IBM Shows a World of "Smarter Computing"

Imagine a world where computers and servers are no longer required to be updated manually or be environmentally harmful at any given state. One that would be energy efficient, requires less space and had more bang for the buck powerful computing power than ever before. This has been one of IBM's goal since their inception of a world with Smarter Computing. This is one that would literally change the face of information technology by leaps and bounds. They already have achieved remarkable advancements in this field as we learned about it from the IBM Technology Expo 2011 last May 17.

Have you heard of Watson? Nope, not the one with Sherlock Holmes. If not, watch this!

You see, IBM just has shown here how a specialized super computer (that is not connected to the world wide web) and how it would be able to compete with the best minds in the world for this game. Watson can come up with a lot of things which includes a) an answer, b) gauge how confident he is about the answer, c) the capability to learn about it, d) analyze and understand human speech no matter what you want it to mean and e) say the actual words for the answer. The billions of dollars they have spent on research and development has achieved so much in a short amount of time. They even used Power7, a next generation server processor which succeeds the Power6. IBM had several sites in different countries to work and make a "Petascale Supercomputer Architecture" that can do quadrillion rate jobs in a short amount of time. This is possible by doing techniques and strategies in parallel computing. These new generation of Blade Servers are faster, smaller compared to the other big predecessors of the IBM Power Systems.

This is how DeepQA thinks. The power behind Watson.
(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Mr. Steven Seah, Smart Analytics Leader of the Systems and Technology Group for IBM in ASEAN explained the things WATSON can do. If you think about the possibilities that these servers can do in other applications such as medicine, nuclear management, ATM, file storage and other utilities for enterprise scaled businesses; the outlook is very promising. Imagine the return of investment for many corporations that continue to use bigger racks, space and carbon footprint requirements when they use just a few of these instead. Costing wise and strategy wise this is the way to go. Take a look at what it can eventually do for Cancer research:

With IBM Power 7 Systems it can handle different forms of Analytics, Data Warehousing and increased throughput. It can compare and analyze millions of pages and get almost the same amount of questions for it.

Mr. Eugene Bay, the Power Systems Manager for IBM in ASEAN talked about how they led the market these past few years because of some systems that were not supported by other vendors; like the Oracle Solaris OS for the UNIX platform. They have been able to dominate the market because of these blunders. It still employs the same but improved cooling systems they had with the Power 6 series. They used Chilled water instead of Air in order to get it up to 4000 times more efficient in cooling. It's better for the environment. The noise is not much of a concern and they could probably have things to aesthetically remove that pretty soon too. Insider information seems to indicate there will be Power 8 in the works and that again would have monumental changes in the information technology landscape as IBM has done in the past. Making this and have an OS that would be able to accommodate two architectures or more would take a lot of resources to achieve. Think of what it can do with Mac if it had Power7 on it. That would count around 8 cores a chip then two of these chips per module with two modules and 4 SMT threads a chip it could blow your mind into smithereens just doing the math. They told me never to fear advancements in technologies like these if I think that this would require less manpower requirements because they would just be assigned to other productive tasks later on. Life would be easier and less strenuous for what it's worth.

I'd like to take this bit to thank a few people from IBM for inviting me last May 17, 2011. You made me go back to school again at this day and age ha-ha! Thank you to Country General Manager James Velasquez, Mr. Owen Cammayo and the beautiful ladies from IBM Philippines, IBM ASEAN and External Relations for everything.

Congratulations to IBM for spending a lot on Research and Development on this; you have done well!

L-R IBM Philippine General Manager James Velasquez, Mr. Steven Seah, Smart Analytics Leader of the Systems and Technology Group for IBM in ASEAN and Mr. Eugene Bay, the Power Systems Manager for IBM in ASEAN
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The Games We Play

Life has been so good to me but I barely have time to enjoy and have a game or two. I'm a hardcore gamer and if you think about it I try my best to still have a few hours of play wherever, whenever! I love playing skill games and there are a lot of things you can learn from them. I only became good in games by practicing a lot and taking time to understand the concept and game play. You get involved in the game and see yourself improve each time you go through the trials in the game's story. You experience what the creators intend you to have while playing it. You enjoy accomplishing each stage; getting hard earned points, get further into the story and finish it eventually. The happiness you get for that is immeasurable! You smile from ear to ear and tell your friends about it too. I guess that's the reason why there's Player number 2!

For what it's worth I grew up with this and it's also good I get to reminisce with some of the games from the past. From ATARI, SNES, NES, Game Boy or old school DOS games I've played them all. What kept me to continue on until this day is my love for it. It can be of no value to some but it's so precious to me because I learned a lot. You get to see what it is to have patience, perseverance and camaraderie with other people. It made me a better person overall. Imagine what it could do to you if you start now. It's never too late to learn a new game or two. I still try to look for games I haven't played so I could put this theory to the test. I'm sure I can always be a master with any game, anytime!

Game on!

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UNICEF: Auction for Action

Guys and gals; this week, God has been really good to me. I get to help people with what I do and it is somehow, in someway very fulfilling. This is another one so if you can or know some people who would want to help through this event, please do.

On May 25, 2011 there will be a charity auction of these great works of art! All of these are made by the best of the best Philippine design world and they all wanted to help raise funds for UNICEF. They have been helping mothers and kids for a long time now and they need our help. Ms. Daphne Osena - Paez of http://daphneosena.livejournal.com/ is heading this cause. She's also the Auction for action Founder and host for the event. Please make sure you bookmark this URL www.ebay.ph/unicef which will go live on May 25. The auction is open to everyone from anywhere in the world.

If you want to know what's up for auction, here's some of them.

“the response from artists has been very encouraging, to say the least. It feels incredible to be able to work with such prominent artists for a worthwhile cause. I’m a great fan of
their work, but now I’m in even greater awe of their kindness and generosity. They put a lot of love and devote a lot of time into everything they create, so I know that beyond the beautiful art piece, the artists are really sharing a part of themselves with UNICEF.“ -Daphne Osena-Paez

Make sure you participate in this auction okay? I'm also counting on the readers that I have in the US, please help!

Know When to Get Debt Help

The financial crisis has put everyone in a difficult situation. Companies have cut back on expenses and some of them understandably also went through fixing salary rates which completely changed everyone's lifestyle. The middle class suddenly slid down the poverty line and some of them lost their jobs completely. Emergencies for mortgage and personal expenses are not usually planned and some of them are really important. If they were in the process of building a house, paying for a car or plainly just utilizing their salaries for personal use and loved ones they would not be able to pay for it at that instant. They really need help. We all know how common it is nowadays but we can't live in debt forever. We need that extra push; we need to get the ball rolling. We need to somehow manage our expenses and pay for necessities first rather than not taking steps to get out of it. Funding can be sourced through debt help institutions who's got experts ready to give you the best solution on financial problems.

No one wants to be in debt but we sometimes experience it. If we manage our finances well and get to regularly pay for our bills early; the chances of getting charged with interest rates would be minimal. You'll get the financial freedom you dream of once you choose the right investments and never forget to pay for your financial responsibilities. Don't forget to also ask for debt help if you see the need to. Accepting the reality and doing something about the situation is the perfect solution. The earlier you start; the earlier you are going to resolve it!

Fun in Social Media

The world is not so small anymore considering the number of Social Networks that brought us together. Imagine business partners, families, classmates, and friends reconnecting through one medium or another. I've been a firm believer that Social Media will get better in the years to come and with improvements here and there it'll all come together soon. Our own personalities will also be reflected on these avenues so you can totally differentiate one person from another. Featured Facebook Layouts are also even coming out and this would change one aspect of our social networking behavior. The whole system would get real deal demographics from specific parts of the community and get marketing analysis easier. The differences will be a deciding factor of things you want. If you are a business owner; you get the market that you want for the product that you make. They also will be able to target only the people that want it and spend less for advertising in a general scale.

There are new ways of jazzing up our profiles on the social media channel we use and making an impressive image to any of your contacts or friends might make or break a deal if you are in business. It's like a change of clothes; people would start noticing you and get to celebrity status. You'll feel like a rock star or be anything you want since you control your destiny. Don't you want to start with simple things like these now? You know what to do so log in and take a different view you'd definitely like!

Philippine Fashion Week 2011 - 10 - Danilo Franco

The first thing that came into my mind when I saw the invite was the question "Why 10?". It was because of 10 designers... Danilo Franco, Edgar Allan, Edgar San Diego, Eric Pineda, JC Buendia, Johnny Abad, Noel Crisostomo, Noli Hans, Richard Papa with SLIM's Salvacion Lim Higgins; this show promises to be one fine "fashion overdose" again. I don't mind at all because it's the reason I wanted to cover Philippine Fashion Week. The runway was set for 10 collections to come out and here we go!

Danilo Franco

Danilo Franco's work comes to me as very detailed and very ethnic inspired. He uses the best local fabrics and make them very classy. He probably worked with Pineapple/Jusi/Silk Fibers. It all looks very expensive. I wouldn't be surprised if his clientele would compose of politicians, or people from the government in general. The Filipiniana-modern twist in each of his creations are thoughtfully made. If you see the intricacy of the embroidery on the skirts you know people took a lot of time to finish that.

(1) Pseudo Japanese form of the blouse glistens because of the right material used for it. Front part had red-blue detail and an exposed the belly button. It didn't come too sexy and it was just right. (2) I loosely imagined this was something that Moses' Mom would wear because of that yellow headpiece/veil.. the key thing here though is that very intricate embroidery on the black top and the ones also seen in the side of the pants. Really impressive!

(1) Headpiece looks like something a guy from a Muslim country would wear, Malaysian inspired? I still like the material and the ways that this can probably paired with other things for the bottom. (2) See what it did to this while wearing pants of a different material. It pops up nicely and emphasizes the top garment.

(1) Honestly the shawl didn't work for me but+1 for the effort in wanting colors with this. A different one maybe better. If you get reds or maybe stayed with just primary ones it would. (2) This guy's coat? I WANT! I think it looks very smart even if it is native. This would be perfect for formal occasions.

(1) I am fond of the black on black deal but he stayed away from purely doing that by unleashing white details on the shirt and sleeves. I like the white wraparound too. It's a great alternative to the usual tux for award giving bodies and whatnot. (2) Oooh! Color! I like the skirt! (well not for me duh!) but I like how it would fit and look like on women. Look at the embroidery again and the length used, imagine the work put on that.

(1) Very nice detail on the skirt again, the black overall works as well. This is very chic. (2) Do you even know who that is? Yeah! America's Next Top Model Cycle 10's Claire-Aimee "Claire" Unabia. She went here to support Philippine Fashion Week and the industry itself. They have a cause too, against human trafficking.

As if that wasn't enough here is the gorgeous Charo Ronquillo. (1) The blue Venus cut dress is very modern and I imagine this can be used on a whole day affair. You can probably do an office - nighttime change with this one. (2) The red version of it on the other hand still shows the same detail.

(1) The white silhouette worked in this dress. More of a daydress; or maybe a first date thing that a woman can wear. Something that still stays hidden but still sexy. I'll ask my single friends about it. (2) Meanwhile, I know there must be a God up there... two words... Danica Magpantay. Ford Models Supermodel of the World 2011 winner. She wears that skirt so nicely. The embroidery is great too. Overall, this was one great lineup showcasing his attention to detail and craftsmanship. I'd vote him for official Presidential designer if we had a woman President. Staying ethnic and have that classy feel, I think he's one great designer to watch out for.

Watch out for other designers soon!

Kapish!

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End Hunger: Walk The World 2011

Mr. Cyril Gonzales CSR Manager of Philippine Pizza Inc., Mr. Stephen Anderson Country Director and Representative of World Food Programme, Ms. Cecilia Casas Country HR Director for TNT Worldwide Express Philippines Inc., Ms. Bajeng Cruz Senior Brand Manager for KNORR via Unilever Philippines signs footprint papers in support for Walk The World 2011.

Click to play... take time to listen!

I know some of you may think this is just one of those things. No, I don't think this is something to pass out for. Thousands of Filipino kids are suffering from hunger here and in Mindanao. That is one of the most war stricken places in the Philippines; and if you think about the people also displaced and see them; your hearts would probably break at the sight of them. In this day and age I think its not right that there are still a lot of people who suffer from hunger. The United Nations World Food Programme has been battling out this problem for a long time now but they still need our help. Just imagine yourself drinking that coffee you bought for 170 pesos, that can already feed about 17 children. I know you worked hard for it to enjoy what you want to have... but think about it, a warm meal can always get this kid throughout the entire day at school so he can educate himself, get a job and eventually get out of poverty. How can you not find a way to try and help?

The World Food Programme Philippines is going to have this great event called "END HUNGER: WALK THE WORLD 2011" on May 29, 2011. This is our chance to help and make a difference. Strap on those rubber shoes and participate in these events!

2K Walk = P250

5K Run = P500

10K Group Run = P10,000 (Composed of 10 members)

All the proceeds will go to funds that would help alleviate hunger in Mindanao. That bowl of grain and rice you purchase for them can go a long way for these kids who are not even sure to eat 3 times a day. Let's all make sure to participate this time and go to Mall of Asia at 5:00 AM on May 29, 2011 and get your act together. No matter how small our contributions are as long as we help our impoverished brothers and sisters in Mindanao you will surely feel blessed!! I'm going there so I'd like to see you all!

I'll also do my share by informing people at work and you should too. Please think of the kids while your at it! They really need our help!

You can register at these shops!

ROX, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig

BratPack, Robinson’s Place, Manila

BratPack, Greenbelt 5, Makati

Columbia,SM North Edsa, QC

Columbia, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay

Res Toe Run, Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas

Res Toe Run, Trinoma, QC

The Travel Club, Gateway Mall, Cubao

The Travel Club, Newport Mall- Resorts World, Pasay

The North Face, Building A SM Megamall, Ortigas

The North Face, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay

The North Face, Alabang

Sanuk, The Block, SM North Edsa, QC

TNT, Unilever, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and DSM are major sponsors of this event. TNT has helped in logistics and sending the needed food around the world. Unilever and its brand Knorr also sent needed foodstuff for the less fortunate. Pizza Hut and Taco Bell raised funds from their restaurants and helped a lot in the past few years. It's so nice to see these big corporations doing their share in eradicating hunger. They did their part... how about you?

It's time for you to share... it's time to change someone's life!
Let's get them out of HUNGER and into SCHOOLS!

Sign up now and make a difference!
(Photo taken from blogger's night last Thursday, thanks Flow Galindez for the invites!)

The Importance of Automobile Repair and Education

Cars have been one of the things we always dream of. It's one of those high ticket items that you thought would celebrate your social status and get you where you want to go. Although these days; owning one has become a necessity. When you get it we don't expect the actual cost of logistics and maintenance and think that everything will be perfect. If there was something I learned about the hard way in owning one this would be it. The short drives to and from the office that I do always was smooth until the car broke down in the middle of the road. I didn't know panic until that day boy was it a great big introduction. It got stuck in a main thoroughfare and people were already honking in every direction. I did not know who to call since I was totally clueless about car repair. When I thought that was enough; my cell phone battery also went dead. This was one of those days when you wish it shouldn't have happened. The situation called for an expert and I almost ran out of luck. Good thing a friend saw me there and immediately went out of his way to help me put the car at the side of the road; and eventually get some help.

The car was pulled out and I had to go back to work. I talked to the technicians and they said I need to have the car diagnosed to see why it wouldn't start. I know it was going to be expensive but I had no idea what would be the justifiable price range. It was the first time I was going to do this and I did not want to be charged incorrectly for it. There are several shops within my area but since I had warranty they got my 2003 Toyota PRIUS sent to the actual manufacturer. The repair estimate was done fast after that and it would have cost me a fortune if not for the warranty they employed. I was so glad they covered it otherwise I wouldn't have the funds to spend for that. Finally; luck was able to catch up with me.

That was the time that I knew I had to learn a thing or two about how to fix things. If you go out totally clueless about something that you own there would come a time that you would need a whole car encyclopedia to understand things. Good thing there are reputable sites like REPAIRPAL.COM that you can look at when you need all the help you can get. Check them out if you need help about repair estimates, car terminology that you need to understand or simply get someone to help you within your area. It's a good thing!





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