Into The Time Stream…

These days, I have found myself getting inclined into reading… again. It’s been a year or so since the last time I read a good thick book, and I miss the feeling. I now get paranoid whenever I’m trying or planning to borrow a book from a friend because of “that” incident; so I’m trying to refrain myself from doing so. Haha. Well, it wasn’t actually my fault why the books I lent got “messed up.” It was the typhoon’s wrath.  

 I first decided to finish reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; but I ended up going for the Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox. I have always been fascinated with the Artemis Fowl series. The Time Paradox is the 6th instalment already and so I’m very much excited for the last (two) books. Too bad my friend still doesn’t have it. 

About Artemis Fowl: Time Paradox

What sets this series apart is its ability to rise above predictability. The characters in the Artemis series change and grow more complex with each book... This combination of ingenious plot and authentic characters who evolve over time is a pleasure to read and leaves readers begging for more.

Let me use short words to briefly describe what Time Paradox is about… something like these:

Parent. Child. Family. Self. Sacrifice. Deception. Loyalty. Time travel. Friends. Trust. Cunning plots. Comrades. Greed. Kraken. Old Foes. Future. Sarcastic Dwarf. Techie centaur. Brave Elf. Change. Chances. Inner Desires. Time. Fate.

To be continued…

Want To Blog More?

People blog for various reasons; it may be to make money out of their blog, vent out their everyday frustrations, inform readers or to extend their online network. And while most people can blog and do blog, not all is truly able to achieve the real essence of blogging. Perhaps, it depends on your end or motives for blogging.

If you are one of those people who aspire to become gurus in the field of copywriting, web content development, article marketing and the like, then it is a must that you follow certain rules in order to get the results you want. You may need to be aware of the dos and don’ts of blogging and/or copywriting.
 

Personal bloggers, on the other hand, need not strictly conform to the rules of writing or blogging. If you’re focused on making your blog your online journal, like me for an instance, then perhaps you are not concerned of optimizing your content or entire blog. Nevertheless, some personal bloggers might want to see a number of people subscribing to their feeds, following them on twitter or bookmark their blog site.
 

If that’s the case, then you should do whatever it takes to persuade more readers. And what’s better way to do that than make your blogging more effective? Write well and write right. Learn from real experts. Research; information is always the key.
 

Want to learn more? Here are ten simple tips to guide you through your blogging journey:
 

1. Assess your blog; maybe it’s time to make a change. Both the readers and the search engines love consistent updates and necessary innovations. Don’t settle for anything less.
 

2. Define your limits. Once you’ve chosen a topic for a particular post, stick to it. If you want to add more, do a continuation or succeeding post relating to it. Don’t squeeze everything in one post when you know it’s already more than enough. Learn how to stop yourself. There’s always another day to post and another blog post to publish. 
 

3. Make your intent obvious. Avoid fluff words and dangling sentences. Clarity is a winner. Furthermore, don’t forget to be consistent and persistent.  
 

4. Connect with the readers. Readers should always come first. Focus on getting their attention by creating something for them – it’s not just about you, it never is. Moreover, make it easy for them – from reading your posts to subscribing or linking back, give convenience. Offering free gifts such as e-books can do wonders.  
 

5. Omit unnecessary words. Be direct to the point. It is wise to be concise. 
 

6. Provide concrete examples, hard facts and shocking truth. Share short stories, anecdotes or quotes from credible authors. If you want to borrow excerpts from other blogs/websites, see to it that you return the favor by linking back or mentioning the source. 

7. List, bullet points, analogy, metaphors and simile – they can always lend you a hand. Most readers love bulleted posts or articles in list form – easy to read and digest. Metaphors and simile as well as analogies pave the way for more creative thinking.
 

8. Ask questions, feel your readers’ pain, give solutions. Know what readers what and need. Your content should be relevant and useful. Explain things in detail.  
 

9. Review your content. Always check for errors. Nothing beats a well-written blog post; thus, make sure that you proofread your work to correct spelling and grammar mistakes. Do not compromise your online reputation.
 

10. Be interesting, honest and humorous. You don’t have to take things seriously whether you’re blogging for money or not. Inform readers with brutal honesty and witty humor. Make unique and motivating blog posts. NEVER copy other’s content. 

I Salute To These Women ^_^

Hi there... Let me share to you some photos of pretty, cool and sexy Women in Uniform; photos of my "favorite" female soldiers (I like their uniforms, their designation, and of course, their beauty) from various countries.

I was able to discover them during one of my boring working days. They make me proud that I'm a woman.. ;) *enjoy :D

RIP, Nami :(

This is such a bad day - a really bad one. I feel so guilty.. and grief is trying to take the best of me... cant help but let the tears flow. If only my tears could wash away the sadness, and the feeling of guilt... I still cant get over it. It'll take some time, I know. But the pain right now is killing me. It hurts like hell. I can barely contain it. :(

My another favorite cat has died. Yes, this may sound ridiculous to other people; however, our cats (three of them: the mom, the older brother and the only girl - Nami) are already part of our family, I consider them my special siblings. I do my best to protect and feed them. Hearing them cry would bring me discomfort and worry; thus, it crushes my heart to see her struggle and die.

Yep, I saw how she died - she died in my hands as I tried my best to save her. But I guess I'm never enough to save her. Or maybe, it was also my fault that she didnt make it. Perhaps, I did the wrong first aid. So instead of saving her, I rushed her death. I dont know; I feel so helpless. I think it's better to blame myself. I was quite ignorant of what really needs to be done; and so I failed to save her. :(

They say dont dwell on things or failures which are actually beyond your control, including death. But I'm human; I tend to be sensitive or emotional, especially to my loved ones. I just cant accept the thought of a loved one passing away before my eyes. I cried and cried while trying to save my cat. Praying that I'll have the hands that can help her survive; but maybe I was really too late. It sucks not to be able to do anything at times like this.

I still dont know how to move on from this incident. Kind of traumatic and heart-breaking - I'd rather choose to deal with a love life issue than to bear with this kind of pain. :( The guilt is taking me over. The pain is unbearable. With all the memories, how can I free myself from this sadness and remorse? x_x

Nami, please forgive me if it was truly my fault. Please, rest in peace. :((

When I was a kid…

I had a lot of dreams. I aspired to be like this and/or that in the future. I wanted to achieve so many things. Impossible was not yet invented in my dictionary.  Felt I could conquer the world! Haha.

As a kid, my imagination was really wild, vivid and timeless. I cared for nothing but fun, adventure and the real excitement of life. I love to draw, write stories and play whatever games would come to my mind. I wonder where that kid is now…

I wanted to travel the entire world - explore, unearth and tell humanity how wonderful the universe is. I have always adored the creations of God. I love Nature, and even the innovations of man... Sadly though, the planet is no longer as beautiful as it was… 

When I was a kid… I wanted to become a…

Traveler/Archaeologist

What’s other better and pleasurable way to appreciate more the beauty of nature and the wonders of the entire universe than to travel, travel and travel? To travel the whole world is my very wish…when I was just a kid, and until now. 

I also want to unearth history, discover hidden facts and find relics. I was so inspired by a TV series way back in High School; if my memory serves me right, the show was “Relic Hunter.” I also love to watch Tomb Raider, The Mummy, National Treasure, Indiana Jones and other history-based or treasure hunting inspired movies. I loved history as long as I can remember and so I want to learn more.

I eventually wanted to become a teacher - for reality's sake. Haha. As for traveling, I think it’s wise to start a travel blog while I’m still looking for “that” opportunity.

Air Force/Navy/Marines

"To fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace." – Air Force

I’ve always wanted to explore the sky, and/or the ocean; thus the dreams. I even wanted to become an astronaut! I thought that I’ll always be free and alive whenever I can roam around the seas and the skies – reason why I love “One Piece.”

But of course, these are very risky jobs. As a kid, I was only looking at the positive and enjoyable aspects; I challenge intricacy and would always think that I shall win.

Now, as a Navy officer, you can also take part in aviation. I found out about Naval Aviators and blood surged through my veins. Isn’t that hitting two birds in one stone? Whew! :D

However, if it’s not in the US or other more technologically-advanced countries, I’d rather content myself with collecting miniature models of aircraft. Haha ;) :P

Ninja/Samurai

Aren’t they cool?!! Ninjas and Samurais never fail to amuse and amaze me. They’ll always be a part of my imagination and wishful thinking. Although becoming a ninja or a samurai these days seems easier said than done... if given the chance, why not? hahaha

Some people think that a ninja and/or samurai are nothing but blood-thirsty mercenaries or spies. But for me, they have an honourable reputation. Added with the effect of watching Samurai X – Rurouni Kenshin, Naruto and the like… ;)

But I guess, a police officer or a detective is more realistic and feasible. 

I also want to become an F1 pro-racer.. hahaha.. But I guess I should start learning how to drive well first.. and race with a go-kart before anything else. ;)

Although these aspirations may seem very difficult, I know they’re never impossible. I so envy those who are able to live up their dreams. Right now, I’m still having a hard time listening to my real calling. I know it’s not yet too late for me now... So, help me God. :D

On Hope and Love...

I found a website where people share with the world their most hopeful and uplifting moments - real stories (twitter-length) that show how much difference simple gestures of love and hope can do to a wretched soul. This allow others to draw strength and inspiration from their experiences; thus encouraging people to never give up on love or lose hope. And that is -  GivesMeHope.com. It is a response to the popular site, FMyLife.com (FML) where people share stories of how their day was completely ruined or how f***ed up this world is.

GMH is like Chicken Soup for the Soul - the 21st Century, Twitter-style version. it is the FML for the optimists.

The creators of this site also made a separate page for those stories which are more focused on the Love category. They called it LovesGivesMeHope.

Now, isnt this a very good idea? Why settle on the negative aspects of life when you can actually brighten up your day and others with cheerful gestures and uplifting acts? How can you move on from all the hurt and pain of the past if you are to dwell on those things instead of finding hope and love even in the smallest and simplest things?

Well, let me share to you some short stories which captured my heart and soul...

When my brother was in kindergarden, he couldn't stop talking about how cool and funny his best friend Jeremy is.

When we met him, we saw he was in a wheelchair. On the way home we asked my brother why he never told us that Jeremy was in a wheelchair.

He simply said, "Because it isn't important."

***

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

I told my husband I would understand if he wanted to leave, he didn't sign up for a mentally ill wife, and I have made his life hell for the past three years.

He just smiled and said, "In sickness and in health covers crazy, too."

***

I was so nervous/scared the day i brought home my first boyfriend.

I was afraid that he'd judge or be uncomfortable around my little brother Aby who has Down Syndrome.

But as soon as he saw my brother he gave him a high five and they started playing together.

Now we have little fights about who Kevin, my boyfriend, loves more.

***

My boyfriend was eager to meet my Mom, despite my various protests.

I pulled into the parking lot of the cemetery where she's buried, expecting him to completely freak out.

When we approached her grave, he sat down, said hello, and talked with her for an hour about how lucky he was to have me.

***

One day I got a phone call from my daughter's Grade 1 teacher saying I was to provide my daughter a lunch EVERY DAY!

Confused, I asked my daughter what she was doing with her lunches.

Her response? "A girl in my class doesn't get a lunch so I give mine to her."

***

Today, a married couple asked me to take their picture with the digital camera they had.

I counted 1... 2..., and right before I said 3, the man in the couple snuck a kiss on her cheek.

***

My daughter goes to kindergarten, and there is a boy there who is blind.

She didn't understand what this meant, so I explained.

The next day when I picked her up, I found her sitting across from the boy with her eyes closed, describing what trees looked like. The boy was grinning from ear to ear.

- their stories of love, acceptance and selflessness GMH...

Now, here's mine:

(I had a girl friend in grade school who was kind of boyish. One day, she got into a fierce fight with a male classmate who was actually close to her. Of course, they ignored each other after the fight. It was also during that day when some seniors bullied the guy. My friend hurriedly ran into his side and yelled at the bullies, "Don't you dare.. he's mine."

Now, they're engaged.)

These Stories Gave Me A Better Understanding and Appreciation of Life.. ;)

They Could Kill You...

However, they may also help you survive a disease as life-threatening as Cancer.

Isn't this amazing? Though it's kind of confusing and hard to believe, I think such creatures deserve more attention than fear itself. Since they're already considered deadly, most people would not even try to go near them. Just the sight of these creatures is more than enough to scare you away.

However, do you know that these deadly wildlife/rainforest creatures can also lend you a hand in times of distress? In fact, they are the favorite subjects of many scientists. Their hidden benefits made it possible to discover conventional means to curing serious diseases. Also, we're being taught to accept our differences. ;)

These are some of the top poisonous creatures that could either kill or cure you:

Scorpions against Brain Cancer

Scorpions would usually use their poison or toxins in order to defend themselves, hunt for their prey as well as drive way rivals when mating. If you accidentally startled a scorpion and it stung you, you might end up dead in an instant or suffer agonizing heart or lung problems.

The good news is, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that a scorpion's venom can also be used in cancer treatment, particularly to a form of brain cancer called Glioma.

They found out that the venom of the giant Israeli scorpion is harmless to humans but is certainly deadly to its cockroach prey. They tried to inject a drug derived from the venom into cancer-infected human brains; they soon found out that the poison destroyed the glioma cells only and left the surrounding healthy brain cells unscathed. 

Poison Dart Frogs for a Healthy Heart

Poisonous animals or insects usually kill, intentional or not, through fluid secretions such as sweat. As for a poison dart frog, its sweat is not something you should just take for granted. A highly-dangerous neurotoxin called batrachotoxin can ooze from a poison dart frog's pores which will then stop your heart from functioning well. In fact, its poison is used by various tribes in hunting and warfare. It was even considered as a state-of-the-art military technology. 

However, such frogs dont directly produce the said toxin or poison. They got it from either the insects they ate that ate poison plants or from the plants itself. So when poison dart frogs have been subjected to experiments, it was found out that the toxin speeds up the heart before putting it to a stop. Thus, patients experiencing cardiac arrest can still be saved once the scientists can successfuly tweak the toxin's elements coming from the frog's sweat. Batrachotoxin is also a potential ingredient in anesthetics.

Lower Blood Pressure with Vipers


Nobody wants to bond with vipers no matter how attractive they look. Although some people like to take care of some snakes, jararaca vipers should be an excemption because they are more venomous than you can ever imagine. This viper's venom works in a unique manner. It prevents blood clotting; thus, a victim is killed after bleeding to death. And this is why scientists suggest using small doses of this viper's venom for cardiac patients. It can prevent or stop arteries from hardening; this way, blood clots can be avoided or remedied.

A synthesized version of jararaca viper venom is a significant ingredient in most of today’s ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors slow down the enzymes or prevent it from producing peptides which are causing muscle constriction that can set off a chain reaction around blood vessels. This lowers the risk of high blood pressure leading to heart attack and other ailments. ACE inhibitors with the venom of a jararaca viper are now used to treat millions of people with high blood pressure.


Who would've thought that these creatures we usually consider as nothing but deadly and creepy can actually help save human lives? Well, there are always two sides in a coin, as they say. ;)

But honestly, I felt cold while looking into the photos of these creatures. They're still my least favorite creatures, next to spiders. :D