Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Epigrams from The Picture of Dorian Gray (Part 1)

I just finished the epub version of this book after a month of  stop-resume-stop-resume reading. And it was a delicious treat to the mind who seek comfort with the thoughts about subtle non-conformity. (thanks to Lord Henry)



I got so fond of it that i found it too late to highlight the passages and words of wisdom or may i say, thought-provoking paragraphs scribed by Mr. Oscar Wilde, so, the list below has been lifted out starting from Chapter 1V onward.


1. One could never pay tooo high the price for any sensation

2. People are very fond of giving away what they need most themselves. It is what i call the depth of generosity

3. A great poet, a really great poet, is the most unpoetical of all creatures. but inferior poets are absolutely fascinating. The worse their rhymes are, the more picturesque they look.

4. The mere fact of having published a book of second rate sonnets makes a man quite irresistible. The lives the poetry that he cannot write. The others write the poetry that they dare not realise.

5. Experience was of no ethical value. It was merely the name men gave to their mistakes

6. A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her

7. To Cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul

8. One's days were to brief to take the burden of another's errors on one's shoulders. Each man lived his own life, and paid his own price for livign it. The only pity was one had to pay so often for a single fault. One had to pay over and over again, indeed.

9. When the passion for sin, or for what the world calls sin, so dominates a nature, that every cell of the brain, seems to be instinct with fearful impulses.

Men and women at such moemnts lose the freedom of their will. They move to their terrible end as automatons move, Choice is taken from them, and conscience is either killed, or, if it lives at all, lives but to give rebellion its fascination, and disobedience its charm. For all sins, as theologians weary not of reminding us, are sins of disobedience. When that high spirit, that morning-star of evil, fell from heaven, it was as a rebel that he fell.

10. Names are everything. I never quarrel with actions. My one quarrel is with words. THat is the reason i hate vulgar realism in literature. The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one.It is the only thing he is fit for.

11. I admit that i think that it is better to be beautiful than to be good. But on the other hand no one is more ready than i am to acknowledge that it is better to be good than to be ugly.

12. Skepticism is the beginning of Faith


(click here for the part 2)


MAC

Iglesia ni Cristo 97th Anniversary


Another year has passed, another inclusion of overwhelming success and resplendency for the Church of Christ, Glory be to God forever!

It's no denying, if you are observant about the religious expansion and growth within the archipelago of the Philippines,  it is only the Iglesia Ni Cristo that has come to terms in the sincerity of the propagation of faith with a true reflection of execution and grace.

To prove this,  we could always wonder in awe about the beautiful and magnanimous increase in the build up of elegant chapels and exquisite houses of worship, flowering like a form of life-sized arts displayed along the towns and cities of the Philippine  Islands.

The mushrooming creation of these sacred edifices suggest and express mainly one thing - the incrementing populace of the members of the INC is unstoppable.

It is so apparent in the Philippines that the growth of the members have already expanded overseas in multitudes, spreading into the seven continents of this earth where culture is no barrier, where distance and state of life amongst nation is not an issue.

July 27 has been a mark, a distinctive day amidst the members of the Church of Christ.  It is a day of celebration, and moreover, a day of Thanksgiving for the wholeness of what the Church has achieved today.

The astonishing rise to implored respect and the significant prosperity to a divine leadership of this Church is truly a marvel to admire.

Congratulations to all Iglesia Ni Cristo brethren, to God be the Glory!!!



MAC

click here for last year's post

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

GMail activates free SMS to Philippines via Gmail Chat



The Search giant has finally unveiled to Pinoys the free sms feature inside Gmail - the well accepted free email service amongst technophiles.


Reality check, Gmail is not that well-known in the Philippines compared to Yahoo as a free email provider. It's not my intent to convince Pinoys in switching to Gmail but i think it's never too late to say it once and for all. I wouldn't list down here the benefits of using Gmail but if Yahoo aficionados would be missing the YM just so they want to switch, there's Chat built in to Gmail or Gtalk, & would suffice enough for the need of instant messaging.


With the current release of free SMS form  from Gmail, which is being integrated in Chat/Gtalk, i found is it sweet and so approachable. A Gmail user can have 50 max allowable sms, compatible with Globe, Sun Cellular and Smart networks. What's more? If the recipient replies using his mobile phone (regardless of network), he can only get a 1 Peso deduction from his current balance. Not bad eh? compared to YM's on mobile, a single reply from Yahoo Messenger thru mobile's sms is 2.50 pesos.
Another great thing in stored on this Gmail SMS is that you can replenish the allowable 50 sms whenever the recipient replies to your text message with 5 free SMS back.


 Usage wise, you will find the SEND SMS feat from your left side bar, type in the supported mobile # just like +63917XXXXXXX, hit enter and you're on your way for free texting.




By the time, you want to write your Text Message / SMS, it will get integrated into the chat window, which looks like this:





Methinks that this is one of Google's strategic approach so they could give a bang in amplifying the use of Gmail among Filipinos. It's no denying that we are the world's SMS capital, that way, we will get to use and get familiarized with Google's services, leading for the adaptation of Google+, the newest social network which is giving a real threat to Facebook.






MAC




Monday, July 25, 2011

How to Activate Video Calling for Facebook?

I had my first taste of facebook video calling sometime this week, although i didn't set-it up myself, my friend initiated a video call while we were chatting. I found out that although my account wasn't yet configured, it would initialize as soon as one of your friend (who has an active video calling set-up on his profile) has initiated it for you.

But, if you want to configure your account and initiate a video call to one of your friends, then you must goto this site and follow the instructions:

http://www.facebook.com/videocalling

Seriously, you need just a couple of clicks for you to activate it. Once you ran the pop-up window and have it finished installing (for the plug-in), then just open up your chat window and initiate a video call to your friend who has a camera.




MAC

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Kahilingan




Kailan ka makauunawa?
sa mga salitang nakalihim sa hiwaga
datapwat ito'y ipinanukala
subalit itinikom mo ang iyong pag-asa
Muli kong ipinamanhik
at ikaw nama'y nagpaunlak
kaya aking muling isinaysay
ang katotohanang
iyong itinatwa
ngunit hindi pala sapat
pagkat ito'y 'di mo matanggap
ang mensaheng isinisiwalat
bagkus, nasaktan ka ng labis
at halos di makaimik
subalit ako'y hindi lumihis
ako'y hindi sumuko
para lamang ika'y matuto
sa mga aral na wari mo'y tanso

Hanggang ngayo'y di kita matinag
sa puso mong kay ilap
kahit ibukas lamang saglit
upang ang liwanag ay sumapit
ngunit di mo man mawari
ika'y laman at sa isipa'y laging sumasagi
mangusap lamang itong puso'y
iyong mapagtantong ito'y walang halong biro
pagkat nais kong ika'y magmana
ng kayamanang di nasisira
nawa'y iyong maunawa
na ang mga di nakikita'y
doon nati'y ilagak ang pag-asa

Lamang, ako ay hamak
sino ako upang iyong paniwalaan
walang kakanyahan o maging kayamanan
o ni kapangyarihan
bagama't ako'y kawalan
ika'y aking isinama
sa aking mga pagpapanata
at nawa'y ika'y matamnan
ng isipang mapanaliksik
na 'di nahuhungkag
sa mga bagay na malinis
kundi'y ika'y maging mapanuri
at maunawa ang ibig kong iparating
na iyong madama ang kasidhian
ng kalooban kong ika'y mapabilang
sa kawan na may basbas
na magmamana
ng buhay na walang hanggan






--MAC

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Sinkhole unearthed / How sinkholes are made?


Tag-ulan na naman, usong-uso ang pagbaha at pag-guho ng mga lupa, let's dive in to this interesting topic - sinkholes.


What is a Sinkhole?

A sinkhole is a hole that suddenly appears in the ground. It happens when the soil and rock underneath the surface get washed away by water, creating a big empty space that can no longer support the ground above it. Think of it as when you eat all the cake under the frosting and suddenly, the frosting collapses.




chasm under the bed


To find a deep chasm under your bed doesn't only sound creepy but nonetheless terrifying. A recent sinkhole visited Guatamela City once again, this time under the bed of a 65-year old woman. I was thinking, could a sinkhole like this be a portal to hell?

Ever since i had known about sink holes, i was mesmerized by their circular rigidity and the wonder of admiration of how it was suddenly created, not to mention the calculating effects of the brain thinking how deep would it be? and other possible shoulda woulda coulda questions.


It may sound beyond the borders of our comprehension but science has it explained how chasms are being made especially in Guatamela where the litosphere is kinppd of porous, fluids such as rainwater is easily absorbed inside the earth. 

What makes it disturbing are the sudden show-ups of these holes which are pretty scary. Imagine a 40 feet deep hole abruptly appearing inside your house. It's for sure a wonder to claim with horrifying effects. It definitely is considered as a natural disaster which is similar to typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes.

Below's the pic of a great chasm of which a building was swallowed in Guatamela back in 2010. It's a hole that's more than meets the eye.


(photo from Google Gallery)




How Do They Form?

Here’s a simple recipe for a sinkhole:

  1. Water Dissolves Rock: Over time, rainwater, which is slightly acidic, seeps into the ground and slowly dissolves rocks like limestone, gypsum, or salt beds. Imagine slowly pouring hot water over sugar cubes; eventually, they disappear.

  2. Underground Cavities: As the rock dissolves, it creates empty spaces or cavities underground. These cavities can get pretty large, like a secret hideout under your backyard.

  3. Surface Collapse: When the cavity gets too big and the ground above can no longer hold, it collapses. It's like when too many people stand on a paper-thin cake; it caves in, and voila! You have a sinkhole.


    Fun (or Scary) Facts

    • Size Matters: Sinkholes can be tiny, just a few feet across, or they can be massive, swallowing entire buildings or roadways.
    • Location, Location: They are common in areas with lots of limestone, such as Florida in the USA, parts of China, and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Think of these places as having a lot of underground Swiss cheese.

    Prevention and Safety

    If you live in a sinkhole-prone area, here are some tips:

    • Watch for Warning Signs: Cracks in the ground or your home’s foundation, trees or fence posts that tilt, or small ponds where there weren’t any.
    • Regular Inspections: Have professionals check the stability of the ground, especially if you notice any of the warning signs.

    So, there you have it! Sinkholes are like nature’s way of reminding us that the ground isn’t always as solid as it seems. They might be scary, but understanding how they work can help us deal with them better. Just remember, when life gives you sinkholes, it might be time to move to higher ground!



    --MAC

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Satisfaction Ex Facto

I feel compelled to write this not because i sensed the emotive sympathy troubling the inner depths on my nerves as i've listened  and witnessed the unraveling of the infuriating truth about going against your will but because, simply, there is a need to let the unkempt vibes to be freed in to the air of nothingness.

It may sound so figurative but decrypting the hidden message here will leave you just wondering, what the hell is he talking about?


To lead by influence versus to lead by fear versus to lead by motivation and or inspiration, all mixed up together will define an all walks of life kind of leader, yet which one must possess the greatest percentage in reliving the qualities of an effective and powerful leader?

The rhetoric will go on and on,  but there is one common denominator in order for a living soul to wake up from the beauty of the rotting fantasy. It is the realization when the collective thinking would almost outburst to infinite mockery and satisfied smile forming on the lips of the given pawns and knights moving on the squares of life.



MAC

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Google+ iPhone app is live on iTunes



After a long hiatus in not syncing my iPhone to iTunes, i got awed and struck for there's an iOS update - 4.
but i guess, that could wait.

In the meantime, let's give a round of applause to both the Search Giant and the great Cupertino company for finally unveiling the Google+ iPhone app.

You may get the app here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google/id447119634?ls=1&mt=8


Guess what? the G+ iPhone app does not support iPod touch. It's  only compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPhone 4 with iOS not lower than version 4.0





I just noticed that there is no Huddle option on the web app compared to the iPhone app, whilst Hang-outs is missing on the mobile app, it's ubiquitously visible on the side bar for the web app.

I just had my first post using the iPhone app but i flinched when i didn't see it as "Google+ for iPhone", unlike the tagline i so got used to in Facebook, "Facebook for iPhone".

It just means that there's a lot more room for improvement. ;) or say, more uniqueness coming out after a couple of updates.




MAC








Saturday, July 16, 2011

Google+ versus Facebook

 If only there's a way to import my Facebook contacts to Google+ I'd have it done in a blink of an eye. As it turned out, Facebook do not allow that process at the moment.

I had my first exploration of the newest social network just this week. At first hand, i was impressed. The UI is  so much more intuitive than Facebook. This isn't a review per se, but of all the things i want to share regarding this  overnight success of the big G, is my hands down applause of how the social network is revolutionizing across the cyberspace. It's too early to compare and judge between Google+ and Facebook, yet the non-startling question is inevitable, "would Google+ surpass Facebook's success?". And along the line, will the loyalty of social network fanboys be with Facebook forever?

Reality check, to win over Facebook wouldn't be an overnight achievement, with their 750 million subscribers, i guess Zuckerberg coudn't help but sit still and relax. However, that was not the case, he had launched the Facebook+Skype partnership - the so called video calling on facebook, which until now, i haven't gone through, leaving me wondering if the app is a built-in or was it a thing to configure through the maze of facebook's settings. On the other hand, Google pLus' video calling is just a click away from one of the sidebars

Then again, i didn't mean to compare the two (but i really couldn't help), putting it side by side Google+ is a real threat for the dominative Facebook's current profile in the market.

Getting the feel of it, this new social network is a lot more privy than the others I've used to have like Friendster. I didn't actually look at the video and how-to-basics, instead, i head on immediately to set up my account as soon as i've had my invite, result?, it was flawlessly easy. Creating circles alone and the feature of drag and dropping the people suggested on the top bar made it simplier compared to adding the person as a friend.

On the downside, not many people have Gmail accounts. Having a Gmail is a pre-requisite so you can be able to sign-up. I think that this is  keeping  the "boom"  from getting it more explosive to consumers who are not that techy. In brink of this, Google is trying to upgrade and implyingly affecting the attitude of consumers towards higher wisdom when it comes to setting up new technologies and innovations.


If you haven't receive an invite yet. Drop me your email address at

macdosage@gmail.com


and begin exploring.




MAC