#96: Hold On Hold Out

Hold On Hold Out probably brought out the best of Jackson Browne as a poet. Listen to the song here or read the lyrics here. The last cut from the Album Hold Out, this song features a spoken confession to a girl.

You're a hold out. Well I'm a hold out too. But it took me all this time to figure out something you already knew.  Will love be true? Can it pull you through? How long? How strong? Some things depend on you.

See-- I always figured I was gonna to meet somebody here and I don't know why, why should love suddenly come down and just sweep me away. I want to fly but there are so many things in my way.

Anyway...I guess you wouldn't know unless I told you. I.. I love you... And just look at yourself--I mean what else would I do?

Here's the live video (listen closely at 5:28)



Can't view the video? Click here for the original post.

#95: Microsoft non-essential

Microsoft just announced the released of Microsoft Security Essentials, their new free anti-virus program.

Microsoft today lifted the curtain on its Microsoft Security Essentials, the free successor to its OneCare security program. MSE uses the same antivirus engine as the phased-out OneCare, but the new free program focuses only on malware blocking. It doesn't include a firewall, system optimizer or other security suite-type features.

 I downloaded the MSE program and installed it in my laptop.

Once installed, I started scanning my computer for virus and my computer crashed and there's no way to recover until I decided to turn off my computer and do a complete reboot. MSE tried to start automatically but then I got an error message that the program failed to load and suggested I re-install it.

I proceeded to re-install the program and this time it went through without a hitch. I decided to restart my computer before doing the scan. This time MSE loaded automatically. I ran the quick scan and it seems to be very slow. It took more half an hour to complete the scan. It didn't find anything wrong on mine.

MSE is not very impressive. No wonder it was not ranked as one of the top 3 free anti-virus program from this review. You may be better off using one of these products instead.

Or better yet use Linux for trouble free computing.

#94: Does she deserve the Mac?

I've been wanting to try the Mac for a while. Last friday I finally did and bought one. But then it wasn't really me it's actually for my daughter - a very late late birthday gift.

I was actually more excited than her that I didn't order it online. Instead I took her to the Fashion Valley Apple store so we can take it home right away.

She picked the 13-inch Mac Pro with some memory upgrade, a video editing software and a 3 year protection plan. The total cost made me almost drop to the floor. As the teller swiped my card to do the transaction, I had the urge of stopping her and just grab my card back and run for my life.

But then I look back at the reasons why I'm doing this for my Daughter. The first and foremost is Deirdre's a consistent A+ student from elementary up to this point (she's in Junior High). She would study for hours everyday (including weekends and holidays). She also excels in sports like Tennis and Taekwondo. She learned Japanese and Korean language on her own. She can learn a new piano piece in one sitting. She can name all the Presidents of the United State, what year they served and their party affiliations. She can remember the value of Pi up to the 60th place. She made up her mind and go to Harvard Medical School and eventually become a Neuro Surgeon. And yes, I love her cookies.

I looked back at her and smiled, I grab a nice computer pouch and told the teller, "Can you add this please, she needs it".

#93: Flooding, blaming and insensitivity

The worse calamity in 40 years that hit Manila and surrounding areas last Saturday has been on the news. It was reported that rains continuously poured for 9 hours resulting in massive flooding. There some pictures here that showed the damage of the typhoon.

As the typhoon progresses, I have witnessed real time unfolding of event through twitter and facebook. A couple of friends on my network posted videos, photos and emergency hotline to help in the rescue operations.

But as the flood waters starting to subside, now comes the blaming part as posted on this site.

On Saturday opposition representative Teofisto Guingona, citing government audits said that President Gloria Arroyo had violated Philippines budget laws by spending the entire annual $16 million national emergencies fund on her frequent, and very often extravagant foreign trips. (She has been on an average 6 foreign trips a year since becoming President in 2001).

And then of course the internet is buzzing about this picture of Mikey Arroyo trying to figure out what liquor to buy while the city is going under water.Call it insensitive.

Now the bad news is that, 2 more tropical depression may hit the country this week.

Barely had Luzon recovered from the destruction wrought by tropical storm "Ondoy," a state weather forecaster on Monday said two tropical depressions threaten to enter the country later this week.

In an interview on dwIZ radio, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecaster Connie Dadivas said the two weather disturbances are likely to enter Philippine territory late Wednesday or Thursday.

Tragedy such as this always brings people together but it always brings out the bigger question on how to respond better or even yet how to prevent such disaster from happening if there's one.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/virginia-moncrieff/philippines-notebook-a-na_b_301400.html

#92: Old Time Rock & Roll

The classic song Old Time Rock & Roll is probably one one the most spoofed music and video of all times.

The song was popularized by Bob Seger and was features in the famous Tom Cruise movie Risky Business. Who can forget how Cruise dance to this tune while in his underwear?

Here's that famous dance:


Here's my favorite spoof from alf. remember Alf?

Can't view the video? click here for the original post

#91: Cheap movies and a former actor

On my way to the office, I sometimes swing by my favorite 7-11 store on E Street to buy coffee. The store is owned by a very nice Filipino Lady (Remy) who's son (Sam) use to be a friend of mine. Sam died on his sleep more than a year ago.

As I was parking in front of the store, I noticed they just installed a redbox kiosk

Redbox specializes in the vending of DVDs via self-service/interactive kiosks. Projected to number 22,000 by December 2009, Redbox kiosks are located nationwide in fast food restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores.

 This idea is actually brilliant. Instead of a vending soda or chips. this bright red-colored box vends DVD just $1 a day rental. Operation is easy using a touch screen. Pick your title, insert your credit card and voila! your DVD spits out. redbox has been opening kiosks here and there while Blockbuster is closing stores everywhere.

Anyway, as I was paying, Becky (another Filipino) point me to a guy just behind me. "Oy kilala mo ba sya?", she asked. As I turned my head towards the guy. I pause for a while, he seems familiar to me but I can't figure out where I saw him. I finally gave up and look back at Becky with a puzzled face. "Si Renato Del Prado, yung artista sa atin, siya si Guido sa Anna Lisa". I turned back to him and shoke his hand. "Kumusta po, matagal na ba kayo dito?", I asked. "Mabuti naman ako, nung 2005 pa ako dito", he said. Mang Renato seems to be in good shape, he's much slimmer than I remembered.

I rememberAnna Lisa was a very popular soap opera in the 80's together with its arch rival Flor De Luna. My family preferred watching Flor De Luna for a reason I don't recall.

I didn't talked to Mang Renato that much as I sensed he was in a hurry. But I'm sure I'm going to bumped into him again one of this days as he just live a couple of blocks from the store.

Maybe next time I can even snap a picture of him and share to everyone.

#90: I blew it but...

Ok I blew it. I missed posting yesterday. But I had good reasons. It was an unusual day yesterday. I was running around like a headless chicken trying to balance work and family.

By the time I was done, it was 9PM and I laid down on the couch and turn on the TV. There was nothing interesting. I have about 5 shows recorded in my DVR which I have not touched. I was thinking of watching the House series premier but it'll run for two hours. I also recorder Scarface a week ago. Having difficulty deciding what to watch, I fell into deep slumber.

I finally regained consciousness at 2AM and there was some kind of InfoMercial on the TV. Was it sham-wow? I wasn't to sure as I turned it off and went to bed.

Anyway, to make it up, I will be doing another post today (including this post). So I hope my readers (probably about 3 of you out there) will understand.

Later...

#89: The Boss turned 60

I was listening to the Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw (DSC) radio program on 101.5 kgb on my way to work today when Dave announced that today Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen turned 60.

Bruce Springsteen turns 60 today, an age at which the idea of still playing rock 'n' roll once seemed as remote as still primping for the prom.

 I've been wanting to see Springsteen perform live since I arrived in the U.S. Few years back I almost had the chance to see him in a concert in L.A. but for some reasons or another I didn't make it.

Anyway, the DSC program played "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" as a tribute to Springsteen. The Boss may have been thinking about San Diego when he composed this song,

I know a pretty little place in Southern California down San Diego way
There's a little cafe where they play guitars all night and day
You can hear them in the back room strummin'

The Boss ain't getting younger, my time is running out. I got to see him soon.

#88: My sister's dual personality

I remember vividly what she said to me - "Agsingsingpet ka" (Be good). The words came out sounding like a mother telling her son for a good advice. That was my sister Chiquit (or now better known as Giselle in the U.S.) telling me as we watched my father's casket being lowered down six feet under.


Manang C acted as our mother during our college days as my parents were in the province. We weren't well off. My parents where working hard for the six of us to attend school so it was necessary for her to manage our monthly finances and making sure there's food on the table. These responsibilities were undoubtedly daunting at her young age then, but someone had to do it and it was her. She was in-charge.

But it was not long when she moved out (with a heavy heart) and started her own family. Perhaps realizing her unfinished business with us, she would every now and then come visiting us after her work and see how we were doing. This went on even when she had her first child Cheeka and then later with Kyle.

I can't remember any instance that she ever relinquished that motherly role. Up to this day, she still sounds like my mom (more than a sister) when she calls me.


Today is her birthday. I can't remember how old she is (ahem!) but I will always remember those two simple words she told me 22 years ago and try to live up to it.

#87: keep the Internet Open

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed today a net neutrality to keep Internet Service Providers (ISP) from denying consumers in freely using the internet.


It can be recalled that there were cases where ISPs such as comcast had secretly block their customers from using certain applications such as file and video sharing. They were eventually sanctioned by the FCC.

It is expected of course that these big ISPs will fight this proposal contending that it will further congest their network and will force to continuously upgrade their network which in turn will cost them to lost their business.

As a paying consumer I have the right the access any information I want. The only catch here is that if this proposal push through we may see either the end of unlimited access or increase in Internet price.

#86: Breaking Bad

I didn't catch the Emmy Awards tonight. Not that I've been waiting for it. Besides Sundays is usually busy for me. Going to the grocery, doing chores and of course doing laundry is always the highlights of my day.

I finally had a chance to look online who the winners are. I'm glad that my new favorite show Breaking Bad got the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award for Bryan Cranston . Cranston use to play Hal, the wacky father of the funny TV series Malcolm in the Middle.

Breaking Bad is about a high school chemistry teacher, upon discovering he has two years left to live due to Stage III cancer, begins running a crystal meth lab on the side in order to ensure his family's financial survival and provide care for his cerebral palsy-afflicted son

The worse thing about TV shows is when you start to love it, for some reasons or another, suddenly got pulled out off the air. Breaking Bad has already two successful seasons and with this award, it looks like it's going to stay on the air.

#85: What if this is as good as it gets?

Another one of my favorite movie is "As good as it gets".

As Good as It Gets stars Jack_Nicholson (Melvin) and Helen Hunt (Carol). Melvin Udall  is a racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic misanthrope who works at home as a best-selling romance novelist in New York. He suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder which, paired with his misanthropy, puts off the neighbors in his Manhattan apartment building and nearly everyone else with whom he comes into contact.

This movie has some of the most memorable quotes that made this film a classic. Like this excellent monologue of Melvin when he confronted his gay neighbor:

Never, never, interrupt me, okay? Not if there's a fire, not even if you hear the sound of a thud from my home and one week later there's a smell coming from there that can only be a decaying human body and you have to hold a hanky to your face because the stench is so thick that you think you're going to faint. Even then, don't come knocking. Or, if it's election night, and you're excited and you wanna celebrate because some fudgepacker that you date has been elected the first queer president of the United States and he's going to have you down to Camp David, and you want someone to share the moment with. Even then, don't knock. Not on this door. Not for ANY reason. Do you get me, sweetheart?

 Or this excellent compliment of Melvin trying to win the heart of Carol

I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you're the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do, and how you are with Spencer, "Spence," and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you, and I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me.

 This is definitely a must see movie.

#84: Stupid and Funny Ads

craigslist is not only home for many scammers, it's also a place for stupid advertisements.

Here's some of these ads that it's either legitimate or not. But who cares they are funny

I have a huge bathroom
"I am a female in my mid 60's and I am looking for a room mate. Times are tight and I need some extra money. I am willing to rent out my bathroom in my 1 bedroom east village home. My bathroom is large. You can easily put a twin air mattress in there. I only ask that when I need to use the bathroom, you or your air mattress are not in it. I do ask that when you are in the apartment, you confine yourself to the bathroom. I do not feel comfortable with a stranger walking around my living room. This might change as I get to know you better."

I took your purse and felt a connection
"Tuesday night around 11:30. On 53rd btw 1st and 2nd. You came out of the subway and I followed you. You looked over your shoulder, saw me and started walking faster. I ran up, grabbed your arm, took your purse and ran away. I've done many a snatch-and-grab but no one has ever stuck in my mind like you. There was a quick moment when our eyes met that I felt something strong. I think you felt it too. If I wasn't so shy (or so committing a crime) I would have asked your name. I, of course, later got your name from your drivers license. So Jennifer if you'd like to get together for a drink sometime get back to me."

Ferocious attack kitten
"This destructive kitty has been trained as a proud warrior and will fiercely defend your house, even against you. Has a very soft and furry belly, like a teddy bear - however he will bite your face if you try to touch it. For the love of God, someone please take this thing out of my house."

 Here's more funny ads.

#83: Craigslist Scammers

On my earlier post, I talked about putting up some advertising to sell some of my stuffs on craigslist.org.

Immediately I got calls inquiring about my stuffs including this interesting email:

---------------------
From: "Joseph Frost" <0frost.joe@gmail.com>
To: sale-b7zyz-1368141595@craigslist.org
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 10:58:42 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Eee PC 904HA - $250 (Chula Vista)

-
Hi Seller, I would like to know if you are still willing to sell this item of yours that i saw on craigslist and the actual price you're willing to sell it out.

Thanks,
Joe. 
--------

  So I sent a reply to Joe saying that the item is still available and the price is as quoted and he has to do is call me. He sent back a reply:

----------------

From: "Joseph Frost" <0frost.joe@gmail.com>
To: sale-b7zyz-1368141595@craigslist.org
Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 3:18:19 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Re:HOW ABOUT THIS ? Eee PC 904HA - $250 (Chula Vista)


Hello,
Thanks for your reply,i am located in Allen city in TX,i really need to buy this and send to son schooling outside the state as a gift .I have been trying to buy this on ebay but its been very stressful buying on ebay. I will offer you $300 so as to rap up this transaction ASAP. I will be paying through PAYPAL because i have a verified account with paypal. So kindly get back with your paypal email address so i can make payment into your paypal account. Once payment clears, shipment will be handled by me through my personal fedex account,so you dont have to pay for shipment.Get back to me if my approval is granted. I would like to see more pictures of it please.
Thanks,
Joe
----------------

 Now what is wrong with this email? What makes this Joe a scammer?

Here's why Joe is a scammer:
1. Joe preferred to email me instead of calling me directly. I have posted my phone number on the ads.
2. For those not familiar with craigslist, the site is broken down into major U.S. cities, so what is a Texas resident doing and looking at San Diego Craigslist?
3. When using paypal, you don't need an email address to pay. In fact it's the seller who sends a paypal invoice to the buyer.

This is definitely a classic example of a scam. Check out how this scam works here or read craiglist.org warning regarding scams.

Craigslist is probably the best site to sell/buy items quickly, BUT keep in mind that anytime scammers are lurking around. So be careful.

By the way for Joe if you are reading this, I sold my items as advertised, thank you.

#82: All in one technology

I just have AT&T Uverse installed in my new place. This service bundle up my phone, Internet and TV in a very affordable price.  Affordable in the sense that I am paying just a fraction from what I used to pay on my DirectTV service.

The Digital TV is definitely a great experience. For instance you can pause, rewind or forward whatever you're currently watching. This service also includes a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The DVR comes handy when you can't make it on time to view your favorite show. Although I'm not a couch potato, I do have a few shows that I cannot afford to miss like the Monk Series and some good comedy sitcoms.

The Internet  access is quite fast and reliable so far. This service provides a router with built-in 4 port switch (for your desktop) and WIFI access (for your laptop) for free. So no other device is needed.

As for the phone service. Well it's a phone. An added feature though is that you can have access to your voice-mail and review call history on the web. So far there's no iPhone apps to control your phone service.

According to the technician who installed my service, the connection is through fiber optic. But only up to the MPOE (Minimum Point Of Entry) of the service provider. Copper wire is still being used when it goes into your house. If you want to check on this service there's an online tool  to determine availability in your area.

So far am impressed and I hope I remain as such. Otherwise there's always other providers like Cox or Time Warner.

#81: where's my computer!

It's been a tiring day. I spent the whole day moving to our new place. Boxes are everywhere and I can't seem to find my computer.

So am writing my blog on my iPhone.

Moving is complete. Kids are asleep. Now the fun part - unpacking.

#80: Monday night football

Football is back and It's monday night football on prime time. The Oakland Raiders at home against the San Diego Chargers. It's always fun to watch these two teams play.

The Chargers seems rusty as they got dominated by the more aggressive Raider for most of the game.

The game is a sleeper until two minutes left in the fourth quarter when the Raiders made a touchdown on 4th and 15 to go up 20-17. Raiders fans went crazy and it looks like the Raider will finally break 11 consecutive loses to the Chargers.

But two minutes is an eternity in football (or any sports). The charges made 9 plays in 85 yards capped  by the 5 yard run by the diminutive running back Darren Sproles (this guys is just 5-6 but runs like a dynamo) to make the final score 24-20.

A good start for the Chargers. Although it seems that LaDainian Tomlison is no longer as dominating as before. I hope this time they won't choke when the playoffs comes.

#79: The River

Since I'm still busy packing, time for a video feature from Bruce Springsteen.

This song is so close to me personally because it somehow sum up the story of my life when I was growing up trying to raise a family.

"Me and Mary we met in high school when she was just seventeen. Wed ride out of that valley down to where the fields were green"

"We went down to the courthouse and the judge put it all to rest. No wedding day smiles no walk down the aisle. No flowers no wedding dress..."

can't view the video? click here for the original post

#78: The joy of moving

I have been busy packing our stuffs. My kids and I are moving to a new place in a couple of days. It's not a big move since it's just around the area where we currently live.

This is probably my 8th change of address in 9 years so it's no longer exhausting to me but rather just going through the motion.  I'm already familiar with the process that I could do this with my eyes close.

The good thing about moving often (as you can see it's like every year) is that it gives us a chance to get rid of stuffs that we don't need or use anymore. More like a spring cleaning. You'll be surprised how things like clothes, furniture, kitchenware, electronics and other things in the house can grow overtime.

At this moment, I have 5 boxes of assorted stuffs ready for donations. I also got a couple of things for sale like this computer, this bike and this washing machine and drier.

We throw or give away a lot of our stuffs when we move but of course we always make sure to keep the good ones, just the good ones...

#77: Don't get sick

I caught Pres. Obama's speech on the U.S. Health Care last Wednesday.  I was very interested since I have been involved with the Health Care Industry for quite a while.

I work for a non-profit community health center and I have a first hand witness on how this system is so broken. I couldn't believe at first that there's so many Americans who are either uninsured or under insured but it is the reality. What is more startling that these are not just the poor but actually in middle class. These are people who have jobs but cannot afford to get insurance either because it's to expensive or got refused due to pre-existing conditions.

Obama speaks of the truth when he said "I have no interest in putting insurance companies out of business. They provide a legitimate service, and employ a lot of our friends and neighbors. I just want to hold them accountable."

But of course, these very rich insurance companies will do everything to protect their business. They will not go down without a fight. They want the system to remain the same.

In the meantime, as the debate rages in this country, you are not allowed to get sick. If you do, you are screwed.

#76: My father's humor

Twenty two years ago today, my father died of a sudden heart attack. I remember my brother doc termed it as miocardial infarction. It was so massive that he never recovered after he collapsed right on my mom's hands.

Every year today, I am always reminded of that fateful day. How we got the news of his death and how I was tasked then to break the news to my sister Chiquit. Her reaction is etched into my memory forever.

Today though, I want to remember my father's humor. For those who knew him, he's the person who will never run out of jokes. You don't want to be caught sitting beside him because he would roast you for hours.

Here's some funny moments I remembered of him. I did one on my earlier post The Day my father rocks

Here's more:

1. While driving with my mom to visit my sister Chiquit (who just gave birth to Cheeka), they got lost. My mom thought that she knew the way. "I remember those jeepney. That's what I took the last time I went to her place", my mom said. "So why don't you get off the car and ride on the jeepney and I'll follow you", my dad said.

2. While visiting us in Manila, he would share the room with us. But my dad snores big time. My brother Dennis one time couldn't sleep so he tried to woke him up. Shaking him vigorously. He's got so angry that he threatened to sleep in the car.

3. My sister Chiquit was vacationing in Abra and it so happen that one of her friend's relative died. Every night she would ask permission from my father to visit the wake. On the 4th day, she again asked permission to go to the wake which my father finally replied "Apay Chiquit, sikayon sa met ti kaladingitanen?" (Why Chiquit, you guys seems to be the saddest among the mourners?)

4. We arrived in Bangued very early in the morning (around 2AM) for the Holy Week Vacation. Naturally we woke my parents up. It so happen that my father was planning to go early (4 AM)  that day to Ilocos Sur to buy some fish (meat was not allowed) for a party he's organizing. "Oh so you don't have to go back to sleep?" we asked. "Nya ngaruden, Ag-tang-tangaag gak kun ti dua nga orasen?" (Oh so you think I'll just sit here for two hours doing nothing?"), he replied. He went back to sleep but didn't wake up until 6AM. He later blamed us for not waking him up.

5. It was new year's eve, few hours before 12midnight. He pulled a prank on my mom's brother Lolo Ah-Ah (he's deaf-mute). He woke him up and signaled that it's time to light those firecrackers because it's 12midnight. Lolo Ah-Ah rose from his sleep and started lighting up every firecrackers he had only to realize later that it wasn't time.

What about you? do you have an anecdote to share?

#75: Panchet

My father once told us what or where did he get the name "Panchet". I am referring to my brother Francis Bringas' nickname.

He said he got it from the famous Argentine revolutionist Ernesto "Che" Guevarra.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara (June 14, 1928 – October 9, 1967) commonly known as Che Guevara, El Che, or simply Che, was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, military theorist, international statesman and major figure of the Cuban Revolution.

He was executed by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces when he tried to led a revolution.

Make sense, I should say because my brother was born a week before Che was executed. So maybe that time Che's name was a household buzz.

Knowing my father's good humor, he then ended his story by saying that when my brother grew up, instead of being "Che" he became "Tse" (hmmp!).

Seriously though, my father may have consciously envisioned that Panchet will be like Che Guevarra, a revolutionist and will be a major figure.

Unfortunately, my father didn't live long enough to witness his youngest son achieving just that.

Panchet not only passed the education superintendent exam, he did it in style by being the youngest

Following the footsteps of his mom, Francis Bringas who is currently the Principal of Abra High School, recently passed the rigorous Superintendents Examination of The Department of Education(DepEd).

Mr. Bringas, a UP graduate, was the youngest at the age of 40 and only Abrenian who passed out of 1,361 examinees. The examination is so tough that only 140 successfully made it.

A couple of days ago, he was officially sworn in as an Assistant Superintendent in our own Province of Abra. A position once held by my mom. I'm sure in no time, Panchet will soon take the top post.



Everyone in the family is proud of our brother Che or Tse. Of course behind every son's success is the mother. I'm sure my mom is all smiles these days and see her legacy lives on with her son the superintendent.

#74: Addicted to facebook part II

Earlier, I listed my top 5 reason you're addicted to facebook

This story should be the number one: Trapped girls call for help on Facebook

The 10- and 12-year-old girls updated a Facebook status to say they were lost in a drain on Honeypot Road at Hackham in Adelaide's southern suburbs on Sunday night.

"If they were able to access Facebook from their mobile phones, they could have called triple-0 (emergency hotline in Australia), so the point being they could have called us directly and we could have got there quicker than relying on someone being online and replying to them and eventually having to call us via triple-0 anyway."

Perhaps for those who plan to use social networking for emergency, maybe it's time for you to approve your parents' requests for adding you to your friend' list. Who knows they may save your life when you forgot to dial 911.

#73: Stunning Mystery Companion

She's so stunningly pretty. Her smile is quite contagious. Her hair flows freely just below her slender shoulder. Her skin's so bright and soft. I could have said these words out loud to her.

Maybe one of these geeky pickup lines could work, but someone say "that won't work, sorry to break your hopes and dreams, Just say I love your eyes". Why didn't I think of that.

But then this isn't simple. Circumstances makes things complicated. Timing is so off. She will remain a stunning mystery companion.

Her eyes reminds me of this song from Kim Carnes Bette Davis eyes and, no it's not the vicodin kicking.

Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
Uploaded by trashfan. - See the latest featured music videos.

can't view the video? click here for the original post

#72: Stucked at Borders

Ok, so I'm stuck at the mall right now with Nadire and her BFF. They are eating chili-cheese fries RIGHT in my face! And they KNOW that I'm on a diet!

So while they were walking around the mall, shopping, I decided to go to borders.

Maybe it's time to buy an Ernest Hemingway book.

#71: E.R. Visit

For the past two days, I've been suffering from headaches that come and go. I was hoping it would go away but today it became worse. It's like someone is pushing a pin every minute and the pain would last for a few seconds.

By late afternoon I couldn't take it anymore. Luckily my ex-wife was visiting the kids over the weekend and she convince me to go to the E.R.

I waited for more than an hour to be seen by a doctor and it only took a few minutes for the actual face to face encounter. The worse part of it is that it cost me $130.00 even though i pay high premium for my insurance.

Needless to say, my illness is nothing serious. Although right now I'm taking major pain killer (vicodin) for the next few days and some antibiotics.

I'm still not feeling well but I had time to go out and grab some things at the grocery with Nadire and her BFF Kathy (she may look so white but she's actually a quarter Filipino). although sometime they can be a handful, these two always makes my day when they're around.

Here's some snapshots of them enjoying each other:

#70: Quiet dinner, priceless

Friday night is always a dinner out for me and my kids. Even before I leave the office, I would start texting them and plan what to eat and where. But this time though it's only Deirdre who is available. Nadire text me after her school and said she's going to her friends house. Yesterday Josh told me he can't make it either since he's watching their school's first home football game.

I text Deirdre and said "looks like it's just you and me tonight". She called be back and said for me to hurry since she's starving. We decide to go to our favorite Chinese restaurant, the golden house.

We ordered quite quickly since we were both hungry. In between bites, we talked about what's going on at school (she just got her grades with 4.68 GPA average), my work (I said the usual stuffs), what movies are out, Monk is on tonight, why she quit tennis and enjoys karate more.

Total bill tonight: gas $20.00. Tofu vegetable, hunan shrimp, peking duck, two cups of tea and a bowl of steam rice $33.50. Pineapple sherbet $2.75. tip $5.00.

Having to spend time with my daughter on a Friday night? PRICELESS!

#69: MMS via your iPhone, is this good?

AT&T the exclusive carrier for iPhone in the U.S. just announced that MMS (Multi Media Service) will be available on Sept. 25.

AT&T, everyone's favorite phone company to hate lately, has finally set the date for MMS availability on the iPhone. Multimedia messaging will debut for U.S.-based iPhone 3G and 3GS users on September 25, AT&T says. All you'll have to do is download a software update, and you'll be in business.

When I switched to the iPhone few months back I was kinda surprised with the lack of MMS support. After all other carriers like sprint, verizon and t-mobile have been offering MMS.

The bad thing about this MMS is it will further slowdown the already congested AT&T network. I find myself cursing sometimes when my phone just wouldn't load web pages or even fail to retrieve my mails. So much for 3GS.

Everyday I get frustrated with my iPhone, i move closer to ditching it and going back to blackberry.

note: Here's a tip when you're experiencing slow connection. In your iPhone setting, turn ON "Airplane Mode". This will temporarily disconnect you from the network, wait for a few seconds then turn OFF the "Airplane Mode". You should now get a better connection - works all the time for me.

#68: She's probably somebody's baby

I was at the DMV today to renew my driver's license and as usual the place is packed like sardines.

I looked around and all the sits were taken. Some of the patrons are all standing around. Everyone is staring at the monitor mounted on the wall. Every now and then, everyone would look into their numbers in hand and glance at the monitor again as if waiting for the winning number in lotto.

I finally found a small spot where I stand waiting for my number to be called. Just beside me to my left was a mentally challenged Filipino girl (she's probably about 15 or 16 years old) in a wheelchair. Beside her probably was her dad. The girl smiled enthusiastically and suddenly grab my hand firmly and said "kuya Kumusta" and started to giggle. I said "mabuti". She let go of my hand briefly only to grab it again, and again and again. I started to feel a little bit uncomfortable so I pretended to look into my phone so he won't be able to grab my hand. Instead he grabbed my shirt and keep on asking "Kuya Kumusta".

I finally was able to extricate myself and created a small distance from her. I was relieved. Then suddenly a pretty looking woman eased her way in between us. She was blonde and quite very attractive.

As soon as the Filipino girl saw her, she immediately grabbed her hand and started doing what she was doing to me earlier. The woman was startled and just smiled as the kid was all over her even to the point that she tried to lift the woman's shirt. I can sense the Women was a little bit embarrassed as she started to say "Oh no am not gonna strip today". I smiled and whispered to her, "I'm sorry I should have warned you about her".

Finally, the kid's father got called out and I was left with this pretty blonde woman. She smiled and said faintly "Thank God, she's a handful don't you think?". "Yeah she is", I answered back.

In my mind I was thinking do I want to start a conversation? What could she be interested with? Suddenly she took out a book and started reading. I glanced on what she's reading and it was Ernest Hemingway book.

There goes the conversation, I never read any Hemingway book. What should a say to a girl who reads Hemingway? Why can't she read Ludlum or Grisham like normal people read?

It doesn't matter as my number was finally called. I glanced at her for the last time and suddenly I can hear Jackson Browne singing in my mind "Well just look at that girl with the lights coming up in her eyes, she must be somebody's baby, all the guys on the corner stand back and let her walk on by..."

Here's the whole video of that song that describe "Ms. Hemingway"



can't view the video? Click here for the original post

#67: The downfall of Ex-gov Vicsyd Valera

Big news today in Abra politics. Ex-governor Vicsyd Valera has just been arrested for allegedly masterminding the killing of Congressman Cito Bersamin.

Here's the chronology of events that led to the arrest as chronicled from the most read abrenian site abrenian.com:

- Dec 16, 2006, Congressman Chito Bersamin was assassinated in front of a church in Quezon City.

CONGRESSMAN Luis "Chito" Bersamin Jr. of the lone district of Abra province had just attended a relative's wedding at the Mount Carmel Church on Doña Juana Rodriguez (formerly Broadway) Street, New Manila, Quezon City at around 5:15 p.m. Saturday when two unidentified suspects gunned him down in an ambush.

- Dec 21, 2006, Cops raid homes of Governor Valera, allied pols

Police raided eight houses of Gov. Vicente Valera of Abra, his allies and bodyguards on Friday afternoon after an arrested suspect in the killing of Rep. Luis “Chito” Bersamin tagged him as the mastermind.

Dec 24, 2006 Abra gov cries frame-up

“I vehemently deny all of the vile and baseless accusations linking me to the untimely death of the late Congressman Chito Bersamin,” Valera said in a prepared statement.

“My conscience is clear. I am the victim of a vicious and coordinated frame-up, although I am at a loss as to who the perpetrators are of these cruel lies.”

Dec 27, 2006, Congressman Bersamin is laid to rest

The legislator’s younger brother, Court of Appeals Justice Lucas Bersamin, broke his vow of silence during the funeral mass and necrological service at the Abra National High School.

In a voice that trembled with anger, Bersamin railed against Gov. Vicente Valera, the alleged mastermind in the slay

Jan 4, 2007, Valera goes into hiding: Gov claims group of ex-soldiers paid P5M to kill him

Governor Vicente “Vicsyd” Valera revealed yesterday that he is now in hiding for fear for his life after a group of former Army soldiers were “commissioned” to kill him in exchange for P5 million.

Jan 8, 2007, Abra folk petition GMA to end killings

Abrenos residing in the country and overseas have launched a petition asking President Arroyo to take bold steps in ending assassinations of politicians in the Cordillera province.

“Enough is enough,” was the opening message of the petition launched on www.abrenian.com ­- ­a website that tackles politics in the conflict-stricken province.

Jan 25, 2007, Takit Bersamin declared intention of running for governor

THE brother of assassinated Abra Representative Luis Bersamin Jr. announced on Thursday that he will run against incumbent Governor Vicente Valera if only to give Abreños an alternative choice in the upcoming elections.

Feb 20, 2007, Comelec agrees to put Abra under its control

The Commission on Elections on Tuesday agreed to place Abra under its control, granting the request made by the governor himself who said it was needed to prevent lawlessness in his province.

Mar 31, 2007, Local Campaign Kick-off: Bersamin versus Valera

Controversial Gov. Vicente Valera will be seeking to represent the province at the House of Representatives but his wife Ching, who has served as mayor of Bangued has filed her candidacy to run in the gubernatorial race. She will be challenged by Eustaquio "Kit" Bersamin, brother of murdered Abra Rep. Chito Bersamin.

May 20, 2007, Takit Bersamin formally proclaimed, Vicsyd cries foul

Outgoing Abra Gov. Vicente Valera conceded defeat of his wife Ma. Zita for the governorship of abra in what is seen as the end of the family’s almost 20-year rule in Abra politics. "We already conceded the governorship doon sa kalaban despite massive pandaraya sa misis ko.", the former Governor said in an interview with gmanews.tv.

July 12, 2007, Luna proclaimed the winner against Gov. Valera

The 20-year dominance of the Valera family in Abra politics ended when the Commission on Elections denied the pre-proclamation petition filed by former Gov. Vicente Valera against former Lagayan Mayor Cecilia Luna, his rival in the province's lone congressional race. Luna was proclaimed winner on Wednesday at the Comelec office in Manila.

Oct 29, 2007, Ex-mayor, brod of defeated bet linked to Bersamin slay

A former mayor and a brother of a former congressional candidate were linked by one of two arrested suspects to the gunslaying of Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin in Quezon City last Dec. 16.

Dec 16, 2007, Bersamin slay recalled a year after in Abra

The mastermind of the murder of Rep. Luis “Chito” Bersamin Jr., whose first death anniversary was observed on Sunday, Dec. 16 in simple rites in the province, will be revealed this week, according to the slain lawmaker’s eldest daughter.

Feb 19, 2008, Ex-Abra gov Valera charged for 2006 murder of solon

The former governor of Abra province, Vicente Valera, has been charged with two counts of murder for the December 2006 assassination of then Abra Representative Luis Bersamin and his bodyguard at a church in Quezon City, police said Tuesday.

Dec 8, 2008, Arrest of Abra’s Valera looms–Verzosa

The National Police hopes to arrest soon former Abra governor Vicente Valera with the expected issuance of a warrant of arrest against him over his alleged involvement in the killing of former congressman Luis Bersamin on December 16, 2006.

April 4, 2009, Ex-Abra gov, 2 others charged for Bersamin killing

Charged with two counts of murder and two counts of frustrated murder before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court were former Governor Vicente Valera, Jerry Turqueza and St. Leo Bello.

Aug 15, 2009, Court orders arrest of ex-Abra governor Valera

Former Abra governor Vicente Isidro Valera was ordered arrested by a Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) judge for the murder of his political rival and his police escort in front of a church three years ago.

Sep 1, 2009, Former Abra governor Vicente Valera nabbed in Makati

Task Force Bersamin operatives reportedly nabbed the elusive former governor inside Unit 3K of Hidalgo Towers in Rockwell, Makati City around 10:30 p.m., police said. Operatives of the Quezon City Police District and the Makati police served the arrest warrant.

Being arrested is one thing. The next step is to prove the guilt. We all know that everyone remains innocent until proven otherwise.