The fortress of The Rock...

The Alcatraz which is better known as The Rock is now a tourist spot. A rocky island of western California in San Francisco Bay that served as a military prison from 1859 to 1933 and a federal prison until 1963. Home for famous inmates like Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone or better known as Scarface... and the highly intelligent Robert Franklin Stroud with an IQ of 134 according to his psychiatrist, he was called the Birdman of Alcatraz...

The Alcatraz in 1854
In 1909
picture taken in 2007
And now Alcatraz today is considered as ecological preserve...and tourist spot.


Source: Wikipedia






Some trivias...do you know that alcatraz means pelican in Spanish? It was originally known as Islas de los Alcatraces, after the birds that were its only inhabitants.

**and do you know why they had hot showers every day for the prisoners there at Alcatraz?
"So that they wouldn't get used to the cold bay water when they were trying to escape."

Source: Sidney Sheldon's Nothing Lasts Forever p.234

PS/Escaping from Alcatraz was nothing like shooting fish in a barrel...and I just wonder why it has to be closed...just a thought, what if we have one here to house hardened criminals and the likes...especially those corrupt leaders who will be proven beyond reasonable doubts pocketing millions of pesos from government funds and reserves...sometimes blindedly or unknowingly we elected the most unscrupulous leaders...who take advantage of the power vested upon him only to serve his selfish intention. A true black-belt robber...who robs millions and can run away unscathed...and unshackled...and unfettered. Unlucky are those who are serving their sentences.

"Well...just as my friend usually tells me...life is really a mess, so let's try to look at it at the brighter side of darkness." but in reply I told him that, despite of life's difficulties...life is still a blessing!

Selling like hotcakes...

Compilation of Obama's speeches idiomatically speaking, are selling like hotcakes and is now being used by some Japanese who wish to learn and hone their English effectively to be used as best means of communication. They are really starting to learn the most commonly used language. Japanese who travels a lot find it too hard to express themselves so they try to keep up by learning English bit by bit.
When I went to Japan last year, I was asked to pitch in to teach four Japanese women who later on became good friends of mine. At first I was adamant since I am not too keen speaking Nihongo. When Makki asked me to pitch in, she wouldn't take NO for an answer. It was definitely an ambush request. What could I do when she told me to prepare myself for the ladies would be there in less than an hour, and before I knew it I heard a soft and short honking outside. Loud and long honking is a no-no. Wheew, if it's Makki you cannot say NO. So out we went to a nearby resto where they took me to a sumptuous lunch then afterwhich our first lesson begun...with soft hush hush...and soft cackles when they couldn't pronounce the words. We all had each pocket translator, turning to it when they couldn't fathom what I said. But as the lesson went on and on every Friday...the friendship deeper and we became more comfortable with each other. Btw, I want to say thanks for the nori (happens to be my sobriquet) and some stuff they sent me. I look up to them because they are so hardworking and the discipline's really there, when they say they would pick me up at 10 minutes before 12 noon, whoah...they were just in time...on the dot! Until now I still continue short Ego lessons via my Sushi, and Sashimi and Tea! which I make as simple as I can lest they'll be confused. I remember the day when I didn't prepare any lesson instead while we were looking at the menu for lunch, I heard Karen Carpenters singing. I asked them if they were familiar with that song which happened to be, Close to you. And to my surprise they knew her and the song. Then I told something about Karen. Then I also told them that she died because of anorexia nervosa. Wheew...they laughed at themselves because they couldn't pronounce the words. They 're really fun to be with. I told myself that really, language was not at all a barrier. Then the next song we heard was Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven...and so told them again how it was made according to some music buff, about his son's (4 yo Conor) early demise when he fell from a 53rd storey window. They all went like...weeeeehhh...in Nihongo accent!

Grab a grub...

Every morning, it's very hard for me forcing my grown up kids to take their breakfast before taking their early morning bath, but when they see their favorite SwissMiss on the table...everyone grab each packet talaga. They all love it hot with marsmallow floating and melting on top.

One of their favorite one-grab meal is canned-tuna. Pag hindi ako nakapagprepare ng food, masaya na sila sa tuna...all diving on it...sobrang favorite nila yon that goes well with steaming hot rice.

Hahah! Naturuan ko silang kumain ng mochi wrapped in special nori. Dati ayaw nila...ngayon naku kagulo sa table... nuking the mochi and wrapping it while hot and goes well with Kikkoman soy sauce. It is called Isobemochi... oishii desu!
It's difficult pag picky ang mga bata sa food...sa house di naman sila mapaghanap, kaso they have their own choices of food. Gaya ng tuna which is very cheap naman and andyan lang...hotdogs and embotido. But if you know the preservatives na inilalagay don which is detrimental talaga sa health...hahanap ka ng ibang choices eh. There was a time na I bought ayungin (...lol...taga Rizal ang mahilig dyan) and I cooked it for our lunch...ayun walang kumain...with matching bottled red tokwang sungsong...as sawsawan...sigh...walang pumansin...ending nagka-molds yung salted tokwa...ang ending sa basurahan...grrr. Then on one day naman I bought biya...I cooked with gata and ripe guava, hay naku...they were asking..."mama, anong isda po ito?" lol, (dyan nagmula yung kasabihan ng mga matatanda na "utak biya"...meaning medyo di matalino or to put it straight eh bobita)...pati gg, itanong ba naman ni C kung ano raw yun...kaloka di ba?!
Hay naku...sa umaga takutan kami...para akong si Hitler, I make sure kasi na may laman ang tyan nila before going to school lest they want to be empty headed in the classroom.
Yan siguro dahilan kaya ako nananaba...kakakain ng left food on the table. They'd go..."mama, don't throw it in, throw it out!"...then I'd go, maraming nagugutom ngayon kaya wag tayong magsayang ng pagkain...maloko kasi sabe nila, "mama, mabubusog ba sila pag inubos mo yan, ganon?!"...ayaw nila kasing tumaba ulit ako eh. I become sickly kasi with any added timbang, kaya they are just too worried if I stay near the dining table. Di raw ako member ng screening committee. :)


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Limit of my endurance...the physical side of it

One thing that's affecting me now's that... I feel and I think my epidural shot has been waning now or rather had waned it's strength already since it was done almost a year ago. Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are commonly used to control back and leg pain from many different causes using long Tuohy needle which is a very delicate and sensitive procedure, though napakabilis lang nito. I hope I am right here. And I don't think it's healthy to get into another procedure again. I saw how big the needle was...but I was lucky indeed to have one of the best doctors we have around. (I remember my anesthesiologist said in the middle of the procedure when I gave a sudden quick jerk when he inserted the long needle, kasi me kiliti ako eh...he went like, "leonore, leonore...please don't do that again...please...please...please...hehehe...pasaway na pasyente!") And so far it worked tremendously great since I did a lot of walking during my vacation out of the country. My bad, I overused everything to the limit. What I know is, steroid is something that has to be taken in moderation...I'm not sure if this is true, I just heard of it. I haven't been in constant communication with my doctors and I intend to visit them at Medical City if I will get an extra time and have the feel to go there. Of course they are busy people, so they are limited to find extra time also. Well...when I saw people in wheelchairs, I feel extra grateful and blessed. That's why, I feel shamed when I am like this, as if I am complaining, pagnaiisip ko si Tack. (Yup, Tack...that's very true...that's one thing I like in you, your super-mega optimism... kaya ayan na naman mababasa mo na naman yan...sigh...btw, thanks sa mga uplifting msgs mo ha...parang baligtad eh, ako pa inaaliw mo...) Well, forgive me, I am just human. Pero thinking na I can walk pa naman to certain extent, kasi two blocks would mean a lot of torture na. But then, I feel great! I'm blessed! We all are! So cheers!

In foul mood...

Sometimes no matter how long our string is, when someone's trying to pull the end too much, budging us...so we kinda feel drained and we go unfriendly and cold. And sometimes too we just want to contain to ourselves and find alone time and just want to sulk in the four-corners of our room. And sometimes too, we ask ourselves, why? Like me today...I am piqued. I just want to talk to myself and find some answers to my queries. PMS??? I guess somehow it's inevitable for every women, to be sometimes in a foul mood. But well, I will be okey, am sure...will always spring back, bounce back again to my old real self. Because whatever it is I feel now that depresses me I know am still blessed! And that alone will always matter. A mother like me who loves her children so much has no right to entertain idle threats.

In omerta mode...just for a break...

A to Z tag

Snagged from Tack... feeling bagets kasi pag ganyang Q&A. Let's see...:)

A - Attached or Single? - an attached(lol)...whatever...
B - Best Friend? - makki, ace, julie, cha, arbin,and many others na piling pili talaga...including you of course! :)
C - Cake or pie? - both...basta fruity
D - Day of choice? - saturday & sunday...my off days... :)
E - Essential item? - my spectacles...I'll go blind without it...
F - Favorite Color? - moss green, fink, pale yellow, powder blue and black!
G - Gummy Bears or Worms? - I love gummy bears...hated worms!
H - Hometown? - N/A, I don't usually give my location...
I - Indulgence? - sylvanas or sans rival, Henlin or Misaki siopao, empanada, Wendy's salad bar and G-Pizza
J - June or July? - both
K - Kids?- I adore kids...they are from heaven...
L - Life is not complete w/o - God's blessings...
M - Marriage date? - huh?! when I turned eighteen...that was...Oct.#$,@#%$
N - Number of magazine subscriptions - none, but I bought bundles of different mags...
O - Orange or apple? - both...i just love fruits...
P - Phobias? - worms...& death...and accidents
Q - Quotes? - I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much. (MT)
R - Reason to smile? - life, money, blessings, good health, everything
S - Season of choice? - winter...cold December...
T - Tag people - I'm tagging just one person too... I'll tag the pretty, kikay & adorable veradik.. :)
U - Unknown fact about me - that I know I am a good lady-driver, & super perfume-addicted...!
V - Vegetable? - everything except alukbate!
W - Worst habit? - can't leave things undone and super OC!
X - Xray or ultrasound? - wala...i hate radiation...
Y - Your favorite foods? - calderetta, menudo, kare2, la uya, seafoods and lahat! :)
Z - Zodiac sign - Libra...luka luka sa lahat, kasi always giving a chance, undecisive and blindfolded lage...

PS/ ay tapos na ba...napasarap eh...enjoy ako dito! Ok anyone can grab too...

What's Your International Spy Name?

Your International Spy Name is Countess Day


Your Code Name: The Eunuch

You Reside in: Paris

Why You're a Good Spy: You're a good lover

What is your international spy name?

PS/ ...kaya nga ba I don't usually do this tag thing eh...who would ever believe that I went over and over for ...say...fifteen times over, kasi di naman ako geeky talaga. Simple thingy but I felt like a dumb doing it wrong over and over again, but di ko maignore kapag nakikita ko yung primary ni Tack na naka-smile, as if saying...kaya mo yan, take it slow...ayan nga...la naman sa middle...oks na yan! :)

Instructions
This is a prayer tag and link for the Philippines and the Filipinos. You are enjoined to utter this prayer for nine (9) consecutive days and to tag as many bloggers as you can with preference for Filipinos. But only bona fide Filipinos shall be included in the official registry of Filipino bloggers in this blog. Each time a new blogger makes a link, be sure to send me an email of the entire link through melalarilla@gmail.com so that the official list will be consolidated in a master list in this blog. For our Muslim brothers, you may make your own special prayer formula but you must never deviate from the formula of this entire post.

Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, we consecrate to you our beloved country- the Philippines and all the Filipinos around the world. We acknowledge Father that apart from You, we can do nothing and it is only your divine providence and grace that can unite all Filipinos as one nation. We therefore humble ourselves before your throne. We confess all our sins to you individually and collectively as a nation. Forgive us our sins Father and wash us clean by the precious blood of Your beloved Son- Jesus Christ. Mend our wicked ways and let us experience a strong and genuine spiritual revival for ourselves and for our country. Let the Holy Spirit imbibe us with power, love and wisdom to return to Your path of holiness and righteousness. Bless our country, heavenly father. Bless all Filipinos wherever they maybe. Let progress, unity, harmony, stability, justice, peace and prosperity reign in our country.

Bless our leaders, from the President down to the lowest Barangay official. Touch their hearts that they may serve our country with all honesty and with love and integrity. Bless our children and our future generation. And bless us all Father in all aspects of our lives. This we pray to You heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.


----
Got this tag from my dearest friend Tack, one of my favorite blogger, my woohoo friend. I got some previous tags from her that until now haven't still done yet. But this one I tried the best of my ability, hehe, di po ako geeky...pero eto nagawa ko rin. Eh copy paste lang nahihilo na nga ako eh. Because this is a prayer kaya di ko magawang mai-junk. Anything for a prayer lalo na't kailangan ng isang fellow-blogger, why not.

Let's help spread this tag & share this to all your Filipino blogger friends.. I'm sharing this tag to:
....Everyone

True friends are like needles in the haystack....

[...in the picture, me with one of my very few-true-friends for life who'll be there for me during my highs and my lows...one who I treat as a valuable treasure and Godsent.]

A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. ~Grace Pulpit

Click here for Poems of Friendhip...

The title of this post should have been a Twinge of Disappointment, but I decided to change it to a much lighter and much positive one....since I don't want to be in a negative mode, just by losing one. Friends really come and go just like panning gold. It will take some times, to winnow who are gold and who are just to be considered as silt.
There are so many questions in our lives. Some were too lucky to be answered but there are those left unanswered. Something for something when it comes to reality. They say that nothing in life was free...quid pro quo as they say. Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon swerte ng may tumulong sa'yo in terms of money. Ako I have so much regards to people who in one way or another knows the word gratitude. And I have no respect for people who prove himself extremely false and ingrateful, thankless and unappreciative of the help extended to him. There are some who only wants to ingratiate himself to gain favor...can we call that conning, well I don't know what to call it.
But in any friendship I think it's a natural reaction to help someone who's in need specially if the person we mention here is your friend. But the big question here is...if that person we are saying is good enough to deserve such concern. I'm not in an advocacy of altruism since I am only an ordinary citizen and of minimal capacity or resources. If I am indeed rich or very rich I can do that, but man...
In this cruel world or it is not nice to say that, but let me re-phrase it, I should say...in this difficult time we all have a lot of personal concern. And who doesn't anyway? I personally do not wait for anything reciprocal...but at least one should be very kind to look at the gesture in a different view other than being so selfishly unmindful of the concern given to one in the purpose of helping. Well what can you expect this days. Some uses something to con someone. And if one will not be wary about how this is usually done, you'll be trapped easily. For me I call them the F's and J's in the sea. The flotsam and the jetsam...if you know what I mean. This person I consider a scut one. And that person also is always testing my endurance to understand her eccentricity of her confusion and always putting my patience to a test. In short, she is something like a good example of a fair-weather friend indeed. My goodness I did not learn from my previous mistakes. I knew from the start that it was coming, I knew it from the start...and for the nth time she's acting the same way again and again. Eh hindi na siya talaga magbabago, yun na siya talaga. I wish I never have had met her kind. Kaya just like a sinking ship, she should be jetissoned or be thrown overboard, something to make my survival easier and possible. May tao kasing mabigat dalhin, figuratively jinx. Like I always say, in friendship there should be a two-way lane, if you're the only one moving against the flow then you'll probably on one way lane...and obviously you're on the wrong track. So be very careful...getting off on the wrong foot!

Now, I can drop the subject!

Always remember ...

Everything in life is temporary.
So if things are going good,
enjoy it because it won't last forever.
And if things are going bad,
don't worry because it won't last forever either.

[anonymous]

DREAMS
by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams,
For when dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams,
For when dreams go,
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Source: Wikipedia

"The most useful and honorable science and occupation for a woman is the science of housekeeping. I know some that are miserly, very few that are good managers."

Spreading far beyond... !

The apotheosis of ladder to success and great power... Now his voice will be heard often...

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."

That's my favorite part of Obama's inaugural address that's full of profundity, positivity and really in depth. I and am sure every Filipino is asking in mind, as to how his new administration will affect us in the days to come.

Congrats!

...and may you humble yourself by the power vested upon your shoulder and live up to the eager expectation and hope of the people who believe in your capacity to lead a nation with all honesty, endurance to carry on, humility, faculty of good judgment and better understanding of a good governance.

Kudos!

Excerpts from Martin's famous prescient speeches...

This famous letter was written by Luther King Jr. while inside Birmingham jail:

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly I have never yet engaged in a direct action movement that was "well timed," according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This "wait" has almost always meant "never." We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."

and this:

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.

click for more...

Going straight to White House...

According to Mahatma Gandhi : You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Theme: "A New Birth of Freedom!"

Today...US is now in great celebration for the much awaited inauguration of their new president. The first black American in their history...that breaks all racial discrimination. US is one of the powerful countries around ergo, Obama will be one of the most powerful voice to be heard from now on. Just hope the new senate will be a mixture of black and white as well to denounce racism. Now it's time to see if he can live up to the hype...cause the world really need to change in a lot of aspects. I was vocally rooting for Bush then because of his bravery, but as it went along it dwindled...came the 911 suicide bombings. Situation worsened...and dramatically aggravated the future social alliance between countries to forge harmonious unity among nations of the world. Let's find out how Obama will handle things right after the transition. May his future decision and discernment be more of advantage to create world peace and help whet (Abe Lincoln went like,"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe") economy not only within US but also to their neighboring countries as well...and not to ruin lives just what is now happening to GAZA. The world is so big to spread love and compassion but so small to create chaos and monger war within.

Let there be peace!

Woof! woof!

...don't forget to buy my favorite beef jerky!
...gave her a nice top knot!
...feeling sluggish and panting....
...silent ruff ruff with Morpheus while me blogging!

Really, this little toy dog has been a big part of my life. Everyone adores her here. Mishah as every pure bred shih tzu like, is considered to be brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs. They are very sweet, loving, cuddly and very loyal. She's my walking mop at home...a yap yap machine.

So sorry, but I just couldn't help but post something about Mishah...always...anyway, she's entitled to such benefit beyond advantage...bacause, she's my co-author.

Dancing behind bars...and getting a life!

Well...who would ever think that these bunch of orange clad gang have had committed a crime or any misbehavior, pranks or mischief, if we try to change it to either yellow or blue or any other except that one which represent lives inside the jail. When talking about prison, it's a natural reaction of anyone living outside to feel a slight of apprehension...but when I saw this concept of bringing music to the lives of inmates...I bow to whoever joined to conceptualized this events and make it possible bringing some music to uplift the inmates spirits. Music and dancing will make it easier for them to accept things and make it a bit lighter...imagine how is it to be trapped living in an enclosed area. Each one of them has their own stories to tell...regardless of how they are sentenced and convicted. For whatever the reason why they are incarcerated...the essence here is how to give them enjoyment and practice their talents to the fullest...and veer them away from possible harm or threat of violence created inside, and or even some possible undermining effect due to long term reclusion. I remember my friend who once told me, that..."we're not here to condemn anybody..."

AFAIK, it all started with their initial Thriller dance which made a roar after many had viewed it via you tube. A nice and new concept.

Get Low
Do The Hustle
I Will Follow Him
J U M P

PS/It's very very late already according to my clock here, that says it's past midnight (2:25AM)...so I will be in the arms of Morpheus just right after this post...hello to my deardear friend named Sherlock! xoxo...natti natti!

Getting on...!

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

There's still a couple of days to go before the awaited day wherein he'll be inducted into office with formal ceremonies.I am not one of them but in spirit I too await that special day to officiate the term of office of the next duly-elected president of the United States. When I've learn about those young people who were invited to grace the inauguration...I couldn't help but wish that I have had also been given that rare chance in a lifetime. Lucky are those who were given that special invitations. I heard Charice Pempengco will be one of his guest to sing maybe...not that sure though...but whatever is is, this young lady is also creating such big name in her singing career. Going back, I wish Obama has all the guts and discernment needed to improve economic struggle that every nation is dealing to right now, (since I too was rooting for him in that memorable election of a great change). And to keep peace around the world and set it going, not only in his own crib but to the whole world itself. Being one of the world's most powerful voice, yours will be heard and we'll keep our fingers crossed that you will be an advocate of peace not a war-monger and progress all through out.

I hope not to mention names but there are officials who make so many empty promises, but end up making bricks without straw.

I wish you all the best...

Myspace Happy Birthday Comments & Graphics
A lot of kisses and big hugs...we love you!

Maples...here and there

I don't know why something always perk me up whenever I see pictures of maple leaves in books, magazines or even on tv or even via internet. It amazes me, I think maybe because there's none here in our country. And being so forgetful a lot of times, I used this memory trick of being mnemonic. I associate things to certain place or names or whatever. I always think of one country when I see maple leaves...it is the symbol of Canada...and at one point in my childhood, I dreamt of going to Canada...I just don't know why...in fact I had a female pen-friend from that country. And dear me...I've lost contact to my friend. I still wish to someday visit the place...and who knows...things happen. And look at my picture, I got lots of Japanese maples...it's a clear example of synchronicity...lol...that's why I got some and brought it here and framed it. Next time I want to see Canadian maples too. I brought some pieces of miniature driftwood and thinking of why not bronzed them naman for a change. :)

Hey dog lovers, like me!

Dogs are man's bestfriend...

I was about to sign off but I saw this news about a man attacked by a tosa. As a dog-lover I am truly disheartened by how it happened. If it could only be helped, it was a matter of time...to save the poor man. No time to look for shotgun having sedative speared on wild animals that put them on temporary daze. But no matter how we analyze the situation, I think they are not to be blame when their main concern is to save the old man being attacked. This dog is aggressively strong and powerful. You can compare them to Doberman and Pittbull, hence they are fighting dogs too. Mastiff dogs are very aggressive and large in size...has strong paws and considered as guardian dogs. Somehow the owner should always look for every possible precautions specially if their dogs can be very very aggressive and may likely to attack if neglected like this. In our community dogs are forbidden to stray so if are a responsible owner you won't let your dogs roaming around the village.
At home I have these two lovely pets for almost a couple of years now. And I'm still enjoying them immensely since they are too sweet and cuddly. But one thing I notice about my mini pin, Enzo...is his' uncontrolled aggressiveness and always give chase if something of interest catches his eye.
No problem about Mishah, my shih tzu...who's very friendly and cuddly also.
To own a dog is a big responsibility. You have to make sure they are given enough time and all the care and love they would need...plus making sure that they can't harm anybody. So please, please, think many times before you decide to having one.


"If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth."
- - - Chief Seattle of the Suwamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce

The next generation optical disc...

We still have to see the next generation optical disc here yet, the Blu Ray Disc or BD. In Japan I still don't know if when that will be available. Or if it is already in the market, I am not sure yet. But knowing how Japan as the leading manufacturer when it comes to technology. But that is what we are going to wait. From what I gather, they are turning their television sets into plasma, with wider screen of course. Me, I still enjoy this little iPod Touch where I watched for several times over, film like Superman, enjoyed Batman...Madagascar, Twilight and Fantastic Four. I feel like a child once again...watching over and over the same movies. It's just as big as your cp. Really amazing innovation. But one thing I do not like is that I have to watch the movie in three tries or parts, because I usually end up in the arms of Morpheus...as how Mr. Know-it-all man would call it. He always put me to "meme"...

When will Blu-ray products be available?
If you live in the US or Canada you can already find Blu-ray players from Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Philips and Pioneer available in stores, as well as a growing selection of Blu-ray movies. We also expect to see Blu-ray players from LG and Sharp, as well as a second-generation Blu-ray player from Samsung introduced in the near future. The first Blu-ray hardware and software should also be available in many European countries now.

Just use the link to know more about Blu-Ray... by Wikipedia

Time flies...

I'm a great lover of nature...really God gave us the very best!

No margin of error?

Extracted from the book am reading, Tell Me Your Dreams by SS...and I quote, "It is a common knowledge that fingerprints are unique. They're formed before birth and last throughout one's life...barring accidental or intentional mutilation, no two patterns are alike. There's no margin of error."

And another good source is what we call DNA (Deoxyribo-nucleic acid) and again I quote, "If we took a profile of DNA strands and assigned it a frequency based on collected data bases, only one in five hundred billion unrelated Caucasians would have the same DNA profile. We find DNA in saliva or s##en or v###nal discharge, blood, a strand of hair, teeth, bone marrow..."

PS/ I remember when I was working at Kentucky Inn Restaurant several years ago as a cashier, I was stunned to see that my drawer force-opened. I immediately reported it to Manong Joe, the ever loyal cook and I was too careful not too touch anything. The manager sent some investigators right away. Saw them busying themselves with small brush and that dark powdery something...I knew they were up to get some fingerprints there. Voila...it turned out that yung new-kaibigan ko palang bading ang nangelam sa aking kaha. Buti na lang at di kami close. Caramba!

Post holiday dilemma...

Yup...am struggling to squeeze off those unwanted flabs I got from my holiday's treats and indulgence. You know it's easier to add weight than to reduce it. I'm again staying away from the dining table and I guess I need to. Got cramps and aching feet again.

Such a great pipe she has...

Everybody, I'm sure has been hearing a lot of raves and astonishments about this little girl named Charice. She has a lot of voice power shown specially via you tube...and this morning I was browsing the net as my daily early morning habit...well I once again stumbled on her guestings at Oprah's...who in one way or another became one of the instruments of Charice short rope to attain global admiration with her voice on her sleeves to attract world's attention. I watched it part by part and suddenly I felt something heavy on my chest, and I became a bit teary eyed not because of how her life as a kid had started...but by how she receives now much of the audience' adulation here and specially abroad. Wow...she's up to her elbows doing stints with music royalties like Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Buble...and more. Some kind of fantastic achievements of a sixteener. She's earning too much of the accolades and she deserves much of everything.

We promise according to our hopes and fears...

To say that you can love one person all your life is just like saying that one candle will continue burning as long as you live... - Tolstoy

When my love swears that he is made of truth,I do believe him, though I know he lies... - Shakespeare

Three awards in a row...wow, that's amazing!

I came to love this world of blogging because primarily it gives me a chance not only to vent out my inner passion but getting to know people outside my crib who in an instant becomes part of my life...like the bubbly Katrina or Kcat. I came to love this girl because she's heaven sent...for me...she's really incredible. I love her because she's full of wisdom and my god, her faith is superb and unfazed by all trials...that's why I am shamed...she's one of the reasons why I went back to my CAKES & ALE. And waking up in the morning and seeing these awards given by a special person like her, that's something...big deal...and great!






Tack's endearing message:
MommyCool - I'm so glad to meet her.. ever ever! I felt kinda sad when I read read that she's already closing her blog.. But not that disappointed because our friendship is deeper than blogging.. I also felt sad for her because I could sense that letting go of her blog is really hard for her.. But then she came back! Woohoo! She realized that blogging is part of her life now and she can't live without it.. Welcome back MommyCool! *mwah*

PS/ Super thanks to you dearrie... **hugs**

Well, I want to share these awards to my dearest friend...O Papa Xicolates...who is right now in bed and feverish, and I just hope he'll be fine very soon...

Heap of imbroglios...

De la Paz brood against the Pangandaman and the PDEA against the Alabang Boys. They've been hugging the news now and authorities are now digging up more informations and evidences against who are telling the truth or who's concocting lies to evade the real story behind. Everyone has his own words against each other...have both filed necessary cases and with their own respective lawyers to defend their side. This conflict about the mauling incident at the golf course has been circulating the internet for over a couple of weeks now. Each families involved here has their own different version of the incident.
While the affluent families of the Alabang boys are now standing together to defend their young boys who are now facing those drug related cases hurled against them by the PDEA agents.
Let's just be fair enough not to misjudge anyone...I heard the trial is underway...so let's wait and see what will happen next. Remember that there's always the two sides of the coin.
But let's just hope again that no manipulation will be involved here or whatsoever.

A raft of delights...

Got heaps of new but old books (hand-me-down) here but I just couldn't mince every word I read...my mind is asking me of another SS book. From Bloodline, The Sky is Falling, Master of Game...I got hooked to his style. And still there's a lot to read here but I decided to stow them away for the meantime...an oh dear me...am itching to have another SS.

First salvo...argh!

We gave the house a not-that-quick-once over...thoroughly...rearranging every closets and cabinets. Throwing kitchen junks, gave my tupperwares away, my god they didn't even bother to ask me... and giving away stuffs (my old k-swiss was missing, I wanted to scream!) that some are still usable and other stuffs were thrown in the garbage. Donated our antique World Book Encyclopedia with matching 1 set of Child Craft...sobs...and I've lost a lot of points because I had a hard time letting go of those precious books I bought many years ago...for them...but now they wanted to get rid of all those stuffs...I've cared so much...grrrr. This is something ludicrous I guess. They nix sentimentality and for that, it feels like a snooze around my neck seeing those stuffs leaving me for good. The house kasi daw was in total mess. We started earlier, and it's not done yet.

First glimpse of 2009

Few shots were taken right after the sun peeped at 7am, January 1st 2009 Japan time. Japanese flocked earlier at 4am just to take a glimpse of the sun peeping at the very first ticking hours of new year. And this' one of the shots sent to me via email attachments by my Pinoy friends from Shinmaiko, Nagoya, Japan.

Our sweet furry pet!

Mishah celebrates her 2nd year with us.

She stayed with me in my bed the first few hours of new year. Loud sounds and fireworks have had stressed her so much that's why pity and compassion pushed my number one rule, and I am strict with my no-pet-on-my-bed policy. But sad to say, she looked so distraught last night and didn't want to leave my side. So we slept together...yaikks! (Thanks to F@#*%#$ne spray)

Only dog lover will understand this affectionately deed. Anyways...I petted her to sleep. She's really a blessing!

Just keep on trucking!

Yup, no matter what...I'll still keep on trucking...keep on going...and keep on blogging. I will never give up writing just for something none-sense. This is my passion and I am on my happiest doing this thing over and over. It seemed odd to me that it was for something that I wept that made me decide to close this sites. Health reason was just second on the list. Yup, sites... 'coz this is my primary blog that carries 7 others. I was suddenly cogged but after gaining my normal equanimity, I decided to bounce back again into action. I am shamed and I knew I wasn't being entirely rational about dealing with one of my psychological concussions...and that was certainly a fatuous decision I made in my lifetime. I'm back and a lot more sober this time.

Big cheese, big wheel, big wig!

I wanted sana to start the year positively, but then again I stumbled upon this item about Bambee's sad plight. I think they're here for a short visit. They're based ata sa US. I will read more about the news later. I snagged the item from my dearest friend...sino pa ba kungdi si bubbly Kcat.

Read more of the story on... The world has gone crazy!

Have a blessed new year...!

yoi otoshi wo!





Just like my good friend Carlos says...may the best of 2008 be the worst of 2009 for all of us...very nice wish indeed!

Alright...let's all jump!



...sigh...he's a certified gay?! (But am sorry if I am wrong, it's just my opinion and there's nothing pejorative whatsoever)