THE ADVENT OF INTERNET

I think soon, maybe in the next 20 (or sooner!) years,  classroom education will become obsolete. The availability of information within reach, in the comforts of our home through the internet is realistically practical and modern.   Classroom education will either be a choice, or worst will be the only option, considering that funding the educational system is becoming to be a big burden year in and year out.  It has nothing to do as to who is at the helm of administration.  This is the outcome of  modernization and  advancement of high-tech.  Call it the "Century of Gadgets."

The world we live in is beginning to have more and more calamities and disasters.   Tsunami in the Far East, flooding and tornadoes in the Mid-West, earthquake in South America, etc. Most recently,  we watched the movie-like transmission of earthquake in Japan unfolding right in front of us.  Then,  the inevitable nuclear power plant leakage whose irreparable damage to the Japanese people will  be seen in generations to come.  These calamities are beyond  whatever advancement, modernism and high-tech can control.  They are tragic events nobody can decipher as yet.  Is this the stage when we contemplate . . . and, believe in God?

Whatever advancement we are enjoying is not the outcome of a sudden discovery.  The human mind have thought and perceived of everything in stages.  In the beginning it was always somebody's dream.  First, it was a ridiculous idea! When their backs were turned there were varied comments - scathing, painful, loathsome, funny - "he must be nuts," "something is wrong with his coconut," and a lot more unprintable remarks.  The foresight of thinkers  are not to be entertained by ordinary people of common intelligence.   What they can see possible is beyond the mainstream comprehension. 

Later, when the idea has gone to the stages of transformation and has manifested into reality, the reaction is, "OH'S and AH'S." The inconceivable become conceivable!  It is a fact!   

Railroad, telephone, airplane, television, cell phone, internet, etc.,  not to mention about cloning, laser operations, botox and cell/genes' reconstruction were just but dreams and ideas.  Yet, we are lucky enough to see the unfolding of these dreams and ideas.  Now, the modern generation conceives ideas and dreams of these "thinkers and dreamers" through the movies.   Everything is possible, yet we can not stop the calamities and wreckage caused by our environment.

I was educated in the era of typewriters and telex machines.  The transformation from the manual typewriter to electric and then to computer was such a fast pace that a lot of those in their 50's  still find it awkward  to accept a DROID as a gift from their children.  They feel so behind and out-dated.  

"What, this telephone can take pictures?  It can send letters!  It can take recordings?"

Just to mention the few functions of a Droid.  Mention the multi-function and they will be so overwhelmingly compromised!  LOST!

Why then does one have to go to the classroom where there is only a limited source of information?  Why do I have to wake up early, dress appropriately for school, waste gasoline and compel either of my parents to drop me in school when in the comforts of my home i can be self-educated at my own time.  A place where I am not exposed to strangers and my parents will be able to save more money for maintaining our family by saving on car maintenance, clothing allowances, etc.  I can find all the information from the internet.  Just with a click of a finger! 

. . . . of great series

GAME  OF  THRONES

A Tribute

In one’s lifetime sometimes, something extraordinary happens which can not be duplicated, imitated or repeated.  My subject is one movie, just one – “THE GAME OF THRONES.” 

In the past,  I watched epic movies with awe.   Just for you to be reminded, I will name a few:  “Ben-Hur,” “El Cid,” “Dr. Zhivago," “Spartacus.”

“Cleopatra,” “King of Kings,” “Apocalypse Now,” etc.   There are a lot  more.    The movies were colossal productions with thousands of extras.  Commentaries and reviews used the words - COMPELLING!  MAGNIFICENT!  SPECTACULAR! - in bold and capital letters.

Movies has always been an entertainment to me from way back when I was still in the University.   Inspite of being a working student, my cousin and I would always find time to see movies.  Not to mention the privilege my cousin had during the time.  Her father was the Congressman of the 4^th district of Manila, so we enjoyed the luxury of loge passes.  It was one of the perks of being a Congressman – seasonal passes for theaters in Manila.  Those were the days of Paul Newman, Robert de Niro, Anthony Quinn, Robert Redford, Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Jean Seberg, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Faye Dunaway, Elizabeth Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, Raquel Welch, and my favorite - Ava Gardner.

In the early 80's, I visited a friend in London who lived at Ennismore Gardens.  One morning, while looking outside the window, I was very lucky to see Ava Gardner walking her poodle. I think, she was then living in the high-end neigborhood which was just a stones throw from Harrods.   She was not as tall in person as in the movies but she had that magical movie personality. 

I swoon the handsome and glamorous stars of the 60's, 70's and the 80's.  I never missed the showing of "The Sting," "My Fair Lady," "The Sound of Music," "From Russia With Love," "Goldfinger," and a lot more of box office top grossers.  I can not remember the other titles, the actors and actresses anymore.  My "kidneys" up there is due to be defragmented.  Gosh!  I have too much brain overload!  I am past 50 (ouch!), so memory loss is expected.
Oscar award winning movies, actors and actresses topped my preference.  It is a waste of time to watch movies not performed by seasoned performers.  
There were other important preoccupations worth the  2 hours to watch a movie.  Ideal movies should not be performed by an amateur; directed by a novice; and,  produced by a money-making film maker who never had any regard for quality - no conscience for the money-paying audience.

Anyway . . .  

Two months ago,  while visiting a relation, I happened to watch one, YES, just one episode of “Game of Thrones.”  Sheer luck! 

 “I would like to see more episode of  ‘Game of Thrones!’ I am hooked!” 

All things considered - their choices - of settings (locations), the casting of characters, etc.,  are all taken into highest consideration.  EVERYTHING!  If I have to mention them one by one, specifically -  it would be endless and endless pages of description.  But, I choose the word “everything.”  It is the appropriate word as it encompasses the iota of description.  All involved in the movie series, their depiction of the story is the result of  efforts from the conglomeration of geniuses -  gifted, extra-ordinary people.  Everybody is an expert in his own field!  All of them contributed to the common goal which is perfection.  No minor detail is left out.  No room for charlatans here.  This is how a perfect art is created!  

                                                            

ANYBODY, anybody, I repeat emphatically,  who watches the “Game of Thrones,” undoubtedly,  will have nothing but encomiums for the GROUP.

Unfortunately,  I never had the chance to see more because I was always distracted by other interests.  Today, however, Thursday, July 28, 2011, I wanted to  learn more about the series, so I checked on hulu.com.   I was not surprised as I watched the interviews of Messrs. David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. They were already nominated for the awards.  “Game of Thrones” was already getting international attention it deserved.   

             “ ‘GAME  OF  THRONES’  DESERVES  AN AWARD!’ ”

  Personally, I was elated as I felt, I have developed good judgment.

In this age of computer and the “unbelievables,” the result of the work of geniuses on how a story is depicted realistically on the screen is still incomprehensible to the minds of the mainstream. 

EVERYBODY who is involved in the production of the “GAME OF THRONES” are special breed of people.  The Director, the Producer, the Costume/Set Designer, the Cast Director, the Cameramen, etc., are just but part of the group involved in the production.   All of them are gifted in their own particular/variety of fields. 

However,  there is one person who deserves the highest credit for such an imagination.  He successfully nurtured the “SEED” in his mind.  He deserves the highest respect.

WHO IS HE?

GEORGE R. R. MARTIN

Kudos to him for his prolific mind as an author.  

      

ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A GENIUS

The current economic situation does not need a scholar, a genius or a highly-educated person to analyze that everybody contributed one way or the other to the present economic situation - recession.  First, most   Americans  do not patronize U. S. made products anymore.  Majority  have become so cheap in their consumption habits.  The flimsy excuse is because foreign-made products are far more cheaper (though most times inferior) than locally produced ones.  The repercussion of such action was not taken into consideration. Either because of one's total disregard for such an impending blow on such choices in the long run, or, the inane decision that cheaper was better (at that moment).  Everybody has to admit he or she has a part in the economic boomerang effect at present.  The considerable hardships we are now in - and what lies ahead  for unknown number of  years to come is also our own making.  We should all admit to this guilt.

In retrospect though, we are not to be blamed wholly.  Why?   It is common knowledge that the market is flooded with foreign made goods.  From a simple needle for sewing to high-tech electronics, there are always MIC (made in China) everywhere.   Everything is always made and imported from somewhere, but MIC products are the topmost.   They manufacture almost anything and everything on earth that you can imagine and we continue to enrich them. 

I think, two years ago,  a lot of  MIC food were competing with a lot of food items (yes, even garlic, ginger and onions) in the groceries too.  People started to buy them a lot in the groceries because of the competitive low prices until the consumers heard the widespread news of MIC dog foods identified as culprits of dogs and cats getting sick and eventually dying.   After the news, MIC food items sales plummeted and rarely does anybody now touch any  MIC food products anymore.  But wait, MIC has strengthened their presence in another area of goods - they are unstoppable.  Recently,  if one goes shopping in the malls, you will discover that all the stores are now flooded with MIC clothes and accessories at very competitive prices with those made in India, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mexico and other countries.   I think, their 30% production presence in apparels and accessories have now increased to almost 95%!   I have not even mentioned  the toy industry which I think they have captured long time ago with 99% presence.

Some American manufacturers suffered heavily in a highly-competitive market because the local consumers  preferred to patronize the cheap products made outside of the  U. S.  However, some of these companies are owned  too by some U. S. based companies.   We should,  therefore encourage our manufacturers and factory owners not to build factories outside of the U. S. anymore.  They should also stop outsourcing cheap labor outside.  On our part, we should patronize U. S. made products.   This is one of the ways to rebuild our economy again. 

If we want to regain fast in our economy, everyone should really be an American to the core.  It is high time
we change.  Let us patronize U. S made products.   It is one way of proving that we love our country -  in deed and indeed.

TO WRITE OR NOT TO WRITE

It is early dawn of April.  The ravages brought by the last winter are almost forgotten as the wonders of spring abound.  Trees have started to grow fresh new branches.  As I look around, there are a lot of wild flowers with different colors and sizes.  Everywhere is green, except for the area where the twin humongous rocks stand by the river.  On and off, I hear the rhythmic thuds of an animal running from a distance.  Is it a deer or a wild boar?  I am not sure.  I stand by the river and relish the beauty of nature -  the peaceful atmosphere.   There is not a trace of busy city life.  Newly-hatched birds in their nest somewhere up the tree chirp continuously in unison as if complaining for food and warmth in the early spring morning. The gushing water from the river duets with the chirping sound.  How conducive is nature's grandeur for introspection and soul searching!  Suddenly,  Francis Jay, my 9 year-old nephew shouts.

 

"Mommy, Mommy!  There it is!   It is hidden in the crevice by the big rock.  Look at it!"  

My only sister's son calls me Mommy while my daughter calls my sister, Mama.  In our family, Francis Jay is my son too while my daughter is also my sister's.  Both of us treat each others children like our own.  Francis Jay stays with me for the spring break.  I am always happy when he is around.   I am so fond of him. I admit I have a soft spot for the little boy.  Sometimes he is naughty but knows how to disarm me easily with his smile.  His teacher has given him an assignment while on vacation.  When classes resume, he has to submit three different pictures of any  wild flower he finds in the forest.  This is our mission.

The racemes are full of drooping-like white flowers.  The plant is small compared to the other wild plants around.  Yet, the the Lily of the Valley with its pristine clusters of perfectly white, dew-misted blooms emanate some kind of majestic powers.  The limelight belongs to the tiny flowers alone.  It is fragile and delicate.  Its presence though, despite its diminutive size has a magnificent quality that is unrivaled at the moment.  The vast freshness and lushness of the green surroundings only serve as a complacent background.  I can not help but smile in admiration of the flowers' daintiness. It  has some kind of a divine quality.  Am I under its spell?  Take note, I am not the first to feel this unexplainable awe towards its beauty.  Is this the reason why the Lily of the Valley is associated with some legendary religious stories?  Is it why it is the floral emblem of Yugoslavia?   The national flower of Finland?   The official flower of several  Greek-named organizations?*   Maybe,  Freddie "Queen" Mercury felt its spell too,  that was why he composed his song titled, "Lily of the Valley."  Then long before him, Honore de Balzac wrote his favorite book, entitled "Lily of the Valley."

Ahhh .  .  .  the subtle fragrance of the Lily of the Valley!  So sweet . . .  but the scent merely flirts with one's senses.  

Francis  Jay and I look closer at the flowers.   One can crush them all in an instant.  But . . .  who will even dare to pick them up?   Is it not a crime to nature?  Who will have the courage to challenge the serene strength exuded by these heavenly-like flowers?  Its mystic aura so unyielding and can never be thwarted.  Human over nature?   A fleeting moment of indecision .  .  .  Suddenly, the Lily of the Valley wins!  Gloriously!  I feel the cold but soothing breeze.  The resplendent bell-shaped flowers lightly sways with the wind, as if transformed into a group of little nymphets.  They giggle softly while they dance happily with the wind.  Celebrating. 
 

The Lily of the Valley will remain untouched.   It will continue to enjoy its transient glory.  I do not want to pull the plant and take it to the house.   It belongs to the wilderness. 

Now, it is the turn of Francis Jay to take the pictures of the Lily of the Valley at different angles.  What an excellent timing to capture the subject in its prime!   He will get good grades.  The pictures will be outstanding.

______________

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily of the Valley, 11:19am, Sunday, March 27, 2011


The preceding paragraphs are nothing but minute descriptive literary attempt.  I hope it achieves its goal which is to entertain. 

The descriptive ability of an author feeds the reader's mind with information.  An author's imagination has to be vivid and accurate.  He chooses the exact, the precise words to make the reader almost see, touch, feel and smell (yes!) the scent of the blooms.  The reader feels the delicate, silky touch of the tiny white flowers.   He transcends into a trance-like vision.  In a flash, the Lily of the Valley is transformed into reality.   Manifested?  Almost,  but ethereal.  However, to others, imagination has no boundaries.  The power of words is similar to magic.  If the magnitude of an author's stock of words is combined with his prolific imagination, the outcome is a mellifluous entertainment.  Ceaseless!  It is beyond wonder!  Unimaginable!   I highly admire a person who can write.   It is a  precious gift.


1:50pm
Monday
March 28, 2011

The following is supposed to be a new post and, my second blog.  But my computer knowledge is compromised as I did not have a formal training in the use of a computer.  I tried several times to cut and paste it to a new post but always unsuccessful.  So, before my writings are deleted accidentally, let me just leave it as it is.   It becomes part of the first blog.    I hate imperfections but I have no choice.   Otherwise, this will never be published.  

I write primarily, to share and to be understood.  I have never delved into the field of writing for public.  I did write compositions, essays, theses, reports, etc., while I was a student.  Later, when I worked in an office, I was entrusted to write and reply both business and personal letters of my former bosses.  There were also the memorandums, speeches,  and other office communications.  In the late 90's,  as I solely managed a consultancy firm, while simultaneously also in the business of lease and acquisition of properties, in addition to supplies for multinational companies and as a restaurateur,  I did 100% of my office communications.  In a span of five years within a male-dominated field,  I achieved commendable professional and financial rewards.  Not to mention the recognition and respect associated with it.  At this juncture, let me put emphasis in  the importance of integrity, diligence, hard work, effective communication and network.   In the short and long run of business,  all these points pay off.

My blogs are opinions as influenced by my upbringing, education, experience and observation.  I do not write to dispute, validate, prove, etc., someone's varied views on any subject.   After all,  am I not succinct enough to start off with . . "I think  .   .   .  "?

I am absorbed in creative hobbies.  I design and create framed artworks in my own unique way.   Majority of my creations are sourced from what the mainstream have labeled as junks, now popularly known as recycles.  Sometimes, I have the eye for beauty and value before others can.  Initially, in the discovery and process, I am but a celebrated laughing stock.  Later, when they see the transformation, their eyes bulge in admiration mixed with envy.  Such envious reaction is unavoidable human frailty that everybody should live with and understand.   Latent at times,  but turns obvious (and vicious) when they realized they were left behind. "How come she is 8-steps ahead of us?"  I will leave it unanswered.   It is the reality of life.  Did I say I am a visionary?  Never!

I  handicraft everyday jewelry (earrings, chokers and necklaces).  I want to show that beautiful and classy do not always mean expensive.  Material for my jewelry design is a mixture of semi-precious stones, cultured pearls interspersed with plastic, wood, glass, metal beads, or recycled findings.  I also have a few novelty amateurish photographs.   Gosh!  I am but a mellowed "Jane of all trades  .   .   . "

Cooking is my strongest passion.  "FOODS TO DIE FOR" is the title of my ongoing and unfinished project for years.  It is a compilation of  recipes which are all kitchen-tested, delicious and healthy.  My recipes are 95% prepared only with healthy ingredients.  The favorite traditional recipes with ingredients commonly loaded with cholesterol have been changed and replaced with healthy ingredients.  The recipe then becomes transformed.  It is my patented (?) version since it is my own concoction.  In the book is a lot of cooking info, hints and ideas gathered from varied cultures which are handed down through generations.  I want to share it with the world.

4pm, Friday
April 1, 2011