Google This!

Wanna see something cool?

Go to Google and type the text below:

(sqrt(cos(x))*cos(200*x)+sqrt(abs(x))-0.5)*(4-x*x)^0.01, sqrt(9-x^2), -sqrt(9-x^2)

Or read below to see what you will find

Visiting Toy Shops

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmastime is here!

Though it may be late, I now feel the slight changes in the weather. The cool Christmas breeze is in the air and the colorful decors can now be seen in most homes and establishments. And Christmas songs heard in every corner. The much awaited season is coming fast and kids are getting excited. I know the kid inside me have that feeling too. I think this season is our excuse to indulge in our material wishlist. It’s a good thing I don’t bring that much cash when visiting malls or I would have indulged myself (and the little one) in a shopping spree when visiting a toy shop, especially those with a wide toy selection like Deals Direct. It’s my weakness. I love cute toys while the little one loves the colorful stuff. We try to make it a point to save all the big gift purchases in time for Christmas.

Now that the big day is coming, we cannot decide which toy to buy for the offspring. We're trying to limit it to one big/expensive toy and a couple of small toys (and perhaps some candy canes) as stocking fillers. The little one is not much of a help when choosing. We would show here our Christmas gift ideas but she would jump from one toy to another. But it's not all that bad. The good about visiting toy shops is that she became aware that she can look and sometimes touch those toys but she doesn't necessarily have to bring them home. Or we would be in big trouble.

Creepy Crawly Things

This creepy crawly thing landed on our bed earlier this month.

I shriek like a mad banshee when I saw what it is. It almost landed on my underarm! Imagine how painful that could be. *shudder* Last week, a much tamer caterpillar landed on my shoulder. I freaked DK out because I landed on top of him while he was sleeping. It turned out that the in-laws are growing some vines on our room's roof so those creepy crawly things are finding it's way inside our room.

Have you touched a higad? How did you deal with it?

PS. Is higad caterpillar in Filipino?

I hope your Thursday Brownies is not as disgusting as my entry.Click the badge if you have something brown to share.

Gene Reads

I love reading. I think I got really hooked into it when I was in high school and I saw my childhood friend reading a young adult novel during school breaks and I was intrigued. She lent me her old copy and the rest is history. Of course, the books I prefer to read are not available in the library. Back then, we cannot afford to buy the books that we want to read. A book is about our week's worth allowance. So my friend and I would visit bookstores each day after school and read a chapter of the unsealed books until we finished reading it just by visiting bookstores. We always get this annoyed looks from the staff because we always hang out in their stations but those looks didn't bother us. Hahaha!

As I grew older and received more demanding responsibilities at school and life in general, the number of books I read in a month declined. Sad to say, I only read 18 books last year. When this year started, I planned to double the numbers of those books and I want to kick myself for not fulfilling even half of it! It's October now and I've only read 13 new books out of the 36 books in my goal. Ugh, it's so annoying!

2011 Reading Challenge

Gene has read 13 books toward her goal of 36 books.

hide

13 of 36 (36%)

view books

That doesn't mean I'm not reading though. I am in fact addicted to *whisper*fanfiction*whisper*. Some of the stories I've read are so well written that the writers made a move and publish their own stories commercially. I am yet to buy some of those stories but I will have to order those from US because those are not readily available in the local bookstores.

And because I am not in the mood to learn new characters yet, I am re-reading one of my favorite book series: Guild Hunter by Nalini Singh.

Should I make a separate blog for the books I read? It might encourage me in reading more books before the year ends. Hmnnn, we'll see...

Term Papers For Free

Have you been to college?

Are you going to college?

Chances are, if you answer yes to any of the two questions, you will be looking forward to writing your own term paper.

Every college student goes to a process of creating his or her own term paper. Whatever the course you are going to take or are taking, the term paper makes the professor know somehow that the student understands what he or she is pointing out. It takes time, effort, research and a lot of hard work to be able to write a meaningful and believable term paper.

While it may be easy for some to write their own, it will be quite difficult for others. It is simply because of the different take of one's ability to such. Some people are keen to understand and execute while others take time because they are slow thinkers. Slow thinkers, though, usually mean that their focus is on something else artistic. Writing is not their strength. They may understand but it takes quite slower than the others.

What, then, is the solution for these slow thinkers? Did you know that there are term papers for free available over the internet? All you have to do is to read and review what it says so that somehow you can internalize what the term paper is all about and make it a part of your own psyche.

Happy Birthday Google!

Mr. Know-it-all is celebrating his birthday today! Happy birthday Google!

Read Google Wikipedia page to know more about its history.

It's raining. So yeah, too lazy to make a blog post. ;p

Ways to De-stress

Busy, busy, busy days. Don't you wish we can easily go on a vacation with just a a snap of our fingers to destress? Sadly, we can't. Especially in this -ber season when we are all preparing to work hard in our home and offices so we can relax in time for Christmastime. But that's four long months of all work and no play? I don't think so. This mom will go crazy, that's for sure!

As for me, I find simple ways to destress in the middle of my busy days.

Find a quiet corner and read a good book. Not only does a good book relaxes you but it also helps your mind learn new words or travel places without actually having to go out of the comfort of your own home.

Have some tea time with your girlfriends. Or even coffee or a cold beverage drink. Regardless of your drink preference, the important thing here is to bond with your girls and talk about what goes on in your lives.

Attend a Tomatina Fight. I know, I know. This is a bit different. But what better way to release your repressed aggression is through a Tomatina. You have an excuse to throw things at each other, tomatoes in particular. It's fun, very much legal and the tomatoes are good for the skin too!

 

Photo byGraham McLellan, on Flickr

La Tomatina is a festival that originated in Valencia, a small town in Buñol, Spain, in which the participants throw tomatoes at each other.

So how do you destress in your busy days?

Sulit High 5 Giveaway

Sulit.com.ph is celebrating their 5 year anniversary for being the leading online classified ads and buy and sell website in the Philippines. They are giving away 5 iPad2 16GB Wi-Fi units and a free trip for 5 to Boracay!

I am crossing my fingers for the iPad2 unit!

Sulit.com.ph Buy and Sell

Join the Sulit High 5 Raffle!

The rules are simple: Make a post about the giveaway and wear the Sulit High 5 badge in your blog. That's it!

Click on the badge above for more details and to submit your entries.

Lucky September

September has been really good to me. Hubby and I received good news about his work. Let's just say that we will be having a wonderful Christmas. I'm so proud of you hubby! Mwah!

Enough of my cheesiness (is that even a word, oh yeah, it is). The reason why it's a lucky September for me is because I won cool prizes from three giveaways! I won from these generous and beautiful bloggers:

The Pinay Blogger's 3rd Year Anniversary Reader Giveaway.

• $20 cash
• a Php 1,500 Worth of Photo service at Shutterbugz Studio – Use as many vouchers as you need.

Thank you so much Jade!

The Food and Travel Buff's Biogesic Gift Pack

• Biogesic 8s pack
• Biogesic female shirt
• Biogesic Immortal Tumbler

 Thank you so much Divine!

Big Beautiful and Fabulous's Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Day and Night Cream Giveaway.

Thank you so much Mommy Dharlz!

I really love the Pinay Mommies Community because I am surrounded by loving and generous people. And now, the founder of Pinay Mommies, Mommy Ruby recently launched a new blog and is giving away $10 to three lucky bloggers! And I'm crossing my fingers and wishing to my lucky stars that I also win this new giveaway from Wandering Thoughts. What are you waiting for? Visit her blog now and follow the simple mechanics to join the giveaway.

Harry Potter Experience, In One Word

The beauty of the flower

By plucking her petals, you do not gather the beauty of the flower.
- Rabindranath Tagore

Sadly, daughter was influenced by kids at home to pluck these flowers. They are such a beauty amongst all the concrete surrounding our place.

Get 20,000 in cash, a digital camera, and a year's supply of Schick Razors just for looking great!#ultimateschicklook

Get 20,000 in cash, a digital camera, and a year's supply of Schick Razors just for looking great!#ultimateschicklook

A Beginner’s Guide on Digital SLR Photography

There is a sudden boom in the public interests of digital photography. What used to be a professional gadget is now as common as point and shoot camera. With the wide selection of DSLR cameras today, how can you determine of you are about to make the right gadget choice?

Now DSLR cameras are expensive, hence you don’t want to throw your hard earned money to waste by buying a camera that is hard to learn and complicated for a beginner. If you only intend to learn photography as a hobby it will be better to settle for a user-friendly model rather than an advanced one.

Having a digital SLR camera is only the beginning as you would need more tools and accessories to come up with amazing pictures. Know your terms such as the ISO settings and different lenses. Familiarize yourself with the features of your camera by searching for some tutorials and learning a thing or two. This is the best way to gain information without having to pay unlike in a formal photography school with the number of sites and forums offering tutorials and information you can be self-taught in no time.

Learn picture editing with the help of software like Photoshop. No need to spend hours fixing pictures, with just a few mouse clicks you can quickly fix its lighting. It is also very important to know your subject and the concept that you are going for in every shot. Have fun and let your imagination run wild, do not over think about angles or camera positions. Remember that photography is as its best when it is random and unrehearsed.

Clare currently works as a freelance writer. Among her favorite topics include travel, current events, technology and fashion. She's enjoying her current task writing for Hypothyroidism Diet. 

Pasko sa Agosto - A Giveaway Caravan

Filipinos love celebrating the Christmas. As soon as the -ber month hits it won't be long before you hear Christmas music, see Christmas decorations and planning gifts for our friends and families. Aside from summer days, Christmas is the most anticipated vacation we all look forward to.

With the brilliant minds of the creator and founding members of Pinay Mommies Community, they created a giveaway caravan for the month of August. We are sharing the love to our fellow Filipinos and as a thank you for our dear readers.

Pasko sa Agosto is almost a month long giveaway. Starting from August 10, 2011 and ends on August 31, 2011. As I am typing this, there are 24 Filipino bloggers listed giving away different prizes in all shapes and sizes. From stuffed toy to beauty essentials, even cash prizes! The best thing about this giveaway is you only need to be a reader of their blogs for a chance to win the prizes.

Just so you know, I am one of those bloggers hosting a giveaway. If you want to win the products below, then click on the image so re-direct you to my contest page in my lifestyle blog Late Bloomer Blog.

What are you waiting for? Nothing to lose, click on the giveaway link and get the chance to win fabulous prizes!

Starting To Get Fit

With the internet habit, especially with the way I am always glued to the computer, more people like me tend to sit and stay seated for long hours. I can't help it. Computers and being connected had become a part of my everyday life. It has been said that "being connected" is the alternative to being couch potatoes. I've read that if I continue this habit, it would soon cause some disorder in my body and probably kill me too! That's kind of morbid. I love my life and if I want to live a longer happy life I need to get out of this computer chair and start moving. I try to eat a healthy diet but I really think exercising will help me big time. Especially if I want to get rid of the flabs starting to form in my stomach. Eek!

 

They say that exercising is the way to a good life and by not doing so I am just depriving myself of a good life and a happy future. It doesn't take a sports psychology degree to know fitness programs are essential. It's never to late to start now.

Now, where to start... I know it's not advisable to just follow the exercise instructions found online. I still think that it's best to get advice from a personal trainer with good certification or an experienced friend. 

 

I'm off for now. Will do some stretching and walking around the house.

10 Tips When Introducing Exercise Into Your Daily Routine

Exercise is a fundamental part of healthy living, but we must be diligent about how we approach it. These tips can allow you to introduce it in the most effective way possible and always protect your health.

1. Decide upon a routine: As you think about exercise in your life be sure that you consider what sort of routine you would like. This can include a variety of classes, visits to the gym, activities that you can do at home or even outdoors. Be sure that you incorporate a variety of activities and decide upon a routine that will work well for you individually.
2. Set a schedule for yourself and make your workouts appointments that you can’t miss: Your workouts need to become a regular fixture in your life. The only way that is going to happen is if you allow yourself to schedule them into your calendar as any other type of appointment. You must put emphasis on the regularity and therefore the exercise needs to be part of your regular schedule.
3. Learn to create a well balanced regimen for yourself: Though you may think that focusing on cardio or strength training individually can help, you do want to mix it up. Challenge your body and keep it guessing by incorporating a balanced regimen that will pull in all types of exercise regularly.
4. Allow yourself time to make regular exercise a habit for you: They say that to develop or get rid of any habit you need to give it about a month. Be patient with yourself as you work through the aches and pains and try to accomplish what you want to. It will become habit but you have to be dedicated and diligent about your approach.
5. Try new exercises and learn to incorporate a wide array of types: Don’t limit yourself to just the treadmill. Try a class that you have never done before or hit the weights to try something new. There are so many different types of exercise out there and if you want the best results then you need to mix it up a bit.

McCafe Free Coffee

Get a FREE cup of 8 oz. McCafe Premium Roast Coffee from August 8 to 12, 2011 at any McDonald's breakfast store from 4:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Simply present the "free coffee" coupon at any McDonald's breakfast store at the times and dates mentions above. Free coffee coupons will be distributed by McDonald's crews starting August 5 in selected locations so be on the look out for them!

Texture Tuesday - Dream

First time joining Texture Tuesday.

I don’t have any decent photographs recently so I’m using this old photo of me circa 2007 taken by my friend Pusa in Little Tokyo, Makati City.

I Like Qwerty Giveaway

So who wants to win a brand new Alcatel One Touch 355D? Me, of course!

Bloggityboop is giving away this cellphone as a thank you to her blog readers. Click the image below for more info.

This contest is brought to you by: Mommy’s Infodose, Food Fashion, and Beauty Blog, Music, Movies, Stars, A Bloggerette’s Online Adventure, Day Dreaming Mommy, Shoppinay, Mommy Survival Guide.

Open to anyone who has a valid Philippine address, a valid email address and a real Facebook account. Prize will be shipped by the contest host. Giveaway runs from July 26 to September 7, 2011. Winners will be announced on September 9, 2011.

Google Doodle: Alexander Calder

Today in Google Doodle is a tribute to Alexander Calder. 

Alexander Calder was born on July 22, 1898. He was an American sculptor and artist. Calder was famously known for inventing mobile sculptures. In addition to that, he also made paintings, lithographs, toys, tapestry, jewelry and household objects.

Mobile sculpture was invented in 1931. A mobile is a type of kinetic sculpture constructed to take advantage of the principle of equilibrium. It consists of a number of rods, from which weighted objects or further rods hang. (Source: Mobile Wikipedia) Mobiles are popularly used in nurseries, usually hanged over the cribs to entertain and give visual stimulation to infants. 

An elegantly simple red and black mobile in the style of Alexander Calder.
The design, called Flowing Rhythm (red), is by Flensted Mobiles (http://www.flensted-mobiles.com/start.html) of Denmark.
Photograph by: Andrew Dunn © 5 September 2004

Google Today: Gregor Mendel

In Google today features the birth of Gregor Mendel.

Gregor Johann Mendel, born on July 20, 1822, was a Czech-German Augustinian friar and scientist. While working with pea plants he discovered that by cross breeding them some characteristics are inherited and passed on from generation to generation. Without the knowledge of DNA, he developed two laws of heredity which became the basis of modern genetics. 

Gregor Mendel is also known as the father of modern genetics. 

Think Before You Click

Social network has become part of the everyday life of the modern Filipino. But does anyone know the dos and don'ts of dealing with social media? With my observation among friends in the internet, I still see a handful of people who doesn't know the proper etiquette in using social media.

Think before you speak. An old adage that we seem to forget at this time and age. Even if you did not voiced out those thoughts, it's as good as speaking the thought yourself by clicking that "Like" button.

GMA 7's new campaign reminds us that we still hold a responsibility to everything we post online. Whether we create a post on our own or simply liking that post, think first before you click.

Thoughts for the Future

It's been a hectic week for me. With an active toddler running around the house that always needs attention, this mom cannot find the right time to finish all of her tasks. Even if I wanted to just close the door in the room to find some quiet time is not possible. Apparently, you can't ignore the world outside your room even if there is a physical barrier between you and the little tot. Don't get me wrong, I love my kid. She is my life and the reason why I work so hard. But the constant pitter patter of little feet and calls for mommy is just too much sometimes. Especially when I’m in the middle of processing ideas in my head.

It made me wonder how my parents got through it. There were five of us with a 2 year age gap in between. It’s like they’ve been caring for toddlers in the house all their life. It must have been total chaos when we were younger.

Now that they are at their retirement age, I wonder what would make them more comfortable in the future. Living around noisy toddlers again or have something similar to Denver Assisted Living. Personally, I am scared of that future. But for now I’ll savor my time with my parents and perhaps let them all be noisy with the little one without worries of responsibilities.

Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs for 2011

With all my blogging years, I’ve been seeing these influential blogs badge all over the internet. I thought, it’s just a simple tag/blog meme that bloggers usually do. This year, I became aware of what it’s all about. 

I decided to make a list for this year and join the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2011 Writing Project. I have met so many bloggers this year, some I’ve met personally and some even inspired me in one way or another. Obviously I can’t vote for all of them. But here’s my top 10 for those who qualified in Ms. Janette Toral’s criteria.

Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2011

The Tottering Mama - http://www.totteringmama.com

One of my favorite blogs to visit. I have so many things in common with this mommy blogger. Olga and I live in the same city and we both have toddlers. But the huge difference is how she handles her two toddlers. I have a toddler and I feel like going crazy sometimes but not this strong woman. I learned a lot from her, especially her ways of handling and educating her little tots.

Certified Foodies - http://www.certifiedfoodies.com

The blog name says it all. I mean, who doesn’t like food? Every post makes my mouth water. Not to mention the free recipes they post are so easy to follow.

My Green Living Ideas - http://www.mygreenlivingideas.com

I’m an advocate of green living but I don’t post much about it. This blog however is filled with ideas on how one can start to live in a more environment friendly manner.

Mommy Survival - http://mommysurvival.info

This blog is a lifesaver. As a new mom, there are so many things I am yet to learn and most of them are so hard to deal with. Mommy Survival is filled with informational blog posts on how to deal with issues mommies usually encounter with their kids.

Notepad Corner - http://www.notepadcorner.com

Learn from experience, ika nga. And that’s how I view this blog. I learned from Mommy Joy’s experience. Her blog Notepad Corner is filled with tried and tested mommy tricks. I sure do learn a lot from her blog posts.

The Journalistic View's Birthday Giveaway

Another giveaway! This is a fun month for giveaway lovers out there. And that includes me.

You see, Divine of The Journalistic View will be celebrating her birthday on July 17th. And with the help of her generous friends, they sponsored this birthday giveaway to her readers.

As she said in her blog:

Every week, different mechanics. Don’t worry, they are so simple. I created different spreadsheets for each draw. You can join any raffle at any time, just fill up the appropriate forms. This is open for Philippine participants only. If you are in abroad but have relatives or friends in the Philippines, you can join too! However, the winner of our grand prize need to meet up with me. I can’t take the risk of loosing the gift.

All you have to do is follow the simple rules and you will be included in the raffle.

The prizes are:

Week 1: For the raffle draw on July 10, one winner will receive P500 worth of SM gift card from Karen and P500 worth of Rustan’s gift certificate from Ning! 

Week 2: For the raffle draw on July 17, one winner will receive a bag of goodies from Earth! She’s so generous and I bet she will add more! Hahaha!

Week 3: For the raffle draw on July 24, one winner will receive a solar charger and $10 via Paypal!

For the grand draw on July 31, be the top commenter of the month to win our major prize! Please comment at least two sentences. You can now start commenting on The Journalistic View until July 31, 11:59pm. The lucky winner will be announced on August 1. This contest is also open to non-bloggers.

Join Pinay WAHMS’ $800 Birthday Giveaway!

Wow! Bongang-bongang birthday giveaway are being held right now by three wonderful Filipina work-at-home moms. They will be celebrating their birthdays on July 25, 26 and 27 and they decided to celebrate it by making a combined birthday contest. And the bongang-bongang prize? A total of $800 worth of cash and prizes!

GENEROUS CONTEST SPONSORS:

Baguio Girl · Filipina Blogger · Places and Plates · Vector Dad · Pinay Mommy Blogger · Tsinay Travels

Expressions and Thoughts · Delight My Appetite · Me, Myself and Jes · Fishy Talks · Oh Gosh Gulay · Mommy's InfoDose · Advocating Breastfeeding · The Oblepias Family Blog · Gowns and Heels · Nshima Servings · transforMAYtion · Pinay Mama · The Bloggers Journal · A Network of Entertainment · ZoWanderer · LEVYousa · {cherry} everyday · Dreamworld Traveler · Samut Sari Etsy Store · Her and History · Beauty and Fashion Diva · Mye de Leon · I Embrace Life · From Asia and Beyond · Jared's Little Corner · My Tots Exactly · Barbie Dress Up Games · Written by Mys · Hands Full of Life · The Life Encounters

Now you know why I’m so excited right now.

If you're environment-conscious like me, then Green is a shoo-in! Who are you voting for? #mmcharacterelections

If you're environment-conscious like me, then Green is a shoo-in! Who are you voting for? #mmcharacterelections

Una makes me feel like levitating

Official entry to Levy's Levytate and Win a Total of $500 Worth of Cash and Prizes.

Levy's huge contest is coming to an end by the end of this month. I've been neglecting this for the past weeks but I'm glad that I still have the chance to join the contest and be eligible for the grand prize. Anyway, Levy wanted us to answer this question:

"What are the things/situations that would make you feel like levitating?"

There are so many important things that I wanted to post here but I'm not sure where to start.

Was it the time when I first saw that two pink lines in a pregnancy test home kit?

I was ecstatic but didn't dare try jumping in our cramped bathroom.

Was it when I gave birth to a perfectly healthy little girl?

Oh, believe me I would if I wasn't high from anesthesia when I first woke up.

I honestly cannot pin point that moment when I actually feel like soaring with happiness.

Levytate and win a total of $500!

I should have posted this weeks ago but I was a bit busy with something else and somehow neglected to post this contest.

Anyway, Levy of Living Life to the Fullest and her wonderful sponsors have saved up at total of $500 worth of cash and prizes for the contest winners. Yeah, you got that right, 500 dollars!

This contest is open to both bloggers and non-bloggers so click on that cute badge above to know more about the contest mechanics and have the chance to be one of the lucky winners.

If you are a blogger, you only have until the 30th of June to submit your entries so go write, write, write now!

Neil Patrick Harris' 2011 Tony Awards Opening Number

Bull Runner's Bestfriend - Samsung Galaxy Tab

Samsung Galaxy Tab Life 2.0 helps Bull Runner Jaymie Pizarro balance her family life and active lifestyle as a runner and graphic designer.

Google Friend Connect not working? Here's a solution!

Is Google Friend Connect being a brat lately? I know, it frustrates me too.

Well here's one of the possible solutions that can solve Google Friend Connect's disappearing act these days.

I found this code while reading the help forum in Google and it worked as soon as I inserted it into my template.

HOW TO:

Copy the script below and paste it under the <head> tag of your template then save.

<script>
window.JSON = {
parse: function(st){
return st.evalJSON();
},
stringify: function(obj){
return Object.toJSON(obj);
}
};
</script>

Viola! There's your Google Friend Connect.

I think we just broke the magician's code. Thanks to this wonderful script.

Super 8 Movie Trailer

Something to look forward to this month. Super 8 movie, written and directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg!

In 1979 the United States Air Force shuts down a portion of Area 51 and ships the material stored at the decommissioned site by rail to an undisclosed but secure location in Ohio. In the fictional town of Lillian, Ohio, a group of teenagers are making a movie with a Super 8 mm film camera when they witness a train crash. They suspect it was not an accident. There are disappearances and unexplained events around town, and the local deputy investigates the cause of the events leading to the discovery of something inhuman.

- Super 8 Wikipedia

Dan Newlin

For years Attorney Dan Newlin served Central Florida as an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy.  During that time, he encountered many automobile and motorcycle accidents.  Many of the accidents involved drivers or passengers who were severely injured, and some even killed.  It was during this time that Dan first encountered the manner in which insurance companies often handle these catastrophic injuries, including such tactics and showing up at the hospital or accident scene in an attempt to quickly settle claims without allowing time for a victim to seek out legal assistance.

Google Today: Les Paul

I love Google's current doodle today!

 

Today's Google doodle of an interactive guitar is a tribute to Les Paul's 96th birthday! He was born on June 9, 1915.

If you go over Google today and hover on the the string of the doodle, you can create beautiful guitar strums.

Born Lester William Polsfuss, he was very well known to guitar enthusiasts. He was the man behind the development of solid-body electric guitar. Aside for being an inventor he was also an American jazz and country guitarist and songwriter.

In 1940, Les Paul built an innovative guitar called The Log. It was on of the first solid-body electric guitar. He then approached Gibson Guitar Corporation with his guitar idea, though initially they showed no interest on his design, their partnership continued until 1961. 

When sales started to decline, Gibson changed his design without his knowledge. Les Paul didn't like it but have no choice but to pose with the guitar since he was under contract. He then said that it was not his designed instrument and requested Gibson to remove his name from the headstock.

A few years later, the original Gibson Les Paul guitar design regained its popularity when Eric Clapton started using it. Les Paul then again endorsed the original Gibson Les Paul. 

In 1962, Les Paul received the patent from US Patend and Trademark Office, Patent No. 3,018,680, for an "Electrical Music Instrument."

At the age of 92, Les Paul died with of complications from pneumonia.

Goodbye Chedeng

I can finally breathe now that Typhoon Chedeng will be out of Philippines area of responsibility.

According to ANCAlerts via Twitter” PAGASA: Typhoon Chedeng will be out of PH area of responsibility by Monday morning.

As of 9pm today, DOST-PAGASA released the satellite image below of Typhoon Chedeng, the center was located 100 km ESE of Basco Batanes.

On finding inspiration

I have been so uninspired recently. With the cold gloomy weather, I cannot even go out of the house. All I want is to curl up in my bed, drink some tea and watch bad drama on the telly.

Where do you get your inspiration?

As for me, I love walking aimlessly in downtown Manila. I used to do that when I was still in the University and living with my parents. There is so much more to see in a busy commercial street that people often disregard. I long ago moved out of Manila and have no easy access to its busy streets. But I still have my occasional walk while window shopping and collecting well made rack card printing in mall establishments. I especially love rack cards found in bookstores and coffee shops.

Since it was a rainy week, I did some edits in the photographs I collected last month instead. I found this little flower along the sidewalk of Camp Aguinaldo.

As you can see, we can find inspiration everywhere. All we need is a keen eyesight and a little thinking out of the box.

Found anything inspirational these days?

tree + sky

Last month, we visited hubby’s brother in Camp Aguinaldo. It was a beautiful day and the sky was clear.

While I was taking this photo, all I can think about is how I wish I was in a beach that day. I still have those thoughts as I was typing this.

BC Bloggers Secret

Earlier last year, Paula of Mommy Diary created the BC Bloggers Secret to help fellow bloggers connect with one another despite the busy schedule. I was part of the first batch and really appreciate all the hard work Paula put into this wonderful brain child of hers.

To make things more interesting, she recently launch BC Bloggers Meme where bloggers can join and share their blogging secrets that can be useful for other bloggers, too.

This week’s question is:

“What is one tool, tip, secret (or whatever it may be) that you have discovered  that has helped you in your blogging and would like to share to others?”

My answer is Windows Live Writer.

I discovered this wonderful program while I was bored and looking at all the programs installed in our laptop. I was so glad I was curious that time. Windows Live Writer helped me a lot in my blogging, especially when updating multiple blogs. It’s like a one stop shop. You don’t have to sign in to different blogging platforms every time you make a blog post. Register your blogs and then bam, blogging in a breeze. You can easily insert photos, add hyperlinks and change format. But the selling point for me is the easy preview option because there are certain way I like my blogs to be posted. Yes, I am a weird OC like that.

The sponsors of this informative meme are:

Paula’s Place | Wahm sa Pinas | Happy Thoughts | Dadedidodu
Handy Views | Chromatic Note

Google Friend Connect Down

Another issue Google?

Click the image on the left to view larger.

As you can see in my blog, all that is left with Google Friend Connect is a blank space. I thought it was another Blogger issue but when I went to my other blogs not hosted in Blogger, I saw the same blank space.

No news yet as to what is going on with the Friend Connect widgets.

Maybe another server update?

Whatever it is, let’s just hope that everything will work out well and our followers intact.

Thoughts on going back to school

In less than three weeks, school will start again. Yet, here I am again still not enrolled to any university. I stopped schooling when I was already in my fourth year of my bachelor’s degree and decided to work in a call center instead. But I got tired of being a corporate slave so I decided to go back to school. It’s been three years now since I left work and I have been contemplating since then if I should go back to school or not.

There are many options out there to finish my education. I can still enroll myself in a traditional school but with the number of years that I was out of the university, they told me that I have to take an entrance exam again. Apart from traditional schooling, there is an option for Open University. It is like being homeschooled but I have to do it on my own and will be required to go to school during exams. The third and easiest option is to earn bachelor degree online. But with so many options of online schools out there, I’m not really sure where to start.

I really wish I could finish my bachelor degree before my daughter starts her education. She’s already two years old and I still haven’t decided yet what’s the best option to finish my degree.

panda cellphone charm

I have a new cellphone charm!

If you haven’t notice yes then yes, I lurve panda! One reason why I waste so much time browsing Tumblr is because of their panda entries. I can get lost with everything panda (and food) in that website. It’s so addicting.

If you have a Tumblr account and doesn’t mind looking at panda and food then follow me at http://geneinthebattle.tumblr.com

Is Blogger really back?

I can’t say for sure. After days of downtime and some problems with deleted blog posts and template changes we can’t really tell for sure.

According to Blogger Buzz:

During scheduled maintenance work Wednesday night, we experienced some data corruption that impacted Blogger’s behavior. Since then, bloggers and readers may have experienced a variety of anomalies including intermittent outages, disappearing posts, and arriving at unintended blogs or error pages. – Read more in Blogger is back

I’ve been contemplating of moving this blog to Wordpress.

gene + experiments is my longest blog under Blogger and I was having second thoughts. Was being the operative word. With the recent server issues with Blogger, I really can’t say for sure. One thing I am sure of is that I am being an OC in terms of backing up my blogs.

If you are a Blogger user and haven’t done so, it’s easy as 1-2-3.

Go to Settings (Basic) >> Export Blog >> Download

How about you fellow Blogger users, are you staying or are you moving out?

The Bebeng Aftermath

A terrible view welcomed us when we had our walk in Marikina Riverbanks yesterday.

As the title say, here is what is left of the Marikina River. (click the images to view larger)

Notice the green part of the river banks, the water should be up to there. Now it’s filled with mud and garbage.

Piles of mud, garbage and water plants.

The lower stairs of the amphitheater.

Direction going to Marikina River Park filled with mud.

Still we are so thankful that this is just the damage of Typhoon Bebeng. We are so thankful that we didn’t experience another Ondoy. It’s almost two years now yet I still fear the possibility of high flood during typhoon.

Google Today: Martha Graham

Today is the celebration of Marth Graham's 117th birthday and Google is featuring her for this day's doodle.

According to Wikipedia:

Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was an American dancer choreographer regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance, whose influence on dance can be compared to the influence Stravinsky had on music, Picasso had on the visual arts, or Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture.

It's an animated doodle so make sure to visit Google today to see how it works.

Krispy Kreme helps Japan

 

Not only are you going to enjoy tasty treats but a part of the amount you spend on a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts will help raise fund for the Japan Red Cross.

happy mother's day

no matter where you are, remember what your mother's sacrificed for you.

Google Today: Earth Day

I just can't resist. They have this cute presentation in Google.

It's Earth Day today and at the same time Good Friday. I'm not supposed to blog this week but like I said, I can't resist. The panda is just adorable. And as you know me, I love panda! If you would only visit Google, you'll see that the waterfalls is animated. Wish I could capture it though.

For now, I'm signing off. See you all next week.

one wall, one world

During our recent walk along the Marikina Riverbanks, I spotted these walls. These walls are painted by One Wall, One World, an environmental advocacy team from Boysen KNOxOUT. Their goal is to paint the walls with this new product to clean air.

How It Works
Boysen KNOxOUT contains photocatalytic titanium dioxide, (TiO2), which upon exposure to light, transforms ordinary water vapor to free radicals that break down NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the two components of smog.

Harmful NOx gas is converted to nitric acid that is rapidly neutralized by alkaline calcium carbonate particle in the paint, producing harmless quantities of calcium nitrate and negligible amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water.

Click on the Panda to know more about the One wall, One world environmental advocacy.

My first entry to Green Mondays. Click the badge on the left to see the other entries.

BF/GF McDonald's Commercial

This commercial from McDonald's is so adorable!

Someday, our own vacation home.

We are only given one chance to live this life to the fullest that is why we should learn how to make the best out of it. This kind of thought is often forgotten or neglected by many. This is because of work, too much work I say. People spend so long on work that sometimes they forget to live a life, they forget to have a life until they find it too late. When they find out that they have neglected other aspects of life, they are already at retiring age, at the twilight of their lives.

But one can always catch up. Even though you are on the verge of retiring or already retiring now, you can still have fun. You can do so by catching up on some vacations and going on a long trip. Vacation houses are always around so you can go check them out online or on site, whichever you prefer. These vacation houses are perfectly located, ideal for retirees to have fun with their loved ones and family. Among the most recommended places a retiree should visit is Poconos and check out some vacation rentals in Poconos, PA. Depending on the season you go for a visit, you can indulge on the white snows or cool mountain breeze. One visit or two may even convince you to buy a house there. If so, you should check out Big Bass Lake homes for sale on the internet. Besides, settling down here is never a bad thought or option. Perhaps it is about time you get yourself a peace of mind and simply enjoy the beauty and wonders of Poconos and the rest of Pennsylvania.

Earth Hour 2011

March 26th 2011 marked the day of the Earth Hour and a lot of earth lovers participated in this worldwide yearly event. Everyone is encouraged to turn off their lights on 830 pm to 930 pm, local time. Did you turn off your lights?

image credit: blackberryempire.com

In my own small way, I decided not just to turn off my lights on Earth Hour but I decided to not my laptop for the whole day. If you know me well, you will know that it was not an easy feat for me. I am far too attached and addicted to my laptop and the internet. DK was suprised to see me not using my laptop when he woke up.

All I can think of are all positive effects. I saved electricity for a whole day in my own small way and I was able to finish two books! If I am always online and connected, I will never have the time to finish all those books in my reading list. 

So what did you on Earth Hour?

to print or not to print

You probably know by now the mishap that happened to our laptop last year when our hard disk drive crashed. I was not able to keep a copy of the photographs I have stored in there. I have been planning for months that I would compile it all into photo books and digital prints but I keep on dilly-dallying and before I knew it, it's already too late.

With all the printing companies left and right, I cannot decide where to have it printed, not to mention that we have a working printer in our home. But since I wanted to keep those photos for a long time, I wanted my photographs to be printed by the professionals.

I know printing is not the only option available out there to secure the copies of my photos. Obviously, creating a back-up copy of files is a must but as you all know, I am procrastinating most of the time so I always forget to back-up my files. It would have saved me a lot of heartaches if I did that in the first place. Some friends suggested that I upload my photos to online photo albums. 

A lot of options to think of, makes me wonder if I should do all three instead.

Do you print your photographs or upload them to an online photo album?

who is gene?

Hi there. Welcome to my first domain!

Sorry for the pajama photoshoot (lol) My brother didn't upload our photo yesterday and my recent solo photo was months ago so I have to improvise.

In case you haven't figured out yet, my name is Gene and welcome to my experiment blog. It didn't occur to me that my blog name would cause confusion in terms of searching it online. You know, gene, dna and experiments. Sounds like a blog of an evil scientist playing with living organism. Made me wonder once if I should change it. Nah, this is a part of me that I do not want to erase.

beautiful dawn

Nothing is normal in our household. A daddy in night shift, a nocturnal mommy and *gasp* a nocturnal baby? It baffles me that my toddler would be awake in the middle of the night to play just when I was about to go to sleep. And she doesn't do it quietly. Just the other day when it was daddy's day off, she was in the mood to wake every person in the household with her loud crying and insisted on opening the lights so she can play.

This time she stayed awake till dawn. Since it was almost morning, daddy decided to go for a walk. Sort of exercise, his opinion not mine. I think it was a father-daughter tandem thing way of torturing me. It's cold and I have no sleep yet. All I wanted was to sleep in our soft bed under the warmth of downy comforters. But my two favorite persons said otherwise and majority wins in our party, so we walked.

With that walk comes this lovely shade of blue dawn. I took a photo and realized their decision no longer annoyed me inspite of semi-freezing my legs with the morning chill. Our morning walk and the beautiful dawn inspired me to read about online degree programs, particularly the Devry University review.

People Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake

News updates about the tsunami worldwide: CNN



For those who are looking for their friends or family in Japan, Google created an application where you can search their whereabouts.

Go to this website: People Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake

Let us all pray for the safety of everyone. 

New McDelivery Commercial

Lookie, lookie. McDonald's just released two commercials for their McDelivery.

We tried their service once last year and we have mixed feelings about it. For one, it took a while for them to respond to our order inquiry, that is just to confirm our order and a lot longer waiting time before the order arrived. Looks like our area is assigned to a different store (Katipunan branch) even though we are literally only 10 minutes away from their Eastwood branch.

It's not all bad though. Our order was still warm when we received it (which was quite a surprise) and we were billed exactly as we expected so it's all good I suppose.

With the new interface, I hope they have already shortened the delivery time and assign their delivery areas efficiently. If you frequently order online, McDelivery now offers a registration in their website where you can save you address details for future orders.

Safeguard handwashing campaign

Curious about this tissue?

Click the image to know the story behind the new Safeguard hand washing campaign.

8 of 52

{ monday ritual } 52 weeks, 52 mondays, one photograph.

Google Today: Constantin Brâncuşi

Constantin Brâncuşi (Romanian pronunciation: [konstanˈtin brɨnˈkuʃʲ]; February 19, 1876 – March 16, 1957) was a Romanian-born sculptor who made his career in France. As a child he displayed an aptitude for carving wooden farm tools. Formal studies took him first to Bucharest, then to Munich, then to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His abstract style emphasizes clean geometrical lines that balance forms inherent in his materials with the symbolic allusions of representational art. Famous Brâncuşi works include the Sleeping Muse (1908), The Kiss (1908), Prometheus (1911), Mademoiselle Pogany (1913), The Newborn (1915), Bird in Space (1919) and The Column of the Infinite (Coloana infinitului), popularly known as The Endless Column (1938). Brâncuşi is considered a pioneer of modernism.

- Wikipedia

If Constantin Brancusi is still living, he's 135 years old today.

The Kiss

Image credit: Shaun Higson