Always SCAN your computer. And defragment the hard drive to avoid slow performance.
I always thought that I was pretty safe having McAfee membership (free, provided by Comcast), but unfortunately it wasn't quite the case.
My father recommended that I use Sytem Mechanic Professional 7 (it comes with Kaspersky Anti-Hacker virus protection), so I installed them and I did a thorough scan of my computer to find that I have 18 Trojan virus in my computer (soon, they're disinfected and deleted).
Their website is http://www.iolo.com
Therefore, my advice as a beginner, have more than one virus protection ready, so that you can rotate the usage of them. You'll never know what you can find in your computer when you think you're safe. Also, scan your computer religiously especially if you have internet connection.
Have a good day everyone!
Tracy
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
American Idol*Yawn*
Michael and I used to love watching American Idol (http://www.americanidol.com) because of it's just the "right" time. Football season is over, NBA is not quite onto the playoff round, and there's nothing else to really look forward to on TV.
And to his glee, he has been able to choose the correct winner(s) from Carrie Underwood to Taylor Hicks.
I don't know why this year feels different. Oh I know. It's that dude (Michael Jackson-look-alike) called Sanjaya! I can't understand why he's still there. He's just HORRIBLE. I know he sounded just 'OK' during the preliminary round, but COME ON. He CAN'T SING! He seems to relish the attention he's getting toward his hairdo too. This is NOT American HAIR Idol.
American Idol has always been an advertising machine, this is maybe why the fans are so eager to subconsciously destroy it, because who can actually market Sanjaya IF he won the contest? But I always thought (or hoped) that at least, the winners have some sort of singing talent (and most of them are great singers and performers). That's the only consolation for watching this commercial-induced show. This year, it seems like it's going to be taken away from me.
We better find another show to watch on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
To distract myself, I started viewing NFL Live on ESPN.
Ja Marcus Russel (QB for LSU) was first draft pick and the Raiders took him. He's going to do great there. He's like Shaq in football. Michael was hoping that Dolphins will pick him up after chucking Joey Harrington--Ducks Alumni--(UNFAIR decision in my humble opinion because if they're giving Culpepper another chance, why can't they give one to Joey? He only lost badly that ONE last game--albeit was a pretty important game, although, keep in mind, their division was so tough, we all knew that it's very little chance they can go to the playoff).
Guess who the Browns sign? Brady Quinn! (Most overrated QB of Notre Dame) I found this very amusing indeed. With his luck, he'll probably end up to be another Joey Harrington (keep in mind that Joey, unlike Quinn, was NOT overrated when he was a Duck, he was a great QB). There's a 90% chance that Quinn will end up washed up.
What's happening to Joey, well, no one signs him, so tough luck for him. Hopefully he saved up some money or at least would be able to utilize his diploma, because he'll be soon entering the workforce like the rest of us, humble humdrum citizens...
And to his glee, he has been able to choose the correct winner(s) from Carrie Underwood to Taylor Hicks.
I don't know why this year feels different. Oh I know. It's that dude (Michael Jackson-look-alike) called Sanjaya! I can't understand why he's still there. He's just HORRIBLE. I know he sounded just 'OK' during the preliminary round, but COME ON. He CAN'T SING! He seems to relish the attention he's getting toward his hairdo too. This is NOT American HAIR Idol.
American Idol has always been an advertising machine, this is maybe why the fans are so eager to subconsciously destroy it, because who can actually market Sanjaya IF he won the contest? But I always thought (or hoped) that at least, the winners have some sort of singing talent (and most of them are great singers and performers). That's the only consolation for watching this commercial-induced show. This year, it seems like it's going to be taken away from me.
We better find another show to watch on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
To distract myself, I started viewing NFL Live on ESPN.
Ja Marcus Russel (QB for LSU) was first draft pick and the Raiders took him. He's going to do great there. He's like Shaq in football. Michael was hoping that Dolphins will pick him up after chucking Joey Harrington--Ducks Alumni--(UNFAIR decision in my humble opinion because if they're giving Culpepper another chance, why can't they give one to Joey? He only lost badly that ONE last game--albeit was a pretty important game, although, keep in mind, their division was so tough, we all knew that it's very little chance they can go to the playoff).
Guess who the Browns sign? Brady Quinn! (Most overrated QB of Notre Dame) I found this very amusing indeed. With his luck, he'll probably end up to be another Joey Harrington (keep in mind that Joey, unlike Quinn, was NOT overrated when he was a Duck, he was a great QB). There's a 90% chance that Quinn will end up washed up.
What's happening to Joey, well, no one signs him, so tough luck for him. Hopefully he saved up some money or at least would be able to utilize his diploma, because he'll be soon entering the workforce like the rest of us, humble humdrum citizens...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Taste Test
Last Saturday, I had the chance to go do some organic grocery shopping, purchasing organic salad, vanilla creme cookies, cereal, pasta, peanut butter to do a taste comparison between them and the ordinary brand.
The organic products were purchased at Safeway and it's their new organic brand (fortunately, they gave away coupons so it made it friendlier for the purse).
Here's the result:
1) O's vanilla creme cookies---compared to Oreos cookies
Price-wise, both cookies are similar (although I ended up paying $1 less for the organic brand, thanks to the coupon). To my surprise, the taste is VERY SIMILAR. Tasty. Tasty. So if you'd want to start "green," I'd probably suggest trying the cookies first. :)
2) O's multi-grain fruit flavored cereal---compared to Kellog's
Although the price is comparable (without coupon), unfortunately, the O's brand is definitely not as tasty as the Kellog's sugar-infused one. Sure, the O cereal is supposedly healthier for you, but it has a really unusual taste to them, a little gritty, although the texture is fine. I really think they need to improve on the taste arena.
3) O's wheat-based multi-grain pasta---compared to ordinary pasta (Barillo's)
Okay. Again, the organic ones are still behind on the taste despite that it's healthier. Tip: Boil the wheat pasta longer than ordinary pasta to get to the al dente stage. The taste of wheat pasta is different, unusual, but still very much edible.
4) O's peanut butter---compared to Jiffy's
Hands down to Jiffy's. I still can't get used to organic peanut butter for the life of me. The oil still bothers me very much.
5) O's salad---compared to ordinary salad
This is a no-brainer, for those who haven't tried organic produce, they should definitely try. With organic salad, you notice the freshness and crispness of the taste. It's just a really really good salad.
Well, that's about it for now. I will definitely keep on trying out new organic products as they come out on the market, with consideration to our budget (--with coupons and such) until we find stuffs that the whole family love and enjoy (ex: vanilla creme cookies!!).
Have a good day everyone!
Love,
Tracy
The organic products were purchased at Safeway and it's their new organic brand (fortunately, they gave away coupons so it made it friendlier for the purse).
Here's the result:
1) O's vanilla creme cookies---compared to Oreos cookies
Price-wise, both cookies are similar (although I ended up paying $1 less for the organic brand, thanks to the coupon). To my surprise, the taste is VERY SIMILAR. Tasty. Tasty. So if you'd want to start "green," I'd probably suggest trying the cookies first. :)
2) O's multi-grain fruit flavored cereal---compared to Kellog's
Although the price is comparable (without coupon), unfortunately, the O's brand is definitely not as tasty as the Kellog's sugar-infused one. Sure, the O cereal is supposedly healthier for you, but it has a really unusual taste to them, a little gritty, although the texture is fine. I really think they need to improve on the taste arena.
3) O's wheat-based multi-grain pasta---compared to ordinary pasta (Barillo's)
Okay. Again, the organic ones are still behind on the taste despite that it's healthier. Tip: Boil the wheat pasta longer than ordinary pasta to get to the al dente stage. The taste of wheat pasta is different, unusual, but still very much edible.
4) O's peanut butter---compared to Jiffy's
Hands down to Jiffy's. I still can't get used to organic peanut butter for the life of me. The oil still bothers me very much.
5) O's salad---compared to ordinary salad
This is a no-brainer, for those who haven't tried organic produce, they should definitely try. With organic salad, you notice the freshness and crispness of the taste. It's just a really really good salad.
Well, that's about it for now. I will definitely keep on trying out new organic products as they come out on the market, with consideration to our budget (--with coupons and such) until we find stuffs that the whole family love and enjoy (ex: vanilla creme cookies!!).
Have a good day everyone!
Love,
Tracy
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday Bloody Monday
After about 6 weeks, they release the result of Anna Nicole Smith's autopsy.
Is it such a surprise that she OD'ed on prescription med?
I dislike talking bad about the dead, though, so I'd rather not discuss about her on my blog. It's very fascinating how Courtv and CNN are covering this with such fervor. The demands of advertisers and ratings are more important than what's really news, I guess. Although I can't really blame them because most of us (including myself) are mostly fascinated by this type of news :p
I'm just miffed because I'm so bored with it. It's just dragging on and on and on...I'm so tired of looking at people claiming profusely to be "friends" with her, and spewing out weird crap about her life. Eek. The lady's dead, cut it out, it's tragic, but it's also life, you move on.
By the way, this is the funniest thing, I just got a new cell from Cricket (www.mycricket.com) last month and I decided to pay online, and instead of being a reasonable consumer, I didn't write my confirmation code only to find when I went to access my account, it's listed as unpaid.
So I freaked out. I called the customer service number, so ready to be all defensive and angry (I mean, if you have dealt with customer service people over the phone--whether you're trying to buy a product, arrange payments, etc--90% of the time, they're underpaid, untrained, and quite impolite or uncaring).
I have to admit I can be combative over the phone, I have a bit of accent to my voice, and for some reasons I believe that people are not respecting me as much therefore, I'm more than ready to attack verbally when spoken to impolitely.
It's a guy answering the phone and I was cursing my luck because it's usually with a male rep I get more defensive and combative. He spoke with an accent as well (curiously enough) and tried to assure me that the payment would really be in the system within 48 hours although he couldn't find it on the system yet, so that I didn't have to worry.
Then he asked, "What time is it there?" I was confused, what is he talking about, it was around noon, so I just told him the time and he said, "Oh, it's 3 in the morning over here." I ended up asking him where he was. It turned out he was in Manila, Phillipines. It was awesome, because I came from Southeast Asia as well and we ended up talking about our families, about relocating, and such.
So we ended up the phone conversation really well and for once in my life, I don't get mad at the phone rep. I guess the lesson is to not get mad before calling a phone rep, because they may just be cool or someone who have lots of similarities as you do.
I'll be back soon...must...put Chris to bed...It may be impossible because the elephant lady living above us is making SO MUCH NOISE.
Is it such a surprise that she OD'ed on prescription med?
I dislike talking bad about the dead, though, so I'd rather not discuss about her on my blog. It's very fascinating how Courtv and CNN are covering this with such fervor. The demands of advertisers and ratings are more important than what's really news, I guess. Although I can't really blame them because most of us (including myself) are mostly fascinated by this type of news :p
I'm just miffed because I'm so bored with it. It's just dragging on and on and on...I'm so tired of looking at people claiming profusely to be "friends" with her, and spewing out weird crap about her life. Eek. The lady's dead, cut it out, it's tragic, but it's also life, you move on.
By the way, this is the funniest thing, I just got a new cell from Cricket (www.mycricket.com) last month and I decided to pay online, and instead of being a reasonable consumer, I didn't write my confirmation code only to find when I went to access my account, it's listed as unpaid.
So I freaked out. I called the customer service number, so ready to be all defensive and angry (I mean, if you have dealt with customer service people over the phone--whether you're trying to buy a product, arrange payments, etc--90% of the time, they're underpaid, untrained, and quite impolite or uncaring).
I have to admit I can be combative over the phone, I have a bit of accent to my voice, and for some reasons I believe that people are not respecting me as much therefore, I'm more than ready to attack verbally when spoken to impolitely.
It's a guy answering the phone and I was cursing my luck because it's usually with a male rep I get more defensive and combative. He spoke with an accent as well (curiously enough) and tried to assure me that the payment would really be in the system within 48 hours although he couldn't find it on the system yet, so that I didn't have to worry.
Then he asked, "What time is it there?" I was confused, what is he talking about, it was around noon, so I just told him the time and he said, "Oh, it's 3 in the morning over here." I ended up asking him where he was. It turned out he was in Manila, Phillipines. It was awesome, because I came from Southeast Asia as well and we ended up talking about our families, about relocating, and such.
So we ended up the phone conversation really well and for once in my life, I don't get mad at the phone rep. I guess the lesson is to not get mad before calling a phone rep, because they may just be cool or someone who have lots of similarities as you do.
I'll be back soon...must...put Chris to bed...It may be impossible because the elephant lady living above us is making SO MUCH NOISE.
Sunday was Sunday
God, Oregon's weather is the worst. It's literally one minute it's raining and the next is sunny.
We went to see a house from the ad I saw at http://www.craigslist.org it's a pretty small house but in a very quiet neighborhood. Michael thought it'll be worth it although we might have to end up spending more than an extra 200 bucks a month, as long as he's got a place to work on his faithful "Old Yellow" (His beloved '72 Chevy).
Then we decided to have breakfast at Sharis. It was lovely. Chris behaved himself very well and he enjoyed trying to eat and drink all by himself, sometimes it's hard to believe that he's actually growing up. In 3 months, he'll be 2 years old. He's as tall as a 3 years old though, so it's a little weird because he can't speak as well and was still very excited for just about everything he saw and touched.
He's being a ham too, afterward, feeding the ducks with our leftover toast and pancakes (the restaurant was located by a pond seemingly inhabited by dozens or more of ducks, geese, and seagulls--I have no idea why the seagulls were there but they just were). Then I caught him playing with ducks' crap (I swore, I didn't catch on until it was too late--it was nasty gooey greenish stuff) and trying to hug a little girl while he was covered with it. (It was pretty funny because this girl just ran screaming while Chris was completely unaware that girls don't like to be near ducks's crap let alone be hugged by someone covered with it--let's hope that's not what his future love life will be)
Speaking of love life, Michelle and Daniel, have you heard of skype (http://www.skype.net)? Or are you guys using it already? It's free long-distance, you see. You just need to have a headphone, microphone, and download the program for free then voila! It's like one of those digital phone thingies (like vonage or comcast thing). Note: I'm not trying to endorse skype, I use it to speak to my bro who's in Vancouver BC, so do my parents.
Alrighty then, see you later alligator.
Love,
Tracy
We went to see a house from the ad I saw at http://www.craigslist.org it's a pretty small house but in a very quiet neighborhood. Michael thought it'll be worth it although we might have to end up spending more than an extra 200 bucks a month, as long as he's got a place to work on his faithful "Old Yellow" (His beloved '72 Chevy).
Then we decided to have breakfast at Sharis. It was lovely. Chris behaved himself very well and he enjoyed trying to eat and drink all by himself, sometimes it's hard to believe that he's actually growing up. In 3 months, he'll be 2 years old. He's as tall as a 3 years old though, so it's a little weird because he can't speak as well and was still very excited for just about everything he saw and touched.
He's being a ham too, afterward, feeding the ducks with our leftover toast and pancakes (the restaurant was located by a pond seemingly inhabited by dozens or more of ducks, geese, and seagulls--I have no idea why the seagulls were there but they just were). Then I caught him playing with ducks' crap (I swore, I didn't catch on until it was too late--it was nasty gooey greenish stuff) and trying to hug a little girl while he was covered with it. (It was pretty funny because this girl just ran screaming while Chris was completely unaware that girls don't like to be near ducks's crap let alone be hugged by someone covered with it--let's hope that's not what his future love life will be)
Speaking of love life, Michelle and Daniel, have you heard of skype (http://www.skype.net)? Or are you guys using it already? It's free long-distance, you see. You just need to have a headphone, microphone, and download the program for free then voila! It's like one of those digital phone thingies (like vonage or comcast thing). Note: I'm not trying to endorse skype, I use it to speak to my bro who's in Vancouver BC, so do my parents.
Alrighty then, see you later alligator.
Love,
Tracy
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Check This One Out :)
Well, for those of you who don't know my background, I happened to major in advertisement in college (University of Oregon) and hoped to be a copywriter (until fate stepped in and we produced my dear boy Christopher).
Nonetheless, after I graduated, it was pretty difficult to find local advertising agencies, the ones that are interested in hiring or even offering business. And it was pretty much a "depends on who you know" or "word-of-mouth" world for me (aspiring employee) and for those who own their own business (I know this because my dad owned his own business). But it seems that things have changed completely in the past few years, and for the better.
What an awesome progress. :)
For example, take a look at this impressive link: http://www.londonadvertisingdirectory.com/
There are at least selected 900 different links in this website in over 50 categories. So prospective customers can rest easy knowing that the agencies featured are top-notch. I personally think that this website is brilliant because of the easy access and great amount selections it gives the locals and everyone in the world who have access to computer/internet and are interested in utilizing the London market for their business. Not to mention that London's advertising agencies and co. are not an exclusive world of their own, instead, they're open for the public, which is very appropriate.
Http://www.londonadvertisingdirectory.com is also easy to maneuver for some who are not very affluent in Internet world just yet. So why not take a look and see, I did and so far I've been pleased with the cool websites of advertising agencies featured in http://www.londonadvertisingdirectory.com/ Some of them even offering job opportunities (too bad I can't relocate to London) !
I just hope that one day I'll come across a Portland's advertising agencies directory.
P.S. For my lovely UK reader, Ms. Michelle, maybe you can get one of those companies listed in this website to get your fiancee Daniel printing out wedding invitation ;) We need to spread out the good words, y'see. :)
That's it for now, have a good day everyone.
Tracy
Nonetheless, after I graduated, it was pretty difficult to find local advertising agencies, the ones that are interested in hiring or even offering business. And it was pretty much a "depends on who you know" or "word-of-mouth" world for me (aspiring employee) and for those who own their own business (I know this because my dad owned his own business). But it seems that things have changed completely in the past few years, and for the better.
What an awesome progress. :)
For example, take a look at this impressive link: http://www.londonadvertisingdirectory.com/
There are at least selected 900 different links in this website in over 50 categories. So prospective customers can rest easy knowing that the agencies featured are top-notch. I personally think that this website is brilliant because of the easy access and great amount selections it gives the locals and everyone in the world who have access to computer/internet and are interested in utilizing the London market for their business. Not to mention that London's advertising agencies and co. are not an exclusive world of their own, instead, they're open for the public, which is very appropriate.
Http://www.londonadvertisingdirectory.com is also easy to maneuver for some who are not very affluent in Internet world just yet. So why not take a look and see, I did and so far I've been pleased with the cool websites of advertising agencies featured in http://www.londonadvertisingdirectory.com/ Some of them even offering job opportunities (too bad I can't relocate to London) !
I just hope that one day I'll come across a Portland's advertising agencies directory.
P.S. For my lovely UK reader, Ms. Michelle, maybe you can get one of those companies listed in this website to get your fiancee Daniel printing out wedding invitation ;) We need to spread out the good words, y'see. :)
That's it for now, have a good day everyone.
Tracy
Friday, March 23, 2007
Hoo Hum
Michael's not home yet because he's paying a parking ticket. It's 8 PM now.
Like typical guy, he decided to just wander around for hours trying to find the Police station (according to the damn ticket, that's where he's supposed to go) until finally I had to ring him. And yep. I think the term for this ...is... he is ... LOST.
I googled the map for him (http://www.google.com) and he's actually in the right direction, it's just that he's not certain if the building is the correct one.
Speaking of parking ticket, that's what he got because he parked his Chevy truck (with expired tag--he's not renewed it yet at that time) up front by the side of the street. After only having purchased it for 48 hours, some cops wrote him the ticket and put it by the windshield...at 1:20 AM.
Who actually went out that late in the wee hours, drabby rainy eve and check out a car tag. See, it's blatant classism (the term he fondly uses--since this is an old Chevy, they just assume that they have to check it out--the tag). Do cops in this city have nothing better to do than write parking ticket? We get charged $40.
Plus, there's a law in this state that new owner of vehicle can have 72 hours before renewing the old tag. We can fight this ticket but it's also easier to just pay and fight later (if we don't pay within 14 days, the ticket becomes $80).
I have to give a shoutout at Michelle. Thanks for all your comments, luv. It's greatly appreciated, if I'm not mistaken, you HAVE YOUR OWN BLOG. SO SHARE, goshdarnit. SHARE. :)
TGIF
Tracy
Like typical guy, he decided to just wander around for hours trying to find the Police station (according to the damn ticket, that's where he's supposed to go) until finally I had to ring him. And yep. I think the term for this ...is... he is ... LOST.
I googled the map for him (http://www.google.com) and he's actually in the right direction, it's just that he's not certain if the building is the correct one.
Speaking of parking ticket, that's what he got because he parked his Chevy truck (with expired tag--he's not renewed it yet at that time) up front by the side of the street. After only having purchased it for 48 hours, some cops wrote him the ticket and put it by the windshield...at 1:20 AM.
Who actually went out that late in the wee hours, drabby rainy eve and check out a car tag. See, it's blatant classism (the term he fondly uses--since this is an old Chevy, they just assume that they have to check it out--the tag). Do cops in this city have nothing better to do than write parking ticket? We get charged $40.
Plus, there's a law in this state that new owner of vehicle can have 72 hours before renewing the old tag. We can fight this ticket but it's also easier to just pay and fight later (if we don't pay within 14 days, the ticket becomes $80).
I have to give a shoutout at Michelle. Thanks for all your comments, luv. It's greatly appreciated, if I'm not mistaken, you HAVE YOUR OWN BLOG. SO SHARE, goshdarnit. SHARE. :)
TGIF
Tracy
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