iPod Touch - The Coolest Gadget

At this point in time, the iPod Touch is the coolest gadget I have used. It is capable of playing audio and video. It has wireless-fidelity so you can browse the internet and so many loadable applications that you can use for your specific needs. It is very useful to me especially when I commute. I listen to my favorite music on my way to work which really makes my 1 1/2 hour trip seem like 15 minutes.

Following are the specifications of the iPod Touch I use:

• Screen material: Glass
  
• Screen size: 8.9 cm
• Screen resolution: 480×320 pixels at 163 ppi, with 3:2 aspect ratio
• Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Home button
• Operating system: iPhone OS
• Storage: 8, 16, or 32 GB flash memory
  • 8 GB: up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video
• CPU: Under clocked 620 to 412 MHz RAM
• RAM: 128 MB DRAM
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 5 hours of video playback, and up to 22 hours of audio playback, times vary.
• Size: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.31 in)
• Weight: 120 grams (4.2 ounces)
• Direct iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store access
• Widescreen video
• Included applications: Safari web browser, YouTube client, Mail client, GoogleMaps
• Widgets: Stocks, Weather, Notes

Self Marketing for the Canadian Workplace Program

I recently completed the course Self Marketing for the Canadian Workplace last August 15. I am grateful to the facilitators of the program for helping our class to successfully pass the course and share their knowledge that we could use in finding better work. It was really helpful and I am glad I attended it.

The duration of the program was 3 weeks and it was held at C O S T I training center in Mississauga. The program aims to help newcomers in Canada to overcome barriers that make it hard for immigrants to get work in their field of expertise or successfully integrate into the workplace. You will learn about:

• preparing for job interviews
• formating resumes
• Canadian work ethics
• tapping the hidden job/labor market

The list include so much more. C O S T I services is not limited to this program. There are a lot of programs and services that it offers. The following is their contact details if you wish to ask for more information:

C O S T I Employment Services for Internationally Trained Professional & Tradespeople
Address: 2150 Meadowvale Blvd.
Unit 2, Mississauga
Phone: 905-567-0482
E-Mail: internationallytrained@costi.org
Website: www.costi.org

Thomas the Tank

Aside from the stuffed toys that my kids love, the other toy they like playing is their Thomas the Tank or Train set. Most of the time we have a hard time attaching the tracks together to make loops and bridges but our being tired are overwhelmed with so much enjoyment when we see the trains go round, up and down the tracks. It is one of the best bonding moments that I have with my two boys. How I wish everyday is a weekend so we can spend this quality time often. It is nice for grown-ups like me to feel young by playing kid toys. It helps me unwind after a hard days work.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

My wife and I recently visited my brother and his wife in New York, USA. When they asked us where we would like to go, we immediately responded "we want to see the Statue of Liberty". t seems that it there is a top 3 tourist destination it will be included in the list. There were several long queues for buying tickets, waiting for the ferry and the security check before you go inside the statue but it was all worth it. It was a majestic sight and we all enjoyed it. Even my brother and sister-in-law which probably have been there for the nth time.

Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. Bartholdi, the creator, with the help of Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower planned and executed the existence of this great monument. After September 11 incident, the US government made extra effort to protect Liberty, their symbol of freedom. I remember one description from the museum inside the statue - "a door to new hope, welcoming those who are ready to accept new challenges". I was amazed how Liberty came to being. The museum explained how it was planned, gave the details of each material used and how it was built. I just suddenly became interested with history. Ellis Island was also interesting. We were told that there is a list of early immigrants there but since I know I don't have ancestors who may have been one of the first immigrants we did not bother going there.

Motorola Razor K1

I brought my Nokia 9210 communicator in USA only to find out that it uses a frequency that is not supported there. Since I will be staying for quite a long time with my brother and his wife, I decided to get one that I can use anywhere in the world. Some of the vendors call it "World Phone" others just call it "G.S.M.". Anyway after going from store to store searching for the best phone I could find that fits my budget, I decided to get the Motorola K1. It is small that can easily fit in the pocket of my pants. It is heavy unlike other phones. that are like plastic toys. Although it does not come loaded with so many features like the Blackberry, it is good enough for me.

myLot

When I had no work last May of this year, I came across myLot. It is a website where you can view the member discussions about everything you can ever imagine. You can also read about news and current events. Blog posting is also available and all of these can be tailored to anyones interest. It is also a social networking site because you can communicate with other members all around the world. And the best thing about it is that you get paid in cash via Paypal or Moneybookers for your valuable contributions. There is a minimum payout which is ten (10) USD paid after 15 days. The cut-off period is every month-end. If you do not reach the payout amount it gets carried over to the next months earnings.

I have been paid once (please see image above) and am expecting to get paid the second time after next month's cut-off. It is a good way of spending your idle time. If you are interested in joining, please click on the link below:

http://www.mylot.com/?ref=Muelitz

Stuffed Toys

We all loved stuffed toys when we were kids. Our room is full of them. "Pampa" is the name of the mascot of Pampers diapers. It's an elephant, the first stuffed toy that Aloysius received when he was still a baby. It was mailed to us by Proctor and Gamble when my wife submitted empty Pampers wrappers as proof of purchase. Since then, Aloysius called all his stuffed or furry toys Pampa, (One of Kyle's first words is also Pampa). I used to be against playing stuffed toys because it's not good for the kids health and it's a girls toy but when I realized that these toys are also their comfort toys (they can't sleep without it), I let them play as long as it is not too furry. I am now wondering when they will outgrow these toys and be interested in other toys such as remote control and computers.

CompTIA A+ Certification

I just passed 2 of the required exams specifically the IT essentials and the IT technician exams required for a CompTIA certification. I am now a A+ certified. Having landed here in Canada just April of this year I have not much Canadian work experience on my resume. Although there are a lot of work opportunities available most companies here look for professionals that have Canadian experience. I thought having a certification would boost my chances in getting a job or at least be able to get my resume noticed and be called for an interview.


I plan to get more certifications if my time and budget allow.