Computer Down Again

Our computer is one of the most used appliances in our home (aside from the fridge, fans, tv, and DVD player). It was one of the main sources of entertainment for us --- my brother likes to download songs and play Diablo and Warcraft, my sister goes to Friendster and is currently addicted to Mahjongg Mystery, and I consider myself an average internet freak.

So it was obvious what would happen if the computer broke down. It would lead to reruns of DVDs, more news updates on TV, more soap operas, more sleeping, and more quiet days. These things happened for more than two weeks when our monitor broke down.

Now the computer is down again. I'm the one to blame... partly. I only wanted to install Adobe Photoshop on our computer and the file I downloaded ended up giving us a spyware.

> I curse the dude who uploaded the file! <

It sucked... big time. Still does, because I still can't get the spyware of the system. The antivirus can't erase it, and it seems like even Spybot can't either (guess it also got infected). Our screen is a bloody red with a bold warning to get some protection and some of our programs are lost somewhere in the system. A lot of our private files are also in danger.

There doesn't seem to be any choice now but to reformat the computer. I have been meaning to do this, but only after all downloads were done and I've made a copy of all the files. I guess my procrastination led to this unwelcomed "karma." Now there's no stopping it, and there's no chance of saving the files in the computer. It really sucks.

Practical Solutions For the Insomniac

Sleep problems seem to be prevalent in our family. Either we sleep too much or sleep too little.

I sleep too much. But my brother is an insomniac. Most nights he would stay up just playing games on the computer just to pass time as the night goes on. There are nights when he wouldn't sleep at all and go directly to school in the morning.

I decided to scrap out some tips on how to combat insomnia from the Web. I looked for practical solutions, just everyday habits that you need to have, in order to avoid becoming an insomniac.

1. Sleep and wake up at the same times.. Keeping to the schedule will help your body clock adjust itself to what you want your body to do. When this becomes a habit, your body will automatically tell you that it needs to sleep. Same goes for when you wake up.

2. Don't eat anything heavy within 4 hours before going to bed. A heavy stomach doesn't do well when you lie down. If ever you get hungry, go for light snacks or some crackers. I would also suggest hot milk, or maybe even hot choco.

3. No caffeine or alcohol before going off to bed. We know how caffeine works. It will only disrupt your sleep. Alcohol is also a no-no because it can wake you up at a wrong time, even if it makes you drowsy. Remember that sticking to a schedule is important.

4. Relax yourself. It's hard to sleep when you're troubled or stressed. Try some breathing exercises or do some stretching to get rid of some of the burden and relax your body.

5. Take a hot bath. Bathing with lukewarm water can have soothing effects on the body. You'll also feel clean and light, and wanting to go to sleep.

I guess my brother is wrong in not taking the initiative himself to make a schedule and relaxing himself to get to sleep. He just waits for his eyes to get drowsy. Maybe I should be pushing him to do what's on this list.

The Different Sounds of Pachelbel's Canon

After reminiscing on classical music and such, I still find Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D major to be one of my favorite music of all time. I don't think I'm the only one. Canon in D is Pachelbel's most popular music. For us here in the Eastern side of the globe, especially those who aren't really into classical music, I think the Canon became more popular with it being the soundtrack of hit Korean movie My Sassy Girl:



Canon in D major was made in the Baroque period, and was scored for three violins and basso continuo paired with a gigue. It usually has a slow tempo but has had faster renditions.



But the music has been adapted to other arrangements and other instruments:

Piano solo:



Violin, Cello, and Harp:



I'm not sure (I think this is an organ with guitar, but I'm no expert..):