Been out for a while. My last entry was last Nov 2009! It’s more than a year and a half ago! It’s time for a reboot. There are so many things to learn, so many ideas to explore. Time for an upgrade!

First task is to update to the latest version of WordPress. As of this writing, the most recent is WordPress 3.2.1. Dashboard -> Updates -> Update automatically -> Done! WordPress’ automatic update is a snap. Next is the look and feel of the blog. Time for a new theme. After a short search, I found Nikolaj Masnikov’s Emerald Stretch, a flexible-width, three-column theme, cool to the eye and liked it. Clicked install -> Activate -> Done! And my blog turned green.

Several plugins also need some updates. Click plugins -> Select plugins to be updated -> Automatic update -> Done! Almost there. I just need a few more plugins to install. Facebook integration will be nice. Search -> Facebook-> Submit. Out of several FB-related plugins, I decided to use Otto’s Simple Facebook Connect plugin, including the Comments and Like Button components. How about site stats? There are several plugins for that too. For this, I chose Automattic’s Jetpack plugin, which also includes several other features! It enables WP.me short links and even supports LaTex. Now I can include in my post mathematical equations nobody would care to understand. Isn’t it smart.

That’s it, time to reboot!

Yahoo! Messenger (YM) 9 is now available in public beta.  For those who would try this newest version of YM, you can download it from here. The new version has a completely new look for your contact list. You can choose a detailed view with larger Avatar images for your friends or a compact view if you want to minimize space. When in detailed view, you can just hover on your contact to send instant messages, SMS, or place a call. It has also brand new skins and emoticons.

Sharing videos becomes a lot easier. With an inline media player, you can just send the URL of the video you want to share and it will play within YM.  There is no need to open a new browser to play the video. Flickr is also integrated in the photo sharing feature. You can now share photos uploaded to flickr or save photos shared by others to your flickr account. Of course, sharing photos stored in your desktop is still possible.

YM 9 also offers localized versions for more countries including our very own the Philippines, and other countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, etc. I wonder what localization is available in the Philippine version. The menu in Tagalog? The Philippine version can be downloaded from here.

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