Meet My Very Own WiFi Sniffer, The Nokia E71
By The Parodist | August 15, 2008
Using a 17″ HP Pavilion dv9000 is no joke. Lugging it around in a bag is quite a chore so the idea of pulling it out then finding out there’s no WiFi is such a hassle. That’s why I bought the Nokia E71. I want a WiFi sniffer.
I kid. I kid.
After a clamshell, next up on the list of features I like in a mobile phone is the QWERTY. I loved the sleek, thin RAZR but with the battery conking out when you least expect it (yea, I know I have to replace the battery) plus my growing tech needs and a strong desire to go back to using Nokia, I knew I had to start looking.
I reckon I’ve already mentioned it before, I don’t get too attached to my phones. But this one’s different. I was actually counting down the days till I can get my hands on one. Researched the phone specs, studied its look, scouted for the best place in the South to buy the darn phone — for several weeks! For someone like me, that’s saying a lot.
It was practically love-at-first-sight.
Topics: The Reluctant Geek | 6 Comments »
Today I Am Thankful, Week 5
By The Parodist | August 4, 2008
Again, a day late but the important thing is that I’m not going to miss listing down what I was thankful for last week, yea?
I have to admit that I had to pause for a while to really think about what happened the past week in order to accomplish this list. I’m glad to have been reminded of them. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to highlight even the small accomplishments. It’s in these situations that you’ll see His grace at work. They remind me that small things matter. They’re the building blocks of the bigger things to come.
Here are the 7 things that I’m thankful for this week:
1. Celebrating the first month. I’m a bit surprised that I was able to keep up with the frequency of posting on my photo-journal. I was able to post a full month and I can’t help but feel proud of myself! Now if only I can do the same here at The Parody. Hehe.
2. Online projects. There are a couple in the works. I’m still a bit backlogged in some but I can see things shaping up on two of the ones I’ve started. It’s a little hard to keep up with the tasks, esp the ones that require technical attention but I’m coping. It’s good to learn new things that allow you to do things on your own.
3. Photo opportunities. I’m finding more and more reasons to hold my camera and take photographs. Few of the newer photos were used recently on a couple of my blogs. I find that I’m enjoying taking product photos. I wonder just how much of it I can actually develop but so far I’m really proud of the photos I’ve taken.
Topics: Mood Notes | No Comments »
Sharing the Love
By The Parodist | August 2, 2008
Jonas, aka Daddyluscious, awarded me with this heart-warming honour to pass on this message of love.
In a world that’s muddled with the irony of selfish altruisms and self-absorbed ambitions, I’m reminded of the importance of giving. Though we are plagued with inner turmoil, failures, and burned bridges, taking the time to offer ourselves up to others will bring a sense of joy. It does bring an inexplicable satisfaction that your being extends beyond yourself. Your circle includes other people.
I say this because this honour is rooted in an amazing story of love and survival of a little boy, who received a miracle gift, a new heart. Noah was given a chance to live a life. A wonderful second chance. And this had allowed me to join in the effort to raise awareness of the need for Organ Donation.
Now, I’m presenting the same honour to the following people who, in turn, have made me appreciate my life and all the second chances I’ve ever had been fortunate to have and I know who will recognise the imporance of giving others the same opportunity:
1. Shai. Dear sister and friend. One who will never hesitate to be there. She understands, challenges, encourages, and corrects me. I love you, sis!
2. Mel. A person I’ve known since fifth grade. One of the people who have become important to me. Best friend, indeed.
3. Raissa. She’s a friend who I can consider a sister. A perennial sounding board. Her principles have been a great inspiration. She knows me and I love how I am reflected in her eyes.
4. Toni. Her blog is a great source of inspiration. I appreciate the little treasures she shares and her simple yet endearing perspective on life. It is one thing to be a wife but it’s in the steps we take as we fulfill that role that allows us to find the joy and significance in everything else. I’m looking forward to getting to know you more!
5. Marjorie. Finding satisfaction in your chosen profession can be hard esp if you’re not sure if it’s truly what you want. Discovering her passions have inspired me to explore and cultivate mine. We’ve managed to find a common ground to walk on, even when we live in different continents. She’s a delightful online companion. I’m also looking forward to getting to know you more!
What about you guys? Have you thought of the people who have inspired and encouraged you? How about those people who have put a smile on your face and have made you appreciate life recently? Who makes it on your list?
Let us celebrate life’s second chances. Let us all share in the love. Have a great weekend!
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Mood Notes | 3 Comments »
Scattered Sun and Poetics of Sound
By The Parodist | August 1, 2008
It’s been a while since I last indulged my interest in music. I know that we can now easily find albums and download torrents online, I just think that it’s different when you hold the album in your hands. I guess since I’m a frustrated vinyl collector, I have to be content with the next best thing — CDs. Heh.
Rock tops my list of music genres and I’m partial to them old, classic rock bands. Of course, as a pseudo-musician like me, I enjoy listening to guitar riffs and bass lines. And there’s something magical about how these musicians seem like poets, if you listen to the songs they’ve written.
The Doors is one of the bands I’ve always been a fan of. Listening to their Scattered Sun album stirred unfamiliar memories; brings me back in time, in an era before I was born. It’s weird, actually. This fascination with periods that I have no knowledge of, just notions based on the things I’ve read and seen. Imagine yourself listening to Soul Kitchen and Light My Fire, you’ll understand what I mean. You’ll groove as Jim Morrison croons and tells you to keep the mojo risin’, baby.
And then there’s Jazz and Blues.. and the soulful trumpeter, Miles Davis. Now this talented man is good company on a night with a glass of merlot lost in a book. With the song It Never Entered My Mind playing in the background, you just might find yourself inspired to bare your own soul through your writing. His rendition of When I Fall In Love will let you feel how it really is to love. Without words. Amazing.
Having music in your life is simply awesome. It inspires me. It helps me express what I couldn’t bring myself to express. Music is like poetry to me. That’s why I listen to the sound that edifies my being. Perhaps that’s why I know what sort of music I like. I prefer to listen to the ones that would tell me about scattered suns and poetics of sound. They challenge thought and expose feelings.
What about you guys? What sort of music have you been listening to lately? Have you bought anything new? Can you say that the music you listen to adds value to yourself?
Image: amazon.com
Topics: Music & Artists | No Comments »
Today I Am Thankful, Week 4
By The Parodist | July 28, 2008
A day late but with good reason. How can I possibly let this week pass without a post on the things that I’m thankful for? Esp since this past week, I was reminded of the dreams I had listed down eight (8) years ago. Yes, I have a journal to prove it. LOL.
We all have dreams and wants in life that seemingly fuels our drive to wake up each morning and do the things we ought to do for the day. We may wish for small things and, sometimes, we dare to dream big. The important thing is to never stop dreaming and, of course, chasing after those dreams.
I’ve always been the type who’d set goals and establish a list of wishes that leads to the achievement of the goal. It often feels like I would always prefer to go for the bigger fish but would still find joy in a school of little fishes that can somewhat be likened to getting the big fish, know what I mean?
Anyway, here are seven (7) of my dreams that had been fulfilled, not last week, but during the course of my lifetime. Comes with the memory is a reminder of what I am thankful for this week:
1. Live independently at 25. Ah, freedom! Even when twas just for only a year. But I lived it! On my own, no allowance. No running off to mummy when you need a decent meal or money when the month’s utility bill comes. Not even going home on weekends. I was definitely living independently. My reasons for moving out was nothing to be proud of, though. But I reckon that’s how I often learn, eagles do push their young off the nest so that they can learn how to use the wings they were born with. I’m now back living with my mum but not because I need to but because we need each other. I’m thankful she allowed me to have the same amount of freedom as when I had lived on my own.
2. Own a car. Technically it wasn’t mine yet. I was still paying it off but it was very much for my own use. I love cars. Owning that car allowed me to learn how to fix certain things, i.e. what to do when the car won’t start, but I have yet to change a flat tire. Anyway, twas a white 95 Corolla GTi, 16″ wheels with chrome rims, turbo-injected and that vroom-vroom muffler. Oh, yea. You’d think it was a guy’s car. LOL. Too bad I had to say goodbye, reason? See #4.
3. Become a model. I know. I know. I wouldn’t even dare say this out loud had it not come true. Whatta embarrassment. LOL. But, to my surprise, it did. Life is filled with one cliché after another and this one is no different (was approached by a scout in a mall! LOL). After a series of ramp gigs during the initial months, got signed by a modeling agency in Makati, approached by a free agent, attended numerous VTRs and cast calls, appeared as an “extra” in some nondescript beer commercial back in 2004 (Nyahahaha!). I’m so glad to see this chapter of my life closed. But I do sometimes miss the photoshoots. Ah, well. See #7. Ha.
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Fabulous Beauty, Gallyvanting Episodes, Mood Notes, Photography, The Beach Monger, The Fashionista, The Reluctant Geek, The Road Warrior, The Traveler, Writing | 3 Comments »
Why Do You Plurk?
By The Parodist | July 23, 2008
When I signed up for a Plurk account, I wasn’t really planning on using the darn thing. I’ve been thoroughly distracted by my other micro-blog as it is. But I thought it wouldn’t hurt to check the app out.
And then I found myself hooked.
Reasons why I Plurk:
1. Communicate. I reckon it’s a healthy way of talking to myself since it does encourage you to talk in the third person, i.e. Sasha is getting addicted to Plurk. LOL. Why healthy? Well, there’s always that chance for other people to respond to what you had just said, giving birth to conversation. I love how Plurk seems to have meshed a blog and its commenting feature and chat apps together. Very interactive.
2. Community. Blogging has become a whole lot more meaningful for me when there’s a community involved. Using a third party app like Plurk, somehow, seems like you’re placing yourself out there to mix, mingle and meet; reaching out to establish, join, or celebrate a community. It’s always a joy to meet new people and make new connections, don’t you agree?
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Gallyvanting Episodes, Questions, The Rambler, The Reluctant Geek | 10 Comments »
Today I Am Thankful, Week 3
By The Parodist | July 20, 2008
How quickly a week passes. This makes me realise how we often dismiss the fact that time is indeed fleeting. You can only feel it during the moment when you’re thinking about it. You can only look back and try to remember what we have done and think of what we will be doing. Personally, I hope I can find myself realising it while I’m doing it and be thankful.
There are small things, out of the ordinary, silly things, or grand. I’d like to think that no matter what it is, or how I’ve felt during these events, the intensity of how they add on to my life will prove to be equal. They are parts of a whole. Everything plays a part. All of them relevant.
Here are 7 things I’ve done, is doing, and will be doing that I’m thankful for this week:
1. Red Light Party. I’m glad I gave in to a friend’s request on going to this party (happy birthday, M!). I’ve met some pretty interesting characters (from uber down-to-earth rich kids, half-Germans to Koreans, a very diverse crowd) and had a blast with overflowing Sunset Mojitos and reds. Seeing Central BBQ Boy’s owner wolf down barbeque after barbeque that are not from his menu was one for the books. LOL.
2. Taking photos. It’s been over a month since I last touched my camera. (Funny cuz I’ve been daily updating my photo journal, eh?) I have to admit I’ve missed it a whole lot. It seems like I’m getting to know it all over again but good thing, it’s like riding the bike, I know I’ll get my groove back. Nothing beats seeing the photos I’m able to capture. I know this is one thing I wish to do for the rest of my life.
3. Reading. I’ve always cherished the moments that I can hold a book in my hands and discover the things that the author has in mind for the book. At present, I was able to devour two (2) books and am now on my third, the first book of the Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, Inferno.
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Books, Gallyvanting Episodes, Mood Notes, Photography, Quotes, The Reluctant Geek, Writing | 2 Comments »
The Traveler: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
By The Parodist | July 19, 2008
Look up. You’ll see that there aren’t many towering skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. But you will notice that there are quite a number of tall trees scattered around the metro.
You don’t really need to strain your neck, there are a lot of interesting things to see on its streets anyway.
They remind me of the streets of Manila. However, instead of seeing jeepneys, you’ll be seeing a lot of motorcycles. I’m not kidding. I actually got the chance to ride in one. It was an experience that stirred a mixture of fear and excitement. Definitely made the trip a little bit more unique and memorable.
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Photography, The Traveler | 8 Comments »
When Good Things Come in Small Packages
By The Parodist | July 16, 2008
Can you believe how small oranges can be as sweet as the regular-sized ones? Admittedly, I’m not particularly fond of oranges. I’d pick an apple over it any day but I know nothing of the existence of mini-apples. Hence, my fascination with these mini-oranges. Notice how small they are compared to the orange slice seen on the photo. They’re cute, aren’t they?
This brings me to my point that, sometimes, good things come in small packages.
Take for example the photos you can take with a mobile phone, you can actually use it to practice composition, lighting, and such. Using a big-*ss equipment like a DSLR wouldn’t automatically make you a better photographer and give you the fancy-schmancy photos. You can work with something as simple as using a small gadget that captures photos.
Here are some of the photos I was able to take using a NOKIA N82 mobile phone:
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Photography, The Reluctant Geek, The Traveler | No Comments »
How to Survive Without God
By The Parodist | July 14, 2008
Before you go “Omigod, what blasphemy!” on me, it would be better if you read the entire thing first. That is, if you can get through the first few paragraphs (which I’m wishing you would!) and have the patience to read the rest.
Christianity as a Strict Theology
I’m here to admit that there was a time in my life when I had come to a point when I had thought I can do well with a life without God. I mean, this is me thinking that having God in my life would mean going to church every Sunday, spending time praying everyday, following His commandments, etc (I think you get the picture), which is so inconvenient given the other things I still want to do. Esp if, like me, you’ve come to associate Christianity with a certain strict theology that crossing the line can mean eternal damnation.
Okay. That’s a bit of a stretch since I also have developed a relationship with God like no other. This means He’s a loving, merciful father and a faithful friend. However, my view of Him got so tainted that I’ve found myself lost in translation. I somehow forgot what it was like to have Him in my life. Why it mattered that He be part of it. After all, I am on the road to reaching my dreams anyway. It felt like I had full control over my life. He did give us free will, right? Life is about you living it, yea?
Why I Thought I Don’t Need God
But, back to that point of realisation, the reason why I had thought I didn’t need God was that I thought that happiness can be found in this world. The dreams I have are of this world, part of this world, and lived in this world. I’m the only one who can do something about it. And, by world’s standards, I can have a good life if I have these things:
Great Talent. It can be anything which you can’t help but showcase. It’s one great skill that sets you apart, makes you special. It will result to accummulating a following. A group of people to cheer for you, to clap for you. You have a group of people who will give you a feeling of security.
Good Looks. A lot of people base worth on how a person looks. Applying a point system to determine one’s worth regardless of who he or she is. If you are able to establish that you are what the society can call beautiful then you’ve somehow got it made.
The Space in Between Us, Building 429: Topics: Philosophy & Paradox | 5 Comments »
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