Wednesday, June 28, 2006
This day in history from:
Murphy's Law
"If anything can go wrong, it will."
That was the slogan for the day yesterday. I helped my cousin out putting his presentation for his induction as chapter president of a local professional organization here in the north.
The computer worked perfectly, the display didn't.
When the display worked, the audio didn't.
When the audio worked, the person didn't.
Oh I surely miss DSL... dial-ups are just plain the pits!
But I won't take too much of your time today because I have to rest up for my hearing tomorrow morning.
Alyssa tinawanan lang ang kumakalat na video sa internet
Article posted June 23, 2006 here. From a GMA video report available here.
Matamis na ngiti lang ang isinukli ng dating ‘Viva Hotbabes’ na si Alyssa Alano kaugnay sa kumakalat niyang video sa internet na mayroon maling subtitle sa ginawang niyang pagkanta sa ‘Master Showman present’ kamakailan.
Pahayag ng magandang dilag, hindi niya alam ang tungkol dito at first time niya itong makita. “Natatawa ako. Ok lang ‘yan, at least ‘di ba marami akong napapasayang tao,” aniya.
Depensa pa ni Alyssa, kabisado naman niya ang lyrics ng kanta kaya nagtataka siya kung bakit mali-mali ang inilagay na subtitles. “Gusto nila ulitin ko ulit (ang kanta),” pabiro pa niyang hamon.
{English Translation}
Alyssa Alano laughs off her internet video
Viva Hotbabe Alyssa Alano reacted only with a sweet smile regarding the recent video recording of her performance in "Master Showman" of a song that had wrong subtitles now sweeping the internet.
She said she did not know anything about this and it was the first time she saw the video. "I laughed, but it's ok, at least I made a lot of people very happy," she added.
She defended herself by saying she knew the lyrics of the song so she was surprised why they got the subtitles all wrong. "They even wanted me to perform the song again," she jokingly dared.
[Translated in Alyssa]
Pizza Hut bulb A-leeza Al Queda protracted only wit a swit smell degrading the decent videoke according to her reform dune in "Mustard Showboat" op a sing dat had rong submarines now showing on the internet. She tot eat wuz jazz a funnie hunggie tay.
She swung the spinny stef by saying she did knew how to make the parflays dance and she saw the clef wantaym. "It's ukay-ukay, milke twalay" sayd she. "At list I satisfied a lot of peoples."
She pretended herself by opening her mouth, saying she knew the sylvimousse is barkley and she was shocked y the wurds that changed color wur all long.
"Dey ivan like me to song the sung all ober a-gain for teh second taym once more." "This is just a joke, done all in good fun, This is a disclaimer... and a recording.... BEEEEP!"
I really don't believe the additional funding thrown to fight corruption and insurgency will work.
They're just throwing good money after bad. That's just money flushed down the toilet.
First, I have been in government long enough to know the restrictions in finding.
Allegedly, the concerned offices will use the additional funding against corrpution to hire more investigators. That would not happen. For that, these offices have to create new civil service items (actual office positions) that would not be possible without legislation (specifically a general appropriation act).
So where would this additional funding go? It will just go to the chief's discretionary fund. While granted, there are audit checks and balances available, there are equally creative minds that find loopholes to spend the money creatively.
As the old Philippine saying goes, "Kung gusto maraming dahilan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan" (If desired, there are a lot of justifications/reasons, if not desired, a lot of excuses.)
Add to that the traditional thinking that additional money for an anti-corruption system that is itself corrupt is useless. It's like anti-virus software that is likewise infected with the same virus it seeks to cure. That system will tend to look the other way and not detect the virus in the first place.
Just recently, the PNP made questionable purchases of equipment, citing the exemptions to the Philippine bidding laws. There goes the creative minds at work. As a lawyer, I know these cited exemptions are legally defensible. But arguing from the exemptions rather than the general rule betrays the true intention of purchase. It just demonstrates the purchasers' lack of good faith and transparency. It just shows somebody will be favored, for whatever reason.
Republic Act No. 9184 (the main law for government procurement) has the following purposes:
(a) Transparency in the procurement process and in the implementation of procurement contracts.
(b) Competitiveness by extending equal opportunity to enable private contracting parties who are eligible and qualified to participate in public bidding.
(c) Streamlined procurement process that will uniformly apply to all government procurement. The procurement process shall simple and made adaptable to advances in modern technology in order to ensure an effective and efficient method.
(d) System of accountability where both the public officials directly or indirectly involved in the procurement process as well as in the implementation of procurement contracts and the private parties that deal with government are, when warranted by circumstances, investigated and held liable for their actions relative thereto.
(e) Public monitoring of the procurement process and the implementation of awarded contracts with the end in view of guaranteeing that these contracts are awarded pursuant to the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, and that all these contracts are performed strictly according to specifications.
Arguing immediately from the exemptions instead of following the general rule (to conduct competitive public bidding) immediately tells you someting. And the reasons stated above get thrown out of the window.
Add to that the "burning desire" to want in on the anti-insurgency drive, you immediately smell a rat.
Finally, money is not the solution to societal problems. As a matter of fact, money is the problem, the sickness that has to be cured. Now, it's all about the money. And that's the problem. That's what's bothering me about all of this money being thrown around.
Don't ask me why, but this is my current favorite song, Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado (featuring Timbaland). Don't ask me why I'm currently into YouTube, either...
Promiscuous
(Lyrics by Attitude/T.Mosley/N.Furtado)
Am I throwing you off? Nope. Didn't think so. How you doing young lady The feeling that you give me really drive me crazy You're dope have a player by the choke I was at a loss for words first time that we spoke You're looking for a girl that'll treat you right Have you lookin' for her in the daytime with a light You might be the type if I play my cards right I'll find out by the end of the night
You expect me to just let you hit it But will you still respect me if you get it All I can do is try give me one chance What's the problem I don't se no ring on your hand I'll be the first to admit I'm curious about you you seem so innocent You wanna get in my world get lost in it Boy I'm tired of runnin' let's walk for a minute
Promiscuous girl wherever you are I'm all alone and it's you that I want Promiscuous boy you already know That I'm all yours what you waiting for Promiscuous girl you're teasing me You know what I want and I got what you need Promiscuous boy let's get to the point Cuz we're on a roll You ready?
Roses are red some diamonds are blue Chivalry is dead but you're still kinda cute I can't take my mind off you Where you at do you mind if I come through I'm out of this world come with me to my planet Get you on my level do you think that you can handle it They call me Thomas last name Crowne Recognize game I'm'a lay mines down I'm a big girl I can handle myself But if I get lonely I may need your help Pay attention to me I don't talk for my health I want you on my team so does everybody else Shh maybe we can keep it on the low Let your guard down ain’t nobody gotta know If you with it girl I know a place we can go What kind of girl do you take me for?
Don't get mad don't be mean don't get mad don't be mean
Wait I don't mean no harm I can see you with my t-shirt on I can see you with nothin' on Feelin' on me before you bring that on Bring that on? You know what I mean Girl I'm a freak you shouldn't say those things I'm only trynna get inside of your brain To see if you can work me the way you say Its okay it's alright I got something that you're gonna like Is it the truth or are you talking trash Is your game MVP like Steve Nash?
Promiscuous boy I'm calling your name But you're driving me crazy the way you're making me wait Promiscuous boy we're one and the same so we don't gotta play games no more Oh yeah oh yeah
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
This day in history from:
Model Parent...?
I'm flabergasted.
Just because a person is oozing money to take care of one's kids, that person can be given a "Ulirang Magulang" (Model Parent) award? Even if that person has a child out of wedlock?
Do they have anyone else more deserving to give this distinction? Where are our values going? Down the toilet? Are these people the role models of today?
Any parent will surely want to take care of his kids, especially one with huge financial resources to do it. There is nothing exemplary and extraordinary about it.
But show me a parent who despite not having a spouse (due to death or any other cause) and hence, limited financial resources, put all his/her children through college. That to me is a model parent.
Despite adversity and "disabilities," a parent prevailed and raised the children into productive members of society. That's a role model for me.
My maternal grandmother was awarded a similar honor in her province about twenty years ago. And she truly deserved it. Despite being a widow, and with meager financial resources, she put through all her eight children through college. She produced 4 teachers, a CPA, a dentist, a judge (lawyer) and an architect.
Show me someone who choose to take care of abandoned, orphaned, neglected children, even if that person has no obligation or responsibility to do so. That's a model parent.
Anything incomparable to it, such as so-called "famous" parents merely awarded model parent honors merely by virtue of their fame, is just plain wrong.
I was reading this article on a famous interviewer with a catchy headline today.
But reading on, it turned out to be a cleverly disguised advertisement/endorsement for a cable company.
What a cheap trick! There ought to be something that would require these advertisers to clearly indicate that they are advertising. And I thought it was a "legitimate" article. Aaaauuuggghhhhh!
I have often wondered, when will my career break come?
When will my ship set sail?
I hope it will be soon because I find myself drowning in mundane work, deep in ordinary cases.
Anyway, Father's Day went well and I actually got to play in our parish church over at Commonwealth Avenue. (Guess? There's only one big church there.)
And I finally managed to finish that darn pleading that I have not done because I lacked the drive to do. Had to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to finish it. Just a few revisions and it will be good for filing.
But since I am a solo practitioner, I do my own filing. And filing that pleading is another adventure all by itself.
Oh, I mentioned sometime before I would do a eulogy for my heart. That day has come but I still don't have heart (pardon the pun) to make it yet. Perhaps, a few stiff drinks ought to do it.
That ship, my friend, has sailed, though I still see it in the horizon.
Anyway, tomorrow is another day. Perhaps my ship would set sail then? Nah, probably not.
I better shut up now because I'm probably not making sense to you... But I think someone will pick this one up...
The hottest Philippine video on YouTube is currently Keys Me, recording a performance by a certain Viva Hotbabe Alyssa Alano in some GMA-7 TV show, where she butchered the song "Kiss Me" of Sixpence None the Richer:
Keys me Beat in the Verdict Valeey... Nightlee... V-side the green green grass Swing Swing Swing the spinny stef You wur the shoez and I will wear the dress Ohhh...
Keys me V-neat d milke twalay Leeeeep me Al-out the moonlit floor Leaf your open hand Strike entebend end make d parflays dance Sylvimousse Is barkley So keys me...
Keys me Down by the flow can 3 How... Of Twin vee Of Funne Hungee Tay Bring bring Bing your flower head Will take dachay make on yours father's melt Ohhh...
Keys me V-neat d milke twalay Tixt me Al-out the moonlit floor Leaf your open hand Strike entebend end make d parflays dance Sylvimousse is barkley So keys me...
(Instrumental)
Keys me V-neat d milke twalay Leeeeep me Al-out the moonlit floor Leaf your open hand Strike entebend End make d parflays dance Sylvimousse Is barkley So keys me... So keys me... So keys me... So keys me... So keys me...
Kiss me out of the bearded barley Nightly, beside the green, green grass Swing, swing, swing the spinning step You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress.
[Chorus:] Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight Lead me out on the moonlit floor Lift your open hand Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance Silver moon's sparkling So kiss me
Kiss me down by the broken tree house Swing me upon its hanging tire Bring, bring, bring your flowered hat We'll take the trail marked on your father's map
[Chorus:] Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight Lead me out on the moonlit floor Lift your open hand Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance Silver moon's sparkling So kiss me
(Instrumental)
Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight Lead me out on the moonlit floor Lift your open hand Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance Silver moon's sparkling So kiss me So kiss me So kiss me So kiss me So kiss me
Treated my family out this afternoon for Father's day, since most of us have other things to do tomorrow. The kids enjoyed the time out, especially Nico, who does not go out often. My parents enjoyed themselves, too.
Tomorrow, I'll do some fatherly things, like going to the grocery store and getting Bea something to eat for school. You mothers know this.
Anyway, just posting this short entry before choir practice. I'll do my Father's day spiel tomorrow. And boy, I'm thinking of saying something radical... And there's the wedding tomorrow of someone I know which I will not attend, for the life of me. I'll probably need a drink or two by them.
How can a President, who probably earns less than a junior executive in a bank, in an economy that is suffering last year and still continues to suffer, given also a world economy under the same hole actually EARN money during these times? She must probably be a financial genius!
I just hope our President transplants her secrets to this personal financial success into the Philippine economy. That's what we are paying her to do.
And you know what bugs me even more? The quote you see above was lifted verbatim from my previous post here more than a year ago.
It seems like in these trying times where all Filipinos are suffering from the rising prices, she's the only one actually EARNING MONEY for the second year in a row per reports (and who knows since when) while maintaining a full time job that cannot possibly fill her family's expenses.
Remember:
If in accordance with the [law], a public official has been found to have acquired during his incumbency, whether in his name or in the name of other persons, an amount of property and/or money manifestly out of proportion to his salary and to his other lawful income, that fact shall be a ground for dismissal or removal. Properties in the name of the spouse and unmarried children of such public official may be taken into consideration, when their acquisition through legitimate means cannot be satisfactorily shown. Bank deposits shall be taken into consideration in the enforcement of this section, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary. (Empasis supplied; from Section 8, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act)
They have a lot of explaining to do... specially during this impeachment season...
The lack of media fanfare as Dale Abenojar returns to the Philippines shows that he faces his second uphill climb-- proving he was the first.
The Philippine Everest Team already laid his Base Camp for him. As early as the end of May, this team, with a giant media organization that does not have a choice but to back them, already disputed Dale's claim by citing reasons such as his lack of experience, etc.
Of course, the people who claim to be the first, Leo Oracion and Pastour Emata, would definitely be Camps 2 and 3. Their professional reputations are likewise on the line. Already, Oracion stated Abenojar could have scaled another peak because he allegedly did not see what was seen in Dale's picture.
And who are we to tell? We have not been there.
But Camp 4 would definitely be the media organization that placed its bet on the Philippine Everest Team. That would not care about the truth anymore, with the amount of money it sunk in. And it could sink in some more money to defend the claim, by bringing forth experts upon experts to dispute the conflicting claim. Or it could just simply ignore the conflicting claim and let it die from lack of attention.
Anyway, Dale Abenojar better get his sherpa for what could be an even greater challenge of his life. I suggest he get the rival media organization to help him. You know, the one that also has an interest in embarrasing its rival any chance it gets...
Of course, as you may expect, it's another no-show.
I'm actually getting tired of this already but I have to record these things and I have to keep this one Sunday per month open as part of my obligations. Of course, whether she fulfills her part of the bargain is not my problem.
Work actually cures depression. So I tried to do some errands (some court follow-ups) and reported for my government consultancy at around noon, after I fetched Bea from school.
It actually worked. Depression is wearing off...
Also, for the life of me, I think I saw Warmstone walking towards SM North EDSA at around noon... Chatting with her now. And she confirms it...! She didn't recognize me...
Hope something perks me up or things pick up within a couple of days or else I don't know what I will do...
In the meantime, I'll just read Angels and Demons (by Dan Brown) to pass the time. Not really in a mood to work today (because there is no reward in sight?).
Had another (and I hope final) round with the wily veteran I have blogged about here and here.
Sometimes, parties agree to submit issues for decision without hearing and hence, without the judge present. That was the case for today.
The lady lawyer (representing our co-defendant) merely moved to submit the issue of the restraining order for decision. I joined her motion to resolve the issue and end the "hearing" as quickly as possible.
The wily veteran, sensing no actual hearing shall take place (and hence, may not be paid), wanted to make a manifestation. The court staff almost made a beeline to call the judge.
With impatience, I said to make his manifestion in writing, so we can actually counter that. The court staff agreed and insisted that be so. The wily veteran had no choice but to capitulate because we were all leaving the courtroom. And there went his chances of getting paid his appearance fees for today.
It's Bea's first day of school and taking her there was not too much trouble, unlike the past years.
I think she already has a set of friends that made letting her go there easier.
But, she has shortened periods for this week and my sister cannot fetch her so it's up to me to do it. Good thing the old schedule is a little loose this week and the agenda consists mostly of paperwork.
x----------------x
Anyway, I was watching the Sharapova vs. Safina match last night and it was the first time I saw Sharapova in action. And I was shocked that she was such a choke artist and fast becoming only a pretty face like her compatriot, Anna Kournikova.
OMG! She missed two serve outs for the win @ 5-2 and @ 5-4 and then Safina pounced to win the set and the match @ 7-5, 2-6 and 7-5.
And I thought she was more than just a pretty face. But then she choked on a lesser ranked player. Disappointing. I'll probably not watch her play again. But of course, I will not tire watch her doing other things... oogle...
Just a simple manipulation the name of my "home directory" of my documents in Lindsay, in the quest of changing what is known as my "short name." You see, the "initials" of the short name there are not mine because someone else's was placed there before I got my hands on her.
And that was it. 30 gigs of documents, music, downloads and pictures... gone. I have back ups of the documents in my other computers and my flash disk(s). The music and all of the pictures, however, are gone. The only copy I have of the are found in my iPod and I have not figured out how to fish them out of there back to Lindsay without erasing my iPod.
They say trust is like a cystal glass. One broken, could never be repaired. So Lindsay is on probation now and my iPod is now way going near her for now. Hope my iPod does not break down that it would need reconnection.
In fairness to her, it was my fault and Lindsay did not crash on me. On the other hand, loosing your files should not be as easy as that. But then again, that attempt was more of a vanity thing... so it was, again, really my fault.
But then again (again...), I'm enjoying the 30Gigs that incident freed up. Lindsay seems to be breathing better...
PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY
Lord Jesus,
Teach me to be generous,
Teach me to serve You as You deserve
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to seek for rest,
To labor and not to ask for reward,
except that of knowing
That I do Your Holy Will. Amen
THE LAWYER'S PRAYER
May every word I speak be from Your Truth...
I ask come from Your Wisdom...
May every case I handle receive Your Guidance...
May every heart, every life I touch, feel Your Love.
THE JABEZ PRAYER
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,
"Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your Hand be with me,
that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain."
So God granted him what he requested.
Side Oath
The Lawyer's Oath
I do solemnly swear that
I will maintain allegiance to
the Republic of the Philippines,
I will support its Constitution
and obey the laws as well as
the legal orders of the
duly constituted authorities therein;
I will do no falsehood,
nor consent to the doing of any in court;
I will not wittingly or willingly
promote or sue any groundless,
false or unlawful suit,
nor give aid nor consent to the same;
I will delay no man for money or malice,
and will conduct myself as a lawyer
according to the best of my knowledge
and discretion with all good fidelity
as well to the courts as to my clients;
and I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation
without any mental reservation
or purpose of evasion. So help me God.
