I learned valuable life lessons while cooking Sinigang this noon. First lesson, do not open the lid of the pressure cooker while the pressure is still at max. Doing so will release the pressure and cause the water in the pot to burst everywhere, including your feet, hence scalding your toes. But if you don’t mind the sore and stingy toes, by all means, be my guest.
The second lesson is to stay focused on matters at hand. Do not multithink or multitask. Trust me, you will end up scalding your toes. Staying focused on what you are doing will help you remember to turn off the stove and let the pressure boil down before you open the lid of the pressure cooker. This will spare you the need to clean after the huge mess too.
So there you have two very important life lessons that will prevent scalded toes. Bonne nuit chacun, et à mon cousin Kathleen, je suis heureux d’être texto ou encore une fois.
Today I saw a man who looked like Super Duper Gary Cooper, and was walking like a million dollar trooper (what’s up with those rhymes anyway?). He owned the street with his slick hairstyle, stiff neck tie, blue dinner jacket and pinstripe slacks. He swaggered more than walked, making sure the rings on his fingers would shine in the sun as his arms swayed lazily. I have to admit that despite the slightly exaggerated motions, he was cool. Like he was straight out of the Ritz. If he was with a woman who looked like Grace Kelly, the picture would be perfect.
Speaking of Grace Kelly. In my opinion, she used to be one of the most beautiful celebrities on Earth. I bet she’d outshine Hollywood stars today if she were around at the same time. Next on the list would be Paraluman. She was mentioned in the Eraserheads’ song ‘Ang Huling Elbimbo’, and I got curious. So I Googled her and my jaw hit the keyboard. Man, was she beautiful; the most beautiful German Filipina. Two of the most beautiful dead women.
Spirit of Beauty, whose sweet impulses,
Flung like the rose of dawn across the sea,
Alone can flush the exalted consciousness
With shafts of sensible divinity –
Light of the World, essential loveliness:
Him whom the Muse hath made thy votary
Not from her paths and gentle precepture
Shall vulgar ends engage, nor break the spell
That taught him first to feel thy secret charms
And o’er the earth, obedient to their lure,
Their sweet surprise and endless miracle,
To follow ever with insatiate arms.
On summer afternoons,
When from the blue horizon to the shore,
Casting faint silver pathways like the moon’s
Across the Ocean’s glassy, mottled floor,
Far clouds uprear their gleaming battlements
Drawn to the crest of some bleak eminence,
When autumn twilight fades on the sere hill
And autumn winds are still;
To watch the East for some emerging sign,
Wintry Capella or the Pleiades
Or that great huntsman with the golden gear;
Ravished in hours like these
Before thy universal shrine
To feel the invoked presence hovering near,
He stands enthusiastic. Star-lit hours
Spent on the roads of wandering solitude
Have set their sober impress on his brow,
And he, with harmonies of wind and wood
And torrent and the tread of mountain showers,
Has mingled many a dedicative vow
That holds him, till thy last delight be known,
Bound in thy service and in thine alone.
- From Juvenilia, An Ode to Natural Beauty by Alan Seeger
Anyway, Josh will be taking the UPCAT on August 8th, so please pray for him. You can do it bro.
God made me eat my words when I said I’m officially not for mainstream. Turns out that I can make it there, and God used some unfavorable circumstances to making His point to me even more of a bang. I am speechless and pumped with adrenaline right now; I’m not coherent enough to relate what happened. Maybe one day I’ll get to tell you that story.
Thank you God! Thank you White and Blue! Thank you friends!
One Manga is shutting down. Due to the mangakas’ change of stand regarding manga scanlations, the site has been forced to remove all manga. Zabi quotes:
“There is an end to everything, to good things as well.”
It pains me to announce that this is the last week of manga reading on One Manga (!!). Manga publishers have recently changed their stance on manga scanlations and made it clear that they no longer approve of it. We have decided to abide by their wishes, and remove all manga content (regardless of licensing status) from the site. The removal of content will happen gradually (so you can at least finish some of the outstanding reading you have), but we expect all content to be gone by early next week (RIP OM July ’10).
Zabi then requests fans to like One Manga’s brand new Facebook Page. So, if you are a fan like me, please do like it. Thank you.
I shall miss you, One Manga, you are the best. You brought us Naruto, Bleach, Reborn, and all the other awesome manga. Soyonara, I hope it isn’t for real. T.T
Good morning Blogsphere! Today the sun is shining, a perfect opportunity for sunglasses. I will be having two reports today, one on the Human Sexual Response Cycle, and another on the Biography of Thomas Malory. I personally like the latter report better, because since the beginning of the semester, sex has been a constant topic in class. I’m kind of getting tired of the topic. Hanep, nakakapurga pagusapan ang sex.
Yesterday, I was in silent contemplation mode. People often say that we should not be prejudiced. We should treat people equally, whether the person is beautiful or ugly, right? Right. But then I noticed that society, we, tend to gravitate more to people we find attractive, and we have the tendency to ignore and mistreat those who are not. Not ugly per se, but people who we as individuals personally find unattractive (i.e. does not meet our standards of attractiveness). It doesn’t really pertain to physical attributes; just anything in them that draws us in. Like smarts, character, confidence, and so on and so forth. (Note: this also applies to the general, as there are people who are generally attractive e.g. celebrities, models, and the like and people who are generally unattractive. Note to self: Maintain a general attractiveness, in order to be treated better by society e.g. better service from restaurant staff, etc.).
The general attractive
VS
The general unattractive
I guess it’s obvious who society would gravitate to, based on the illustration. Anyway, I better get back to Thomas. Yes, to Thomas, mind you not the Orgasm Phase.
It’s official. I am not fit for news writing and mainstream (i.e. affiliated with news publications).
I strike-d two times in a row for S.L.U. White and Blue. First time, I bailed after half of the exam ’cause it was in Filipino. Two years later last Saturday, I managed to finish by doing my best in the news writing and sports writing guessing game, and I think I faired well in the grammar test and feature writing portion (though it was sort of forced creativity). But I think I was a little too honest in the interview. The first question asked was to describe myself in one minute, and for a few seconds, all I could say was: Uh…you can Google me…
I’m not disappointed for flunking per se, because I’ve known and accepted that I suck as a journalist prior to the screening, but I mourn the loss of the plus points I could’ve gotten in my Journalism class if I made the cut. You see, my teacher is a fan of being a member of a publication or at least being affiliated to one. Maybe that’s why God didn’t give me the position; “If you just write for the points and not for my glory son, nuh uh, you can’t have it.” or “White and Blue is not for you son, I’ve got bigger plans for you.” as I’d like to think.
Yes, my motivation for trying out was selfish. I never really cared much for joining publications; I did it for the points. And I guess I was a little too honest by kinda giving that away during the interview. The interviewer asked me what motivated me to try out and the conversation sort of went like this (note this is not verbatim):
Her: What inspired you to join White and Blue?
Me: Quite frankly I was totally unaware that W&B was recruiting. I just found out when I passed by Silang lobby and a friend of mine signed me up. Since he was listed as a fan of my blog, I couldn’t say no…
Her: Oh yeah! I remember! You were the one who looked like Hayden Kho, right? Ahahahaha!
Me: Uh…Yeah, I suppose that was me. But I beg to differ with looking like him. Anyway. I wasn’t really planning to join (here I tried to make up for it) …but then I thought about it and decided it would be a great thing to be part of a publication, interacting with fellow writers…haha.
Her: It’s not just interacting. We are the OFFICIAL publication of S.L.U. That’s a huge responsibility.
Me: Right. I agree.
I wonder why. The interviewer kept smiling at me throughout the interview; I took it as a positive sign. Hmm, what was up with that. I’m happy for my friend Ruth though, who made it through the first round. She’s really a better news writer than I am (CONGRATS RUTH!). I was so proud of her when I found out, it felt sort of paternal. Weird. So I guess I’ll stay in the indie writing scene, where I belong and am at best.
P.S.
I don’t really look like Hayden Kho, do I? (See above.)
I miss the 90′s. Watching TMNT, Doraemon, Sesame Street, Saved by the Bell, Bubble Gang, Ultra Man and Mcgyver, wearing shoes that light up at every step, growing into hand-me-downs, biking in Burnham Park with my Papa and my brothers, eating at Arnel Ignacio’s shomai place, the consistently cool climate of Baguio City, boy bands, Moby, Christmas Caroling at church, and of course, Micheal ‘Air’ Jordan. I was born in ’91, so back then I didn’t really appreciate the glory of those years. I just lived them, without the knowledge that someday, I would miss those days.
Jose Rizal mentioned that one must always look back to his past. I guess the context doesn’t really apply to my point though. Anyway. I agree with him. A man’s past is what molds him to his present, and is what will prepare him for the future. I think we should take time every now and then to look back, to reminisce, laugh, appreciate and be thankful for, and especially to learn, so we can hype ourselves up, and look forward to tomorrow. In Luis Robinson’s words: Keep moving forward.
In my case, I look back to the (and love) 90′s because they inspire me to write; there are just so many things a 90′s kid like me could write about. Right?
Note: the 1990 earthquake that shook me in my mother’s womb. LOL
I was searching the Web for news articles to brush up on my straight news writing, when I came across a site that had a bunch of funny news articles. I thought I’d share a few of the laughs with you. Have a great Saturday!
Elderly Man Sued for Stopping at Stop Sign September 9, 2002 – Atlanta, USA
In a case possibly first of its kind, 67 year old Arthur Thompson is being sued by 32 year old Lynn Manaouski for stopping at a 4-way stop sign. In her statement she described how she came up to the intersection leading into her downtown condo, and rear ended the driver in front of her due to his ‘complete and full stop’. She continues to say that of the almost 2 years of living in that particular condominium complex, she had not once been behind someone who had made a full stop at the stop sign, and that his inability to be ‘consistent with typical driving patterns’ caused the accident. As a result, she is convinced that Mr. Thompson is directly responsible for the accident and should be held accountable for all incurred costs of repair to both vehicles. When reminded that it is the law to make a complete stop at a stop sign, her abrupt response was “I am quite capable of deciding when it is a good or bad time to stop my vehicle.”
Worlds Cheapest Tip September 1, 2002 – Arkansas, USA
An Arkansas primary school teacher has been declared the worlds cheapest tipper after ordering more than $250 worth of food and drinks for his wife and self and leaving a 5 rupee tip. Rupee, an Indian currency, is worth approximately 0.02 of an American dollar. When questioned the man replied, “I had just returned from a trip to India and I had mistaken the coins for more valuable American currency.” Relaying this to the offended waitress she responded, “His excuse is weak, since when would you be cracking out foreign coins (that do not even resemble American money) as a tip for a $250 dollar dinner? There is no way with a bill like that you would use coins to tip at the customary 10%-15%, and even tipping at something like 3% would still need bills. His tip wasn’t even a percent!”
Lack of Talent Contest Being Held for Next Batch of Mac Commercials July 22, 2002 – New York, USA
Apple’s new “Switch” television ad campaign, featuring people who didn’t quite know what to do with a Windows based PC that moved to that Mac platform, will continue into the summer season. In order to find actors similarly dense and ignorant to the ones featured in the first batch of commercials, Apple will be holding a Lack of Talent contest. Campaign producer Ted Zielchman commented, “All of the actors we were getting from the talent agencies were too intelligent, and these are people who are usually rejected based on lack of intelligence, so we are faced with a unique problem. I believe though, based on the applicants for the contest so far, we have some likely candidates. Some were unable to even spell their name and had that ‘not so bright look on their face’ – consistent with the first batch of actors we used. The first batch were easy to find, we visited the local district Mac Club. After that we simply had a hard time finding anyone willing to admit being an Apple user.”
Publisher Releases Guide to Kicking Cats July 25, 2002 – USA
The 45 page colour instructional book entitled “Kicking Cats” guides men through the process of kicking cats down flights of stairs without repercussions from their spouse or girlfriends. “It isn’t as easy as one would think to successfully do and get away with”, comments author John Moore. “I was caught numerous times by my at the time girlfriends and eventually became determined to develop a fail-proof process. This book represents years of studying, practicing, research and an estimated 150 test cats. At first I was somewhat alarmed by my dislike for cats, when considering how much my girlfriends and ex-wife liked them. But after talking to scores of other men about my pent up feelings of anger towards cats, I realized I was far from alone. That is why the introduction goes into great detail about the history of cat kicking and some of the current theories on men’s hatred of cats. The secret to a successful kick is to first befriend the cat, building its trust in you. It is when the cat is truly relaxed and comfortable around you that you can then angle it towards the stair case for a mighty punt.”
Man Never Misses Trip To Gym For 5 Years July 29, 2002 – Florida, USA
In an attempt to force himself into a healthy routine of exercise, a Florida man hired a hit man to kill him if he failed to show up to any of his 3 weekly workouts for the past 5 years. “At first I thought the ridiculous membership fees and that ludicrous up front joining fee would make me workout so I wouldn’t waste the money – but that didn’t work. Within weeks I was coming up with all sorts of lame pathetic excuses not to go. So I decided that if money wouldn’t promote me to go, losing my life would. The hit man idea has worked like a charm, maybe even too good. There were some times that I truly would have preferred not to go, like that time I had bronchial asthmatic pneumonia. I’ve never had so much dark green mucus running down my face in my life, you should have seen that treadmill afterwards. But with all its ups and downs, my only complaint lately is that what I originally thought were expensive gym fees have been over shadowed by the high cost of the hit man. Now that I want to stop, I can’t because I told him to shoot me if I told him I wanted to give up.”
I am sometimes a victim of retrogression. During my participation in creative pursuits, I sometimes find that I regress instead of progress. I appreciate the irony in this; the more creative and innovative I try to be, the more I am hindered by the blocks of mediocrity. This leads me to the realization that creativity is something that comes naturally. It is not something that one can force or try to be. I guess what I am trying to say is that a person can’t try to be creative, he just is. Creativity is not a pursuit, but a perpetual state of being; a lifestyle so to speak.
I recently learned that when I am conscious of my creativity, I lose it. The more I think an idea is creative, the more I see that it is in reality quite unoriginal. On the contrary, when I do not mind what I write, but just write, I find that the outcome is something very unique, enlightening and in a way, transcendental. It is out of the ordinary, and transcends everything I could have attempted to be creative.
I find from the experiences of friends and people around me that the analogy could be applied with romantic relationships. The more people try to look for the right person, the more they are at a loss. They hop from one relationship to another, not finding the fulfillment they desire; a sad cycle of broken cisterns.
Since the last time I loved a woman (it’s so awkward phrasing it that way, since it was only once in 19 years), had a bitter ending to that… affair, I’ve always thought that it’s not a matter of finding the right person, but a matter of being the right one. If you are the right person (which ironically is a pursuit. One must try his best to be the right one.), then the complimentary right individual will come, inevitably.
From that experience the concept of being and not trying was reinforced in my mentality. After a break up, one can’t say “by tomorrow I would have forgotten my pain and moved on”. No. Moving on takes time and it happens without one actually realizing it. He would just wake up one day and realize that the searing pain that haunted him for so many nights no longer tormented his being.
This analogy, however, does not apply to every aspect of living. Take for example a pilgrim’s walk with Christ. A believer must try his best to emulate Christ, to be like Him, to live as He would. This is because man’s nature differs from the purity and holiness of the Savior. Man is physical, sinful, in Adam’s image. He cannot simply be; he cannot naturally live like Christ. This reminds of a book my mentor gave me as a gift for my 13th birthday. It was entitled The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges. Bridges basically spoke of how to live a holy life, a life pleasing to the Father, a life like Christ’s. It was a very inspiring piece of literature, but since it is only an instrument to prove a point, I shall leave it as is.
The fact that some things are meant to be lived, and not pursued and that some things are meant to be practiced in order to be lived, keeps me in a contemplative state. I wonder how to maintain balance between the two. The answer is at the tip of my tongue, metaphorically, but I still can’t mold the word I want. I hope that as I continue living and pursuing, I find I can utter the right words.
Congratulations to Spain for winning the World Cup (for the first time in history) by defeating the Netherlands (who did a pretty darn good job throughout the tournament) 1:0. I’m, not too happy about it (oh Germany!), but I’m a good sport. :)
Good job Spain, and most particularly Iniesta. Splendid play, converting Fabregas’ pass and putting Spain on top of the world. For now. Good for you, Andres.
The top of the world goal.
Of course, congratulations to my team, Germany for placing 3rd, defeating Uruguay 3:2 (definitely a more exciting game than the final game itself). I hope next year you can get your 4th Cup.
L (Mr. Lontoc - Mr. L - L) says thanks for taking the time to drop by H☺☻lΩh☻☺ps™, and welcomes you to his sphere. Hopefully, you enjoy spinning around the loop and learn something worthwhile at the same time.
Since he was a kid with snot all over his face, L has enjoyed story telling and writing. He'd use to come up with fantastic stories on the spot that usually had his adult listeners roaring with laughter.
Because his loving parents recognized his passion for the art, they surrounded him with books and sent him to the University of the Philippines' Summer Arts Workshops where he studied creative writing under the supervision of Cristina Bejar. The workshop nurtured his love for writing, and sharpened his skill as a pen man.
L is a harmless guy who only hurts the mosquitoes that buzz around his head at night and other irritating pests, and he welcomes your feedback and comments. He is also willing to listen to your suggestions etc. However, L does not tolerate spammers. His spam detector makes sure of that. Oh, he also detests plagiarism.
So again, thanks for visiting, welcome, and enjoy! Cheers!
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