BeyonD the TypiCaL...

"You can't choose your family, thank God you can choose your friends"

Having said that, I wonder to myself, how does nature choose us anyways? Among the millions of sperm floating in my mother's womb before the time of conception - how is it that it was me that became of it?

It has been explained that it all start with millions of sperms competing with each other - a matter of survival of the fittest between them. The strongest gets to live while everyone else dies. Even before then, when we we're merely CELLS, we already delved into a thrilling competition with millions of others - and won! I guess we we're the fittest and most determined! So a part of you and me did want to be born, or simply win! With the sperm catching the egg at the finish line - this makes everyone a BORN WINNER.

So after that - what happens? It gets you thinking about Destiny and our written Fate.  Pre-destined or not - we all have our roles to play.

For us normal people, what roles do we have then? We do certain jobs that do contribute to society. Like being a doctor, being a nurse, being a businessman, a lawyer, an inventor, a janitor, an entertainer. Some people have more significant Roles than others, having huge contributions to society among the different fields of science, art and medicine. (For one, Bill Gates, he is the guy who made computers, he built the most intriguing and useful technology today. People like Shakespeare who was destined to make beautiful art which would remain timeless up to date.)  I guess we delve into yet another Competition - this time, our nesting place is the World. Still with the theme - who is the fittest and strongest?

Regardless of the fact that what we do - every job, action or speech spoken - is still equally as significant as others. It may not have as huge an impact as those Big Shots who clearly are more fit and strong and play a better role in society.

 I guess if this life was a movie in context with the whole World, 

I guess I'm one of the minor characters.

Lyrics were once written by After Image in their song NEXT IN LINE that goes,

"What has life to offer me when i grow old? 

What's there to look forward to beyond the biting cold? 

They say its typical, yes stereo typical"

I guess it's the typical  most of us are headed to. Our role may be small yet It's up to us to make our life worth whatever it may mean. As small as the littlest pebble can contribute to the beauty of the ocean.

We choose who we consider family and we choose our friends...
Freewill enables choice, and I choose to maintain my social circle, burn no bridge if so possible, and make friends with as many as I can. We influence each others lives - that's how our significance is determined. Whether we influence the whole World by creating masterpieces and useful technology (like Gates and Shakespeare), or influence only a small percentage of the World (our social circle). Either way, we become significant. No material, fame and power is as important as these connections with people we make everyday. For when we die, money fame and power no longer matters, what remains is the memory of how we were as a person.

You may be just a minor character to the whole World, yet your a Major one in these peoples lives.

Life is but a game, so go ahead and play it!

    NEEDTOBREATHE - Something Beautiful [Official Video]

UpgrAdeS anyOne?

"Your body is a wonderland" - John Mayer

In our modern World, technological advancements have made many possibilities. Things which used to have one single purposive action like the calculator, have become multi-faceted and hi-tech like the i-phone.

Every year, new upgrades of the latest models come up.

Be it in the realm of cellphones (have become i-phones), mp3 players (to i-pods), pc's (to laptops),  windows 95 (to Vista) nintendos (to wii's), movies (VCR's to 3D's) - Everything at present is now Upgraded!

But wait, are there upgrades for our bodies?

Is there anything out there that can zap us a whole new body? Plastic surgery without the pain? Like Body building multiplied by 5?  An upgrade for our very own built-in MOdeL?

Maybe something in the aspects of a "click"? A serious Upgrade for our bodies wherein from a mere click of a remote - you could choose from many available "Models"- which body you would like to wear that day. All you would need to do would be to go to your fitting appointment.

"Hey sir! I would like to wear a Megan-Fox-like body today.

And set me up an appointment for tuesday, 
I'll be try a Jessica-Biel-like-body on." 

You could maybe even choose from a variety of parts. 

A combination of a Megan Fox torso, Jessica Biel's arms, Alba's curves, and Cameron Diaz's legs - ending up with - the ultimate UpGrade! 

Now wouldn't that be just interesting?

Yes, the idea is intriguing, kind of like making a barbie doll, only in real life form. (If I was a Director, I'd make a movie out of this concept! Theme: futuristic! And make the effects and overall appeal really really eye-catching, after all, its all about marketing now isn't it?)

Having upgrades for your body in a click? Its like changing clothes everyday! What I imagine as the process of "changing" is sort of like entering a room where light beams pass over your entire body like a scanner everytime you click the remote. Then when you come out -viola!!! Something like that! Gosh, if i really was a director or maybe even a scriptwriter with a movie deal, I'd soo make this a script!

Regardless of whether or not this is a possibility, it all depends on the individual really. 

"we can't choose what skin to wear, nature chooses that for us"

It's not about not liking yourself, not about not being contented, its about improving yourself, in a temporary and unconventional way. Experimenting really,. What you choose to do with your body is your innate freedom! In the meantime, while we don't really have that option, simply take good care of it -

 

because unlike technology - our bodies are harder to Repair!

  

Skittles-says: tell me your take on the story. Do tell.

DEAD STAR, By Paz Marquez Benitez

A Critique...

"Was love a combination of circumstances, or sheer native capacity of soul? 

In those days love was, for him, still the eternal puzzle"

“The young moon had set, and from the uninviting cot he could see one half of a star-studded sky. So that was all over. Why had he obstinately clung to that dream?

“So all these years--he had been seeing the light of dead stars,

long extinguished, yet seemingly still in their appointed places in the heavens"

CHARACTERS:

Major

• Esperanza and Alfredo Salazar (engaged)
• Julia Salas

Minor

• Carmen and Vicente (man and wife)
• Doña Adela and Dionisio (man and wife) 
• Don Julian 
• The Judge

SETTING:

The author described briefly but concretely each setting which the story undertook. A little description here and there to give us, the readers, a little picture of the settings.


POINT OF VIEW:

The story was told in the 3rd person point of view. The author played sort of like the storyteller role in the story. Plus, the author used a lot of big words and gave the whole story a “flowery tone”.


CONFLICT:

The conflict was especially thrilling since it came between the question of “being true to your heart” or “being loyal to your promise”. Alfredo had to choose between pursuing this NEW longing of his heart (for Julia) or to stick with his past decision, his promise (commitment with Esperanza).

The story had an External conflict- A struggle with a force outside one's self.
Specifically a:  Man vs. Circumstances - The leading character struggles against fate, or the circumstances of life facing him/her at that moment.


PLOT:

Exposition, Rising action, Climax, Resolution

The story was truly a thrill to read. The plot slowly unfolded as the story got deeper and deeper.

It started of in a slow easy pace with the introduction of the characters and their situations. Then, as the inevitable “Love-Attraction” between Julia Salas and Alfredo Salazar progressed, the story became more and more interesting (rising action). Then the climax came when Julia Salas and Esperanza finally found out what Alfredo has been up to. That he has been prancing around with Julia while he is still engaged with Esperanza.

This love triangle between the three and our anticipation for Alfredo’s to-be decision is the main excitement of the story. Our main character is faced with the dilemma of man vs. circumstance. Then when Alfredo finally decided, the story’s excitement went back to its slow steady pace leading to the resolution. He finally chose to stay with his promise, remain loyal to his commitment and marry Esperanza whom he was betrothed to. The Author also added a little ending twist to the story - when he made Alfredo and Julia meet again after a long time, a little reunion scene between the two “halted loves”- this gave the story its lasting impression, and illuminated the story’s “DEAD STAR” title.

THEME:

The main theme was focused on deciding between what your heart truly wants and also the question on whether to “Follow your heart or to follow your mind”, of “Being true to your heart or being loyal to your promise.”

The author really did a great job on this part. The best part about the story is that it has “substance”. The theme he set up most especially made me think and contemplate a lot. At the end of reading, it gets you thinking and pondering on life; which for me is a success on the part of the author because it means that he truly got to capture the reader’s attention.

“The dear, dead loves of vanished youth.” 
 

Reiteration of the theme:

For all the loves which had been halted, 

for all the loves which came to soon, 

which came before its time, 

of which bloomed much too early to allow destiny to fulfill it

Maybe in another lifetime. 

these stars, although extinguished, 

are still imprinted in the skies

--For all the right loves which came at the wrong time.

DEONTOLOGY: A Matter of Principle

Knowing the difference between right or wrong. 

To remain uncorrupted, to remain principled , 

This I wish to be

  

Deontology: A principle based on the fact that your actions are dictated by your Duty.

Duty-oriented principles focuses on the principles rather than on the consequence of an act. The basic rightness or wrongness of an act depends on its intrinsic nature. It is a theory which follows that you decisions be based primarily by one's duties and others rights.

Problem:

Joe is torn between his duty as a worker VS. his duty as a friend.

• Juan, the long-time friend of Joe has accidentally destroyed the equipment they were tasked to guard
• It was their job to secure and protect the equipment from damage to make sure these were prepared for service if ever needed.
• The boss found out about it and now is asking them for answers.

Conflict of the problem:

There are however dilemmas in finding the right act to do (according to the deontologist view), because

• Yes, Joe has a duty to his work
• Yet he also has the duty to protect his friend.

We do have to consider that

• the nature of the act was –accidental-
• Yet, it was his job to make sure that the standby equipments are to be ready for service in the wards.
• Juan did do a very clumsy act; he did play around near the equipments which led to his faulty act.

Principles involved:

• Loyalty to his friend (long-time friend) and his
• Responsibility (to do his job)
• Accountability and answerability- to be held accountable for your actions
• Truth (Veracity)- to tell or not to tell

Some above listed principles however does contradict with some of its co-principles. Yet some are of higher value than others. Responsibility, accountability and veracity all lead Joe to do what he is ought to do, which is tell the truth, these however conflicts with his loyalty towards his friend. Yet, the three are of a much higher value than the loyalty part.

“To do the right thing or do what you are ought to do”

So, if we look at this in a deontologist’s perception, and having weighed all the principles involved, then Joe does have to do his duty and tell the truth to his boss. He therefore has to do what he is ought to do and do things right. If he does go forth with his decision to squeal off his friend, he will surely have consequences to deal with. But a deontologist does not focus on the consequence but rather on his beliefs and principles. The above listed principles are however on his side, therefore concluding that he does have to do his duty and tell the truth.

-Skittles says: tell me your take on the story. Skittles says: tell me your take on the story.

A Look Back: QUEEN ELIZABETH GOLDEN AGE, THE MOVIE

The story line of the movie for me was the main attraction as a whole. Combined with the director’s brilliant talent in creating and making things a reality, with a small love-story in-between, made the movie all the more enticing. It bore a historical significance which was portrayed brilliantly. And, Cate Blanchett truly gave justice to her character and showed us another great performance.

The movie was very much entertaining all together. Aside form the fact that I learned a whole lot about British History, seeing the image of Elizabeth - her willpower, courage and bravery was inspiring. A Woman really is capable of anything. To sacrifice to such an extent in order to fulfill your duties is truly a desirable quality. She certainly was one amazing woman. But it also shows the loneliness that goes behind closed doors. Elizabeth, although she may seem like she has everything, at the end of the day, she’s all alone and by herself.  She had to give up love. She was in a way, married to her country. Yet, no one could have led them better but her. And her sacrifice wasn't a waste.

Seeing a woman acts as the King, lead her country and do such complicated task was intruiging. Behind the strong brave woman hides a compassionate kind hearted queen. She was willing to forgive even the worst of traitors which was another trait I admire from her.

Aside from the attractive story the movie had, cinematography and costume designs was especially brilliant. One could really feel the essence of the medieval-like era it exudes. But the best part of it all for me, is knowing that the movie is based on a true story. That such a woman did in fact, single-handedly, without any man, lead her country to victory.

A Look back: PEARL HARBOR, THE MOVIE

The last time I watched Pearl Harbor would probably be during my high school years. Back then, I can recall thinking - what a great blockbuster movie this is. Aside from the tangled love story it bore, it had historical substance and meaning behind it.

Watching it again now, I can re-affirm my statement. It still is one block buster which catches your attention even at the very beginning. Although I can see flaws in cinematography now which I never saw before, since standards back then and technology has thus evolved since - yet the main plot of the movie still outweighs every other aspect. It showed the vital and historical moments which occurred in American history showing how a great giant was awoken by a surprise attack by the fearless Japs.


The fight scenes were incredibly interesting and had that realistic appeal along with it. The director did a fantastic job of portraying those key battles during the World War II. Also, Casting could not have been better – placing Ben Affleck (Rafe) and Josh Hartnett (Danny) together, surely made it an instant “babe magnet” – irregardless of the story (=P). Kate Beckinsale also acted out her roles so perfectly.

The sweetener for me though, aside from watching Ben Affleck, in this entire ordeal - is the lasting impression this movie leaves one after watching it. This movie makes one realize that nationalistic attitude everyone hones inside of them. Waking the very core of our souls and gets us thinking about how we would react if our motherland was invaded by foreign aliens on a peaceful Family Day Sunday.

Overall, this truly is a wonderful movie which not only tells us about history but as well as combines the “facts” with the “fiction” -which keeps us hanging by the edge of our seats.

Communication Fun Facts

Skittles-says Hi.!

                                     Hi. Hello!. Aloha! Kumusta! Buenas Dias! Konichiwa! 

Language never fails to connect people together. No matter what language you speak - one thing ties us humans together - that is - communication.

Be it spoken language, written language, body language or even sign language.,.we all connect through language!

Animals also have their own ways of communicating too.

Fun Fact! Did you know that:

• FISHES communicate through vibration of their fins and muscles and as well as rubbing bones against each other especially upon courtship. They also make loud low-frequency sounds when they move their fin. Fishes also communicate by means of  odor detectors. 

• BEES communicate with each other by performing dances with a certain pattern

• WORMS communicate with each other using touch. This is the reason why we see worms form clumps of balls in soils. After they communicate signals with each other, the worms will then collectively move in the same direction,  form ‘herds’, moving away from the undesirable environment which explains why they clump

• COCKROACHES use chemical communication. According to scientists, roaches recommend good food sources to each other by communicating in chemicals. The research was headed by Dr Mathieu Lihoreau from Queen Mary's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences. This was then published in the journal Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology

• ANTS communicate by touching their antennae. They lead their fellow ants to where the food is by leaving a scent path with a chemical called a pheromone. The same chemicals human exude to attract their partners. 

Amazing isn't it? Skittles-says Nature is Awesome! We each have our own little way of connecting to each other. in what ever form it may be, it still is called one word - Communication.   =P