André’s Weblog

Time to add a new category for Gadgets! As my first post for this category, I will focus on the new iPod Nano (PRODUCT)^RED

About a month ago, Apple released the 2G iPod Nano. It generally combined the old iPod Mini (remember that?) and the first-gen iPod Nano. The 2G had the anodized aluminum casing of the iPod Mini, but still retained the form factor the the Nano. It also introduced ground-breaking capacity for flash-based memory: 8GB worth of music! That is enough to carry 2,000 songs in an incredibly thin device. When you buy an iPod Nano (PRODUCT)^RED, $10.00 of it will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. This is an awesome device for an awesome cause. It still has all the features that you will find in the regular iPod Nano.

I think I might consider getting an iPod now. I’d rather not get the 5G iPod because I have no use for playing videos on such a tiny screen anyway. I was waiting for them to release multi-colored iPod Nanos so that I would be different from the rest. I find it extremely annoying if I have a specific thing that everybody else has, in this case, color-wise. I’m pretty sure that they must have improved the sound quality on the iPods. As an audiophile, I know what sounds good and what doesn’t. I will finally use my Bose headphones again. By the way, if you’re serious with your music listening experience, don’t settle for Sony earphone crap or the ones that come with your mp3 player. Get the Bose Triport Headphones. It’s absolutely amazing. By far, it’s the best investment I ever made.

I might go for (PRODUCT)^RED because not only will I enjoy my purchase, I will also help someone have a chance in life.

Link: iPod Nano Product Red homepage

My predictions are correct! About 3 weeks ago, I had a to present to my APS class about the dire situation in North Korea. The satellite images I found of DPRKs Nuclear Facilities (see: Yongbyon Nuclear Facility below) showed their commitment to producing their own Nuclear Weapon. They had so many Nuclear Power Plants and it made me wonder what are they going to do with all the spent nuclear fuel rods? (It is the primary ingredient to make nuclear payload) I think that the North is going to far. Then again, on some level, they are doing it to hold a shield up against the antagonistic approach of the United States.

I can only see one outcome if the North pursues its plan. They are going to initiate their own downfall. Its neighbors are already irate about the fact that they are planning such a thing, especially Japan, lead by their new Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. The United States, without a shadow of a doubt, will launch a preemptive strike on the North, which will soon lead to a full-scale war. I don’t think that Japan, South Korea, and the United States will allow the North to continue its new trend of making threats that will jeopardize their national security and integrity.

If North Korea pursues, there won’t be any turning back.

Get ready for a political post! Thailand’s Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted today! This is both hilarious and amazing. For one, he wasn’t even in Thailand!!! He was in New York for the U.N. General Assembly. Second, it was a bloodless Coup d’etat. This event is very reminicsent to that of Marcos’ deposition. What a horrible way to get kicked out of the government! I seriously laughed at Mr. Shinawatra. He went to New York with no knowledge of what is going to happen. How would you feel if you were in his place? In front of a number of world leaders inside the United Nations Headquarters? Then all of a sudden, you get news that you are no longer your country’s leader? I would feel enraged and stupid at the same time. He was ousted because of several accusations very similar to GMA’s.

I envy the Thai people. They enjoy the fact that they have the military’s loyalty. In our country, that is no longer evident. From my standpoint, our military is divided. One half pledges allegiance to a soon-to-be dictator, while the other half pledges loyalty to the Filipino people. Majority of the good military personel are the young ones. They can see through the lies of Mrs. Arroyo. They can see the anomalies in our Armed Forces. I give them credit for that. They are the true patriots of our country. This event makes me want to shake the hand of a Thai native and hail their nation for such an achievement.
I wish we would experience this again. Our great nation deserves another chance. I would love to stand proud, with my head held up high, to be a Filipino.