Podcasts - a new learning dimension or entertaining medium?

Call me a late bloomer in terms of technology, it basically spans from my not getting an iPod until this last Christmas 2007, (thank you Jogie and Bernadette!) and naturally, I just glossed over what such a tool can do or offer. I mean, why bother? I didn't have it, so I didn't come upon the advantages - I guess, if I did not learn about what I could do, I'd miss it less.. and avoid any frustrations or bouts of longings that come with knowing you want it but don't have it.

Not exactly a positive - visualizing exercise, but I also had not watched 'The Secret' yet during that time.

To me it was just plain practicality - waste no time with things I did not have or could not do - and this is still a practical manner in my actions. Why worry if your worrying won't change things? Why cry over spilled milk? So it was, so it went.

But now that I have an iPod, I have started to explore what I could do with it - lo and behold... I discovered the wonderful world of podcasts!

The idea is not new - basically we have audio (and video) recordings, programs of interests by people who love talking about certain crafts, sports or hobbies (definitely an idea presented as early as the time of cassette tapes or CVs). I love the fact that there are a lot to choose from and even better... they're all FREE!!! All one needs to do is subscribe to certain 'casts' of interest and they get downloaded into your PC for your perusal - then, once I connect my iPod to the PC, iTunes (Apple's software to help synchronize the iPod's contents) just downloads these podcasts for our listening pleasure.

So, aside from being free... you get to choose when you want to listen to these podcasts. What have I subscribed to? I will try to remember them - but there are a lot. In fact, I might just write entires about them separately. Still, just to let you know... here is a tentative list of what I listen to:

• 60 second Science


• Amazing Comicast


• Budget Health Nut


• Business Week


• Comic Geek Speak


• DC Comics


• Digital Photography Tips


• Discovery Channel Video


• Doctor Who Podshock


• Golf Smarter


• I read Comics


• Joel Osteen


• Leo Laport - The Tech Guy


• LSAT - Logic in Everyday Life


• Make it So - a Star Trek Podcast


• Marvel Podcast


• Ragingbullets


• 10th Wonder Poscast


• TPN: The Digital Photography Show


• WNYC Radio Labs

and this is by no means a compete list - just the ones I currently have in my iPod. Aside from this, I listen to French lessons, a sexy teacher for words and more.

I find time to listen to the podcasts when I'm waiting, rarely when I'm driving - unless I find a proper speaker or interface with the car stereo, when I'm walking from one building to another - in other words, those usual time eaters that I don't notice, but do nowadays since I find time to listen during those in-between moments. I listen when I'm waiting for my next conduct.. when I'm waiting for my participants to finish their activities.

My worry is that this is seriously eating into my reading time - and yet, if I get audio books, thats still getting the contents of a particular book - but rather than read, I'm listening... which is a good thing too, since I sometimes forget my reading glasses.

Just to let you know how I sometimes multi-task (assuming focusing is not that necessary), I am entering these words while I'm listening to a podcast. How about that?

If you've not yet embraced the world of podcasts, well... in case you finally get an iPod (or some other MP4 player), you might want to give this a try. Your problem - like mine, would literally be wading through the options available - and should you not find your area of interest, well why not create your own podcast as well? Join the ranks, fill a niche... get like minded folks to join you. Me? I'm still enjoying the experience too much.

Crusaders for a better world

It is often nice to come across people who try to make this place a better world - be it by activities that help empower others, build goodwill or simply make one smile...

Well here's a site I recently discovered through a colleague - and what makes this blog even more impressive is that its set up by youths - undergraduates who seem better skilled than I in coming up with blogs or web sites. But lest I digress, its not the tehnical aspect of the site that matters (though you'll see it is nice) but the contents in it.

Its called "I Share Happiness" - and they do indeed. You can find it at : http://www.isharehappiness.blogspot.com/




Give the site a try.

Star Trek redux

Last year (as early as January) I had an entry about how I liked Star Trek - mentioning what's so good about it. At about that time, there was hardly any news about anything Trek related, and I'm sure I shared some form of frustration with other Trek fans about how this missing genre piece was a blow to the Science Fiction world.

Was it disinterest that did this? Hardly - I would like to think that it was the general direction set by the producers of Trek, and the not too keen writing they dished out for the episodes. They even tried a retcon (of sorts) with the creation of Enterprise (carefully keeping mum on Star Trek, per se... and presenting a less perfect world where Humans were still being treated by Vulcans with mistrust or condescension.

Well the series seemed to be exciting at times, yet these exciting ways were still a far cry from the intellectually stimulating stories of a franchise that had seen better days. Still... even when they decided to stop Trek production altogether, I had hopes of watching even some movie or direct to TV special, updating what we know of Trek.

Maybe I was not the only one doing the wishing... Paramount, not really wanting to release the franchise so others could try producing it, opted for a Trek film... number XI it should seem, and would bring back the focus to Kirk, Spock and McCoy.

But wait, Deforest Kelly (who played Dr. McCoy) has long since been gone from this world (soon followed by James Doohan - who played Scotty), so how would this pass muster?

Answer... it would be a retelling (of sorts) of Trek's crew for the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701) . Yes it would have Kirk and company - but stepping into these characters shoes would be a new generation of actors (and actresses).

After all, if the roles of Batman and Superman can be handled by many faces (albeit, not at once) why not Trek? But the produces know that Trek has always had a strong fanbase - some would say, bordering on zealousness - so they (the production people) were probably cautious, not wanting to anger such loyal fans. So how did they make the announcement?

They started by announcing the plans to do a movie - based on the characters of Kirk and co. When fans did not protest, they started searching for people they could include in the cast. How fares the names of the people connected to the film? For starters, the seemingly most recognized actor amongst them (by way of Lord of the Rings) is playing the good Doctor McCoy, a known actor - thankfully recognized for his role as a villain in Heroes the TV show, will play the famous Vulcan (as portrayed in the past by Leonard Nimoy) and a relatively new actor will be playing Kirk (or at least, relatively new to me - recognition-wise).

How do I feel about this? I'm glad there's a new initiative to start (revive) the franchise, but like many fans apparently, I'll be reserving the right to either love them, or hate them - after I've seen the movie. After all, if being a Trek fan has taught me anything, it's to be very patient. Until then "Live Long and Prosper"

Back to the grind...

The Christmas season officially ended last Sunday (with the celebration of Three Kings), and we just celebrated it by way of getting together, and, likewise celebrating Dict's birthday. His birthday was actually on the 3rd of January, but everyone was too caught up in their own New Year revelry activities to get together that time.

As for me, this Christmas vacation was one activity after another, I literally had to stop and decline a few Christmas and New Year reunions, or I'd find myself too fatigued with all the trips and too filled with all the rich food being offered in homes or bought in restaurants - due to our visiting overseas relatives' craving for food they have not had in a long time.

Had I my way, I would have wanted this last day to be one of pure rest, seeing as Monday would be a 'back to the grind' day.

Yup... we're all getting back to a semblance of routine - of waking up real early and going to work, braving the traffic, working our usual tasks and clocking off late in the afternoon (or early evening) to get back home in time for dinner with the kids where we could ask how each one's day was.

In a way, I'm rather glad to get back to this routine - I started to feel that I needed a break from our Christmas break. Its not our visiting relatives fault, its just all these activities were tiring - and it was not all concentrated to our visiting guests either. Adding complication to this set-up was the fact that traffic in the Metro had gotten so bad, it was better for us just to stay home than brave the malls in those few days before Christmas day.

But as we usher in 2008, what exactly did I find memorable?

For one, the fact that Barbie (my wife) had all her brothers and sisters here in the Philippines - a rare event these days, specially since half of them are now working in Dubai, and are thus U.A.E.-based, while another was recently posted in Germany. So you can imagine that this gathering was welcomed by all. Yes, it was hectic and tiring - but old acquaintances and all... it was good to see them. Whether such a grand reunion will ever happen again, who knows?... and who knows when? Not in 2008.

Included in this package was the new addition to the Suzon family - my new Godchild, Jon Gabriel (or Gabby for short), who we were all glad to finally meet. Somewhere in between, Dict got married - didn't I say things were hectic? Despite a few faux pas in said wedding and reception ; we enjoyed the experience.

What I would have wanted to have more of...

Family reunions from my family's side - granted that we're all here anyway, we rarely find time to see each other. My dad's got his own life, my mom lives outside of the Metro - about two hours drive to a province, and this Christmas rarely had us seeing each other. I'm sure I missed a few of the larger family reunions - but I guess it couldn't be helped.

I did get to ask for two jars filled with Grace's great Macapuno (sweetened coconut), which was spectacular as a dessert by itself (and possibly helped me gain a few pounds during the holidays), and enjoyed some of her cooking. This type of celebration however was cut short when her brother suddenly died right after Christmas - possibly enjoying too much of the holiday feasts. This really put a damper on my dad's family's celebration.

Barbie's family was just too large to help organize a trip to Cuenca and visit my mom, and the originally scheduled trip was postponed for one reason or another. I had to make a quick trip to mu mom on the 24th of December - to bring her Christmas ham and other items.

My side of the family finally had its reunion, of sorts, after the New Year - and it was not as complete a visitor's list as we had hoped. But at least. Things were just too hectic to do things as we wanted. I would have wanted a more complete, more organized trip - but under the circumstances, I took what I could.

I did not have time to meet friends... of which I had basically three sets - S.A.G.A., Jaycees and work colleagues. S.A.G.A. folks? Guess we were all too busy to even have the usual post-Christmas reunion dinner. So nada... zip. I hardly had time to meet Gerry, Ariel and Carlos - Deke's gone to Canada, Fred at least I got to see in his niece's birthday... but that's it.

As for the Jaycees' annual get together - I missed that too, since it had its conflicts with our entertaining Barbie's family. Office colleagues? Forget it. We were lucky to have our post-X-mas party Starbucks get together - that's it. Oh well, at least we finally saw each other - and got to update ourselves with everyone's> goings-on during the Christmas break - oh yeah, I forget... there was that bazaar we all agreed to go to.

After all that - it must be tiring to read this entry... imagine living all the details. Will next Christmas be as eventful? Hope not. I'd appreciate something less hectic, less intense, less tiring. I wouldn't mind the company - but I do mind the events happening all to close to each other.

I never bothered thinking of Christmas stress - yet here it was. Oh well... I did get an iPod nano (series 3), and Bryce did get a new memory card for his Sony P.S.P.... Bernice still believe in Santa... and Barbie got to have a get together that may - or may not be repeated in two years.

Christmas was grand, despite the stress - but you can understand why I was looking forward to working again. back to some semblance of normalcy... even if its work.

Imagine that... my preferring work to vacation. Maybe in a few months time, I'll get back to normal - and will once again prefer vacations to work. I just need to regain my breath - and try to get back to doing those things I wanted to do before the New Year came. Ah well. better late than never in that regard.

But right now... back to the grind? About time! One more week like this and I'd propbably crawl back begging to work.

Lousy Internet service

Have you ever had the experience of paying for your first-ever D.S.L. service, getting it right the first few months, then suddenly finding it difficult at times – later difficult to get a signal most of the time, and still having to pay said D.S.L. services because of a 2-year lock down on services your supposed to be getting?

How many of you are in this same boat?

My D.S.L. service falls under P.L.D.T. and for the most part – including today, the above first paragraph, specifically the latter portion of said paragraph is what my family has been experiencing this past holiday season.

Reason enough for me to write this entry in MS Word at my home PC (its currently 12 noon, January 2, 2008)- hoping to post it later should we find an internet connection that is actually working constantly, or worse, maybe I have to go to another location – pay more, just to upload this entry.

By the way, I’ve been able to insert this in 2:50PM, January 3, 2008... almost a day later. This is not just based on P.L.D.T. D.S.L.'s availability, but my availability to access it as well. After all, tehy could claim that during the times I was out, they had some service - but when you consider this service to supposed be 24x7, that can't be an excuse.

note: I would normally be in the office at this time, had I not still been on vacation leave - so even if there is currently available service, this has the tendency to degrade after office hours... when I (and possibly everyone else) need it at home.

We’ve done the usual calling up the company to report this – and we get assurances that things will be looked into… but I wonder if things really get looked into. No follow up calls telling us what the problem’s cause was, what action items were considered and if our lives are now better with said promised service now being given to us.

In many companies, this would fall under ‘not meeting Service Level Agreements’, on the assumption that service was being provided and should it not be provided as agreed upon, certain levels of remuneration to the affected party which did not receive said agreed service would be automatically in place.

Unfortunately, ‘us’ public consumers – the ones that get the cheaper D.S.L. services individually, and not through a company seem to be at the bottom of this service provider's priorities. I guess, people like us have no clout - hence are not worth worrying about in terms of (non)quality services being received.

Calls of complaints are taken, noted, and possibly lost in the shuffle between the root cause assessment process/repair considerations… possibly even placed in a folder called ‘not really worth solving’... or why bother with a folder when the trash can is just right there?

Well I, for one, am getting frustrated and its times like this that I wonder if we can somehow come up with a stronger consumer protection program to get enough clout to get P.L.D.T.-D.S.L. to fix their service. If anyone reads this and knows, let me in on how we can do just that – for I am really tired of sub-standard service being given to me by way of my rarely-accessible internet connection.

I will be posting this in here, and maybe in my Friendster account and possibly other places where I hope it can be seen by many – including P.L.D.T.-D.S.L.'s service-connecting and maintaining people.

I shouldn’t even need to do these things – yet, in a city where the reality of service seems to still be borne more from marketing hype than technical delivery of what was agreed upon, we consumers need to be able to find alternate means to get our gripes across.

If this cannot be solved due to reasons they would be embarrassed to mention, then they should at least allow us to get out of said 2-year contract – without our suffering any legal repercussions, especially since it was them that did not meet the service contract specifications.

We should be allowed to try other services – as we seek the better service that a more conscientious service provider may be able to offer us.

But this begs the question : Is there a better (in terms of service availability) and more conscientious Internet Service Provider we can possibly find?

On being a Godfather...

At first glance, one would think that I've been watching some Mario Puzo related films - or for that matter, reading his books. Nope... neither is true. What has been happening lately around our family is the fact that Bryce just received his confirmation sometime this early December; with his uncle Dict as 'ninong' (Filipino word for Godfather) , while I'm slated to be a ninong as well for Gabby Suzon - Jogie and Bernadette's first-born. This event is to happen at the 30th of December - just a day before the year's end.

So... in a month's time, I am reminded - thrice about the role of being a Godfather. Why three times? Well... December is traditionally the time for Christmas, and with that celebration comes another seeming tradition of God-parents giving gifts to their God-children. Though this latter is more commercially practiced than religiously considered.

Just two nights ago, while suffering from Christmas-related stomach problems, I had to attend a seminar about baptism - a prerequisite by the church before allowing a child to be baptized in their church. Not a new thing... just happened to attend this talk twice before (in the same church), both as parent to a child to be baptized (first Bryce, then Bernice). Now the shoe's on the other foot. I'm attending as the God-parent.

So what are the responsibilities of a Godparent (to a child)? Let me list them down:

Officially, its 1) to support the child's religious upbringing - specially when, for some reason, the parents cannot fulfil this obligation. This means bringing the child to attend mass regularly 2) making sure that sometime on the child's 7th year, he/she has been scheduled to take first communion 3) by the child's 14th year, confirmation is also scheduled

The rest of the seminar focused on the parents responsibilities, some dos/don'ts regarding the rite of baptism, some learning, some reminders... all lasting for 2 1/2 hours, as handled by a craggy old timer who had the dubious honor of defending the faith against those led astray before getting their kids baptized. It sure was funny and sometimes frustrating, as we listened to his lectures, tirades and glowing assessment of himself, his family and of course the church's practice - but then again, he was just doing he believed in, and I respected him for that. At the end, true to form - he just dismissed everyone like a principal finished with children on probation.

I would have enjoyed the talk, had it been done by someone less craggy, more reasonable and open to discussion - but at the same time, I wondered i this craggy old timer was the epitome of how the church was sometimes seen as. Old, strict, inflexible - on the surface, unwelcome - yet capable of letting people learn important aspects of faith.

Ah well... like I said, I was just glad to get out of there - not just because I was suffering from that stomach problem mentioned earlier - but because I felt that I was not learning anything new... maybe reminded a bit, but nothing new. It certainly did not enlighten me further... and I was more amused with a young couple, civilly married in the U.S., as they were seemingly amused or confused and raising their hands at certain times to question the old codger's logic - to no avail, as he was oblivious of all gestures except his own.

Ah well... the things one has to do for certain favors. This one was one for the books - maybe not the most memorable in terms of worst thing that can happen to you... but it certain deserves a place.

Apparently, one of the responsibilities of a Godfather is to suffer through lectures and tirades of old codgers who sometimes act like they're guardians of prudence against lions hungry to take it away... when in fat, these were parents wanting to bring their children into the world of Christianity. Maybe some of them were doing it on a shallow level - but their hearts, if not their minds, were in the right place.

Times like those, I'd wonder "what would Vito Corleone do?"

Bernice, my little leader

Last Saturday, I had the chance to witness the 'growing up' ceremony of OB Montessori (O.B.M.C. for short) Greenhills, and the reason, of course, was my daughter's part in it.

Just as a backgrounder, the growing up ceremony is done to officially shift the school's cub and star scouts to boy and girl scouts respectively. For the young kids group - to the older kids group. Its supposed to welcome them to greater responsibilities and challenges. So the idea is that they transform from young kids to hopefully more mature kids - somewhere right before their pre-teen phase, these scouts now face more responsibilities, not just as students, but as scouts - and by extension, model citizens.

I could easily relate to all these, since I, myself, was a very active scout during my grade school and high school days - so I know about the symbolisms in the ceremonies and their meanings.

Going back to the ceremony - I knew Bernice had a part to play in the program, namely the demonstration of setting up a tripod (three pieces of wood tied together so they can be used to stand and hang a pot on - usually over fire, for cooking purposes), and that was just about it.

To my surprise, Bernice did not just do that - well, actually it seemed like she was observing and helping in small ways during their demo, but the fact remains that she was there helping, rather than just sitting and waiting with the rest of the student body. But apparently, there were other portions of the program she did not mention to me - and to think that I was contemplating on making her skip the final practice because of my perceived small role she would have in the program - lucky for me... and her, that I did not insist on that action. Let me explain why.

As a patrol leader, she apparently had a lot of additional functions... carrying the patrol flag being just one of them. There was also her participation in the symbolical donning of neckerchiefs from their seniors (I can only surmise that these were select leaders of Boy and Girl Scouts forming the welcoming circle, and donning the neckerchiefs). There was the 'going up the stage to receive the patrol's sashes' while having their parents don their neckerchiefs on them on the stage. All in all, she had several small, but symbolic parts in the program, and I'm sure that when the pictures come out. I'll be buying a lot more than Barbie paid for... including the part where I was helping her don her neckerchief on stage of course.

While all this was happening, I asked Bryce - who was observing all these with me, what was the basis of selecting patrol leaders, and he said that it was either through popularity, or given to the brighter students, or possibly both.

I wonder if he knew that he somehow confirmed to me that Bernice was either of the three. Not that he wouldn't of course, but I can't help but wonder if there was a hint of pride and not envy in what he said... you see, on our way to O.B.M.C. Barbie asked me to talk to him about seemingly avoiding Bernice, or seemingly resenting her for one reason or another.

I may still have to talk to him... but I know that is normal anyway... after all, it can be attributed to sibling rivalries. All we (that is, Barbie and I) need do is show that we love them both regardless of accolades.

For that day, though... Bernice was one of the stars, and I was a glad witness to it... better yet, it was nice to be a part of it.

Whatever we're doing as her - and Bryce's parents, we seem to be doing it right.

My dad's 70th

Last October 11 (2007), my dad got a surprise of his life - a day shy of his 70th birthday, his colleagues and family decided to toss a party for him. To keep him from knowing what their plans were, the conspirators had to work their plans around him - and this kept going on for the better part of a month or two. The fact that they were able to do it is testament to their capabilities - and my dad's non-questioning ways.

I first learned about the party roughly about a month into the preparation, and we (that is, my wife - Barbie, and I) were asked to help make some kind of presentation for said celebration involving our kids - his grandchildren. This naturally included my sister's (Tizza, that is) kids as well... in all, four of them, made of two girls and two boys - Patty - (Tizza's eldest), Migs(Tizza's son), Bryce and Bernice.

Coordination for this was not so easy, since my sister lives in Batangas - a two hours drive outside of Manila on good traffic days, and the only way we could do it was to plan a visit to them over a weekend. Not exactly easy when your work schedule sometimes eats your weekends. But it took just one day to decide and polish their dance number... thanks to Barbie and Tizza's knack for showbiz ideas.

Call it parental pride, but I must say that seeing the kids dance was a great sight, and I was thinking that if I was feeling this way just for starters, I'm sure the audience come party time would, likewise, like what they will see. Kudos, of course has to be given to Tizza and Barbie for coming up with choreography inspired from a Vhong Navarro song. The song, by itself, had funny lyrics - while the dance was cute.

As the day for my Dad's surprise party approached, we had to prepare for Tizza and kids' sleep-over at our place, complicated by the fact that Barbie and I had to still go to work on that day, and further realizing that Bernice also had to attend afternoon practice for her Scouting.

Needless to say, it sometimes seemed more trouble than it was worth - but I can just imagine how the main organizers felt in making sure every detail was happening as planned.

As the day came, arrangements had to be made for Tizza and all the kids to be fetched using my dad's van - as they all could not fit into a car made for five at most - and definitely not designed to ably accommodate three adults, three teens (or near teens) and one kid - not to forget mentioning that Tizza and Patty are not exactly slim, so it would have been a very tight fit for a long drive, had we forced ourselves to use the car.

Besides, I was at work, so the car was not available to bring them for a much needed early dress rehearsal at the Palms, in Alabang. Still, I clocked off 2 hours early to compensate for having to fetch Barbie in her office, and avoiding the rush hour traffic. For those familiar with Metro Manila, I was coming from Gateway mall, in Cubao - rushing to Bicutan, which is all the way in Parañaque for Barbie. Then, we'd be proceeding to the Palms Clubhouse at Alabang. Just thinking about it was worrisome, and I wondered if I had done right by getting off just two hours before the afternoon / evening rush.

It was quite a trip - and I must say that, with exception to a little gridlock near the Alabang exit, I was very lucky for having avoided traffic jams all the way from Gateway to the Palms.

Upon our arrival, we saw the kids, Grace (my dad's wife and one major co-conspirator for this evening's events) and a few of my aunts rehearsing and watching last minute things being set-up.

The first thing I noticed was the presence of so many printed faces of my dad - props to be used upon his entrance, I'm later told, and a big tarpoline backdrop by the stage - which is also set up as an altar (for a thanksgiving mass preceding the party). Arching over the tarpoline is a twisting design of blue and white balloons. While the Palm's ballroom is arranged with round tables; with each table easily accommodating up to 10 people, and I counted at least 20 of these tables, spread out in the room around a wooden parquet, doubling as a dance floor, adjacent to the stage.

As the party's guest of honor arrived, everyone was instructed to stand, cover their faces with all those printed faces of my dad - so as he enters a darkened ballroom, the first sgiht to greet him, would be a surreal sight of many printed faces (all his) staring back at him. See, Grace and comapny executed well - my dad came to the clubhouse prepared for a meeting - hoping to get it over with, and possibly salvage a late movie date with Grace, a party was the last thing in his mind.

As he entered amidst the dim lights and all those 'faces' staring back at him - a video camera was filming and projecting to a wide screen thus showing his reaction, capturing every moment of his initial shock, surprise - and later, wide smile upon seeing all the gathered people to greet him.

The program then went on - with Maricris, his office colleague (and Grace's co-conspirator), playing genial host and calling on each and every presenter, speaker or entertainer.

There were recorded messages from branch offices around the country greeting him, a collage of pictures showing him in different places and ages - I was even surprised to see Barbie and me in at least one... maybe two of said pictures (was I ever that thin?), then the kids did their dance number, and everyone thought it cute - they even had a surprise second number - which I did not know of, so it was a surprise to me too - where they pulled their grandfather to the stage and share a dance with them... which he, gamely, did.

Later, I, together with my younger brother Simon gave a mini speech - citing a few anecdotes in our past, to present our dad, in what was to us, memorable experiences with him - or lessons he taught us... consciously or not. Overall, our dual skit was funny, touching and applauded.

I was the more seasoned speaker - but for this night I made Simon do most of the more poignant stuff. After all, he had lived with dad a whole lot longer... and I was generous in sharing the spotlight. I was, also, earlier exposed to speaking that same night when I read mass' first reading and led in the responsorial psalm.

The food was aplenty - the kids enjoyed, and I got to rub elbows with a few long time relatives that I have not seen for a long time. Its nice to have these reunions - more so when the celebrations are for happy occasions. Dad definitely enjoyed - and we enjoyed entertaining him for one night. He was finally allowed to speak, and he thanked everyone profusely. He also wondered how this happened without his discovering it - and he normally prides himself at discovering things... making him joke in a self-depreciating manner that he must be inept for not discovering the plot.

Overall, he did say that waiting until his 70th brithday for such a night to happen, was worth it. At his current state of health, he may easily live to reach 80 too.

Simon mentioned as part of our speech, that the reason he was seemingly strong was due to his humor and outlook in life. I'll have to agree... the old man can still beat me in badminton.

He's had a great life - despite its challenges. Surviving a collapsed lung early in life - beating intestinal cancer around his sixth decade, and he certainly continues to enjoy life and people... his co-workers really love and respect him... I'd say that he certainly is doing many things right. I might venture to say that good Karma is rewarding him.

There were many times I tried to be different from him - yet there were also many lessons I learned from him. That particular night, I was glad to see so many people loving him. I don't expect a similar celebration in my future... though I surely would like one - I would lie if I said otherwise.

That particular night, I'm sure dad felt well loved by many - and who wouldn't want to feel that? Great celebration - congratulations to the planners... and I'm glad to have been part of it - even in a small way.

Why prevention is cheaper than cure...

With a title like that, I could really go into many profound discussions regarding quality processes and how they - in the long run, help the organization save money by way of less head-aches, less meaningless changes, less reworks and yes... maybe even less loss of skills when one of their staffs suddenly leave for greener pastures. Lord knows I've seen a lot of situations, and heard a lot fo stories to talk for an entire day about this - and in my job, I actually do talk about these things.

I can even equate this title with other things - like taking the extra money to get better, sturdier containers to preserve my comic collections. You see, I used to think that the old board-type boxes were fine - that was until they got hit with flood water and termites. Yup, a very expensive lesson for me, considering that some of those comics were pricey collectibles.

Now I use plastic containers to store my collection - no worry about water, no worry about termites, and they are a whole lot sturdier too. they just cost 5x more than those boxes - but can store about twice (or thrice) as much comics per container. Good thing too, since termites seem to be less worry these days than mice (or even rats).

But what I really am here to convey is the need to watch one's own health.

Yeah, I've been bothered by the cough lately - seems not a year goes by without my getting it. Chalk it up to weather change, home and office environs, my lack of exercise and therefore a weaker stamina, my not taking my vitamins... either way, I just spent a great load of cash for medicines, and boy is it costly... specially the antibiotics.

But... pricey as they may be, it will definitely still be cheaper to follow the doctor's prescription than paying the bill for getting hospitalized - much cheaper. So I grit my teeth, bear the cost and hope for the best.

Maybe I'll start being more health-conscious too, though in some ways, I do watch what I eat, and try to catch as much sleep as I can. I just hope that my living relatively clean (I'm only a rare occasions drinker, and not a smoker) helps contribute to my prolonged health - and life.

Damn... I do hate this cough... but I guess it puts into perspective my negligence to keeping healthy, so that'll have to be the silver lining in this situation. My cough, is my body's way of reminding me that I need to slow down, or rest. I'm inclined to listen, too.

Personality test

Here's some results of a quick personality test I took just recently:

Global Personality Test Results:

Stability (76%) - high which suggests you are very relaxed, calm, secure, and optimistic.

Orderliness (70%) - high which suggests you are overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense too often of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun.

Extraversion (53%) - medium which suggests you average somewhere in between being assertive and social and being withdrawn and solitary.

http://similarminds.com

What struck me immediately was the statement on my being too overly organized. I guess its an offshoot of my current work and family life, but I do feel regimented in what I have to do and can do, leaving little room for any 'want to do's'. Not to mean I find my life less fulfilling because of it, but I sometimes feel that I'm not enjoying it enough - or maximizing the experience enough.

I need more fun... but how to do this with out having less sleep? I mean, my work eats up a great chunk of my everyday life - I find little time during weekdays to be with my kids, and when I do have that time, it covers most of the weekened. So there goes time for me to meet up with friends and other people I've not met or seen for a long while.

Whatever happened to the fun me?

Not to panic though, I've got some fun scheduled later - a high school batch reunion later tonight. So I guess I can find some time - it just has to be scheduled. But, I guess I do miss some sponteneity as well. Maybe its time to take a break... but if I do, how will I take a break by Christmas time?

Herein lies the dillema. I'm in a work environment that demands my time, and seemingly gives little back for me to enjoy myself and my life. I need more, if I'm thinking of keeping myself chained to this time-bound scenario.

To Coach... or not to Coach..?

That is the question.

I have, of late, found myself being approached by friends and relations asking to talk to me, perhaps listen to their situations and possibly give them cusps of wisdom... perhaps even an answer to their obvious dilemma.

In reality, I may have certain opinions - and they may... or may not matter, but for some, I guess, they get to see so many things in what I do or say that tends to help them - and I am happy to help... no doubt about that. I just wish I too saw what they saw... and maybe package it - but if I do, I might lose the 'stuff' that makes it what it is... whatever 'it' is. Get it?

However, I just don't talk ahead of myself or others. I do listen, and ask clarifying questions, and I guess this helps them realize things, focus on a different dimension or outlook and then come up with a more balanced decision. I guess, this is where I help out.

Listening is, after all, a skill that surprisingly not everyone is good at - coupled with my asking clarrificatory questions and my penchant for digging-in... then making suggestions - who'd think that this was actually what comes across to some as coaching? I mean, huh? What I knew about coaching was what I normally saw in sports events - you know, the old geezer normally hanging around some young athletes, once in a while yelling at them to do better while in the middle of the game... and possibly yelling some more when the game's end is not in their favor.

Sorry if that was not a fair assumption, but it was what I saw... and understood. Goes to show what I knew about sports.

Anyway, assuming I did coach others by way of doing the thing I was doing... well, then I can definitely be a coach. I just didn't expect to be using the skills - though I have of late taught the concepts of coaching.

Practicing what I preach? Glad I found out about it too - and I am, likewise, humbled by the fact that people do approach me for help... and for some coaching.

But I still have half a mind to try to package the damn thing, and see it it can help me get rich quick. I mean, helping others is great - I just wish I helped myself more often too.

Do you have an Internet identity?

One weekend, my wife informed me of her attempt to 'Google' her name - only to find out that she discovered another person with a similar name. What's worse, her namesake had a police record somewhere in the U.S. (the Google search engine did search globally). Aside from that, zip... nada... nothing else follows.

Feeling a slight sense of frustration, she then did the same action, this time, to my name, and discovered that I did indeed have some mentionable comments in the internet - though not in a notorious vein.

Mildly surprised, and now curious, after having my wife tell me this, I did the same search - just to see what she meant, and likewise see what she saw. It was then and there that I; long time user of the PC, and advocate for the internet and its access to free information, realized that I actually had an Internet identity... something that I never came around to consciously building.

More so, this particular internet identity is not, at all, my doing... as other individuals whom I've come to have met and got acquainted with would, perhaps, have mention me in passing - either through a blog or an article they'd have written, and, thus added individually (but not consciously in any collective way) to the picture of just who 'Butch Syyap' is. Great huh? All these people unconsciously forming a picture or profile of someone.

Now, before I go any further, let me also say that I'm no slouch in being an active participant to the internet-backed virtual forums. I happen to be a 'vocal' member in avengersforever.org, a comic fan's forum. Then there's the five email addresses I maintain - of which four are personal, while one is officially business-centric, a Friendster account, plus another from Gmail, - and all this can be seen as resulting into my having a decently enough established identity in the 'net'. Guess those social networks I've joined were good for something.

Now, you see, these are all actions controllable by 'moi' so any accolades written there may not necessarily present itself in an 'unbiased' manner. After all, even if I mention all the superlatives to myself here, who'd believe it? Unless, of course, there were proof alongside such superlatives.

On the other hand - a Google search cares not for what has been written about someone, nor by whom - it covers all angles in its search... so long as it can associate your name with (or to) something. Its unbiased, and the other articles it may dig up in its search could be describing an entirely different person - and sometimes, specially if you, or your name, happens not to be as unique as you'd like to think you are, then it could be a different person. But what if its not? What if you are mentioned in a very different light? What would have to be done? Lucky for me, this was not the case.

It was definitely a surprise to see some articles - seemingly written 'ages' ago - yet still timely after all these years - and to help further mold my internet image, by populating my three blogs with past articles that I have written in several newsletters... at some latter date, that is. It definitely should help boost my Internet identity.

Here's a brief rundown of things my name search had turned up:

Avengers Forever articles - I had contributed to more than a dozen write-ups. Basically talking about Marvel heroes, and analyzing their heroic lives, I've also commented on, or analyzed key comic events happening in their universe.

AEGIS Campfire tales - a Role Playing Gamer's site, specifically built to share memorable and enjoyable feats in the world of dice thrown, paper-based games - all this while imagining a different world, and how one's character would interact in such world.

I Saw, I Speech, I Conquered - a blog by an aspiring (as of this writing anyway) Toastmaster, who then collects his speeches and relates how he prepared for each project; what feedback was given him; and what he felt about these feedback

Toasthost.org - lists out all the Toastmasters International, District (Philippines) membership - and I happen to be listed in this database.

Other than those listed above, the rest of the entries I see are no longer associated with me... so, aside from this, I, likewise, have two or three major sites to my credit - yet, since they do not mention my name, they are thus not recognized, hence, not included.

What, exactly, does this Google-search show me at a glace? What would someone's first impression of me be?

I can pass as an Analytical Writer..., I am a Toastmaster and I have been part of at least one Role Playing Game group at one time or another.

Is this good, or bad? I'd have to go with 'good' since there is an absence of anything bad associated in the list.

So... there it is. I've an internet identity.

Cool!

In an ever growing world that is the internet, this simple Google search proved I exist... and this process may, at some time in the future, be a record for historians to note; or for sociologists to analyze.

This internet identity can be a glimpse into the person I am, and can likewise be a link to who I might have influenced or left an impact with; who I strove to help or coached to help themselves.

In a weird sense - I see this internet identity as part of my legacy - and now that I'm more aware of it, I'll likewise strive to make sure it stays great. How so? Two ways... (and this is, by the way how a person with a not so negative identity can turn things around)

1) contribute more write-ups, and/or...
2) positively influence others - so should they blog about said experience that they had shared with, or listened to (talks I've given), it will come across as valuable lessons or techniques they felt worth writing or commenting about.

I dodged a bullet...

Before we go any further... no, I have no aspirations to let others think of me as Superman (who need not dodge such a bullet, by the way), or Batman (who has a bullet-proof vest), or Captain America (with his shield) - I don't even think I'm Neo (who can dodge such bullets in slow motion) - what I'm saying is that 'dodging a bullet' be taken as an expression to mean I avoided an otherwise possible life-threatening situation.

What am I alluding to? Simple... Last New Years' I had the unfortunate experience to suffer a sudden case of L.B.M. (for those not familiar with the acronym's use, I'm sorry - but I shall not spell it out), after which, the exact opposite happened - for the next three days, I could not even break wind.

Now this was obviously an unpleasant experience for me, and in the process, I had not even been able to enjoy a brother-in-law's birthday celebration last January 3. To add to this predicament, I had an aching back. These were similar signs/symptoms to what my father-in-law experienced prior to his having to undergo an operation for colon cancer. So you could say that I was definitely worried about the same thing happening to me.

Needless to say, I scheduled a check-up with a doctor for my problems. After one consultation, the doctor recommended I have a colonoscopy - a process where the doctor sticks a tube (with a monitor) up one's rear-end and checks if there are any problems with the intestine...possibly some blockage.

The process is relatively painless - but that is because the patient will undergo said colonoscopy with the benefit of being under anesthesia - in other words, they'd be zonked out... which is literally what happened to me... zonked out, and I must say it was a wonderful dreamless state.

So here's my experience... one moment I'm being wheeled into the prep room and they pump water into the rear - to clean up the intestines - next, I'm already in the operating room where the procedure is to be done, and the anesthesiologist gives the anesthesia to me - all while the doctors talking about trivial matters... I'm told to count up to 20, and I can't recall up to when I counted, because the next thing I knew, I woke up in the recovery room - the process done.

So what was said bullet that I dodged? Apparently, the doctors found a single polyp in my intestine - this polyp happens to be the early stage of a possible cancer - you could call it a cancer-in-the-making; one that is still in its incubation period. This polyp, had it not been detected and removed, could eventually turn into a tumor - say after three to five years, and then become a full-blown cancer.

My father, sometime during his mid-50s also encountered this cancer and had to undergo a long arduous process of therapy and cobalt treatment... same holds true for my father-in-law right now. Both processes - as per their experience, was traumatic and expensive. My dad's fully recovered, while my father-in-law is still undergoing preventive maintenance, not to mention his having a bag attached to his side, where his waste materials go out.

Bottom line, I was able to nip the cancer in the bud with the process of undergoing a colonoscopy, and the polyp taken? No worries, as it was benign. Had I not, however, undergone this process, I would probably have suffered a similar cancer five to seven years down the road. I might have suffered having to undergo an operation, and having parts of my intestine removed; going through months of cobalt treatment, and years of preventive maintenance... not to forget the cost of the entire thing, which could easily reach up to the hundreds of thousands... if not millions.

So yeah... I dodged that bullet. Thank you, God... and to the wonders of today's medical science. Some people balk at the thought of having a colonoscopy - heck, I was worried when I thought about having to undergo it, but I guess it was more a fear for the unknown (both about process and possible outcome) - but it shouldn't be something to avoid.

My friend, Gerry, says that he wouldn't do such a thing - if its your time, its your time. I disagree. If I can have more time, by way of doing preventive maintenance, then why lessen your potential life span? Why not guarantee a long and healthy life? If such can be had? Wouldn't it be folly not to take advantage of what science and technology has to offer?

Star Trek - what's so good about it?

In the '60s, a TV series called Star Trek debuted. Like many TV shows, it presented a colorful cast in terms of costumes and relatively sparse studio backdrops - the first aspect was to take advantage of color which was now visible with colored television (as opposed to the mundane grays of black and white TV), the latter aspect was for budget purposes of course - unlike movies, TV shows had to stretch their budgets. Hence the near spartan-like sets, and if some could be reused for future shows, well even better.

But that was as far as similarities would go... the rest would be uniquely Star Trek.

The premise: In the 23rd Century, humanity has reached the stars - in fact, they travel amongst the stars using Space ships - in this case, mostly having a saucer shaped front section connected to a cylindrical body, which then connected to twin aft thrusters. The crew would be mostly human - but of international in aspect... we'd have a Scotsman, an Asian, another person of African-descent, two Americans, a Russian and last but not the least - an Alien.

This presented two important premises as of its time - peace amongst the nations, as evident by these people working in harmony with each other and the concept of tolerance/exploration with whatever situations they would encounter. The series did not handle things with the usual shoot first and sort things out later - rather, it presented a view of reasoning, use of logic and the understanding through, need for and respect of diversity... in short, it was a thinking person's show.

It also, as an offshoot of its limitations, explained a few gadgets to make things easier - take for example a device called the universal translator, which allowed for everyone to understand each other, and communicate. Then there's the replicator - where food and other items were, well... copied as good as the original (and Xerox still had to shoe its face - not to mention the concept of cloning), but this allowed people to get what they need and not have to wary about scarcity. Of course the need for transport from ship to planet was answered by transporters.

Some of today's inventions are gearing towards trying to copy what Star Trek has introduced. Of course, it may be some decades in coming (and that's being an optimist) before we can fully appreciate similar devices. But we are getting there... thanks to a multitude of fans wishing to make real, what was imagined for the show.

I mention the fans... actually, Star Trek can easily be considered a culture by many - and the fans are legion indeed. The franchise (business parlance, I know) has birthed an animated TV series, four newer TV series, books, comic books, an exhibit, at least 10 movies and many souvenir items.

Am I a fan? Yes... though possibly not as rabid as others, and when i say this, I mean that I'm relatively familiar with the show, the imaginary universe it revolves around and of course some terms that have been created with the show's universe in mind. I know a lot of trivia, own a sizable collection of TV episodes, which I get to watch when I find the mood - and yes, I even have a Tribble (fans would know of what I'm talking about).

I don't have a Starfleet uniform though, nor do I have models of the ships. I don't speak Klingon (though I have a dictionary of its terms), and I may understand and remember certain episodes - though not to the extent that I could quote certain personalities verbatim. I am thankful for the actors' contributions to the universe, but I don't stalk them, nor do I try to find out every tiny tidbit about them. Oh yeah, I do the 'V' sign with my fingers and can recite the greeting "Live Long and Prosper".

I am a huge fan of the lessons it teaches - IDIC (i.e. Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations) is a prime example for pluralism and the embrace of diversity... the Prime Directive, which states the need for non-interference of a lesser advanced society for fear of accidentally destroying their unique culture... and of letting them grow naturally, of letting them go at things in a natural state - rather than jump starting them into something they may not be ready for. The use of reasoning - first and foremost, and lastly... the need for exploration, for discovery.

In the last company I came from - the group I happened to be working with happened to be Star Trek fans, and we would enjoy our discussions - back then, we would be watching episodes of Voyager, then come the next working day, we'd discuss what we watched. I can honestly say that this act built camaraderie amongst us. This extended itself to our watching Enterprise, though more likely - via CDs burned with episodes.

I still enjoy reading books about Star Trek... in fact, right now, I'm enjoying a book that further follows the adventures of one of the show's characters. I also hope that soon, we - the fans, will be treated to a new movie, or even better - a new TV series that could expand the already large universe.

Journey Mission Statement - part I

Have you heard of a Journey Mission Statement?

Its one of Steven Covey's way of helping others help themselves, by first understanding themselves better. It is also closely tied to his 7 habits... by way of 'First things First' and knowing one's self better.

Apparently, one comes up and builds up his/her own 'mission in life' through a series of questions... geared as to how one sees themselves or how one perceives certain traits.

I did mine... and once in a while, I revisit it - to both validate and update what I'd written down.

Now - in case I'll be needing to transfer machines, or in the possible chance that I would misplace said files, I've decided on placing it in my blog. So here goes...

My Journey Mission Statement:

Explore what the universe has to offer as captain of a Starship:

I see my life as a journey… an exploration – meeting new people, experiencing different and new cultures, if at all possible. I would like to think that I can meet challenges and any need for change head-on, and I see myself like a legendary Starship Captain – with the roles of leader, peace keeper, and ambassador.

I trust in what I can do, and the resources I can muster and keep the counsel of trusted and capable friends and family. I’m not afraid to make decisions that will affect my life – but I will tread a bit more carefully when it will involve the life of my family – for they should not suffer for possible mistakes I may stumble on. As would a Starship captain – who would boldly go where no one has gone before… yet making sure that all moves are calculated properly, for the lives of his crew and their family rests on his decisions and actions taken.

Build a legacy for better understanding and tolerance:

I aspire to make the world a better place, by emphasizing on improving communication and espouse better understanding of others. These can be better practiced with tolerance of what does not meet one’s norm or expectations, and the understanding of others’ viewpoints – to better realize where they are coming from – in this regard, I follow Steven Covey’s “Seek first to understand, then be understood”. That can lead me through difficult situations that could easily escalate into an argument, had I been less receptive and open-minded.

Exerting effort for negative actions are equally tiring – if not more so than positive efforts. It put one on the defensive and extra effort may be necessary to provide safety. Why bother wasting time on negatives when positives are easier to focus on – help me get inspired and in the process energize me with adrenaline and inspiration… the natural high. I would rather be living on a positive note than on negatives. Respect for others… their beliefs and their right to practice such beliefs, so long as such does not undermine another’s belief in one way or another.

Ensure my children's future as successful and independent caring leaders:

My children are my real legacy – they will endure, long after I am gone. My main responsibility in life is to give them the important lessons of wisdom – those that can make them strive for a better life, one that allows them to be better human beings – and looked upon as great and caring leaders. Independence is important and I strive to make them learn to stand on their feet – knowing full well that they are capable of whatever challenges life will throw at them.

My children will continue in this world when I am gone – they will need all the rules and guidelines that they can use in life – I can’t promise to be with them forever and at all times… I can make it a point though, that even if I’m gone, my lessons – my beliefs will continue to help ensure their safety… their living.

In this respect, I consider myself a dreamer, an idealist and leader with a legacy and responsibility to uphold. Global citizenship needs to make the world a better place to live in - unfortunately, this is not an easy task... and it will take time, maybe even generations - to help fulfil this goal.

Like any journey - it has to start somewhere, and the steps need not be grand, its going to be an experience.

So here I am, taking those small steps, that will lead to bigger steps...

Is there a Santa Claus

As the Christmas season comes closer, I once again find myself considering the role of the elusive, yet very likable St. Nick for my kids.

For the past years, my wife and I have kept the idea and presence of Santa alive and well with our kids. They have received their gifts - being the nice children that they are, and as always - Santa would just "come... leave the gifts, maybe have a bite of a cookie and some milk - then go", after all he still has to go around the world to deliver his other gifts, and he's on a tight schedule.

I wonder how long we can keep this idea alive before our kids get to suspect that we are portraying the role of Santa... how long should we keep this up?

I would like to say that I would keep it up for as long as it takes - letting my kids think and believe in Santa is important to me, since it links to their child-like innocence. Even as an adult, I secretly hope that there is a Santa Clause - even if I've yet to see him - and no, I've not seen him yet - but having watched some Hollywood films of Santa, more specifically the 'Santa Clause', I could not help but feel my inner-child delight at the rendition - if not the story - of said movie.

I hope my kids look at Santa, and remember his propensity to reward good, while serving a not so harsh lesson to the 'naughty' ones. Santa represents one aspect of Christmas - perhaps not the basic Christian or Catholic reason, but a seemingly more popular one, mainly because of his seemingly religious-neutral leanings.

Did I ever stop believing in Santa? I guess not - maybe as a teen I believed less, considering the fact that I received less gifts and none at all from Santa... but as I became a father, I took on the task of Santa, and I will continue to do this - for the sake of my kids.

Its a tradition I would like them to pass on to their own kids - should that time come.

My "inner child"

Its been said that everyone has an inner child within them. One has to wonder exactly what this means. Is having one a sign of immaturity? A lack of responsibility? Does this mean that anyone saying that they have an inner child is suffering from a case of split personality? are all these questions valid to begin with?

Do I admit to having an inner child? You bet I do. But what does this mean? The way I see it, I use the euphemism to refer to actions that I would do that are easily related to what a playful child would do. What do I mean? I learn to enjoy life - even life's simple items... after all, a child knows how to play and enjoy, so by my doing certain things that allow me to enjoy myself, I am actually letting my inner child out to "play".

As of this writing, I'm a 45 year old husband and father of two, a facilitator/I.T. consultant, a Toastmaster, a Leadership trainer, a coach to some. That sounds like anyone who happens to have built their reputation, and enjoys the trust and respect of plenty. Its my professional face.

But friends likewise know me as a role player - a game player... one that many people of younger ages tend to enjoy. If this is a doubtful consideration, the fact that many of my gamer friends (and myself included) find it hard to schedule a new game, due to the realization that we've not enough time to spare for this particular activity. Yet should we find the time, I'm sure we would either try a start game or just hang around and discuss - relive those heydays of memorable games we had the opportunity to share with each other.

Another 'child-like' activity I still do is reading comics - again, something that young teens would normally enjoy - which is about the time I got into such hobby (reading and collecting) and have yet to let go of... that is, if I'm planning to let it go to begin with.

But my inner-child attitude does not end there. I like playing pranks with my kids, my wife, my friends and yes, even my professional colleagues - harmless but enjoyable pranks like getting a colleague's company ID so I can attach it to the room's sprinkler system - thus hiding it 'in plain sight', letting a family pet dog lick my face (and letting it actually remove excessive oil from my face) then kissing my wife - who earlier obviously reacted negatively to the dog licking me... thus in the process, actually letting my dog-licked face touch hers.

The pranks or actions are numerous... and they help give spice to an otherwise droll life. It may also be the reason for me to looks slightly younger than my age (when compared to other colleagues of like age range), and it could also be a reason for me to have a relatively low stress lifestyle.

My inner-child appreciates the natural environment, and if I could run, skip and jump, I might probably just do that at times - alas, my body complains at times with these sudden urges to do such activities, and I do need more exercise... and my inner-child tells me when I need to relax because I'm too serious - so I tend to crack jokes when a colleague, upon asking a question, seems too serious. To said colleague's benefit, she pauses for just a second, then proceeds to spank my shoulder - a sign that she appreciates the change of pace I just gave her.

If I can remember correctly, one book even ascribes a person's creative juices with their inner child. Do I think this true - heck, I have of late, been writing articles of the comics I like so much and have had the great opportunity to have these articles published in a well-known fan web site. So is it a creative endeavor that can be connected to said inner-child... I'd think so.

So here's a toast (a grown up tendency - and a Toastmaster's natural capability) to my inner-child. A definite part of me. I would even further posit this part to be the creative, fun-loving part of me... one that I would probably be considered as a Scrooge, should I not have had the opportunity to use.

Hmm... that may very well be another great example right there. Who's to say that the story of Scrooge was actually a story of rediscovery - where Mr. Scrooge, and old, sorry, creepy rich man, finally found (or I should say rediscovered) the spirit of giving gifts and the joy of Christmas - a child's favorite holiday, I must add.

I'm proud of my inner-child, i wish him more happiness, more enjoyment, more discoveries to find and look in awe - it prevents me from being too jaded in a very jaded world. It gives me reason to trust, to believe in Santa Clause (yes, I still do - though its more my becoming one, and my body sure seems to reciprocate with the idea), and the Tooth Fairy (too bad all my teeth are permanent) and yes - share these beliefs with my kids.

My inner-child allows me to relate with my kids. Now... I'm off to play. 'Til next time...

How am I as a parent?

Its one of those responsibilities that sort of become a part of you, specially if you really want a family. Even with today's literature of 'how to' books, I find that my dealings - as a parent - with my kids, is mostly on the basis of making sure I respect and love them.

I also find that I am doing what I feel is right, based on experience. For example, I grew up with a strict mother who used the stick. Maybe she believed in not sparing the rod and not spoiling me... but I also grew distant of her, for the love was shared with fear. So I decided I would not spank my kids. I would reason with them - so far it seems to work. I also had a broken family - meaning my parents were separated at around the time I was around 7 to 10. So I never had the stability of a solid family... thus I, and my wife of course, intend to give my kids that stability.

Not to say they're prefect in all ways. My kids may at times be too slow to listening to me, and they're slowly getting to the teen stage - so I'll be expecting more debates and nights out. My son will start having possible social issues, with my daughter not far behind.

However will I cope? I'd better start stocking up on Dr. Phil tips... but I believe communication is key. one of the things I like about my relationship with my kids is that they relate to me as a friend and parent. They can talk to me and are open with me... at least, I hope they are.

I would want to spend more time with them - maybe share some activities together, so I try to make a point to have my weekends free for them.

I'll be needing a new aquarium stand

As stated in the title, I'll be needing a new aquarium stand soon. I use a metal framed stand - unfortunately, its been years since I've had it and its shown signs of rusting and misalignment. If I wait too long, this aquarium stand may give out from under the weight - and 35+ gallons, plus sand and some stones, is not light.

Nearly empty - with about four inches of water left, it took my brother-in-law, a helper and me to move said aquarium a few inches to one side. Of course we had to be careful or the bottom glass could crack and said aquarium would start to drip water.

Still, if this stand gives, it won't be dripping that will be my concern - more likely a small flash flood would happen in our sala.

Hope not. I'd better start saving up for a new stand first before I even consider all those other plans I thought about the last time.

My Aquarium - an update

Been a while since I've mentioned something about it, so here goes...

I'm trying to revive the old glory of a planted aquarium, but to do this I need three things:

• plants
• CO2
• lighting

Of these three I have access to the 3rd item - though it might take some experimenting to see if other bulbs will do as effectively. The CO2 will need a tank - and my mom will give me one of her oxygen tanks - the one she hardly uses, once the oxygen is spent, that is. That leaves plants - ironically the harder thing to find.

See, having plants are not that hard since plants are bing sold - its the type of plants I'm looking for that are a bit of a challenge.

I strive for the Amano-tank look. This means a natural looking tank with lots of plants, designed with a Zen-like look. One that is relaxing and wonderful to look at for long periods of time.

So far, I have some of the fishes, the shrimps and the tank. I'll be getting the CO2 soon (maybe next month) and can adjust lighting once the CO2 is installed. Hopefully, I do get to develop this real well... if its successful (or even semi-successful) I'll post a picture of the tank.

Until then, its planning and fingers crossing time.