DCS Blog Network

Calling all members of the UP Diliman Department of Computer Science community: students, alumni, and faculty alike! You are cordially invited to join the DCS Blog Network ( http://upparser.com/dcs/), a site that brings together all blogs from its DCS members. The purpose of the DCS Blog Network is to bring together everyone who is, has, and will be part of the Department, and what better way to do that than through the Internet?

Procedure:

1. Visit the DCS Blog Network website. (http://upparser.com/dcs/) (or http://blogs.upcompsci.net/)

2. Go the Contact page. ( http://upparser.com/dcs/contact/)

3. Fill out your details---don' t worry, we won't give them to stalkersor spammers---and include your blog URL. And make sure you answer the challenge question!

4. If you have several blogs, indicate them in the message box. (We hope they aren't too many, though!)

5. Your blog(s) will be added as soon as possible.

6. Spread the word and urge them to join too!

7. If you have any other questions, we may have already answered themin the About page. ( http://upparser.com/dcs/about/)

8. If we haven't, use the Contact form (http://upparser.com/dcs/contact/) for your specific troubles.

Announcement!!!

The UP Department of Computer Science Holds Its First Alumni Homecoming

Twenty-six years since its creation, the UP Diliman Department of Computer Science (DCS) is finally holding an alumni homecoming on the 24th of February 2007 at its new home, the College of Engineering Library and Computer Science Building. (FYI, that building is right in front of National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) and the College of Science Library and Administration building.) Registration starts at 3, while the program will begin at 4pm.

You can read the invitation letter from Prof. Evangel Quiwa that’s been passed around to the alumni in Sir Rom’s blog. Actually, there are two more versions of the invitation letter: one reiterated by the Department Chair, Dr. Cedric Festin, and another detailing of a very special surprise for the Department’s most-loved teacher—guess who! (I’ve already mentioned him here!)

If you haven’t registered yet, better do it soon! Here are the latest details on registration and payment for the event (dated January 5):

P 400.00 if reserved by the end of the year and paid by the end of January 2007;

P 500.00 if bought by the end of January 2007;

P 600.00 if bought in February.

All you have to do is to reserve and to get the discounted rates (before February) is to send an e-mail to homecoming.register@updcsaa.com

…The tickets for the homecoming will be out late next week. For those who would like to pay prior to the release of the tickets, you have two options:

(1) Direct payment to Mila Ramos at the CS Department

(2) Bank deposit to Philippine National Bank

Account Number: 275-830501-8

Account Name: Diliman Computer Science Foundation

Please email your name, number of tickets, date, amount and transaction number (first line of the machine validation) of the deposit slip to homecoming.register@updcsaa.com

Upon availability, tickets may be claimed from Mila Ramos during office hours at the CS Department. Alternatively, you can get it on the homecoming itself. In any case, you need to show the receipt for option (1) and deposit slip containing the transaction number for option (2).

For registration inquiries, please email homecoming.register@updcsaa.com

Note: Got a copy of this announcement from Ia Lucero. I hope she does not mind me copying almost all the content. :)

Surf's up

Just got back from a weekend in La Union where me and some office friends took the time off to learn about life as a surfer. Thanks to Stan and Kian, we got pretty good accommodations, an excellent surf instructor and okay waves to help us learn.

Like any beginner, I was not able to stand on the board (we got the long boards) even if I have kept on trying for 30 mins with Kian. Jan had the instructor first. When it was my turn, I was able to ride my first wave all the way to the end!!! It was so cool and I couldn't hide the smile. I was able to ride a couple more times and I also fell a lot more times too but it was so much fun!! I guess I had the instructor for 30 mins as well.

At the afternoon, Stan broad his short board (which is easier to paddle but harder to balance). We all tried it out but none ever got to stand up while riding. I think I almost did but only up to a kneeling position. Of course, Stan and Kian got to ride well. At night, we formed a new SWAT love team, :p had some Boracay mix and did some star gazing as well. I was pretty tired that day so I did not last long gazing the black abyss.

The next day we rented 2 long boards but the waves were fierce. Getting out to the sea was tough enough and riding the waves was rare and hard! I was able to ride one but did not get to stand. I stood up too late. I also got a heavy beating when I hit the sand under the sea and I thought I heard my neck crack a bit but I ended okay. I just home my brain functions well this week as I am on night shift.

All in all, it was a pretty swell weekend. I am definitely going back! I just need to earn back more money. To those who might be thinking of going out to surf, my total spending was PhP2,500 and it was all worth it!

Math

For every given problem, there always has to be an equation, set of equations or a number of fundamental laws or theories that would summarize and define a definte solution to that problem. It would take a couple of analysis here and there, and a sequence of derivations to get to where you want. In the end, you get a definte number, oftentimes with a margin for error, but nonetheless an approximate to the right answer.

Wouldn't life be so much easier if all problems can be translated to equations?