walk to Remember -- and it was crap, too.
After those two, I swore never to buy a C Interactive DVD anymore! C Interactive DVDs are almost at the same level as the PhP299.00 DVDs! These are crap and should not even be bought!
I can't believe these cheap DVDs are proliferating the market. And if I were to compare the contents of these cheap ones, the pirated copies have better content except for the video quality, the reason why I still opt for the original ones.
Good thing that Region 1 DVDs were available for the second and third Lord of the Rings installments. I got those. My first episode (extended version) was Region 1 as well. And I am waiting for my second and third extended versions to arrive.
Maybe in a few months, when I have saved some money again, I'll get my Phantom of the Opera from Amazon. Thank God for Amazon!
Anyways, since I was already there, I decided to look around. What caught my eye was the Phantom of the Opera.
I might have already bought it until I found out that it was released locally by C Interactive. It was a great disappointment.
I already have The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni and the C Interactive DVD was crap! There are no special features, no subtitles, and the media itself is crap as well.
I have also seen another C Interactive DVD -- A Walk to Remember -- and it was crap, too.
After those two, I swore never to buy a C Interactive DVD anymore! C Interactive DVDs are almost at the same level as the PhP299.00 DVDs! These are crap and should not even be bought!
I can't believe these cheap DVDs are proliferating the market. And if I were to compare the contents of these cheap ones, the pirated copies have better content except for the video quality, the reason why I still opt for the original ones.
Good thing that Region 1 DVDs were available for the second and third Lord of the Rings installments. I got those. My first episode (extended version) was Region 1 as well. And I am waiting for my second and third extended versions to arrive.
Maybe in a few months, when I have saved some money again, I'll get my Phantom of the Opera from Amazon. Thank God for Amazon!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Internet Censorship in the Philippines
Recently, a news item has been released saying that Netopia, an Internet cafe chain in the Philippines, has proposed for the creation of a censorship body which will operate similarly to the Movies Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
According also to the same news item, Netopia has presented several recommendations to Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Manuel Villar for the creation of regulations against online pornography.
Perhaps, Netopia and Senators Revilla and Villar should remember that the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Section 3(1) of the Bill of Rights, states that "The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law."
Further, Section 4 states that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for redress of grievances."
While it is understood that the objective of Netopia (or the proposed censorship body) is to protect minors from materials intended for adults, such censorship would, in my opinion be unconstitutional. It is virtually impossible to do so because Internet servers are scattered all over the world. Further, should there be a law to censor the Internet, the Philippines will then become another China that censors the Internet.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of parents to watch over the Internet access of their children, and as such, creating a body to censor the Internet for the interest of minors would violate the right of adults to access adult-related materials.
However, it is possible to restrict the access of minors to materials which may be harmful to them in the Internet. NetNanny and CyberPatrol are two of the many applications for this purpose. Microsoft also has published an article in order to protect children.
The same may also be used by Netopia to protect minors who access their computers.
On the other hand, the United States Supreme Court has already ruled that the Communications Decency Act, which prohibits communication "by computer in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, to any person the communicator believes has not attained the age of 18 years, any material that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs," violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
While the Constitutions of both countries are independent of each other, both, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, however, specifically states that "no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech," and that "congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech," respectively.
According also to the same news item, Netopia has presented several recommendations to Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Manuel Villar for the creation of regulations against online pornography.
Perhaps, Netopia and Senators Revilla and Villar should remember that the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Section 3(1) of the Bill of Rights, states that "The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law."
Further, Section 4 states that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for redress of grievances."
While it is understood that the objective of Netopia (or the proposed censorship body) is to protect minors from materials intended for adults, such censorship would, in my opinion be unconstitutional. It is virtually impossible to do so because Internet servers are scattered all over the world. Further, should there be a law to censor the Internet, the Philippines will then become another China that censors the Internet.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of parents to watch over the Internet access of their children, and as such, creating a body to censor the Internet for the interest of minors would violate the right of adults to access adult-related materials.
However, it is possible to restrict the access of minors to materials which may be harmful to them in the Internet. NetNanny and CyberPatrol are two of the many applications for this purpose. Microsoft also has published an article in order to protect children.
The same may also be used by Netopia to protect minors who access their computers.
On the other hand, the United States Supreme Court has already ruled that the Communications Decency Act, which prohibits communication "by computer in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, to any person the communicator believes has not attained the age of 18 years, any material that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs," violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
While the Constitutions of both countries are independent of each other, both, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, however, specifically states that "no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech," and that "congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech," respectively.
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