Transferring a Blog to Another Gmail Account

I was figuring a way to transfer my current Google account to another, and so I consulted the ever reliable Google search engine. Well, I could have used Bing or Yahoo as well, but I'm very much used to Google that it was second nature to me when researching for the needed answer to my dilemma. Well, it is very useful when looking for anything, actually. By keying in: how to transfer blog to another gmail account, I found this:

http://stramaxon.blogspot.com/2012/03/transfer-blog-from-one-account-to.html

and I found it very easy to understand especially with the illustrations. I hope this will help others out there as well, when you feel that your existing blog will have to transfer to a new account. Good luck!

And to Deepak Kamat, a big thank you to you!

Personal Finance Blogs and Resources

Putting money in a mutual fund can really be exciting especially to regular employees like me. It provides a certain rush each time I looked at the NAVPS from the previous day and it creates a wonderful feeling when I compute how much profit I get from my shares. Wonder why? 

Here are investment and finance resources that has inspired me to keep the dreams burning:

Investor Juan

Bloomberg

Yahoo Finance

Google Finance

Spend some time with them and who knows they might change your life as did mine.

Of Personal Finance

I’ve just recently discovered the awesomeness of personal investing. Yes, I’ve known there are riches to be digged in the stock market, but it’s just now that I’m really appreciating it. It all first started with my desire to pay off all credit card debts and so, I twisted my arms and legs last year just to get me started. I had these feelings of panic and nausea back then every time I think of my total monthly balance and it made me cringe. And so I read all personal finance blogs, Yahoo’s Finance section and any other resource I could find to educate me on how to go about really paying off debt. It was a very unsettling feeling- when I thought I can never get up from the shithole that I was in. Luckily, I had a very POSITIVE influence that I really, really stopped swiping my way to the end of each month while I delivered my salary to the payment centre the day I received it. How did I do it?

• ·         I lumped my purchases in my Metrobank Card then called HSBC for a balance transfer. Between the two, HSBC had the better rate for Balance Transfer at that time. Then, when it was done, I cut my Metrobank Card so that I can focus on paying for the monthly due on my HSBC card.

• ·         Of course, there will always be temptations to use that card again for a new shirt or an awesome pair of shoes, but I resisted it by drawing a budget for myself. I added all my expenses in a month, then subtracted it to my total net income. After that, I set a daily allowance for myself. In order to stick to it, I also modified my lifestyle of eating out whenever it is salary day. Well, this will not be a walk in the park I thought but I tried the first month, second month and so on. Although there were times I gave in to temptations, I just regarded it as a setback and then stuck to my budget again.

• ·         After that, it was going smoothly. However, I actually had budget for spare expenses such as when I really, really need to it out or when I just can’t resist to buy new stuff. This has worked for me because if I get to spend it, then no harm done because I’m still in line with my budget. And if I didn’t get to spend it, I saved it.

• ·         Now, for saving. I allocated 1K each month to my savings envelope and I never defaulted because I already made it a habit to stick to my daily allowance. In fact, it was not that a big sacrifice actually. I found out that 1K is not a huge deal so I forget about it the moment it was dropped inside the envelope.
• ·         Finally, when January came this year, I was already looking for other ways to earn or let my little savings earn for itself. With reading various financial articles, I learned that you can actually earn more when you put some moolah into stocks or mutual funds. And so the plethora of research came and I decided to try my first ever investing experience with FAMI- the investing arm of Metrobank. Since their office is near ours, it is convenient for me to transact with them.
•          Finally now, I’m just waiting for next year to reap the rewards of my investment. With all things bright in the Philippine economy, I’m confident that I will be able to profit from my fund of choice. Although it may not be that lucrative, but still, the earnings of my standby money will be more when compared to just leaving it in a savings bank account.

More posts about investment and personal finance are to come at AT. These are exciting times!

2012's First Post: Google Adsense Issue

And so procrastination got the better of me last year. I was not minding Avid Thinker at all, content in my thoughts staying as thoughts- without putting them into paper. Shame, I did not even attempt to redeem Avid Thinker when the new year came. Again, there are plenty of excuses why, up to this time, I haven’t posted even just a welcome note for 2012. It actually took a message from Google Adsense that I finally moved my butt and thought of how to remedy the issue:

adsense-noreply@google.com	02:55 (19 hours ago)
to me

This message was sent from a notification-only email address that does not
accept incoming email. Please do not reply to this message.
------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,

During a recent review of your account we found that you are currently
displaying Google ads in a manner that is not compliant with our program
policies
(https://www.google.com/support/adsense/bin/answer.py?answer=48182&stc=aspe-1pp-en).

--------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE PAGE: http://briycee.blogspot.com/2010/03/gone-too-soon.html

Please note that this URL is an example and that the same violations may
exist on other pages of this website or other sites in your network.

VIOLATION(S) FOUND:

COMMENT SPAM: As stated in our program policies, AdSense publishers may
not display Google ads on pages with adult or mature content. While we
understand that it may be challenging to monitor user-generated content,
such as comments, on your site, we require publishers to check that the
webpages containing their ad code complies with our program policies. More
information about this policy can be found in our help center (
https://www.google.com/adsense/support/as/bin/topic.py?topic=30284 ).

REQUESTED ACTION: Please make all necessary changes in the next 72 hours.

If the violations are corrected within the aforementioned time period, ad
serving will not be affected. If changes are not made and/or other policy
violations are encountered during the review process, ad serving will be
disabled to your site.

ACCOUNT STATUS: ACTIVE

Your AdSense account remains active. However, if we continue to find
problems, we may disable your entire account. Therefore, we suggest that
you take the time to review the rest of your network to ensure that all of
your other pages are in compliance with our policies.

Issue ID# 12141459

--------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

The Google AdSense Team

 

=====================================================

 

There and then, I logged into my blogger account when alas! They are now using Tagalog in the profile page. “Is this for real?” I thought, as I frantically clicked sub-menus with Tagalog text still. Oh, I hardly believed it that they automatically translated it to Tagalog! (Wonder why? It’ll be a subject of another post – dialect variations in the Philippines). I tried to keep my calm, and found a way to go to the home account page IN ENGLISH. When I got hold of the comments that made Google Adsense Team call my attention, I deleted all of them. In fact, I tried to delete all the previous comments in my posts but due to time constraints, was not able to erase them all.

When I checked back that particular page, I noticed another malady – the layout had distortions blocking the letters and ruining the overall AT design! Oh my, another issue to address right away! So I looked for a simple, clean design and decided right there and then to implement it. And what wonders it did to Avid Thinker! Now, you can see a brand new look, and a new post that goes with it. To top it off, I’m now ashamed of my procrastination, and here comes the pact to make as much posts as I can starting RIGHT NOW!

Who am I kidding? It certainly remains to be seen.. Hmmmm

 

MSI Wind Review

I am a lazy writer, I confess. I have this usual compulsion to hurry. Hurry my bath, hurry my meal, hurry to work, hurry the call of nature in the restroom, even. Everything about me these days seem to be always in a hurry. Hence, my writing is now being affected and I tend to hurry my thoughts. Yes, in putting ideas into words, I hurry as well. So instead of making an intimate netbook review of my own, I prefer to GI (google it) and here, I found one extensive enough from Kevin O'brein of Notebook Review.

Sleek, isn't it? Now, would you like to have it? It's for sale, actually. My needs have upgraded to a desktop so I'm selling it for 15k PhP only (slightly negotiable; credit or cash). This baby is still not one year old from my care and believe me, I'm great at providing TLC to babies. Want to know other details? Do post your inquiries here. *wink*

Great Blogs Followed

As I've been away too long and just made my first ever post of the year this May, I want to somehow make up for lost times. I never thought I ever missed blogging until I clicked the "Add Post" app of blogger again. So here's what I did. I checked what fellow bloggers have been up to lately and they're quite doing great! So much so that I am following them now:

* www.whirledpieces.blogspot.com - can be shitty and weirdy sometimes, but Jonas is always great reading for me. The Whatever Works banner aptly describes the blog. Try it, may work for you too.

* www.reginawritesagain.blogspot.com - is that soft yet strong girl you'll not find in this modern world often. She has that wonderful character you'll instantly like. Take a peek now!

* www.acupofair.blogspot.com - a chronicle of how the world is through a bum's eyes. See Louie in action, humor, faith, drama.. you name it, this blog has it!

Excess: Does LTV ring a bell, guys? *winks*

Website Competition Update

Glad to be back again! I just want to do a follow-up on my last entry. Well, what happened to the website competition I burdened myself with? The end date was sometime in January, 2011. We did not make it to the first spot, unfortunately. Nor to the second and third. In fact, the host announced the placers in last-first order and so I thought we never got in when she called the first last placer. Because I thought if ever we will get a place in the contest, the last place would be the most possible recognition we could get. Who wouldn't think that CWP is worth it since we didn't do much work on it? The criteria were so many that we only get to place one link on it - this same, old blog of mine! A bit of  SEO work was also undertaken but that was it. Apparently, somebody else did worse on their homework. So when the host moved on to the next placer, lo and behold, it was Cebu Web Portal being called! However small the award can be, it is still a wow feeling when you get recognized by something you had sweat-en out on. 

Here are some of the placers (as far as my scratched head can remember):

* www.keymovieguide.com

* www.modyourtees.com

And to all the winners, kudos everyone. To the losers, congrats still!

Great News on ST Website Competition

A much-needed change of schedule has been announced in our company today: The ST website competition has been extended up to January 10, 2011 instead of December 10, 2010. That means, we are still given more time in tweaking and improving our website entries. So, I do hope we can still develop Cebu Web Portal for the win! Or at least, for the consolation prize maybe? I'm aware that all competitors are doing their best despite our busy schedules, so for everyone, we are all winners. 

Congratulations in advance! Yohhoooh!!!

Wedding Blast of Oskar Kyle and Julie Ann

The wedding I attended yesterday was a blast! I've known the couple some years back and I'm equally excited for both of them. The groom particularly, was one of my buddies during that phase of my life: late night drinking, laag-laag everywhere and chicks-staring whenever we happen to see one or several hot gurls on the street. And it's so nice to see that he is now one with his lady-lebie.

But, I'm still waiting for the pics so we have to wait for a full account of their Special Day, okay? 

Meanwhile, to honour the celebration of "Eid Al Fitr" of our Muslim brothers, enjoy your holiday guys!

ST Website Competition

WEBSITE COMPETITION! WEBSITE COMPETITION! WEBSITE COMPETITION!

The phrase keeps going through my mind as I was going home that day. The announcement that we (our company) will be having a website competition filled me with excitement. What, exactly should I make as an entry? The first that came to mind is of course, Cebu travel, since this is the topic I'm most comfortable about. But what new stuff do I offer? Considering the extent of the niche, will I be able to tackle it? The mechanics says it must be SEO-friendly and we have to be composed of a group of 4 from various departments: a designer, a coder, a writer (that's me) and in my group's case, an analyst (good old, Kesh Parker). After looking for partners, it turned out to be a 2-member group only since most of the designers have been taken by other groups. We brainstormed for a unique niche to start with, what features to include, what will be the general approach of the site and the overall navigation as well. So, we pushed for a Cebu travel site anyway and yes, it is now in its early stages. 

I christened the site CWP (its initials), and like every competition, I'm hoping as in hope that we somehow tickle the judges' fancy and get the most votes plenty enough to have a place in the contest. This is actually the reason why I can be found tinkering with the Web late at night- researching for our new baby site. And while doing the research, I'm blogging on the side! 

Isn't it awesome? I'm giving it the run now that's 2010 is coming to an end because one of my resolutions this year was to blog as much as I can. Hope I could catch up!

Gin Blossoms Live in Cebu

Another great event worthy to watch is the Gin Blossoms concert. Come November 20 and the lights will flash bright at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino at Lahug, Cebu City. 

For those dying to witness them in action, dig in for the tickets now!

Meanwhile, delight yourself with their Hey Jelousy video courtesy of You Tube:

Lyrics and chords by http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        HEY JEALOUSY - Gin Blossoms
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tabbed by: briemusic
Tuning: standard / CAPO on 2nd Fret

simple chords for beginners.


Intro/Verses:
C D Em D
C D Em D

Chorus:
G C G C
Em D C C



LYRICS
Verse:
Tell me do you think itd be all right
If I could just crash here tonight
You can see Im in no shape for driving
And anyway Ive got no place to go

And you know it might not be that bad
You were the best Id ever had
If I hadnt blown the whole thing years ago
I might not be alone

CHORUS:
Tomorrow we can drive around this town
And let the cops chase us around
The past is gone but something might be found
To take its place...hey jealousy


And you can trust me not to think
And not to sleep around
If you dont expect too much from me
You might not be let down

Cause all I really want is to be with you
Feeling like I matter too
If I hadnt blown the whole thing years ago
I might be here with you

CHORUS:
Tomorrow we can drive around this town
And let the cops chase us around
The past is gone but something might be found
To take its place...hey jealousy

She took my heart
Theres only one thing I couldnt start

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Coming Soon!

Wow, the long wait is gonna be over as the 7th Harry Potter book(Part 1) will be released on film come November. Will it be worth it? I know, this is just one of the many questions that avid fans are anticipating to justify. I have long been a fan of this J.K. Rowling masterpiece and I have favoured, Order of the Phoenix more than the others. However, when I saw the thriller of The Deathly Hallows, the same juicy, mouth-watering excitement gripped me. There and then, I know I have to be the first to watch this movie. And yes, the HP spell that has long ago been casted into my being has came back. Whew, this feeling of excitement is somewhat making me pee!

So, watch out for a bewitchin' review , folks!

Meanwhile, delight yourself with The Deathly Hallows video.

Travelling for a Breath of Fresh Air

Feeling overworked and overstressed, I am looking forward to the break from work come December. I'll be flying away to Neverland and I'll be with my Zinkerbell, hoping never to come back to an existence of never ending pressure. I want to travel where there is no need to mind the time, no need to check the watch's second hand, no need to speed up for another task. I want to laze around a sunny beach, sip lemon juice and just read a good book(humourous) by the seashore.

I want to jog in the mornings, sleep back till noon and cook a step by step recipe for dinner. whew.. Enough of my wishful thinking. Now all I have to do is focus on my responsibilities and the day will surely wear on. And the next thing I'll know, it's the Christmas month! Yey 

Davao, here I come!

Eat, Pray, Love by E. Gilbert

owww.. The wariness I felt when I first saw this book. Actually it was a mixture of surprise, gladness and worry that enveloped me; this book was a special gift from the special-est someone of my existence thus, the mixed-up elation. Of course, I'm so happy that a gift is bestowed on me. But, a "girly" book? Well, try me, I thought. I'm actually so versatile when it comes to books and this challenge would just be a piece of.. 

SURPRISE! The first ideas are interesting enough that I keep paging till I got through paragraphs. And with honest-to-goodness humour in between, what could I ask more of a book? Well, there is of course, the plot, the twists, the language, the general appeal to different specific audiences: but I'm a non-demanding reader. I only want good ole humour from a book and when it does make me laugh, I salute the author right away. So, you want to know what's laughable in Eat, Pray, Love? Dig in! 

(This is my cool way of saying, watch out for a review, folks! wink-wink) 

The Night I Passed Away

It was the night for the Vesperas of our Barrio Fiesta that I finally decided to go. I can hear the disco music loudly and I can feel that the whole barrio is buzzing with lively activities. I so long to be out there: celebrate with my friends, walk out to our plaza, play bingo and do all kinds of stuff that a free bloke is able to do. To say that I'm bored to death is an understatement. So I want to literally die to escape this cell that has taken me hostage for years now. Or, is it really years now that I haven't been able to walk outside? But I thought I saw birds flying yesterday in the corn fields...This confusion and a lot other unexplainable stuff has even strengthened my resolve to free myself. Oh, if only I could bolt out of the door and run through the wet soil in the corn fields. But how can I get past the rails guarding me? How do I make that ultimate escape? Death. Yes, by dying, I am sure to live again. 

I was tired of staring at the walls of my confinement. Day and night, I just sat and stare; still nothing changes. I stare at the wallpaint and day by day there is no change. Or perhaps it is starting to fade but I cannot tell the change at all due to the monotony of staring at it all the time.

I have long been fading away. My mother has sensed it. She checked on me last night, her face quite flushed and worry showed in her face. In fact, the visit turned out to be one of those "drama episodes". She ending up crying and I, feeling bewildered. Why would she cry over me when all I want is to see the world outside?

... to be continued...

Gone Too Soon

I've strived hard to come up with a post about my recently departed brother. But I still can't write anything about him. So let me borrow from MJ to somehow, impart how I feel about Jibb's passing:

"Gone Too Soon"

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

******************************
Goodbye my Dear Brother,
You have been missed,
You will be missed even more.
I love you, Badib.