the tao of my writing

I was going through my growing mini-library (read as my mountain of unread books). And I re-discovered a book that I purchased a few months back. “the tao of writing” I got it on sale. i haven’t finished yet, but so far I find it an inspiring read. It is about following a process in writing that is different from the one we are usually taught in school. It is about harnessing the inner self so that transforming ideas into words and transferring them on paper will be done in a fluid process. It is about letting the creativity flow.

I intend to finish this book. It is perfect for aspiring, uneducated writers like me. I just need to let the inner writer out. I need not get caught in the torturous creative process. I will just write. I will imagine, create and let it flow.

Thank (or Blame) your Genes

Blood tests can now tell us so many things. Upon birth, new born screening is available for many of our babies. It will tell us if our babies have congenital diseases that eventually will lead to retardation and other complications. We can now be tested if we have the cancer gene just by drawing some blood. Hopefully, scientists will be able to come up with tests that will tell us if we have the fat gene in our bodies. We really need this now that heart disease, diabetes and obesity are fast become norms in a society of fast food and frozen dinners.

In the meantime though, while waiting for this medical breakthrough, we can just look at certain factors to determine if we will most likely end up having weight problems later on in life. Read through the next lines and discover your genetic profile:

• If both your parents have weight problems, you have 80% chances of having weight problems too,
• If only one parent is overweight, you have 40% of being overweight also.
• If neither parent is overweight, you only have 10% chances of have weight problems.
• If you’re African-American, you have double the chances of being overweight that Caucasians.
• If you’re Native American or Hispanic, you also have more chances of having weight problems than those of European descent.
• If you’re Asian-American, you are less likely to become fat, however beware because your excess fat tend to end up on your abdomen.

 

What do you think? Did it describe your genetic profile?

the smiley moon phenomenon

I was not aware there was even such a thing.

Yesterday, when we arrived home after our trip to the south, I just happened to look up and was amused at what I saw. As I was smiling at the heavens, it was smiling down back at me! Heavenly bodies all lined up just to greet me a belated happy birthday.

They said it is the so-called smiling moon phenomenon.

This is from an email my sis sent to me: Smiling Moon Phenomenon Happens Tonight

Wondering why the moon smiles at you? Tonight you might have not notice the moon is smiling. Go out and look at the moon and you might see the moon smiling back at you. The smiling moon phenomenon happens every 48 years, so don’t miss it! “Astronomers say Venus and Jupiter and a crescent moon will form a smiley face tonight, with the planets forming the eyes and the moon forming the mouth. Venus and Jupiter have appeared side by side in the evening sky over the last week or so, but tonight will be the best night to see the “face” appear, astronomers say.”

The smiling moon phenomenon is best viewed in Western Australia. The eyes are closer to the moon! Sad to say, the effect of the phenomenon is inverted in the United States. It will appear as frown. Lucky to us here in the Philippines, we will witness the smiling moon!

As I a look at the moon tonight, I feel that the heavens are trying to send us a message. Perhaps it is a reminder for us to be happy amidst the crisis and problems that the world is suffering. Think positive. Be happy!

 

So, there is indeed a logical explanation for the skies’ happy face… whatever. I have my own explanation. I choose to think it’s my mama, looking down at me with her goofy grin. “Is it you mama? Greeting your bunso a belated happy birthday?  Thanks for remembering…”

what is that?

well, it's clouds shaped like a rabbit of course! can you see it? =)

Hancock

Actors: Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Eddie Marsan

This is a story about the current day not-so-super hero. I must admit, I've always had mixed feelings about Will Smith as an actor. No doubt in my mind, he is a good actor, the only problem is his attitude. He often comes off as brash and arrogant to me. It's as if he knows that he is good, and wants to rub it in your face. Anyway, I obviously got over that since I went and saw his movie, hoping for the best, and good thing too because I got what I wanted! I enjoyed the movie! I was in fact surprised to see Charlize Theron in the movie. She is one of my favorite actresses ever!

Anyway, back to the movie. Smith does a fine job. This hardened, drunken, seemingly uncaring, superhero is perfectly portrayed by smith, well except when you look into his eyes… they seem too soft for the haughty superhero. As Hancock warms, Smith becomes better cast.

Jason Bateman is also perfect for the role of naïve marketing specialist, wanting to change the world in his own little way. He was so charming! And so sweet! He is the only one willing to give Hancock a chance, even giving him a personality makeover. What can I say except "Good job!" heehee…

Charlize plays Jason's doubting wife, wary of Hancock from the very beginning, for a reason as we find out further in the movie. As always, she is a pretty sight in the movie.

I was amazed once again about the story line of the movie. Unique. Why can't pinoys think of a movie with such uniqueness instead of always settling for a pinoy adaptation of an American/Korean/Japanese movie?

I found the movie too short. I expected more. I found the explanation as to where hancock came from lacking. I wanted to know more. It felt short. I felt like the writers told me "that's that, accept it". Oh well.

I liked the conflict between Hancock and Ray, and how it was resolved.

The movie was violent but in a good kind (is that possible?) typical of superhero flicks. It had heart, it emphasized the human need for family, contact, love and connection. It had funny moments too, as you'd expect on Will Smith movies.

What did I think of the movie? Three sunshines!

☼☼☼

mcdo mornings

lately i've been having my breakfasts at mcdo essentially for their free newspaper when you buy apple pie with your breakfast meal. i remember the loving the feel of newspaper on my fingers. the smell of the newsprint. it brings back memories of feeling grown up just by reading grown up literature. (yeah, no more funny comics and jingle magazines). sure i get to read the latest news on the net, as they happen, but actually reading them on the newspaper gives me a different feeling. probably the same feeling i get when i get actual mail from the postman. i know, it is now a very rare commodity. the only letter i get from him are my credit card bills. but once in a while, a cousin or friend from abroad sends me a card, and it definitely brightens up my day!

here's to more mcdo mornings and my romance with the morning paper.

Why is being proper important?

i've asked myself this question so many times., in so many different forms. why do we have to act a certain way when i really feel differently? isn't this similar to being unreal to yourself. not expressing what you really feel? what ever happened to truth and honesty?

well i guess, this keeps the order in society. what if everyone who ever wanted to "kill" someone in anger actually does? there will probably no more population problem in the world. acting properly keeps things in check. keeps us civilized and apart from other forms of animals... who basically act on instinct.