All right, this is a stretch. But not much of one, and here’s why: once upon a time, computers were dreadfully unfriendly compared to today. They were controlled by flipping series of switches and eventually by text-heavy command lines; it was only a matter of time before icons, which were an intriguing repurposing of hieroglyphs, made their debut as visual capabilities evolved.

Though maudlin to consider, it's important to think about what happens to your email and social networking accounts when you die. Will your relatives be able to gain access, or will the accounts simply fade away? That depends.

Weblog MakeUseOf looks into the subject, examining several of the most popular web services out there. Email services like Hotmail and Gmail allow next of kin to access accounts of deceased individuals as long as the family can provide proof of death. Other services, like MySpace, will simply delete the account upon request. Facebook will also delete an account if asked, but also goes the extra mile and turns the user's page into a memorial page if the family desires.

Across the globe, Filipinos are mourning the death of former President Corazon Aquino and Philippine mission offices in several countries have opened books of condolences for the Aquino family.

In the United States, deputy presidential spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said Filipino communities visited by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the weekend were saddened at the news.

“Malungkot na malungkot. (We were all very sad.) We all paused in silence for prayer, we offered a prayer for the late president," Fajardo said in an interview on dzBB radio early Sunday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday announced that books of condolences would be opened at all Philippine Embassies and Consulates.

In a statement on its Web site, the DFA said the gesture would allow foreign friends and Filipinos overseas to pay their last respects to President Aquino, who died early Saturday after battling colon cancer for more than a year.

The DFA will receive message of condolences from members of the Diplomatic Corps in Manila while the Philippine flag at the DFA grounds will be flown at half-mast during the 10-day period of national mourning, which was announced by President Arroyo on Saturday.

“With her profound love for country and her deep faith, President Aquino carried the torch of democracy for the Filipino People. Through her relentless efforts, the light of Philippine democracy continues to shine to this day and inspire other nations," the DFA statement said.

It added the officers and staff of the DFA are deeply indebted to President Aquino for being instrumental in strengthening the Philippine Foreign Service under her leadership.

“President Aquino will remain an inspiration to those whose lives she positively touched and influenced in working diligently for our country and people," it said.
 

Pinoys in the Middle East

In the Middle East, thousands of Filipino expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) grieved over the death of Mrs. Aquino. The Philippine flag flew at half-mast Saturday at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate-general in Dubai Saturday. Books of condolences at the two missions were opened 9 a.m. Sunday.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Libran Cabactulan said the death of Mrs. Aquino is a loss for all Filipinos as the nation remembers her role in the 1986 EDSA people power uprising.

“When we remember her, we always remember Ninoy Aquino (her husband). She remains an example for all Filipinos in her life. Ninoy always says that the Filipinos are worth dying for. Indeed, for the country and the Filipino people, it is sad to know she’s dead. But, we have to move on," he said.

A special Mass in Tagalog will be held for Mrs. Aquino at St Michael’s Church in Sharjah at 8 p.m. Sunday, and at St. Mary’s Church in Dubai at 8 p.m. Monday.

Many Filipinos are expected to wear yellow ribbons, the color of the Aquino administration that restored Philippine democratic institutions after the fall of the 20-year rule of Ferdinand Marcos.

Fr. Sergio Arenga, who will conduct the mass in Sharjah on Sunday, urged Filipinos to wear yellow dresses.
 

Al Ain is located in the Eastern region of Abu Dhabi Emirate just south of Dubai and east of Abu Dhabi. The Eastern region covers an area of approximately 13,100 km². Oman lies to the east, Dubai and Sharjah to the north, Abu Dhabi to the west and the Empty Quarter desert and Saudi Arabia to the south. The topography of Al Ain unique and varies as you travel to the east. Jebel Hafeet (Hafeet mountain) is considered one of the monuments of Al Ain and lie just to the southeast and rises up to 1,300 meters in elevation. Sand dunes that vary in texture and are tinged red with iron oxide lie to the north and east of Al Ain.

The Philippine Business Council in cooperation with Giordano and with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai held a fund raising campaign for the flood victims of typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines under the auspices of the Red Crescent Society (Dubai Chapter). Thousand of Filipinos gather as early as 6:00 am to join and participate in the said event. Attended by so many individuals coming from different walks of life even non-Filipinos Approximately 8,000 people took part in the walk, according to Lucille Ong, Chairperson, Philippine Business Council.

More than Dh400,000 was raised on Friday at a charity walk to raise funds for those affected by the natural disasters in the Philippines. Mr. Robert Ramos, Chairman of Filcom Dubai said that it was a great success and truly shows that Filipinos are always united specially in time of crisis. The exact amount raised will be announced early next week, when it has been counted.