Reflections: Virtual Identity

It is 2012 and I've been thinking that the world has changed so much from the advent of the first computer - and more importantly, of the internet. Nowadays, we are so connected by our machines: desktops, laptops, tablets and phones - almost all of which have some connection to the internet. We use facebook, twitter, instagram and the like to chronicle our lives - mundane or otherwise. Before, each entry into one's virtual life was a matter of creating a story, a thought. Now, a simple or even incomplete sentence will do as we have the power at our fingertips to talk to anyone, anywhere.

Virtual identity. It is now possible to take part of, and steal, other people's lives because we have established a part of ourselves in this digital world where codes create our realities. Everything is now online, or at least available in it such that to lose such a connection becomes akin to losing a limb. I have tried to limit myself, but in vain. I cannot go a week without some device to connect me to this ever expanding web.

But who am I? What I find comforting about this new age, this new landscape, is the ability to create multiple selves with a few clicks of the button. I may have a copy-self: the me who exists in the real world. The one who frets about the lack of privacy, the fear that eventually my every step will be recorded and that this copy would define and overwhelm the me that exists in the physical world... I do not understand how some people are so comfortable of bringing their entire self into this domain. Where they would freely give personal information to a bunch of strangers such that it is normal to give the minutiae of one's life to the horde of friend-aquaintance-stranger and the keys to one's kingdom to service providers that can store this information infintely and sell it to multiple bidders.

It's kind of insane, now that you think about it. Today the tablet (iPad for those able to afford it - especially in the most affluent nations, societies, strata), the smartphone (iPhone, again), the computers (MAC)- ah, truly it is the age of the apple! - when once nobody, or very few people, could even dream it. I'm sure there are other events such as what I feel now that may be even more important - the industrialization comes to mind - but this is what I see now. This is the changing of the world from the century that preceded, if not the millenium.

 I am interested in how this will turn out. Will it get better? worse? Must the self that exists on the net be a full copy of the self that types these letters on the keyboard? Will the world change such that only one's avatar becomes acceptable in exploring a domain that becomes more regulated with each passing day?  But now, while I have the chance,  I will enjoy the little comfort the anonymity of this blog affords.

Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin

For all of you guys who still haven't watched - why haven't you?- or just want to talk about the movie: here it is. A short review on Rurouni Kenshin: A movie that should have been here ages ago.

I don't need to tell you guys about WHAT Rurouni Kenshin, Samurai X, is about right? It's a live action film now!

Yays

• Cinematography! Loved the way they brought it into reality. It's hard to make something that's set both in the past and is set in anime-world into something that is semi-believable. On that note, kimono!
• The characters - because I grew up loving them and I can't help but love them more now. Points for the way they were able to emote *coughKenshincough* ... KAWAII!!!! ^^

Nays

• Kaouru's final lines... urgh... made em way too long...
• Subtitles! Too low on the screen to be watched well

Heys

• Sit in front or in the balcony area so you can actually see the subtitles.
• Watch with friends

What's your ideal body weight?

So I've been calculating what I'm supposed to weigh, ideally. The BMI isn't very accurate so I've been using Tannhauser's Formula instead. 

For Caucasians:

Ideal Body Weight (in kilograms)  = height (in centimeters) - 100

For Filipinos

Ideal Body Weight (in kilograms)  = height (in centimeters) - 100 - [0.10 x ( height (in centimeters) - 100 )]

I'm still a bit overweight, given this method. I hope I'll be able to diet and exercise this christmas season.

Coffee in a Gas Station

During my trip over the break, I stopped by a Petron station and I saw this:

Chicharon

 All the chicharon you can eat! I can't believe that people buy enough of this that they've stocked all 5 shelves!

Latte

 Needed to wake up a bit so I ordered the above. Don't remember what it's called but it's a remnant of the holloween drinks.

Coffee Place

I got it from here. The coffee was just ok so I didn't feel the need to remember this place. But still, not bad. :)