Here was the Floodgates band's set when we were invited to play for a fundraising concert of a local church.
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Thứ Năm, 25 tháng 12, 2008
Thứ Hai, 15 tháng 12, 2008
On Washing the Dishes
The number one chore of mine in our home is washing the dishes and other utensils. And there is one particular thing about this chore… I get a feeling of particular annoyance and irritation when I have to do it. I do not want to say that I hate the work. Yeah, I am lazy. But I don’t mind working at all. But I have this annoyance when I do the chore of washing the dishes. It’s almost the same kind of irritation when my mother nags, or my sister torments me, or someone who has no right or authority raises his voice at me, or when, while I am frying, the oil “pops” – the explosive kind – and hits me a lot.
The only two emotions I don’t mind showing (of course, I have to show some emotion… I’ll suffer if I don’t, and I’m human) are amusement and annoyance. But, of course, to get the job done, I have to get rid of the annoyance of washing the dishes. And I have two things that help to get rid of it. First, I procrastinate. It adds up when I have to be told to “wash the dishes now.” Washing the dishes is my responsibility, and I will do it… but not “now.” I want to wash it on a better mood… usually at a “later time.” If I do it later, in my own timing without getting told to “do it now”, the annoyance lessens or disappears. The second, I listen to my mp4 player while doing the dishes. Yup, it helps a lot. That is why you would find me often having a headset on while on this chore.
I try to interpret this phenomenon. Maybe I feel downgraded when I wash the dishes, unconsciously, even if I believe that good work is noble. Or I associate something, someone, or an early annoying experience. Or, since I do not show much cathartic emotions, it’s one of my outputs to get rid of the build-up of emotional tensions. I am not sure. I am not a shrink. Even if I psychoanalyze myself in an amateur way, it is not very effective.
Self-psychoanalysis is impossible. I think Sigmund Freud said that (if I’m wrong, correct me. Whoever said it, he’s surely a shrink). It should be done by an outside or second party mostly (and the fact that the one doing the interpreting knows what he is doing and is not himself prejudiced) to interpret one’s behavior effectively. This thing with the washing the dishes is just one of the many things I would like these shrinks to analyze. Maybe what will they say would make sense. Or maybe not. Someone like Freud would just say some sexual interpretations or origins about it (Freud almost always, if not all the time, did. Are humans only motivated by something sexual?)
But I wonder how the shrinks would interpret it. How about your interpretation, dear readers? Is there a deep philosophical meaning in it? An emotional scar? A past trauma? Or am I just very lazy?
As long as I don’t find the answer, I am doomed to wash the dishes and continue to get annoyed.
The only two emotions I don’t mind showing (of course, I have to show some emotion… I’ll suffer if I don’t, and I’m human) are amusement and annoyance. But, of course, to get the job done, I have to get rid of the annoyance of washing the dishes. And I have two things that help to get rid of it. First, I procrastinate. It adds up when I have to be told to “wash the dishes now.” Washing the dishes is my responsibility, and I will do it… but not “now.” I want to wash it on a better mood… usually at a “later time.” If I do it later, in my own timing without getting told to “do it now”, the annoyance lessens or disappears. The second, I listen to my mp4 player while doing the dishes. Yup, it helps a lot. That is why you would find me often having a headset on while on this chore.
I try to interpret this phenomenon. Maybe I feel downgraded when I wash the dishes, unconsciously, even if I believe that good work is noble. Or I associate something, someone, or an early annoying experience. Or, since I do not show much cathartic emotions, it’s one of my outputs to get rid of the build-up of emotional tensions. I am not sure. I am not a shrink. Even if I psychoanalyze myself in an amateur way, it is not very effective.
Self-psychoanalysis is impossible. I think Sigmund Freud said that (if I’m wrong, correct me. Whoever said it, he’s surely a shrink). It should be done by an outside or second party mostly (and the fact that the one doing the interpreting knows what he is doing and is not himself prejudiced) to interpret one’s behavior effectively. This thing with the washing the dishes is just one of the many things I would like these shrinks to analyze. Maybe what will they say would make sense. Or maybe not. Someone like Freud would just say some sexual interpretations or origins about it (Freud almost always, if not all the time, did. Are humans only motivated by something sexual?)
But I wonder how the shrinks would interpret it. How about your interpretation, dear readers? Is there a deep philosophical meaning in it? An emotional scar? A past trauma? Or am I just very lazy?
As long as I don’t find the answer, I am doomed to wash the dishes and continue to get annoyed.
Thứ Năm, 11 tháng 12, 2008
Pacman's Big Win
It had never been the slugfest that I expected.
Before the fight, I disagreed with the experts that it was going to be a mismatch. Yes, the Golden Boy has the advantage of height, bulk, and reach. But they were wrong to exaggerate the advantage of GB. I agree about GB’s advantage; I do not agree of their projected mismatch. I was confident Pacman would hold his ground. And I know he had speed, power, and age as his advantages. No mismatches, I analyzed, both have equal chances; a slugfest until someone get knocks down.
But then, my projection was wrong, too. There was never a good slugfest. PM dominated the fight. GB was not the fighter I knew him to be. PM’s speed, power, and excellent footwork, because of Roach’s training, won out.
There are only two things that can explain GB’s behavior in the fight. A) His not young anymore, thus, he can’t take on PM or B) The Mafia was on him. You decide.
Of course, like all Filipinos after a PM win, I feel glad and proud. But I admit, I was disappointed because of my expectation of a slugfest, with PM being put into the hardest fight of his career (his fights with Juan Manuel Marquez was the closest to a slugfest that had gave PM a hard time). It was not so.
Of course, the most logical step from here is for the Pambansang Kamao to take on Hatton – the Hitman. Some are suggesting for PM to challenge Floyd Mayweather out of retirement, but Mayweather has no belt to offer, Hatton does. Mayweather can be next after the Hitman. Or another one with Marquez.
Disregarding the feeling of disappointment for a slugfest in the Dream Match, it was still an entertaining fight (because PM won). Congrats to Manny Pacquiao. May he continue to bring entertainment, glory, and temporary peace and happiness to the Filipino people (but I hope, we do not put our hope on Pacman everytime).
Before the fight, I disagreed with the experts that it was going to be a mismatch. Yes, the Golden Boy has the advantage of height, bulk, and reach. But they were wrong to exaggerate the advantage of GB. I agree about GB’s advantage; I do not agree of their projected mismatch. I was confident Pacman would hold his ground. And I know he had speed, power, and age as his advantages. No mismatches, I analyzed, both have equal chances; a slugfest until someone get knocks down.
But then, my projection was wrong, too. There was never a good slugfest. PM dominated the fight. GB was not the fighter I knew him to be. PM’s speed, power, and excellent footwork, because of Roach’s training, won out.
There are only two things that can explain GB’s behavior in the fight. A) His not young anymore, thus, he can’t take on PM or B) The Mafia was on him. You decide.
Of course, like all Filipinos after a PM win, I feel glad and proud. But I admit, I was disappointed because of my expectation of a slugfest, with PM being put into the hardest fight of his career (his fights with Juan Manuel Marquez was the closest to a slugfest that had gave PM a hard time). It was not so.
Of course, the most logical step from here is for the Pambansang Kamao to take on Hatton – the Hitman. Some are suggesting for PM to challenge Floyd Mayweather out of retirement, but Mayweather has no belt to offer, Hatton does. Mayweather can be next after the Hitman. Or another one with Marquez.
Disregarding the feeling of disappointment for a slugfest in the Dream Match, it was still an entertaining fight (because PM won). Congrats to Manny Pacquiao. May he continue to bring entertainment, glory, and temporary peace and happiness to the Filipino people (but I hope, we do not put our hope on Pacman everytime).
Thứ Tư, 10 tháng 12, 2008
Last Jam
This is one of the songs of the last performance, an acoustic set, of the YCFC "Chosen Ones" Band.
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First Concert
These are some vintage footages of the first concert of YCFC "Chosen Ones" Band. This was on the early days of the band, when we were starting out as musicians.
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Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 12, 2008
Living in Legazpi
I was born in Legazpi City.
The “gateway” boundary that the Lion’s Club erected is misleading – if not wrong. It should have been built about many meters more to the west, or it should have been made horizontally. Because not all of the ground that the “gateway” borders exactly divides where Legazpi City starts and Daraga ends, or vice versa, depends on how you look at it. Southward from the “gateway” is part of Daraga, thus dividing the Bicol University main campus into two, and the barangays behind that are Daraga’s. However, the north from the gateway is still Legazpi’s, including the provincial hospital (now a regional hospital) I was born in and the barangays behind it. The Lion’s Club gateway separates west and east, not north and south, because the main road that connects the “centros” of the city and the town (which is too close, only four or six kilometers away from each other) is horizontal in the perspective of a compass. Thus, if you follow the ruling of that Lion’s Club boundary, the hospital I was born in is in the Daraga side – which is wrong. I was born in Legazpi City, and resides in it, so far, for the rest of my life.
Well, there were a few months that I had lived in Daraga since my parents was renting there initially before and sometime after I was born. But that was only a brief time. I insist. But I had “gained my consciousness” or had my memories started in Brgy. Banadero. The Naridos rented a house deep into the barangay, almost near to the boondocks (Legazpi City has a stretch of boondocks in the south – and behind it is the municipality of Manito) since Banadero is one of those barangays south where the boondocks start.
I had not much interesting memories there. No real friends since I forgot all the names of all my playmates there of my toddler years. The best thing I remembered there is the river – I love the river. And I used to give out my toys to kids there (much to the regret and horror of the teen Bernel years later). I also remember my mother and I selling ice candies to those playing basketball in the local court. We sold them all. Well, half of them anyway. The other half was eaten by me. I also remember the barangay captain was a “manghihilot”, and fixed my broken bones in some times; my parents said she studied the science of it. Later in life, I discovered that not all “manghihilots” know what they are doing at all, and up to now I do not trust any of them and put them in categories of witch doctors and “albularyos” – a lot of them here in the Philippines.
I say that Banadero was not a healthy environment to grow up. It was not a slum. But Filipinos who tend to live near the boondocks seem to forget that civilizations is just a hundred meter walk away (in the case of Banadero). Banaderos had rapists, thieves, and escaped convicts. And also snakes are not rare. One story was while I was staring up the roof (the rented house had no ceiling, so the nipa roof is visible from the inside), I saw a “sawa” (the local phyton or boa… I am not sure, probably the former) curled. I pointed at it calmly for my parents to look. Suddenly, the house was crowded with neighbors. This is typical about Filipino communities – especially in the rural parts- where neighbors have the interest for gossip and show and just walk in your house when they feel like it in times there is an interesting event there – whether it’s death, snakes, and more importantly, occasions when food is serve. Well, I was suddenly pushed out of the house and pushed back the stairs (the house was located on a high ground and had stairs to enter it). Miraculously, I made a 360 degree back tumbling unexpectedly and landed on my feet. I don’t know if it was my imagination back then, but that was how I remember it. Really. When the neighbors dispersed, the “sawa” was dead. Good thing not all of them are worthless spectators who just went there to see a snake. Some had the sense of killing it. But then again, they probably just saw an opportunity to get a free “sawa” for pollutant. Yum.
I think I was four or five when we transferred to our new house in Legazpi Palm Village in Barangay Gogon. Ours was the first house in the village, and for some time the house was surrounded with empty grassy lot and lots of cows. Years later, the cows disappeared and the village is filled wall-to-wall with houses. Gogon is a healthy barangay to grow up into. And better neighbors. Also better thieves and snakes.
Brgy. Gogon was given the award of the cleanest barangay in the province (or was it the region? I forgot) years back. I had wondered that if that is the case, the other barangays must be like city dumps for Gogon to win the award. Gogon was littered most of the time. Thank God for the green dumpsters recently scattered around the city. The city became cleaner.
I always voice out my negativity that Legazpi City has poor zoning, has lack of establishments, and no factories at all. The good thing about the city not being too much a city is its lack of pollution. And I am proud of the lights of Legazpi at night – brilliant lampposts.
The “Centro” of Legazpi is not very noisy or crowded compared to other cities. And during the night, street food stalls suddenly cover the city. The streets became food haven. I like street food – christened “hepa” foods by a friend of mine – full of cholesterol, fat, smoke, sugar, oil, and MSG (yum). BBQ products, chicken surpluses, rice porridges, noodles, and many more. Very exotic.
Legazpi has two main malls (and another one coming up) along with several commercial stores, department stores, groceries, and other shops. But most of the people hang out at these two malls. Half of those that hang out at the malls just came there for the sake of the air conditioning, and are not really there to buy anything. I am part of that half of mall-goers. What I do when I go to these malls is wave at the hidden cameras around the mall (I knew what they look like and where they are located, thanks to movies like “Enemy of the State”). The security is almost worthless anyway, I saw one time a man stealing a bar of soap, tuck it inside his shorts, and walk out the door.
Legazpi has its own dangerous parts, the slums and other barangays. There are those who feel they rule their respective barangays at night – “sangganos” we call them. They beat up or bully or steal or all three those who walks along their “territories”. I had one experience with them back in high school. It was late at night and I was with friends walking to one of this dark parts. We were approached with these “sangganos” – who look a cross between snakes and thieves – and picked for a fight. No big deal. We beat them up. We were better fighters. There were more of us. And we were faster runners.
There is also this part of Legazpi where the cheap beerhouses, whorehouses, and such are located. In that area too are residential, a police outpost, a Born-again church, and one of the best hotels in the city (like I said, the city has poor zoning). The road that pass through this area is one of the two routes one can pass to go to Gogon from the “centro”. A friend of mine who lives in the area tells of a place there where you can watch, through peepholes, the GROs taking their baths. When I once passed there, I saw some GROs that are younger than me – probably only fifteen or sixteen and pretty, too. I feel a certain sadness because such girls are exposed to environment, and have to go along with perverted foreigners, DOMs, and such. What kind of society have factors that would lead such girls to such situations? Other older GROs – around late twenties to forty – are there, too, but I don’t feel a kind of sympathy at them, but then again, they probably started young and deserve sympathy, too.
Legazpi also have decent restaurants, where wearing slippers are not allowed. That does not prevent me, who often wear slippers, from entering them. One time, during the Xmas season, I saw some crooked cops asking the owners of the restaurant for some “Xmas” – money “gifts” – from the plain site of customers! Such nerve!
Legazpi has its own share of crooked cops. I saw once three cops who asked for free newspapers from a news delivery truck. The nerve, they stop the truck just to ask for free newspapers! Legazpi has a “no smoking” policy but that does not stop the cops. I saw many smoking in plain site in public places. Some cops I know ask for stack of fireworks and firecrackers from vendors during the Xmas-New Year season. I also encounter some cops who are bullies. But, in the bright side, Legazpi also has good policemen.
Legazpi is a smoke-free zone. No smoking in the public places. Heavy fines and short prison terms are applied to violators (except cops). The only public smoking zone in Legazpi, that I am aware of, is atop Lignon Hill.
I like Lignon Hill. It’s hard climbing the top, but fun when you have others to talk to while walking up. The hill has a stunning view of the city, especially at night. The hill is a favorite spot for exercise-junkies, lovers, and tipplers (beer shops and sari-sari stores are located on top along with souvenir stores). At the foot of the hill are imprisoned living things. The wildlife zoo, the provincial jail, and the city jail are just side by side by side with each other. Also around that area is a military outpost and the city airport runway.
I can name three main parks in Legazpi, aside from the zoo. All of them have good lighting. The Rizal park is the smallest but with good fountain in the middle (Rizal really made it big with all these parks named after him) and a life-size statue of our national hero (no, Rizal, not Pacquiao). Couples love to hang out in that park. Back when I was a toddler, my parents took me there often and made me believe that Rizal was my “lolo”. For some years, I thougt that Jose Rizal was an ancestor of mine, heightening up my awe and admiration of Rizal. I am a Rizal fan. I was already looking up at Rizal even when I was a toddler. Literally, since his statue is located several feet above a pedestal. The second park is Kalayaan Park – used to be Imelda Park back in Marcos’ days – and located very near where I live in. The playground there is fairy tale themed and has dwarves, gnomes, dwarf and fairy tale houses, giant toadstools, and such. And there is also a pond with a map of the Bicol Region on it – complete with a mini-Mayon Volcano. I used to pretend I was a giant when I leap on those islands. Another work of art there is a giant statue of a naked man and woman, er, “embracing” – they appear to be Adam and Eve. The park also has a volleyball net and a basketball court. But “sangganos” also hang out here during the night. There were also news of someone being killed here. Still, no report of thieves and snakes roaming the premises. The third is Penaranda Park, with the Capitol and the City Hall around it. It’s also a neat park. The park is a favorite rendezvous and sites for events – cultural shows, beer plazas, parade starting points, rallies, concerts, etc. A few walks from this park is where Albay Astrodome is located, the place where sports events, important conventions, and concerts are hosted.
Legazpi has its own of festivals. I can name four prominent fiestas that are significant enough to erect beer plazas, bazaars, fairs, and such. They are the Ibalong Festival, the Magayon Festival, the Legazpi Port Fiesta, and the Old Albay Fiesta. The best thing I like about these fiestas are the fireworks, the bands, the art shows, and the street parades or presentations.
The best thing I like about Legazpi is its great view of the Mayon Volcano. And its people, and its food, and the weather, and the culture, and its great way of saying thank you that goes: “Dios Mabalos!” (God repay you), and the beautiful Legazpenas, and many smart people, etceteta etcera. Legazpi has not much pollution. It is near the sea. It has a port. It has many good hangouts. It is not devoid of the Internet. It has the best Bicol dialect. I am a proud Legazpeno. Legazpi City is a very good place to live in. Though it has thieves and snakes.
The “gateway” boundary that the Lion’s Club erected is misleading – if not wrong. It should have been built about many meters more to the west, or it should have been made horizontally. Because not all of the ground that the “gateway” borders exactly divides where Legazpi City starts and Daraga ends, or vice versa, depends on how you look at it. Southward from the “gateway” is part of Daraga, thus dividing the Bicol University main campus into two, and the barangays behind that are Daraga’s. However, the north from the gateway is still Legazpi’s, including the provincial hospital (now a regional hospital) I was born in and the barangays behind it. The Lion’s Club gateway separates west and east, not north and south, because the main road that connects the “centros” of the city and the town (which is too close, only four or six kilometers away from each other) is horizontal in the perspective of a compass. Thus, if you follow the ruling of that Lion’s Club boundary, the hospital I was born in is in the Daraga side – which is wrong. I was born in Legazpi City, and resides in it, so far, for the rest of my life.
Well, there were a few months that I had lived in Daraga since my parents was renting there initially before and sometime after I was born. But that was only a brief time. I insist. But I had “gained my consciousness” or had my memories started in Brgy. Banadero. The Naridos rented a house deep into the barangay, almost near to the boondocks (Legazpi City has a stretch of boondocks in the south – and behind it is the municipality of Manito) since Banadero is one of those barangays south where the boondocks start.
I had not much interesting memories there. No real friends since I forgot all the names of all my playmates there of my toddler years. The best thing I remembered there is the river – I love the river. And I used to give out my toys to kids there (much to the regret and horror of the teen Bernel years later). I also remember my mother and I selling ice candies to those playing basketball in the local court. We sold them all. Well, half of them anyway. The other half was eaten by me. I also remember the barangay captain was a “manghihilot”, and fixed my broken bones in some times; my parents said she studied the science of it. Later in life, I discovered that not all “manghihilots” know what they are doing at all, and up to now I do not trust any of them and put them in categories of witch doctors and “albularyos” – a lot of them here in the Philippines.
I say that Banadero was not a healthy environment to grow up. It was not a slum. But Filipinos who tend to live near the boondocks seem to forget that civilizations is just a hundred meter walk away (in the case of Banadero). Banaderos had rapists, thieves, and escaped convicts. And also snakes are not rare. One story was while I was staring up the roof (the rented house had no ceiling, so the nipa roof is visible from the inside), I saw a “sawa” (the local phyton or boa… I am not sure, probably the former) curled. I pointed at it calmly for my parents to look. Suddenly, the house was crowded with neighbors. This is typical about Filipino communities – especially in the rural parts- where neighbors have the interest for gossip and show and just walk in your house when they feel like it in times there is an interesting event there – whether it’s death, snakes, and more importantly, occasions when food is serve. Well, I was suddenly pushed out of the house and pushed back the stairs (the house was located on a high ground and had stairs to enter it). Miraculously, I made a 360 degree back tumbling unexpectedly and landed on my feet. I don’t know if it was my imagination back then, but that was how I remember it. Really. When the neighbors dispersed, the “sawa” was dead. Good thing not all of them are worthless spectators who just went there to see a snake. Some had the sense of killing it. But then again, they probably just saw an opportunity to get a free “sawa” for pollutant. Yum.
I think I was four or five when we transferred to our new house in Legazpi Palm Village in Barangay Gogon. Ours was the first house in the village, and for some time the house was surrounded with empty grassy lot and lots of cows. Years later, the cows disappeared and the village is filled wall-to-wall with houses. Gogon is a healthy barangay to grow up into. And better neighbors. Also better thieves and snakes.
Brgy. Gogon was given the award of the cleanest barangay in the province (or was it the region? I forgot) years back. I had wondered that if that is the case, the other barangays must be like city dumps for Gogon to win the award. Gogon was littered most of the time. Thank God for the green dumpsters recently scattered around the city. The city became cleaner.
I always voice out my negativity that Legazpi City has poor zoning, has lack of establishments, and no factories at all. The good thing about the city not being too much a city is its lack of pollution. And I am proud of the lights of Legazpi at night – brilliant lampposts.
The “Centro” of Legazpi is not very noisy or crowded compared to other cities. And during the night, street food stalls suddenly cover the city. The streets became food haven. I like street food – christened “hepa” foods by a friend of mine – full of cholesterol, fat, smoke, sugar, oil, and MSG (yum). BBQ products, chicken surpluses, rice porridges, noodles, and many more. Very exotic.
Legazpi has two main malls (and another one coming up) along with several commercial stores, department stores, groceries, and other shops. But most of the people hang out at these two malls. Half of those that hang out at the malls just came there for the sake of the air conditioning, and are not really there to buy anything. I am part of that half of mall-goers. What I do when I go to these malls is wave at the hidden cameras around the mall (I knew what they look like and where they are located, thanks to movies like “Enemy of the State”). The security is almost worthless anyway, I saw one time a man stealing a bar of soap, tuck it inside his shorts, and walk out the door.
Legazpi has its own dangerous parts, the slums and other barangays. There are those who feel they rule their respective barangays at night – “sangganos” we call them. They beat up or bully or steal or all three those who walks along their “territories”. I had one experience with them back in high school. It was late at night and I was with friends walking to one of this dark parts. We were approached with these “sangganos” – who look a cross between snakes and thieves – and picked for a fight. No big deal. We beat them up. We were better fighters. There were more of us. And we were faster runners.
There is also this part of Legazpi where the cheap beerhouses, whorehouses, and such are located. In that area too are residential, a police outpost, a Born-again church, and one of the best hotels in the city (like I said, the city has poor zoning). The road that pass through this area is one of the two routes one can pass to go to Gogon from the “centro”. A friend of mine who lives in the area tells of a place there where you can watch, through peepholes, the GROs taking their baths. When I once passed there, I saw some GROs that are younger than me – probably only fifteen or sixteen and pretty, too. I feel a certain sadness because such girls are exposed to environment, and have to go along with perverted foreigners, DOMs, and such. What kind of society have factors that would lead such girls to such situations? Other older GROs – around late twenties to forty – are there, too, but I don’t feel a kind of sympathy at them, but then again, they probably started young and deserve sympathy, too.
Legazpi also have decent restaurants, where wearing slippers are not allowed. That does not prevent me, who often wear slippers, from entering them. One time, during the Xmas season, I saw some crooked cops asking the owners of the restaurant for some “Xmas” – money “gifts” – from the plain site of customers! Such nerve!
Legazpi has its own share of crooked cops. I saw once three cops who asked for free newspapers from a news delivery truck. The nerve, they stop the truck just to ask for free newspapers! Legazpi has a “no smoking” policy but that does not stop the cops. I saw many smoking in plain site in public places. Some cops I know ask for stack of fireworks and firecrackers from vendors during the Xmas-New Year season. I also encounter some cops who are bullies. But, in the bright side, Legazpi also has good policemen.
Legazpi is a smoke-free zone. No smoking in the public places. Heavy fines and short prison terms are applied to violators (except cops). The only public smoking zone in Legazpi, that I am aware of, is atop Lignon Hill.
I like Lignon Hill. It’s hard climbing the top, but fun when you have others to talk to while walking up. The hill has a stunning view of the city, especially at night. The hill is a favorite spot for exercise-junkies, lovers, and tipplers (beer shops and sari-sari stores are located on top along with souvenir stores). At the foot of the hill are imprisoned living things. The wildlife zoo, the provincial jail, and the city jail are just side by side by side with each other. Also around that area is a military outpost and the city airport runway.
I can name three main parks in Legazpi, aside from the zoo. All of them have good lighting. The Rizal park is the smallest but with good fountain in the middle (Rizal really made it big with all these parks named after him) and a life-size statue of our national hero (no, Rizal, not Pacquiao). Couples love to hang out in that park. Back when I was a toddler, my parents took me there often and made me believe that Rizal was my “lolo”. For some years, I thougt that Jose Rizal was an ancestor of mine, heightening up my awe and admiration of Rizal. I am a Rizal fan. I was already looking up at Rizal even when I was a toddler. Literally, since his statue is located several feet above a pedestal. The second park is Kalayaan Park – used to be Imelda Park back in Marcos’ days – and located very near where I live in. The playground there is fairy tale themed and has dwarves, gnomes, dwarf and fairy tale houses, giant toadstools, and such. And there is also a pond with a map of the Bicol Region on it – complete with a mini-Mayon Volcano. I used to pretend I was a giant when I leap on those islands. Another work of art there is a giant statue of a naked man and woman, er, “embracing” – they appear to be Adam and Eve. The park also has a volleyball net and a basketball court. But “sangganos” also hang out here during the night. There were also news of someone being killed here. Still, no report of thieves and snakes roaming the premises. The third is Penaranda Park, with the Capitol and the City Hall around it. It’s also a neat park. The park is a favorite rendezvous and sites for events – cultural shows, beer plazas, parade starting points, rallies, concerts, etc. A few walks from this park is where Albay Astrodome is located, the place where sports events, important conventions, and concerts are hosted.
Legazpi has its own of festivals. I can name four prominent fiestas that are significant enough to erect beer plazas, bazaars, fairs, and such. They are the Ibalong Festival, the Magayon Festival, the Legazpi Port Fiesta, and the Old Albay Fiesta. The best thing I like about these fiestas are the fireworks, the bands, the art shows, and the street parades or presentations.
The best thing I like about Legazpi is its great view of the Mayon Volcano. And its people, and its food, and the weather, and the culture, and its great way of saying thank you that goes: “Dios Mabalos!” (God repay you), and the beautiful Legazpenas, and many smart people, etceteta etcera. Legazpi has not much pollution. It is near the sea. It has a port. It has many good hangouts. It is not devoid of the Internet. It has the best Bicol dialect. I am a proud Legazpeno. Legazpi City is a very good place to live in. Though it has thieves and snakes.
Thứ Hai, 24 tháng 11, 2008
And so, Obama won
Barack Obama won. The most dramatic win in US Presidential Elections history. Most of the world rooted for him. And America did, too, as proven by the election.
I myself wanted Obama to win over McCain, though I consider myself a “Republican” because I had liked more Republican presidents than Democrat ones in US history. I don’t pretend that I support Obama because of his platform of government, no, I do not know much of his policies. I am a Filipino after all, and what appeals to us is not a candidate’s policies, but his drawing power, or “star value”. Consider this, Obama is a black – an “underdog” in white-dominated US, and boy, we Filipinos, including me, love the underdogs (though Obama was the more popular in the ratings than McCain anyway prior to the election). Although Filipinos also love the dramatic, which McCain have, being a former prisoner-of-war, it was not much reason for me to support him. Besides, it was more dramatic for me to see the election of the first black US President. No contest, Obama had more “star value” material; he can deliver speeches very well that made my skin crawl. And that is why I rooted for Obama to win; Obama winning would be more entertaining and dramatic to satisfy my Filipino political taste.
There was no way McCain could have won. There was no way a Republican could have won. Bush’s administration was very unpopular among the Americans that it made the environment toxic to any Republican campaign. That’s the first reason why Obama won. If Hilary Clinton beat Obama in the Democrat primaries, she, instead of Obama, would have beaten McCain. The USA is tired of Republicans, and the Americans turn to the Democrats for the answer (bad move? Probably.).
Second factor was Obama’s incredible campaigning. His campaign out-spent McCain’s. He had campaigned extensively through media. He had hordes of volunteers campaigning for him door-to-door. And just look at his celebrity supporters – that factor alone could have assured his success. “Star value” indeed.
Third, of course was the “underdog” sympathy. 98% of all blacks voted for him. Many voted for him for the reason alone of being a black. And thus, being a minority, all other minorities in the US – the Hispanics, the Asians, etc. – voted for him, too.
So now ends the easy part of putting Barack Obama in history. Now comes the hard part on how he would be remembered in the textbooks. Would he be along the few Democrat Presidents – John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman – that I had liked in US history? He will initially face two major problems – along with other domestic and foreign matters – when he steps into office on January.
First is the economic crisis that the US faces today. He could be remembered – along with his being the first US black president – as the leader who led his country to bounce back from the economic turmoil, or the one who screwed up and led the economy to complete ruin.
Second, US’ role in the war against terror. No matter what bad things they say about Bush, I still think of him as a strong leader. He had kept the US safe and gave back the feeling of security among them after the 9/11 attack. The US is the “cops” of this world – the country who can send military and political pressures in many hotspots in the world and all at the same time. Bush had exercised the responsibility of being a “cop” very well. Love him or hate him, that was one good thing about him – he was strong. (The American should at least be thankful that though Bush has his faults in their eyes, at least he is not like the current President of RP.) Obama also have to be a strong leader like Bush – someone that would make those terrorists think twice in planning to mess up with the US and the world. God blessed America in military power, and though it doesn’t mean he should lead the country to every war, it also does not mean he should always remain quiet when the US can do something about a crisis.
Sincerely, I wish Mr. Obama good luck and may God be with him. Our own presidential election is near as well – less than two years away. And I also pray God will give the RP a good leader like He did to America throughout their history – even if we Filipinos pick our candidates because of his or her “star value”.
I myself wanted Obama to win over McCain, though I consider myself a “Republican” because I had liked more Republican presidents than Democrat ones in US history. I don’t pretend that I support Obama because of his platform of government, no, I do not know much of his policies. I am a Filipino after all, and what appeals to us is not a candidate’s policies, but his drawing power, or “star value”. Consider this, Obama is a black – an “underdog” in white-dominated US, and boy, we Filipinos, including me, love the underdogs (though Obama was the more popular in the ratings than McCain anyway prior to the election). Although Filipinos also love the dramatic, which McCain have, being a former prisoner-of-war, it was not much reason for me to support him. Besides, it was more dramatic for me to see the election of the first black US President. No contest, Obama had more “star value” material; he can deliver speeches very well that made my skin crawl. And that is why I rooted for Obama to win; Obama winning would be more entertaining and dramatic to satisfy my Filipino political taste.
There was no way McCain could have won. There was no way a Republican could have won. Bush’s administration was very unpopular among the Americans that it made the environment toxic to any Republican campaign. That’s the first reason why Obama won. If Hilary Clinton beat Obama in the Democrat primaries, she, instead of Obama, would have beaten McCain. The USA is tired of Republicans, and the Americans turn to the Democrats for the answer (bad move? Probably.).
Second factor was Obama’s incredible campaigning. His campaign out-spent McCain’s. He had campaigned extensively through media. He had hordes of volunteers campaigning for him door-to-door. And just look at his celebrity supporters – that factor alone could have assured his success. “Star value” indeed.
Third, of course was the “underdog” sympathy. 98% of all blacks voted for him. Many voted for him for the reason alone of being a black. And thus, being a minority, all other minorities in the US – the Hispanics, the Asians, etc. – voted for him, too.
So now ends the easy part of putting Barack Obama in history. Now comes the hard part on how he would be remembered in the textbooks. Would he be along the few Democrat Presidents – John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman – that I had liked in US history? He will initially face two major problems – along with other domestic and foreign matters – when he steps into office on January.
First is the economic crisis that the US faces today. He could be remembered – along with his being the first US black president – as the leader who led his country to bounce back from the economic turmoil, or the one who screwed up and led the economy to complete ruin.
Second, US’ role in the war against terror. No matter what bad things they say about Bush, I still think of him as a strong leader. He had kept the US safe and gave back the feeling of security among them after the 9/11 attack. The US is the “cops” of this world – the country who can send military and political pressures in many hotspots in the world and all at the same time. Bush had exercised the responsibility of being a “cop” very well. Love him or hate him, that was one good thing about him – he was strong. (The American should at least be thankful that though Bush has his faults in their eyes, at least he is not like the current President of RP.) Obama also have to be a strong leader like Bush – someone that would make those terrorists think twice in planning to mess up with the US and the world. God blessed America in military power, and though it doesn’t mean he should lead the country to every war, it also does not mean he should always remain quiet when the US can do something about a crisis.
Sincerely, I wish Mr. Obama good luck and may God be with him. Our own presidential election is near as well – less than two years away. And I also pray God will give the RP a good leader like He did to America throughout their history – even if we Filipinos pick our candidates because of his or her “star value”.
Chủ Nhật, 19 tháng 10, 2008
Getting 100 Out of 100 In Both My Two Major Exams (Thoughts on Analysis, Prediction, and Evaluation)
The past semester, I got a hundred out of a hundred in the final exams of both my two major subjects. This was my first. Sure, I had another perfect last year, but that was a twenty-five item short quiz-turned-final exam. And that was a minor, and this time I aced my two majors’ final exams! It feels good.
But the reason of perfecting both exams was not that I know all the answers of the questions in it. I do not know all the answers. It is because through analysis of the test, the behavior of my teacher’s style of tests in the past, and using logic, I found the probable pattern, took a gamble by putting my faith on that discovered pattern though unsure if my deductions are correct, and it all paid off.
Now, applying analysis and logic are not only valuable on tests, but on real life situations also, where we need the situation interpreted or predicted. And I grew fond of mental exercises to interpret or predict behavior and events.
I am no genius. But I have a few amateur thoughts on rules in analysis, evaluation, and prediction.
One basic tool is the scientific method. Whoever invented it is a genius. The scientific method makes sense and applicable and practical on problems because it is based on organized steps.
Another is logic. It is a very valuable tool. Logical application is always a good starting point, and, I believe, among the most important tools. But I have to warn the being logical does not always mean being practical or correct. Logic is dependent only to connectable data, and the data obtained might be incomplete or irrelevant after all. One can derive a train of logic from given data, but it does not mean that the conclusion of it is correct. It means that the data available is correct independently, but when it is brought together, its conclusion is not. Logic’s inaccuracy can be lessened when more relevant data is obtained.
Knowledge, or what you know or the data you have, is the most basic thing. So it is very important to know as much as you can, no matter how trivial (who knows, you might need that certain knowledge in the future). From knowledge, one start analysis, prediction, and evaluation.
The gathering of data is the first point of all of it because it is from those data that one would use for analysis. It is important to gather the relevant data only, if possible. But most of the time, the relevant data is not always available and these relevant data is mixed with other data. I admit that, most of the time, gathering the relevant data needed is very difficult. Another that should be avoided as much as possible is taking “chewed up” data. What I mean by “chewed up” data are data gathered, processed, compiled, or analyzed by others. It is much better if you get the raw data on your own. However, it cannot be avoided, and at least one should be able to minimize the risk of error by making sure that the “chewed up” data is reliable, not biased, and “chewed” by competent and trustworthy people. (“Chewed up” data is especially very dangerous in theology and interpretation of the Bible.)
“When you eliminate the impossible factors, whatever remains, though improbable, must be the truth.” I learned that from Sherlock Holmes. It is my must favorite dictum. Of course, it is not always correct, but it is often so. Elimination of factors, using this Sherlock Holmes law, would almost always lead to the right conclusion.
And when inferences and theories are made, one should draw them, from the data available and not start with an inference or theory then use the data available to support it – which is biased. Drawing inference or theory based on the data, allowing the data to tell the story, is the most practical way and would allow less error.
I observed that “working back” is the most favorite method of many. Interpolation, substitution, and trial and error are usually the ways we use. But the most effective way of “working back” is to reason logically backwards, and then check if the reasoning is correct by starting again at the starting point to the ending and match if the “work back” and the logical chronology makes sense.
Now, prediction or “working forward” is a favorite of mine. But it is more difficult. It is made easier when more relevant data is available. An accurate prediction, having only minor errors or none at all, is dependent to the relevance and importance of the data available. Prediction’s accuracy is also dependent on the time period; predicting an event or conclusion that will happen on a sooner time has more chances of being correct than prediction of a later event. However, if too much data is needed in order to make a prediction, it starts to be complicated and lessens the chance of an accurate prediction.
The more complex a system is, the more chances something will go wrong and more for a behavior to be random, thus interpretations and predictions have bigger chance also of getting wrong. Example is the weather, mass behavior, the human mind, society, economics, theology, and many others. However, I believe that when this complex system is expanded or made bigger, one may start to see relevant patterns from all the randomness and erratic behavior of the complex system. Example, the weather. Now whether is so difficult to predict or interpret accurately, that when you put a specific amount of conditions and variables in experiment A, and then put the same amount of conditions and variables, both would give different results. Why? Because the system is so complex. But when you expand the experiment, it might be found that there are tiny details or factors between the two experiments that makes the differences. (Chaos theory explains this. These tiny details are the ones that made the whole complex system erratic, complicated, and unpredictable in general. And chaos theory aims to be able to interpret these complex systems. I don’t know much of chaos theory though – but I am interested in it and hope to learn more.) Widening the scope of study of complex systems would lead to concentrating into the details.
Another thing is to discard all distractions when making analysis, prediction, and evaluation. What I mean by distractions are prejudices, biases, and the most lethal of distractions, emotions. Emotion can cloud and distort the mind’s objectivity. One should be detached, unemotional, and rational when on analytical thought.
Intuition is one of the most important tools. Intuition is not instinct, ESP, or such. It is probably a God-given unconscious initiative and logical thought. Contrary to what they say, instincts should not be trusted, but intuition.
Common sense is the most important tool. Though it is claimed all humans have it, I think that the application of its full potential is a rare gift that only a minority have. No matter how smart you are, sometimes, it does not mean you have excellent common sense. Common sense is the most effective projection or identity of practicality.
Evaluation is at the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Intelligence. This is like analysis and prediction put together but higher than it. Evaluation is where you will start to make conclusions, pass judgment, and decide what to do next. Evaluation is hard to do. After analysis gave you the interpretation or “look” of the situation, the question “What about it, then?” comes. One could use the collected dictums and thoughts I mentioned earlier on making an evaluation, but one is really in his own on making the higher conclusion and reacting to it. Responsibility and rationality is teamed up on evaluation.
So, these are my thoughts on analysis, prediction, and evaluation. Now, this is only on my part, and frankly, I am not sure if I am correct. But you can verify it on your own analyses and experience.
Our mind is a wonderful gift from God, and it is very stimulating when we put it to use. But before I end this essay, I have one more final dictum I want to share. That is, as much as possible never guess, assume, pass judgment, and make conclusions when there is insufficient data available. Believe me, it is to your advantage to keep your mouth shut when you don’t really know anything about the situation.
But the reason of perfecting both exams was not that I know all the answers of the questions in it. I do not know all the answers. It is because through analysis of the test, the behavior of my teacher’s style of tests in the past, and using logic, I found the probable pattern, took a gamble by putting my faith on that discovered pattern though unsure if my deductions are correct, and it all paid off.
Now, applying analysis and logic are not only valuable on tests, but on real life situations also, where we need the situation interpreted or predicted. And I grew fond of mental exercises to interpret or predict behavior and events.
I am no genius. But I have a few amateur thoughts on rules in analysis, evaluation, and prediction.
One basic tool is the scientific method. Whoever invented it is a genius. The scientific method makes sense and applicable and practical on problems because it is based on organized steps.
Another is logic. It is a very valuable tool. Logical application is always a good starting point, and, I believe, among the most important tools. But I have to warn the being logical does not always mean being practical or correct. Logic is dependent only to connectable data, and the data obtained might be incomplete or irrelevant after all. One can derive a train of logic from given data, but it does not mean that the conclusion of it is correct. It means that the data available is correct independently, but when it is brought together, its conclusion is not. Logic’s inaccuracy can be lessened when more relevant data is obtained.
Knowledge, or what you know or the data you have, is the most basic thing. So it is very important to know as much as you can, no matter how trivial (who knows, you might need that certain knowledge in the future). From knowledge, one start analysis, prediction, and evaluation.
The gathering of data is the first point of all of it because it is from those data that one would use for analysis. It is important to gather the relevant data only, if possible. But most of the time, the relevant data is not always available and these relevant data is mixed with other data. I admit that, most of the time, gathering the relevant data needed is very difficult. Another that should be avoided as much as possible is taking “chewed up” data. What I mean by “chewed up” data are data gathered, processed, compiled, or analyzed by others. It is much better if you get the raw data on your own. However, it cannot be avoided, and at least one should be able to minimize the risk of error by making sure that the “chewed up” data is reliable, not biased, and “chewed” by competent and trustworthy people. (“Chewed up” data is especially very dangerous in theology and interpretation of the Bible.)
“When you eliminate the impossible factors, whatever remains, though improbable, must be the truth.” I learned that from Sherlock Holmes. It is my must favorite dictum. Of course, it is not always correct, but it is often so. Elimination of factors, using this Sherlock Holmes law, would almost always lead to the right conclusion.
And when inferences and theories are made, one should draw them, from the data available and not start with an inference or theory then use the data available to support it – which is biased. Drawing inference or theory based on the data, allowing the data to tell the story, is the most practical way and would allow less error.
I observed that “working back” is the most favorite method of many. Interpolation, substitution, and trial and error are usually the ways we use. But the most effective way of “working back” is to reason logically backwards, and then check if the reasoning is correct by starting again at the starting point to the ending and match if the “work back” and the logical chronology makes sense.
Now, prediction or “working forward” is a favorite of mine. But it is more difficult. It is made easier when more relevant data is available. An accurate prediction, having only minor errors or none at all, is dependent to the relevance and importance of the data available. Prediction’s accuracy is also dependent on the time period; predicting an event or conclusion that will happen on a sooner time has more chances of being correct than prediction of a later event. However, if too much data is needed in order to make a prediction, it starts to be complicated and lessens the chance of an accurate prediction.
The more complex a system is, the more chances something will go wrong and more for a behavior to be random, thus interpretations and predictions have bigger chance also of getting wrong. Example is the weather, mass behavior, the human mind, society, economics, theology, and many others. However, I believe that when this complex system is expanded or made bigger, one may start to see relevant patterns from all the randomness and erratic behavior of the complex system. Example, the weather. Now whether is so difficult to predict or interpret accurately, that when you put a specific amount of conditions and variables in experiment A, and then put the same amount of conditions and variables, both would give different results. Why? Because the system is so complex. But when you expand the experiment, it might be found that there are tiny details or factors between the two experiments that makes the differences. (Chaos theory explains this. These tiny details are the ones that made the whole complex system erratic, complicated, and unpredictable in general. And chaos theory aims to be able to interpret these complex systems. I don’t know much of chaos theory though – but I am interested in it and hope to learn more.) Widening the scope of study of complex systems would lead to concentrating into the details.
Another thing is to discard all distractions when making analysis, prediction, and evaluation. What I mean by distractions are prejudices, biases, and the most lethal of distractions, emotions. Emotion can cloud and distort the mind’s objectivity. One should be detached, unemotional, and rational when on analytical thought.
Intuition is one of the most important tools. Intuition is not instinct, ESP, or such. It is probably a God-given unconscious initiative and logical thought. Contrary to what they say, instincts should not be trusted, but intuition.
Common sense is the most important tool. Though it is claimed all humans have it, I think that the application of its full potential is a rare gift that only a minority have. No matter how smart you are, sometimes, it does not mean you have excellent common sense. Common sense is the most effective projection or identity of practicality.
Evaluation is at the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Intelligence. This is like analysis and prediction put together but higher than it. Evaluation is where you will start to make conclusions, pass judgment, and decide what to do next. Evaluation is hard to do. After analysis gave you the interpretation or “look” of the situation, the question “What about it, then?” comes. One could use the collected dictums and thoughts I mentioned earlier on making an evaluation, but one is really in his own on making the higher conclusion and reacting to it. Responsibility and rationality is teamed up on evaluation.
So, these are my thoughts on analysis, prediction, and evaluation. Now, this is only on my part, and frankly, I am not sure if I am correct. But you can verify it on your own analyses and experience.
Our mind is a wonderful gift from God, and it is very stimulating when we put it to use. But before I end this essay, I have one more final dictum I want to share. That is, as much as possible never guess, assume, pass judgment, and make conclusions when there is insufficient data available. Believe me, it is to your advantage to keep your mouth shut when you don’t really know anything about the situation.
Thứ Tư, 10 tháng 9, 2008
Missing Those Days...
Looking back...
I miss the days when I dominated every PC game available.
I miss the days when Funny Komiks and Culture Crash Comics were still in circulation.
I miss the days when I could lie in the sofa and watch cable all day.
I miss the days when The Rock was still on WWE performing.
I miss the days when the LA Lakers were NBA Champions.
I miss the days when I played in my first band with the Dawals.
I miss the days when Bamboo Manalac and Rico Blanco were both in Rivermaya.
I miss the days when I have the best cat in the world, Blackie.
I miss the days when I can be high on phenethylamine.
I miss the days when my father bought me comicbooks and books as "pasalubong".
I miss the days when my little sister was a cute toddler.
I miss the days when I cut classes in high school.
I miss the days when I always win.
"Nothing in this world lasts forever..."
That's a reality I always accept.
But still...
I can't help missing those days.
I miss the days when I dominated every PC game available.
I miss the days when Funny Komiks and Culture Crash Comics were still in circulation.
I miss the days when I could lie in the sofa and watch cable all day.
I miss the days when The Rock was still on WWE performing.
I miss the days when the LA Lakers were NBA Champions.
I miss the days when I played in my first band with the Dawals.
I miss the days when Bamboo Manalac and Rico Blanco were both in Rivermaya.
I miss the days when I have the best cat in the world, Blackie.
I miss the days when I can be high on phenethylamine.
I miss the days when my father bought me comicbooks and books as "pasalubong".
I miss the days when my little sister was a cute toddler.
I miss the days when I cut classes in high school.
I miss the days when I always win.
"Nothing in this world lasts forever..."
That's a reality I always accept.
But still...
I can't help missing those days.
Thứ Sáu, 8 tháng 8, 2008
Time Travel
Time travel had been an interesting topic and possibility. Sci-fi had been the number one interpreter on its potential. H.G. Well’s “The Time Machine”, Dean Koontz’s “Lightning”, countless novels, been used in TV shows, and several movies like “Déjà vu” and the classic “Back to the Future” trilogy. All imaginative conceptions. Some have scientific reality in them and intelligent facts. But nonetheless, the stories are fiction. So far, time travel is not yet possible (unless the number one conspiracy country in the world, USA, have a secret project on it).
Einstein said that it was possible to travel to the future, but not to the past. I am no Physics genius, and I don’t know the full details. Nonetheless, the greatest genius of the 20th century only has theories, not concrete technology. Unless the Einstein we’re talking about is that one in Red Alert and Yuri’s Revenge – again fiction.
Time travel fascinates me. But the technology and scientific principles that are needed are not yet available. Time travel still don’t exist.
Another thing that seems to make time travel impossible is the paradoxes in time travel. Paradoxes of time travel had been amazingly, impressively, and creatively used in fiction. In reality, will it work the same in fiction? I find it hard to see.
Can traveling to the past or to the future change the reality a time traveler knows? Will it change his present? Best example of a time travel paradox at work: You travel into the past and killed your parents before they meet or before you were conceived and born. Will you cease to exist then? Then again, how were you able to travel into the past in the first place when you were never even born in the first place?
Time travel paradox is a headache. An argument that seems to make time travel impossible. Paradoxes only work well in fiction.
Do human beings have the power to change reality? Another point. Is human free will really that powerful that it can overrule fate? It is just too incomprehensible… impossible almost.
If you change the past by time traveling thus changing the reality of the present, what would happen to the original present you know of? Will it just disappear? Or will it remain existing in a parallel universe? If the latter is true, then changing the reality of the present by time travel can also create parallel universes at the same time?
Fascinating are time travel, alternate universes, and the topics from them.
Do human beings have those powers – time travel, changing reality, creating universes? I don’t know. All I know is no one can change God’s will. (If it is God’s will that humans can have those powers, then so be it)
But it seems to me that changing reality by time travel is struggling with fate. It is much better to submit to God’s will. And life is already filled with paradoxes; do we need more that will be produced by time travel?
The popular line in the movie “Kung Fu Panda” goes roughly (not verbatim), “The past is history. The future is mystery. But today is a gift. That’s why it is called present.” Live life as a day-to-day basis. Don’t be anxious about the past and future. Be still. Live life one day at a time. Submit to God’s will, because His manuscript and blueprint of life is beautiful, good, fun, and exciting. With or without time travel.
Einstein said that it was possible to travel to the future, but not to the past. I am no Physics genius, and I don’t know the full details. Nonetheless, the greatest genius of the 20th century only has theories, not concrete technology. Unless the Einstein we’re talking about is that one in Red Alert and Yuri’s Revenge – again fiction.
Time travel fascinates me. But the technology and scientific principles that are needed are not yet available. Time travel still don’t exist.
Another thing that seems to make time travel impossible is the paradoxes in time travel. Paradoxes of time travel had been amazingly, impressively, and creatively used in fiction. In reality, will it work the same in fiction? I find it hard to see.
Can traveling to the past or to the future change the reality a time traveler knows? Will it change his present? Best example of a time travel paradox at work: You travel into the past and killed your parents before they meet or before you were conceived and born. Will you cease to exist then? Then again, how were you able to travel into the past in the first place when you were never even born in the first place?
Time travel paradox is a headache. An argument that seems to make time travel impossible. Paradoxes only work well in fiction.
Do human beings have the power to change reality? Another point. Is human free will really that powerful that it can overrule fate? It is just too incomprehensible… impossible almost.
If you change the past by time traveling thus changing the reality of the present, what would happen to the original present you know of? Will it just disappear? Or will it remain existing in a parallel universe? If the latter is true, then changing the reality of the present by time travel can also create parallel universes at the same time?
Fascinating are time travel, alternate universes, and the topics from them.
Do human beings have those powers – time travel, changing reality, creating universes? I don’t know. All I know is no one can change God’s will. (If it is God’s will that humans can have those powers, then so be it)
But it seems to me that changing reality by time travel is struggling with fate. It is much better to submit to God’s will. And life is already filled with paradoxes; do we need more that will be produced by time travel?
The popular line in the movie “Kung Fu Panda” goes roughly (not verbatim), “The past is history. The future is mystery. But today is a gift. That’s why it is called present.” Live life as a day-to-day basis. Don’t be anxious about the past and future. Be still. Live life one day at a time. Submit to God’s will, because His manuscript and blueprint of life is beautiful, good, fun, and exciting. With or without time travel.
MORE Favorite Fiction Characters
I already mentioned in the past my favorite characters in fiction. Here are some more characters that I like:
Most Fave Creative/Inventive Funny Character – Mr. Bean
This Rowan Atkinson character had made me laugh hard many times. The situations he got into are as hilarious as his character. The best thing about him is that he solves these dilemmas and challenges by outrageous and stupid contraptions and methods. Then again, if a method or invention is stupid but it works and gets the job done, it’s not stupid at all.
Most Fave Adventurer - Indiana Jones
So what if he's afraid of snakes? Indie is a great scholar with a hunger for knowledge and adventure, and having the amazing ability to think on his feet.
Most Fave Walt Disney Character – Genie
Aladdin’s genie with the “phenomenal cosmic powers” is one of the most powerful and one of the most hilarious characters I know. With antics, punch lines, and incredible skill in mimicry, he’s a “Saturday Night Live” first-class material.
Most Fave Food Lover – Jughead Jones
Archie’s crowned bestfriend never gets fat even though he eats a lot. Food. Food. Food. The love of his life is food, that’s why he ignores girls. He is also lazy, laid back, and takes life easy. But he is always ready to take the initiative and be active if needed.
Most Fave Gunslinger – Ronald Deschain
The Dark Tower series’ hero is the best Western-style hero ever (even better than Clint Eastwood’s “The Good” character). Cold, disciplined, tough, and very deadly with his six-shooters. Fast as lightning when he draws, shoots, and reloads; deadly accurate with his aim; and “kills with his heart.” There is also something admirable about him in his dedication (or obsession) for the Dark Tower and his faith in ka (God’s will or destiny).
Most Fave Character with Sixth Sense – Odd Thomas
“I see dead people, but by God, I do something about it,” he says. Using his gift (never considers it a curse) to help people, both living and dead. Though he is young, he takes life seriously but with wit and will do anything to “save the world.”
Most Fave Cannibal – Hannibal Lecter
Even though he is twisted and eats other people, I like him for being very intelligent, cold, and versatile. Even though he is more of a villain than a hero, I can’t help admiring this character.
Most Fave Laugher – The Shadow
He has a laugh that sounds evil, but he is really a good guy. Plus, he has a network of agents, can turn invisible, and has pistols for weapons – what more we can ask from a vigilante?
Most Fave Analyst – Jack Ryan
He can analyze data very well and draw and give logical and wise evaluations and advice from his analyses. He is also a man of principles and a “cowboy” that makes him very valuable. He is also not afraid to contradict his superiors and speak his mind out if it is for the good of his country or the situation.
Most Fave Game Character – Tanya
She’s that adorable commando in the Red Alert game series. She’s hot, she’s deadly, and attracted to you when you play the commander of the Allied. “Shake it, baby” indeed.
Most Fave Game-to-Movie Character – Johnny Cage
Aw, he’s underused and underappreciated in the Mortal Kombat universe. And they always kill him in any story. Yeah, he’s more for comic relief, but that makes him more interesting. He’s a Hollywood actor, so that seems to make him harmless and unimportant. But he really knows how to fight and can hold his ground in the Mortal Kombat competition. I like cool underdogs like Cage.
Most Fave Driver – The Transporter
He is governed by rules to keep his life organized, and he has excellent driving prowess, as well as skills in martial arts and weapons for being a former elite soldier. This is indeed the guy we want to deliver our packages or be our personal driverMost Fave Creative/Inventive Funny Character – Mr. Bean
This Rowan Atkinson character had made me laugh hard many times. The situations he got into are as hilarious as his character. The best thing about him is that he solves these dilemmas and challenges by outrageous and stupid contraptions and methods. Then again, if a method or invention is stupid but it works and gets the job done, it’s not stupid at all.
Most Fave Adventurer - Indiana Jones
So what if he's afraid of snakes? Indie is a great scholar with a hunger for knowledge and adventure, and having the amazing ability to think on his feet.
Most Fave Walt Disney Character – Genie
Aladdin’s genie with the “phenomenal cosmic powers” is one of the most powerful and one of the most hilarious characters I know. With antics, punch lines, and incredible skill in mimicry, he’s a “Saturday Night Live” first-class material.
Most Fave Food Lover – Jughead Jones
Archie’s crowned bestfriend never gets fat even though he eats a lot. Food. Food. Food. The love of his life is food, that’s why he ignores girls. He is also lazy, laid back, and takes life easy. But he is always ready to take the initiative and be active if needed.
Most Fave Gunslinger – Ronald Deschain
The Dark Tower series’ hero is the best Western-style hero ever (even better than Clint Eastwood’s “The Good” character). Cold, disciplined, tough, and very deadly with his six-shooters. Fast as lightning when he draws, shoots, and reloads; deadly accurate with his aim; and “kills with his heart.” There is also something admirable about him in his dedication (or obsession) for the Dark Tower and his faith in ka (God’s will or destiny).
Most Fave Character with Sixth Sense – Odd Thomas
“I see dead people, but by God, I do something about it,” he says. Using his gift (never considers it a curse) to help people, both living and dead. Though he is young, he takes life seriously but with wit and will do anything to “save the world.”
Most Fave Cannibal – Hannibal Lecter
Even though he is twisted and eats other people, I like him for being very intelligent, cold, and versatile. Even though he is more of a villain than a hero, I can’t help admiring this character.
Most Fave Laugher – The Shadow
He has a laugh that sounds evil, but he is really a good guy. Plus, he has a network of agents, can turn invisible, and has pistols for weapons – what more we can ask from a vigilante?
Most Fave Analyst – Jack Ryan
He can analyze data very well and draw and give logical and wise evaluations and advice from his analyses. He is also a man of principles and a “cowboy” that makes him very valuable. He is also not afraid to contradict his superiors and speak his mind out if it is for the good of his country or the situation.
Most Fave Game Character – Tanya
She’s that adorable commando in the Red Alert game series. She’s hot, she’s deadly, and attracted to you when you play the commander of the Allied. “Shake it, baby” indeed.
Most Fave Game-to-Movie Character – Johnny Cage
Aw, he’s underused and underappreciated in the Mortal Kombat universe. And they always kill him in any story. Yeah, he’s more for comic relief, but that makes him more interesting. He’s a Hollywood actor, so that seems to make him harmless and unimportant. But he really knows how to fight and can hold his ground in the Mortal Kombat competition. I like cool underdogs like Cage.
Most Fave Driver – The Transporter
Thứ Ba, 1 tháng 7, 2008
Mexican Standoff
I don’t mind a Mexican standoff.
This is the ultimate deadlock or stalemate.
Romantic impasse.
Tension is thick.
Each opponent is threatened and cannot move without endangering his life.
Being nervous is normal.
But keeping your cool and good concentration are the best weapons you have.
The first move would destroy the unstable equilibrium of multiple deterrence.
Aims would be shifted or taken away.
The emotions that were building up will erupt.
All hell would break lose.
Until then, before the first move/s, there is still no winner, no loser, nor the assurance that there will be a winner at all.
Though the tension is there, there should still be no worry.
No assurances, but think of winning.
Think on who you will move on and when.
When the opening comes, move.
I wait.
Everyday of my life, I am on a Mexican standoff.
This is the ultimate deadlock or stalemate.
Romantic impasse.
Tension is thick.
Each opponent is threatened and cannot move without endangering his life.
Being nervous is normal.
But keeping your cool and good concentration are the best weapons you have.
The first move would destroy the unstable equilibrium of multiple deterrence.
Aims would be shifted or taken away.
The emotions that were building up will erupt.
All hell would break lose.
Until then, before the first move/s, there is still no winner, no loser, nor the assurance that there will be a winner at all.
Though the tension is there, there should still be no worry.
No assurances, but think of winning.
Think on who you will move on and when.
When the opening comes, move.
I wait.
Everyday of my life, I am on a Mexican standoff.
MORALITY
Morality is one of the most difficult topics to discuss in this world. Everyone has different definitions and conceptions on what is good, what is ethical, and what is right. Professions, politics, religions, education, philosophy and others all had trouble in dealing with morality. And there are many questions regarding morality, when moral or immoral, or when is it right or wrong. Of course basic good and bad can be easily seen, but what of the complicated moral issues?
An argument on morality I don’t agree on is “the majority gives the definition on what is right and moral.” Example, if the majority believes that murdering is right and moral, it is so. I find this argument flawed. I don’t believe that morality is an issue of democracy.
Another topic on morality is “the end does not justify the means.” This argument I agree, but I believe the statement is not always true. I believe that sometimes to achieve a greater good, we have to bend the rules a little, because it is the only way. In order to get peace, we have to fight a war. I would explain more later.
I also think that not everything lawful is moral, though I agree we should submit to the law and the government. First example, if it is legal to set your neighbor’s house on fire then it is not an immoral thing? I don’t buy it. Second, you might be on the side of the law but in the eyes of God you are not. Example was when a man came to Abraham Lincoln for a case. The man was a claim on some money or property that can bring ruin to a widow and her children. Honest Abe turned down the case because although the case was technically sound with the law, the morality of the action was the same as stealing from someone.
“If it is against your conscience, then it is wrong.” I agree with this one. Our conscience is heaven sent, helping us in our moral decisions. But sometimes, our conscience does not work. Many of us can fight our conscience. Many even have no conscience when they do immoral things. Disregarding and numbing our conscience is no hard thing, thus our conscience is unreliable sometimes.
Stealing is a bad thing. It is immoral. But is stealing always a bad thing? I don’t know. In the case of Robin Hood, I can’t seem to help but to sympathize with him. Rob the tyrannical greedy rich and give to the oppressed poor. “The end does not justify the means”? What should had he done then? I can’t find another alternative for RH. What “good” thing could he have done rather than steal when Prince John’s government itself is the one that oppressed the poor? Let the poor die in harsh poverty imposed to them rather than steal? To do what is good, he used the unlawful means of stealing.
“Thou shall not kill.” This commandment confused me a long time. What about the professions that requires to kill like soldiers and police officers? Are they then immoral? I finally learned that “kill” means in the proper translation is murder. Killing with intention, malice, hatred and twisted pleasure is wrong. But killing without malicious emotion, through noble and dutiful responsibility and self-defense, I find nothing wrong. But another case study worth pondering is this: What if there is a man who is infested with a virus that could infect the whole world and bring humanity into extinction. Killing him would save the word. But he does not want to be killed, does he runs. Is hunting him down and killing him moral?
Lying is also a sin. But what if you lie, not to destroy, give glory to yourself, or hide your sin, but for love of others and to protect them? I believe that lying with noble purpose is not much wrong. In Little Men, Dan had to lie by admitting a sin he did not commit to protect Nat from false accusations. In the Bible, Rahab had to lie to protect Joshua’s spies. A lie is still a lie, but I can’t help thinking that a noble lie is not really wrong. A story of Corrie Ten Boom’s sister was really amusing. The Ten Boom family hides Jews from the Nazis. And some of the Ten Boom boys were hunted by the Gestapo. They hid under the table, and when the Gestapo asked where were the boys, Corrie Ten Boom’s sister, who cannot lie, said they were hiding under the table. The Gestapo did not believe her and instead went away laughing thinking it was hysterical. A good example that God, when according to His will, never forsake those who tell the truth. But an incident happened again that could have saved the lives of several Jews if she lied, but again she told the truth. This time it did not went well. Or what about in a case where giving a lie can be constructive instead of destructive? That giving a lie may build someone to perform a job well and telling the truth would ruin his performance. Or when the government has to lie to protection of the country and National Security? These questions may make you think when is lying not a sin, or still think that a lie is still a lie; “the end does not justify the means.”
I both agree and disagree with “the end does not justify the means”. Scenario: The only chance a husband can save his wife from certain death is to take her to the hospital fast. The only way to get to the hospital fast is to steal a car. The husband stole the car and took his wife to the hospital. Because of his action, the wife was saved. In a way, his motive justified his act, but – I repeat – but not entirely, he still broke the law and should suffer the consequence the law imposed. As far as saving the life is concerned, what he did was good. Now looking at another viewpoint, stealing the car was bad. It was a sacrifice. He was willing to do a bad thing and suffer for the consequence of the action so that he can do a good. Doing a “wrong thing”, if it is the only way, for a good purpose is a noble thing but it is still up to justice if a punishment should be imposed. Analyzing it, it gets complicated. Unfair? Probably. That’s why I both agree and disagree.
Hot topics on debates on subjects like English and Filipino during my high school years were euthanasia, abortion and divorce. The counterarguments on divorce make sense more than the arguments for it. They should have thought carefully before going into the risk of not up for it “till death do us part”. Abortion? Hmmm. To save the woman from death, it is the only way. But for other reasons? I’m against it. This is no game, why have you got pregnant in the first place? How about because it’s a product of rape? I don’t think it is moral to do another sin in response to a sin (rather keep the baby or sent him or her on adoption). And Euthanasia… I was given the title best debater two times in two debates when I was on the side of the affirmative. What if the person can only live because of the machines? Technically, he is alive. But he is already dead in other senses. It’s not good to waste resources on a corpse made alive by machines when these resources can be used to others who have a chance to live. Too much pain and suffering? If the patient is suffering into sure death and asks to be cut off, shouldn’t we oblige? We are being selfish if we allow the patient to die a painful, inhuman and terrible death. The patient is the one suffering. Those that don’t allow the patient to die a painless death are selfish because they don’t have the strength to let go, to grieve, not because they care for the person. Yes, it is probably suicide. I frown on selfish and cowardly suicides (like suicide bombing of terrorists and killing oneself because of disgrace, problems and cowardice). But this is another complicated case of morality; however, what is clear to me is to let the patient decide for himself.
Again, I say, morality is a very difficult subject. We know right or wrong, but the details of right or wrong we are mostly confused. Thus, there are many times we don’t know what to do. In cases like this, I believe the best thing to do is consult God. Pray, fast if necessary, to have God’s will be revealed and what should we do. Our conscience fails, but God doesn’t. Asking Him for guidance in questions and decisions of morality is the best way. It pays to be close to Him and listen to Him.
An argument on morality I don’t agree on is “the majority gives the definition on what is right and moral.” Example, if the majority believes that murdering is right and moral, it is so. I find this argument flawed. I don’t believe that morality is an issue of democracy.
Another topic on morality is “the end does not justify the means.” This argument I agree, but I believe the statement is not always true. I believe that sometimes to achieve a greater good, we have to bend the rules a little, because it is the only way. In order to get peace, we have to fight a war. I would explain more later.
I also think that not everything lawful is moral, though I agree we should submit to the law and the government. First example, if it is legal to set your neighbor’s house on fire then it is not an immoral thing? I don’t buy it. Second, you might be on the side of the law but in the eyes of God you are not. Example was when a man came to Abraham Lincoln for a case. The man was a claim on some money or property that can bring ruin to a widow and her children. Honest Abe turned down the case because although the case was technically sound with the law, the morality of the action was the same as stealing from someone.
“If it is against your conscience, then it is wrong.” I agree with this one. Our conscience is heaven sent, helping us in our moral decisions. But sometimes, our conscience does not work. Many of us can fight our conscience. Many even have no conscience when they do immoral things. Disregarding and numbing our conscience is no hard thing, thus our conscience is unreliable sometimes.
Stealing is a bad thing. It is immoral. But is stealing always a bad thing? I don’t know. In the case of Robin Hood, I can’t seem to help but to sympathize with him. Rob the tyrannical greedy rich and give to the oppressed poor. “The end does not justify the means”? What should had he done then? I can’t find another alternative for RH. What “good” thing could he have done rather than steal when Prince John’s government itself is the one that oppressed the poor? Let the poor die in harsh poverty imposed to them rather than steal? To do what is good, he used the unlawful means of stealing.
“Thou shall not kill.” This commandment confused me a long time. What about the professions that requires to kill like soldiers and police officers? Are they then immoral? I finally learned that “kill” means in the proper translation is murder. Killing with intention, malice, hatred and twisted pleasure is wrong. But killing without malicious emotion, through noble and dutiful responsibility and self-defense, I find nothing wrong. But another case study worth pondering is this: What if there is a man who is infested with a virus that could infect the whole world and bring humanity into extinction. Killing him would save the word. But he does not want to be killed, does he runs. Is hunting him down and killing him moral?
Lying is also a sin. But what if you lie, not to destroy, give glory to yourself, or hide your sin, but for love of others and to protect them? I believe that lying with noble purpose is not much wrong. In Little Men, Dan had to lie by admitting a sin he did not commit to protect Nat from false accusations. In the Bible, Rahab had to lie to protect Joshua’s spies. A lie is still a lie, but I can’t help thinking that a noble lie is not really wrong. A story of Corrie Ten Boom’s sister was really amusing. The Ten Boom family hides Jews from the Nazis. And some of the Ten Boom boys were hunted by the Gestapo. They hid under the table, and when the Gestapo asked where were the boys, Corrie Ten Boom’s sister, who cannot lie, said they were hiding under the table. The Gestapo did not believe her and instead went away laughing thinking it was hysterical. A good example that God, when according to His will, never forsake those who tell the truth. But an incident happened again that could have saved the lives of several Jews if she lied, but again she told the truth. This time it did not went well. Or what about in a case where giving a lie can be constructive instead of destructive? That giving a lie may build someone to perform a job well and telling the truth would ruin his performance. Or when the government has to lie to protection of the country and National Security? These questions may make you think when is lying not a sin, or still think that a lie is still a lie; “the end does not justify the means.”
I both agree and disagree with “the end does not justify the means”. Scenario: The only chance a husband can save his wife from certain death is to take her to the hospital fast. The only way to get to the hospital fast is to steal a car. The husband stole the car and took his wife to the hospital. Because of his action, the wife was saved. In a way, his motive justified his act, but – I repeat – but not entirely, he still broke the law and should suffer the consequence the law imposed. As far as saving the life is concerned, what he did was good. Now looking at another viewpoint, stealing the car was bad. It was a sacrifice. He was willing to do a bad thing and suffer for the consequence of the action so that he can do a good. Doing a “wrong thing”, if it is the only way, for a good purpose is a noble thing but it is still up to justice if a punishment should be imposed. Analyzing it, it gets complicated. Unfair? Probably. That’s why I both agree and disagree.
Hot topics on debates on subjects like English and Filipino during my high school years were euthanasia, abortion and divorce. The counterarguments on divorce make sense more than the arguments for it. They should have thought carefully before going into the risk of not up for it “till death do us part”. Abortion? Hmmm. To save the woman from death, it is the only way. But for other reasons? I’m against it. This is no game, why have you got pregnant in the first place? How about because it’s a product of rape? I don’t think it is moral to do another sin in response to a sin (rather keep the baby or sent him or her on adoption). And Euthanasia… I was given the title best debater two times in two debates when I was on the side of the affirmative. What if the person can only live because of the machines? Technically, he is alive. But he is already dead in other senses. It’s not good to waste resources on a corpse made alive by machines when these resources can be used to others who have a chance to live. Too much pain and suffering? If the patient is suffering into sure death and asks to be cut off, shouldn’t we oblige? We are being selfish if we allow the patient to die a painful, inhuman and terrible death. The patient is the one suffering. Those that don’t allow the patient to die a painless death are selfish because they don’t have the strength to let go, to grieve, not because they care for the person. Yes, it is probably suicide. I frown on selfish and cowardly suicides (like suicide bombing of terrorists and killing oneself because of disgrace, problems and cowardice). But this is another complicated case of morality; however, what is clear to me is to let the patient decide for himself.
Again, I say, morality is a very difficult subject. We know right or wrong, but the details of right or wrong we are mostly confused. Thus, there are many times we don’t know what to do. In cases like this, I believe the best thing to do is consult God. Pray, fast if necessary, to have God’s will be revealed and what should we do. Our conscience fails, but God doesn’t. Asking Him for guidance in questions and decisions of morality is the best way. It pays to be close to Him and listen to Him.
Thứ Tư, 18 tháng 6, 2008
Loving The Lakers (Even When They Lose)
When you get to attach yourself emotionally with someone or something in this world too much, it will be very painful and heartbreaking when you lose them… or see them lose. I, being a loyal fan, had already been attached too much with the Los Angeles Lakers. I like the franchise, the team, the players and coaches – past and present – and the Laker girls. They are winners, and project their being winners. The Lakers is associated with Hollywood, glitz and glamour, prestige, entertainment, and Showtime. They are the most entertaining and most hyped team in the NBA. The credit probably goes to Dr. Jerry Buss for marketing the LA Lakers as such, that many grew to like them. For us Laker fans, the feeling is mutual.
It is always painful to see the Lakers lose, and cloud 9 when they win. I had started liking the Lakers after the Chicago Bulls years of Jordan, and the three-peat championships of 2000-2002 were happy years indeed. Then came the heartaches. The 2003 loss to the San Antonio Spurs was painful (especially when Robert Horry’s three came out of the basket in Game 5), after getting used to the Lakers as champions. The 2004 NBA Finals 4-1 loss to the Detroit Pistons was more so, since that was the season they were “destined” for it. Then they miss the 2005 playoffs, the first year without Shaquille O’Neal, it was very downgrading to us Laker fans. The 2006 loss to the Phoenix Suns was as painful as the 2004 Finals loss to the Pistons, the Lakers was ahead 3-1 but the Suns still beat them in seven (It is very bad feeling to have your emotions high, and then brought crashing to the ground). The 2007 loss to the Suns was not that painful though since I was not expecting much of the Lakers that season.
Then the 2007-2008 season came…
Before the season started, Kobe Bryant, the LA Lakers’ superstar, was already nagging at the LA Lakers’ front desk for improvements. In frustration, he asked of being traded. But the season started without him being traded, and the LA Lakers begun doing well. Andrew Bynum got injured and they start to lose again. Then came the most exciting trade in Lakers history, the trade for Pau Gasol for a player the home crowd boos (Kwame Brown), a rookie (Javaris Crittenton), and some draft picks… what a deal for the Lakers! I was elated. The Lakers finished first in the West, and Kobe became MVP – a great treat for us Lakers and Kobe fans.
I was glad to have the Lakers face the Denver Nuggets in the first round. To be honest, I was more worried of the Golden State Warriors (being able to beat the Lakers twice in the regular season, and has a record in knocking out a team in the first round) than the Nuggets. So when the Warriors was beaten by the Nuggets for eight place in the West, I was relieved. Well, as I expected, the Lakers never had a hard time – sweeping the Nuggets.
The next was the Utah Jazz. I also thought it was going to be a sweep, but it took six games to beat the Jazz.
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs were their opponents in the conference finals. I thought the series was going to be a dogfight, but the Lakers took them out in five. I know that Manu Ginobili is the key for the Spurs to win, so when Bryant and Sasha Vujacic shut him down, the Western Conference title was sure for the Lakers to win.
After more than twenty years, the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics were on again in the NBA Finals – a classic rivalry renewed. A big marketing opportunity for the NBA, David Stern got his wish. The time of Jerry West’s Lakers vs. Bill Russell’s Celtics and the time of Magic Johnson’s Lakers vs. Larry Bird’s Celtics were not my time, but I know the feeling of rivalry was intense. Laker lovers hate the Celtics like they were from the devil. This Finals, I easily got the hang of it. Though I like Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett as players, I despised the Celtics.
But my Lakers lost to the Celtics in six games. It was very painful indeed. Much more painful than the previous losses of the Lakers in the past years. My hopes were high that this was the year that LA Lakers will win the championship again, but I was wrong. I am sportsman enough to admit the Celtic team – led by their Big Three – was the better team.
These are certainly dark days for us Laker fans. Heartbreaking indeed. But the fans and the team would rise again. If all goes well, the Lakers would be champions next year. “What does not kill you will make you stronger,” as Kobe Bryant's motto says. I hope this experience will make us stronger.
But I think the road back to the Finals will be harder next year for the Lakers. The Wild Wild West is getting wilder.
The Spurs are old, but I will still count them out yet. Though they are probably not title contenders next year, they’ll still be tough. So does the Suns.
Deron Williams is the Jazz’s future. Young as he is, I know he’s hungry for the gold. I see that on Chris Paul, too. I don’t think the New Orleans Hornets are one-hit wonders. I think the Jazz and the Hornets would still stand out next season.
The Houston Rockets will always be dangerous with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. I don’t know what’s wrong with Nuggets when they have Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, and a proper system will make the team a contender. I can bet the Portland Trailblazers will make the playoffs next season, they did well this season, and with Greg Oden in their line-up next season…
The Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks, the Seattle Supersonics (with rookie-of-the-year Kevin Durant)… the West will be tougher all right.
But Andrew Bynum would be probably back next season to the Laker line-up. With Bynum, Gasol and Lamar Odom, and the rest of the excellent Laker roster that is led by the best player in the league, Kobe Bryant, they have a good chance to go back to the Finals.
I dream of a Kobe Bryant-LeBron James showdown in the Finals, but that could wait. I want the Celtics back in the Finals, too. I want revenge. I want the Lakers beat them the next time – better if it’s a sweep.
Enjoy the championship as much as you can, Celtics. If all goes well, the Lakers will win their 15th title next season; Kobe will win his regular dose of All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defensive Team First Team Selections, his 2nd Regular Season MVP, his 3rd All-Star MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year award, his 3rd scoring championship, and his first Finals MVP.
Win or lose, I will always love the Lakers. That is what love is all about, being there in the ups and downs.
It is always painful to see the Lakers lose, and cloud 9 when they win. I had started liking the Lakers after the Chicago Bulls years of Jordan, and the three-peat championships of 2000-2002 were happy years indeed. Then came the heartaches. The 2003 loss to the San Antonio Spurs was painful (especially when Robert Horry’s three came out of the basket in Game 5), after getting used to the Lakers as champions. The 2004 NBA Finals 4-1 loss to the Detroit Pistons was more so, since that was the season they were “destined” for it. Then they miss the 2005 playoffs, the first year without Shaquille O’Neal, it was very downgrading to us Laker fans. The 2006 loss to the Phoenix Suns was as painful as the 2004 Finals loss to the Pistons, the Lakers was ahead 3-1 but the Suns still beat them in seven (It is very bad feeling to have your emotions high, and then brought crashing to the ground). The 2007 loss to the Suns was not that painful though since I was not expecting much of the Lakers that season.
Then the 2007-2008 season came…
Before the season started, Kobe Bryant, the LA Lakers’ superstar, was already nagging at the LA Lakers’ front desk for improvements. In frustration, he asked of being traded. But the season started without him being traded, and the LA Lakers begun doing well. Andrew Bynum got injured and they start to lose again. Then came the most exciting trade in Lakers history, the trade for Pau Gasol for a player the home crowd boos (Kwame Brown), a rookie (Javaris Crittenton), and some draft picks… what a deal for the Lakers! I was elated. The Lakers finished first in the West, and Kobe became MVP – a great treat for us Lakers and Kobe fans.
I was glad to have the Lakers face the Denver Nuggets in the first round. To be honest, I was more worried of the Golden State Warriors (being able to beat the Lakers twice in the regular season, and has a record in knocking out a team in the first round) than the Nuggets. So when the Warriors was beaten by the Nuggets for eight place in the West, I was relieved. Well, as I expected, the Lakers never had a hard time – sweeping the Nuggets.
The next was the Utah Jazz. I also thought it was going to be a sweep, but it took six games to beat the Jazz.
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs were their opponents in the conference finals. I thought the series was going to be a dogfight, but the Lakers took them out in five. I know that Manu Ginobili is the key for the Spurs to win, so when Bryant and Sasha Vujacic shut him down, the Western Conference title was sure for the Lakers to win.
After more than twenty years, the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics were on again in the NBA Finals – a classic rivalry renewed. A big marketing opportunity for the NBA, David Stern got his wish. The time of Jerry West’s Lakers vs. Bill Russell’s Celtics and the time of Magic Johnson’s Lakers vs. Larry Bird’s Celtics were not my time, but I know the feeling of rivalry was intense. Laker lovers hate the Celtics like they were from the devil. This Finals, I easily got the hang of it. Though I like Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett as players, I despised the Celtics.
But my Lakers lost to the Celtics in six games. It was very painful indeed. Much more painful than the previous losses of the Lakers in the past years. My hopes were high that this was the year that LA Lakers will win the championship again, but I was wrong. I am sportsman enough to admit the Celtic team – led by their Big Three – was the better team.
These are certainly dark days for us Laker fans. Heartbreaking indeed. But the fans and the team would rise again. If all goes well, the Lakers would be champions next year. “What does not kill you will make you stronger,” as Kobe Bryant's motto says. I hope this experience will make us stronger.
But I think the road back to the Finals will be harder next year for the Lakers. The Wild Wild West is getting wilder.
The Spurs are old, but I will still count them out yet. Though they are probably not title contenders next year, they’ll still be tough. So does the Suns.
Deron Williams is the Jazz’s future. Young as he is, I know he’s hungry for the gold. I see that on Chris Paul, too. I don’t think the New Orleans Hornets are one-hit wonders. I think the Jazz and the Hornets would still stand out next season.
The Houston Rockets will always be dangerous with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. I don’t know what’s wrong with Nuggets when they have Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, and a proper system will make the team a contender. I can bet the Portland Trailblazers will make the playoffs next season, they did well this season, and with Greg Oden in their line-up next season…
The Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks, the Seattle Supersonics (with rookie-of-the-year Kevin Durant)… the West will be tougher all right.
But Andrew Bynum would be probably back next season to the Laker line-up. With Bynum, Gasol and Lamar Odom, and the rest of the excellent Laker roster that is led by the best player in the league, Kobe Bryant, they have a good chance to go back to the Finals.
I dream of a Kobe Bryant-LeBron James showdown in the Finals, but that could wait. I want the Celtics back in the Finals, too. I want revenge. I want the Lakers beat them the next time – better if it’s a sweep.
Enjoy the championship as much as you can, Celtics. If all goes well, the Lakers will win their 15th title next season; Kobe will win his regular dose of All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defensive Team First Team Selections, his 2nd Regular Season MVP, his 3rd All-Star MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year award, his 3rd scoring championship, and his first Finals MVP.
Win or lose, I will always love the Lakers. That is what love is all about, being there in the ups and downs.
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 5, 2008
Why I want to be rich
I don’t really like to be rich. Not at all. But I daydream about being one. It should be nice to have enough money to have the things that you want. There are a few reasons why I want to be rich.
To extend my collection
I mainly collect literature and toys. Expansion of those collections is dependent of my allowance which is not much. But if I’m rich, wow, the potential of expansion would be cool. I also want to extend my minor collections like DVDs and records. It would also be nice to start new collections like stamps, guns and weaponry, figurines, guitars and effects, and tech-toys.
Travel
With funds, I could travel the world. I’ll start from our country, then Asia and Europe, then the rest of the world. It would be great to see (and photograph) the views, landmarks, and historical places of the world, and feel different cultures, and taste different cuisine and food. The experiences and adventures would be priceless.
Start new hobbies
I always wanted to try skydiving, shooting, golf, and other hobbies and activities that had required big money to try them.
A sports car
A Renault? A Mazda? A Ferrari? A Mercedes? To have one would be cool.
Cool PC set
Having the best personal computer system and notebook there are, games and Internet would be much much cooler. Moreover, if rich, there is no worry in paying for the fees of excellent Internet connection.
To play in the world of commerce
Yes, that world interests me… economy, investments, T-bills, stocks, bonds, etc. Seems like a giant arcade and game center, with your money as your tokens.
To watch the LA Lakers
It is a dream of mine to watch my beloved Lakers playing in Staples Center, not just in TV, but in person. And see if the Laker girls are indeed the hottest girls on earth.
Charity
I feel bad when I see unfortunate people, and me having no ability and means to help them. If I am rich, I would be able to give generously to charity institutions and to the unfortunate people directly.
For God’s work
If rich, I will be able to tithe a lot and give financial backing to church activities and for the Great Commission.
Well, those are the major reasons why I want to be rich. But again I say, I don’t really want to be rich. Money and material things are not everything. And all things in this world will come to pass. Probably, I won’t even be happy when I’m rich anyway.
But, still, it is not bad to dream of being rich, right?
To extend my collection
I mainly collect literature and toys. Expansion of those collections is dependent of my allowance which is not much. But if I’m rich, wow, the potential of expansion would be cool. I also want to extend my minor collections like DVDs and records. It would also be nice to start new collections like stamps, guns and weaponry, figurines, guitars and effects, and tech-toys.
Travel
With funds, I could travel the world. I’ll start from our country, then Asia and Europe, then the rest of the world. It would be great to see (and photograph) the views, landmarks, and historical places of the world, and feel different cultures, and taste different cuisine and food. The experiences and adventures would be priceless.
Start new hobbies
I always wanted to try skydiving, shooting, golf, and other hobbies and activities that had required big money to try them.
A sports car
A Renault? A Mazda? A Ferrari? A Mercedes? To have one would be cool.
Cool PC set
Having the best personal computer system and notebook there are, games and Internet would be much much cooler. Moreover, if rich, there is no worry in paying for the fees of excellent Internet connection.
To play in the world of commerce
Yes, that world interests me… economy, investments, T-bills, stocks, bonds, etc. Seems like a giant arcade and game center, with your money as your tokens.
To watch the LA Lakers
It is a dream of mine to watch my beloved Lakers playing in Staples Center, not just in TV, but in person. And see if the Laker girls are indeed the hottest girls on earth.
Charity
I feel bad when I see unfortunate people, and me having no ability and means to help them. If I am rich, I would be able to give generously to charity institutions and to the unfortunate people directly.
For God’s work
If rich, I will be able to tithe a lot and give financial backing to church activities and for the Great Commission.
Well, those are the major reasons why I want to be rich. But again I say, I don’t really want to be rich. Money and material things are not everything. And all things in this world will come to pass. Probably, I won’t even be happy when I’m rich anyway.
But, still, it is not bad to dream of being rich, right?
Thứ Hai, 21 tháng 4, 2008
My Typical April Day This Year
This was my typical day in this month. Of course, it is not always so, like during weekends when there’s church, band practice, and the different TV schedule and programming. But it not so much different from this narration of my typical April day. In May, it’s going to be a little different, but not so much.
My usual April day starts between 4:00 am and 4:30 am, as my mother turns on the light of my room to wake me up; with a mug of hot mocha already made by my mother for me. I wash my face and hair, and brush my teeth. I read to pass the time while waiting for Mang Celoy’s jeepney that will take us to church fir the 40 day early morning devotion.
After the pickup of my mother and me, along with our church neighbors, the Vergaras, the jeepney picks up the others in Legazpi to take to church. At five, the devotion service starts with the presider’s greeting and reminder on what day is it in the 40 day schedule (particularly, simply, the date since it started April 1). Then the opening prayer comes next. And then the singing of two worship songs. After that, we got about twenty minutes to meditate on the day’s scripture and discussion about it. Then, Pastor Lee will go on with the devotion message about the text. After that, which lasts about fifteen minutes, we pray until 6 or 6:30. After the prayers, we go home.
Back at home, the first thing I do is throw the thrash, and then watch TV while waiting for my father to finish using our Internet connection. After him, it’s my turn to surf the Net – usually Yahoo, Friendster, NBA, and Wikipedia. After the Net, I eat breakfast, do my bathroom chores, wash the dishes, and brush my teeth again. If my sister hadn’t beat me to the TV, I’ll watch some movies in DVD. If not, I read, then sleep again – to make up for waking up early – to wake up near noon to watch One Piece.
By noon, after lunch, I watch the usual dose of noontime variety game shows. Game K Na Ba, usually, to enjoy host Edu Manzano’s antics and learn new trivia. As I answer question after question in the game with players, testing my knowledge in irrelevant facts (I am a supposed-millionaire over and over again), my mother tells me that I should join the game. Of course, I reply no since it’s different out there. Here watching TV, I get to read the questions and got no pressures, like time pressure and the pressure of being in TV.
After that comes Wowowee and Eat Bulaga. Personally, I prefer Wowowee, finding it more entertaining and fun, and the set’s better. And plus the ASF dancers are great. But I change the channel, during commercial breaks, and catch some of Eat Bulaga. If I get tired before the shows are over, I spend the early part of the afternoon playing PC, or sleeping again. I wake up to watch DVD or TV again. I admit I watch EL Cuerpo del Deseo sometimes since I find Mexicanovelas better than Asianovelas, and then Naruto. Later, GMA has Ghost Fighter on, and I watch it though I had watch it many times before.
Again, after guessing the puzzle in Wheel of Fortune faster than the contestants, my mother tells me to join the game, and, again, I reply no, it is different out there. After that is the news, filled with fires, crimes, corruption, rice shortages, high prices, and showbiz. Thank God for world news and Kuya Kim’s segment to break the monotony. After that, either my father and I watch DVD, or I spend the night reading, writing, solving puzzles, playing guitar, eating late night snacks, fiddling with my Rubik’s cube, or/and listen to my mp4.
And then I sleep late at night, getting a few hours sleep before my mother wakes me up for the next day.
My usual April day starts between 4:00 am and 4:30 am, as my mother turns on the light of my room to wake me up; with a mug of hot mocha already made by my mother for me. I wash my face and hair, and brush my teeth. I read to pass the time while waiting for Mang Celoy’s jeepney that will take us to church fir the 40 day early morning devotion.
After the pickup of my mother and me, along with our church neighbors, the Vergaras, the jeepney picks up the others in Legazpi to take to church. At five, the devotion service starts with the presider’s greeting and reminder on what day is it in the 40 day schedule (particularly, simply, the date since it started April 1). Then the opening prayer comes next. And then the singing of two worship songs. After that, we got about twenty minutes to meditate on the day’s scripture and discussion about it. Then, Pastor Lee will go on with the devotion message about the text. After that, which lasts about fifteen minutes, we pray until 6 or 6:30. After the prayers, we go home.
Back at home, the first thing I do is throw the thrash, and then watch TV while waiting for my father to finish using our Internet connection. After him, it’s my turn to surf the Net – usually Yahoo, Friendster, NBA, and Wikipedia. After the Net, I eat breakfast, do my bathroom chores, wash the dishes, and brush my teeth again. If my sister hadn’t beat me to the TV, I’ll watch some movies in DVD. If not, I read, then sleep again – to make up for waking up early – to wake up near noon to watch One Piece.
By noon, after lunch, I watch the usual dose of noontime variety game shows. Game K Na Ba, usually, to enjoy host Edu Manzano’s antics and learn new trivia. As I answer question after question in the game with players, testing my knowledge in irrelevant facts (I am a supposed-millionaire over and over again), my mother tells me that I should join the game. Of course, I reply no since it’s different out there. Here watching TV, I get to read the questions and got no pressures, like time pressure and the pressure of being in TV.
After that comes Wowowee and Eat Bulaga. Personally, I prefer Wowowee, finding it more entertaining and fun, and the set’s better. And plus the ASF dancers are great. But I change the channel, during commercial breaks, and catch some of Eat Bulaga. If I get tired before the shows are over, I spend the early part of the afternoon playing PC, or sleeping again. I wake up to watch DVD or TV again. I admit I watch EL Cuerpo del Deseo sometimes since I find Mexicanovelas better than Asianovelas, and then Naruto. Later, GMA has Ghost Fighter on, and I watch it though I had watch it many times before.
Again, after guessing the puzzle in Wheel of Fortune faster than the contestants, my mother tells me to join the game, and, again, I reply no, it is different out there. After that is the news, filled with fires, crimes, corruption, rice shortages, high prices, and showbiz. Thank God for world news and Kuya Kim’s segment to break the monotony. After that, either my father and I watch DVD, or I spend the night reading, writing, solving puzzles, playing guitar, eating late night snacks, fiddling with my Rubik’s cube, or/and listen to my mp4.
And then I sleep late at night, getting a few hours sleep before my mother wakes me up for the next day.
Thứ Ba, 15 tháng 4, 2008
Failing BS Accountancy
“Nobody passed the remedial exam.”
Those were the words of our Financial Accounting teacher. And with those words, I was out of the Accountancy Department. I was not able to make the cut-off grade in the subject, and among the others who took the remedial exam, failed. A major part of me didn’t give a damn, while some small part was disappointed since all I had gone through past semesters seemed to be worthless – it could had been better if I was cut-off much much much earlier.
I never wanted to take the remedial exam anyway. I didn’t like BS Accountancy as my course. The only thing that kept me there is because the Accountancy students are considered to be the elites and the most intelligent in Bicol University, rivaled only or seconded by Engineering and Nursing students. But I dislike the course itself, and the system in the department. Maybe I had the wrong reason of staying there, so Providence allowed me to fail.
Yes, I can still continue to study Accountancy in another school, Divine Word College, second best school to study Accounting in the area. But decided not to due to three reasons: 1) Failing the remedial exam was for me was a way out of a course I don’t like. And with this attitude of dislike of mine with the course and the results of my performance, I don’t think I can pass the board exam anyway; or if I get to pass it, will not enjoy the life of a CPA anyway. It was best to stop. 2) There are a lot of things to take care of to transfer to another school (Form 137, honorable dismissal, certificate of good moral character, pics, documentary stamp, etcetera, etcetera…). I do not have the patient for them all. 3) We cannot afford the tuition in Divine, a private school. So, I decided to remain in the University, to take up Financial Management instead, and hopefully, graduate in two years.
It was funny that at the end of the test paper of our remedial exam was the quote, “Your plan God is better than my dreams.” It made me smile while I was taking it, because it was the same thing in my mind. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
God’s will be done.
Those were the words of our Financial Accounting teacher. And with those words, I was out of the Accountancy Department. I was not able to make the cut-off grade in the subject, and among the others who took the remedial exam, failed. A major part of me didn’t give a damn, while some small part was disappointed since all I had gone through past semesters seemed to be worthless – it could had been better if I was cut-off much much much earlier.
I never wanted to take the remedial exam anyway. I didn’t like BS Accountancy as my course. The only thing that kept me there is because the Accountancy students are considered to be the elites and the most intelligent in Bicol University, rivaled only or seconded by Engineering and Nursing students. But I dislike the course itself, and the system in the department. Maybe I had the wrong reason of staying there, so Providence allowed me to fail.
Yes, I can still continue to study Accountancy in another school, Divine Word College, second best school to study Accounting in the area. But decided not to due to three reasons: 1) Failing the remedial exam was for me was a way out of a course I don’t like. And with this attitude of dislike of mine with the course and the results of my performance, I don’t think I can pass the board exam anyway; or if I get to pass it, will not enjoy the life of a CPA anyway. It was best to stop. 2) There are a lot of things to take care of to transfer to another school (Form 137, honorable dismissal, certificate of good moral character, pics, documentary stamp, etcetera, etcetera…). I do not have the patient for them all. 3) We cannot afford the tuition in Divine, a private school. So, I decided to remain in the University, to take up Financial Management instead, and hopefully, graduate in two years.
It was funny that at the end of the test paper of our remedial exam was the quote, “Your plan God is better than my dreams.” It made me smile while I was taking it, because it was the same thing in my mind. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
God’s will be done.
Thứ Hai, 31 tháng 3, 2008
Global Warming
These days, there is a certain phenomenon that is so popular called Global Warming. Let me define it first. Global warming, in a not too technical term, is the heating up of our world due to the increased levels of carbon dioxide and other gasses. And because of this heating up, there are certain changes – dramatic changes – in world weather. It causes extreme storms, melting of glaciers and ices in the world (particularly in the Artic and the Antarctic), wiping out in the map of islands (even small island nations) due in sea levels, and other such events. Ultimately, this may lead to another Ice Age, or even maybe complete word catastrophe. That is the popular belief about Global Warming.
I think the majority obtain their beliefs and facts about Global Warming from movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” and, Al Gore’s Oscar-winning documentary, “The Inconvenient Truth”, or from media features, rather than personal research. People treat it as a flawless truth. I think the last time I read it was still just a theory. Sure, it is true there are dramatic and extreme changes in the weather lately, but is it all attributable to Global Warming?
I am aware of to sides of this issue: those who treat Global Warming as an absolute truth, and those who believe that Global Warming is just a clever manipulative hoax. There are a lot of strong facts and arguments from both sides. I don’t have the patience to enumerate all those data about it here. All I suggest is you look it up yourself, and decide for yourself.
The Global Warming topic is a lively and relevant contest. But there is a problem with it when supporters and skeptics of it became extremists. This could be dangerous. There could be hysteria, panic, eco-terrorism, and the most dangerous of all, tampering of facts to suit one’s argument. We are easily impressed by “facts” and statistics that we believe anything that it represents even if we don’t even understand what those graphs, tables and numbers say. I always say that facts can be manipulated. And I always say that we must be always prudent, analytic, open-minded, emotionally detached, and researchful – especially in important topics like Global Warming. Moreover, we must not swallow everything that is offered to us, right?
My stand on this issue is this: I stand in the middle. I am not sure if Global Warming is indeed true or not, though, maybe, is some degree and in some senses it is certainly true that it exist. But I am not sure about several other things attributed to Global Warming. It is not for me at all to decide about it anyway, it’s up to those bright minds who call themselves experts in this matter. But I believe that weather is too complex and unpredictable to be understood completely by scientists and meteorologists (like the mind is too complex for psychology and other sciences that deal with it). Yes, in some degree weather can be understood (like the mind). But completely and absolutely understood? I don’t think so. Probably, in the future. And whether weather changes are attributable to Global Warming or not, we can not completely do something about weather change (though I read and hear about certain governments have weather control projects – for war purposes, what else). Weather will always change.
But Global Warming or no Global Warming, an inconvenient truth or a clever hoax, we must take care of our environment. We must always respect and appreciate God’s creation. It is our responsibility.
I think the majority obtain their beliefs and facts about Global Warming from movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” and, Al Gore’s Oscar-winning documentary, “The Inconvenient Truth”, or from media features, rather than personal research. People treat it as a flawless truth. I think the last time I read it was still just a theory. Sure, it is true there are dramatic and extreme changes in the weather lately, but is it all attributable to Global Warming?
I am aware of to sides of this issue: those who treat Global Warming as an absolute truth, and those who believe that Global Warming is just a clever manipulative hoax. There are a lot of strong facts and arguments from both sides. I don’t have the patience to enumerate all those data about it here. All I suggest is you look it up yourself, and decide for yourself.
The Global Warming topic is a lively and relevant contest. But there is a problem with it when supporters and skeptics of it became extremists. This could be dangerous. There could be hysteria, panic, eco-terrorism, and the most dangerous of all, tampering of facts to suit one’s argument. We are easily impressed by “facts” and statistics that we believe anything that it represents even if we don’t even understand what those graphs, tables and numbers say. I always say that facts can be manipulated. And I always say that we must be always prudent, analytic, open-minded, emotionally detached, and researchful – especially in important topics like Global Warming. Moreover, we must not swallow everything that is offered to us, right?
My stand on this issue is this: I stand in the middle. I am not sure if Global Warming is indeed true or not, though, maybe, is some degree and in some senses it is certainly true that it exist. But I am not sure about several other things attributed to Global Warming. It is not for me at all to decide about it anyway, it’s up to those bright minds who call themselves experts in this matter. But I believe that weather is too complex and unpredictable to be understood completely by scientists and meteorologists (like the mind is too complex for psychology and other sciences that deal with it). Yes, in some degree weather can be understood (like the mind). But completely and absolutely understood? I don’t think so. Probably, in the future. And whether weather changes are attributable to Global Warming or not, we can not completely do something about weather change (though I read and hear about certain governments have weather control projects – for war purposes, what else). Weather will always change.
But Global Warming or no Global Warming, an inconvenient truth or a clever hoax, we must take care of our environment. We must always respect and appreciate God’s creation. It is our responsibility.
Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 3, 2008
Me, My Mind, and My Multiple Personalities
The Mind
No exact science can really explain it
Freud and Jung and others, in some degree, made some worthwhile observations and theories about it
Many philosophers, did, too
But Science and Philosophy failed to grasp the Mind’s entirety
The Mind is complex
One of God’s many mysteries in Creation
The Human Mind is one of the major things that separate us from animals
It can create
It can destroy
It can be trained to (or can automatically) ignore emotion and pain
The possibilities are endless
Since imagination has no boundaries
My Mind has no boundaries
My Mind is my sanctuary
My Mind is some sort of place
(Hannibal Lecter and Demi Brooke are among the ones who use and think of their minds as such)
A world
The knowledge, memories and concepts I know is stored there
And from this three, shoots off the characteristics of this world
Fictional character and events and stories of mine are here
There are many secret places that even I don’t know of
Things I forget and chose to forget are probably on those secret places
Sub-consciousness, others name that place
In that world, anything goes
There is no boundary between fantasy and fact
Inside are valleys and plains
The Grand Canyon
Rivers
Seas
Forests
Jungles
Extinct animals
Dinosaurs
Monsters
Elves
Mermaids
Fairies
The Waste Lands
Oz
Wonderland
Nirvana
Victorian London
The Wild West
Medieval Europe
Sci-Fi Outer Space
And many more
All rolled into one
Moreover, there is still infinity of places to explore and discover
Since as time passes, new places are made
All human minds are places like mine
They just have to accept that these places exist to enjoy what the worlds can offer
All of us have multiple personalities
The difference of a sane man with schizophrenic is the ability to control, supervise and be in sync with those personalities
I have many ones
And they live in The World Of My Mind
I am the Amalgam
The overseer of the personalities
Simply, known also as the Waking Self
I am the other personalities
I am one with them
At the same time, not them at all
I would be introducing the famous (and infamous) among them
The first personality is the Knight
(Some who know me had theorized of this self and name him Version 1.1)
The romantic
The sentimental
Ready to slay the dragon every time
Always ready to save the damsel in distress
But, take note, though he is with armor and shield
He is the most vulnerable among the personalities
The second personality is the Professor
A cold, logical, analytical machine
Scorns emotions and superstitions
He only sees the facts, and cares only for the facts
Cynicism and arrogance is his worst faults
Spends most of his time at the Libraries and Laboratories of The World Of My Mind
He cares only for knowledge
Never makes uneducated guesses
Always base conclusions in data analyzed
Most of the time he is right
But not always
The third personality is the Musician
If you allow him, he’ll spent the day playing guitar; playing songs like “Hey Jude”, “Evermore”, “Hotel California”, and “Livin’ On A Prayer”
Or listening to Mozart and Beethoven and the other classic masters who are still alive in that World
He does not mind of being alone
Music is the only companion he prefers best
The fourth personality is the Philosopher
He is the counselor of the other personalities
Since he is the one who remind the others what values, principles, thoughts and dictums Bernel believes in – mostly, Christian truths
He, most of the time, does the inspiring of the others
He thinks, unlike the Professor, on things what can be
Philosophy, theology and life are the topics he loves best
And meditation and prayer are his favorite activities
The fifth personality is the Explorer
Since My Mind is limitless, his travels never end
He is not complaining since traveling is his love
His job is to explore the places
Explore the potentials
Takes as much knowledge and adventures as he can
All the personalities, when receiving his reports, find his experiences useful
The sixth personality is the Poet
The laziest among them
With a pen and a notebook, he writes
That is the only thing he does most if the time
Write fiction or nonfiction; any topic
Write
Write
And any residue of his time, he spends reading in the Libraries in there
The seventh personality is the Gunslinger
The hero
And he possess the qualities of a hero
“Epitome of perfection,” as defined in literature
Complete with a cowboy hat, thick boots, two revolvers and gloves to prevent blisters
His hand is quick when he draws a gun from its holster
Fast as lightning
And shoots with excellent marksmanship
Drawing and shooting efficiently, he can do it in less than half a second
The eighth personality is the Assassin
The most dangerous of them all
Since he is a cold-blooded killer
He kills with blades
Throwing knives and two sharp swords
A cloth covers his mouth
Fast and agile – that are his strengths
Thus, he is the most contained personality
To unleash him is unwise
The ninth personality is the Penciler
With a drawing table, a chair, pens and pencils
He draws all day
Unlike the Amalgam, he never loses patience or gets bored
He never colors his drawings
Since, what art he do is best with only pencils and inks
The tenth personality is the Collector
The Collector simply does what he does best: collecting
He collects anything… everything
Literature, DVDs, toys, guitars, guns, antiques, stamps, art, paintings, etc.
It does not matter what
He collects just for the sake of collecting
Because that is his passion
The eleventh personality is the Gourmet
Lover of food and wine
He is not a glutton nor gets drunk
He simply appreciates good tastes
And, yes, he cooks well unlike the Amalgam
Cooking is his next love from eating
The twelfth personality is the Engineer
What he does is create structures and bridges and tools
He is also an inventor
Finding ways to make things easier, or more fun and exciting
If anyone needs any gadget, he has it
He solves mechanical and technical problems
Cars and planes are his hobbies
In free time, he customizes and drives them
He has a constant need for speed, and loves the roar of a machine
The thirteenth personality is the Wizard
Master of magic and skills
He hides his eyes behind sunglasses
His amazing ability is to amaze people
An exhibitionist
He possesses many talents, skills, and knowledge of irrelevant facts
He likes to hides those talents and skills
And then surprise them that he can actually do something very well
His favorite is solving a Rubik’s cube in a few seconds (unlike the Amalgam)
He possess a little both of humility and arrogance
The fourteenth personality is the Jester
Laughing and making others laughs is what he likes to do best
He has knowledge of many humorous anecdotes and jokes
His pride himself of being good at making witty comebacks and comments
He lives on his wits, thus, he treasures it
The fifteenth personality is the Doctor
His compassion is famous everywhere in that World
He helps people
He cares for them
Thus, he has lots of friends
And his friends respect and appreciate him
The sixteenth is the Vampire
He is afraid of direct sunlight since it will kill him
And he is at his peak when it is night
He possess supernatural strength and senses
But is cursed with bloodlust
I will leave you for now with sixteen personalities
Because the popular Sybil Dorsett has the record of sixteen personalities (look it up)
The Knight, the Professor, the Musician, the Philosopher, the Explorer, the Poet, the Gunslinger, the Assassin, the Penciler, the Collector, the Gourmet, the Engineer, the Wizard, the Jester, the Doctor, and the Vampire
Together, they are the Amalgam (and at the same time, separate from the Amalgam)
But are there others in My Mind?
Yes, there are many more personalities since there is an entire World in there
Much much more, and many of those personalities I hadn’t met yet
No exact science can really explain it
Freud and Jung and others, in some degree, made some worthwhile observations and theories about it
Many philosophers, did, too
But Science and Philosophy failed to grasp the Mind’s entirety
The Mind is complex
One of God’s many mysteries in Creation
The Human Mind is one of the major things that separate us from animals
It can create
It can destroy
It can be trained to (or can automatically) ignore emotion and pain
The possibilities are endless
Since imagination has no boundaries
My Mind has no boundaries
My Mind is my sanctuary
My Mind is some sort of place
(Hannibal Lecter and Demi Brooke are among the ones who use and think of their minds as such)
A world
The knowledge, memories and concepts I know is stored there
And from this three, shoots off the characteristics of this world
Fictional character and events and stories of mine are here
There are many secret places that even I don’t know of
Things I forget and chose to forget are probably on those secret places
Sub-consciousness, others name that place
In that world, anything goes
There is no boundary between fantasy and fact
Inside are valleys and plains
The Grand Canyon
Rivers
Seas
Forests
Jungles
Extinct animals
Dinosaurs
Monsters
Elves
Mermaids
Fairies
The Waste Lands
Oz
Wonderland
Nirvana
Victorian London
The Wild West
Medieval Europe
Sci-Fi Outer Space
And many more
All rolled into one
Moreover, there is still infinity of places to explore and discover
Since as time passes, new places are made
All human minds are places like mine
They just have to accept that these places exist to enjoy what the worlds can offer
All of us have multiple personalities
The difference of a sane man with schizophrenic is the ability to control, supervise and be in sync with those personalities
I have many ones
And they live in The World Of My Mind
I am the Amalgam
The overseer of the personalities
Simply, known also as the Waking Self
I am the other personalities
I am one with them
At the same time, not them at all
I would be introducing the famous (and infamous) among them
The first personality is the Knight
(Some who know me had theorized of this self and name him Version 1.1)
The romantic
The sentimental
Ready to slay the dragon every time
Always ready to save the damsel in distress
But, take note, though he is with armor and shield
He is the most vulnerable among the personalities
The second personality is the Professor
A cold, logical, analytical machine
Scorns emotions and superstitions
He only sees the facts, and cares only for the facts
Cynicism and arrogance is his worst faults
Spends most of his time at the Libraries and Laboratories of The World Of My Mind
He cares only for knowledge
Never makes uneducated guesses
Always base conclusions in data analyzed
Most of the time he is right
But not always
The third personality is the Musician
If you allow him, he’ll spent the day playing guitar; playing songs like “Hey Jude”, “Evermore”, “Hotel California”, and “Livin’ On A Prayer”
Or listening to Mozart and Beethoven and the other classic masters who are still alive in that World
He does not mind of being alone
Music is the only companion he prefers best
The fourth personality is the Philosopher
He is the counselor of the other personalities
Since he is the one who remind the others what values, principles, thoughts and dictums Bernel believes in – mostly, Christian truths
He, most of the time, does the inspiring of the others
He thinks, unlike the Professor, on things what can be
Philosophy, theology and life are the topics he loves best
And meditation and prayer are his favorite activities
The fifth personality is the Explorer
Since My Mind is limitless, his travels never end
He is not complaining since traveling is his love
His job is to explore the places
Explore the potentials
Takes as much knowledge and adventures as he can
All the personalities, when receiving his reports, find his experiences useful
The sixth personality is the Poet
The laziest among them
With a pen and a notebook, he writes
That is the only thing he does most if the time
Write fiction or nonfiction; any topic
Write
Write
And any residue of his time, he spends reading in the Libraries in there
The seventh personality is the Gunslinger
The hero
And he possess the qualities of a hero
“Epitome of perfection,” as defined in literature
Complete with a cowboy hat, thick boots, two revolvers and gloves to prevent blisters
His hand is quick when he draws a gun from its holster
Fast as lightning
And shoots with excellent marksmanship
Drawing and shooting efficiently, he can do it in less than half a second
The eighth personality is the Assassin
The most dangerous of them all
Since he is a cold-blooded killer
He kills with blades
Throwing knives and two sharp swords
A cloth covers his mouth
Fast and agile – that are his strengths
Thus, he is the most contained personality
To unleash him is unwise
The ninth personality is the Penciler
With a drawing table, a chair, pens and pencils
He draws all day
Unlike the Amalgam, he never loses patience or gets bored
He never colors his drawings
Since, what art he do is best with only pencils and inks
The tenth personality is the Collector
The Collector simply does what he does best: collecting
He collects anything… everything
Literature, DVDs, toys, guitars, guns, antiques, stamps, art, paintings, etc.
It does not matter what
He collects just for the sake of collecting
Because that is his passion
The eleventh personality is the Gourmet
Lover of food and wine
He is not a glutton nor gets drunk
He simply appreciates good tastes
And, yes, he cooks well unlike the Amalgam
Cooking is his next love from eating
The twelfth personality is the Engineer
What he does is create structures and bridges and tools
He is also an inventor
Finding ways to make things easier, or more fun and exciting
If anyone needs any gadget, he has it
He solves mechanical and technical problems
Cars and planes are his hobbies
In free time, he customizes and drives them
He has a constant need for speed, and loves the roar of a machine
The thirteenth personality is the Wizard
Master of magic and skills
He hides his eyes behind sunglasses
His amazing ability is to amaze people
An exhibitionist
He possesses many talents, skills, and knowledge of irrelevant facts
He likes to hides those talents and skills
And then surprise them that he can actually do something very well
His favorite is solving a Rubik’s cube in a few seconds (unlike the Amalgam)
He possess a little both of humility and arrogance
The fourteenth personality is the Jester
Laughing and making others laughs is what he likes to do best
He has knowledge of many humorous anecdotes and jokes
His pride himself of being good at making witty comebacks and comments
He lives on his wits, thus, he treasures it
The fifteenth personality is the Doctor
His compassion is famous everywhere in that World
He helps people
He cares for them
Thus, he has lots of friends
And his friends respect and appreciate him
The sixteenth is the Vampire
He is afraid of direct sunlight since it will kill him
And he is at his peak when it is night
He possess supernatural strength and senses
But is cursed with bloodlust
I will leave you for now with sixteen personalities
Because the popular Sybil Dorsett has the record of sixteen personalities (look it up)
The Knight, the Professor, the Musician, the Philosopher, the Explorer, the Poet, the Gunslinger, the Assassin, the Penciler, the Collector, the Gourmet, the Engineer, the Wizard, the Jester, the Doctor, and the Vampire
Together, they are the Amalgam (and at the same time, separate from the Amalgam)
But are there others in My Mind?
Yes, there are many more personalities since there is an entire World in there
Much much more, and many of those personalities I hadn’t met yet
Thứ Hai, 11 tháng 2, 2008
CHAIN OF THOUGHTS: February
Here are some February scribbles
Spider-Man
Here’s what recently significantly happened to Spider-Man/Peter Parker. This is taken from a Wikipedia article.
The story begins in Amazing Spider-Man #544. With Aunt May slowly dying after being shot by a sniper during the closing hours of the Superhero Civil War, Peter Parker is forced to ask Tony Stark for financial assistance. Iron Man first attempts to bring Peter in for opposing the Superhero Registration Act, but stops when he learns of May's situation. He listens to Peter, but tells him he can't help him. He does however send Jarvis with a $2,000,000 check that will cover May's medical needs. Peter then sets out to help May, any way he can.
Continuing in Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24, Peter seeks council with Doctor Strange. Doctor Strange informs Peter that he can do nothing to grant Aunt May her life back. However, he helps Peter seek the aid of several others including Doctor Doom, the High Evolutionary, Reed Richards, and Doctor Octopus. Without Strange's approval, Peter attempts to go back in time using one of the spells. He harms himself in the process. Strange heals his wounds and sends him on his way, encouraging him to be by his Aunt's side at her death. On his way to the hospital, Peter is confronted by a little girl, who says she holds the answer to his problem.
In The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2) #41 Peter talks to the little girl, who runs off. While pursuing her, Peter encounters two men; An overweight software tester who says he wishes he were a hero, and a middle-aged technology magnate, who says he'd give up all his fortune just to be with a girl he'd known and lost years ago. Peter then encounters a woman in red, who tells him that the two men he met were him, from alternate possible timelines where Peter was never bitten by the radioactive spider. The woman transforms into Mephisto, who tells Peter he can save Aunt May. But as payment, Mephisto wants, not Peter's soul, but his and Mary Jane's marriage. In return for saving May, he wants to wipe all memory of Peter's marriage to MJ from all but one part of their souls, so that he may listen to those parts' pain for the rest of eternity. Peter and Mary Jane are given until midnight the following night to decide their answer.
As the story concludes in Amazing Spider-Man #545, Peter and Mary Jane agree to the deal after several hours lamenting over the decision. Mary Jane whispers to Mephisto that she can offer him something in return for removing the knowledge of Peter's identity from the world. Before sealing the deal, Mephisto reveals that the little girl was a representation of Peter and Mary Jane's possible child that they will never have. Mary Jane reassures Peter that the two will somehow find each other again. Mephisto changes history so that Peter and Mary Jane never married, and Spider-Man did unmask but, no one seems to remember whose face was underneath. Peter wakes up alone in bed, living again with Aunt May, who is alive and well, in her old house, which burned down prior to siding with Tony Stark. He attends a party being held for one of his friends, a resurrected Harry Osborn back from rehab (who did not die, as a result of Mephisto's magic). He glimpses Mary Jane sadly leaving the party. They then all toast a "Brand New Day".
* * *
I sympathize with Peter Parker, Spider-Man, not only because he’s one of my favorite characters, but because he don’t deserve this. Mary Jane is just too important to him. It is common knowledge to Spidy fans like me that Peter Parker is a misfortune magnet. But even with all this problems and pains that bombards his life as Peter Parker and Spider-Man, he continues to do good things. One of the best things in his life is MJ, one of his strengths, and he in some degree, he forgets the strain of being a “misfortune magnet” because he had MJ.
I don’t know why I had been affected by these current happenings to Spidy. Anyway, in the past, he had lost MJ before but found her again, and Spidy had greater problems than this, but he prevailed over them. Given the time (and a writer’s good storyline), all of this would come to a good end.
I don’t know why I’m being too sentimental about it. Maybe it is because of this Valentines feel in the air.
Valentines
“Why do you not like Valentines?”
“It’s pagan,” I reply with a laugh.
Of course, though Valentines do really have pagan origins and symbolisms (like Christmas), but that is not really the reason. I am not just into this “love and romance and valentines and such” stuff.
And I don’t like red much.
LA Lakers
But I like the purple and gold.
My beloved Lakers have Gasol now. I hope the Lakers, led by Kobe will win a championship this season. Go Lakers! I hope they dominate February with many wins.
I like the Lakers a lot. And the Laker Girls, too.
Girls
When Stephen Hawking was asked by Larry King what he thinks is the greatest mystery in the universe, the great physicist replied, “women.” I agree with the genius.
I cannot understand the fairer sex. They are just too difficult to read. Sure a father may understand a daughter, or a husband a wife, or a boyfriend a girlfriend, but when it’s man-woman, I don’t think so a male will.
I’ll admit it here…
As being a person is concerned, I respect females. I am not prejudiced when it’s come to this – as persons. I’ll admit they are good or equal or superior to men in some things if they really do, I will recognize it without bias – as persons. Females are good friends and acquaintances – as persons. Yes, all these as “persons.”
But, I will admit it here, I have a dislike and distrust of the female sex.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate them. And I am not prejudiced by them. And I do not think of them as the inferior sex. No. No such thing. I like them as persons, and as friends, as sisters, as mothers, as aunts, etc.
I just have this dislike and distrust of females.
Maybe because females are dangerous if you allow them to affect you.
Analogy
Maybe an analogy illustration can explain it. Just as Christ commanded, “love the sinners, and hate the sin.” So, I may like and trust a female as a person or as my friend, but dislike and distrust females. Sure, it’s not much of a perfect analogy since being a female is not a sin. It’s just… ah, okay, I’ll admit it, it’s not an appropriate analogy. But I hope you get the point.
Feminism and The War of the Sexes
Females had become very active of “female emancipation” and cries of “equality” since the 19th century. Oh, feminism is very popular. I know some about it – heck, I read a lot you know. I agree with “equality” of the sex and rights of suffrage and such. But when feminism goes on the extreme – like branding males as evil, insisting of God’s feminity, Sapphism, or believing that females are superior to male and that they have the divine right of always “knowing what is best” – we got a problem Womankind who are into feminism are very prone to extreme feminism. There is a danger there. Norms and effective systems are threatened.
Yeah. Male and female are equal, I agree with that. As far as sex is concerned, male and female are equal. But in other senses, male and female equality is impossible. There are roles that are best done my men than women (and, fine, I’ll add, “vice versa” to not appear biased). Females see the world that seems to be male-dominated and patriarchal, as male oriented… but this doesn’t mean female inferiority. Female should not think so, because if they do, when they feel insecure and inferior, they will believe in extreme feminism.
Sure, I admit maybe all this “emancipation” and feminism started because of male arrogance. But feminism is also arrogance. Extreme feminism – specifically – is arrogance oriented, and biased. It brainwashes women, and it treats males as the enemy… and it start to make harmony between male and female impossible – which is not.
Males, feeling threatened of this, begun to fight it wrongly. Making chauvinism.
My mother once told me that I am a chauvinist. Maybe slight. All males have some slight chauvinism in them, as defense of this irrational and extreme feminism. But I will not defend extreme chauvinism. It’s as much as an evil as extreme feminism. Sexism is evil.
This open and close war between the male and the females is a reality. Some make sci-fiction stories (feminist authors mostly) where there is a war between the two sexes, and the male being wiped out and the world, with only females remaining, becomes a paradise. I don’t think so a world with one of the sexes missing is a paradise, God created Eden with a male and a female. Anyway, this sci-fi scenario may happen if this “war” about gender domination gets out of hand.
There are instances where there are good-humored debates about which is the superior sex, it’s good as long as it’s a good-humored debate and discussions, as long as there is no extremities. God has designed roles and systems. And we will have just to trust God that His system is the best, and there is no issue of “dominance” or “superiority” in this system.
But I still distrust and dislike the females.
Women Leaders
No, I don’t mind being lead by women. I’m not prejudiced. As long as she’s a competent and respectable leader, no problem with me.
But it’s frustrating to be lead by someone who’s not.
Movies
I find movies good relievers of frustrations.
Anyway, it’s February again and romance is popular. And romantic movies, too. I am not much into the “romantic” genre, but I admit I enjoyed some because of the good story or/and concept. Here is the list of those romantic movies I watched and liked (there is no order nor chronology).
Cutting Edge – this is about a hockey player who decided to figure skate with a pro-female figure skater as a partner in a couple figure skating contest. I don’t know why I enjoyed this but I did. It was the first romantic movie I liked.
Notting Hill – “I am just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Ugh. Plainly stupid. One of movie history’s worst lines. But Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts had chemistry, the Spike character was hilarious and it had some fine points.
A Walk to Remember – good story.
Music and Lyrics – I decided to watch it because of the music theme in it. I found the story enjoyable.
Sleepless in Seattle – again I forgot the story and why I liked it.
Shallow Hal – Hilarious, and because it paired gorgeous Gwyneth Paltrow to funny Jack Black. Moral of the story, “Beauty dwells in the heart.”
Pretty Women – another story I forgot but liked. I just remember it was about an executive (Richard Geere) and a hooker (Julia Roberts).
I am not exposed to much “romance” movies. If you notice, must of the movies I mentioned are romantic-comedies, so I probably watched them for the sake of the comedy, or because my parents were watching it and I decided to hang around and watch it too. I don’t know of I enjoyed other romantic movies aside from those I mentioned. If there were others, I probably forgot about them. And maybe there are other great and enjoyable romantic movies I hadn’t watched, so I cannot give comment to.
Books
As for romantic books, no I am not into them. But since I love literature, I had read some. But given the choice, I’ll choose classic romance like “Pride and Prejudice” (although I still hadn’t read it anyway) than those there are nowadays. But I like the story of one titled “Oliver’s Story”, because it has a good story.
Music
In my non-preference of “love and romance and such” in terms of genre in other arts or fields, I guess I have to make an exception here since most of the songs and music created were about “love and romance and such.”
Besides, Paul McCartney said (or sang), “Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs. And what’s wrong with that?”
Good point, Sir Paul.
Dating and Relationships
I got nothing against dating and relationships… but they are risks, and not to be taken lightly and jump into them quickly.
Personally, I avoid them. I had some glimpse of these things a long time ago, and I admit, I can’t handle it. Besides, I have no money and time for such things. And, simply, because I am not interested.
As Ending
I admit I had felt “emotional thrills” and can be affected initially by a females allure or seduction – but only initially, subsequently it often wears off. Things like this don’t happen often anyway, since I am not interested much in this “love and romance and such” stuff and avoid such things.
But even in my cynicism of “love and romance and such” – because they are just “emotional thrills” – I am not biased to admit, that maybe, they are important. And maybe God gave such emotions and concepts to humans for a reason, like giving a taste of what is not much of comprehension and reality to us, such as the Love of God.
Spider-Man
Here’s what recently significantly happened to Spider-Man/Peter Parker. This is taken from a Wikipedia article.
The story begins in Amazing Spider-Man #544. With Aunt May slowly dying after being shot by a sniper during the closing hours of the Superhero Civil War, Peter Parker is forced to ask Tony Stark for financial assistance. Iron Man first attempts to bring Peter in for opposing the Superhero Registration Act, but stops when he learns of May's situation. He listens to Peter, but tells him he can't help him. He does however send Jarvis with a $2,000,000 check that will cover May's medical needs. Peter then sets out to help May, any way he can.
Continuing in Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24, Peter seeks council with Doctor Strange. Doctor Strange informs Peter that he can do nothing to grant Aunt May her life back. However, he helps Peter seek the aid of several others including Doctor Doom, the High Evolutionary, Reed Richards, and Doctor Octopus. Without Strange's approval, Peter attempts to go back in time using one of the spells. He harms himself in the process. Strange heals his wounds and sends him on his way, encouraging him to be by his Aunt's side at her death. On his way to the hospital, Peter is confronted by a little girl, who says she holds the answer to his problem.
In The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2) #41 Peter talks to the little girl, who runs off. While pursuing her, Peter encounters two men; An overweight software tester who says he wishes he were a hero, and a middle-aged technology magnate, who says he'd give up all his fortune just to be with a girl he'd known and lost years ago. Peter then encounters a woman in red, who tells him that the two men he met were him, from alternate possible timelines where Peter was never bitten by the radioactive spider. The woman transforms into Mephisto, who tells Peter he can save Aunt May. But as payment, Mephisto wants, not Peter's soul, but his and Mary Jane's marriage. In return for saving May, he wants to wipe all memory of Peter's marriage to MJ from all but one part of their souls, so that he may listen to those parts' pain for the rest of eternity. Peter and Mary Jane are given until midnight the following night to decide their answer.
As the story concludes in Amazing Spider-Man #545, Peter and Mary Jane agree to the deal after several hours lamenting over the decision. Mary Jane whispers to Mephisto that she can offer him something in return for removing the knowledge of Peter's identity from the world. Before sealing the deal, Mephisto reveals that the little girl was a representation of Peter and Mary Jane's possible child that they will never have. Mary Jane reassures Peter that the two will somehow find each other again. Mephisto changes history so that Peter and Mary Jane never married, and Spider-Man did unmask but, no one seems to remember whose face was underneath. Peter wakes up alone in bed, living again with Aunt May, who is alive and well, in her old house, which burned down prior to siding with Tony Stark. He attends a party being held for one of his friends, a resurrected Harry Osborn back from rehab (who did not die, as a result of Mephisto's magic). He glimpses Mary Jane sadly leaving the party. They then all toast a "Brand New Day".
* * *
I sympathize with Peter Parker, Spider-Man, not only because he’s one of my favorite characters, but because he don’t deserve this. Mary Jane is just too important to him. It is common knowledge to Spidy fans like me that Peter Parker is a misfortune magnet. But even with all this problems and pains that bombards his life as Peter Parker and Spider-Man, he continues to do good things. One of the best things in his life is MJ, one of his strengths, and he in some degree, he forgets the strain of being a “misfortune magnet” because he had MJ.
I don’t know why I had been affected by these current happenings to Spidy. Anyway, in the past, he had lost MJ before but found her again, and Spidy had greater problems than this, but he prevailed over them. Given the time (and a writer’s good storyline), all of this would come to a good end.
I don’t know why I’m being too sentimental about it. Maybe it is because of this Valentines feel in the air.
Valentines
“Why do you not like Valentines?”
“It’s pagan,” I reply with a laugh.
Of course, though Valentines do really have pagan origins and symbolisms (like Christmas), but that is not really the reason. I am not just into this “love and romance and valentines and such” stuff.
And I don’t like red much.
LA Lakers
But I like the purple and gold.
My beloved Lakers have Gasol now. I hope the Lakers, led by Kobe will win a championship this season. Go Lakers! I hope they dominate February with many wins.
I like the Lakers a lot. And the Laker Girls, too.
Girls
When Stephen Hawking was asked by Larry King what he thinks is the greatest mystery in the universe, the great physicist replied, “women.” I agree with the genius.
I cannot understand the fairer sex. They are just too difficult to read. Sure a father may understand a daughter, or a husband a wife, or a boyfriend a girlfriend, but when it’s man-woman, I don’t think so a male will.
I’ll admit it here…
As being a person is concerned, I respect females. I am not prejudiced when it’s come to this – as persons. I’ll admit they are good or equal or superior to men in some things if they really do, I will recognize it without bias – as persons. Females are good friends and acquaintances – as persons. Yes, all these as “persons.”
But, I will admit it here, I have a dislike and distrust of the female sex.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate them. And I am not prejudiced by them. And I do not think of them as the inferior sex. No. No such thing. I like them as persons, and as friends, as sisters, as mothers, as aunts, etc.
I just have this dislike and distrust of females.
Maybe because females are dangerous if you allow them to affect you.
Analogy
Maybe an analogy illustration can explain it. Just as Christ commanded, “love the sinners, and hate the sin.” So, I may like and trust a female as a person or as my friend, but dislike and distrust females. Sure, it’s not much of a perfect analogy since being a female is not a sin. It’s just… ah, okay, I’ll admit it, it’s not an appropriate analogy. But I hope you get the point.
Feminism and The War of the Sexes
Females had become very active of “female emancipation” and cries of “equality” since the 19th century. Oh, feminism is very popular. I know some about it – heck, I read a lot you know. I agree with “equality” of the sex and rights of suffrage and such. But when feminism goes on the extreme – like branding males as evil, insisting of God’s feminity, Sapphism, or believing that females are superior to male and that they have the divine right of always “knowing what is best” – we got a problem Womankind who are into feminism are very prone to extreme feminism. There is a danger there. Norms and effective systems are threatened.
Yeah. Male and female are equal, I agree with that. As far as sex is concerned, male and female are equal. But in other senses, male and female equality is impossible. There are roles that are best done my men than women (and, fine, I’ll add, “vice versa” to not appear biased). Females see the world that seems to be male-dominated and patriarchal, as male oriented… but this doesn’t mean female inferiority. Female should not think so, because if they do, when they feel insecure and inferior, they will believe in extreme feminism.
Sure, I admit maybe all this “emancipation” and feminism started because of male arrogance. But feminism is also arrogance. Extreme feminism – specifically – is arrogance oriented, and biased. It brainwashes women, and it treats males as the enemy… and it start to make harmony between male and female impossible – which is not.
Males, feeling threatened of this, begun to fight it wrongly. Making chauvinism.
My mother once told me that I am a chauvinist. Maybe slight. All males have some slight chauvinism in them, as defense of this irrational and extreme feminism. But I will not defend extreme chauvinism. It’s as much as an evil as extreme feminism. Sexism is evil.
This open and close war between the male and the females is a reality. Some make sci-fiction stories (feminist authors mostly) where there is a war between the two sexes, and the male being wiped out and the world, with only females remaining, becomes a paradise. I don’t think so a world with one of the sexes missing is a paradise, God created Eden with a male and a female. Anyway, this sci-fi scenario may happen if this “war” about gender domination gets out of hand.
There are instances where there are good-humored debates about which is the superior sex, it’s good as long as it’s a good-humored debate and discussions, as long as there is no extremities. God has designed roles and systems. And we will have just to trust God that His system is the best, and there is no issue of “dominance” or “superiority” in this system.
But I still distrust and dislike the females.
Women Leaders
No, I don’t mind being lead by women. I’m not prejudiced. As long as she’s a competent and respectable leader, no problem with me.
But it’s frustrating to be lead by someone who’s not.
Movies
I find movies good relievers of frustrations.
Anyway, it’s February again and romance is popular. And romantic movies, too. I am not much into the “romantic” genre, but I admit I enjoyed some because of the good story or/and concept. Here is the list of those romantic movies I watched and liked (there is no order nor chronology).
Cutting Edge – this is about a hockey player who decided to figure skate with a pro-female figure skater as a partner in a couple figure skating contest. I don’t know why I enjoyed this but I did. It was the first romantic movie I liked.
Notting Hill – “I am just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Ugh. Plainly stupid. One of movie history’s worst lines. But Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts had chemistry, the Spike character was hilarious and it had some fine points.
A Walk to Remember – good story.
Music and Lyrics – I decided to watch it because of the music theme in it. I found the story enjoyable.
Sleepless in Seattle – again I forgot the story and why I liked it.
Shallow Hal – Hilarious, and because it paired gorgeous Gwyneth Paltrow to funny Jack Black. Moral of the story, “Beauty dwells in the heart.”
Pretty Women – another story I forgot but liked. I just remember it was about an executive (Richard Geere) and a hooker (Julia Roberts).
I am not exposed to much “romance” movies. If you notice, must of the movies I mentioned are romantic-comedies, so I probably watched them for the sake of the comedy, or because my parents were watching it and I decided to hang around and watch it too. I don’t know of I enjoyed other romantic movies aside from those I mentioned. If there were others, I probably forgot about them. And maybe there are other great and enjoyable romantic movies I hadn’t watched, so I cannot give comment to.
Books
As for romantic books, no I am not into them. But since I love literature, I had read some. But given the choice, I’ll choose classic romance like “Pride and Prejudice” (although I still hadn’t read it anyway) than those there are nowadays. But I like the story of one titled “Oliver’s Story”, because it has a good story.
Music
In my non-preference of “love and romance and such” in terms of genre in other arts or fields, I guess I have to make an exception here since most of the songs and music created were about “love and romance and such.”
Besides, Paul McCartney said (or sang), “Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs. And what’s wrong with that?”
Good point, Sir Paul.
Dating and Relationships
I got nothing against dating and relationships… but they are risks, and not to be taken lightly and jump into them quickly.
Personally, I avoid them. I had some glimpse of these things a long time ago, and I admit, I can’t handle it. Besides, I have no money and time for such things. And, simply, because I am not interested.
As Ending
I admit I had felt “emotional thrills” and can be affected initially by a females allure or seduction – but only initially, subsequently it often wears off. Things like this don’t happen often anyway, since I am not interested much in this “love and romance and such” stuff and avoid such things.
But even in my cynicism of “love and romance and such” – because they are just “emotional thrills” – I am not biased to admit, that maybe, they are important. And maybe God gave such emotions and concepts to humans for a reason, like giving a taste of what is not much of comprehension and reality to us, such as the Love of God.
Late Night
I am at my peak when it’s night
I’m no vampire
I am just at my peak when it’s night
Where I have the most energy and “life”
Late night
Ah, the best time of the day
There are two kinds in which I spent it
Out or inside the house
I like both
Late night out usually means parties
I like parties
I like the food most about it
But, honestly, I like late nights inside the house better
There are a lot of things to do
Now, inside the house I will be either:
Asleep or awake
Sleeping is one of my interests
But I usually sleep late
(And I enjoy sleeping in the afternoon more anyway [note: the best thing the Spaniards brought the Filipinos is siesta. Don’t argue.])
Late nights are for…
Reading
Watching movies or TV
Meditating
Thinking
Drawing
Praying
Writing
Listening to my mp4 player
In rare times, studying
And lots more
I get to enjoy doing these things when it’s late night
Before I forget, eating is the best thing to do when it’s late night
Midnight meals
Refrigerator raids
When you have the absolute freedom what to eat
I like to eat any cold leftovers from supper
Chicken
Beef
Pansit
Lauriats
Combos
Anything goes
One of my favorites is a late night snack of coffee and crackers and cheese
I just enjoy the night
The best time to relax
To unwind
To rest
To do what things I like
Alone
With the stars brightly shining above the sky
And no tropical sun’s heat
Or day noises
I don’t know why
Really
Maybe because no matter how bad a day is, the night usually lessens the “badness” of it
Or maybe because it seems all the time and silence in the whole universe is during late night
Or maybe because since I share the world during the day with other people, but in the late night, it seems I have it all for my own
I’m no vampire
I am just at my peak when it’s night
Where I have the most energy and “life”
Late night
Ah, the best time of the day
There are two kinds in which I spent it
Out or inside the house
I like both
Late night out usually means parties
I like parties
I like the food most about it
But, honestly, I like late nights inside the house better
There are a lot of things to do
Now, inside the house I will be either:
Asleep or awake
Sleeping is one of my interests
But I usually sleep late
(And I enjoy sleeping in the afternoon more anyway [note: the best thing the Spaniards brought the Filipinos is siesta. Don’t argue.])
Late nights are for…
Reading
Watching movies or TV
Meditating
Thinking
Drawing
Praying
Writing
Listening to my mp4 player
In rare times, studying
And lots more
I get to enjoy doing these things when it’s late night
Before I forget, eating is the best thing to do when it’s late night
Midnight meals
Refrigerator raids
When you have the absolute freedom what to eat
I like to eat any cold leftovers from supper
Chicken
Beef
Pansit
Lauriats
Combos
Anything goes
One of my favorites is a late night snack of coffee and crackers and cheese
I just enjoy the night
The best time to relax
To unwind
To rest
To do what things I like
Alone
With the stars brightly shining above the sky
And no tropical sun’s heat
Or day noises
I don’t know why
Really
Maybe because no matter how bad a day is, the night usually lessens the “badness” of it
Or maybe because it seems all the time and silence in the whole universe is during late night
Or maybe because since I share the world during the day with other people, but in the late night, it seems I have it all for my own
Thứ Năm, 10 tháng 1, 2008
NAMES
Names are always fascinating. Why is someone name as such? Can a person’s name reflect his personality? Can a person’s name describe him? Can a name break or make a person? Such questions arise about names.
There are a lot of funny things and inconveniences regarding names. Like name-calling and teasing, where a person gets hurt when being branded with insults and insulting names. Or when your name got misspelled in your birth certificate; either you adopt the misspelled name in the certificate, or use the name you supposed to have by having a lengthy and costly legal procedure.
It’s fun and interesting sometimes to find the meaning of your name, or why you are given such name (there was a book in our high school library that has the meanings of some modern-name names, and we planned to steal it but never did. Actually, it was the only book in the library that got our clique [CCC] got interested in). Like those guys in the Bible, who’s names’ meaning were really appropriate with whom they are as persons. Parents named their children because of a combination of their names, or named their children after a favorite celebrity or other idols (I know of kids who were named Sidney Sheldon, Agatha Christie… and someone who was named after the Queen of Pop). Or like the Negro slaves after being emancipated were given the privilege to choose their own surnames.
Our stat prof told us about a former student who had Becile as surname, and a middle initial of M, and therefore goes, M. Becile. There was also another former student of his with the surname Moron, and the name of Alexander. Alex was an excellent varsity runner, and he was nicknamed "Alexander the Great" after the famous Macedonian conqueror of the past. But my prof, ever playful, told Alex, "You may be a great runner. But to me, you are still Alexander The Great Moron." I also have a schoolmate of mine, my junior, in high school, whose surname was being joked about in our clique like "She probably despises her father", or "I bet she’ll marry soon to get rid of her surname." It is because her surname was "Penis".
My father has a namesake who is a convicted rapist – to our family’s amusement. If you search engined my father’s name in the Internet, you’ll find in the results, among his blogs and articles, a court article about someone who has the same name and was convicted of rape. Another story like this was of some teacher of mine in the past who was refused by the NBI in giving a clearance because she has a namesake who was a wanted smuggle and thought that she and the smuggler was one. Talk about inconvenience.
Some people hate their names that they rechristened themselves with nicknames. Like Nancy Drew’s friend Georgia Fayne who does not like her given name but prefers to be called George instead, and gets mad if you call her by “Georgia”, her given name. for my part, I like to be called “Bernel” instead of “Frenson”. Only my mother, two high school professors, and a stubborn friend and batchmate survived after calling me “Frenson.”. To friends and relatives, I am “Nel” and “Bernz” (my real nickname is “Nel”… some classmates [or was it churchmates?] started “Bernz”). But I like “Nel” better.
Nicknames are as fun as names. William is a Bill, Robert is a Bob, Richard is a Dick, and John is a Jack… and I don’t know why. Some nicks are made because of someone’s character or reflects or summarize him as a person like “The Great” (Napoleon, Catherine, Alexander, etc.) or “Iron Lady” (Margaret Thatcher); or animal references like Pig (greedy), Fox (cunning), Snake (treachery) or Sloth (laziness); or because simply it was a shortening of the name like Tim for Timothy and Jess for Jessica.
But even is a nickname or name makes or break you, defined or discredits you, has goodwill or notoriety, lovely to hear or funny or offending, a name is just a name without the person. The person himself is the one important; since it is the one give justice or injustice to the name given or attached to him.
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