JORGE OF ALL TRADES

Option and Deception

2010-09-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

As I scan through my friends’ Facebook status updates, a friend was talking about deception and honesty. If a person has openly admitted being deceptive, then he is honest about his dishonesty. Now, how can we tell when he’s finally being honest or just being deceptive trying to cover the truth?

As I continue scanning status updates, I remember another friend talked about options. He said that the more options we have, the more likely it is for us to choose the wrong ones. Then how are we guided to choose the right ones? On the other hand, are we intentionally dragged to choose to wrong ones?

Whether these choices are life decisions, consumer products or picking up what shirt to put on, how do we know the difference between choices? If the choice affects us, should we be one to choose or let the experts do it for us?

A lot of questions popped out in my head within a day but in a way, they were all interrelated. We may be guided to choose what is best for us but in the end, it is always our decision. Life presents us too many options to choose from but sometimes it is best to be given just two choices. Just like the words that come out in our mouth or the way we present ourselves to the public, it is bounded by just two options- we may either deceive or be just be honest.

Then again, when we lie, the first person we choose to deceive is ourselves. Others just come secondarily. Does it reflect how brilliant we are at option and deception? We sometimes choose to deceive ourselves and believe in our own dishonesty. Sometimes we are so convinced in our own deception that we actually believe in it. When we became so convinced, our lies may become our reality and when it does, deception will become our sole option.

quick guide to automated election

2010-02-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

karatig jeep

2010-02-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Karatig is the main transportation means in Malolos city proper. I wrote and produced a short video about karatig for an interstitial primer of NBN which unfortunately was not sustained.
You can also check my youtube channel for some plugs i produced. Sadly, I only recovered very few of the plugs I did. :)
http://www.youtube.com/user/WORLDinOBLIVION

2009-09-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

The long stretch of informal settlers in Pasig, Cainta and Taytay are bound to face yet another upheaval as their houses will be demolished this week for faster floodwater drainage.

Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLGA) General Manager, Edgardo Manda said that the large expanse of informal settlers in Pasig, Cainta and Taytay blocked the floodwater in Metro Manila. The houses built along this stretch as shown in the picture narrowed down the area of Napindan Channel, meeting point of Pasig River and Laguna Lake.

Concerned local government units are asked to closely coordinate with MMDA and NDCC. Demolition will take off with houses at the danger zone and choke points. This will be done immediately not just to drain floodwater in Metro Manila but also to prevent further damages from another tropical depression expected to landfall before weekend.

The floodway of Napindan Channel serves as a catch basin where accumulated rainwater from Metro Manila should stream.

Case: Murder...Suspect: Toothpaste!

2009-04-13T01:52:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I based this article on the results regarding the studies of fluoride’s harmful effects and not on my expertise!

Fluoridisation of toothpaste has long been an unclosed issue in US and other parts of the world. There are many dangers associated with fluoride because of its high toxicity level and is therefore considered as a poison, even more toxic than the prevalent lead.

The more pressing concern is the fact that every toothpaste sold in the Philippine market has undergone fluoridisation. This would mean that the whole population is bound to the adverse effect of fluoride because of its gloomy information and advertisement.

Dental fluorosis is the most common “unpleasant” effect of fluoride among children. It is the first visible sign that a child has excessively ingested or overexposed with fluoride characterized by the discoloration of teeth. The inner matrix of a child’s developing teeth is altered resulting to the irreversible damage of the enamel. The solution to the problem of dental fluorosis can only go as far as hiding the damage because this condition is already permanent.

Kids who brush their teeth without an adult supervision are more susceptible to acquire dental fluorosis especially those who still have difficulty with swallowing control.

However, the problem concerning fluoride goes beyond dental fluorosis because accumulated ingestion can affect the bone structure and worsen osteoporosis.

Those who have kidney failure are more predisposed to the adverse effect of fluoride because the toxins are not flushed away and therefore stay inside the body. Accumulated fluoride inside the body becomes the poison and the larger the amount of fluoride, the more harmful it is for the body.

Even just half the amount of a small fluoride toothpaste tube could kill if ingested.

Take a Pic with your Outdated Camera

2008-10-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t matter how obsolete your camera may be. The camera is only as good as the photographer. Here are some tips on how you can take good pictures even without buying the most expensive high end DSLR camera.

Familiarize yourself with your camera
Be sure to read the manual of your camera first before going out in the street and start clicking furiously.
Know every detail of your camera so you wouldn’t have to bother yourself looking where to zoom in or out or even to turn on and off the flash in the middle of a shoot because a picturesque moment could easily pass by.
Subject
The subject is your point of interest. It is the primary part of your picture and therefore must always be seen. Nevertheless, your subject doesn’t always have to be taken as a whole. A fraction of the subject may do in some cases.
Keep it simple
Less is more. Too many items in your picture can be distracting. It may mislead the viewers from the real purpose and message of your picture.
Contrast
Your subject will stand out if it is in contrast with the background. If you have a dark subject, put a light background.
Balance
Put your subject off center and balance it with other smaller objects. Use the principle of the Rule of Thirds as your guide. The Rule of Thirds divides your picture in three parts, horizontally and vertically.
Vantage point
Shoot at eye level or try to find better angles.
The angle were you are shooting at can give the picture a more dramatic effect so always choose the best.
Frame
Framing your subject with objects available during your shoot will lead the eyes of the viewer to the subject. But sometimes, frames can be distracting.
Background
Your background is as important as your subject. A cluttered background can spoil the beauty of your subject. A simple background can make your subject stand out, same with a contrasting background color.
The background is an essential element in telling the story of your picture. There are cases where a focused background and a blur subject works better.

Photography is not an expensive hobby as most of us think. Shelling out money is necessary but the reward of a good picture is priceless.

2008-10-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

UPVC beach volley... not even the surge of storm can stop us!

2008-10-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Simple Indoor Landscaping Solutions

2008-10-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

The atmosphere in your environment, whether at home or in the office is very much controllable. A bare looking space can be turned into a much more conducive space with just a few tricks.
You don’t need an entire room just to create an indoor pocket garden or dig deep just to create a feel of an indoor pool. Your wallet should not suffer by spending much. All you need is just a flick in the wand… it’s that easy.
If you’re out of budget and you also have a very limited space, just try to liven up your space by putting some plants. It’s the easiest and the most practical thing to do to break the monotony.
In large empty halls, offices or houses, divide each space by using some indoor plants. It can create and give an illusion of privacy. Most houses have adjacent living and dining area and in some cases, putting a wall is not an option.
One common solution is to put a large aquarium to separate the two areas. Another simple solution is to line up some plants with other ornaments. That way, the television in the living area would still be accessible in the dining area. Most of us want to see our favorite program while eating.
If you want to imitate the relaxed feel of a swimming pool but you have limited space, not to mention the budget, just put a Zen fountain to soothe your spirit. Place it on top of an available table that you have and add some plants as background.
If a Zen fountain is still too much costly for you, you can look for instructions on how to make a home made Zen fountain.
Plants can brighten up your day and can also reduce the brightness of your window. You can use it to block unwanted glare that sores the eyes.
Simple interior landscaping is not just for added aesthetic appeal. It is also functional. It helps in keeping indoor air fresh and increases motivation.

I have 30 million Pesos. Can I buy a shoestring? Wait, I’ll take the lot!

2008-10-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

Advertising on a shoestring budget-, would 30 million pesos fit in this category? Err... no! (Well at least from my opinion).

Without any hesitation, I would honestly say that I was disappointed by how this topic was conducted. Should shoestring budget have been defined or at least categorized? Of course! In fact, it should have been the first thing done before going on several figures and letting our eyes strain from staring at gory number details.

If I have an advertising budget of 30 million Pesos, would I not use traditional and most effective medium, which is TV? Certainly not! It still is the best medium to reach the greater public. Nevertheless, it might not suffice a long series of advertisement on TV. So what the hell is this topic all about?

Finding a niche in the market is so easy to say but it takes a longer process and a lot of brain twisting act. The more relevant area that should have been covered by this lecture was media planning, effective media strategy and alternative not I was like this, I did this, I did that and now I’m so successful so please adore me and kneel before me. Okay I’m exaggerating (can’t help it, that’s my forte).

I have nothing against the lecture(oh c’mon!)...Okay, let me rephrase that... ehem, ehem...

I was bored! I was eager to attend the lecture but my expectation was not met. (Good thing I got the privilege to attend the 3-day-seminar without paying 7,500 bucks) The topic could have been great but it turned out to be a great disaster. (Err... maybe it wasn’t that bad).

I need a time out...alone!

2008-10-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

I feel the gentleness of the cool wind touching my face, giving me shivers all over my body... The crystal clear ocean reflecting the bright blue colored morning sky soothes my spirit... The green landscape, the luscious tropical cocktail and the roughness of the white sand beach tingling my feet... they all bring calmness to my exhausted consciousness... The sound of splashing waves kissing the submissive shore washes away the loneliness of my soul.

Ahhh... I feel so ecstatic. This is the kind of moment I’ve always wanted to seize with every one tenth of a second. The kind of moment I’ll always remember with every inch of its detail as I frame it in my thoughts.

If ever this is just a dream, I don’t want to be awaken not even by the sound of the slightest scratch.

Snap!

Just dreaming, okay back to sleep! Or shall I say back to work?!

#$^@)(&@#!!!!!