Check if you're infected by the virus

A lot of people are worried about the latest computer threat called the "Conflcker Computer Worm". The fear is justified as it has been said that the worm is not just a major threat but more importantly, very little is known about it. Based on what has been uncovered about the Conflicker Worm, here is an easy way to determine if it has hit your computer. If you cannot access www.microsoft. com orr www.symantec. com , your computer is most likely infected.

For more information on Conflicker, you can log on to http://www.symantec .com/norton/ theme.jsp? themeid=conficke r_worm&inid=us_ghp_ promo_conficker_ worm . Again, if you are unable to get to the link, your computer is most likely infected.

Earth Hour 2009 - It's as simple as a flick of the switch

The lights will go off for one hour on March 28 at 8:30 pm in key cities in the Philippines and all over the world. It's called Earth Hour.

This lights-out initiative, which began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city environmental campaign, has evolved into a grassroots action that has attracted worldwide attention.

In 2008, 371 cities across 35 countries turned their lights out in a united call for action on climate change and energy conservation. Global landmarks - such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome's Colosseum, and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square - all stood in darkness, symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities all over the world. To help reach this goal, a global sign-up campaign and competition is again being launched worldwide. Last year, the Philippines ranked 9th in terms of total sign-ups. All Filipinos are urged to sign up at Earth Hour's global website: http://www.earthhour.org. Earth Hour Philippines 2009 hopes to involve 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses in key cities across the country.

Earth Hour 2009 is a global call to action to every individual, every business, and every community. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, and to get actively involved in working towards a sustainable future. People across the world will turn off their lights and join together in creating a vital conversation about the future of our precious planet.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Green Army Philippines Network, and the SWITCH movement have joined hands with the Department of Energy to spread public awareness of the Earth Hour message to cities and communities all over the country.

To receive news updates and event schedules, one can register one's cellphone number by sending the following message to 5777 for both Smart and Globe users: green reg firstname middleinitial lastname. Example: green reg Juan/C/De la Cruz.

"2009 is a destiny year for the entire planet," declared Lory Tan, President and CEO of WWF-Philippines. "This is the year that we decide the future of humanity. Earth Hour is a message of hope and action and we hope it sends a powerful message to both local and world leaders. It is a global movement that proves that each one of us can make a difference. Imagine what we can do if we act together."

Recognizing the vital role of the energy community-particularly in terms of sustainable electric power generation, clean transport fuels, and best energy practices across sectors-DOE Secretary Angelo T. Reyes expressed full support for Earth Hour. "This grassroots initiative is an opportunity for individuals from all corners of the globe to unite and, in a single voice, highlight the urgent need for dramatic lifestyle changes and best energy practices to save our planet. This is a cause that should unite us as Filipinos and as citizens of the world."

The first step is just turning off a light.

Join us for Earth Hour 2009! Turn off your lights at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 28, and sign-up here to be counted.

Earth Hour official sign-up website: www.earthhour.org
EarthHour Philippines operations center hotlines: Tel(632) 840-2134; 812-5974
EarthHour materials download website: www.earthhourphils.multiply.com, www.greeenarmynetwork.net

Concert Tickets on sale at TicketsNow

(Meant for my contacts/network in the US.)This weekend, several top Concert Tours are on sale! First, classic jam band Phish has announced that 11 dates will go on sale tomorrow and Saturday! Also, Chicago-based Fall Out Boy has announced 11 dates will go on sale tomorrow in support of their new album! Lastly, Kenny Chesney has one date on sale Saturday...but we are expecting many more dates will go on sale in the coming weeks.

We are also anticipating that Bruce Springsteen could hold some on sales next week for his 26 date tour to piggy back off his Super Bowl half time performance.
Don't Miss your chance to see the Boss LIVE! Click Here to Buy your Bruce Springsteen tickets now!

Concert Tickets on sale at TicketsNow

(Meant for my contacts/network in the US.)This weekend, several top Concert Tours are on sale! First, classic jam band Phish has announced that 11 dates will go on sale tomorrow and Saturday! Also, Chicago-based Fall Out Boy has announced 11 dates will go on sale tomorrow in support of their new album! Lastly, Kenny Chesney has one date on sale Saturday...but we are expecting many more dates will go on sale in the coming weeks.

We are also anticipating that Bruce Springsteen could hold some on sales next week for his 26 date tour to piggy back off his Super Bowl half time performance.
Don't Miss your chance to see the Boss LIVE! Click Here to Buy your Bruce Springsteen tickets now!

Travel writing -- how to travel for almost free

A friend once asked me if travel writers can get to travel for free. I wasn’t sure of the answer, so I asked a few friends in media, and searched for some sources on the net. And I realized how lucrative a business the travel industry could be. My friend, a Public Relations colleague from a decade or so ago, has since made a second career out of travel writing — about destinations, services, facilities, and countries, has traveled to and from 6 continents, and is now based in Singapore. She has written about a river cruise in Vietnam, a cross-country train ride in Europe, backpacking in the Rockies, and many other adventurous experiences, including scouring the backstreets of Budapest for treasures. She freelances now, having decided to retire from the pressures of corporate PR, and preferring to leisurely earn her keep while traveling.

That was a little more than 2 years ago, before I pursued an online business as a travel agent.

One of the resources my friend followed up on was a 150-page ebook with by a real travel writer Mel McIntyre, entitled Travel Writing Secrets. Mel says:

“Travel writing is a true hidden gem.

Travel to the most exotic locations for free. Stay at the world’s finest hotels. Enjoy the best food available.

And on your flight on the way home, knock out a couple of articles – and get paid big money to wit about your experiences.

Travel writing is definitely THE most exciting writing job around.”

And perhaps the next best job to being a travel agent.

Learn more about Travel Writing Secrets

More resources for writers and authors

ONLY from Vikky's Polka-Dot Couch
Get the full CD Course at 21% discount via PayPal

Jobs in the midst of the economic slowdown

(Received this in an email message from a high school batch mate. The jobs are legitimate, but we cannot assure anyone that you will be accepted for the job you are applying for. We simply provide the information and the opportunity. If you land one of these jobs, we'd appreciate a "thank you" post on this site.)

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! ( yes, in the midst of the economic slowdown!)

STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES, INC.

# 71 B Mt. Su\inai Heights, Regalado/Fairview/Commonwealth Avenue, East Fairview, Quezon City
Unit 7, 2nd Floor ( Beside SSS Commonwealth Branch Office, Meadows Grocery; above Norkis -Yamaha Motorcycles and Hilot Pinoy)

TEL. NO: 666- 4093; MON - FRI, 9:30 AM - 4PM

BRING 2 COPIES RESUME', 2 PICTURES

CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF: COLLEGE GRAD, 4 YEAR COURSE, FEMALE, PLEASING & PLEASANT, 21 - 25 YRS. OLD, FLUENT ENGLISH, W/W/O EXPERIENCE, FRESH GRADS CAN APPLY;

MARKETING STAFF: COLLEGE GRAD, 4 YEAR COURSE, PLEASING & PLEASANT, W/W/O EXPERIENCE, FRESH GRADS CAN APPLY, MALE, AT LEAST 5 '5, ARTICULATE IN ENGLISH;

FRONT DESK CLERK: GRAD 4 YEAR COURSE, ARTICULATE IN ENGLISH, FEMALE, PLEASING & PLEASANT, AT LEAST 1 YEAR EXPERIENCE IN HOTEL, RESTAURANT OR RELATED INDUSTRY;

DRIVERS: COLLEGE LEVEL, PLEASANT & PLEASING, DECENT - LOOKING AND CLEAN & NET, AVERAGE COMMUNICATION SKILLS, VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE, AT LEAST 1 YR. EXPERIENCE AS SERVICE/FAMILY/COMPANY DRIVER, NOT MORE THAN 30 YEARS OLD;

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER OR MASTER ELECTRICIAN: WITH AT LEAST 3 YRS.RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN MFG PLANT, WILLING TO BE ASSIGNED IN LAGUNA;

HR/ADMIN CLERK: PSYCHOLOGY GRAD, MALE OR FEMALE, WITH AT LEAST 1 YR. EXPERIENCE IN PSYCH TESTING, WILLING TO BE ASSIGNED IN LAGUNA;

HR ASSISTANT: PSYCH GRAD, EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN RECRUITMENT IN VOLUMES, STRONG INITIATIVES, TRUSTWORTHY, ARTICULATE IN ENGLISH, WRITING AN ADVANTAGE, MALE OR FEMALE; NOT BEYOND 35 YEARS OLD

PRODUCTION HEAD:FOOD TECH/DIETITICIAN, RELATED COURSES, EXPERIENCE IN FOOD INDUSTRY PREFERABLY IN FOOD PRODUCTION, WITH NIGHT SHIFTS, MALE, UNTIL 45 YEARS OLD;

QUALITY CONTROL: GRAD OF RELATED COURSES IN MICROBIOLOGY, FOOD TECH, DIETETICS, NIGHT SHIFTS, EXPERIENCE IN FOOD PRODUCTION, MALE

INVENTORY CLERKS: EXPERIENCE IN INVENTORY AND CAN CREATE INVENTORY SYSTEMS, FEMALE;

ACCOUNTING GRADS

(Vikky does not provide assure that you will be accepted for any of these jobs.)

My dream travels site

Some of you already know that I maintain a blog and information site for my online travel business, where you can find some interesting travel packages, tips and tricks for travel, and news. You can find this at http://mydreamtravels.wordpress.com.





I have added a new section on the site for the First Time Traveler.
http://mydreamtravels.wordpress.com/category/first-time-flyer/
It now has a few articles, on airport security, handling baggage requirements, visas, and the like, but I will try to add at least 1 new article every week. I would also appreciate your comments on the site, including suggestions of what you want to learn more of. Just leave your comments on the form onsite. Come travel with us.

Lake Shekhina: An island in a lake on a mountain

Location: Cavinti, Laguna Province, Philippines

Just discovered a unique and little-known retreat from families and groups– an island in a lake on a mountain.

Isla Shekhina is a pearl on Lake Lumot, nestled in Cavinti, Laguna, in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

“Your paradise for the moment is just three hours away from the city.

Think of it - your own 3,000 square meter island for the weekend in the clear waters of Lake Lumot, Cavinti, Laguna.

Go boating, fishing, wading, strolling, bird-watching, star-gazing, isle-hopping or just meditating and counting your breath slowly while viewing blessed Mt. Banahaw in the distance. If you are a certified swimmer, you will enjoy doing laps on the eastern side of the island.”

I did check the website at http://islashekhina.angelfire.com and fell in love with the place immediately. Isla Shekhina is like no other regular resort. It’s very private, and allows for great communing with nature. Amenities are sparse, but then that’s the beauty of the experience, right. One can sleep in the 4-person cabin, or sleep under the stars, in tents or in the gazebo. Electricity is available 4 hours in the night, enough to charge your cellphone, or check mail on your laptop. Torches light your way the rest of the night.

What to do on Isla Shekhina? Swim in the freshwater lake, catch fresh fish for your lunch in the open lake, run around with the2 resident pet dogs, count the stars and constellations, practice your yoga or taichi exercises, watch the grass grow, contemplate on your life achievements, “stare in amazement as the rising moon’s reflection becomes a pillar of light that breaks nto a million shards across the lake.” Of course work-a-holics will also surely have fun conducting mini-workshops on the island.

Suggest you bring you own pillows and beddings, sweater or jacket, flashlight, fishing rod, swim wear and towels, food supplies, a bible or your spirituality book.

Visit Isla Shekhina website to whet your appetite for a simple outdoors retreat, which is only a 4-hour ride from Metro Manila, via the zigzag road of Rizal Province through Pelilia and Paete, or via the SLEX through Los Banos and Pagsanjan in Laguna Province. A motorized banca provides round trip transfers from docking to house,which is just 3 min.away from the barangay.

A fascinating surprise in Baguio, Part 1

Over the weekend of Dec 13 & 14, my daughter Kim and I hopped on a Victory Liner bus to Baguio, excitedly looking forward to a very cool, even chilly, respite in this very popular mountain city. We had met up with 5 other friends, but weren't able to take the same bus together. Might as well. We had taken the 1 am trip, and all fell asleep almost as soon as the bus left the terminal. I had an unusually restful sleep, waking up only at the bus stop points in Mabalacat, Pampanga and Villasis, Pangasinan.

By 7:30 am, we were in Baguio City, and proceeded by cab to the hotel where more of our friends had already checked-in the previous night. As our room was being prepared, we all crammed ourselves in our friends' room, freshened up, exchanged notes, and arranged our common schedules. By 11 am, we had claimed our room and were ready to leave for our first stop, The Sunflower House, in Tuding at the Baguio City Limit.

Katrin de Guia picked us up, and we all took a 10-minute jeepney ride. Our American visitor was amazed at all the new sights and experiences of Baguio, but we were all in for more fascinating surprises.

The Sunflower House was tucked away on a hillside in Tuding, unimposing yet quaintly attractive. One is greeted by a wrought-iron gate with the unusual design of cats and lightning and bamboo, here shown from the inside. (Frankly, in my mesmerized state, I had forgotten to take a shot of the place from across the road.)


From thereon, I was hypnotized with every step down steps and inside dwellings of various colors, shapes and sizes. At one point, I felt like a tribes person, then later as a hobbit entering a low house with a red circular door. Tree trunks and huge branches acted as posts for spiral staircases. Giant roots were cut and reshaped together to form a sail-like divider near the entrance of one dwelling. Cave-like rooms led to creatively tiled rest rooms, passageways, more steps going up and down and leading to either another room or to the yard. Katrin's personal dwelling was an interesting one, shaped like a bird about to fly...at least that's my interpretation. Another friend described it as one with a turtle on the roof.


I'm having difficulty describing The Sunflower House, and so will just let you see some of the things I noticed.

We climbed a unique spiral staircase of 6 or 7 steps made of
the metal legs and pedal of antique Singer sewing machine tables.
Below is a close up of a step, and 'knickknacks.

More photos of The Sunflower House at
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12179&l=e2fe5&id=1069038810