The Most Beautiful Face in the World

I don’t know but this past few months I have been wondering, that if ever I would have a child, how he or she would look like. Of course, it also depends on how the mother would look like. Well, I might have a little problem with that.

I have tried playing with online sites that tries to predict how your baby would look like by just uploading the pictures of the dad and mom. I’m quite satisfied with the result especially using the pictures of gorgeous celebrities available on the site. Whew! They’re beautiful! Although, merely fantasy on my part.

Then, this Yahoo news item has caught my attention. The most beautiful face is a product of a computer program. It’s fun to see. I will not be surprised if there will be a movie soon about cloning a human being. Having the finest genes that would form the best features any person can ever have but without a soul..... That would arouse any inquisitive mind.... I think I’m tempted to start the script.... No copying this is my idea, hahaha.....

You Tube’s April Fools’ Day Joke

It seems that many netizens have bitten the prank.

Well, I must say that it was a well-done prank. It looked true and very convincing but of course, it was something unbelievable to be true. There were viewers who left comments expressing sadness about what could had been a gloomy development.

It’s April Fools’ Day once again!

There was even news that Google had announced that people could now use their nose for searching the net using Google notes. I just don’t know how the Google users accepted the news.

Once in a while, it’s fun to make hilarious or even silly jokes on people. However, we should be sure that by doing so, we are not hurting or damaging peoples’ lives.

Amazing Mobile House

Have you seen a mobile house? I am quite sure that having seen one is not a big deal. We have all seen one somewhere. However, this one, which Raymond Portillo owns is one for the books. It runs with solar and wind energy.

The Portillo Mobile House

I have encountered this amazing mobile house or a trailer house in a special feature on GMA News, which Pulitzer awardee, Kara David has reported on “24Oras” (a daily early evening newscast). I have embedded the video of the report above. Although it is in Filipino, I think even non-Filipinos can still appreciate the video because the report has a detailed coverage of the interior and exterior design of the trailer house.

Raymond Portillo

The trailer house comes with a complete set of furniture and appliances, from air conditioning unit, refrigerator to flat screen television and DVD player. It has a kitchen sink with gas stove. It also has a comfort room with a bathtub. It has an adjustable ceiling, which can serve as a double deck bed. Outside, they have an adjustable canopy, which can serve as an instant dining area. Practically, they can go anywhere without the need to rent a room or hotel.

Solar Panel

What is amazing about its design is that it runs with solar and wind energy. It is equipped with a solar panel and four wind turbines that can power up the battery when the sun is down.

Wind Turbine

It is an amazing creativity. I give two-thumbs up to its owner.

I think if we can adapt this idea even to conventional houses, maybe this can help save energy. Perhaps, the government can study the feasibility of using solar power and wind turbines to power up the energy demand of an ordinary household. Who knows? Why not if it would be possible.

A Shocking Billing Error

Everybody wants to save especially in our time when everything from goods and services are becoming too expensive. We all try to conserve our consumption of electricity, gasoline, LPG and even food and we expect to cut down on our expenses when we receive our next billings.

But what if we receive our electricity bill like Kristin Harriger, a single mom from Abilene Texas, who received from her utility company a bill amounting to $1.3 million dollars for one month! It must be a big joke! No, it isn’t! It is a big mistake, which while sounds funny and bizarre, should not be happening in our advanced computing age. At least, the company accepts the error.

It’s funny because she thinks that it is a joke so she takes a picture of her bill and shares it with her friends. Then when she has called her utility company, she has learned that it is not a joke. It is a legitimate and official bill but when they have checked her bill, they have found out that there has been a billing error because they have charged her $1,000 per kilowatt-hour instead of $0.09 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is the normal rate.

According to the article, Kristin told Business Insider, "I'm glad I didn't have autopayments.” Haha… that must have been a big headache!

Vegetable Musicians

Last night, I saw on a local news broadcast (GMA Network), a special report about Chinese musicians using vegetables like carrots to make music by drilling and carving holes on them like that of a flute.

I know a musician, a National Artist for Music in the Philippines, Levi Celerio who can make beautiful music by blowing on fresh leaves, but carving carrots to make music is something new to me.

It fascinated me so much being a musician myself. I tried to look for the new item in You Tube but to my further amazement, I found out that it was not something new at all.

I found out that there is “The Vienna Vegetable Orchestra” that performed at the Moscow International House of Music. The musicians used nothing but vegetables.

According to the caption: The orchestra members are from various walks of life. There are musicians and actors, but also an architect, a journalist, and a writer. They began playing vegetable music 14 years ago. Since then the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra has given over 200 concerts all over the world. After each performance, the carrot flutes and "cucumber phones" are usually handed over to the audience for snacks.

They are amazing!

Japanese Kung Fu Bear

As I was browsing You Tube searches about the Russian White Claw Kung Fu Bear, I stumbled upon an item about a Kung Fu Bear in Japan. It seemed that this video came first even before the Russian White Claw Bear got into the news.

I observed the video if it is authentic. It seemed unedited and nothing showed any trace of any video manipulation. I think it is a real footage of the actions of a black bear doing a Kung Fu like exhibition with a stick.

The Russian White Claw Kung Fu bear is not the only bear in the world that can do tricks with sticks all right.

Russian White Claw Kung Fu Bear

I know I am supposed to write about people and events in this blog. However, allow me to deviate from the usual topics to an amazing feat of a white claw bear in a zoo in Russia.

I have learned about the white claw bear displaying kung fu like stunts from a local newscast last night. It is quite reminiscent of the animated film Kung Fu Panda, which have entertained young and old people alike. Nobody has trained the bear to do such tricks but perhaps as some have commented, the bear must have been feeling bored and lonely that is why it has turned to playing with sticks. 

Animals can be very amazing too!

Woman with the Longest Nails

Normally, women would have their nails trimmed regularly and color them with nail polish. The bright and shining colors of nail polishes adorn their fingers and excite men who look at their hands. It is one way of showing good personal hygeine.

In past years, women are using false nails (like false teeth) on their fingers to keep them look very good. I have heard about celebrities using those stuffs openly.

However, Chris Walton, a professional singer in Las Vegas, flaunts her very long nails that measures to about 20 feet in length (combined total). It is quite extraordinary for a woman to let her nails grow that long.

I can’t imagine how she uses her hands with those long nails! I wonder how she opens a cola in can? Or how she types on the keyboard or use a mouse?

She might just out of the ordinary, having an eccentric personality perhaps but she is definitely as normal as everyone else.

The Guiness Book of World Records has declared her as the woman with the longest nails in the world!

Image courtesy of:
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/las-vegas-woman-nails-world-record-nails-184045177.html

Google Page Rank Value Goes Up!

I am reading Sir Rob’s blog, (a fellow Adgitize member) just a few hours ago regarding his Google Page Rank Update. I am posting a comment on his entry but I could not get through. Anyway, after reading his blog, I have become curious about my blog’s Google Page Rank so I have decided to check it out. For the past years, my Google Page Rank has been stuck at zero!

It is a surprise to find out that my Google Page Rank value has gone up from 0 to 2! I must admit that I have been so discouraged about my PR values because it has been stagnant at zero for a very long time. I have no idea how I would be able to increase it.

I am thinking, “What factor could have contributed to the increase in PR value?” I can only think of a few.

• The age of my blog- it has been up for almost 4 years now
• Frequent Updating- for the past months, I have been posting entries on a regular basis. Before, I only post when I like.
• Advertising in ADGITIZE- I have noticed that my Alexa Rank has stopped at 379,000 in the last two - three weeks after going up steadily daily before that. Then I have observed that it has improved to 353,593 two days after I have started my Ad Campaign in Adgitize. I think, advertising in Adgitize has contributed to it as well.

Of course, it is just 2 from a possible 10 so it is not that much to be excited about and besides, blogging is not all about PR but still it is a good boost!

Image above taken from the PR Checker website

$100 Give Away from the Ad Master

Sheila of the Ad Master is giving away $100 for her second annual “I Can’t Come Up With A Blog Post Day!”

I do not usually join blog contests like this but this one is surely fun because the first of the four conditions for joining is incredibly delightful! As of blog time, there have been 63 comments on her post's comment thread regarding the contest including some of her responses. It is not surprising that many have joined her give away contest not only for the $100 but also for the incredibly delightful fun’s sake.

For those who still want to join, you still have a lot of time. Feel free to click the image below to know more.

Shara Lin Yixin: A One Girl Band

I am watching the early evening news when the news item about Shara Lin Yixin, a Taiwanese girl who has an incredible talent in music has grabbed my interest. She can play the piano, violin and the zither (a kind of stringed musical instrument) with equal ease.

She looks amazing as she puts together the sounds of the three instruments in one musical piece although not all at the same time but one after the other (piano and zither together at some point). Still, it is not easy to do such a musical feat. If you were not looking, you would think that there are three people playing the music. I am myself a musician so I can say with conviction that it is a great ability. I would be able to do a similar act only on a Yamaha Electone Organ, but that is a mere simulation. Playing the real instruments, the way she has done is different definitely.

Perhaps, it is extra-ordinary. I do not know why she needs to do it that way because it looks a little impractical and uncomfortable but I believe she has done it well.

You can view the video in You Tube but since the video site provides an “embed code” option, I have embedded the video here. Try to watch it to see for yourself.

Image above courtesy of:
http://www.chinasmack.com/2011/videos/shara-lin-yixin-dancing-diva-with-piano-violin-zither.html

A Funny Email, Ruth Handler and her Barbie

I have received a funny email this morning. It is all about the amusing experiences that come with technological advancement in the years that has gone by. People meet many friends but when you ask them who their friends are, they would tell you weird names like butterfly1870, handsomeguy24 or sexygirl21. It reveals how people especially the younger generation have immersed themselves in internet chat. Imagine, you send email to a person just beside your table or send short messages (SMS Text messages) to a friend next door. You would say that you could not keep in touch with friends and relatives because you do not have their email addresses. Technology sometimes makes us do some silly things. It is amazing to think in a sense that gadgets like: cellular phones, digital cameras, laptop computers and net-books have become so important while for the past so many years, people have been living peacefully without those things.

In the email is a picture of “Barbie” (doll) in her 50’s. It looks silly as well. Actually, I have no idea that Barbie has turned 50 last 2009. Perhaps, I have just missed the announcement that time. It is funny to think that “Barbie” is now a very old woman. I guess she is one part of our generation’s yesteryears that shall remain even in many years to come. Not everything old is worthless after all.

Ruth Handler

The creator of “Barbie” is Ruth Handler. She has named her new doll after her daughter Barbara who loves to play with paper dolls and making them act like adults. In one of her trips in Europe, a fashion doll amused her dearly, which she has found in a Swiss shop. The doll’s name is “Bild Lilli doll”. She has worked on the necessary changes she wants and has named the doll “Barbie”. She has given Mattel Toy Company undeniable fortune and fame.

Ruth has died of colon cancer on April 27, 2002.

Image and data courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

“Friggatriskaidekaphobia” and the Planetary Alignment

I have awakened this morning with a news broadcast over the radio about the rare occurrence of a planetary alignment between four planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. The event has been visible to the naked eye at around 5 AM this morning (Philippine time).

As expected, there have been so many superstitious beliefs that accompany such strange occurrences. Some would say that it portends some kind of disasters in the near future but there is no scientific basis on such claim. It is even compounded by the fact that today is Friday the 13th.

Astronomers say that this is a rare event that people should enjoy watching. It occurs only in 50-100 years so I am sure that the next time these planets align, most of us are not here anymore. Unfortunately, I have missed seeing it because I am still asleep.

“Friggatriskaidekaphobia” actually, is the fear of Friday the 13th and it is quite interesting to know that it has affected around 17 to 21 million people in America. They would avoid normal routines, traveling and even getting out of bed. Experts estimate around $800 million losses in business on this day alone.

Perhaps people wonder why Friday and the number13 have had such a scary connotation. According to a theory, people have considered Friday as an unlucky day since the Lord Jesus has died on a Friday and 13 as an unlucky number because on the Last Supper, 13 people have gathered around the table. A superstitious belief has sprung that when 13 people gather around a dinner table, one of them will die.

Another theory about Friday the 13th is in the Norse Mythology. The story says that Friday comes from Frigga, a goddess of love and fertility. When the Norse people have converted to Christianity, they have banished Frigga and have labeled her as a witch. In retaliation, Frigga would set a meeting every Friday with eleven other witches, and the devil (13 in all) to plan ill against the people in the following week.

However, the most interesting theory is about the annihilation of the Order of the Knights Templar by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V during the crusades. The attack has happened on October 13, 1307, which has fallen on a Friday. This story has been popularized in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code” in 2003.

Personally, I do not believe in superstitions and I believe that our actions should not be guided by fear about the strange and the unseen.

Image above courtesy of:

http://people.howstuffworks.com/friday-thirteenth.htm

Info courtesy of Wikipedia

Twin Baby Boys Having a Conversation

The video of two baby boys having a conversation has become an instant hit in You Tube with 11,329,580 views as of press time. Even news agencies around the world have picked up the story. Indeed, the video looks very cute. The two boys seem to be talking to each other in a manner that only the two of them could understand. I guess, that’s what has made it a big hit. It’s so funny to see two kids talking to each other even before they could learn to speak. I’m sure parents have loved the video and I have seen other sites that has used the video in their posts.

Personally, I like the video a lot. It reminds me of how innocent children are; so free from the turmoil that life gives and yet so full of the joy that we all run after. It’s a great video of two great kids.

I wonder if the two would end up on TV and movies. I can say Hollywood; watch out!

It’s April Fools’ Day

April 1 is April Fools’ Day. People celebrate it all over the world by making practical jokes or crazy things to friends for fun’s sake. In New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Australia, and South Africa, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool" (source: wikipedia).

Here in the Philippines, I know many people refuse to lend money on April Fools’ Day in fear that borrowers will not return it. I have no idea why people enjoy pranks, maybe because they are doing it to other people. Perhaps as long as it ends with good laughter, it is ok but when pranks cause distress already I think it is no longer healthy.

April Fools’ pranks also go around the internet. For example, during the time when the SARS virus had hit Hong Kong in 2003, a student made an April Fool joke in the internet. He copied the design of the Ming Pao newspaper website and posted that SARS had infected many Hong Kong citizens and situation had become uncontrollable. He said that government closed all immigration ports and the entire region would be under quarantine. He also announced in his prank website that Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive of Hong Kong had resigned. The prank had caused serious panic among Hong Kong populace. The Hong Kong government had immediately held a press conference to clarify the situation and later had charged and convicted the student in court for making that unlawful prank (source: wikipedia).

Westerners have associated April 1 with foolish acts because of several reasons. One is story in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in 1392 where the character Chauntecleer has been tricked by a fox on a day that most readers has misinterpreted to be 32^nd day of March, which falls on April 1. Scholars believe that the proper interpretation should have been 32^nd day after March.  On that alone, it is already a big joke. Another is in 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene has written about a rich man who sends his servants on silly jobs on April 1.

I guess, it’s OK to be April but not a fool.

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://vistadesktopthemes.com/april-fools-day-wallpaper.html

Mobility: My Longstanding Dilemma Part II

As I was saying, mobility is my longstanding dilemma. Of course, a far-fetched dream will not solve this dilemma but it gives a smile on my lips like a fairy tale to a child. Who knows, a fairy tale can come true and it can happen to you.

I guess, this is one reason we need to work and earn. There are tools that we can use to make our short stay in this world become more fruitful but since they aren’t free, we need to make some investments to get the money we need. It is not living for money of course. There is a clear difference between earning for your craving and earning for a living. I am referring to the latter.

That is why I am pouring a lot of my time to blogging and writing. I’m looking at it as a source of income for me but of course, I cannot expect to earn much in a short span of time but little by little, I can get there. Patience is a virtue and coupled with creativity and resourcefulness; there is always a fruitful reward. I’m not expecting too much. I’m just taking it one day at a time.

Meanwhile, I don’t think it’s harmful to do some internet strolling to perk myself up. Any endeavor begins with a spark of inspiration and if you know what you want and where you want to go, it is easier to set a goal.

Look at this video!

Wheelchair accessible Chevy Silverado 2500 HD PICKUP!

Mobility: My Longstanding Dilemma

Since I have been paralyzed, I have been depending on a wheel chair for mobility; going around the house, doing some chores like sweeping and mopping the floor, wiping off dust from furniture top, cooking food, doing the laundry, washing dishes and personal necessities like bathing and moving to and from a toilet bowl, but without a wheelchair, I’m totally helpless.  Even if there are many limitations, at least I am not completely invalid.

However, one very important aspect of ones’ mobility is going from one place to another. There are wheelchair riders that can drive their seats along streets and main roads but I am not that strong in my upper body so I can’t pull myself up to my wheelchair the way other paraplegics do. I would need a lift in a literal sense. I would always need the help of a stronger man to pull me up or carry me to and from a vehicle. In that area, I am completely at the mercy of other peoples’ goodwill. Mobility is my longstanding dilemma and I need absolute freedom! Revolution!! Libertad!!

Well, the surest way to liberation is through occupational therapy but it is taking a very long time and very tiring at that. Admittedly though, I have to do it to develop even a little body strength to move myself up but still, it is not only exhausting physically but also psychologically.

Daydreaming makes one a dull boy but perhaps, it is not wrong to dream once in a while. I have seen this You Tube video of Rod Milner Motors advertisement accidentally. It is about a car that they have designed for people with disabilities. If only I can afford it, my longstanding dilemma would be solved forever. View it and find out what I mean.

Rod Milner Motors

About Justin Bieber’s Hair Craze

What is the most foolish thing you have done for love? Perhaps, one can have a litany of answer. What if I ask, “What is the most foolish thing you can do as a fan?” Perhaps, making scrapbooks for photos and news clippings of your “idol” is logical but buying the cut ends of his or her hair for $40, 668 seem ridiculous. What will one do with strands of hair? Forty thousand dollars can go a long way.

Well, maybe I could not identify with this actuation perhaps because I am not a fan. I do not really blog about celebrities even those who I really admire and follow but this one is not really about Justin Bieber but about the big fuss about his hair cut. I know that there are so many “Bilibers” who imitate his hair cut all over the world and it’s typical for avid fans. Now, his new haircut would be the next most imitated hair style in salons.

At least, the amount goes to Ellen Degeneres’ charity. An act that seems so childish could benefit a good cause. I understand it is for an animal rights foundation.

Maybe, it is something a fan can do to own a piece of the person she or he admires so much to cherish forever. It is a sign of love that knows no restrictions and follows no reason. Perhaps, in one way or another, we act in the same way whether we like it or not.

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://filmpopper.com/justin-biebers-new-haircut/comment-page-1/

Maria Aragon Sings with Lady Gaga Video

Maria Aragon waiting for performance with Lady Gga

Finally, You Tube sensation Maria Aragon performs live on stage with Lady Gaga no less. It has been an incredible feat for a girl in such a tender age. Her story is very inspiring especially for young kids her age. There are things that are worthy to pursue without giving up education like in her case, music and performing arts. It is perhaps, accidental but it is only prudent to grab the opportunity that has come her way. It is also nice to see her parents supporting her all the way.

It is touching to see Lady Gaga embracing Maria at the center stage during her concert in Toronto amid a jump packed, screaming and applauding fans. She even let Maria sit on her lap while they sit in front of the piano to perform together. Maria plays the piano while they sing and Lady Gaga presses piano keys once in while. It seems a little awkward because of very contrasting outfits but it is very emotional and intimate. They look like sisters singing together.

At the end of the performance, Lady Gaga kisses Maria then the latter waves a monkey stuff toy. Lady Gaga moves into tears as it she seems to adore the little girl very much.

The full video of their performance is on You Tube. View it here below:

Even if Maria has not visited the Philippines, she recognizes her roots as a Filipina although she’s now a Canadian citizen. She’s great and she’s perfectly amazing!

Image above Courtesy of:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/lady-gaga-on-stage/article1929625/

Maria Aragon: The Next Big Thing

Maria Aragon in her You Tube Video

A new You Tube sensation is on the rise, Maria Aragon. She is a 10-year old girl, in fifth-grade at the Isaac Brock School in Winnipeg, Canada who loves to sing and play the piano. Her video that appears on You Tube has earned more than 17 million views as of now. In the video, she is singing “Born This Way”, a famous song by Lady Gaga, while she is accompanying herself on the piano. She looks very confident and she makes it look very easy. Apparently, she is a big fan of Lady Gaga.

Lady Gaga herself has seen the video, she has tweeted about it and in just a matter of days; millions have watched Maria’s video on You Tube. Ellen Degeneres, the famous TV host in the US has found out about the video through the Lady Gaga’s tweet. Apparently, Maria has impressed her so Ellen has invited her to perform in her show last February 21.

In a radio interview in Canada, she has had a chance to talk about herself and before it has ended, they have surprised her with a short talk with Lady Gaga herself via phone patch and they have agreed to perform together in Lady Gaga’s “Monster Ball Tour” concert at Toronto, Canada tomorrow, March 4th.

Maria Aragon is the next big thing in the international music scene after Charice Pempengco, Bruno Mars and Apl.de.ap of the Black-Eyed Peas. Filipino artists are hitting it big internationally. It’s perfectly amazing!