To change with change is the changeless state

Even if Bruce Lee was never my favorite fighter in history (he is in my top five though), this book deserves a 4 star rating for his wisdom, sincerity and character-driven philosophy far from his Hollywood-celebrity persona. His first idea ("Be water my friend") clearly grabs your attention and will assure you that you can expect solid punches for the duration of the book. Moreover, he is also skillful in illustrating dynamic scenes that perfectly fit into his popular (like the title of this post) and non-popular mantra.

Genre: Collection, Philosophy, Non Fiction
Rating: 4 nonchaku

100 of the Worst Ideas in History

Reading this e-book is NOT a bad idea at all.

Genre: History, Factoids
Rating: 3 kilos of Frankenfish

Rawlicious Superfoods by Peter and Bery Daniel

I've been doing a lot of guerrilla cooking lately and this book is one of my newly discovered guide to learn the habit of cooking better foods off from the traditional Pinoy menu of meats, oils, herbs, and spices.

This is not a traditional review. Because this book is basically a reference and I will surely return to reading it again and again as much as the mission of cooking better foods continue to evolve through time.  This book may earn a different rating for my next reading but it wont matter; for more than just a cook book, this is also loaded with historical and practical information on specific native fruits, herbs, seaweeds, mushroom, hemp, honey, the Cacao seeds, even the Baobab tree from Africa---all that can be organically and naturally grown and harvested.

The illustrations inside the book are very good and interesting. The authors described it clearly in the How to Use this Book section:  "Each magical superfood illustration has a corresponding mandala and has been inspired by hours of discussion around its historical use, medicinal benefits, and mythology."

After seeing a cut of an image of "Tino-tino"--a familiar childhood wild fruit and known commonly as caped gooseberry, I knew the authors know what they are writing about but I can only wish that they also consider more native plants from Southeast Asia (not just native fruits from China and Japan)  because I know we have more to offer than just a variation of coconut species. Southeast Asians also have diverse ways of cooking native foods. Just look at how you cook adobo and check its derivatives in the Adobo Book by Alejandro & Lumen.

Being mostly raw and non-meat, the steps are easy to follow and each menu wont take long to prepare. Most of the steps end in "blending them all" because we dont want to waste nutrients in cooking. In the Functional Food section: "Emphasis is placed on eating green leafy vegetables by either juicing or blending them. Choosing organic food is almost more important than keeping it raw."

The authors also suggested aiming at least 50%  raw component in the diet. I also learned in this book that the toxin acrylamide starts to form in foods when cooked above 248°F (120°C). By just looking at how we traditionally grill meats, I know 120°C is very easy to reach especially when you rush your barbecue before the New Year's Eve's festivity. Additionally, there is a procedure here on how to prepare a Bao Beer from the powdered Baobab seed including tips on storing foods and using the right kind of food containers (to slow down the decomposition) as well as choosing the preferred kitchen tools like blenders, juicers, and dehydrators  or driers.

The suggestions in Quality is Key section are noteworthy even if they are not so easy to follow but it all just lead to how you balance your preferred kind of food. We all follow certain guides for food and all I can say is that this book is a good alternative. When food is no longer food, then perhaps it's time to try the Superfoods cooked in low-heat and dense in essential nutrients.

Rating: 3.5 cups of Bao Sorbet
Genre: Reference, Non Fiction

Lost in Translation

It's always a pleasure to learn a foreign word, or two (or three). Especially when you encounter or recall unique ones like Wabi-sabi or Ubuntu that has become iconic and symbolic, the way that each of them are untranslatable (no equivalent word in English) prompts any "word warrior" to dig deeper into each of their histories, including their evolution. In the end, you will appreciate the word more. You might want to share it with your loved ones or perhaps the rest of the World.

Compiled and illustrated by Ella Frances Sanders, this is a beautiful and interesting collection of unique words of the World. Thanks for including the Tagalog word "Kilig" in the collection because it is indeed, unique.

Images above belonged to the author.


Genre: Art, Language, Word Collection
Rating: 4 luftmensch out of 5

Miriam Defensor Santiago's Stupid is Forever

It is always an amusement when you see a politician bash her fellow politician. It's like observing an alligator biting a crocodile in a zoo. You just need a piece of chair to sit on and a popcorn to munch at. And when somebody tells you that she has a very high standard of integrity, you may not need to believe it prima facie. Because she is probably joking.

Some of the contents of this book are mostly rehashed lines from Boy Pick Up (or Boy Banat) and other satire and humor sites as confessed by the author herself in the introduction. Some of the jokes are very good, the epigrams are fresh and hard hitting like a sucker punch while some are just classic jokes that has been circulating more than a decade ago. I enjoyed the fresh ones as much as re-reading the old ones. It just feels that I contributed to a politician's campaign funds, if not her health funds. Is this book an early part of an election campaign? Not sure. Not counting out the illustrators who lent their talents for this book, Miriam Defensor Santiago's collection of epigrams will make her fans love her more and also, she has the ABS CBN Publishing to thank for. I just hope that her fellow politicians take her bites at heart just for the common good of the Filipino citizen. But then again, can the stupid really learn?

Genre: Humor, Satire
Rating: 3 impressive resumes out of 5

Tagay pa

Ano pa nga ba ang masasabi ko para sa pinakahuling libro na ito ni Lourd? Marami kayong madidiskubreng kaalamang praktikal, pangkasaysayan, pangrelihiyon, literatura at mitolohiya na may kinalaman sa alak. Lalung lalo na kung maiksi ang attention span ninyo at may katamaran na sumangguni kay Uncle Google, lahat na interesanteng kuwento at sanaysay tungkol sa agua de pataranta ay nandito na. Natuwa ako sa recipe ng mga pulutan. Nahilo ako sa ibat-ibang klase ng makabagong Pinoy na manginginom. Nagulat ako sa epekto ng methanol sa salaulang may hangover. Medyo bitin nga lang ako sa iisang aspeto. Yung inaakala ko na mareresolba na din kung meron bang katotohanan ang paniniwala ng iba sa bisa ng kumbinasyong hilaw na itlog ng manok at beer ay hindi pa rin nabigyan ng kasagutan. Malay natin, magkaroon ng sequel ang librong ito at bigyan ng pamagat na "Aphrodisiacs & Alcohol."

Magandang maitala din natin ang kanyang mga pinagsanggunian at ito ay ang mga sumusunod:

Edilberto Alegre - Inumang Pinoy
Kingsley Amis - Everyday Drinking
Nick Joaquin - History and Culture
Iain Gately - Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol      

At bilang panghuling hirit sa maiksing rebyu na ito ay mag iiwan ako ng isang linya galing sa Banal na Aklat na ginawang pambungad na linya ng librong ito:

"Give wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."
Proverbs 31:6-7


Kategorya: Sanaysay, Pagkain, Toma
Marka: Apat na kutsara ng Balut a la Pobre 

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

illustration by Rickey Beckett

DAVID & GOLIATH is my second Malcolm Gladwell read after THE TIPPING POINT (eight years ago) and the author once again provided intriguing and inspiring simplification of seemingly complex ideas and stories rooted in the socio-cultural layer of our history.

Three thousand years ago on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy killed a mighty warrior with nothing more than a pebble and a sling. David & Goliath were never part of a myth as David's story is more than a legend and more than a piece of inspiration. With support from history scholars and scientists, Gladwell was able to explain that things do not really mean what they seem---especially when you look down at the underdogs and misfits. And turning the table to the one who cast a look; the very thing that makes people so intimidating can be the source of their greatest weakness.

Additional to David and Goliath story, sample stories of the French Impressionists, the German bombing of London, the Northern Ireland conflict between Protestants and Catholics, the American Civil Rights Movement, even up to the modern day coaching of basketball prove that misfits can significantly overcome obstacles and disadvantages by using the "disadvantage" itself, among other rules (and breaking of some rules).

Gladwell made it clear that David is the complete antidote to Goliath no matter the size and the skill differential. You cannot fight fire with fire as David became water to Goliath's fire and we all know who emerged victorious and who is left lifeless on the ground with a hole in the head from that glorious day of battle in ancient Palestine.

Genre: Strategy, Psychology, Business
Rating: 4 big fishes in a small lake

A letter to my 24 year old self on my 34th birthday

I know what you've been through but take it easy brother, it's all worth it.

You were never born rich, your family has no influence whatsoever, no social status to bank on but be strong to maintain at your age the values of incorruptibility and trustworthiness. You will face hard decisions especially when a lot of people are involved but follow your heart and your conscience. Both will guide you to a path of righteousness.

Amid limitations and problems, believe that you can rise to the challenge starting on your own effort. When you're at the bottom, there is nothing else to do but to climb but do it one step at the time. Be aware that others are climbing the ladder too so be respectful and be helpful. Even if you choose to live a simple life, know that you still have to work for it. Just don't forget to laugh and learn from others. Treasure your folks and know your place in this part of the world.

Do not be afraid of leaving your comfort zone. Who said that a comfort zone is always static? Nobody. How about trying to see it in a different light? Make it reside in your heart so that you don't need to leave it, you carry it anywhere you go. Just be inspired and keep on dreaming. You have the strength to transform any place to become a piece of heaven. Use it to help your brothers and sisters. Share your blessings and practice humility. Appreciate kindness. Love and forgive but never forget the lessons. Say sorry when you need to. Appreciate somebody who comes along especially if she's the only one who can make you smile.

Knowledge may lead you somewhere, but attitude is everything. Take heed that nice words are nothing if they come from the carnivorous sheep. You will meet a lot of them. If you want to win, play it by God's rules and nothing more. Let them play by their own dirty rules. It's not all about winning, but learning and becoming a better person.

Don't throw away what you have learned. Use them well. You will find soon enough the importance of having a basic background before you take the next steps. You can study on your own but you can also learn from the group so choose your tribe wisely. Sharpen your tools as you wait, and respect the virtue of patience because, it really is a VIRTUE.

Last but not the least, remember about what Master Yoda said to the young Skywalker. It's either you do or you do not. There is no try. You can actually try, but most of the time, it's all about doing it or not doing it. Trying will only lead you to a lot of excuses. Choose to say "I will." It simply means you walk the talk and execute your plans. If the unexpected happens, don't worry there's still another day of possibilities waiting for you.

Seeking wisdom and guidance from Above wont hurt. So good luck!

The Best of This Is A Crazy Planets 2

Ang opinyon ay hindi basta-basta puwedeng ikahon lang sa pagiging tama o mali. Maari itong katanggap-tanggap, kasuklam-suklam, o balewala lang. Pero sa takbo ng panahon puwede itong magbago. Sabi ni Bertrand Russel, "Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric."  Ito ang nakikita ko sa sarcasm ni Lourd. Sa huli, posibleng maintindihan din ito ng marami. Sa huli, puwede din namang magbago ang pananaw nya o pwede ding etsa-puwera lang ng mga taong nakadinig o nakabasa na parang may ibinulong lang sa hangin.

Wala lang. At least, pinag-isipan naman nya ito marahil sa isang baso ng kape o sa isang stick ng yosi. Informed opinion ika nga. Sabi naman ng isang tanyag na manunulat ng science fiction na si Harlan Ellison, "You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant."

Problema mo na yan kung hindi mo pa rin maintindihan dahil sa kakabasa mo ng Twilight, ineng. Ngayon, ang opinyon ko naman sa ikalawang aklat na ito ay mas maganda pa rin iyong una. Ka-blam!

P.S. Isang makabuluhang pangitain na mabasa ko ang tribute para kay Palito at Dolphy na kapwa sumakabilang-buhay na. Kung meron mang langit para sa mga totoong tao na katulad nila, nararapat lamang silang mag hapi-hapi doon. Ikinasisiya ko ring malaman na parehas lang kami ng iniisip sa prinsipyo ng isang tunay na blog: Dapat nagbibigay ng alternatibong boses at pananaw ang mga blogs---dahil hindi gaya ng mga nasa broadsheet at magazine, hindi sila dapat hawak ng mga advertisers at marketing executives sa bayag. 

Sapul.

Genre: Current Events, Social Commentary
Rating:Tatlong pakete ng vetsin sa limang baso ng beer
(mabisang pampatulog daw kay ineng sa inuman)

Seth Godin's THE DIP

"Quit the wrong stuff. 

Stick with the right stuff.

Have the guts to do one or the other."

One of the best characteristics of a strategy book is being brief. Another one is being easy to understand. Written by the creator of Squidoo, the book may not be necessarily agreeable as per reader, but a little push is something we might just need in improving ourselves within the dynamics of the current professional ecosystem. But the basic ideas you can learn here is applicable anywhere and in any forms of relationship be it organizational or one-on-one. Illustrations by Hugh Macleod provide an additional comic relief.

Genre: Strategy

Rating: 4 pawns

Afterthoughts

As I await the slow-mo 0.11.4 patch update for my Path of Exile ARPG at the exit of tropical storm Maring, dragging monsoon rainclouds across Luzon on this 30th Death Anniversary of Ninoy, I couldn't help but ponder on stories left unwritten and read about real stories that keep on bringing warmth inside like an afternoon cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate. Choose your nourishment--your food for the soul. Hope is always a good thing no matter what they say.

GHOST IN THE WIRES by Kevin Mitnick

To a lot of people, understanding the motivation of America's most wanted hacker is always outweighed with a bucketful of doubt. Given the events that took place way before Windows 95, years before MS Office became a household name, my understanding of Kevin Mitnick's motivation is as simple as what he claims---he did it because he could and to maintain at the top of his game within the community earning the respect of his peers. He did it not really to earn but to learn more about the craft, given his childhood fascination with magic tricks and his gift of gab--talking his way out of troubles.

These days, a professional hacker is highly motivated---financially, and knowing a piece of their history is every technology consumer's first defense. In this age of the selfie and global selfishness (how ironic is that, for the I-me-myself gadget addict?) reading this book is your first defense.

This story of a phone phreaker transforming into a black hat and eventually, luckily as a white hat is very entertaining and insightful. I would consider Mr Mitnick a very lucky man for being advanced in his time in using computer and modern technology and for being skillful with social engineering. Being advanced is a singular trait of a lot of savants in technology and I can still remember the Filipino programmer who wrote the notorious "I Love You" virus and walked away from it because that time the law against coding and proliferation of a computer virus does not exist in the Philippine Constitution.  

Mitnick's insider views and exploits of the bureaucratic processes to hide his identity and land a job after another across cities before finally being caught by the FBI is highly detailed. From breaking the security codes of Nokia, to accessing the NEC servers, and using the USC servers as a storage locker, up to befriending Steve Wozniak the co-founder of Apple and meeting one of his fans the uber-geek filmmaker J.J. Abrams in the days of his captivity, watching him win, struggle, and transform with his obsession is very insightful indeed. 

An excerpt of the author's bio:

Kevin Mitnick, the world's most famous (former) hacker, is now a security consultant. He has been the subject of countless news and magazine articles and has appeared  on numerous television and radio programs offering expert commentary on information security. He has testified before the U.S. Senate and written for Harvard Business Review. Mitnick is the author, with William L. Simon, of the bestselling books The Art of Deception and The Art of Intrusion. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  

Genre: Science & Technology, History, Autobiography

Rating: 4 iterations of Purdy Polynomial

Python Geospatial Development (Chapters 1 - 4)

For Python developers, this is agreeably an essential book in understanding geospatial concepts and development techniques especially if you want to  work and apply it within an opensource environment. I'm lucky enough to obtain a copy via Packt Publishing online. This is how I see it so far, in my first four chapters of the book.

Chapter 1: Geospatial Development Using Python
It is important to understand that the term Geospatial Development here refers to the process of writing computer programs that explore, manage, and analyze Geospatial information. My initial expectation about this book is to also look at Geospatial Development (GD) in a general, global administrative framework including initiatives of Geospatial applications be it commercial or open source. From the book's title it's clear that the reader will focus on Python applications of geospatial data, especially the Python Library for managing the geospatial database. It is noteworthy to consider in this chapter the importance of GD (Geospatial Devt) Applications thru various stages of analysis, visualization, and external, surface applications such as creating geospatial mashups using Google and Mapnik open source tools.

Chapter 2: GIS
A very important part of the book, the science of geographic information must be understood clearly if you want to practice GIS/Geospatial applications. It's so easy to get fascinated and conduct an endless talk about the progress of geospatial applications in your notebook, smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, or navigation device. But if you want to work in developing varied geospatial applications with Python, it's also important to know the science and principles behind the accurate measurement of earth's "surface." As much as you want your application bug-free, you dont want to develop an application that is geographically inaccurate.  

Chapter 3: Python Libraries for Geospatial Development
Exploring both the GDAL and OGR Python libraries (p.52) is a good move, especially the differences between the two. The naming of the two libraries may be confusing, but it's important to see that the Geospatial data we know today (initially the GIS data) actually began with two parts (and will remain so), one is vector data and the other, the raster data. Both data complement each other and both are needed to make an effective, dynamic, and workable Geospatial application. The shared links on sample codes and documentation, including the sample computation class (Geod class) to measure and simplify geodetic measurement are all useful for programmers, mappers, and surveyors. I like the varied sources of mapping application technique in topology and design especially the Shapely tool in Python and the Mapnik open-source toolkit. How I wish for more of my free time exploring them all.

Chapter 4: Sources of Geospatial Data
The author said: "When creating a geospatial application, the data you use will be just as important as the code you write." I agree. But additional to making your maps look good, you have to make your maps accurate. Especially if you are making a navigation map. In the second chapter I said about the importance of accurate geospatial data source. Some projections may provide you with beautiful maps but they are not necessarily accurate, not even measurable. The better insight here is to identify first the objective and purpose of your geospatial project or map application, then it's up to you if you want to focus on the accuracy, aesthetics, or the balance between the two. If the purpose of your map is just to scan/visualize the surface territory, then you may not need to focus highly on accuracy. In my experience, maps that looked sound are usually measurable if not accurate.
It is good to know the freely-available online sources of geospatial data be it vector or raster. They may not replace the leading commercial sources of geospatial data but they provide a good alternative especially in learning. The given examples of vector data sources such as OSM, Tiger, Natural Earth, GSHHS, and WBD as well as the raster data sources such as Landsat, Natural Eearth, GLOBE, NED, GNIS et. al. are very useful especially in knowing how to obtain the data online. The sample table (p.109) of choosing your geospatial data source is very useful also.

I'm currently on Chapter 5 (Working with Geospatial Data in Python) and since this chapter is designed like a "cookbook" as stated by the author, it must be appreciated better by going through the coding examples (using Python 2.x) in integrating Python libraries with vector and raster data sets previously discussed. I expect to gain an insight in processing of vector and raster data, as well as performing geospatial calculations, transforming datums, converting distance and angular measurments(both in 2D and 3D) , and so on. I hope I will be able to practice coding up to the GeoDjango part of web map hosting.

Genre: Reference
(Partial) Rating: 4 raster images out of 5 

Looking Back 6: Prehistoric Philippines

Last year as a commemoration of Philippine Independence I enjoyed the Looking Back 1 by Ambeth Ocampo. After finishing today I find this 6th book of the series equally enjoyable and insightful as a closer look into the Philippine history.

So what are the nuggets I learned from this book?

• "History" as an academic term refers to the "written" records and documents, as compared to the term "Prehistory" that refers mostly to the artifacts, and relics predating the advent of the printed words (and symbols/ numbers).

• The idea of a land-centered "territory" usually bounded by water is purely Hispanic and American. Our ancestor's idea of "territory" does not exclude bodies of water (i.e. rivers, lakes) but rather include them and even put them as an integral and central part of the territory because they serve as the main medium of travel. In contrast to "roads," our ancestors highly used "rivers" to transport from one "barangay" to another. Of course, they don't use carriages nor animals in those days yet, but boats.

• The Merlion symbol of Manila's official coat-of-arms predates the Lion symbol branding of Singapore by centuries.

• The Boxer Codex does not just showcase the detailed tattoo art of the Visayan Pintados but also the recurring local superstitions in the period of the Spanish Philippines.

• Our earliest written record discovered so far is not a song nor a poem, but a receipt for payment of debt. It's the Laguna Copperplate Inscription of 900 A.D.

• There are lots of Filipino artifacts scattered in museums around the world but we are thankful at least, they were able to protect them. The Philippine National Museum--the home of local artifacts and documents were destroyed from the Battle of Manila in 1945.

Manunggul Jar

source

Agusan Gold

source

Genre: Philippine History
Rating: 4 sturdy lantakas out of 5

Lutong Mamoy!* (Pugad Baboy is in the News again)

Ages ago, it used to be part of my routine to read Pugad Baboy strips via the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) online and last Tuesday I saw this and found it very critical from the author's point but still, I appreciate the joke and I do not blame him.

Once again, I don't see anything as condemning with the joke. It may be insensitive, but not something new as blatantly scandalous. It's part of a sad truth that we all know exists since time immemorial. Because first, I see it as a classic PMJR style of criticism (spelled as S-a-t-i-r-e) about his fellow Filipinos. That cynical style made him a household name for both his followers and critics. Second, PMJR is depicting here a very unique character giving her part in a story arc. That character is representing the LGBT community's standpoint but the author uses it everyday with the same magnitude as portraying characters like your common government employees, teachers, students, traditional politicians, cult fanatics, vegetarian activists, hippie junkies, et al. In short, they are all part of a diversity that made Pugad Baboy comic strips a mirror of our society---the Philippine Society.

Only this morning when I visited the Inquirer site I saw an article about the PDI apologizing to the negative feedback, leading to temporary suspension of Pol Medina Jr. This one I think, is a near-sighted move by PDI because first of all, the publication of this strip is also an editor's job and giving the bulk of penalty to PMJR is exactly unfair to the author.

Public admittance of one's fault and sanctioning penalty to another is I think a very partial judgment on PDI's side.


*A Filipino's reaction after sensing that something smells fishy.

Related Links:
Komikero
PMJR's FB page
Copy of Letter to PDI
Petition for a Change

Vitamins for the Wordsmith

"Let's go Narj, time to take our vitamins break!"
"What vitamins?"
"Vitamin U."
"What vitamin U?"
"Yusi!"

For the health-conscious urban worker, the cigarette break can never be considered as health supplement. But if you've been part of a construction project, a cigarette break is the best break you can always exploit. If I compare that kind of vitamins in the construction site with this non-fiction by AA Patawaran, the latter is more healthy and essential and never sarcastic.

I'm sure students of the English language will see this worthy on their shelves, on the pedestal with Strunk & White's The Elements of Style and Stephen King's On Writing. If you're looking for reasons and procedures on the "why" and "how" of writing and if you are looking for the right dose of inspiration and references across the media, the lifestyle journalist has plenty to share. Even by knowing his first encounter with the printed word is enough to reassert that you, apprentice of the craft--are not alone.

Falling in love with the printed word is just a first step. To make it alive, you have to feed it with discipline and commitment--even to the extent (and more importantly) of sacrifice. On a lighter note, his take on punctuation, the usage of the serial comma (Oxford/Harvard comma) is agreeable. It may vary on each user, but I can see his point.

This vitamins of a book never lacks encouragement, even for the language that "has been murdered many times over and every generation bemoans its death among the succeeding youth." For he assures us that "language survives every massacre and will always do…"

I think it's also true for the writer. Because he's the one in charge for the survival of language, and it is his duty and privilege to create something that will outlive himself. This one I stole from Chuck Palahniuk.


Genre: Reference, Memoir
Rating: 4 serial commas

Six Planets

For nature lovers and conservationists, there is indeed no place like Earth. But for an expansionist and adventurous scientist looking for a real-life version of Planet Pandora, the next destination after Mars are probably six choices. What is your next planet?   

Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich

Ben Mezrich may have garnished the real story of MIT Mechanical Engineering graduate Jeff Ma with fictional elements but the idea that blackjack as beatable game in casino is a good reason to enjoy this novel for any pro, amateur, or non-player. Even a mathematics or statistics major will like this book. This is a cool story of MIT students--the Blackjack team taking Vegas for millions by adopting the basic principles of card counting developed by an MIT professor named Edward Thorp in 1963.

Reading the story has the same thrill and wonder as watching Ocean's Eleven or Rain Man and it's probably the same reason that after reading the adapted story in Wired Magazine, Kevin Spacey produced (and even starred in) the film adaptation in 2008 that simply titled as 21. To be successful in blackjack, you never have to keep track of 312 individual cards in a game or memorize a pattern. You only need to follow a set of rules and bear in mind that the game is subject to continuous probability. The challenge actually lies in the synergy of specific rules, codes, and a lot of teamwork (and false identities).

What I like reading about this book is that I took a lot of time without any hassle at all. There was never a rush-to-finish situation, you just go with the flow of the narrative that switches from history (the main character's story in 1994-1998) and the present first-person narrative of the interviewer--the author. It's informative, rational, funny, and also scary at that part when they have to deal with the enemy and the mob. It's also cool to know that facebook has already been used as a term for criminal and cheater profiles by the FBI way before Mark Zuckerberg used and copyrighted the term as online domain for collecting personal data for free (yup, it sucks to be ignorant these days).

One thing is certain, blackjack is not gambling if you know how to play it. Because if you gamble, the probability of winning is a constant 50% at maximum. But if you're a player, the probability of winning is higher than that. That's enough for a brain food.

My favorite qoute:
'I don't know," Kevin said. 'It sounds kind of shady.'
'Shady?' Martinez broke in. 'We're freedom fighters, Kevin. We liberate money from the hands of the oppressors. We're Robin Hood, and the casino is the sheriff.'

Genre: Modern Thriller
Rating: 4 Pit Bosses

Stephen Covey 1932-2012

Image ©Gregory Bull

Proactivity.

Paradigm Shift. 

Interdependence.

The Freedom to Choose.

These are just basic ideas the world learned from a great and humble mentor. His name is Stephen Covey. I pay tribute to this genuine educator who just passed the mortal plane due to complications from a bicycle accident. My trip through college (as an engineering undergrad) could have been a very bumpy and stormy road if not for this man's practical teachings and philosophy.

I want to share this quote by Ezra Taft Benzon, Dr Covey's final message in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This one is his favorite (and mine too):

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ would take the slums out of people, and then they would take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.”

Looking Back by Ambeth Ocampo

1990 and 2010 Editions

What's better than to celebrate the First Philippine Independence by enjoying a factual book rich in history and trivia? This 92-pager of a thin book is a flash read that will make your day of commemoration as a proud Filipino worthwhile. I highly recommend this to my fellow Filipinos and also to lovers (scholars and dabblers aside) of Asian History.

Some interesting stories here in case you forgot about your brown roots and its colorful past:

• Magellan originally named the Philippines as Archipelago de San Lazaro. Actually, it wasnt Magellan who gave the name Las Islas Filipinas but Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in 1542. 
• The patriarch of a very popular and historic mestizo family (popularly synonymous to the name Makati) was convicted as a German spy in Manila in 1870s by the Spanish friars.
• Bonifacio tried to seek revolutionary aid from Japan, and failed/fooled.
• Prior to the Spanish-American War and the buyout of the Philippines for a sum of 20 Million US dollars; Belgium, Germany, and Japan were also interested in owning the Philippine Archipelago.
• Manuel Quezon hired in secret the national artist Honorata "Atang" de la Rama to serenade and win the heart of Doña Aurora Aragon. 
• Gen. Gregorio "Goyo" Del Pilar can compete with Jose Rizal in regards to women but Heneral Goyo easily wins over Rizal in regards to "papormahan." 
• Gen. Douglas MacArthur's secret Filipina lover is the record holder of first Philippine motion picture on-screen kiss.
• We have our own version of the mysterious Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo Da Vinci---Juan Luna's La Bulaqueña. The identity of the woman in portrait remains a mystery and the current theories, inconclusive. 
• Juan Luna's Portrait of Paz Pardo de Tavera is not just popular due to its paradoxical catholic eroticism but also because it survived the burnings and damages throughout history and most especially the popular curse legend that it carries today. 
• The man appointed by Aguinaldo to work for American recognition of Philippine independence-- Felipe Agoncillo ditched his lover for another on the day of his marriage. The marriage was cancelled after the groom changed his mind and stuck on his bed pondering the future while still dressed for the occassion. This man, who will become the father of Marcela Agoncillo will also become the first Filipino diplomat, and a man worthy of 1000+ TNL points. Sinong lolo mo? lol

There are more stories in this surprisingly short book that will lead to a chuckle or a lighthearted gab within a group. I can only imagine how cool it was if you had Manuel Quezon as your grandfather to learn a proven "diskarte" move or two. The first book in a series originally published in 1990 and republished and re-edited in 2010, it's cool to enjoy history with this as much as knowing that it's good to be free reading any book these days.

La Bulaqeña by Juan Luna ca.1895

image source

Category: History, Trivia
Rating: 4.5 freshly baked monays with quesong puti fillings