verlaine pointed out the problem about my blogging woes:

u need ie6 to see the edit options as they require 128-bit encryption. you must be using lower version of ie if you do not see the options.

* by now, you should be saying "thank you!"*

you're welcome.

indeed, thank you very much!

actually, i've known about this prior to reading verlaine's post. i decided to upgrade to IE6 for its ability to block pop-ups, a convenience which totally captured my heart. now i can check my friendster, and other sites as well, without being bothered by those pesky ads that keep accumulating everytime i navigate through them.