Fist Bump is Out - Bud Light
"That's right brother, give your boss a good smack!!."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Apple D’ Apps
I am pretty sure there are tens of thousands of apple iPhone/iPod/iPad applications out there right now. But not all are really worth it, especially if you pay for it. (I didn’t have my iPod Touch jail-broken; for warranty purposes)
Besides, what’s $0.99 cents nowadays? 45.00 pesos for an app is not bad, and there are actually tons of free apps, and every now and then the paid apps go on a discount for a day or totally free! I downloaded the AppFree tool, this gives me daily updates of which apps are now free or have slashed its prices.
The recent free downloads I made that I think are the best so far, are the Mix DJs applications. You are able to listen to streaming music of the latest DJ mixes around the globe. You can than make an in-App purchase of the track or download it somewhere else. For music lovers such as I, these are great apps to have.
Besides, what’s $0.99 cents nowadays? 45.00 pesos for an app is not bad, and there are actually tons of free apps, and every now and then the paid apps go on a discount for a day or totally free! I downloaded the AppFree tool, this gives me daily updates of which apps are now free or have slashed its prices.
Subic Fireworks Extravaganza
For the past 2 years my family and I have been welcoming the New Year in Subic Bay Freeport, one of the reasons being, the fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. This year was better, since my youngest son is already one year and 5 months old, and could better appreciate the spectacle.
What made it more fun is that we experienced the fireworks display on board a yacht! Wohoo!
What made it more fun is that we experienced the fireworks display on board a yacht! Wohoo!
A Dream Within A Dream - by Edgar Allan Poe
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Controlling Others' Feelings
Scene:
Girl: I feel happy being single and I am too preoccupied with a lot of things to even go out on a date.
Guy: Ok, but for argument’s sake, wouldn’t you feel happier if you had a special someone since a lot of guys are asking you out, what’s the harm in going out with any one of them?
Girl: These guys don’t control my feelings, what makes you think that they could make me any happier.
Guy: I could. And I dare you to prove me wrong.
(Cheezy.)
Ok generally, one cannot control what others feel. But some feelings can be, let’s say, manipulated. (Ok, I don’t want it to sound evil, but that’s how it is). So fine, let’s use Persuasion instead. Over time, some interactions can generate a sense of powerlessness with the other party. The person may not feel confident with their own feelings when overwhelmed by a much powerful and persuasive person that can tell you that you are wrong, and he/she is right with what or how you really feel.
Take for example this scenario: Your kid gets angry at you because you did not allow him to play late at night. All you need to say is; “you can’t get angry at me. You know it’s late and the rule is you’re not allowed to play this late, period. Besides, I am the parent and you should obey me because I know better.” (Ahh, the authority of being a parent) You are able to suppress that anger or even overturn it and have your kid feeling apologetic, if you are able to convince him that he was wrong in feeling that way towards you. Simple enough. (It should be, because you are dealing with a child)
So where does it get complicated? LOVE?
Unless you have some magic love potion, I don’t think you can actually control someone to love you. Adoration or admiration possibly, but not love. (I hope to God it’s not Submission) You may not be aware it, but for instance, those ladies who time and again rejected a suitor because she hates him, that hate turns to admiration because, it turns out later on that she admires the guy for his persistence. Even if they don’t end up together, the fact that her feelings changed; (Thus bourne out of this is the classic phrase, “the more you hate, the more you love”) the guy may have not totally controlled how the girl felt, but his persistence contributed in overpowering that negative feeling of hate. Would you agree?
Still not convinced? How about a friend who cheers you up when you’re feeling down? The interaction or intervention alone would be a factor in changing what you are currently feeling. Yes, indeed it’s your choice if you want to be happy or not, if you feel contented with your current situation, but I believe that others can contribute to those feelings to be changed if they are convincing and persuasive enough.
A very good friend of mine shared to me that, “your mind is over your heart. So the mind should rule over. Your blissful state is controlled by your head.” And with this goes the lines in the book, Eat Pray Love by.. – “Your emotions are slaves of your thoughts and you are the slave of your emotions.” In my post, Heart vs. Mind, I shared my thoughts on what are the balances of making decision with your Heart and Mind.
In the end, indeed you are the sole master and have complete control over your feelings and on most occasions the heart follows the mind, but there are days when it’s the other way around. And on days where you hit a dead end and your feelings are lost, others can help you control your feelings and help find its way. We may be slaves of our emotions and thoughts, but there are those “special some ones” that can liberate us from slavery. Don’t you think?
Or better yet, it would be easier to just use my Jedi powers and play mind tricks on you. Believe in the power of the Force, my apprentice.
Girl: I feel happy being single and I am too preoccupied with a lot of things to even go out on a date.
Guy: Ok, but for argument’s sake, wouldn’t you feel happier if you had a special someone since a lot of guys are asking you out, what’s the harm in going out with any one of them?
Girl: These guys don’t control my feelings, what makes you think that they could make me any happier.
Guy: I could. And I dare you to prove me wrong.
(Cheezy.)
Ok generally, one cannot control what others feel. But some feelings can be, let’s say, manipulated. (Ok, I don’t want it to sound evil, but that’s how it is). So fine, let’s use Persuasion instead. Over time, some interactions can generate a sense of powerlessness with the other party. The person may not feel confident with their own feelings when overwhelmed by a much powerful and persuasive person that can tell you that you are wrong, and he/she is right with what or how you really feel.
Take for example this scenario: Your kid gets angry at you because you did not allow him to play late at night. All you need to say is; “you can’t get angry at me. You know it’s late and the rule is you’re not allowed to play this late, period. Besides, I am the parent and you should obey me because I know better.” (Ahh, the authority of being a parent) You are able to suppress that anger or even overturn it and have your kid feeling apologetic, if you are able to convince him that he was wrong in feeling that way towards you. Simple enough. (It should be, because you are dealing with a child)
So where does it get complicated? LOVE?
Unless you have some magic love potion, I don’t think you can actually control someone to love you. Adoration or admiration possibly, but not love. (I hope to God it’s not Submission) You may not be aware it, but for instance, those ladies who time and again rejected a suitor because she hates him, that hate turns to admiration because, it turns out later on that she admires the guy for his persistence. Even if they don’t end up together, the fact that her feelings changed; (Thus bourne out of this is the classic phrase, “the more you hate, the more you love”) the guy may have not totally controlled how the girl felt, but his persistence contributed in overpowering that negative feeling of hate. Would you agree?
Still not convinced? How about a friend who cheers you up when you’re feeling down? The interaction or intervention alone would be a factor in changing what you are currently feeling. Yes, indeed it’s your choice if you want to be happy or not, if you feel contented with your current situation, but I believe that others can contribute to those feelings to be changed if they are convincing and persuasive enough.
A very good friend of mine shared to me that, “your mind is over your heart. So the mind should rule over. Your blissful state is controlled by your head.” And with this goes the lines in the book, Eat Pray Love by.. – “Your emotions are slaves of your thoughts and you are the slave of your emotions.” In my post, Heart vs. Mind, I shared my thoughts on what are the balances of making decision with your Heart and Mind.
In the end, indeed you are the sole master and have complete control over your feelings and on most occasions the heart follows the mind, but there are days when it’s the other way around. And on days where you hit a dead end and your feelings are lost, others can help you control your feelings and help find its way. We may be slaves of our emotions and thoughts, but there are those “special some ones” that can liberate us from slavery. Don’t you think?
Or better yet, it would be easier to just use my Jedi powers and play mind tricks on you. Believe in the power of the Force, my apprentice.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Shoe Fix
I honestly don’t know why I’m so hooked on buying sneakers/shoes right now. Last December I bought sneakers made by Fila, Adidas and Gola. (My wife got me the Puma Tazon for my birthday, thanks babe!) It could have even been more if not only for my shoe size, which they did not have anymore stocks.
Here is more of what I wish for; (For some reason I haven’t figured out, Nike does not appeal to me)
Adidas Storm trooper
Adidas Beckenbauer
Converse Chuck Taylor (old school!)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Thunderbird Experience
During the recent holidays, part of the family itinerary was an overnight stay in Thunderbird Resorts in La Union. From Baguio it was at least 3 and a half hours to Thunderbird. Despite the long foggy drive down, it was worth every minute because when we got to the resort, it was simply spectacular. (My Dad said it was like we were in Baghdad.)
The resort is not even 100% finished, yet the place is such a sight for sore eyes. (I’m just curious as to why someone would name their resort Thunderbird)
Next stop, we will be checking out the Thunderbird Resort in Antipolo.
For about 7k a night, I don’t mind the 6-8 hour drive from Manila. This is truly a getaway resort. (Someone made a comment that it’s so far (by land) and secluded, it’s a getaway for unwanted love affairs. Har har har)
The resort is not even 100% finished, yet the place is such a sight for sore eyes. (I’m just curious as to why someone would name their resort Thunderbird)
Next stop, we will be checking out the Thunderbird Resort in Antipolo.
World's Most Unique Travel Destinations - by John Giuffo
The Azores
Bhutan - "The Last Shangri-La"
The Blue Lagoon
The Cancun Underwater Museum
The Palm Islands
For more Unique Destinations click on this link: Most Unique Travel Destinations
Featured Clips of the Day - Wolverine in 30 seconds
Wovlerine in 30 Seconds by lotyboy
Wolverine in 30 Seconds by Shyap$rn
Wolverine in 30 Seconds by Shyap$rn
New Zodiac Signs
Well, well, well. There goes your soul mate, your beliefs in your stars, the horoscopes and perfect matches. Now that your sign has changed, will you now look for your new soul mate? What about those who had their signs tattooed on their bodies? Since the 12 signs also relate to the number of months, should there now be a 13th month?
The 13th sign, Ophiuchus, represents Imhotep, who is said to have introduced the art of Medicine during Egyptian times. (Isn’t Imhotep the villain in the movie series the Mummy?)
Based on some web information, below are some of the attributes of an Ophiuchian;
So what happens to those who sought the stars to find their loved ones? Those whose beliefs in the “signs” led them to their destiny as they claimed? What have you to say for yourself? Now that the signs have changed, do you still believe the “signs” had anything to do with it? Once again, I will revert to my previous post, the Power of Suggestion, on how the mind may manipulate you into believing such things. Making you see signs that the mind suggests to you as part of your destiny.
You see, I could still spark a debate; I’m not an Ophiuchian, seeker of peace and harmony. I can be whoever I want to be. Live the life how I want to. Make my own choices. Your signs don’t match? So what. Does that mean you can’t be friends or live together?
Anyway, below is the new chart for the new Zodiac signs.
New Zodiac Signs Chart 2011:
Capricorn: January 20 to February 16
Aquarius: February 16 to March 11
Pisces: March 11 to April 18.
Aries: April 18 to May 13
Taurus: May 13 to June 21.
Gemini: June 21 to July 20
Cancer: July 20 to August 10
Leo: August 10 to September 16
Virgo: September 16 to October 30
Libra: October 30 to November 23
Scorpio: November 23 to November 29
Ophiuchus: November 29 to December 17
Sagittarius: December 17 to January 20
The 13th sign, Ophiuchus, represents Imhotep, who is said to have introduced the art of Medicine during Egyptian times. (Isn’t Imhotep the villain in the movie series the Mummy?)
Based on some web information, below are some of the attributes of an Ophiuchian;
- Interpreter of dreams
- Attracts good luck and fruitful blessings
- A seeker of peace and harmony
- Poetical, inventive nature
- Seeks higher education or wisdom
- Overseer
- Fame – completely grand or completely misunderstood
So what happens to those who sought the stars to find their loved ones? Those whose beliefs in the “signs” led them to their destiny as they claimed? What have you to say for yourself? Now that the signs have changed, do you still believe the “signs” had anything to do with it? Once again, I will revert to my previous post, the Power of Suggestion, on how the mind may manipulate you into believing such things. Making you see signs that the mind suggests to you as part of your destiny.
You see, I could still spark a debate; I’m not an Ophiuchian, seeker of peace and harmony. I can be whoever I want to be. Live the life how I want to. Make my own choices. Your signs don’t match? So what. Does that mean you can’t be friends or live together?
Anyway, below is the new chart for the new Zodiac signs.
New Zodiac Signs Chart 2011:
Capricorn: January 20 to February 16
Aquarius: February 16 to March 11
Pisces: March 11 to April 18.
Aries: April 18 to May 13
Taurus: May 13 to June 21.
Gemini: June 21 to July 20
Cancer: July 20 to August 10
Leo: August 10 to September 16
Virgo: September 16 to October 30
Libra: October 30 to November 23
Scorpio: November 23 to November 29
Ophiuchus: November 29 to December 17
Sagittarius: December 17 to January 20
Monday, January 10, 2011
Weekends at The Garage 01.08.11
Red wine for the heart, a couple of vodka on the rocks, and a plate load of spicy salami and sausages...(and a cup of garlic rice)
Discovered a new mix from my cousin;
Tequila Rose with the Goose
And Smirnoff Raspberry on the side, with a glass of regular red wine;
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Basketball Season 2011
It's that time of the year once more. ABL season has started and my family's gonna kill me. I actually joined 4 teams in the ABL this year. (which is actually one less team when i was doing 5 about 4 years ago) Back in the days we lived by the motto, Basketball above All. Now my motto is, kindly pass the Omega pain killer, it's my magic potion. No wait, it's not potent enough, Let me concoct something, combine it with Pau liniment, Efficascent Oil, Alcohol and some Chinese First Thought Oil. (One of my friends asked.. "isn't that gonna burn your skin???")
IF that was not enough, my cousin and I joined the Hoops Challenge tournament.
But wait! there's more! on the 3rd week of January the B6BL season (below 6 feet basketball league) will start. So that's 6??
I suddenly had to ask myself...(King Leonidas impression) JPP!!?? What is your profession!!???
Uhh...HR Manager?
IF that was not enough, my cousin and I joined the Hoops Challenge tournament.
But wait! there's more! on the 3rd week of January the B6BL season (below 6 feet basketball league) will start. So that's 6??
I suddenly had to ask myself...(King Leonidas impression) JPP!!?? What is your profession!!???
Uhh...HR Manager?
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Year’s Resolution
Every start of the year we always come up with this list of things that we plan on changing in how we go about moving on with our lives. May it be a bad habit we want to break, or a particular vice we want to stop, we would always say to ourselves that this year I am going to make this happen. But does it?
I did a little research and according to Gary Ryan Blair, (author of the book – Everything Counts.) “Life will not go according to plan if you do not have a plan. You see, overcoming indecision, fear and obstacles means you must have a plan. When life doesn't go as planned, it's difficult to work up the motivation needed to follow through.” What makes things worse is that when we lose that motivation, our Filipino Mañana Habit kicks in. We would then say to ourselves, there is always tomorrow to do this.
The New Year’s resolution tradition goes way back to ancient times according to Gary. A King of early Rome named Janus could look back on past events and forward into the New Year. Thus the Romans began the tradition of giving gifts that bore the image of Janus for good fortune for the New Year. Not all cultures have the same tradition, but generally the concept of welcoming the New Year is always there.
The New Year’s resolution does not necessarily have to entail drastic or major changes in your life. We can always start small and work our way up to bigger goals later on. And these may not technically make your life change but probably in the lives of others. Like for example, this year you wish to make a donation every month to a charitable institution, or maybe spend lesser time in tending your crops in Farmville and do something realistically productive.
Whatever our list may be, we have to ensure that we stick to the plan.
Here are some funny New Year’s resolutions;
I did a little research and according to Gary Ryan Blair, (author of the book – Everything Counts.) “Life will not go according to plan if you do not have a plan. You see, overcoming indecision, fear and obstacles means you must have a plan. When life doesn't go as planned, it's difficult to work up the motivation needed to follow through.” What makes things worse is that when we lose that motivation, our Filipino Mañana Habit kicks in. We would then say to ourselves, there is always tomorrow to do this.
The New Year’s resolution tradition goes way back to ancient times according to Gary. A King of early Rome named Janus could look back on past events and forward into the New Year. Thus the Romans began the tradition of giving gifts that bore the image of Janus for good fortune for the New Year. Not all cultures have the same tradition, but generally the concept of welcoming the New Year is always there.
The New Year’s resolution does not necessarily have to entail drastic or major changes in your life. We can always start small and work our way up to bigger goals later on. And these may not technically make your life change but probably in the lives of others. Like for example, this year you wish to make a donation every month to a charitable institution, or maybe spend lesser time in tending your crops in Farmville and do something realistically productive.
Whatever our list may be, we have to ensure that we stick to the plan.
Here are some funny New Year’s resolutions;
- I will be more creative. (I will not bore my boss with the same excuse for taking leaves.)
- I will be more productive. (I will no longer waste my time reliving the past and instead I will spend it worrying about the future)
- I will live with simplicity. (I made no resolutions for this New Year’s Day. The habit of making plans and molding my life is too much of a daily event for me.)
- I will improve my hand-eye coordination skills. (I will play more video games)
- I will finish the things I started. (I will finish all unfinished alcoholic beverages that I already opened)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Best Places to Stay in 2011 by Conde Nast Traveler
A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in...
Four Seasons Resort, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Scotland
Grace Bay Club, Grace Bay, Providenciales Island
Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl, South Africa
Grand Hotel Esplanade, Berlin
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy
For the complete 2011 Gold List, click on this link: Conde Nast Traveler 2011 Gold List
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