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Saturday, August 28

Current Raves

I have a new favorite subject -- Microbiology. I know it's been ages (high school actually) since I last handled a microscope and had lab sessions involving microorganisms. I never thought I would do it again. When I had my first Microbio session, I was a bit nervous since I can't quite remember how to operate a microscope. However, as soon as I got my scope from the rack, it was a matter of time before it all came back to me. I immediately knew how to adjust the coarse adjustment knob, bringing the subject into focus. I immediately knew how to manipulate the eyepiece and the slide adjustment thingie. I immediately knew how to switch from low-power to high power lens and use the fine adjustment knob. It may not seem much but when you're someone who had little or no experience with a microscope, it could be a bit unnerving. Sa totoo lang, naaliw ako.

Anyway besides my new found desire to handle a microscope, I also enjoyed preparing slides -- inoculating bacteria, putting a sample and heat-fixing it on the slide, staining it, and viewing it on the scope. Ang cool! Last week I had the chance to view a sample of my cheek cells and an Escherichia coli colony. Palpak nga lang ang pag-gram stain ko kasi nasobrahan ang paglagay ko ng stain but it's okie. I have the whole semester to perfect the technique. I'm really looking forward to an enjoyable Microbio course.

The movie Hero was released in Asia in 2002 but not here in the US. I thought it was shown earlier than Asia's release date and I just missed it. I was forever pestering my relatives for a bootleg since I can't find ANY copy at all in the US. The fact that I can't find any copies of it, whether in Target, a rental store, or even the library confused me. It was when I browsed my Yahoo page that I found out that it wasn't shown here at all. The actual release date in the US was August 27, which was last Friday. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded. According to IMDB, "the film never materialized even after Miramax acquired the U.S. distribution rights in 2002." Ah basta, whatever the reasons are for this, I care for only one thing: I'M GOING TO WATCH THIS TOMORROW! Wheee!

LORYCES @ 1:19 PM | COMMENTS

7 comment(s)

7 comment(s):

At 12:28 AM, loryces commented...: i'm sure i will! excited na ko! :D
At 3:43 AM, ajay commented...: well, did u like hero? ok lang siya sa akin, esp. the flying stunts..;)
At 1:07 PM, Anonymous commented...: dominattyrix says:

oooooh i loved hero. may part 2 na nga ito eh, tho si zahng zi yi na ang bida.

i *heart* maggie cheung! and the texture/color in this film is really beautiful. breathtaking!

mas gusto ko ito sa crouching tiger but that's just MY opinion.

enjoy! :-)
At 3:39 PM, tintin commented...: (aka pinayhekmi)

So what'd you think? BTW, we got the DVD a year ago but went through Amazon.com for it!
At 7:09 PM, Unknown commented...: I love "Hero"! More than I like "Crouching Tiger..." :)
At 3:15 PM, lifecafe commented...: good thing you heard about the US release of hero! i found out about a month ago that they were abour to release it there, but i forgot to mention it to you. hope you liked it. :) like many others, i liked it better than crouching tiger, hidden dragon. but i liked crouching tiger's soundtrack better...
At 10:07 PM, loryces commented...: i like it!!! :) i might post a review sometime soon.

Friday, August 27

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Dies at 78

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross died Tuesday night (August 24) of natural causes. She was a psychiatrist and author of the internationally-acclaimed and ground- breaking book "On Death and Dying." She was the one who theorized the five stages of death -- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. She will be remembered and terribly missed by the people whom she has touched.[more]

Goodbye and thank you Elisabeth. You lived a good life.

*Saw the news from Parallel Universes

* I had the opportunity to watch a recorded version of one of her seminars when she went to our college. I was in tears after watching that video. I planned on taping it to send to some of my friends but alas, no time.

LORYCES @ 9:59 PM | COMMENTS

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Flickr

This is a test post from

, a fancy photo sharing thing.

LORYCES @ 9:24 PM | COMMENTS

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Thursday, August 26

Older But None the Wiser?

Older but none the wiser? I don't think so. It may not seem like it at first and even I may believe that I haven't changed over the years but I know I did. I know I'm wiser now, even just a little bit. Another year is added to my life and even though I [usually] complain about my age, I know I wouldn't have it any other way. There's a certain joy in adding another year. It's like another chance at life--actually, everyday is another chance--to feel, to live, to be.

365 days for the Earth to go around the Sun at a speed of 67,000 miles per hour. 365 days to experience spring, summer, fall, and winter. 365 days -- enough for our cells to age, our hairs to fall out, our skin cells to slough off, and countless red blood cells to form, circulate, and die, but not enough to accomplish what I want to do in life. But I'm getting there. And on my journey, I'm glad to have met a lot of interesting people of whom I now call my friends. Thank you.

As a friend would say, HAPPY ORBIT to me!

LORYCES @ 7:29 PM | COMMENTS

4 comment(s):

At 10:22 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: Belated Happy Birthday, loryces! :)
At 6:44 PM, loryces commented...: thanks! :)
At 3:09 AM, Anonymous commented...: belated happy birthday!

-- rej
At 11:54 AM, loryces commented...: thanks rej! :)

Tuesday, August 24

Ramblings on a Cold Day

I don't particularly like the first day of classes. Usually it's the 'introduce yourself' session and I'm not partial to it. I most definitely prefer if we jump right into the subject matter. I just hate drawing attention to myself.

I'm a member/lurker of a Filipino Therapists Yahoo group. One day while I was browsing through the current messages, I chanced upon a number of emails asking for help regarding credentialing agencies in the US, visa processing, information about PT jobs in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, and preparation for the NPTE. It is just sad NOT to see a single email regarding the PT practice in the Philippines. No info about job opportunities or volunteer work. No questions about how we can expand the practice. No swapping of stories about the patients. Nakakalungkot lang. Saw this too:

I doubt it if they have good teachers in the Philippines for the NPTE. How could they teach if they have not taken it? Also, what are they doing in the Philippines if they have taken the test already? Make sense. Right?

Tsk, tsk. I know I'm not one to complain because technically, I'm part of the brain drain kahit ayokong aminin. Nakakalungkot lang na eto ang mentality nating mga Pinoy.

(via)

Zhang Ziyi to star in 'Geisha'??? Much as I adore Ziyi, I can't help but be a little doubtful of how she will portray Sayuri. I love "Memoirs of a Geisha" and it would be a sore disappointment if they mutilate it. Oh please, please gandahan naman! Other confirmed people who will be working on it are: Michelle Yeoh as Mameha, Rob Marshall as the director, and Steven Spielberg as the producer.

LORYCES @ 1:24 PM | COMMENTS

6 comment(s)

6 comment(s):

At 3:12 PM, tintin commented...: (aka pinayhekmi)

Don't forget Ken Wanatabe playing the chairman. Goodness, with a cast this good, it has to be good!
At 8:29 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: Memoirs of a Geisha, the movie? Based on experience, the book is always better than the movie. Except for the latest Spiderman Tobey series, which has captured the comic book action and details, I hope this coming Spileberg film will be better.

Yup, sad story din yang mga PT. I think sa dami ng stroke victims dito sa atin, kelangan din ang mga PT, kaso hindi nga lang financially rewarding kaya alam mo na.... :(
At 11:24 PM, loryces commented...: pinayhekmi: ay onga, Ken Watanabe will be the chairman! i really, really hope it'll be good! *crosses fingers*

doc: you're right. more often than not, wala pa ring tatalo sa book except in some instances like joy luck club (IMHO) and children of dune series. i hope the memoirs movie will equal the sensational book.

lahat na ata ng health care professions ganito ang nangyayari eh. sobrang nakakalungkot. :(
At 7:31 PM, Unknown commented...: medyo doubful nga rin ako eh. pero ok naman sya but then... ewan. sana ma-portray nya nang mabuti. anyways, wala na akong masasabi about the PT thing. kahit ako discouraged na rin to practice what I learned.
At 12:58 AM, Day commented...: hi loryces, when I was in the US, one of my co-worker is studying PT at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. which specialty in Pharmacist and PT. She said that they met some filipino PT's and they are really good, infact some of the student from their school come to Philippines to be trained and practiced... just a bit of info.
At 6:54 PM, loryces commented...: Galenlondeien: lam mo naiintindihan na kita bout the PT thing. dati-rati i would tell you to hang on and all that crap. pero ngayon, siguro magkikibit-balikat na lang ako. pano nga naman kung di dumating ang opportunity? hirap nun ah.

Day: maganda naman tlga PT program sa Pinas eh (some at least). wala lang kasing enough opportunities for PTs and other medical professions as well. :(

Xenia: thanks for visiting! si maggie cheung naiisip ko naman as mameha. ewan ko ba. sana nga maging ok yung memoirs. :)

Sunday, August 22

Uh-Oh

Oh darn. Today's Sunday and this means it's my last day of vacation. Aral ulit... walang katapusang aral na naman. Sigh. On another note, this sem should be interesting. I enrolled myself in a kickboxing class to jumpstart my fitness regime and I'm excited to start classes.

Uwi na pala ang tita maya-maya. Excited na ko sa pasalubong hehe. I just hope I didn't forget to do anything. I know they'll be breathing down my neck if I forgot to do something. Sigh. Anyway I already cleaned the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and living room, washed the clothes, watered the plants, and washed the dishes. Wala sana akong nakalimutan. I feel the need to accomplish all these things--and more--so that I can show, not only my relatives but myself as well, that I can be responsible and mature. :)

LORYCES @ 12:17 AM | COMMENTS

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Friday, August 20

Interesting Books I've Read

I like this book. It does not aim to be profound or to be preachy. It is not trying to be funny either. It just is. It is neither serious nor too light. There's also nothing trite about it although I'm sure there are some who would argue with me. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is the fourth book of David Sedaris, a star autobiographer on public radio. It is a collection of essays that tells the unconventional life of Mr. Sedaris -- from his peculiar life in North Carolina filled with speech-therapy classes and guitar lessons he disliked to his different but bizarre professions in New York, Chicago, and, of all places, France. There is no plot, no glorious epiphanies or discoveries and yet, every glimpse we get from Sedaris's life brings new laughs and insights. I think it's a good read. If you're looking for a not-so-serious, light but poignant reading, this is it. [read more reviews]

Here's another book I recommend. But beware -- it is neither a thriller nor a tear-jerking story. Like "Me Talk Pretty One Day," Alan Lightman's "Einstein's Dreams" does not have a conflict, a climax, or a tight resolution. It does not have mind-boggling revelations or answers. It does not even have tangible characters (well apart from Einstein of course). However, its whimsical and ethereal quality has endeared me to it. The book takes us to Einstein's many dreams about his compelling conceptions of time -- sort of "what if...?". In one world, time is a sense just like touch, sight, or smell. In another, time flows backward and we see old withered people grow into babies. Another depicts time as a dimension just like space, where people could travel from one moment in his life to the next. In another, time orchestrates order (sort of entropy in reverse)... and so on. Simple, lyrical, and beguiling -- that's how I would describe this book. Read it and see for yourself. [read more reviews]

LORYCES @ 2:02 PM | COMMENTS

4 comment(s):

At 10:04 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: I'm reading Alan Lightman's Einstein now, loryces. Thanks for the review. This book has been with me for 3 years already and I haven't gone beyond page 8. It's an excellent read, I admit, but my work always gets in the way.
At 12:15 AM, loryces commented...: this book is really good. i cant believe it's been with you for 3 years at ngayon mo lang binasa. hehe. anyway enjoy reading! :)
At 11:14 PM, Balbonics commented...: Yay "Me Talk Pretty..." real funny! Loved 'Jesus Shaves.' Comparable to Einstein book hey? Thanks for the review, will look it up.
At 7:47 PM, loryces commented...: Sarah: ganda noh! i like the essays 'me talk pretty one day,''big boy,' and the first one.

Balbonics: sige basahin mo einstein's dreams! ok yan. :)

Thursday, August 19

Of Haircuts and Subservience

I loathe going to the salon. I never had a haircut that I really liked. I never had much of a choice because special haircuts tend to have special prices and all I can afford back then was a haircut in the P50-100 range. For years, back in the Philippines, I used to go to this hair specialist who thought I was a dyke. He always gave me these short, boyish cuts when I specifically told him that I want it layered. Ugh I hated it and I hated him. He must have thought I am one because I didn't wear strappy sandals or short skirts or even make-up. Why should I? Papagupit lang naman eh. Anyway I got my hair cut today and quite frankly, I didn't like it. I want my hair to be of shoulder-length but it didn't happen. She just trimmed it, a mere inch off my long hair--parang di ako nagpagupit. Mahal pa ang binayad ko -- $15 plus $5 for blow-drying. That's one more thing. How can they charge blow-drying??? Kala ko libre, wala kasi sa price list nila tapos sa Pilipinas, wala naman bayad yun ah. When the hair specialist asked me if I wanted one, I said sure. Paying for it didn't cross my mind but I should have known. Everything here has a price... damn. Nevertheless, what bothers me most is the fact that I didn't say or do anything about it. I just sat there, quietly seething but smiling sweetly at the hair specialist. Di ko alam kung bakit di ako nagsalita. I should have told her to cut my hair more. I should have complained about the blow-drying fee. I would still pay for it, I know, but I should have said something... anything. Damn this Filipino trait, this subservience. For centuries, sunod lang tayo ng sunod. Never fighting back, always following orders. We can't seem to break this habit; most of us anyway. I guess I just didn't want to be embarrassed or be labeled "difficult." Sigh.

I really have to stand up for myself don't you think? In order to survive, I know I have to stand up for myself. How come it's so hard?

LORYCES @ 8:42 PM | COMMENTS

6 comment(s)

6 comment(s):

At 11:59 PM, Unknown commented...: you should have stood up for yourself and voiced your thoughts. that's one trait of most Pinoys, tahimik lang kahit naaapakan na. para lang walang gulo o away. I've worked with Americans for sometime now and they don't think that way. Andyan ka na rin sa territory nila, don't let them trample you. =)

by the way, hingin daw ni liza yung bag. hehe!
At 2:21 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: That's the Filipino stereotype. Uncomplaining, always sacrificing. Yun pala masama na ang loob, di pa nagsasalita. Ganyan din ako dyan nung bagong salta. Then I learned that the Americans were pretty straightforward people: they complain when there's something to complain.

Mahal ang gupit dyan, loryces. Dapat magsalita ka because your wish is their command when you pay for that service. The good news is your hair will grow long in a couple of weeks, and because you said it was hardly trimmed, papagupit ka ulit. This time, be more demanding. Syempre, in a nice way din naman. Tapos barbers there also expect tips. But since di mo naman nagustuhan yung gupit mo, I guess its ok na di ka nagbigay.

Ang favorite barber ko dyan --- Romanian --- he's in Supercuts in Chicago, S. Michigan Ave.
At 2:48 AM, loryces commented...: galenlondeien: i know i should have done or said something. di ko tlga alam bakit ako natameme... again. ewan. :(

doc: thanks for the tip! yun nga lang medyo kalayuan kasi sa city na tlga yan eh. i'm sure super mahal pa! eek! but thanks. :)
At 2:23 AM, Ina N commented...: i don't know if it's the same where you are, pero dito kung ayaw mo yung gupit mo, and you come back to the salon within a week or so, they'll fix it for free. *shrug*

usually ang problema ko sa salon, more of hindi ko alam kung anong haircut ang bagay sakin!
At 7:49 PM, loryces commented...: Sarah: onga eh. sometimes it's such a pain in the ass if you are being too nice. grrr.

Ina: hay buti pa dyan. then again, i dont think i have the guts to do that. eek! :(
At 3:03 AM, Anonymous commented...: that sounds like the stuff of a short story, tipong Philippine Lit in English, or Latin American lit. :P on a happier note, i've gone to the same hairdresser for about four years now. it helps if you tell your hairdresser how you want to look, how it should appear when dry, how you take care of it, if you want it low-maintenance. maybe you should bring a picture of the hair you like and tell the hairdresser? and yes, don't tip if you're not satisfied!

-- rej

Monday, August 16

Afflicted with the Shopping Bug

Went shopping today. I heard there are a lot of products on sale in Golf Mill. Bought some things I really needed; some, however, are unadulterated splurging. Hee.

This has got to be my most favorite purchase today. I finally bought my own winter jacket. The ones I've been using for the past 2 years are from my aunt's and frankly, I just wanted my own. I really like this one because you can use it in all kinds of weather (except summer of course). It's completely reversible which is really neat -- one side is nylon, the other is wool. It has pockets on both sides, a removable hood, and it's quite snug. All these for just $25. Convert that to Philippine peso and I know you would be gasping but believe me, it really is a deal. Jackets and sweaters are usually in the $50-$100 range. I'm pretty lucky I found this one. It would have been better though if I had my SSS#. You see, that jacket can be reduced to $10 less than its actual price IF I apply for a Sears (that's where I bought it) credit card. Problem is, I need an SSN to be eligible for the card. Sayang. Anyway I just had a thought -- if only finding a perfect boyfriend was as easy as finding this perfect jacket, that would be nice. Hehe.

Now regarding this bag, I confess I acted on pure fancy, not reason. I was looking for a tote bag and none of the ones I saw matched what I wanted. It's either too big, too small, not good color combination, or not good quality. I was about to settle for the next best thing when I saw this bag! It was so pretty that, without thinking about it, I grabbed it off the shelf and brought it to the cashier. Cute kasi eh, sale pa (sort of).

Went also to Waldenbooks to renew my membership. I ended up buying 5 books. Don't fret. I just hovered over the super-sale shelf. My, my --- all the books in the super discounted area are 90% off. Books for $1 only -- huwow. So of course, what any shopaholic would do, I bought 5 books (buy 4, get 1 eh) and all of them totaling to only $8. Ha. Imagine that. You couldn't even buy a decent paperback with that price.

Shopping is fun especially if it's sale season. I was wondering though, we do spend a lot more than we would normally buy during sale season right? I mean instead of just buying one item, we end up buying more than that because "it's on sale! Makakamura tayo!" Hmm ironic because we end up spending a lot more than what we planned in the first place.

LORYCES @ 12:05 AM | COMMENTS

11 comment(s)

11 comment(s):

At 2:36 AM, starlitgrove commented...: You are so right about spending more during sale season than during normal days. Sometimes, we even end up buying junk, or things we wont really use, just because they're on sale. But a booksale is a totally different thing. I love booksales! I usually go broke on them (remembers recent Powerbooks sale and shudders). =p
At 3:34 AM, wurlocke commented...: I've got one word for you : JEALOUS
At 7:53 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: The jacket is a good buy, loryces! :) Though I can probably show you other choices (parkas, too) in my suki in southside Chicago. 'Was there last year and bought 3 reversible jackets for $45, bale tig-$15 bawat isa. Cool buy din. :) Next year pa ako punta dyan.

Your choice of books are excellent. Problem is, di ba malapit na pasukan? Can you still read those? :)
At 7:57 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: PS. Me Auntie Ann's pa din ba sa food court ng Golf Mills? 1-2 times pa lang ako nakapunta dyan, and yes, I ate pretzels. :)
At 8:57 PM, Unknown commented...: Wow! Tama si Pia! Inggit! I couldn't imagine you using that girly bag though, Lau. Heehee!
At 11:37 PM, Anonymous commented...: I see you are getting to read Kundera's Unbearable Lightness. Go ahead, but make sure not to miss out The Joke, which is a better work, I think.

How's Lightman's Einstein?
At 4:00 PM, loryces commented...: tala: same here. basta books ok lang gumastos ng gumastos hehe.

pia: :)

doc: $45 for 3 jackets!? that is a good buy! where did you buy those jackets???

onga eh lapit na ng pasukan. siguro i'll read them next summer na or sa winter break hehe.

yep may auntie ann's pa rin sa golf mill. hmm that reminds me, it's been awhile since i tasted those. :)

galenlondeien: actually ako din di ko ma-imagine but i really liked the bag so ayun binili ko. :)

anonymous (whoever you are): i love Lightman's Einstein!!! i might post a separate review for that. ganda eh.

thanks for dropping by guys!
At 12:56 AM, Balbonics commented...: Hey nice jacket! Good deal! (Actually lahat good deal!) :)
At 11:15 PM, Anonymous commented...: thanks! :)
At 2:58 AM, Anonymous commented...: hmm, that html tagging looks familiar... :P

you'd love it at the house i'm staying in now. my housemates are voracious readers. :)

-- rej
At 11:41 PM, loryces commented...: hehe thanks sa code! :)

Saturday, August 14

Read This

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.

Hehe. Cool.

LORYCES @ 6:47 PM | COMMENTS

1 comment(s)

1 comment(s):

At 1:42 AM, Unknown commented...: Cool! I got the message without reading it again. =)

Friday, August 13

Neil Gaiman News

First and foremost, the picture posted here is available as a poster. If you're interested, you can order at this online store. A Sandman poster is also available.

Anyway, the CBR posted a news article regarding Neil Gaiman and his upcoming works. For a total Gaiman junkie, his next project is not really new. But for the not-so-rabid fan, here's a rundown and some quotes from the said article:

Now, Gaiman is helping to bring the literary and four-color worlds he created to the silver screen. CBR News sat down with Gaiman and talked about the adaptation of his comic series "Death: The High Cost of Living," other productions adapted from his work and what's next for the author.

Yahoo! A Death-related movie! And it looks like it's pushing through, too. I wonder if he'll direct it or just produce a screenplay. Sana pareho. Also, the article mentioned that the story of "Death: The High Cost of Living" maybe expanded. Cool with me.

The casting process for "Death" has begun. Gaiman was unable to reveal whom, but did say that the production had begun talking to a specific actress for the film's lead. "I know who we're talking to. I love her. I think she's going to be perfect for it. She loves the script and the idea of the character."

Uy sino kaya?!?

Furthermore, three Gaiman stories that are currently in development are: the "Books of Magic" series (although Neil is not entirely sure), "Murder Mysteries" (they're going to make a film version?! niiiice!), and "Neverwhere." Wow I'm all excited for these upcoming-sana-wag-mapurnada works!

And here's another thing: a quote from Neil regarding the movie "Catwoman:"

"Warner Bros. generally doesn't seem to get that which I find very peculiar," said Gaiman. "They keep starting with two strikes against them. 'Catwoman' is a lovely example of where they started with two strikes against them and then they made a crap movie. It's not the Catwoman from 'Batman,' they're just using the name and it's crap."

... and a quote regarding the later-to-be-released movie "Constantine:"

"With 'Constantine,' the guys who made it are nice guys. They're all good guys. They mean well. One of the conditions for green lighting the movie was Keanu Reeves. He was what made that movie makeable. Nobody seemed to actually understand that Keanu Reeves was not something that would actually put bums in seats and guarantee a good opening and give them a great movie, but it was actually something that would make millions of people around the world go, 'That's not John Constantine. John Constantine wears a trench coat, he has blond hair and he's English.' They could have cast a hundred people who would have yellow hair, a yellow trench coat, and are English and who would have made people go, 'Cool, I want to check that out,' and you would have got them in." [more]

So wait does he or doesn't he like Keanu as Constantine? I'm confused.

Anyway all I can say is: Please make a movie -- kahit isa lang. All these news about Gaiman-related movies is making me all geared up but it would sorely disappoint me if after 10 years, wala din naman pala. Grr. *cross fingers*

On a side note, ang kulit ng mga anak nya. *grin*

UPDATE! An article from the CBR regarding Mirrormask! Plus a screencap c/o Neil:

Wednesday, August 11

Musings on a Wednesday Night

If a person who constantly reads books is called a bookworm, what do you call a person who constantly listens to books on tapes? A tapeworm perhaps?

Why do we call unmarried men as bachelors but unmarried women as spinsters or old maids? That is so unfair.

Men can parade as slobs and women (some anyway) are still attracted to them. If women are slobs, men won't give them the time of day. Hmm.

Why do some Pinoys in the US stab their fellow Pinoys in the back? What do they get from doing it?

Is getting ahead in life a competition? Why do people treat it as such? Furthermore, why the need to feel superior to other people?

Isip pa ko.

LORYCES @ 9:12 PM | COMMENTS

4 comment(s):

At 3:36 PM, Becky commented...: Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

Why, when someone yells 'heads up!', does everyone duck?

Why does an 'innie' belly button pop out when you're pregnant, but not when you're fat?
At 6:52 PM, Dr. Emer commented...: Have you heard of Pinoys reporting their fellow Pinoy TNTs to the INS people there? They do it for the money.

Tapeworm is good. You are a cestode. :)

Yes, life is always a competition. People treat it as such because that's how they are also treated. As I've said before, people with no real talent (they're plenty, believe me) are insecure. They will always be bullies.

Men always see women as their inferior. I also used to think like that until I graduated from medschool. Then I realized that that was the biggest fallacy. Women were, and are, the stronger sex.

Yes, I'm also baffled why some women get attracted to men who act like slobs. Evolution must've gone awry somehow. Hehehe. :)

Why do you call the flyover a 'flyover' when vehicles do not really fly over it? Hahaha. Masaya pala ito. :)
At 6:26 PM, loryces commented...: becky: hi! thanks for visiting! :)

doc:
Have you heard of Pinoys reporting their fellow Pinoy TNTs to the INS people there? They do it for the money.
>>> ganun ba? tsk, tsk. i just hope, for once, it won't be about money. i guess i'm just a naive idealist.

Tapeworm is good. You are a cestode. :)
>>> hahaha!

Yes, life is always a competition. People treat it as such because that's how they are also treated. As I've said before, people with no real talent (they're plenty, believe me) are insecure. They will always be bullies.
>>> i guess you're right. :(

Men always see women as their inferior. I also used to think like that until I graduated from medschool. Then I realized that that was the biggest fallacy. Women were, and are, the stronger sex.
>>> thank you, thank you! :)

Yes, I'm also baffled why some women get attracted to men who act like slobs. Evolution must've gone awry somehow. Hehehe. :)
>>> yes it has. hehe.

Why do you call the flyover a 'flyover' when vehicles do not really fly over it? Hahaha. Masaya pala ito. :)
>>> onga, bakit nga?!
At 1:50 AM, Tanya commented...: tapeworm! maybe nga noh? heheeh!

it's the other filipino trait that we have.. crab mentality. ergh!

Tuesday, August 10

Scattered Thoughts

My cousin (the one from New York) and I were discussing the book The Da Vinci Code earlier. I told him that overall, I didn't like it because of these reasons. He countered, in a very condescending manner and tone, "you just don't understand it." Aba, aba, kala mo kung sinong hinayupak to. For those not in the know, my cousins have constantly belittled me since God knows when. I have been enduring these kinds of comments from these jerks for some time now -- comments like "You don't know how to operate a videocam because you're from the Philippines" and "You? Learn French? I've been studying French since first grade and I'm still not that fluent. What more if you study NOW?" Tangina talaga. Kung papatulan ko to, I would argue "Do YOU have a degree? You can't even tell the difference between their and there or when to use it's and its." Sana makatapos ako as Doctor of Physical Therapy or Nurse Practitioner. Tingnan lang natin.

I guess it's time to chant this mantra again: The dumber people think you are, the more surprised they'll be when you kill them. Hehe. Kainis kasi eh.

Each of the students in our class, in fulfillment for a requirement in the nursing course, has to complete at least 20 hours of community service. Last week, we (me + 3 of my classmates) went to the Albany Community Center to distribute goods to low-income families. I was surprised to know that each family typically receives at least 6 bags of groceries every week! Another bag is given to families with more than 7 members. Wow. Anyway, tomorrow will be another service learning opportunity. I don't have any idea where we're going but according to my friend, it might be the soup kitchen. We' re expected to chop whatever vegetables they have, stir whatever is cooking, and prepare whatever the hell is there. Sheesh. I can't even cook for me and my grandma. Don't tell me they expect ME to cook. Hardboiled eggs I can do. More than that, uh-uh.

When my aunt (and her family) left for the Philippines 5 days ago, I thought it'll be like having a holiday for 3 whole weeks. In a way, I guess it is. However, for the most part, I think I got a preview of what life would be if I decide to separate from my parents. Laundry at 9a, clean the house at 10a, wash the dishes at 10a, 1p, and 9p, water the plants at 5p, sort the mail, cook (optional), mop the floor, and so on. Doing all these is hard, especially if you're on your own. Nevertheless, I guess it's a bit exciting and fun. I just hope they (tita et al) come back soon or I'll get used to this (sort of) freedom.

LORYCES @ 1:48 AM | COMMENTS

12 comment(s)

12 comment(s):

At 6:39 AM, Anonymous commented...: Take heart and don't let your cousins define or limit who you can be :) I studied french for only 10 months but my french is a lot better than my french friends' english (and they've been studying that since they were in first grade, too)...
since you're clearly more mature, be more tolerant na lang. may mga ganyan talaga sa mundo. more often than not, they will be your relatives. i have a few as well :)
At 6:31 PM, Unknown commented...: "The dumber people think you are, the more surprised they'll be when you kill them."

Love that quote. :)
At 11:45 AM, Anj commented...: heh. Natural yan. Kung ako yan, tatarayan ko yan. A lot of people are making fun of us, KAPWA PILIPINO PA! Minamaliit ang mga bagong dating dito sa Canada -- akala mo naman kung sino, eh most of them eh hindi tapos ng College sa Pilipinas. Mga kumag.

next time, sagutin mo. They have to have a taste of their own medicine sometimes. ;)
At 1:11 PM, loryces commented...: anonymous: thanks whoever you are! minsan kasi it really gets to me. iniisip ko na lang they just don't understand me (and frankly, they don't want to).

galenlondeien: me too. :)

sarah: onga eh. minsan i pity them for having that kind of attitude. minsan naman i just want to strangle them.

angela: true, true. kala mo kung sinong magagaling, mali-mali naman ang gamit nila ng _you're_ and _your_. nakakainis talaga.
At 12:29 AM, Balbonics commented...: Wow you live with your gramma? Lucky you! :)
As for your cousins, patulan mo na. He he.
At 2:41 AM, Dr. Emer commented...: Insecure people tend to be overbearing sometimes. In Psychiatry, they have a term for this --- projection. Don't let them bother you.

As for your reasons about disliking Dan Brown's opus, I think you seek more depth in your readins and DA VINCI was simply not your cup of tea. You found it shallow. While many will disagree with you, I think you gave very good reasons for NOT liking the book. Most people I think, "nakikisakay" lang sa uso and don't use their better judgment in seeing things.

I for one, have NEVER been impressed with JK Rowling and I'm sorry if you are a fan. I read the 2 first HP books and I stopped. I said it wasn't worth my time. Until now, I'm baffled by the "rave reviews" and the books that sell like the "best bestsellers of all-time."
At 3:15 AM, Anonymous commented...: "The dumber people think you are, the more surprised they'll be when you kill them."

i like. i like a lot. :P

as for the housework, ah, yes. i never realized how easily chores could pile up. especially since i live with two guys who are tamad about housework. *LOL*

-- rej
http://sunshinysarcasm.blurty.com
At 10:41 AM, karlaredor commented...: oks lang yan loryces. :)
may mga tao talagang ganyan. :)
At 2:04 PM, loryces commented...: balbonics: yup i do. she's the only grandparent i have right now. bout my cousins, malapit na--masasakal ko na sila.

doc: dont worry, i dont let them; although minsan tlga what they say gets to me. :( anyway i'm a fan of hp although medyo ayoko na rin. every book released, parang lalong pumapangit. hey thanks for the compliments! :)

rej: ganda ng quote di ba! bwahaha! and yes chores can really, easily pile up, it's annoying! haha!

red_door8: hay sad to say, yes may mga ganyan tlga. :( ang masakit eh mga pinsan ko pa.
At 12:15 AM, wurlocke commented...: Patulan mo na yung tao na yan! kakainis ha.. I hate those kind of ppl too. It's like they put you down before they even get to know you. Arrggghhh! You got me worked up. heh-heh
At 12:58 AM, ajay commented...: Hi, Loryces. Nice to be touching base with you.
Discrimination against Filipinos is so pervasive. I hear it from the bigoted opinions of the foreign men I date; some way or the other, their tongue slips and all they think about is how Filipinos want to get out of the country, working as a maid even in HK is better than the Philippines. Stereotypes are pervasive even in literature. In 11 minutes, one of the characters is a Filipina who is a prostitute; she didn't even have a Filipina name (Nyah)
Idiotic foreigners also spell our race wrongly (Philippino)
All I can say is: they're lucky to be born in a more superior country. We're still better in other things.
Link me ha..pls! pls. Btw, your blog looks better now
At 5:37 PM, loryces commented...: pia: sinabi mo! i mean who the fuck do they think they are!? kala mo mga henyo. ni highschool ba-bagsak-bagsak naman sila. sorry for being like this pero kasi sobrang naaasar ako eh. grrr.

ajay: ewan ko nga ba sa mga foreigners na yan eh, hmph. anyway sure np i'll link yah! ;)

Sunday, August 8

Engrish Captions

The best pharmacy in town I bet

Uh-huh

So if you're a pyro, you can use the stairs?

For more hilarious pics, visit Engrish.com

LORYCES @ 1:30 AM | COMMENTS

4 comment(s):

At 5:51 AM, wurlocke commented...: oh gosh, those signs are hilarious!!!!
At 2:16 AM, Ina N commented...: i love engrish.com, everything is just so darn funny. :D
At 4:15 PM, lifecafe commented...: ahahaha...

i think i want one of those break a reg shirts. :)
At 11:39 AM, solo flite commented...: i need a couple of made-up prescriptions myself :)

hahaha funny :D Drop by my site. i got a couple of thai pics you might be interested in hahaha

http://soloflite.blogspot.com/2004/07/my-thousand-words.html

Thursday, August 5

Contentment

Some people are irritated with those who are not content with what is given them. I should know. My friends are probably sick of me whining about my predicament when, in fact, I'm luckier than most who aren't given anything at all. But I guess the real problem is not whether you're content or not. It's whether you are thankful for those blessings, however small they may be. I, for one, want more but that is not to say I'm not grateful of the blessings given to me. I am. I really, really am. Small things that somehow made life easier are such miracles:

The bus I was waiting for came at the exact moment I left school -- no more waiting for half an hour or so

Twenty bonus points (which I badly needed) given by our professor that would pull my grade up

A gentle breeze on a 100⁰F day

An offline message from a friend or a sibling when your day wasn't that good

An email from the library telling you that the book you reserved is now available

A good weighing scale that actually tells you that you've lost a pound (hehe)

Seeing flowers in full bloom... haay ganda

Eating a Taco Bell Chalupa

Isn't it just human nature to desire, to dream of things we don't have? I used to think that I could only have what was offered to me, that asking too much is wrong and considered a sin. But if someday, when all you've hoped for came through, what then? Would you be content and stop living life just because you've "reached your goals?" Wouldn't it be better if you make a hundred more and do something to attain them? Doesn't that sound more enticing than suddenly giving up on life once you have what you wanted? I refuse to be content... for now at least.

LORYCES @ 1:03 AM | COMMENTS

3 comment(s)

3 comment(s):

At 12:28 PM, Anonymous commented...: It's in man's nature to desire. As Shakespeare puts it, "With what I most enjoy contented least..." Everything indeed is a cycle. Nobody gets contented. When one gets what he wants, he wants more of what he gets still.
At 1:18 AM, loryces commented...: glad someone understands heehee
At 10:16 AM, u l a n commented...: It's never a bad thing to aspire for more =) unless looking for more takes up too much of your energy and you fail to appreciate what's there now.

Wednesday, August 4

Inggit Ako

My tita and her family are leaving today for a three-week vacation in the Philippines. I would be a hypocrite if I say I don't envy them. Kakainggit sobra. A year ago, I thought by this time I would have enough money (saved from my supposed job) to send my sorry ass back to the Philippines, at least just for a two-week vacation. Little did I know that it would be least of my problems. What a bummer.

It's just me and my lola now, enjoying our freedom hehe. Aba kung may pera lang ako, punta kami ng mall eh haha. But then, sa dinami-dami ng chores ko, wag na lang. Blegh.

LORYCES @ 11:26 PM | COMMENTS

0 comment(s):

Tuesday, August 3

Personality Types

A comment made by a reader in my previous post led me to further investigate what personality type I belong. I may not entirely believe all the things said about each and every type; it's uncomfortable, to an extent, being put in one box, so to speak, and being expected to act that way. I believe that bits and pieces of each personality type can be found within each of us; although of course, one type dominates. Sometimes it's easier if you know your place -- it makes life easier... somehow. Anyway I think I got confused and lost myself among the myriad of these personality types -- ENFP, INFP, ENFJ, INFJ, ESTJ, ISTJ, ESFJ, ISFJ, ENTP, INTP, ENTJ, INTJ, ESTP, ISTP, ESFP, and ISFP. At first, I thought I belong to the ESFJ category. However, as pointed out by my reader, I'm introverted. When I read and re-read the traits for each type, I found out that I really belong to the IS FJ category... sa totoo lang parang nakahinga ako ng maluwag. I guess the reason why I didn't realize it earlier is because of the inaccurate details in another website. Although some traits are right on.

ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right."

Oooh this is me. This is scary. Some of my friends may not know this but this is really what I'm feeling at present (which, frankly, started about two years ago).

They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set.

Uy ako din to! Usually people would think that I'm being a snob because I don't usually go out of my way to greet and interact with them. Sometimes I get catatonic and simply refuse to utter a word. Di rin ako mushy. :D

This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.

I find this true. I don't give generic gifts if I can help it. For me, that's a blatant disregard for other people. If you are to give a gift, why not what your friend wants, right?

The ISFJ is extremely dependable.

Not me though. If my aunt had her way, I would be dead by now. I know for a fact that I'm the least responsible person in our family. I just hate responsibility.

This is neat. You never know what your attitudes/traits are unless someone pointed them to you. Anyway what personality type do you belong to?

LORYCES @ 4:42 AM | COMMENTS

3 comment(s)

3 comment(s):

At 6:45 PM, Unknown commented...: I've read that book, Liann. I'm a Melancholic-Phlegmatic. :)
At 6:45 AM, Anonymous commented...: from dominattyrix:

ako naman choleric, heheh
At 5:30 PM, Ina N commented...: ako, infp. :)

Monday, August 2

10 Biggest Brain Damaging Habits

1. No Breakfast

People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

>> Hmm interesting. I never thought that having no breakfast can damage your brain. I've always thought it has something to do with dieting and that's it. Gives you a new view on eating breakfast, doesn't it?

2. Overeating

It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

>> Eeek! One more reason for me not to overeat.

3. Smoking

It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

>> No surprise there... plus smoking can cause damage to other body tissues (eg lungs, skin, lips, etc).

4. High Sugar consumption

Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

>> Hmmm interesting...

5. Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

>> Again no surprise.

6. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

>> This too is a no-brainer although I can't get myself to sleep before 12MN. Bad, I know.

7. Head covered while sleeping

Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

>> So it's almost the same as the premise of #5 -- build-up of harmful gases causes brain deterioration.

8. Working your brain during illness.

Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

>> Sabi nga ng tatay ko, "mapiprito ang utak mo nyan!" Hehe.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts

Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

>> Sabi nga nila we should all engage in doing crossworld puzzles or even playing cards (bridge is preferred - don't ask me why) because those activities stimulate the brain.

10. Talking Rarely

Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.

>> I prefer quiet reflections though. I can hear my own thoughts better.

LORYCES @ 2:15 AM | COMMENTS

11 comment(s)

11 comment(s):

At 8:52 AM, james commented...: I'm so so confused. The sidebar says your personality type is ESFJ but you prefer quiet reflections? It just doesn't add up. Oh well.
At 2:43 AM, solo flite commented...: add blogging to that list :) I swear i killed off more than a few braincells since joining ehhehe
At 4:37 AM, loryces commented...: hey james you're right! it doesn't add up. probably when i did that personality thing, i'm in one of my moods -- feeling extroverted. anyway, after checking and re-checking the list of diff personality types, i think i'm leaning towards the ISFJ type. :)

solo flite: onga noh! haha!
At 6:48 AM, Jax commented...: madalas mainis ate ko sa akin coz i talk a lot. now i have a reason to tell why i HAVE to talk a lot. hehe. thanks! ;)
At 10:55 AM, Jet commented...: Interesting post Loryces. Although I'm afraid I'm guilty of about 4 of these?

Well, at least ha, if you can't help being alone, the way I'm stuck within these walls... hehe... I guess blogging and bloghopping while posting sensible comments helps a lot, di ba?
At 1:05 PM, Ina N commented...: i'm guilty of 1, 6, and 7, and occasionally 2 and 4. my poor, poor brain.
At 9:26 PM, wurlocke commented...: Wow... some of those are actually quite surprising ha. I never thought they could lead to brain degeneration. I'm guilty of 1, 4 & 6.
At 12:26 PM, lifecafe commented...: 8 out of 10. i must be brain-damaged. hahahaha.
At 1:18 AM, loryces commented...: haha mga brain-damaged na tayong lahat!
At 9:17 AM, Balbonics commented...: "Head covered while sleeping" up there with smoking and sugar! :o Who would've thought it?
At 9:18 AM, Balbonics commented...: "Head covered while sleeping" up there with smoking and sugar! :o Who would've thought it?

Eowyn as Dernhelm figurine

Sunday, August 1

Dernhelm figurine

I was waiting for the release date of Eowyn as Dernhelm polystone figure. Estimated shipping date is Sept/Oct 2004. I wanted to buy one for myself. Alas, when I visited the SideShow Weta's website, I found out that it's completely sold out!!! Di pa nga nare-release, sold out na agad!!! They made 7,500 copies of it and they're all gone! This has got to be one of the fastest-selling figurines in SideShow. Sigh. But no worries. I think they may have a back-order for it, meaning they might sell Dernhelm figures again. I already put my email in the waiting list. Hopefully it'll be available. It would be more fun if I could purchase this, the Morgul Lord Witch King. Eowyn and the Witch King -- that'll be a perfect addition to my ever-growing collection hehe.

LORYCES @ 1:31 PM | COMMENTS

1 comment(s)

1 comment(s):

At 4:32 AM, loryces commented...: good for you! at least di ganun kagastos. ako gusto ko lahat eh. LOL.