SHOCKING PHOTO: 50 Cent Loses 50 Lbs.

via people.com

Whoa! Playing a cancer-stricken role in his upcoming movie, 50 Cent went on a strict liquid diet and exercise for two months. This is how he looks like now. Read his story.

Posted via web from Born 1973

NOW READING: The Dip by Seth Godin

via amazon.com

You can never go wrong reading Seth Godin's books. It's small, handy, and yes - insightful. I held the book at a popular bookstore in Bonifacio Global City and started chomping on it like there's no tomorrow. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish it because it's not right reading it without actually buying it. "What really sets superstars apart from everyone else is the ability to escape dead ends quickly, while staying focused and motivated when it really counts." - there are those options we can do in life but there's only one thing that we should be doing in life. This is really intriguing and I can't wait to go back and...er... buy the book. It's Php550 and it's worth being in my virtual shelf. Yep, I'm praying for one. Read on.

Posted via web from Born 1973

The Dip by Seth Godin

Ernie really comes up with some winners here: Dips, Dead Ends, Joyrides, Lotteries, and Quests � iHack, therefore iBlog.

Here's a taste:

Joyrides are things you do just for the fun of it, without caring if you’re getting anywhere. Seth himself said (roughly) that “if you play the flute just because you enjoy it, not because you’re trying to make a living as a flautist, then The Dip doesn’t matter.” It is worth noting that for some people college is Joyride, not a Dip!

Lotteries are a particularly seductive variant of Dead End that looks like a Dip, in that we periodically see people who do make it out into the Good Life.  Unlike a Dip, though, there is nothing we can do to ensure we make it through to the other side; we are at the mercy of external forces. Thus, even thought there is a non-zero chance we might win the Lottery, for most of us it really is a Dead End, and a complete waste of our potential for greatness. This is particularly true for Talent- (rather than Skill-) based disciplines, where the Lottery took place before we were born.

Quests, on the other hand, are Dips that look like Dead Ends. Seth encourages us to pursue Dips where we can make measurable progress towards a well-defined goal. However, he admits that this doesn’t apply to things like cutting-edge scientific research, where there there are no guarantees or guidelines; fortunately, he says people like that won’t be discouraged by anything he says in his book.  :-)

However, I think he overstates the case when he says Quests (like Crick & Watson’s search for DNA) don’t have measurable progress.  They do, but it is a matter of personal growth and accumulated wisdom, not the usual business metrics.  Even though we may not reach what we thought we were aiming for, a worthy Quest enobles us and ends up benefiting humanity.

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via sethgodin.typepad.com

Posted via web from Bad Media

Willie: Resignation, Wowowee, and playing god?

It is no secret that the program "Wowowee," for almost five and a half years, has been the core of my existence. The program gives me a sense of purpose because I make people happy and I give them hope that, despite their difficulties, they can make things happen for themselves.

via pep.ph

Wowowee host, Willie Revillame, is seen to be exiting the popular noontime show of network giant, ABS-CBN. It will be remembered that the host put ABS-CBN in the spot by asking the management to choose between a radio entertainment host and him. The sadder part though is not his exit but his thought that he could play god to the people joining the show by giving "them hope." I wonder what person like this think by giving less privileged citizens of this nation money and making people rely on them instead of filling people with value like dignity, respect, and honor? Money will indeed blind you and it's sad that he already professed that his life revolving on a temporal matter instead of something that will give him more in life - say, The Bible. Move on, Mr. Revillame. There's more to life than material things and money. I hope you will be able to see joy beyond the money you enjoy.

Posted via web from Bad Media

Do we have a minority president?

With 109 members in the House and about a dozen more likely to be added after the winners of the party-list votes have been proclaimed, Suarez said the Lakas-Kampi-CMD coalition could remain dominant with an ability to impeach the President to counter the Chief Executive’s power over pork barrel releases.

via newsinfo.inquirer.net

With a lot of Arroyo allies in congress, are we seeing a minority president coming on board on June 30th? This is a scary thing to see cause as it is right now, president-elect Aquino seems to be waging a war already with the incumbent president who just got elected as a member of congress who has the potential to be the House Speaker. She wields more than 100 plus house representatives while Aquino's liege only has fifty congressmen to speak of. I just hope and pray that we will not have a divided congress, otherwise, the people will eventually be the loser. For more of the story, click on the newsinfo.inquirer.net link above.

Posted via web from Born 1973

Did Facebook violate you?

via edition.cnn.com

Did you notice someone commenting on your post who is a complete stranger and you wondered how they got hold of your Facebook account? That is what a growing number of Facebook users have been up in arms about. If you read the CNN article, you will understand take a snap shot of how important your privacy is. The statusphere has 400 million users and so many are against what Facebook is doing. Now is privacy is your concern? Yes, you may get new friends here and there but in a world where people hide their true identities, you can never be sure how protected you are when fraud happens because of personal matters that is made public because of this "flaw" in the programming of the said social media.

Posted via web from Everything Customers

Why romanticize what Cory did?

Why romanticize Cory? I pray that we don't pin our hopes on something that God gave us a long time ago. Cory was a great person and she is blessed but why are we so worried about filling her shoes when we should be thinking how we can improve ourselves. If there's something Cory could do that we should improve on is sticking to God's word and making sure this is lived out. And then there's grace. God is faithful to give something we don't have and if it is lacking in skills, patience, talent, and perseverance then we should ask for it. Let's not fill Cory's shoes. Let's fill our own shoes so we can lead our lives and then our family. This piece was picked up here at the Philippine Daily Inquirer today, May 16, 2010 (Sunday).

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

". . .like the Sidonians, unsuspecting and secure. And since their land lacked nothing, they were prosperous. . ." Judges 18:7

Posted via email from Born 1973

May 10 Philippines Election (in pictures) - CNN iReport

via ireport.com

My wife, my co-worker, and I went to the polling place early to make sure we avoid monstrous lines. I was very excited to see the Precinct Count Optical Scan or PCOS machine and how to fill up the ballot. Voting started pass 7:10 AM and I was impressed by the order the teachers and volunteers implemented to make sure voting is as easy and pain-free as possible. After I voted these are my observations:

Precinct numbers changed
I was assigned precinct number 0481-A when I registered in January 2009 but "accidentally" I found my name in another precinct (0454-A). This will be a horrible experience for voters who do not even know their precinct location.

Ballot shading area
The shading area is no bigger than 2mm x 3mm. And it was hard for me to train my felt tip marker and contain the shading within the area.

No privacy
The classroom tables were small and cramped and I could hardly fit myself (185lbs 5'8") with the ballot. It was tough voting and being careful in shading the tiny oval shaped area. Preferrably, the voting area should be arms length wide and option to stand.

Uncertainties
I don't know how sensitive the ballot was so thinking about it was an additional stress but I think that's okay. I was sweating and I was afraid I could ruin the ballot just by moistening it.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience and I can't wait to see the result later. After voting, I now leave everything up to God. God bless the Philippines.

Posted via web from Born 1973

If Noynoy gets elected: What role would Chiz play?

via youtube.com

After knowing what Noynoy plans to do if he wins the election, I wonder what role Chiz will play if Mayor Jejomar Binay wins the Vice Presidential spot. Does he know what will happen if an Aquino-Binay administration becomes a reality? I feel that if Binay wins, he will put Noynoy to the corner and compromise him and his administration.

Posted via web from Bad Politics

What?!! Noynoy said this?

I am sharing 50 percent to 80 percent of the job (of the presidency) with my one and only partner Mar Roxas, and I am offering him not just one, but several portfolios in an oversight capacity.

via tribuneonline.org

I can't believe Noynoy Aquino is already saying that he will share fifty to eighty percent of his presidential power once elected. What kind of presidency would we have? What's left of the twenty percent of his duties? The parties? The state dinners? The laborious detail of signing documents (laws)? Pardon my statement but we would be a fool to vote for a president who is not only delegating power but have plans to actually hand it over to Sen. Mar Roxas.

What if Binay wins? Will he share? God forbid. That's so irresponsible. Read more by clicking the link of tribuneonline.org.

Posted via web from Born 1973

Who are not my senators and why

There are candidates and re-electionists I feel should not even be considered in this coming fifteenth congress. These are:

1. Bong Revilla, Ramon Bautista Jr. - You read that right. He recently changed his last name to, perhaps, give him that name recognition edge on the ballot. But what is a name recognition when you can't even pass a bill in the senate? See his un-accomplishments.
2. Lapid, Manuel 'Lito' - His bio reads, "His proven track record as a champion of the masses"  , it makes you wonder what track record they speak of. They forget that this actor-senator is a contemporary of Pres. Joseph Estrada in the movies, which makes him the "champion of the masses." Look at his accomplishment and see if our tax money is worth his time in that legislative floor.
3. De Venecia, Joey - He is part of the ZTE scandal and continues to lie that he meant to expose the anomalies of the ZTE-Abalos-Arroyo scandal whereas he exposed it because he lost the bid. You ask me, he has vendetta written all over his campaign.
4. Lim, Danilo and Ariel Querubin - I question their eligibility. The Senate is a law body and I don't see the Sen. Raffy Biazon in them. The outgoing senator has done his homework and I just don't see what they will be doing on the floor. What would make them fight for my children's cause if the very first thing they embodied was rebellion? They went against the administration but that does not make them my leader in the senate.
5. Satur Ocampo and Lisa Maza - Progressive militant candidates that coalesced with the Bongbong Marcos in the Villar senate line up. What's up with that? They're a sell-out. They don't stand up for they are fighting for. Boo.

The other senatorial candidates did not make my list because they're not known and I don't feel that they stand for something. If you want to read who I will vote for and would be planning to vote for, click here.

Posted via email from Born 1973

How would you vote? Here are my senators.

These are my candidates and would-be candidates in the national election:

Because of accomplishments:
1. Ralph Recto - no one love his eVAT but it helped the nation avoid recession.
2. Sen. Johnny Enrile - if it weren't for him, mobile phone companies wouldn't be giving users longer talk time and phone usage values.
3. Serge Osmeña - Should I say more? Read here his accomplishments: http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/sosmena_bio.asp
4. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago - My president before; brilliant woman; a statesman and we need her wisdom. These are her accomplishments
5. Tito Sotto III - You might I'm joining the showbiz bandwagon but when you ask me what politician is effective in dealing with drugs, Sen. Tito Sotto III comes to mind. His accomplishments.

Because we need them
1. Ruffy Biazon - His character, impeccable; His work is admirable
2. Riza Honitveros - She opens her mouth and she makes sense.
3. Alex Lacson - Authored a book; he embodies my dreams for a progressive and righteous living Filipino.
4. Nereus Acosta - A come-backing politician (congressman) of Bukidnon and will represent the teachers and the improvement of our education (at least that's what his political ads say of him). A well respected academician. His profile.

Candidates I'm still praying for - I need three more to complete my senate list:
1. Sonia Roco - Does being the wife of a great statesman enough for you to be on the senate floor?
2. Jinggoy Estrada - I observed his work and when he speaks, he makes sense. His bio reads, "he introduced 289 bills and resolutions, two hundred forty-nine (249) of which were primarily authored by him. He took law at the Lyceum University while serving as Vice Mayor back then. He deserves a second look. We'll see. His work.
3. Kata Inocencio - I know she's an Evangelical Christian like me but I'm still assessing whether she'll be effective in the senate. I'm 80% convinced she's worth given a chance. Her short bio says she will be focusing her strength in passing laws that will protect women and children further. An attention that should never wane. Her biography.
4. Bongbong Marcos Jr. - Is he an effective politician much like his dad? Is he effective in his work? I read his accomplishments and he seems to focus in making the Philippines a proud nation in the eyes of the world. Let his work/s speak about it.
5. Adel Tamano - Promising at best but he gained prominence by being the spokesperson of the United Opposition, which was headed by VP Candidate Binay. He belongs to another team, Villar-Legarda. His youth may prove to be his strength and he may be given that chance. We'll see. His biography. 
6. Pia Cayetano - Synonymous to triathlon races and biking but I never heard of her accomplishments until I got to read her senate bio. I almost placed her in the "People that should not be back in the senate" list because she seemed to be doing more outdoor activities than staying put in the senate floor doing the work of a senator. I'll be praying if she should be in my list of twelve senators. Her work.
7. Gwendolyn Pimental - Daughter of senate's old man, Nene Pimentel. She took law and public administration courses. It makes you wonder if Sen. Pimentel was really prepping her to replace him during this time. She seems capable and reading her biography, she will be specializing in uplifting children's welfare.
8. Franklin Drilon - The former Senate President of the 12th Congress that was touted to be the action senate that passed a lot of bills under his watch. Praised by many fellow senators. I may need another elder statesman in the list. We'll see. His biography.
9. Yasmin Busrao Lao - Of the three muslim candidates I read, she is the one that makes more sense. She's an accomplished public servant and she will champion the cause of our brothers in Mindanao. Her biography.

Posted via email from Born 1973

Fully Booked overlooked this one

I called the attention of one store clerk at Fully Booked in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). I said that there's a product that should not be in a place where kids are.

He followed me and led him to a section where this book, "Tweak" by Nic Sheff rests. It's by the children's books where my kid hangs out with his nannie every time we visit the place.

"It's a Young Adults book, sir." the clerk politely answered.

The well-meaning clerk probably answered me according to what his superiors ordered him to do and he stacked it himself but this is where Fully Booked erred big time. The whole area is for kids and majority of the people visiting the place are kids and their parents. If the clerk answered me that the books is geared towards parents, I would've shut up but since the book was geared towards young adults then this critically claimed book has no business being in the children's section.

This is where context is important and Fully Booked staff should apply that rule - all the time.

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Posted via email from Everything Customers

Jollibee's New Sausage & Egg Pandesal

Warning: This review may be a spoiler. Do not read if you want to try the new product yourself. This product was bought via Drive-thru at Jollibee C-5 at a Shell Gas Station before the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on-ramp. Picture was take using a Nokia 3110c Blue phone.

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Posted via email from Everything Customers

Like UK, RP should reject voting 'tactically'

via guardian.co.uk

Citizens of the United Kingdom will be voting hours from now and the parliamentary leaders they will bring to power will decide who will be the next Prime Minister.

I agree to former Prime Minister Blair's assertion that voters should not vote tactically just because the other options are not 'popular.' That is exactly what is happening now as voters I talked to will prefer Noynoy because their candidate will not win the elections. Blair said that voters should go for what they "believe in." He added, "If you think their policies are good, vote for them, but if you don't, don't." It's that simple.

Voters who believe in their candidates should stick to their candidates if they believe in them. I said it in my posts that you should vote because you know, NOT because you think you know. If you vote for the other candidate because of survey results and the bandwagon effect, then you don't even know why you should be voting for to begin with. And if you don't even know why and who you should be voting to begin with then you need to pray. Because as citizens, it is our right and responsibility every six years to voice our gripes and opinions and this can be heard through the ballot. Please don't waste your vote. Please don't vote tactically.

Posted via web from Born 1973

Still undecided on May 10? Let this help.

According to the 7-Election website sponsored by 7-Eleven (duh) there's still a lot of undecided voters in the upcoming May 10 elections. If you happen to be one of 'em then let the Movement for Good Governance help you decide. They have this template with three questions only to help you make that decision who to vote for. Check it out that template and their website here.

Posted via email from Mabuhay

GORDON For President FB/Twitter Profile Pics

We have one week to go and I'm stepping up my personal campaign. Let the whole nation know that Sen. Gordon is an excellent choice to be the Philippines' next president. Six years is a no joke matter when it comes to the nation's progress. Kritikal ang susunod na mga taon at hindi lamang kalinisan ng gobyerno ang kailangan natin. We need someone who knows how to lead and is a visionary that will catapult this nation to the next ten years. We need the likes of Sen. Gordon who never faced any corruption scandal in his life and has proven what leadership can do in the face of crisis and we're in a crisis situation.

Choose your avatar for your Facebook and let the whole Philippines know who should they be voting for.

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Coping with our May 2010 Meralco Bill

Meralco just sent our store's electric bill the other day and it was shocking - Php9,783.30 for the month of April! Can you believe that? So the very first thing I told my crew was to control the use of the ice cream freezer.

I studied what was going on and this is what I found out. First, I realized that my average usage per month since late last year was 663 Kilowatt hour (Kwh). The store maintains an ice cream freezer, a tall two-door soda cooler, a shorter beverage cooler and a decent amount of lights. This was enough, I thought. However, we used 738 Kwh this month or 75 Kwh more than the average. I calculated the amount per Kwh this month and I realized it was Php13.26/Kwh. That's high I thought.

Out of curiosity, I computed how much per Kwh last month was and found out it was Php11.20/Kwh only. What shocked me though was when I found out that our October 2009 bill was only Php9.01/Kwh. Since I could not do anything much to control what Meralco is charging right now so I thought I should be changing things within my control. So the wisest thing to do right now is to set aside an amount from daily sales so I can be best prepared for these type of things.

The bill says that my store is consuming an amount of Php163 per day on electricity. I think it will be wiser to set aside an amount of Php200/day just to be sure. Overkill? Just being wiser for the rainy season (no pun intended).

Having cost-cutting measures in place and setting aside a budget, the only one thing left to do is to make promotions that would increase sales volume of Cooling Station. We'll just hope that the rate of electricity will go down next month. For now, I control what I can control to make sure my budget doesn't bleed.

Posted via email from Everything Customers