b e a t b u r n

a technological mine and whatnot

2012-01-15T07:57:00.000+08:00

If I'm not here (wherever here is), I'm probably here (Samsung SII Infuse): Thanks to my Pinoy turned American brother who sent this. See? I don't have to go to the US to have some fun. It's more fun here (at Compostela Valley) and for the public officials definitely more funner. For me to be less subtle, here's the whatnot: happy new year.

Sa Pagbisita

2011-12-29T03:00:00.002+08:00

Sa Pagbisita Di ko akalain na ang aming pagbisita nung pasko ay isa palang despedida. Di namin napansin ang ngiting pinaghalong pait at kasiyahan; tutungo ka na pala matapos ang dalawang araw, sa lugar ng hiraya, puno ng tuwa at dalit. Kung mamarapatin o patatawarin ay magkikitang muli, sa lugar na kung saan, kasama mo na silang mga natapos na ang pagdurusa, na ngayon ay nasa tunay na

It's the season

2011-12-22T16:40:00.000+08:00

...to be jolly for most but not for those suffering in Mindanao. It's good to give. It's good to share. Giving, after all, is the true spirit of Christmas. But can't we also make this a season for learning as well as applying what we learned? Remember Ormoc, Infanta, and now CDO and Iligan. And those loggers, miners, and so-called public servants who have somehow caused this catastrophe

Teacher Effectiveness

2011-12-11T08:40:00.001+08:00

What the Research Tells Us (from www.nctq.org, the National Council on Teacher Quality in the US) The evidence is conclusive that master’s degrees do not make teachers more effective. In fact, the evidence strongly suggests that rewarding teachers for these degrees is an inefficient use of limited public resources. ■ Some studies have even shown that master’s degrees have a slightly negative

Sugata Mitra taught me today.

2011-12-06T12:41:00.001+08:00

And I plan to use it. "Children will learn to do what they want to learn to do." The video explains to us (especially teachers) the value of collaboration and of posing essential questions.

Changing DepEd

2011-11-28T10:32:00.001+08:00

Now that I am somehow a degree of separation away from DepEd officers and school heads (the terminologies and the hierarchy not yet fully grasped), I realize that there are quite a number of people in that problematic institution with good intentions. Now they are changing the curriculum and adding two more years in basic education. It's the K-12 or K+12 similar to other countries. The

Dear Old Friend

2011-11-10T08:47:00.000+08:00

I viewed the Shawshank Redemption again on HBO. Just like before I was compelled to watch how it unravelled not to mention the marvellous talent of Tim and Morgan. This time I focused on the friendship of those two main characters, how they helped each other survive the harshness of prison life and the pains of their realities. I was reminded of our

200th Post

2011-10-30T20:08:00.000+08:00

It has taken me seven years to reach 200 posts. Very slow. Very slow indeed. I should intensify my efforts to write more frequently. And I should keep my promises or avoid making any. Literacy after all is supposedly my advocacy. Anyways, thanks to all those who visited and those who continue to track, stalk, or visit this blog. And those few regulars who comment on my kitschy prose and

Define Irony*

2011-09-28T11:05:00.002+08:00

While I craft another post (to make sure I post something of note at least once a month), allow me to recommended this site from the Oatmeal. It's really, really good. IRONY. In case somebody asks you to define it and until now you rely on the dictionary or wikipedia. You can also show this to your English Teacher to tell him/her that the whole point of discussing whether something is ironic

Nature is closer

2011-08-12T09:02:00.004+08:00

to perfection. The pace of technology is overwhelming but the world that seems huge is tiny. Makes you wonder where it all began and reason tells us there is a beginning. Of course, I agree that man, when he puts his mind into it is awesome. Just like this video from the Economist. My favorite part is this: "While these orders of magnitude are mindboggling, they

Through a child's eyes

2011-07-30T07:08:00.001+08:00

and hands, This is Candice's most recent portrait of daddy. She's really talented. I keep reminding myself that she's just 3 and a half year's old! I wonder how she will see me next year.

hacker sucker

2011-07-20T11:21:00.002+08:00

To the hacker: I know you are getting a kick from attacking blogs whether you are driven by profit or sheer boredom. You were successful in messing up the blog of my misis and it seems I have not escaped your attention. It's not really flattering. It's really sad. And if you are a robot then it's worse, melancholia. You can still decide to grow a conscience and remove this mirroring,

Three-Person Teaching

2011-06-29T07:53:00.001+08:00

Learning is a lifelong process. Once you stop learning then you have all the reason to stop breathing. So those fogies who say that they are old and will never learn anything new, tell them to stop what they are doing and cross Commonwealth Avenue. They should stop making excuses using that cliche about dogs. Here's a 5-minute clip of Stephen Covey speaking about Three-Person Teaching for all

note to self

2011-06-16T15:30:00.001+08:00

I have been silent for months and I know my silence is killing you.How can I tell you how my life and consequently those around me have been changed since summer when you already know them since you have experienced them with me.But what about the others, you say? Those who once in a while drop by and even linger hoping for an update about anything adverse or affirmative to be posted?Well I can

Justice and Good Faith

2011-03-19T09:14:00.001+08:00

Cicero's right. "The foundation of justice is good faith."I should keep this in mind every time I exact or am exacted corrections for justice's sake. As I age in this profession, I get to appreciate all those corrections I've received. Now that it's my turn to correct, hesitation sometimes gets the better of me. Pride sure has a way of pulling us closer to oblivion. The Filipino "hiya" can

Stepping Down

2011-02-20T08:47:00.002+08:00

I am leaving a seemingly powerful post in a few months, something I held for some three years. Before that, I held another position in this institution. They rotate the few good men. We are supposed to follow 3 years of service and I am following the rules. I expressed my intent to leave the post, tired of being the principal suspect of all decisions. Those around me whose terms are expiring

Day after Rizal Day

2010-12-31T06:24:00.001+08:00

We are all trapped in time. We recall, count, and look forward to it. The only means of escape is beyond it. Those who succeed become heroes, saints, or villains who surpass centuries, great markers of time.But who remembers? Now it depends. Especially for Filipinos. How many really remember our heroes? Did you even bother to reflect on yesterday, December 30, Rizal Day? Other than the

MB stopped blogging again

2010-12-08T06:42:00.001+08:00

When I get the time, I read Michael Berube's blog. I have been a fan for years now and he has influenced not only my writing but my insight as well. He doesn't know me, I don't remember posting a comment on his blog (unsure though), he's from an academic world far removed from mine, and he's American (and so is 80% of my immediate family). He took a hiatus from blogging in 2007 and I remember

Fatherhood

2010-11-20T07:01:00.001+08:00

There are some really, really good information on the internet. Especially for those like me who need to level up on my skills of being a father. Dicey's transforming and I have to keep pace to help misis even if just a bit. Stella, well, she's in a stage familiar and easy-- all i have to do is carry, feed, and lull her to sleep. But this toddler is testing us and I catch her resenting that I

not rushing into deep water

2010-11-18T03:07:00.001+08:00

For lack of a better post but this translation of Horace's Ode - To Licinius (an excerpt) by Sir Philip Sidney. No interpretations this time though; there are also easier translations but this one I choose for its age. - - - You better sure shall live, not evermore Trying high seas, nor while seas rage you flee, Pressing too much upon ill-favour'd shore. The golden mean who loves, lives safely

Stellar Life

2010-10-03T06:23:00.001+08:00

Time started: 5:32 I woke up this early morning with a mix of eagerness and doubt. This blog has been untouched for weeks. I should write something but I didn't know what. If I write about Work then it would be the same rant on how the institution is full of leaders without accountability. If I write about my Academic career then it would be how it has become its very essence: moot and

Mabuhay

2010-08-25T03:27:00.000+08:00

Philippine National Police If what transpired isn't enough to scrape off the stains of your tarnished institution, i don't know what else will. Real change is painful. Many will mock you and infighting will transpire. Many might not survive. But now is the best and only time for real change. Remove those scalawags in the force. Begin from the top. Shed off that thick reptilian skin and

We get it from our mothers.

2010-08-12T06:49:00.000+08:00

This is an assumption. I am not professing any scientific breakthroughs or discovery neither am I sharing you a product of research (especially not the web-based kind of copy-pasting pastiche). We get our intelligence from our mothers. Look at the mistakes of history, all the blunders and the deaths caused by such blunders. Then look at all the brilliant discoveries, those revolutions

housing project, changing times

2010-07-24T06:21:00.004+08:00

a dream is a wish your heart makes... one of Dicey's favorite songs I don't know if ever this dream will materialize but wife and I have been dreaming since we got married. Although we have a roof over our heads and sorta paying for this house we currently live in, which just might become ours, we still wish we could acquire a property (something similar to that one on the right). But my

Type of Writing

2010-06-15T06:14:00.000+08:00

I'll be doing more real-world writing due to some work demands. Will still try to post as often as possible. Conducted another writing across the curriculum workshop. All teachers should teach for literacy. Meanwhile, enjoy this short short clip. Then give me one of 'em next weekend. :)

losing

2010-05-27T05:33:00.001+08:00

I haven't told you that my mom dropped by for a visit. She left yesterday. Her trip was cut short: what was originally planned as a month long stay here in Pinas ended in 3 weeks. She had to go back to the US. She lost another dear sister to cancer.They are currently grieving there in the US while those of us who can only wish to be with them also continue to grieve but in a different way.

wife's advice

2010-05-18T15:23:00.005+08:00

Got an opportunity to observe almost 3 days of silence last week. Misis gave me a pabaon as a source of insight for recollection and reflection, a way to examine my noisy conscience.She sent an sms that read:"Have a meaningful retreat, hon. Bawasan mo lng ang pagiging sarcastic and stern, esp when correcting people. :) love u."So I reflected and pondered on my tragic flaw (which makes me a

Elections

2010-05-09T14:54:00.004+08:00

I have to tell you this and be the judge about the way I vote.Since this country declared that I have earned the right to vote, none of my presidential candidates have ever one. All of those I voted for president technically, never got to the palace.The only unique or call it extremely odd contest was the GMA-FPJ. I have to admit I voted for GMA. And you have to agree with me that she didn't

heritage

2010-04-20T06:49:00.000+08:00

I was fortunate to spend two days in taal, batangas for some kinda assessment outing with my team. Hope to bring my girls and baby #2 here someday. I got free passes. :)

laid out

2010-04-12T05:37:00.005+08:00

no pun intendedBefore I forget, Thanks to misis for this new lay-out. Been thinking of a witty post for this blog used to be called 'when you think you have a monopoly of/on wit, you don't' but it turns out I have nothing witty to say.Not much anyway.But thanks to misis for tweaking my blog's appearance. She's the code laying and changing in the family and dicey is showing geeky signs. Will the

short fuse

2010-04-09T22:28:00.001+08:00

My temper is riding with summer. I catch myself gradually blowing my top and snapping at these people I call my colleagues. I will not be remembered for the changes (maybe good) that have been institutionalized. Not the improvements and academic achievements, not the firm resolve to make these men professionals. It's the sarcasm that will define me. I'm making more enemies than friends.

daughter jumping with joy

2010-03-17T08:12:00.001+08:00

daddy is fun.daddy is playtime.When does it change from daddy is fun to daddy is boring and old? I need to know so I can avert it (at all cost).

"Did you just pass me by?"

2010-02-27T06:44:00.007+08:00

So you wake up early in the morning and wonder where did all your dreams go? Then you struggle to get back to sleep, you toss and turn to find that sweet spot only your bed knows.Then nothing.Until you get up, switch on your connection to the world to look for signs in all the networks, in all your connections, in all your attachments. Until you are led to clicking that one then this.It's like

Batman and Robin Comic Generator

2010-02-06T23:06:00.001+08:00

This Batman and Robin Comic Generator makes my dream, and many of those who wish they could make their own comic but have no talent at all dreamers, come true!here's my second attempt.and the third (which has a local flavor so to those who are not from pinas, ask the first pinoy you see).try it out guys and get a kick err.. a slap! thanks to the developers.

Brain, food and exercise

2010-01-20T07:57:00.003+08:00

Prescription for a better brain: eat fish, oatmeal, yogurt, and of course fruits and vegetables.Of course the usual Reading about it or simply Reading something difficult like the one below and Workouts including new technology can improve your neurons and dendrites. It translates to better performance in school (if you believe in it) and at work (only if your work requires thinking).taken

Home on the Holidays

2009-12-29T15:53:00.004+08:00

I'm home.Nothing beats celebrating the holidays with people you love.Sesame Street, Barney, Dora, Hi-5, and the Care Bears included.If you've been following my posts (which is an indication of how much ennui you possess) you are aware of how my immediate family has switched allegiance.So for this Christmas, I have been blessed the privilege of celebrating with just my wife and daughter and our

Zombies

2009-12-07T08:55:00.000+08:00

I have done many things since my last post. Most of them related to being a Zombie. You read that right. How can one who aims to profess the truth, one who tries to be as erudite, and one who delves into theories of learning, literature, and life believe in something as inane as zombies? Call Lacan, call Freud even and then try all the psychoanalytic babble in explaining my fascination for

reply to all, reply too many

2009-10-29T06:58:00.001+08:00

In the food chain of this institution (feel free to insert mental), you can find me somehow closer to the top (which means i belong to that elite group of special lunatics). One implication of the so-called prestige is the constant flooding of my inbox (you know those voices in your head that transform to softcopy). I receive an average of 60 emails a day which unfortunately for me, less than

Nothing's Gonna Change My World

2009-10-22T16:09:00.001+08:00

In one of those arcane moments when everything falls into place in the tumultuous world of my classroom, I connected Horace's "Dulce et Utile" (sweetness and usefulness) of poetry and the Beatles' Across the Universe.It is easy yet difficult to reenact."Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing through my open ears exciting and inviting me Limitless undying love which shines around me like a

one big fight

2009-10-11T05:36:00.001+08:00

nope. i'm not talking about the uaap championship (although, it was kinda expected that the blue and white will win). it's the damage dealt by these storms to our country.and we cannot blame climate change as the culprit.it's the humans lacking learning-centered leadership.it's one big fight for doing what is right.

Martial Law Babies

2009-09-20T07:15:00.002+08:00

by Arnold Arre is definitely one of the best locally published Graphic Novels. Read it again last night due to a bout with severe sentimentality (boys are worse with nostalgia) and it helped me cling on to memories past. Another member of our generation is leaving again. He'll be permanently staying and working in the US. Mom is also leaving in two days and like what I said three posts down,

Explaining and Discussing

2009-09-16T06:44:00.003+08:00

I catch myself explaining my decision, my plan of action, and even my notes or memos to these people.I view it as a lesson in communication and comprehension.Either I don't know how to communicate or they have poor comprehension.Eventually, the amount of explaining clarifies issues; it's just a tiring exercise.Personal conversations and open discussions are still the best way to reach out to

Ciudad

2009-08-30T06:56:00.001+08:00

Will always be a Ciudad fan. Sharing this with everyone. Haven't seen them live in a while. Maybe soon.

Stress

2009-08-28T06:50:00.001+08:00

It's probably one of the reasons I've been away from blogging and blog surfing. This temper will be the end of me. Flared up (again) in front of educators and pseudo-educators I'm supposed to manage. Had a heated exchange with another academic leader over a moot and academic argument.We haven't even reached halfway and I already need a break. Something is seriously wrong with the picture.

Only One Left

2009-07-15T23:05:00.004+08:00

Before the year ends, I would be the only one left in my family who has not set foot on America. My parents, all my siblings, and their children would finally be Americans in a few years. Beyond the fact or issue of change in nationality is the serious implication it will have in the bond that keeps a family together. For months or even years I would have to bear with being the only one left

MJ's Most Recent

2009-07-03T06:14:00.004+08:00

Since everybody's talking about Michael Jackson (rest in peace), and since I've been dancing, strutting, wriggling to "Rock with You" and "Wanna be Starting Something" allow me to share this with you if you haven't seen it yet although I'm sure most of you have seen it. (watta long sentence!)thanks to CNN.Embedded video from CNN VideoDays before, he could still strut.

galileo

2009-06-22T22:33:00.003+08:00

I wanted to write something cool for my millions of fans (a hyperbole if I've ever seen one) so I checked out my aye google and eyed this box:Today in History1633: Catholic authorities forces Galileo to disavow his heliocentric theory of the Solar System 1812: Napoleon invades Russia 1866: Austrian army defeats the Italian army 1898: United States Marines land in Cuba 1949: Emmy Award winning

Agreement

2009-06-13T23:35:00.009+08:00

Some of the agreements we plan to keep this year as we gear up for battle:- teach to improve literacy;- uphold standards without compromise;- seek continuous professional improvement;- work well with others;- have the initiative to help;- be scholars for scholarssent the complete list to the primary stakeholders.my office is expected to monitor the attainment of one or more after I tweet and

i'm reading and writing

2009-05-26T22:48:00.004+08:00

about tiring stuff that might or might not make an impact on this field of dreams called education. Still have to venture on it since i can't seem to erase this smudge called instructional leader on my forehead. Don't they know that the title is no different from dunce? Although I seem to have mastered (a bit) the art of deception by dangling terms such as 'joint productive activity', 'content

Yeats for my birthday

2009-05-09T10:56:00.001+08:00

Yeats for my Birthday 2-22-2007 Poetry used to come only when darkness became unbearable, when crickets spoke misery, misery. What I cannot or refused to say I tried to release and deny, through metaphors- but even words failed. And hesitation began its torment, while life laid wounded, wounded. Poetry used to come only in darkness of failed words, misery and hesitation wounded. Until she

Change Our Life

2009-05-02T18:01:00.001+08:00

As I am writing this, misis and baby are watching You Changed My Life in DVD for the third time. Nothing personal but I don't like that actress.So I resort to ignoring the dialogue (ridden with cliche) and focusing on more important issues. But It distracts me.Something is seriously wrong...--> with the DepEd's noodle project that aims to feed undernourished public school students. Since

i am cool.

2009-04-26T08:04:00.001+08:00

I hate workplace politics. I'm supposed to steer this institution of learning to greater heights but how can I when obstacles mostly not of my own doing block my path. What do I do? I resort to Anger. Just recently, I blew my top and pounded a table for emphasis. What can I do? (hey I already asked that question). It can be really frustrating. But I have to remind myself to stay cool.

Apologies

2009-04-07T10:57:00.000+08:00

are in order. to my spouse to my daughter to my parents to my relatives to my friends to my enemies to my readers (you know you deserve it if you get it) Happy Holy Week to everyone. Will be back to regular programming next week.

"Nemo dat quod non habet"

2009-03-26T16:42:00.001+08:00

beatburn, you cannot givewhat you don't have(no matter how hard you try to share your knowledge, understanding, and belief, if you don't possess it; if you can't explain, interpret, apply, take a perspective, empathize, and know yourself; if you don't believe in it; you will not be able to give or transfer it to someone else)

You Now Have Tomorrow

2009-03-06T19:28:00.001+08:00

(1964-2009) FrancisM As I said before, may you hold tomorrow. And I'm certain you will. God rest your soul.

Under Stress

2009-02-25T17:01:00.002+08:00

It's my male brain, actually. According to Jed Diamond, men seem to have a less resilient emotional system; women's brains are more networked from left to right. They are balanced socially. Men tend to be more isolated. Their [wives] may be their only friend. If things are stressful, they don't have as much social support.I agree with this one. Although we can resort to drinking with our

Conference

2009-02-03T18:25:00.043+08:00

Every time I attend a conference, a seminar, a workshop, or any of those certificate-producing gatherings, I become a character in David Lodge's Small World.I can't help but notice the different characters that attend our local conference scene although the dominant one is the kind that comes for the sake of the certificate, that defining document which can add a page to one's portfolio and

shining star

2009-01-10T12:27:00.007+08:00

I wish...

Time's Top Ten of Everything

2009-01-02T08:38:00.001+08:00

Since almost all of us have a few days before the holidays come to a close, before work overtakes play, or before chaos resumes, take time to visit (no pun here) Time's Top Ten of Everything. Starting off with Top Ten Quotes for a glimpse at what has been said by the influential and notorious newsmakers of 2008. With this one as number 1 (no pun again): "It's been a long time coming, but

It's 3 am, days after Christmas

2008-12-29T03:37:00.002+08:00

Which reminds me, whatever happened to Ben Folds Five? I'll google it later. I have been practicing my three o' clock habit once again, waking up at three in the morning the past few days for seemingly no apparent reason. The previous instances I would remain in bed, occasionally checking if daughter and wife are sleeping well. Then I would think of a variety of things that would bore me to

I mush, it's Christmas

2008-12-15T23:09:00.004+08:00

Reader Alert: This is mush. :) 1,2,3,4 by the Plain White T's This song has been getting serious airplay at NU at least that's what I assume since I have been radiosurfing and driving more often, trying to avoid those loud guitar distortions for now. It could be I have also toned down a bit--due probably to fatherhood. Thanks to youtube and to the band's generosity of posting the video. I had

false pleasantries

2008-12-13T23:59:00.002+08:00

I think I got it all figured out. I reckon that the only way for us to survive parties and end them unscathed is to engage in false pleasantries. That way we make it our objective not say hurtful remarks or even pass judgment on people. The hardest parties to attend are those with relatives due to everybody's vulnerability. What's worse is the weakest or the ones who feel inferior strike

advent

2008-11-30T22:50:00.002+08:00

I spent the whole day with the family. Daughter had fun walking, playing, eating and sleeping in this giant mall in a reclaimed land. Wife had a reunion with high school batch mates, followed by a get-together with close friends Hazel and Cecille and culminated in a dinner with her brother. The mall was packed with all kinds of people, pets, and promos. And I got to see Ruffa from a

2008-11-17T00:00:00.000+08:00

Do the rich ever wonder how it is to be poor?

There is Hope

2008-11-07T10:12:00.000+08:00

Although some might say that the hopeful are a bunch of pansies, I will remain to the idea that hope is a good thing. While we are still alive we can make a difference. We can effect change. Now that the superpower is ready to change (presumably for the better, I hope) and ready to embrace the new, the young, and the different, we can have a better outlook without getting accused of being out

bourdain speaks: we listen

2008-10-27T23:04:00.005+08:00

It's confirmed. Anthony Bourdain is in the Philippines to shoot an episode of No Reservations. I envy those who have successfully stalked him crazy and those who are currently stalking the great writer-chef-punk. And those who have connections and will pull strings to meet and shake and have pictures taken and have pleasantries with him. Bourdain's the reason I slashed some of the sleeves of

Masterpiece

2008-10-02T17:26:00.003+08:00

Talking about The Divine Comedy to a class made me digress (and I've been digressing a lot these days which is an indication that I am getting old) to a discussion of the concept of an opus or a masterpiece. I said that a work can be called a masterpiece if it is monumental in scope. Like Michaelangelo's Sistine and Juan Luna's Spoliarium, the Divine Comedy I said is of similar volume. I am

conScience

2008-09-24T21:06:00.004+08:00

Science tells us that we came from apes. It also suggests that the universe formed with a big bang (the most plausible from all the theories).Your belief in science's explanation of origin is dependent on many factors: on the tenacity of your teacher or professor, on your desperation to get a good grade, on the level of angst and indifference you had as a teenager, or worse on your teacher's

Federer = Perseverance

2008-09-16T06:03:00.002+08:00

There is hope.Federer wins the US Open and overcomes all the rumors and speculations about his terrible performance this year. The man suffered from mononucleosis and is still feeling the effects of the virus.Yet he perseveres.He will win another grand slam and match the record of the great Pete Sampras.And he will beat the butt-scratcher ("boy dukot") Rafael Nadal and avenge his defeat in their

What real food is all about.

2008-08-30T16:06:00.001+08:00

Can be included in a list of things to experience before dying, a feast from Sonya's Garden. If you haven't, try it. Those who have will surely agree, it's worth the distance.

"Hawakan ang Bukas sa Aking mga Kamay...Ito ang Gusto Ko.*"

2008-08-25T09:04:00.006+08:00

"Hold Tomorrow in My Hands...This is what I want."On my way home weeks ago, missus sent me a text message.She will tell me to take care and drive safely, I thought.She will quote baby and say, take care daddy, I surmised.She will ask me my location so she can reheat the food she prepared, I concluded.So I checked the message. And got the shock of my life. .The message,The message,The message,

Posturing

2008-08-22T05:28:00.003+08:00

Posting this to remind myself how important it is to have good posture.Maybe if I try to work on this I get to diffuse all the physical and psychological stress.Maybe if I avoid slouching I just might be able to get enough rest and not wake up very early in the morning still tired.And since a visit to the spa is beyond the present budget, keeping in mind the simple ways to maintain posture might

Bullying

2008-08-13T06:14:00.005+08:00

Bullying is really an age-old, social, and psychological problem. It's predominant in male-driven societies although women can be ruthless bullies as what my wife told me about its presence in her all girls high school.Bullying manifests itself in late childhood and early adolescence categorized as a conduct disorder. Recent studies would show that bullying can be classified as a behavior/

blogging age

2008-08-02T14:01:00.003+08:00

I am a baby blogger.They say we comprise only 5% (under 20) of the blogger demographic.I disagree. Most bloggers are actually infantile like me.They are just in denial. But if you read their posts closely, they are babies trapped within.Oh no, Dad's back. Gotta go. Laterz y'all! :)graph from http://www.chrisg.com/blogger-demographics

Anti-Virus

2008-07-31T06:31:00.008+08:00

For more than 3 weeks now, my household has been afflicted by a virus. Wife and I have been sniffling, sneezing and snorting. Our throats are swollen.Yet baby has been strong and has not been infected.I thank all the angels in the world for watching over her.Since I am generous, I share the virus with you Madamn President."She looks sick." Wife says as we were watching GMA's SONA.I don't respond.

The Office

2008-07-08T13:31:00.004+08:00

Call me what you want to call me. (I wanted to say Ishmael but somebody already beat me to it.)That's what I want to tell all these people who flock, frequent, and fret in my new office. I now have an office with its own door and like what my furry friend told me, I now have a room where I don't have to shout to communicate.For a month now, "the office" is my second home away from home. It is

Blessings

2008-06-24T04:21:00.003+08:00

With all that has happened over the weekend,the calamity,the horror,the pity,to those of us still alive,we should be thankful.We brought all of these things upon ourselves.A ship will never sink if it didn't persist to sail through stormy weather.Flash floods don't just happen.And billboards are not storm breakers.To those who suffered and lost, allow me to share the pain.May we still learn to

My First

2008-06-15T20:05:00.004+08:00

Am new at this fatherhood thingy with mah baby less than a year old. So this is mah first father's day. And it din't really mattah at first. But since I got lotsa greetings in mah mobile I started to get tha hang of it.Plus of cors tha sweet treatment I get from mah wife even if she wasn't trying to make tha day special I kinda felt it. Why thank yah honey! And mah baby too, she kept on

Environmentally Friendly Cars

2008-06-05T05:35:00.002+08:00

If ever there any, these are the cars that do not drink gas like your alcoholic friend. According to a study the top environmentally friendly cars are: Listed in alphabetical order, the top 30 environmentally friendly vehicles according to the J.D. Power study are: Acura RSXChevrolet AveoChevrolet CobaltFord Escape HybridFord FocusFord Focus WagonHonda AccordHonda Accord HybridHonda CivicHonda

Wistful

2008-05-19T19:52:00.004+08:00

There's this Sandwich <> song and music video that blows me away. The drumbeat is familiar and the lyrics a listing of important terms of our generation ending in the penultimate Betamax. Call it "We didn't Start the Fire" Pinoy version although it might offend Billy Joel to compare him to Raimund Marasigan and Sandwich and vice versa. The song spurred the ramblings that follow and you can

Hmmmm...

2008-05-14T21:30:00.003+08:00

"It's OK to believe in aliens..." - VaticanOk. I am a believer. Look at the Pyramids, Stonehenge, the Greeks, and Malacanang Palace.The rest of the story is at Yahoo.

Been Away

2008-05-06T20:13:00.003+08:00

Our kasambahay (house help) left. Yup, for almost a year, we employed one to help wife and me get through pregnancy. She had to leave us two weeks ago to take care of her own family back in Bohol.So for the past few days I've been sharing chores with missus. I'm back to the usual cooking, washing clothes and dishes while she takes care of the more important stuff-taking care of our sweet

Belated

2008-04-26T22:10:00.002+08:00

Better late than never. (just saw a new version of Al Gore's famous movie on HBO)Happy Earth Day to you, Happy Earth Day to you, Happy Earth Day, Happy Earth day, Happy Earth day to you!I celebrated it by unplugging some dormant appliances. How 'bout you?

Crazy English

2008-04-24T15:23:00.004+08:00

With the Olympics approaching, China is attempting the impossible (although with its track record, nothing is). The country wants to make everyone capable of speaking in English.And the Beijing Organizing Committee (aka the party) has employed Li Yang and his company Crazy English.He is China’s Elvis of English, perhaps the world’s only language teacher known to bring students to tears of

I, confuse

2008-04-18T10:09:00.006+08:00

I am impressed by language that confounds as long as it sounds or seems to have sense and not just plain old manifestations of the lack of sense (like the question and answer segments of beauty contests). There was a moment in my life when I embraced deconstruction and like a deranged fan recited and quoted Derrida and sometimes Foucault. Once in a while I catch myself marveling or groveling

Rice Demise

2008-04-10T06:11:00.002+08:00

Went to the supermarket yesterday to check out among other things the prices of rice. It was astonishing to find some bins almost empty and the price range going beyond logic. The cheapest we found was Php 34.00 that looked like NFA-in-disguise. The next ones were in the 40-50 peso range which was the imported variety.I remember writing about the impending rice shortage 2 years ago (title,

Coaching Writers

2008-04-03T10:56:00.004+08:00

I was told, years back, what I really need is a good coach, someone who will motivate me and provide feedback on the quality of my writing.Today, I witnessed a collaboration of writers who:- affirmed each others capabilities;- were sensitive to the writer they are trying to help;- became aware of their strengths and weaknesses as writers;- discovered the significance of humility;- became

Spring Cleaning

2008-03-27T05:43:00.007+08:00

Discarded tons of papers and cleared my workstation of unnecessary clutter yesterday.When a colleague asked what I was doing, I said Spring Cleaning."It's only summer," he said, obviously trying to be funny.I also used a paper shredder to shred some confidential papers that needed to be shredded (tongue-twister). I found both the discarding and the shredding cathartic. I highly recommend it.It

Cancer

2008-03-26T05:44:00.002+08:00

Now that our former president is suffering from colon cancer, everyone seems to have something to say about cancer. In the news can be found several angles relating to cancer: messages to President Aquino, how cancer can be avoided, how much of it can be inherited, some NGOs helping cancer victims, and how many Filipinos die of cancer.I'm riding the bandwagon by offering this insight about

Introspection

2008-03-21T08:03:00.004+08:00

This should remind me that pondering on the meaning of our existence is better done without the aid of technology. May I find the right moment to listen to my thoughts.Before I shutdown, I'd like to thank Dave Walker of Cartoon Church who calls this piece Procrastination.

Evaluation

2008-03-18T05:42:00.003+08:00

Simon Cowell finds it so easy.It is evaluation season once again (with no reference to Lent, maybe later) and I am the lucky judge of the performance of 15 hardworking colleagues.Time to use the BS Dictionary, something I got from where else but the www, the wonderful world of websites.This is what I really mean when I say...1. outgoing personality - always going out of the office2. great

Year of Languages

2008-03-14T05:19:00.007+08:00

I only found out, just recently, like a couple of minutes ago, kanina, that it's the International Year of Languages. The UNESCO Director-General wrote a meaningful, significant, poignant message that once again will spark a language debate.Here's an excerpt:"We must act now as a matter of urgency. How? By encouraging and developing language policies that enable each linguistic community to use

a story in the stars

2008-03-11T18:01:00.009+08:00

The entry on the story "Dead Stars" by Paz Marquez Benitez remains as one of the most searched posts in this blog. I never intended the entry to be a reference or source of information to a literary text that has inspired generations. Besides, at the time I merely wanted to share what had just transpired. To those who wish for a free analysis or summary or whatnot, allow me to pose

I Kerr

2008-03-04T04:37:00.002+08:00

Never mind that I am from this developing country in a bunch of islands here in the Pacific and you are from the British Isles. Never mind that you were born 50 years earlier. Never mind if my only association with you is through two movies--where you told me how a love affair is a wondrous thing and where you frolicked on the beach in your swimsuit (the imagination friendly kind not the

Learning

2008-02-26T04:57:00.006+08:00

Accelerated Learning programs are geared toward teaching the whole person.They are multifaceted, encompassing a wide variety of creative methods and techniques based on current theories and research of how people learn best.It embraces the theory of multiple intelligences, learning styles, neurosciences and cognitive psychology. Important components include the emotional state of the learner,

Manager

2008-02-21T04:59:00.005+08:00

I should send this to my boss. (anonymously) And to myself through a memo. (middle-management sucks)From Geek and Poke, ahhh the wonders of surfing web-based research.

2008-02-20T03:08:00.001+08:00

"To sleep is to be abstracted from the world."- Jorge Luis Borges

Truth

2008-02-18T21:02:00.002+08:00

Jun Lozada is being praised by many for his heroic stand to fight corruption in Pinas. Is he the one? Many seem to be convinced as masses left and right are offered for truth and for him.His stand against the truth can even unite (this one's trivial but then again if you're from either side you'll realize its ramifications) Ateneo and DLSU. But is truth being revealed at the right place? Are

Teachers Do.

2008-02-10T09:42:00.001+08:00

Last week, as I was pondering on a sense of idealism that seems to have been snuffed out by a materialist-capitalist culture, I was fortunate to be reminded by Conrado de Quiros about what it is that makes me stay, that makes me do, what I have been doing for the past almost 14 years.The last lines of his article "Titser" said it best."I recall my teachers with the greatest fondness not because

Unfinished Books

2008-01-30T04:24:00.001+08:00

I should have a third big bookshelf here in the house. I already have a Books to Display My Apparent Intelligence, and the Mundane or Popular Books Section. The first one aims at amazing the guest at the literariness of the selection, the second one aims at showing the guest that I too have a life and that we can discuss trivial stuff. But there is a third shelf that should not be labeled