U2 ::: Closer Than You Think

Q Magazine, again, has first dibs on press for the new U2 album due out March 2009. *aherm* In this video, Adam Clayton (the guy I share a birthday with) fills us in on their "first proper photo session" for the next album titled No Line On The Horizon and explains their singer's pro-active approach to the said activity. After all, Bono is the figurehead and people look at photos of him specifically to identify in which era it was taken because, face it, the rest of the guys look the same as the last time. And that's a compliment. But I prefer to think the bowler hat, mascara, and rolled umbrella would be the stylist's tribute to Magritte rather than a cop out to the way of the FOBs and Panic at the Discos. That'll be the day.

Great job to the uber-geek who discovered this clip ahead of schedule! This is a great Christmas treat for all of us who've been waiting for any kind of stirring in the U2 world.

By the way, just a disclaimer: I'm not Scrooged...at all. I guess you could say I'm parlaying :-] but then that would mean what's on the plate now is meh, won't it? No, nothing could be further from the truth. I think my Christmas this year is one of the most meaningful ones I'll ever have and, honestly, most Christ-centered. About time, I know. I'm gonna delight in the love I've been blessed with--God's, my family's, and my roommate's.

U2 ::: Thanks For Your Consistency

If there's only one thing I can say to anyone who asks why I love this band, it's this: never has there been anyone (or anything) in music who can move me towards God more powerfully than U2, or to be specific, Bono's spirituality. Just take this clip as a classic example. Bono quoting one of the often-repeated truths in scripture yet everyone can claim it as the message at ANY moment in her life. The propaganda is as resonating as God is consistent.

"It's all I can do," Bono sings.

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Silence in Waiting

---

October 29, 2008

The Media Equation

Mourning Old Media’s Decline

By DAVID CARR

The news that Google settled two longstanding suits with book authors and publishers over its plans to digitize the world’s great libraries suggests that some level of détente could be reached between old media and new.

If true, it can’t come soon enough for the news business.

It’s been an especially rotten few days for people who type on deadline. On Tuesday, The Christian Science Monitor announced that, after a century, it would cease publishing a weekday paper. Time Inc., the Olympian home of Time magazine, Fortune, People and Sports Illustrated, announced that it was cutting 600 jobs and reorganizing its staff. And Gannett, the largest newspaper publisher in the country, compounded the grimness by announcing it was laying off 10 percent of its work force — up to 3,000 people.

Clearly, the sky is falling. The question now is how many people will be left to cover it.

It goes on. The day before, the Tribune Company had declared that it would reduce the newsroom of The Los Angeles Times by 75 more people, leaving it approximately half the size it was just seven years ago.

The Star-Ledger of Newark, the 15th-largest paper in the country, which was threatened with closing, will apparently survive, but only after it was announced that the editorial staff would be reduced by 40 percent.

And two weeks ago, TV Guide, one of the famous brand names in magazines, was sold for one dollar, less than the price of a single copy.

The paradox of all these announcements is that newspapers and magazines do not have an audience problem — newspaper Web sites are a vital source of news, and growing — but they do have a consumer problem.

Stop and think about where you are reading this column. If you are one of the million or so people who are reading it in a newspaper that landed on your doorstop or that you picked up at the corner, you are in the minority. This same information is available tomany more millions on this paper’s Web site, in RSS feeds, on hand-held devices, linked and summarized all over the Web.

Historically, people took an interest in the daily paper about the time they bought a home. Now they are checking their BlackBerrys for alerts about mortgage rates.

“The auto industry and the print industry have essentially the same problem,” said Clay Shirky, the author of “Here Comes Everybody.” “The older customers like the older products and the new customers like the new ones.”

For readers, the drastic diminishment of print raises an obvious question: if more people are reading newspapers and magazines, why should we care whether they are printed on paper?

The answer is that paper is not just how news is delivered; it is how it is paid for.

More than 90 percent of the newspaper industry’s revenue still derives from the print product, a legacy technology that attracts fewer consumers and advertisers every single day. A single newspaper ad might cost many thousands of dollars while an online ad might only bring in $20 for each 1,000 customers who see it.

The difference between print dollars and digital dimes — or sometimes pennies — is being taken out of the newsrooms that supply both. And while it is indeed tough all over in this economy, consider the consequences.

New Jersey, a petri dish of corruption, will have to make do with 40 percent fewer reporters at The Star-Ledger, one of the few remaining cops on the beat. The Los Angeles Times, which toils under Hollywood’s nose, has one movie reviewer left on staff. And dozens of communities served by Gannett will have fewer reporters and editors overseeing the deeds and misdeeds of local government and businesses.

The authors and book publishers looking for royalties from the Google deal may be the lucky ones in the old media sweepstakes. Print publishers are madly cutting, in part because the fourth quarter, postfinancial crisis, is going to be a miserable one. Advertising from the car industry, retail business and financial services — for years, the three sturdy legs of a stool that print once rested comfortably on — are in steep decline.

So who can still afford to pay for the phone calls that reporters have to make? USA Today was made exempt from the current rounds of cuts at Gannett but even national papers, including The New York Times, have resorted to modest staff cuts over the last year. The blogosphere has had its share of news breaks, but absent a functioning mainstream media to annotate, it could be pretty darn quiet out there.

At the recent American Magazine Conference, one of the speakers worried that if the great brands of journalism — the trusted news sources readers have relied on — were to vanish, then the Web itself would quickly become a “cesspool” of useless information. That kind of hand-wringing is a staple of industry gatherings.

But in this case, it wasn’t an old journalism hack lamenting his industry. It was Eric Schmidt, the chief executive of Google.

E-mail: carr@nytimes.com

Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company

BLACKLIGHTING ::: Radar's Clean

1 Co. 13:12-13 (The Message)

12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

I'm trying to stay true to the above but God knows it's not been easy. Love, I think I got it down pat. The first two I still struggle with somehow. There are simply way too many what-ifs hovering around me that egg me to conclude this way or that and sometimes I just can't put up the fight anymore.

However, something that has struck me is this (by way of nicequay): trust means doing. We can't say a person in a coma has put his or her trust in the doctors, they have no choice but to do so. But if that person were someone who made the decision to check herself into the hospital and go under the knife (for stomach stapling* or other), she's trusted by making an effort to subject herself to whatever results that medical procedure would yield. Sorry, it's a little needlessly complicated but I don't have any other way to illustrate this realization.

It's happening all over again and I guess I should be better equipped to handle it but I'm still not and that makes me glad. =D

So here goes nothing. Cowabunga.

*That was just an example!

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Days in Exhale

This one's a bit overdue (like most things I handle), I know but... So, as mentioned in a previous post, I hauled ass to KL some weeks ago. It was out of necessity more than anything but I knew that I'd find the trip interesting somehow.

After Sunday service, I went down to Lavender to look for and get a ticket from the Transnasional counter. (By the way, for this trip, I'm joining Diane on her way back from her weekend visit.) I must say it was a bit of a challenge to locate that dang office primarily because it did not exist. What was there was something that looked more like an outhouse; a converted container van was not what I had in mind.

The next morning, we headed out to the terminal bright and early...sort of. Unfortunately, I got too distracted by peripherals which resulted in a botched effort to catch our 10 a.m. coach. We missed the bus by a minute or two! The funny/annoying thing was just as our cab pulled into the terminal, there was a Transnasional bus rolling out with a sign saying "KL - Singapura" on the windshield. I didn't realize it was OUR bus thinking that it was one that just came from KL. Susme!

After getting chided by the woman at the counter for not being there at the prescribed time of 15 minutes prior to schedule, we got us tickets for the 12 noon trip and waited around. Our first tickets were rendered useless.

We boarded a few minutes before 12. I'd say the bus was only 15 percent occupied. Soon after, we were on the road and heading out of the city.

Six something hours later, Diane and I found ourselves in a parking lot turned bus terminal in Bukit Jalil. There we transferred to another bus to KL proper.

KL is so much like Metro Manila. There are portions you can easily mistake for QC, Makati, Baclaran, Avenida--all very welcome visuals to me. "Wisma" is also a word attached to every other business sign I saw, second only to 'Berhad." Or maybe even more frequent. Not sure.

After a KFC dinner (may kanin sa KFC nila! can it get any better?) with a despicable rose-flavored drink, we plodded to not-so-nearby Pasar Seni to take an E1 bus to Putrajaya Central and another local bus to where their villa was. Soon after, I called it a day...and Diane left for work. Believe it.

The next morning, I set out to see Kuala Lumpur. Well, parts of it anyway. But first, I HAD to take the train.

From Wikipedia:
KLIA Transit is a rail service linking Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) operated by Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL). It shares the same tracks as the KLIA Ekspres but unlike the direct airport express service, KLIA Transit stops at three other stations.

Yeah, whatever that said. So I took this train (except the one on the photo is the express one) from Cyberjaya/Putrajaya station to KL Sentral. About 20-25 minutes, I'd say, but it's too short when you're taking in the countryside landscape. Rolling meadows dotted with trees less than half an hour from city central, how'd ya like that? I would not mind at all.

The transition from rural to urban landscape happens at a comfortable pace so I didn't feel cheated. :-P Soon enough, the Petronas Towers and KL Tower came into view, gleaming in the distance, and the announcement came that we had arrived at KL Stesen Sentral.

This place is huge. I would imagine Grand Central Station would be something similar. If I recall right, there are three main rail operations (nb: not lines) at KL Sentral taking commuters in and out of the city everyday.

I walked around for a bit to create a mental map but I wanted, of course, to go to Petronas so I looked for the train to take me there. I found the RapidKL rail and got on it to KLCC station underneath Petronas. Easy peasy!

The KLCC station is where Suria KLCC, the mall, and the Petronas Towers sit. It really is just like any high end mall. You seen one, you seen 'em all, right? But they do have Chili's in there, something I've been sorta missing. Didn't indulge. :-)

I stepped outside for a bit just to see the surroundings and look at Petronas unobstructed. Yep, I really was in Kuala Lumpur, no denying it. Saw where Zouk KL is, too, not that I'll be caught dead in that place anytime soon. I'm just wrong for that kind of dig! It would totally drag the hip factor.

The patches of clouds moved swiftly overhead and since dodging the noon sun wasn't exactly a tourist trap, it was back inside, lard-ass.

I pass a few hours more to check out an art exhibit, get a Maxis simpack (for the folks at home), relish a sorely missed A&W rootbeer float, and just wander wherever. There are, evidently, amusing sights in there since I spent around four more hours doing this. Finally, I did get bored (and tired) enough so I decided to head back.

Back at Sentral, there was a booth set-up by the WWF--yes, the World Wildlife Fund. I'm totally behind the cause but they really should re-train their ground crew. They acted like dogs barking at cars. Basta, they were unpleasant bordering on rude. But then again I wouldn't know if that's how they really do it effectively in their country. Anyhow, it was not something I'm used to.

The next day was something I'd looked forward to and was probably the only thing that got me excited about going up to KL to begin with. I went to Genting Highlands. The mountain, the cool temperature, the trees--these are all anyone needed to tell me about the place to get me out of bed early morning to catch the bus.

I liked how it was close to the city, too. Get this: it took us only an hour from KL to Genting Para lang Makati to Antipolo. That was cool except I also wanted to catch up on sleep on the bus. S'all good. The scenery kept me engaged. It's like the road to Baguio but tamed.

So we get to the drop off point up in the mountains, almost but not quite Genting yet. It's the SkyTrain terminal which is a cable car system taking visitors to the peak where all the stuff happens. I'd say this was about a 20-minute ride over virgin forest on the mountainside.

I shared the car with two senior ladies who were chatting quite animatedly, albeit one was more so than the other. I kind of got the look from her at one point during the ride up cause, as we sat back to back, my hand or head would bump the back of her head and it would interupt her kuwento. She finally turned around and looked at me as if to say "Ano ba?" Reminded me a lot of how Lola Delang would scold me whenever I'd sit next to her on her bangko shaking my legs. Just had to laugh to myself and commented in Tagalog. I forgot what I said though. I made the effort to restrain myself from that point on or risk a high-altitude drop into deep forest. When we reached the Genting complex, it was completely enveloped in a cloud and it was windy and it...was...cold.

Once again, I didn't have any plans on where to go or what to see so I mostly just read and followed the signs. I went to check out their casino. It was spacious and, well, familiar-looking. But the whole time I was wandering around, all I wanted to do was eat. Ha! Surprise.

Here's my RM25 breakfast. It's chicken and it was all mine.

After this, I went to see the outdoor theme park. It was not as amusing for me because they were doing some repairs/improvements on parts of the grounds. Frankly, the place reminded me a lot of Star City. I did, however, get a kick out of watching these girls up at the SkyShot ride flailing their legs all over the place. This is the one where your seat gets pulled up to the top of a crane and then you get dropped then bounced, the crane itself resting at a high precipice. As this was happening to them, a cloud floats by and covers them up. So it was like falling into white nothing for a few seconds. I am not getting on that thing. Never.

Back inside, I looked for whatever else to check out and found a shuttle service going to Chin Swee Temple. It's a 10-minute drive from Genting which features, among others, a huge statue of Buddha above a large square called Sky Terrace, a temple, a pagoda, and some statues of Chinese characters. The view was, of course, more than enough reason to go there.

We went back to Genting complex after an hour at which point I decided it was a good time to go. Apparently, the entire population was thinking the same exact thing and the line for the SkyTrain wound several times. Thankfully, they were quick at loading folks into it, each car was filled to capacity of eight. It was a boisterous descent for the seven women who I think were in their 50s. Saya nga ng kuwentuhan nila, in Chinese.

On my fourth day in Malaysia, I went back to KL to, you know, check out the malls. 'Cause that's what lazy malinformed tourists do. Whatever's familiar. I didn't know what else to do, to be honest, so I took up Annie's suggestion to go to Sungei Wang. I took the monorail to there.

I noticed the monorail stations had names of brands, too. I wonder if it varies from time to time and how it will confuse commuters. Bukit Bintang station was named "Digi", after the telco.

Anyway, yeah, Sungei Wang. It's like Greenlanes in Greenhills back in the 80s. Basta, yun na yun. For lunch, I sucked it up and had Nasi Lemak. *shrug* Might as well. Masarap naman sya pero I don't think it's the kind of food I'll have everyday. Don't know about your individual Lemak experiences but the one I got was just like afritada. I guess what makes it special (or different) are the things on the side. Was good, I was full, now we walk. It was after all Jalan Bukit Bintang.

I ended up in Pavilion KL, a high end mall and easily the best-looking one I've entered so far. It was posh but, I guess, minimalist unlike Ngee Ann City which, for me, is a bit cluttered. They had all the names, but, of course, I went there para lang maki-CR naman eh. Pero, di nga, it was nice. I liked the design and flow of the place. If only.

Overall, I'd say KL is my kind of city. It's laid back but you can see there's order. It's organized without being obsessive. Even the touting cab drivers were not nearly as infuriating. Really, they were polite and not obnoxious at all---to think that they were, you know, unscrupulous individuals. =D

I will do my best to return to KL soon because there's so much character there to uncover. For the meantime, I'm still holding out for this place to find out what kind of rabbit God will pull out the hat. He's done it so many times in my life I think I'll be just stupid to think I'm done.

Am I? Done? Stupid? Done because stupid or stupid because done?

BLACKLIGHTING ::: Ehm...This is Personal.

Psalm 119:9-16 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

9-16 How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I'll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you've done it.
I relish everything you've told me of life,
I won't forget a word of it.

Number 1, Baby!

Well this was certainly a pleasant surprise. Spread the word, tell your friends, add a link to your blog, post a Friendster bulletin, anything! Let's make this happen. Yes, we can. ;-)

Checking Back In

Alas! I have returned to this island and I feel reaaaallllly good. So good in fact I'm even singing along to this BSB crack song on the radio now. "As long as you love me...yeah-eh-eh.."

Yeah, I feel quite great actually. Incidentally, one way to tell when I'm extremely giddy is when my eyes well up. Not weeping, just watery. That's how you know I feel really happy. =D

I slipped out to KL this week and got back about a couple hours ago. I feel a very long post with photos and anecdotes straight from my Malaysian escapade coming so hang on for that. Meanwhile, I'm wishing everyone a great weekend and hope y'all's's F1 investment pays off big time. That way you can repay the environment for the unnecessary energy spent operating this 3-day flash-boom-bang. But I digress.

Okay! Gotta do my laundry first and catch up with the buddies.

God bless you all, folks!

BABELFISH ::: Call Your Parents

So I get on the PDI website like I've done since who knows how long ago and I immediately notice "UniOil to cut diesel by P3/liter". Great news, right? I call my father to check the facts. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Da, magkano na ba isang litro dyan?
Dada: Ah...48.
Me: Ha? Kala ko ba nagbaba na? Tatlong piso daw.
Dada: Hinde, piso lang. Sa isang linggo pa yon.
Me: Magkano na ba isang barel ngayon?
Dada: 88.
Me: A talaga? E dapat magbabaan na nga lahat yan.
Dada: Oo nga. Nirereserba nga nila yon para sa isang linggo.

After a few exchanges about the rest of the family, we finally get to talking about me.

Dada: Kung wala kang mahanap dyan, mas mabuti pa umuwi ka na lang. Nag-aalala ako sa 'yo. Pero ikaw bahala, diskartehan mo na lang.
Me: Oo, alam ko yon. Nandito na ko e, di ko naman basta-basta sasayangin 'to.
Dada: Oo nga e sinayang mo kase yung---di bale, wag na lang pag-usapan 'yon. Basta kung okey naman lagay mo dyan e wag mo kami intindihin dito.

You can tell he's trying to be careful with what to say to me but if I were to be sensitive, I'd say he blew it anyway. Haha! But I have to acknowledge his effort. The man's doing his best to choose his words, perhaps out of fear that he would push me over the edge, me being away from them and all.

Ohh my father. He tries. He really tries. Hahahaha! If I were to pick a TV dad most like my own, I would say Red from That 70s Show. Tough talking, always grouchy, whiny, no emotion. This is why we, his children, find it too funny when he's showing his sensitive side. It just doesn't compute, Dada! Just drop it.

BLACKLIGHTING ::: Waves Rockin' The Boat

17Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

19GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (English Standard Version)

I have no clue about Habakkuk. I know he's a prophet, that's about it. Nonetheless, these verses he wrote speak so strongly to me these days.

Okay, here's the deal: it's one thing to put our trust in God when things in our lives are spiraling, it's a whole other scenario to be expected to rejoice in the midst of it. One tall order for a society who loves to wallow in self-pity! But guess what? It's not impossible. Primarily, it's a command but God, knowing how feeble I am, has blessed me with the resources to be able to praise. The first one is prayer which I can't stress enough; the second is his word. I never realized how present my bible is going to be in my life. (Thank you, Ninang.)

The question that follows is why? Well, I can only share what's been revealed to me. It's because true joy is the spark we need to be able to take full advantage of the deliverance God promises each of us.

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call your name by night

Slow News Day

Kerouac wrote On The Road as one long paragraph on sheets of paper he'd taped together forming a scroll. I wish I could do that sometimes, write in one continuous purge. This (the wishing, not the writing) usually happens when I'm at Books Actually, that lovely little shop on Ann Siang Road, and staring intently at things to add to my Christmas list. Things like that Muji book, CDs, paper, toys, vintage cameras, nifty trinkets, that Muji book.

I pose this question to Tom Chaplin: what the heck did you do?! Dude, you lost a lot. Hey if I had money to burn I'll check myself into The Priory, too, sans drug-drink issues. But I guess that's a prereq. Anyway, Tom is looking great and the new single is Spiraling which I think is pretty tongue-in-cheek for a Keane song. I like it though.

Everybody's Changing (Keane)

You say you wander your own land
But when I think about it
I don't see how you can

You're aching, you're breaking
And I can see the pain in your eyes
Since everybody's changing
And I don't know why

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same

You're gone from here
Soon you will disappear
Fading into beautiful light
'cause everybody's changing
And I don't feel right

I've been drowning myself in mindless pop since U2 have been taking their sweet time with the new album. I downloaded NKOTB's reunion album and I have to say it's not bad at all. The reviews have been predictably unkind but, really now, how can you take those seriously when they came out in the same publications raving over the new Jonas brothers movie. Yeah, really credible the lot of them. Tigilan nyo nga ako.

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Ways To Disparage Your Mother

Hahaha! I can't not (Yes, double negative. Arrgh!!) share this video I found on YouTube. It's Rufus Wainwright and sister Martha Wainwright in a mockumentary for their mother Kate and aunt Anna. It's hilarious, I tell you, HILARIOUS!

RIGHT BRAIN ::: My Dear Machine

This post is long overdue since they've been back together for a good six months or so now. But I am quite glad my second favorite band is once again churning out new material. So so very glad.

We're Baaaack!

U2 ::: Another Testament

Here is Bono showing up in my work load. I was flipping through this snotty magazine and there's his mugshot. This ties in quite well with the latest Achtoon Baby over at ATU2.com, eh?

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Guess What I'm Feeling Now

Hi, folks. Found this one the other night while in the midst of wishing to be home for Christmas. It's a nine-minute video of someone's flight from Manila to Baguio. Quite boring to watch for the majority of y'all but I sat through it to see the landscape/topography change. Also interesting to realize how short the Loakan runway looks (not that I know about whatever regulations they have for them) and you have to be amazed with the precision pilots have for landing--more like perching--on that precipice. By the way, Manila to Baguio is only 45 minutes by plane says his blurb. Good thing to note but how can you pass up on the manicured NLEX lawns?

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Incomparably Noypi Quality

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high, 
Singing sweetly through the night, 
And the mountains in reply 
Echoing their brave delight. 
Gloria in excelsis Deo 
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee? 
Why these songs of happy cheer? 
What great brightness did you see? 
What glad tiding did you hear?
Come to Bethlehem and see 
Him whose birth the angels sing; 
Come, adore on bended knee 
Christ, the Lord, the new-born King.
See him in a manger laid 
Whom the angels praise above; 
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, 
While we raise our hearts in love

Happy But Aching Feet

Counting down the days till I'm free of this...place (Ep 4:29, so help me God :P) so I'm taking time away from my final reports to blog on what He's been knocking into my head plus my mundane activities in the rain-soaked city. You may now proceed to Perez's or Jared's if you're so inclined because I'm 'bout to wax Quixotic. See, this would be like the part during service when the tots are dismissed and sent off to Sunday School so the grown-ups won't have any excuse not to learn.

Okay, shut the door and sit down. What've I got now? Nothing and a lot. Nothing because I don't have anything yet but, just like before, His teaching comes first--not on the destination but of the condition of my own heart. And that's what He's been doing. Thank God, I'm more docile now.

I've realized how extremely powerful His word is. It has the uncanny ability to give you peace and joy in the midst of unabashed schemes of the enemy. You can be at the receiving end of the most potentially damaging attacks from people and not feel hate or anger or fear. It is nothing short of incredible. It's the assurance that He protects you, He knows your worth, He has your life under control. (So there's no need to take things in your own hands!) Once again, our role is to simply trust and rejoice always. Rejoice under all circumstances because we have His attention. Not the heehee-haha kind but in quiet confidence stemming from the truth in His word and living by it. It's not a placebo, it's not magic. Only God's love.

I've also come to understand that I'm prime target for them, huge points for my head in their camp. Not because of any brilliant value I bring to myself but because I've got the mark. That's precisely why I feel I get short-ended (ploy number 1) many times but I've become quick to stop it from spreading in my system. Because that's how it starts, you see, followed by bitterness, envy, rudeness, pride -- the entire entourage. Next thing you know, you'll be romping proud on the outside yet hatin' on everyone from the inside, feeling so full of yourself you forget how ugly you were to begin with. So I meditate and review because healing starts with a humble heart.

* * *

I hung out with my buddy Pantz over the weekend. My energy level was still organically high Friday night and since I had no cash in my wallet for the next two days, I decided to take the train back to the city to get money. There are no offshore banks in the heartland.

When I got done with my business, I decided to ring the dude up and found out he still at the office. What unprecedented dedication! So we decided to meet up at the embassy for a little stroll down memory lane (both recent and distant) and catch up on stuff.

We went to this mall where the main demographic precluded us seniors. You know the one if you've been there. There we ogled at things we couldn't afford and stuff we couldn't believe people needed.

After walking around, we plopped down at the Coca-Cola lounge. Reminded me of IMAX. Oh boy. Of course, we didn't spend anything. We just browsed through the magazines and watched the trailers for the Israeli film festival which happens next week. I decided I want to see Malos Habitos and The Band's Visit.

Around 1 am, we took the bus to his home turf and from there I took a cab to mine.

The next day, Saturday, we met again to see The Love Guru. We'd wanted to catch a 5 pm screening but we decided to pay a visit to Great World City. Neither of us had been there before so we took the shuttle to there even though rain made for extra effort. The place was blah but we mulled around for half an hour before going back to the embassy.

We ended up taking a 9:20 screening at the mall next to MTV's office because the movie isn't as popular as Batman. Not all the theatres screened it and the ones that did only had limited schedules for it.

Anyhow, we went in and I immediately noticed the theatre was small. Nicely appointed, sure, but small. It reminded me of the Starlight cinema in Imus. Hilarious.

It was a 4D experience watching The Love Guru. Because of that, I couldn't laugh as hard as I wanted to and had to jab Pantz's arm once or twice to contain myself. You wanna know what I mean, ask him for the full story.

That's it for now. Hope to see you again.

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Most Overused Phrase

"At the end of the day..."

Will someone please provide an alternative adverb already! Dangnabit. If I hear it one more time, I'm gonna bawl incessantly till I get a...well, nothing's worth it anymore. Oh well. *sulk*

For This 3-Day Weekend

I demand every FILIPINO (real or vicarious) to get on this site now and vote. Click, damn it, click! Susme. Pati ba naman ito pakakawalan pa natin? Hayaan nyo na mga medalya sa mga kiasu.

BLACKLIGHTING ::: The Reality Behind

August 14, 2008

Feed My Sheep

READ: John 21:15-17

Just before Jesus left this earth, He instructed Simon Peter to care for the dearest object of His love—His sheep. How could anyone care for them as Jesus cares? Only out of love for Him. There is no other way.

Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Each time, Jesus answered, “Feed My sheep.”

Was Jesus unaware of Peter’s love? Of course not. His threefold question was not for Himself, but for Peter. He asked His questions to underscore the essential truth that only love for Christ would sustain Peter in the work that lay ahead—that arduous, demanding work of caring for people’s souls—perhaps the hardest work of all.

Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved His sheep, but if he loved Him. Affection for God’s people in itself will not sustain us. His sheep can be unresponsive, unappreciative, and harshly critical of our efforts to love and to serve them. In the end, we will find ourselves defeated and discouraged.

The “love of Christ”—our love for Him—is the only sufficient motivation that will enable us to stay the course, to continue to feed the flock of God. Thus Jesus asks you and me, “Do you love Me? Feed My sheep.” — David H. Roper

From Our Daily Bread, RBC

In many ways, this is the tourbillon, retrograde, and perpetual calendar. ;) This is why I can never believe it's futile.

RIGHT BRAIN ::: The Sky is Falling

Chicken Little is hurrying
Umbrella 'neath her wing.

She thinks the sky is falling fast
So goes to tell the King.

But, after she has spread the news
And all is told and said

The good old King just laughs at her
And sends her home instead.

Oh Yeah. Believe It.

This is a song from the upcoming NKOTB resurrection album. It's Click Click Click written by Nasri. This kid is quite talented, check out his MySpace. I think many are gonna have to agree (grudgingly) that the song is good, eh? I've already been building up good vibes for their new stuff since hearing Summertime and Close To You. This one justifies it. Bring on the Block!

BLACKLIGHTING ::: Samahan Mo 'Ko Lagi, Ha?

Lagarista itong si Screwtape. Di pa nga humuhupa yung kadaraan lang, eto't meron na namang bago. Alam nya kase malayo ako sa mga anchor ko ngayon eh, pisikal at emosyonal, kaya tinitira nya ko kung s'an nya alam mahina ako. Tunay ngang parte na ng pamumuhay dito ang salakayin ng elementong di pangkaraniwan kumbaga. Asintado ang mga tira nila, mahirap labanan...pero kailangan.

Kaya ko ba? Kaya nya. Alam ko ba? Alam nya

Ganun nga ang kalakaran sa pang-araw-araw at hinahatak akong sumuko dahil walang pagbabagong maganda e. Wala naman siguro akong nakaligtaan sa paghahanda para dito at buo din naman ang pasya kong sumugod. Kaso talagang hindi madali at patibayan ng loob ito. Madalas sabihin walang personalan pero wala namang ibang aspeto bukod doon e. Ewan ko, iba talagang mundo ito. Pero pasasaan pa't magbubunga rin ito ng maganda. Hindi ko alam kung dito mismo o sa ibang landas. (Mukhang sa iba kase ganun na talaga ang dinatnan ko e.) Pano ko nalaman? Araw-araw ko ba namang hilingin sa kanya lahat ng ito eh palagay ko naman gets na nya. Pero higit pa doon, mahal nya ko e. Maraming salamat sa pagpasan mo sa 'kin sa bawat sandali. Alam ko lilipas din ito pero habang nandyan pa, sandal lang ako sa 'yo. Wag mo ko hayaan maniwala sa mali.

OA mo naman, Tinay! Di naman. Kaya lang itong paraan ko para maproseso ang mga bagay e.

Hapdi na ng mata ko. Kulang kase ko sa tulog.

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Like This

California
Rufus Wainwright

California, California
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
Big time rollers, part time models
So much to plunder
That I think I'll sleep instead

I don't know this sea of neon
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
And big nights back east with Rhoda
California please

There's a moment
I've been saving
A kind of crucifix around this munchkin land
Up north freezing, little me drooling
That's Entertainment's on at eight
Come on Ginger slam

I don't know this sea of neon
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
And my new grandma Bea Arthur
Come on over

Ain't it a shame that at the top
Peanut butter and jam they served you
Ain't it a shame that at the top
Still those soft skin boys can bruise you
Yes I fell for a streaker

I don't know this sea of neon
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon

Ain't it a shame
That all the world can't enjoy your mad traditions
Ain't it a shame that all the world
Don't got keys to their own ignitions
Life is the longest death in California

California
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
So much to plunder that I think I'll sleep instead
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
So much to plunder that I think I'll sleep instead

So what's the significance now, chump? I just know how Rufus feels on this one. S'all.

BLACKLIGHTING ::: When Shadows Fall

In church, there are messages that speak to you and messages that scream at you. This one was Sgt. Slaughter.

I had considered myself a complete failure by the time I took the aisle seat in the ballroom and listened to Pastor Caloy deliver the Easter message. There I was, going on six weeks in this place without any sign of a future--here or back home. All I had was/were the experience/s of watching your grand plan crumble piece by piece like a house of cards. I was feeling very weak. Really weak. If someone had blown their nose in my general direction, I'd have been knocked down. Then the pastor said something: "The fog of uncertainty clouds our judgement."

Bang! That was it. My faith was being washed away by self-doubt, self-rationalizations, self-help. I was on the express train to depression and who knows what lay beyond that. You see, I couldn't get a visual on how close I was to the shore so I couldn't find the energy to keep on anymore. I put God in a box.

That message I heard came to me just in time. When I realized this, I prayed for forgiveness and asked Him to take full control and give me a willing and undivided heart, seeking His will and offering up to Him all the plans I've carefully laid out for myself. I asked that He burn my map and draw me a new one. I've never looked back since.

These days, I face a daily struggle against self-doubt. It vacillates throughout the day and it takes a heavy toll on me. But man! By God's grace, I've been receiving encouragement from reading His word. God speaks to me like arrows through my gut: Never give up, never under any circumstances. Never allow the devil's lies get hold of your heart and tell you you're worthless. Never think that God is not listening or that God is abandoning you because of the lack of progress. We must remember always that He's brought us where we are now as we have asked Him to and He knows exactly what you and I need--down to the very minute details--before we even ask. He'll never leave us to fend for ourselves. He's going to see you and me through these troubles. God is our navigator and He will bring us to shore. Our role in the equation is to give thanks, trust, pray, and wait. Repeat the cycle and rejoice.

Remember, too, that I'm always here for you. God bless you, beloved.

Yes, I'm Kidding You

I love you, Jordaaaaaannn!!!!!!!!

Gimme a break. The new U2 drops in Q4! Told ya this is just a phase.

Mernayenda

This is to let the whole eenternets know that it's my Mama's birthday today (just passed the dateline) and I'm soooo happy to remember this great song from K's Choice for the occasion. Wow, them again, huh? I know. First was "Dad" and now this song, la letras de canciones aqui.

So. To roast or not to roast my own mother? That's easy. She's 1500 miles away, she can't snub me...in a way that would make me uneasy, at least. Haha!

My mama had quite a temper when we were kids. Oh yeah! If she were my teacher from Pilot, I'd have dropped out (and dropped dead) on the first day! Sungit talaga. Takot pati mga pinsan ko. But the remarkable thing is Mama was always the number one negotiator, our cushion from Dada's wrath each time we'd screw up, and she had enough practical sense to move us right along, you know what I mean? She doesn't believe in rummaging through the trash or oversensitizing matters.

Nowadays, Mama is a much calmer person. She has grown quite a lot spiritually and I can't thank God enough for that.

Miss mo na ko kase tinetext mo eh...pero mas miss mo ang paborito mong si Kuhol! Hahaha! Joke!!

Thank you for everything. Sorry for being "the moody one". I love you, Ma.

Always Everywhere

You turn off the light, kiss me goodnight
And mother, I know that I'm going to be alright
I just can't wait to grow up
Find my own life, be a good wife
And a smart one, I'm sure

I never took us for granted and I always knew
You and I are special
But I never knew how much I'd miss you

So much has changed and been rearranged
And I see that I've lost
What made me so young and incredibly strong
And never ever wrong

You were always there
Because you're always everywhere

I used to cry for no reason
And that's still the same
Except that I had adolescence to blame
But not now

Now I feel sad because
I don't know what's true
And I miss thinking I could be just like you

So much has changed and been rearranged
And I see that I've lost
What made me so young and incredibly strong
And never ever wrong
So much has changed and been rearranged
And I see that I've lost
What made me so sure that I could endure
How hard it is to lose and live again
And never understand

You are always everywhere
You're always there
You turn off the light, and kiss me goodnight
And mother, I know that I'm going to be alright

That Red Jumpsuit song sounds a bit like a rip-off of this one. Just thought I'd mention.

Stop Where It Ends

I Don't Care.
Saveg Garten

I ride this train
In the windswept afternoon
And the sunlight warms the faces
Of the faithless who are waiting
I ride this train
But I need a conversation
Mozambique or was it Veronique?
How about you pick the subject
And I'll listen to you?
People tell me that I feel too much
But I don't care, I don't care
People tell me that I need too much
But I don't care, no I don't care

I ride this train
In a dream-like state of mind
Through a field of frozen memories
Imagination racing
I ride this train
But I need to make connections
No I wasn't staring
I was only trying
To get some substance
To get some meaning

People tell me that I feel too much
But I don't care, no I don't care
People tell me that I need too much
Well I don't care, no I don't care

People tell me that I feel too much
Oh no cause I don't care
No I just don't care anymore
I will ride this train

People tell me that I feel too much
But I don't care, no I don't care
People tell me that I need too much
But I don't care, no I just don't care

People tell me that I feel too much
Oh no cause I don't care
No I just don't care anymore
As I ride this train

As I ride this train
As I ride this train
Keep on riding this train
As I ride this train
As I ride this train...

RIGHT BRAIN ::: I'm A Robot

I finished four monthly reports in as many days. Unprecedented. TSK! This can't be good.

I'm outta here...I'm starting to scare myself.

We're Seriously Out of Toilet Paper

Now hear this.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has put up the Billion Tree Campaign calling on every breathing human out there to participate in the collective goal "to plant at least one billion trees worldwide each year." When we realize how our forests are being depleted to the tune of six football-field-sized areas each minute (got this from Michael Jackson), it only makes sense to utilize every in-your-face approach to the matter.

Planting a tree looks like a lot of work but, really now, they're not asking us to reinvent the wheel. No need to call in the beauty queens either. The following is off the UNEP site which gives us a viable starting point. Looks like there's no better time for us in this region to do this than right now, too.

Tree Planting Tips

The ideal time to plant a tree is during the rainy season, in the tropics and subtropics, or the dormant season, in temperate zones, after leaf drop or before bud break. Trees that have been well cared for in a nursery can be planted throughout the growing season.

Proper handling during planting is essential to ensure healthy growth. Proper site preparation before and during planting, coupled with good follow-up care, allows the seedlings to quickly establish roots in the new location and overcome what is known as transplant shock, a phenomenon that can slow the growth and reduce the vigour of the tree.

Seeds can be sown in seed beds or seedling containers (preferably biodegradable) prepared with a mixture of sand, compost and soil. The plants will need watering before and after germination. Reduce the frequency of watering as the seedlings grow. Shade the seedlings and gradually reduce the shade as they grow.

If you decide to plant seeds, collect them from an area that enjoys similar climatic conditions to where the trees will be planted. Collect the seeds from a number of healthy mature trees.

To Plant a tree
1. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball to allow the roots to spread out. Remove the tree from its container, carefully cut off broken roots, and slightly loosen the root ball.

2. Place the tree in the planting hole. Always lift the tree by the root ball and never by the trunk. Spread periphery roots outwards. Avoid planting the tree too deep. Make sure that the soil line of the young tree is higher than the surface of the surrounding hole.

3. Shovel some soil into the planting hole. Check the planting depth and adjust if needed. Confirm that the tree is straight. Fill the hole gently but firmly. Pat the soil around the base of the root ball.

4. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting. Water the seedling thoroughly with a slow stream of water to settle the soil. Do not stake the tree. The sooner the tree can stand alone, the sooner it will become strong.

5. Provide follow up care. Protect the tree from pests and diseases by removing plants nearby which are likely to affect it. Remove weeds as they will compete with tree roots for moisture and nutrients. Protect the tree from destruction by livestock.

6. If suitable, space trees well to avoid competition for air and soil nutrients, and to encourage the growth of branches. Watch out for drought conditions and provide water if needed, especially during the first few months. Watch out for yellowing of leaves. Always maintain good air circulation in the tree by pruning to avoid pests and other diseases.

Contact an arborist or a nearby environmental non-governmental organization
for advice on caring for your tree.

For further information consult the following web sites:

http://www.greenbeltmovement.org
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org

But if manual labour isn't your gift, that's okay, you can always do a Karen Walker and pay someone to do it for ya! Any VCs out there reading? I'm open.

BLACKLIGHTING ::: Divine Interjection

"Psst! Go back to the start."

But of course! I couldn't snap out of it 'cause of all that baggage on the donkey; I made it near impossible to step forward--even on a clear path. So do yerself a favor and stop weighing yerself down. Here it is on a silver platter! I'd hate to think you're being ungrateful so bring the firelech back to front and center, you worry wart. TSK.

Yes! That's what it's been all along!!!

I almost feel sheepish but WOW! Really, thank you!

*bliss*

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Keep It Going

Wow! Four entries in the top 15. Not too shabby =D

SHRINK RAP ::: Learning ABCs All Over

It's greatly encouraging to realize God isn't random. And there's no such thing as Margin of Error with him either because every single detail of our lives counts. Each section is a thread that completes the story of the tapestry...

And you're still reading. Okay! Great. =D

One of the greatest things that came out of this whole experience is it gave me the luxury of time to know God on a deeper level through prayer and studying the bible. Not that there wasn't ever any opportunity for that because, by George, every breathing moment is one, but (surprise!) I just didn't make it my priority. I went there wanting to hit the ground running while my loose ends were asking for a train wreck. So God put me on the "Israel in the wilderness" program. Hehe!

The thing is even though I grew up just like any Christian kid--a Sunday school-bred, outreach-exposed youth camp alumni--I can't say I went through it all completely on my own volition. Yes, the benefits of spending time with God worked for me nicely but I merely rushed through them instead of delighting in every moment.

Throughout the whole winnowing process, I realized I had my faith in the wrong place. This was the biggest reason to why everything I tried was one huge upset after another. Even if I strained every muscle in my body for my goal, a hamster on a wheel with one leg would have accomplished far greater. That's because apart from God, I am and can do absolutely nothing. Thank God I realized this! I mean I finally really absorbed it as burning truth, not just some nifty aphorism.

I am enjoying this uplifted spirit beyond expectations and my hunger for the message (nb: not just "the word") has been restored. Never in my life have I been more seeking, more engrossed, more reliant, and more excited about what God wants to teach me than right now. By the way, the Saturn return doesn't have anything to do with this so I'm not even gonna bother with the bogus. But yeah, it's a privilege to sit at Jesus' feet and be blessed each time with invaluable wisdom (not dogma) that no stuffy, centuries-old university could offer. You cannot go wrong with this transaction. His value proposition? True lasting peace.

Don't get me wrong if I seem enraptured silly because the lesson in patience continues and I'm still a work in progress. When things go wrong or don't meet my expectations, I see my crabby self jumping into DEFCON 1 instead of prayer. Like many, I am of the subconscious mentality that prayer is a side order or, much less, a garnish when it's actually the entree. You can be sure this is one aspect of me that I surrender to him moment by moment.

There is a long list of matters which I've been taking to God in prayer and he's been showing me the purpose and beauty of his ways. He diligently helps me understand how and where I'm wrong; to face my shortcomings and make corrections instead of burying my head in the sand. In short, deny myself and go with what is right in his eyes. With this in heart and mind, I'll continue to wait on the Lord in the hope that I am becoming a better Christian, a better human being each day.

Mt. 16:24-26 (The Message)

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

U2 ::: The Hewson Phone is Busy

Remember Elliott's reaction when he saw E.T.'s heart glowing? "Aah!!!! He's alive!!!"

Was gonna wait till tonight to find out what they performed at the AI finals. Then this bit of information gets in my face: David Cook sang "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". What?!

Grabe. Strike 3! Hello (my favorite Lionel song), Billie Jean (by MJ, no explanation necessary), and now this. I mean that's only my favorite U2 song--ever! All right, that's it. I've been playing it cool with this guy but he keeps getting to me. I officially love David Cook na nga rin. Tsk!

Only to be with you...only to be with you!

If I die tonight after seeing that part of the show, I bequeath all my belongings to charity. Seriously, I just know I'm going have some kind of "experience" when I stand in front of the TV for this performance. OA ba? Wala eh. There are no words to describe this situation except to say it's U2 and the heathen.

I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you
I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing fingertips
It burned like a fire
This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongues of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I believe in the Kingdom Come
When all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
Well, yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds
And you loosened the chains
Carried the cross
Of all my shame
all my shame
You know I believe it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

You won't believe my goosebumps when I was watching the clip online. I'm glad he used the gospel angle of the song, too, which probably means he sat down to watch the concert videos.

No question on who's got the influential U2 vote now. We can really swing this.

Um...riiight. =D

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Finalmente!

Well, after what seemed to me like an eternity at #8, it fills me with great joy to report that the Tubbataha Reef has broken the threshold and climbed one notch up in the ranking for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It's part of the "7" now! Woohoo! You may click on the image to vote--if you haven't yet--and please help get the word out.

* * *

I'm inclined to think last night's GMA 7 documentary "Sisid" had something to do with this movement so thank you, mga Kanguso. However, I must say I'm not a fan of GMA entertainment, what with wannabes like Louie Ignacio at the helm whose propensity for the garish and ostentatious would make Liberace cringe! It has reached terminal level na, I tell you.

But I digress. I do have enormous respect for GMA News and Public Affairs so mad props to them for this effort.

BACK BITES ::: Mababang Paaralan ng Imus Pilot

The month of May and its onslaught of late afternoon rains always take me back to the days when they gave me a skewed sense of dread. This was when I was in public school as a child growing up in the 80s and my mother would start talking about the coming school year to us three kids.

"O, pasukan nyo na sa June 5. Kailangan magsanay na kayong matulog nang maaga," she would remind us dutifully when it hit her that April had passed.

Year after year, though, variations of that speech fell on deaf ears. No, we never wanted to go to bed early; no, we didn't feel tired at 8 p.m. We'd be up till dawn talking about toys and games, trips to Pasig, cartoons, episodes of Jennifer Slept Here, Automan, The Greatest American Hero, or any of them sitcoms we couldn't stay up for to watch religiously because they were on past our "bedtime".

Anyway, I'll be first to admit I never got excited about going to school because I didn't like schedules (still don't) and was deathly afraid of the teachers or any other grown-up in authority for that matter. Oddly enough, my elementary school years from 1984 to 1990 were probably the happiest days of my life because outside the classroom, being in public school allowed me to experience unfiltered diversity.

Unscrupulous encyclopedia salesmen, loonies on the lose climbing up the concrete water tank or eating flowers in the garden, interminable batches of visitors from out of town using your classroom as their dorm--every social (and psychological) background made their presence known in Pilot. And that's just the teaching staff. =D

The streetgames were pure joy, too. As soon as class was done (and cleaners' duty), we'd be out on the green sweating from dodgeball or langit-lupa, acting out crazy plays on this bridge over a small pond with a giant kabibe on the center, or getting lost in the sprawling property that is Imus Pilot Elementary School. That last one would chiefly be me since I was always wandering off into neverland in search of hidden passages. No kidding. It's funny to realize now that I-P-E-S really had the ideal landscaping for children raised on television. The whole place was like a Hollywood backlot.

Speaking of which, morning recess was always a challenge as hundreds of kids would squeeze into Canteen 1, all wanting the same thing at the same time. So everyday at 9 a.m., a scene from The Ten Commandments would be re-enacted in that hall. That or the Feeding of the Multitude.

When the children of the corn have filled their pits, the place would mellow back into a lounge where the parents would gossip about so-and-so's kid. This notwithstanding, I always wished my mother would be there, too. But I'm glad she wasn't or I'd never have been able to outgrow my crying. Yes, I also cried each time my mother would drop me off in the classroom. Of course, I would eventually stop the habit...right around the -ber months I should say.

(To be continued)

RIGHT BRAIN ::: This Grace Full

Grace is an undeserved gift and there ain't nobody more undeserving than yours truly. Yet here I am, completely blown away by this unraveling. With my glaring feebleness, mental and otherwise, you've shown me how you can make the current bend! I can only stand amazed by your love. My heart is riding the waves and I am humbled yet again. Thank you, thank you, thank YOU!

The past week felt like Apollo 13. Specifically, that part of the movie when they drifted to the dark side of the moon and they lost all communication. All they had was hope that the moon's gravity would carry the ship around to the other side. Of course, we know it did and they got back to Earth, etc. Only difference with my situation is I had no elaborate calculations to speak of. I wouldn't even attempt lest I get splut.

So now it can be said. We're not stuck in first gear anymore. Quinta na 'to, pare, and I pray God's wisdom will resonate in the way I respond to the tricks and traps along the way. I still have fears and doubts but a sheep to my shepherd I am and will always be. That's how I know I won't get lost.I will stand on grace.

Song break!

Here With Me
(T. Arbuckle/T. Beaty/M. Bronleewe/M. Stanfield)
Plumb - Candycoatedwaterdrops

In my head I have dreams
I have visions of many things
Questions, longings in my mind

Pictures fill my head
I feel so trapped instead but
Trapped doesn't seem so bad
'Cause You are here

It doesn't mean anything
Without You here with me
And I can try to justify
But I still need You here with me

In my heart I had hope
Built on dreams I'll never know
Answers to love left behind

Visions filled my head
I felt so trapped instead but
Trapped didn't seem so bad
'Cause You were near

I can't do anything without You
You give me strength to do anything
I can't be everything I try to
You saved me from the everything
I couldn't be

It doesn't mean anything
Without You here with me
'Cause after all is said and done
I still need You here with me

Need You here with me
I need You here with me

Your Attention Please

There's another online poll to determine the New 7 Wonders of Nature with the Philippines contributing two nominees -- both in Palawan. Interesting, no? Uso si Ploning eh. Hehe!

As of 1000 GMT on Sunday, 27 April 2008, the top 10 has Mounts Fuji and Everest. Talk about imposing. Where are the Pinoy hackers when you need 'em?!

The Tubbataha Reef seems to be stuck at #8 but the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park moved up to #60. (not shown) Andale! Andale!

Last update 27-APR-2008 10:00 GMT

( ) = yesterday's ranking

1.	(1)	Ha Long Bay	VIET NAM - Asia	Vote
2.	(2)	Cox's Bazar, Beach	BANGLADESH - Asia	Vote
3.	(3)	Ganges, River	BANGLADESH/ INDIA - Asia	Vote
4.	(4)	Amazon River, River/Forest	BOLIVIA/ BRAZIL/ COLOMBIA/ ECUADOR/ PERU/ VENEZUELA - South America	Vote
5.	(5)	Mount Everest, Mountain	NEPAL - Asia	Vote
6.	(6)	Mount Fuji, Mountain	JAPAN - Asia	Vote
7.	(7)	Cocos Island, Island	COSTA RICA - North America	Vote
8.	(8)	Tubbataha Reef	PHILIPPINES - Asia	Vote
9.	(9)	Fernando de Noronha, Archipelago	BRAZIL - South America	Vote
10.	(10)	Pinnacles Desert, Desert	AUSTRALIA - Oceania	Vote

FLAK ::: Another Perp Walk

Amy Winehouse has been arrested on suspicion of assault after allegedly head-butting a man during a drunken night in London. According to a witness, Winehouse “was crying and moaning” on her way to the police station for questioning.

Are you kidding me? Here's what they snipped: Ms. Winehouse was woozy from the impact, hence, the moaning. Electric soup don't do nothing for our crackpot, thankyouverymuch.

But the funny thing about the news photos (not just for this one) is she's always escorted by a bobby and we can't tell whether she's booked for a case or booked for a gig. Makes sorting images really easy for the interns, don't it?

Have a great week ahead, ladies and gentlemen!

U2 ::: Benign Influence

Don't you get tired of seeing this year after year? No, but you'd think they'd resolve to have Bono exempted from the voting already since his Irish smirk is almost always guaranteed an appearance on the list.

TIME's 100 Most Influential is upon us once again and Bono's neck and neck with the other crusading B (not you, yet, Bernice, but perhaps next year!), Barack Obama, for the top spot on the online poll. As I write this, Hewson got shoved off to #3 from #1 by Barack with the Dalai Lama wedged between them.

Now, obviously, campaign HQ has temps on hand keeping a leg up for Obama. Not a problem. I'm wondering though why Clinton's way below at #90? Her handlers not sold on this idea? But I thought perception feeds influence, or is it the other way around? (Help.)

Here's how the mad clicking looked like as of 11:10 p.m., my time:

Aren't the U2 geeks back from Spring break yet? Vote for Bono.

U2 ::: Bono L'amore

Up on the wall, for everyone to see. Haha!

RIGHT BRAIN ::: The Ineffable

Now I Can Dance
Tina Arena
In Deep (1997)

So I hope this finds you well
Sun is shining down eastern valley ways
There's some news I need to tell you
Give my Mother a kiss
Tell her I'm ok
I recall her words
"If it's too easy it never lasts"
I have compromised
But I'm finally free of the past
Now I can dance
Clouds have all disappeared
Freedom I hold so dear
Cause nobody knows me here
Though I can only imagine the sadness in your eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
All alone the other night
I came to realise we'd be friends for life
It was always meant to be
For some people the heavens can get it so right
Like an angel you see
You have graciously offered a hand
You'd be so proud of me
Now I'm finally taking a stand
Now I can dance
Clouds have all disappeared
Freedom I hope so dear
Cause nobody knows me here
Though I can only imagine the sadness in your eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
Now I can dance
Now I can dance
Clouds have all disappeared
Freedom I hope so dear
Cause nobody knows me here
Though I can only imagine the sadness
you eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
Though I can only imagine the sadness
In your eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
So I hope this finds you well
Sun is shining down eastern valley ways
So good
Be free
Can dance and laugh and just be me
So good
Be free
The clouds above have disappeared

The song about says it all. Hehe! See you on the other side.