YouTube to offer 1080p videos

After learning about Cignal's new high-definition satellite TV service in Davao, I just found out that YouTube is jumping into the HD scene as well.

MacNN reported that YouTube will soon have support for 1080p HD movies. In their official blog, Broadcasting Ourselves, YouTube announced that by next week, YouTube HD Mode will add support for 720p and 1080p, depending on the resolution of the original source. According to Billy Biggs, YouTube's software engineer, "As resolution of consumer cameras increases, we want to make sure YouTube is the best home on the web to showcase your content." He ads, "For viewers with big monitors and a fast computer, try switching to 1080p to get the most out of the fullscreen experience."

HDTV programming comes to Davao

Cignal brings direct-to-home, high-definition television for the first time in Davao.

High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system that displays resolutions of 1280x720 pixels also known as 720p or 1920x1080 pixels also known as 1080i or 1080p. Cignal offers channels either in 720p or 1080i resolution.

There are two Cignal subscription bundles: Cignal HD and Cignal Digital TV.

Cignal HD Bundle offers eight high-definition channels such as HBO, Star Movies, National Geographic Channel, History Channel, Disney Channel, Sony Entertainment Television, ESPN, and Star Sports. Only HBO, Star Movies, National Geographic Channel, and History Channel are broadcasting in true high-definition. The rest of the channels are digitally-enhanced. Cignal is offering this bundle's one-time fee at the promo rate of ₱6,500 instead of the regular ₱10,500. Monthly subscription fee is ₱990.

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Kangaroo Coffee Club's Kangabrew

I haven't had coffee the entire morning so I am a bit sluggish. So instead of the usual americano, I ordered Kangaroo Coffee Club's brewed coffee or Kangabrew as they call it. I am hoping to get more caffeine for the same price since drip coffee has more caffeine per serving than espresso (but it depends on who you ask).

They used Dadiangas beans to make a fresh batch of brewed coffee. The coffee had a woody taste to it that persists even after the coffee had gone cold (I know, I know. I shouldn't leave coffee to grow cold but I was out of sorts. I have an excuse). It's mild which is preferable for those who are not used to the 'strong' taste of espresso-based drinks. There is a sludge at the bottom of my cup which may indicate the beans were ground up too fine and/or the filter used had holes too big.

My first cup of joe has a taste milder than my usual but it was pretty good. No complaints here.

How to become an Internet f*ckwad

In the past two weeks, I've seen some pretty nasty and, I daresay, childish squabbles in my own neck of the internet. There are some people who go out of their way just to piss people off thus validating the Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory.

After a weekend of hell moderating in the Macworld Forums two weekends ago, Christopher Breen shares his thoughts on what you need to do to be declared persona non grata by the online community. Below is my take on his Eight Steps to Internet Unpopularity.

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Dimsum disappointment. Kakiage Don win.

Around mid-morning, I was talking to Anne while she was waiting for her next class. She casually mentioned that her friends told her Ahfat 3 was already open and that they were serving dimsum. I suddenly remembered craving for dimsum a few days ago and asked her if she's interested in trying out the dimsum there. She replied "Sure," since it was looking like the instructor wasn't going to show up anyway.

We made our plans and after a quick trip to get my long-awaited buzzcut, we hightailed to Victoria Plaza.

However, disappointment awaited us. We were informed that dimsum is only served between 7:30AM until 10:30AM and 2:30PM until 4:30PM. Nuts. (The upside is they open 7:30AM. Early morning dimsum cravings will be satisfied.)

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Cello's Doughnuts and Dips

Wednesday morning. I've been tasked to take my sister-in-law to her workplace. I was planning to head right back home right after I dropped her off but then I got an SMS from my main squeeze telling me that their instructor didn't show up for their lecture that morning. We decided to spend time with each other and I was trying to figure out where we could flop ourselves and chat.

I then realized that I was craving for something. I told her to meet me at Cello's

Since it was our first time there, we asked Tyrone, Cello's Davao's operating manager, for a recommendation. I already had my heart set on Cinnamon Crunch but I wanted to try one more doughnut. Tyrone suggested that we try the one with cheese. My dubiousness must've been pretty obvious as he offered to give us a free sample. Still a bit doubtful, I agreed to try it out.

Their regular doughnuts and special doughnuts are both priced at ₱28 which surprised me since "special" usually means costing extra. A box of six doughnuts cost ₱150. 

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Stephen Hawking steps down as Lucasian Professor

Discover Magazine reported that Stephen Hawking has stepped down as Cambridge's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. His decision to step down had nothing to do with his health. Rather, it has been a long standing tradition that individuals who hold the distinction of being the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics must retire once he or she reaches the age of 67. Stephen Hawking turned 67 last January 8 and is now Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. He is succeeded by Professor Michael Green.

The post Professorship of Mathematick was founded in 1663 by Henry Lucas, a member of Cambridge University's Member of Parliament from 1639–1640. The professorship was officially established by King Charles II in 1664. Sir Isaac Newton, the second Lucasian Professor, held the position from 1669 to 1701.