Anything Under The Sun

Question: What are you and your family most grateful for this holiday season? Let me share this in three aspects. As my family and I are devout Christians, our shared convictions give rise to gratitude during this festive time. Firstly, JOY: We relish the moments spent together as a family. The sight of everyone reveling in happiness and laughter is truly overwhelming. I cherish the warmth, love, giving, and joy that permeate the season. In our family, this joy is intricately connected with the two subsequent elements I'm about to mention. Next is LOVE: It's not merely about enemies reconciling or temporary ceasefires in various conflicts. Nor is it solely about heightened romanticism during this season. While giving may seem like a traditional gesture, it embodies one of the profound expressions of love. It extends beyond material gifts to include acts of service and the sharing of one's life with others. Our family's love for each other transcends the holiday season, and what underscores this love is the divine example found in John 3:16, depicting God the Father's demonstration of love by giving us His Son. And then, there's Christmas. Lastly, HOPE: I intentionally reserve this for the final part, as I believe in saving the best for last. Although we may not know the exact birthdate of our Lord, this season serves as a poignant reminder of the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, our family, along with each one of us, would face a bleak fate. His birth not only marks the beginning but also ensures our redemption through the cross. It instills in us a profound sense of hope. In conclusion, what truly engenders gratitude in my family and me this holiday season is the essence of the season—JESUS CHRIST. It is through Him that we experience joy, love, and hope, each element contributing uniquely to our sense of gratitude (in no particular order).

The Thanksgiving holiday, celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November, is eagerly anticipated each year, ranking alongside Christmas and New Year as one of the most awaited holidays. Its roots trace back to an annual tradition initiated by President Abraham Lincoln, who declared the national event to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, in the year 1863. Despite the excitement surrounding this holiday, it is not without its share of controversies. For some, Thanksgiving Day is perceived as commemorating the conquest of Native Americans by European colonists. A professor from UC Berkeley criticizes what he calls the "cultural and political amnesia" among Americans, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the historical event, not necessarily to instill guilt, but to elicit a thoughtful response. Another professor from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that "One indication of moral progress in the United States would be the replacement of Thanksgiving Day and its self-indulgent family feasting with a National Day of Atonement accompanied by a self-reflective collective fasting." Controversy also arose during an event when hundreds of supporters visited Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day to commemorate the Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes. However, it's important not to solely focus on the skepticism surrounding Thanksgiving. Beyond the preparation of traditional turkeys, this holiday offers an opportunity to explore trending recipes such as Pecan Pie, Green Bean Casserole, and Sweet Potato dishes. Those interested in mastering these sumptuous meals can find guidance on the web or seek advice from experienced cooks, such as seasoned grandmothers who excel in preparing classic and splendid feasts. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

The recent incident of Michelle Obama being booed at a NASCAR event has become a prominent topic of discussion. Notably, it wasn't just the First Lady who faced disapproval; Jill Biden, the wife of the U.S. Vice President, also encountered taunts during NASCAR's season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway last Sunday. Both Michelle Obama and Jill Biden served as grand marshals for the race, extending support to the event. Accompanying them was Sergeant Andrew Berry, a courageous individual who had endured two bullets and eight bomb blasts in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, the moment the announcer introduced Michelle Obama and the Second Lady, the crowd responded with a mix of cheers and boos, particularly directed at Michelle Obama. In response to the incident, Kristina Schake, the communications director for the First Lady, released a statement, saying, "Mrs. Obama was proud to join NASCAR in recognizing our nation's veterans and military families to raise awareness of this important issue for all Americans. As she has always said, she will proudly stand with anyone making a major commitment to serve and honor our military community, and yesterday NASCAR did just that. They paid special tribute to our veterans and military families at the championship race by donating over 5,000 tickets to military families and by honoring Sergeant Berry and his family, true American heroes. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden enjoyed their visit to the speedway, and are looking forward to working across the country to honor America's veterans and military families." It's worth noting that, before the incident, both the First Lady and the Second Lady received a standing ovation at a pre-race drivers meeting. During this meeting, Michelle Obama expressed her appreciation for NASCAR's consistent support, stating that the organization has been "amazing in terms of its support, not just today but every day, for military families."

Here are the five aspects of school life that bring me joy: Friends/Acquaintances: The prospect of reuniting with school friends and making new acquaintances is something that always excites me. It's an opportunity to learn from others, sharing experiences and influencing each other's lives. Meeting new friends is also a chance to share my faith, considering my school as both my harvest field and my battlefield (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Allowance: Anticipating my allowance is a common sentiment among students as the school year begins. Having money in my pocket gives me the freedom to budget and spend responsibly. Wise budgeting enables me to afford what I need and even some things I want, while imprudent spending would undoubtedly lead to challenges (Proverbs 21:20). The Travel/Commutation: The journey to school, though challenging, is an exciting part of the school routine. Waking up early to avoid being late and making smart choices about transportation are essential. What I love most is observing fellow commuters and passengers. This provides a unique opportunity to learn from their conversations, reactions to circumstances, and various behaviors, contributing to my understanding of human dynamics (Proverbs 12:28). The Project: While projects can be daunting, I've learned to find enjoyment in tasks that may initially seem tedious. Every project, big or small, offers valuable lessons. It's not just about academic learning but also about developing a positive attitude and perseverance in completing tasks, including regular assignments (Romans 5:3-4). The Professors: The spectrum of teacher personalities, from friendly to formidable, adds a dynamic element to my school experience. The contrasting feelings of joy with friendly teachers and nervousness with more strict ones both intrigue me. Recognizing teachers as authority figures to whom I submit and from whom I learn emphasizes the collaborative nature of education. After all, a school is incomplete without teachers who impart knowledge and guide students (1 Peter 2:13a).

Show moms that they are loved. Mother's Day is not just a one-time event but should be a day-to-day realization of the worth of every mother in this world. See Mother's Day quotes to inspire each mom as we commemorate their worth... "A mother is the truest friend we have when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us when troubles thicken around us, still, will she cling to us and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and cause peace to return to our hearts." - Washington Irving A mother's yearning feels the presence of the cherished child even in the degraded man - George Eliot "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." - Abraham Lincoln Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world, a mother's love is not - James Joyce A mother understands what a child does not say - Jewish proverb Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons - Napoleon Bonaparte That best academy, a mother's knee - James Russell Lowell "When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." - Sophia Loren "A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary." - Dorothy Canfield Fisher "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom." - Henry Ward Beecher "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." - Lin Yutang A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie - Tenneva Jordan "Only mothers can think of the future because they give birth to it in their children." - Maxim Gorky Most mothers are instinctive philosophers - Harriet Beecher Stowe A mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart - a heart so large that everybody's grief and everybody's joy found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation - Mark Twain

A week ago, a harrowing hostage drama unfolded in a prominent location in the Philippines. A bus, primarily carrying tourists, mostly Hong Kong nationals, was commandeered by a retired policeman seeking justice for his dismissal from duty, allegedly due to a crime he was convicted of. He implored the Philippine ombudsman to review his case, appealing for the reinstatement of his duty and the restoration of his benefits and grants as a law enforcer. Regrettably, the situation did not conclude positively, as the hostage taker, along with most of the victims inside the bus, tragically lost their lives. The question arises: who bears responsibility for the failure to rescue the victims? Some attribute it to the mass media's coverage, providing the culprit access to information that should have been withheld from him as he took control of the bus. Others point to the strategy employed by law enforcement, resulting in the failure to safeguard the victims and the inability to keep the hostage taker calm during negotiations. Regardless of the causative factors, what has transpired is irreversible. This incident has cast a shadow over the Philippines, eliciting unfavorable impressions from neighboring countries, particularly Hong Kong. It's essential to recognize this as an isolated case, with the actions of the perpetrator not reflecting the entirety of the Philippine citizenry. Unfortunately, despite clear explanations, influencing the opinions and sentiments of individuals is beyond our control. While acknowledging potential lapses leading to the tragic conclusion of the hostage situation, it is our hope that this incident won't foster lasting animosity among Hong Kong citizens towards their counterparts in the Philippines. May healing touch all those affected by the pain and sorrow. May this incident serve as a poignant lesson for everyone involved.

Many iPhone enthusiasts were captivated by the recent public release of the new OS for iPhone. Packed with a multitasking feature, various enhancements, and complimentary apps, this latest offering elicited awe from devoted users. However, the unveiling of iPhone OS 4.0 also brought forth some challenges. Disputes arose not only due to the absence of Flash support but also the lack of FM radio functionality. Another notable absence is GPS navigation support. Users are required to install third-party applications for photo-editing, adding an extra step to enjoy such tasks. While the Apple CEO proudly promotes the multitasking feature of the new OS, a drawback surfaces: it is incompatible with older versions such as iPhone 2G and 3G. Additionally, the email experience may be less than optimal as the new OS lacks support for file attachments. In every technological advancement, flaws can be found. What other challenges might the newly released OS of iPhone 4.0 present? Let the consumers be the judge.

Recently, Apple announced the launch of its latest operating system for iPhones, named iPhone OS 4. As the newest iteration, expectations naturally run high compared to its predecessors. Reports suggest that the new OS enhances app performance, allowing them to run more efficiently. A notable pride of this update is its multitasking feature. However, despite the advancements in the iPhone OS, users should temper their expectations regarding Flash applications, as they are not supported. Could this be considered a potential flaw in the development of the new OS? A clear statement in section 3.3.1 of the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement sheds light on this matter: Applications may only use Documented APIs in the manner prescribed by Apple and must not use or call any private APIs. Applications must be originally written in Objective-C, C, C++, or JavaScript as executed by the iPhone OS WebKit engine, and only code written in C, C++, and Objective-C may compile and directly link against the Documented APIs (e.g., Applications that link to Documented APIs through an intermediary translation or compatibility layer or tool are prohibited). If this is indeed the case, it is reasonable not to anticipate Flash support in Apple's newly released OS—iPhone OS 4.

We have known Apple for its releases of Macintosh computers, iPods and iPhones. Now it is releasing its newest operating system for iPhones that is iPhone OS 4.

This new release of OS may act as a pancake in the market as millions of iPhone units have been sold out and a lot of iPhone users are surfing the net for new apps. It is said that this newest OS release of Apple is boasting its multitasking feature. Yes, most of the features in the OS version this newby OS followed can still be found but lots of enhancement will surely be conceived.

As I read articles about this new OS4 of iPhone, the CEO of Apple stated that this one has an aide to run apps faster. If that's the case, iPhone users will be that excited to explore the new released OS. Not only this, there's more... it has been said that optical zoom feature in camera also improved. What a really wow!

Apple really knows how to tickle the consumers. Well, that's it!... as long the consumers get satisfaction with the product and services the market will go 24-7 in business and will keep running to give benefits both to the consumers and the suppliers.

Whether you're an experienced drummer or a novice, the seemingly minor details play a significant role in the success of your jamming session, and one of these crucial factors is selecting the right drumstick. Drumsticks come in various types, catering to personal preferences and drumming styles. They differ in size, weight, and structure, offering a wide array of choices. Some sticks feature nylon or plastic tips, while others boast engraved wooden tips. Personally, I favor sticks with plastic tips, providing better control over the desired tone, especially when striking cymbals or performing rudiments (which I'll delve into in upcoming articles). On the market, you'll also find sticks without engraved tips, ideal for electronic drums. While experimenting with these on a traditional drum set, I enjoyed my drumming but encountered challenges with drum rolls and certain exhibitions or beat adlibs. Considering the distribution of mass, or the "weight" of a stick, is another crucial aspect. I've observed that heavier sticks are more suitable for genres like heavy metal or those requiring rapid beats. Personally, I lean towards long, thin, yet heavy sticks, as they align with my playing style. Drumstick brands also offer a diverse range of options, including Vater, Sabian, Zildjian, Stunner, Silverfox, and more. However, my preference lies with Vic Firth drumsticks. Paying meticulous attention to the drumstick's characteristics reflects your sensitivity to the sounds you produce while playing. It also indicates the development of your skill. Choosing a drumstick is not merely about its design but about selecting a high-quality tool that enhances your drumming experience. In essence, a drumstick is not just a stick—it's an essential, distinctive tool in the art of drumming.

The Philippines is renowned for the multitude of presidential aspirants and political parties that emerge whenever a national election approaches. Without a stringent nomination or candidate filtering process, Filipinos are faced with an overwhelming array of choices. How can voters discern the competence of each presidential candidate? Relying solely on surveys, some of which may lack reliability, seems precarious. Should Filipinos hinge their decisions on popularity alone? Fortunately, there are individuals, hopefully a majority, who diligently examine the platforms and programs of candidates, delving into their backgrounds through extensive research. Many presidential hopefuls hail from well-known families: Gibo Teodoro, Noynoy Aquino, and Jamby Madrigal, to name a few. Some are related, such as Dick Gordon and JC delos Santos, as well as Noynoy and Gibo. The roster also includes religious leader Eddie Villanueva and lesser-known candidates like Nick Perlas and JC de los Reyes. Not to be overlooked are businessman and politician Manny Villar and the popular Erap Estrada. Each candidate possesses admirable qualities and flaws, along with varying degrees of influence, contingent upon the diverse groups and individuals supporting them. Undeniably, the plethora of choices for the presidency in the Philippines offers both benefits and challenges. While the abundance of options allows for diversity, it also risks creating chaos. The call to Filipino voters is clear: be wise in your decision-making process. Evaluate candidates judiciously and choose with discernment.

An April Fool is considered to be someone who sends jokes or plays tricks after noon. This is because in some countries, the jokes only last until noon. Whatever the origin of April Fool is... it's still unknown. More detailed references to the talked-about event are said to have piqued public curiosity in the 18th century. There are lots of theories that have been made and speculated about how the tradition started. Unfortunately, none of them has been successful in providing evidence. With this, the mystery of April Fool's Day's origin remains unsolved. Whatever and wherever the tradition started, most people still celebrate it. Are you ready to discover news saying that the planet has been invaded by aliens? Or that Bigfoot was found sitting beside Elvis Presley? How about learning that Michael Jackson is alive and enjoying summer beaches in a Southeast Asian country? Well, be wise. Be wise. Be wise.

For years, people have strived for excellence. Many individuals and organizations consider excellence to be a fundamental value or goal worth pursuing. What, then, is excellence? What does it mean to pursue it? What lies within the concept of excellence? Allow me to share some insights as we collectively strive for excellence: Excellence means: Surpassing average or mediocrity. Committing to go the extra mile. Devoting what you are, what you have, and what you do to God and then giving your best. Focus on giving your best without dwelling on rewards, as they will naturally follow. Steps to Excellence: Recognize the significance of the mediocrity problem. Decide to be an excellent professional. Regularly reaffirm your commitment. Consistently provide excellent service. Resist all temptations to backslide. Benefits of Excellence: Mastery of your craft. Admirable and marketable skills. A promising career trajectory. Fulfillment in life. Hearing the words, "Well done," from God. Are you ready to pursue excellence? :)

Times are not always easy. Friends may not always be there in difficult hours.
Just want to share things I usually do in times of desolation…

1. Relax.
2. Be still.
3. Be calm.
4. Be quiet.
5. Count blessings.
6. Be thankful.
7. Pray.

Consider applying things cited above especially the last but not the least item.
God bless!

It’s been eight years since I graduated college. As I looked back, there are people who are blessed to acquire a job right after schooling. There are some who were able to hit a good paying salary company despite of being a newby in the position they applied for. Some are already blessed (financialy) being in a rich family.

On the other hand, there are also some people who need to strive and prove more in able to get a job. I am one of those…

As I go along the job hunting, things did not go that easy before acquiring my first job. But I have learned a lot of things from that experience (of course, still keeps on learning until now) until reaching one of the dream jobs I am having now (as of this writing).

I enlisted below the lessons I have learned from the hardships I gone through in seeking job. This is in random order except item number 7.

1. save money… save every single penny… do all possible things to budget what you have;

2. work hard… persevere… think positive;

3. be resourceful, don’t just go out the streets to find job… read newspaper.. ask friends… attend job fairs;

4. have a nice written resume (have the “substance”), and have a lots of copies of your resume;

5. always smile, whether the employer/interviewer turned you down… you have to smile…anyway, it’s not the end of the world;

6. be confident in every interview may it be meeting the interviewer personally or just having the interview via phone

7. when all things did not go well or even all things worked out for you… still, acknowledge God. Admit that you cannot do anything without Him… without His favor… without His wisdom… without His blessing.

Then from item number 7, you will find joy with your journey as you hunt for job. Despite the hardships you will know that there’s a hope and still, you are blessed.

An incident that occurred in the US is worth noting for its tragic outcome. A woman embarked on a boat excursion, bringing along cans of Coke, which she stored in the boat's refrigerator. The following day, she was urgently taken to the Emergency Unit of the hospital, sadly passing away after two days. The autopsy revealed that the woman had succumbed to Leptospirosis, and it was deduced that she contracted it from the cans of Coke she had consumed. Further testing on the cans indicated contamination by dried rat urine, ultimately leading to the victim's untimely demise. The lesson drawn from this unfortunate incident is to opt for using glass instead of drinking directly from any canned beverage. In the absence of a glass, it is crucial to thoroughly wipe and clean the upper part of the can before consuming its contents. Let this serve as a cautionary tale and a warning to all.

An American actress has taken the stage in the competition "Dancing with the Stars." She enthusiastically entered the new season of the contest as a source of encouragement for her father, who is currently battling a massive stroke. Her father, valiantly facing this health challenge, has an inspiring request — he commits to medication and therapy only if she dances. It's important to note that the father is not imposing an obligation on his daughter; rather, he exudes full confidence in her ability to conquer the dance floor. He firmly believes that she will emerge as one of the finest dancers, irrespective of the competition's outcome. In the premiere of the new season, the celebrity daughter danced with her father. While they might not have secured the highest score, they captivated the audience and became the darlings of the night. For those curious about this remarkable journey, catch Shannen Doherty in "Dancing with the Stars" 2010, as she continues to make her father proud. Among the other renowned celebrities participating in the contest are Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Buzz Aldrin, and many more.

These past few months, mega earthquakes have been experience by countries that resulted to a great number of casualties. There’s the Haitian Earthquake, there’s the Chilean Earthquake, and some tremors were also reported in other part of the world. But can an earthquake have the capability to affect the Earth’s axis? The answer is yes. But not all mega earthquakes can influence the Earth’s rotation. That kind of earthquake that hit Chile recently can do the thing. Experts in NASA, as I have read in articles and news, Chilean earthquake has shortened the day for a milliarcsecond. This may not be that evident at all but it still cannot be denied that in some way or another can be a factor to another phenomenon that Earth might experience or have already experienced.

How can an earthquake like that in Chile has affected the Earth’s axis?

It has something to do with the weight that becomes heavier in the end or bottom part of the earth. This was due to the sliding of the earth’s plate that caused the earthquake. To make the concept easier to comprehend try doing this illustration:
Get a slingshot; put a light stone in it. Try to swing it in circular motion, and then observe the speed of the swinging. Now, this time try swinging the slingshot with a heavier stone. You will notice that the swinging is faster for the heavier stone compared with the lighter one. This has the same concept of how that earthquake in Chile had affected the Earth’s axis. Ooops, take note that not all tremors will do the same impact to the Earth’s rotation, else… hmmmn… it will be disastrous.

People devices plans and strategies to conserve resources. There’s even declaring a day for a special event for everyone to support and be aware of like the World Water Day. This event is being supported and celebrated worldwide.

Its World Water Day today, March 22 and few more days to go comes the Earth Hour. Let’s leave for the meantime the Earth Hour and take a glimpse at the message the World Water Day is impressing to us. We may think that this is all about using water wisely or conserving the water resources.

As I think of it, I believe the message being conveyed by the event being celebrated today is more than preservation of water but for us to be a responsible individual; an individual who is rational and is capable of thinking; an individual who in very most cases had caused challenges encountered in water resources; also an individual who, though cannot change the past, is still in great capability to change and mold the future… to pass the lesson of being a responsible one in utilizing and preserving water from generations to generations.

May the Earth Water Day be celebrated not only every March 22nd of the year but also in every day of our lives and may this event make us aware in our every use of water… in every drop of water.

Earth Hour is being celebrated yearly every last Saturday of March.
This phenomena started in Sydney in 2007. Cities and areas in different countries followed the practice after the year it was conceived. Then in 2009, the participants have increased incredibly ten times it was in 2008.

Does this mean that people around the world starts to care for the planet?

Is the climate change really a threat to the mankind?

Well, it will only take each individual or each group an hour to participate in this worthwhile event. Yes, there will be a great saving of power consumption but the event is conveying a message more than that. A message that encourages everyone to unite and be a responsible individual to preserve the planet. Whatever damages the earth have incurred is no longer reversible but one thing is for sure we can still shape the future with our hopes and action...having the vision to preserve and utilize wisely whatever the natural resources we have now.

This is a battle that all of us needs to win. This is not a law of the jungle for everyone to survive. Be responsible... be accountable... be aware... and lets all act together in unity to face and resolve the issue the earth is facing now... the CLIMATE CHANGE.