Hello, 2013!

That feeling when it seems like only a couple of weeks ago when I wrote my welcome note to 2012, and yet, here I am updating the holidays for 2013. I should say days must be passing too fast before I can even notice it.

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Before anything else, I'd like to thank God for everything that has happened this year. This has been a very good year to me. So far, all that I have worked so hard for really paid off. I finally understood the reason why some unfortunate events have to happen.

This year, I hope to:

1. Finish all my acad subjects (and meeting the required GWA of DOST)

2. Pass my comprehensive exam on my first take

3. Find means to meet all financial needs (hahaha. please no more delays and illnesses)

4. Have stronger and happier relationship with my family, and with Philip, and with friends

5. Finally visit Ilocos Sur and Norte

6. Go to other places without spending too much (I need manlibre. Haha)

7. Good health

8. Contented heart

9. Happy and abled mind

10. Stronger faith 

(Note: The list is in no particular order. I'm just listing what's in my thoughts randomly.)

I'd say this again. THIS YEAR HAS BEEN REALLY GREAT TO ME. Hurdles are there, but I have already accepted the fact that it keeps appearing as long as I breathe. I am happy about the opportunities given to me. I am very glad about the presence of the people who were there with me from the start. I am really looking forward to still be with your company (physically, virtually, mentally, hahahaha) as years go on.

Honestly, I'm a bit scared. The fear of the unknown still bugs my nerves. As it is said that though the earth contains water, heavy water can wash off the earth. This might be a very challenging year for me. But I'll take it the positive way. Though too much water can weather the soil, there will still be water. Opportunities are there. I should only be strong enough to hold on to 'em.

I am also positive that the Lord will always be by my side. 

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I am truly grateful that despite my imperfections, You are still a loving Father who loves me unconditionally. I thank You for everything that You've done for me. I am thankful for all the provisions, and yet to provide. Whatever I'll learn and achieve for the days to come will always be for Your glory. Yours alone. I am nothing without You.

Smiling at 2012

Just in case the world ends tomorrow, I'd like to express my gratitude before I miss my chance. Hahaha. :D

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On set of the year, I was already bracing myself. I was already trying to prepare for whatever (challenges = worst) that's gonna happen. As everybody does, I have a road-length list of targets, wishes, and plans. But as how uncertain life can be, I want to be immuned from despair and frustration as much as possible.

Life sticks to its reputation. Storms visited, and rainbows appeared too. Just sharin' some of my pains which taught me humility and faith, and my joys which taught me the glory of perseverance and determination. And some of these, well, are just stuff I find remarkable (which may don't make sense to others). It's my page so I'm posting anyway. :P

CAREER ISSUES

The Minus

Due to some reasons I cannot elaborate here, I left my work at Stream Global Services where I stayed for more than a year. It was stressful in a way that updating resume was a hassle, and applying in a different company   and to begin from scratch are really tedious. The torment of leaving my comfort zone has caused me too much stress. The first two months were really hard. I was supposed to begin my new work a week after leaving my previous job, unfortunately some changes were done so I have no work for a month. 

The Plus

It turns out that changing to a new working environment  has been a blessing. I loved my new work. It felt good being a part of one of the best companies in the industry. I like the people. I like what I do. Above all, I like my salary.  Hahaha. 

PSEUDO-CAREER ISSUES

The Minus

The call to leave my new comfort zone (new work) came. Just as I was beginning to call it 'home', I was forced to leave my new work for me to chase my dreams and be back on track. The comfort and security that my work offered me were something that were so hard to decline, especially that I am not free to take risks as my sister's education completely depends on me.

The Plus

Having just the courage and faith that the Lord won't leave me, I took the challenge. I left the working society and allowed my self to be engulfed again by a world where I had been once---something familiar, yet completely new, the school! This was a dream that came true.

A little history here: Back in high school, it was really my dream to study in UP (either in UPD or UPLB). Luckily, I passed the UPCAT. I was qualified to take BS Electrical Engineering in UPLB. However, my father (being extremely strict) did not allow me to go there. "It's too far," he said. So there, I initially studied in CSU with a heavy heart. Had I been in my right mind during enrollment, I could have taken BS ECE. Since they suggested I take BS EnviSci, I took it instead.

BEING ISKA

The Minus

It wasn't called UP for nothing. Studying there is not easy. The fact that it has been about three years since I last read  reference books and scientific journals might have made it difficult for me, not to mention I'm in Graduate School. Here, I experienced sleepless nights especially during exams. It  was my first time to study at least 3 days for just a subject and still cry because time  was still not enough. It's mind boggling, and I must admit being here still cracks my brain. The delay of DOST's monthly stipend also worries me.

The  Plus

I'm learning! And I definitely enjoy what I'm doing! Despite the sleepless nights and stress brought by beating deadlines, I'm glad where I am. It's also very timely that the task of 'distributing' of stipend has been  bequested  to UPLB. No more delays! (Except for the first month of the semester).

MY FIRSTS

My first time to cut my hair this short. I could no longer remember what has gotten into me why I was so decided to cut my hair this way. I didn't heed my friends' warning. It was a relief that I didn't look bad wearing a very short hair like this. ^____^

My first time to have a general point average as good as this. I have worked hard for this. I want to exercise my bragging rights. Just this once.

My first attempt to cook food like Bicol Express (which looked more like a potato salad) and chicken adobo (which doesn't really look like one). :P

My first  time to witness Ely Buendia performing live! This was really cool! I wasn't expecting to see him during that night. 

A confession: After he performed, Ate Masong and I sneaked out at the side of D.L. Umali Hall (where his van was parked) in full hopes that we can have a picture with him. Too bad, he went inside as soon as he has changed clothes. 

There are really lot more to share. Remembering all the fears and tension that have shaken me, I feel grateful more than ever. This year has been great, as always. At the end of the day, hardships and challenges always turn out to be blessings in disguise. Thank You, Lord for this wonderful year! All these things are only made possible because of You. Whatever I learned and achieved, I bring the glory solely to You.

A Taste of Bittersweet Memories

Found this in an archive. I realized I have quite a few entries posted in various sites. This coming Christmas is the second Yuletide season without him. (This was written on May 12, 2011)

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I’m feeling weepy again.

[My roommate reminded me the song I love but scared of listening. I did my best not to sing the song in my mind. Fate wasn't helpful. The song was played by the neighbor a minute after. Why do I feel there's conspiracy here?]

There’s no getting over when losing someone, we just get use to the feeling of their absence and the pain it causes but we’re still at loss and we’re still in pain.

This is why as much as possible I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want to be reminded how painful it is to lose a father. Each time I am reminded that I could no longer hear any wise words from him, I become scared and unsure of whatever decision I’m making. If only I could ask for his opinion and hear his support, I’ll be good to go.

We weren't close. He was so strict I felt I have been imprisoned since birth. As the song goes “His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand”. Back in college I was dying to get a life of my own, away from his shadow and authority. Now that I have it for the rest of my life, I wish I had just savored those times when he can still direct the things I do. At least I know I was guided. It’s hard to lose a pillar where you get most of the confidence and strength from. I never thought he was one of my best source of strength, never noticed it until he’s gone.

He wasn't the best father. I don’t detest him though, I wasn't the best daughter either. I just regret I haven’t told him how great his contribution was in the foundation of my values and my personality as a whole. I couldn't have been any better if it wasn't for him. I never even said ‘thank you’ for all he has done. I never said he was forgiven. There were so many things I wish I did, so many thoughts I wish I said out loud.

Lord, I know my Papa’s now with You. Please let him know how sorry I was for being a pain in the neck at times, please tell him how grateful I am for all he has done especially for me, please tell him how much I love him. And most of all, please tell him I have forgiven him and give him the assurance that I do not wear any stain of hatred. These are the things I’ll always regret for not telling him, do it for me Lord.

“I thank you for the music and your stories of the road. I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go. I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough. And papa I don’t think I said I love you near enough” (LEADER OF THE BAND)

“If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him, I’d play a song that would never ever end. How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again” (DANCE WITH MY FATHER AGAIN–the culprit of my crying mood tonight!)

Happy feet! :)

Today (well, technically yesterday, November 30, 2012) is a proof that somehow planned activity can be realized IF ONLY there's a will. I don't know about you but I have noticed that planned activities have a 95% chance of not happening. Seriously.

Today must be the odd 5%. Glad it was.

We have long planned to visit a town in Calabarzon which is infamous of selling footwear at a very affordable price (well, affordability remains subjective. Since I have not received my stipend yet, even the chicharon sold at Php40.00 is something I wish I can afford. :D )

The travel was, errrr, do I have to say something about it? Well, just a piece of advise, it's best to bring your own vehicle. By commuting, one has to pass 2 towns which approximately takes 2 hours before reaching the destination. It's a consolation that there are trees along the way. The wind was quite cool.

It was also exciting in a way that none of us has been to the town yet. But as a friend told me, there's nothing to worry about getting lost. One wouldn't miss the town. Upon reaching the place, I found out for myself why.

The town was full of stalls which were full of footwear for all ages, and for all foot size (errr, don't be sarcastic, giants and 'mini'-giants are not included :P ). The excitement consumed me. Most of the designs caught my attention. Some were really elegant, and sexy. Others just looked so........alien. :P But for shoppers and shoe lovers who are budget-conscious, it's definitely a heaven on earth.

I felt the need to have more eyes so I can see all these stuff all at once! I suddenly hoped I have more bodies so I can maximize the time to check everything!

For someone who isn't really a shoe fanatic, (don't get me wrong. I definitely see the necessity of using footwear. It's just that I'm already good with having only a pair of shoes, and slippers), and who's suffering from extreme poverty (LOL), I am the last person who should be fascinated about what this place has to offer. :D

So, there. Forgive me, I just can't disclose the place since I have my own personal agenda to protect. Hahahaha. 

And of course, since I'm with P, I can't go home empty-handed. He's one of the most generous persons I've ever known. Hihihi. I can't contain my gratitude for this girly pleasure. Yep, sometimes it feels good to be a chic and really feel like one!

It was already dim, and the flash didn't really help much.
The mirror also needs some cleaning.

Here's what I got! Honestly, this is my first pair of wedge sandals. I won't begrudge you if you doubt my sexuality. Haha. I'm just so in love with flat footwear. I only hope this isn't qualified as infidelity. :)

I'd definitely be going back. Do you wanna come with me? I'd be happy to be your guide, and it's for free. ^______^

If I'd be in Europe, I'd definitely be here

I just remembered this while I was answering an assignment in my Geo-spatial Methods in Natural Resources Management class.

10. Name a place outside the country that you want to visit. (And we have to include a map, its coordinates, and description. Of course, what kind of graduate subject would that be if we'll just fill out slum books! Haha)

So, there! Instantly, I'm in Ireland! Well, at least virtually, and I hope it counts. Hahaha.

These sceneries are really jaw-dropping. I am always fascinated by the magnificence of nature-engineered structures. So much for an environmental science student, huh! :D

But can you blame me?!

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
I am very much aware how my knees become extremely stiff whenever I'm at high places, like when I was at the Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu City having their infamous Sky Walk (so you could imagine how much more when the support shakes). I remember back when I was in Grade 4, I joined a Girl Scout camping. There was a nearby hanging bridge. I almost crawled just to reach the other end. I think this one's a lot scarier, and definitely a lot more beautiful.

Keem Bay, Achill Island

I have a confession. I really love picnics near or in the seashore, especially if it's as serene as shown in the picture. When I was younger (and I mean really younger), my family used to go to the beach just to eat lunch. The memory seemed blurry though. I need a new experience to make it fresher.

Cliffs of Moher
(And this is the specific destination that I have chosen for question #10).
I have been once to a cliff next to the sea, and I fell in love to the landscape right away. It's in Diwata Cave, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. This version in Ireland has a higher elevation, I'm thrilled by the thought of being there. I might me blown away by the wind! XD

County Kerry

Who would ever get drowsy when traveling if this  is the kind of beauty outside the window. I just  know I wouldn't. Just like when we went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It wasn't called Little Baguio for nothing (as if I have been to Baguio to attest this :P). The road was winding, the temperature was really cold. And the sceneries along the highway were just awesome it kept me awake during the 3-hour travel!  

Dublin

Of course, I wouldn't miss the capital city! I remember when I went to Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, there's a part of the park which has the same theme as what's in the picture. I almost came running to explore the area with great excitement. I'm not sure though what inspired EK to have that design. 

Thanks to the movie Leap Year, I was introduced to Ireland's beauty. I was equally enthralled by the movie location and the story (and by Matthew Goode! ♥ Who wouldn't fall for the sexy voice and the ACCENT!)

Thank you for virtually coming with me as I wander once again to the place I'd visit first if I have the luxury to travel around Europe. 

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Obviously, I didn't take the pictures. I wish I did. These pictures were downloaded for quite a while now. My bad, I wasn't able to get the sites so I cannot cite the sources appropriately. Credit goes to the owner! 

There goes my ex. ♥

I really fought hard not to write this entry, but the news feeds in my Facebook's home page are not helping. Please forgive me (specially, P, for the next 2-3 minutes). I promise this will be the first and the last blog I'd ever talk about him.

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Despite all the school stuff that should have kept me occupied (data gathering for my first lab activity, reading the handouts given by my Prof, researching on my thesis problem---yeah, so much for a one week class), my mind can't stay with me in my room. 

Geez! If truth be told, I really want to be at SM MOA right now. I have been dreaming for this moment, when he finally visits the Philippines.

No matter how hard I try to keep myself from browsing updates of his tour, I just keep scrolling for more. And the more I do it, the more I'm tortured by the thought of being there.

In fairness to P, he at least asked if I really want to go there (as he can go absent from his work today). Of course, I said NO (then my heart just kept on bleeding).

Cute is an understatement!

And he still looks gorgeous even when making a funny face (though I'm not sure whether this expression was meant to be captured). He's still dashing nevertheless!

I think he'll be out of the country tonight or tomorrow. So, there goes my ex. Hahahaha. Forgive my doubts of revealing my self as an avid fan. I just think I'm too old for this. As I have mentioned, this should be the first and last. But, by any twist of fate, I can come to see him personally, it's gonna be a different story!

After posting this, I might find myself listening to the soundtracks of Boys Over Flower. Yes. I have them in my playlist! It's rather amusing that at one point I (am) have been a part of the Minho craze! ♥

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By the way, had I been there, I should have been one of the dots here. And I'd probably be dragging P with me. Hahaha XD

Reminder..... READ!

I have been trying to mentally scribble the ideas that randomly appear in my head regarding the very thesis that have started to haunt me even before I stepped foot in UP.

These precious ideas are very elusive. They rarely pop up. And when they do, they are just silhouettes. To cut all these dramas short, my efforts are in vain------so far.
I keep on ranting here but I know what I should do. Easy to say, hardest to do. READ.
Instead of reading, I am writing this. It must be the cold weather that makes my mind wander. It must be the thought that I have to wake up early tomorrow that bugs me. It must be my bed which is warmly beckoning me. I know (though I pray hard this ain't gonna happen) one day I'll regret wasting this luxury that I enjoy right now. TIME.
Hopefully after posting this, I can at least read two to three articles. Thanks to UPLB's online journal subscription, article-downloading spree for free has been made possible. Yeah, and I still can't get over it. :D

Also, I'm praying this works. Yes. A TO DO LIST.

• DOWNLOAD GIS-based urban planning articles
• DOWNLOAD articles about identifying geohazard sites
• READ THEM!

So each time I open my blogsite, I sure hope this would remind me to stop browsing for more and begin working on my thesis that still isn't existing.

I know you're (thesis) ruthless. You live your reputation and it has been pretty consistent over the past centuries! You've made your point, so please stop overdoing it. 

Critique Paper I

Critic Paper on Negative Off-site Impacts of Ecological Restoration: Understanding and Addressing the Conflict (Mark Buckley and Elizabeth Crone)

            Efforts in restoring ecosystem have been more extensive now more than ever. Both the government and non-government sectors work on improving the quality of environment through restoration activities such as reforestation. These feats have been deemed necessary considering the various threats that pose harm to the environment, mainly of which are anthropogenic.

            The study of Mark Buckley and Elizabeth Crone on Negative Off-site Impacts of Ecological Restoration: Understanding and Addressing the Conflict becomes a valuable help as it becomes a handy consideration to take in the pursuit of ecological restoration.

            The area of the case study is the Sacramento River Conservation Area (SRCA) in northern California, USA. The restoration project aimed to reestablish the 160-kilometer fragmented forest area in the upper Sacramento river. According to the literature, before the restoration project has begun, 97% of the deforested area was used for agricultural purposes. The primary goal of the said project is to provide habitat that would support migratory birds and salmonid species.

Based on the results of this research, it turns out that restoration of ecosystem with a different land use can be more controversial than protecting a pre-existing forest or habitat for ecological gains. The issue that is likely to arise is the social acceptance. For instance, it was noted that the local farmers were concerned about restoring the forest because it might serve as an refuge and breeding ground for the species they consider as pest, like deer and squirrel. By rehabilitating the area, it is perceived by the locals that there might be economic loss due to the projected population inflation of these species. Because the project went unpopular as time went on, changes were made in order to meet the restorationalists’ and farmers’ interest half way. As a result, the restoration project in SCRA was reduced from 86,000 hectares to 32,000 hectares.

            This research, however, seemed to base solely on secondary data since no part of the paper did it presented any methods or procedures. Although secondary data cannot be disregarded, the gathered information may not be enough to be conclusive. It would have been better if the researchers themselves took the data from the landowners of the private lands surrounding the study site. Some of the citations made were from researches that were conducted 2-3 years ago or so. It would have been best to also include if the arrangements between restorationalists in SRCA and private land owners, especially the farmers, were successful. The feedback on the mechanisms could have helped more future restoration projects basing on this case study.

            It is true that when conflicts occur, it is best to consider the issues raised by the locals so stewardship will be more efficient. Restorationists must also be willing to compromise and validate the legitimacy of the locals’ concern, be it a short-term or long-term. Nevertheless, these possible conflicts will become crucial in the social acceptance of the project. Failure to meet this may lead not only to lack of support by the public, but may even lead to opposition.

            The study recognized the need for inclusion of the negative off-site impacts in ecological restoration. This is something that is most likely overlooked especially that the objective is for ecological gains. Indeed, in order to ensure high chances of success, a holistic approach has to be employed. All aspects should be considered as for every change, there will always be a reaction. Be it something desirable or otherwise, it’s something that should be prepared about.

Moving in to my New Home.....Again

It's official. I'm saying goodbye to gemmagnaye.labratsgonewild.com. I'm at the brink of crying.

I never thought I'd be writing about moving out and moving in again. No offense to blogspot.com but I'm quite at home to my previous blog haven in labratsgonewild.com (thanks to mydearest for the very warm accommodation). Unfortunately, some people just live to pester somebody else's lives, the site got compromised so I decided to move out to lessen what he's supposed to fix. So here I am!

I'll try (again) to bring with 'me' the previous entries that I have written, at least in a stand-alone page. Hopefully, it'll work. ^____^

Back to the arms of my new love

I can still recall how drained I was as the first semester was about to end. I remembered how I can't wait for the break to come. Sembreak happened, and to my surprise, I found myself counting the days until it's over. Certified girl as I am, I must admit I live up to the very definition of fickle-minded.

So far, so good. 

• My grades during the first semester were fine.
• I have now moved to a new place---more conducive and far more likable compared to my previous one (not to mention less expensive rent).
• The Graduate School agreed that I can still enroll without reducing my allowance even if I'll only go for 7 units (as 9 units was the minimum requirement of DOST).
• I am not forced to take SOIL 260 and ENS 296 together.

This is really a good start. I'm looking forward for a better and more fruitful semester. I'm happy to be back in the arms of my new love---UPLB. 

I Miss My Friendster Account

Lately I’ve been strolling down memory lane and in one of my journeys back in time, I have recalled my Friendster account. I could still remember the craze of the first social network that really hit the crowd (at least the first that I know of).

Recalling all the efforts just to make the account updated really amuses me. Back then, internet connection was still a bit pricey. Once a week, I allot a time in my lunch break to update my account and stalk friends, crushes and their crushes (if they happen to be not ME. Forgive me for my conceitedness). I can still imagine the sun’s scorching heat as I walk noontime to visit the internet cafe and I still have to save at least Php20.00 for an hour rent for an internet connection that lives up to the very definition of SLOW. I also have to save money for scanning hard copies of pictures (and scanning that time was really expensive as there were only 2-3 scanners available in town).

I admit it was my bad that I have not saved all my stuff despite the numerous notifications of Friendster’s scheduled deletion of accounts. Good thing I have a very few of the testimonials from high school friends. Just sharing. 

Reading these again made me smile. I just miss my high school friends. I miss my high school days. I miss my Friendster account and the memories in there.

What we may be missing....

I can't imagine what I've been missing (not even sure if I'll have the chance to know them). This might be true to you as well. I didn't write this, just copied it from a post in Google Plus. It's worth reading.

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A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it.

No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

When Evolution Evolves

(Here’s another archive. I would really want to consolidate my blogs. I hope I can recover all of them. I’ve written this in 2009. Just forgot the exact date.)

Hello everyone. I have just finished reading Evolution isn’t what it used to be and I was fascinated and at the same time depressed for two reasons.

I was dumbfounded about the discoveries and knowing what was going on in the world of science. I didn't know that the reasons why I should be grateful about research and developments grew exponentially. I was totally oblivious about some of its development. 

I was depressed because (1), as the writer elaborated, even though the advancement in technology is very interesting, astonishing and very helpful indeed, it is mind-boggling too and, for some reasons, very frightening. Like I have this fear now that if people lose the grip on their ethics and some touches of biocentrism, humans can actually transform into a new monstrous organism—cruel and merciless and cynical; (2) the book was published in 1996. As in 1996! How many years have passed? More than a decade! The writer has been mentioning predictions that are actually happening now. Some (or should I say ‘most’) of his ideas might have already been feasted by worms as they were buried in the bookshelves/lost webpages a long time ago [and were replaced by something else which I totally have no idea]. This is really frustrating. Just as I felt a little triumph as I have taken some steps forward by learning something new from W. T. Anderson, I felt gloomy—why do we always have to be outdated and blithely (and/or reluctantly) scavenge on obsolete stuffs?!

Oh crap! If it wasn’t sold in a 50%-off-sale scheme in an effort, perhaps, to finally dispatch the book, I wouldn’t have met it. But on the bright side, at least, I was no longer as ignorant as before. I am still absorbed and enthralled so I’m writing a review/reaction/whatever-you-call-it write ups. I hope you’d get interested.

The Computer Meets the Gene

From the Butterfly Net to the Internet

This part of the book roughly discussed the history of “evolution” from fragile papyrus scrolls used in Aristotle’s early times to the astonishing internet as a means of containing information and, hopefully, disseminating them.

I have always thought that the creation of internet, albeit unintentional as to how the “common” people around the globe eventually make use of it, is a blessing by the virtue of human mind’s brilliance. But little did I know it’s more than a life-saver when I “re-search” in the net for some stuff in school that would be an arbiter for a pass or a fail; little did I know that it’s more than just a cheap and fast way to get updated with movies I am eager to watch, or singles about to be released or gossips about the stars I fancied and hated. I have realized that if I step back and look at the bigger picture and begin to consider other arena aside from my basic concerns, the more I realized the vitality of its existence and operation—especially for the hastening of scientific breakthroughs. As expected, why on earth would I think that internet aided the ambitious dream of geneticists to finish the Human Genome Project? Why would I consider that computer is actually helping in the inventory and keeping the Gene Banks working as part of human efforts to save the diminishing global gene pool?

I have imagined how hard it was before for the scientists in the old days to unveil mysteries of science when they are working independently, and primitively. Most of them were deprived from the existing studies of other discoverers from the other parts of the world that could have helped them advance few steps in their researches rather than beginning from scratches. It would have been easier and less lonely if   about the breeding studies of Mendel (which was actually inspired by the Darwinian theory) and more exchange of useful ideas have been possible if at that time the luxury of accessibility in no time was at hand.

The augmentation of human brains, through the help of computers, offered the development of humans to change and to change the changes faster than ever.

Life and a Cup of Coffee

(I didn’t make this, just copied it. My bad I have not taken note of the source but the writer’s anonymous. I originally posted, or maybe 're-posted', this on May 2011).

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor.

Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of COFFEE and an assortment of cups, porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal. Some plain-looking, some expensive, some exquisite. He told his guests to help themselves to the coffee.

After everyone had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

“If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup. But you consciously went for the best cups and then you began eyeing each other’s cups to see who had the best one. Now consider this… Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain LIFE and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee.”

Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don’t have the best of everything.  They just make the best of everything.

Live simply.

Speak kindly.

Care deeply.

Love generously.