Typhoon Haiyan Video

Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda in the Philippines has been the worst cyclone that hits Philippine archipelago in years. It could be the worst and catastrophic natural disaster since the tidal wave in Mindanao in the seventies. 

The death toll has risen to approximately 6,000 dead. The typhoon has not only uprooted trees, brought down power and telephone lines, torn houses, roofs and facades. It has also uprooted people from their homes and towns, and estranged them from their families. Yolanda has shattered window glasses and children's dreams.

However, as long as we keep our heads up high in faith, we can survive this debacle. As long as we set aside differences and offer our hands to help in anyway we can, we can rise again. Thanks to those who have been gracious and benevolent in helping those who have been affected by this devastating typhoon. May God richly bless them. 

Post by Kevin Ray N. Chua.

Finn the Dog

This is Finn the dog. One of the best pets I have ever seen. Actually, I do not know if this good-looking dog is a he or a she but I believe that you will admire his/her intelligence. It is not everyday that I see a dog who can get a harness and toys. Perhaps, Finn has a great trainer... Kudos! Kuya Boyet! Amazing Pet!

Google Celebrates 15 Years

Today’s Google Doodle is amazing. It features a “hitting the pot” game among children’s parties. I have tried a few hits. It is fun to be like a child again. However, I am curious about why such is up on the Google site.

I have learned that Google is celebrating its 15 years. It is amazing that only after such a time, the largest internet search engine has grown into a huge influence and part particularly in putting up strategies for online internet marketing.

On its 15th year, Google has announced a change in its search algorithm. From Caffeine, that focuses much on ranking, they are now using a new engine, the Hummingbird, which focuses more on indexing.

According to an article by Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer:

"Hummingbird is primarily aimed at giving Google's search engine a better grasp at understanding concepts instead of mere words, Singhal said.

The change needed to be done, Singhal said, because people have become so reliant on Google that they now routinely enter lengthy questions into the search box instead of just a few words related to specific topics.

With the advent of smartphones and Google's voice-recognition technology, people also are increasingly submitting search requests in sequences of spoken sentences that resemble an ongoing conversation. That trend also factored into Google's decision to hatch Hummingbird." (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/google-retools-internet-search-engine-20386206)

Users of Google Adwords and Google Adsense might need more information about this huge change. However, the ordinary internet searcher only wants credible and fast results for their queries. That is the most important thing that they need from any search engine.

How this change will affect the internet life remains to be seen... Happy Birthday Google!

Ron Mueck: Realist Sculptor

Ron Mueck

About a year ago, I have received an email from a friend about magnificent, realistic sculptures. They look so real in every detail. The facial contour, hair growth, skin tone and shape of the body and face look perfect except for one thing: the size. The sculptures are oversized.

The sculptor is Ron Mueck. He is from Australia but he is working in United Kingdom as a hyperrealist sculptor. He has worked as a puppeteer before on children’s television and films. If you will recall the classic, fantasy movie, Labyrinth in 1986, one of the creatures in the film is a good beast named Ludo. Well, Ron Mueck has voiced over that character.

Later, Mueck has moved to London and put up his own company. He uses animatronics for advertising agencies. In 1996, he has shifted to the arts. One of his first sculptures is the Dead Dad, a sculpture representation of his father’s corpse. 

Dead Dad

Mask II

His others works are Mask II, a large sculpture of a man’s head. It seems like a self-portrait. Another is In Bed, a huge sculpture of a woman lying in bed and so many others. In fact, in the email that I have received, there is a picture of one of his creations; a big stout man.

Ron Mueck is one of the best realist sculptors of our time. 

In Bed

 

Image Credit:
Ron Mueck's Image: http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/under-the-skin/2010/01/22/1263663153503.html
Dead Dad Image:  http://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/2012/05/dead-dad/

Nick Vujicic: Live in Manila

Nick Vujicic, the man with no arms ang legs, is here in Manila for "Unstoppable Tour" Live. I have missed this Spirit-filled conferences. I would love to meet this courageous person up in person but anyway, even if it would most likely not going to happen (at least, at this time), I would still like to press the last day, which will be tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nick has been a great inspiration to many. If a man in his situation has accomplished great things for the Lord, how much more could those who have complete body!

For those who can still attend, don't miss the once in lifetime opportunity. 

A Four-Year-Old Piano Virtuoso

A special friend of mine sent me in FB a video of a four-year-old boy who plays piano like a master.

I can’t help but admire the kid’s musical prowess. I’ve been playing piano in church for so many years now but I cannot play the way this child does. It’s a bit embarrassing on my part (Haha).

The piano is a combination of strings and percussion. You need to strike the keys hard enough to make the hammer strike the strings to produce sound and for the kid’s tender little fingers to walk up and down the piano keys with agility strength and ease, it is simply awesome.