tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221926102024-03-07T10:35:48.877-08:00Curb and Gutterpi is irrationalRitsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-72310424476862978302010-08-06T12:03:00.000-07:002010-08-06T12:05:12.905-07:00pi<a href="http://gizmodo.com/5606273/this-computer-just-calculated-pi-to-a-world-record-5-trillion-digits">This computer just calculated pi to a world record 5 trillion digits</a><br /><br />The 5 trillionth digit of pi is 2Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-12734556979461065822010-08-05T10:14:00.000-07:002010-08-05T10:26:11.981-07:00Depressed or Just Plain Cheap?I cut my own hair for the first time in my life today. Needless to say it was a total disaster. What was I thinking? I have been semi-bald twice in my life before... this is only the third time in my life I had a haircut like this. <br /><br />Haircuts used to cost $15 including tip. I bought a $10 hair clipper yesterday. it sounded like a very good deal. I could have a return on investment with just one haircut!<br /><br />I know I have been a little depressed lately - the ill effect of being jobless for this length of time, and with not a single prospect or good lead in the job hunt. Could it have been my depression that pushed me to take drastic action on my black velvety locks? <br /><br />Did I cut my hair out of depression or was I just plain cheap?Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-67485674643287646382010-07-21T10:37:00.000-07:002010-07-21T10:49:53.823-07:00CityscapesSanfo<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFLib0kvMYzuj4SSNSAIy4ooviBZskUdU3KLpYYKf6QE9LnjLL6dAi0mVW3NTV2fYtYZUxqeb-C3zaUbiWPwUxX0_SPPeMEwEa38lEuOxRrNrBPSa3VLoTT_qvAOrkGQFnQjbZg/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFLib0kvMYzuj4SSNSAIy4ooviBZskUdU3KLpYYKf6QE9LnjLL6dAi0mVW3NTV2fYtYZUxqeb-C3zaUbiWPwUxX0_SPPeMEwEa38lEuOxRrNrBPSa3VLoTT_qvAOrkGQFnQjbZg/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496417380932400498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjM9YuxwCZYwMOXQ71cZk3qAfvOa6gSSglx2zjc_pEYrfPMsaLYB9FG5OX5lfAj4AsL30nfw9Vb5HCOx-iTC94dVTdhEcXAALGRZ5UqCtyoGA8tIN1d2ACEn9wY3x6sa_nTxh5w/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjM9YuxwCZYwMOXQ71cZk3qAfvOa6gSSglx2zjc_pEYrfPMsaLYB9FG5OX5lfAj4AsL30nfw9Vb5HCOx-iTC94dVTdhEcXAALGRZ5UqCtyoGA8tIN1d2ACEn9wY3x6sa_nTxh5w/s320/IMG_0775.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496417377418708674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofIlDlMYpb4IKzsYJVRG51CGAqAuKVyJDDBLXhlK-B4Q9sor54UAiYyCAQJ3g_EcXpdBZpy-FRuiQIgzOMbnGS-f09OrFSIupAKwvYobUuBivchbFgcHjjIwLG0C5I5Bc-mFOOw/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofIlDlMYpb4IKzsYJVRG51CGAqAuKVyJDDBLXhlK-B4Q9sor54UAiYyCAQJ3g_EcXpdBZpy-FRuiQIgzOMbnGS-f09OrFSIupAKwvYobUuBivchbFgcHjjIwLG0C5I5Bc-mFOOw/s320/IMG_0768.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496417368786991442" /></a><br />La-La Land<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGWIFMMXZUOgy9M5AE-hlbv5aurRXJIRz7vQA6GVLtNSoh_37SyVkxLjWUFoZSyRM7Lt1zqatllWfFOnVgnfLqoiX3Dpg1LHhnUjXyqw3OC6GMt0QowqD57WdR7WIcnPuJMSnbA/s1600/IMG_2069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGWIFMMXZUOgy9M5AE-hlbv5aurRXJIRz7vQA6GVLtNSoh_37SyVkxLjWUFoZSyRM7Lt1zqatllWfFOnVgnfLqoiX3Dpg1LHhnUjXyqw3OC6GMt0QowqD57WdR7WIcnPuJMSnbA/s320/IMG_2069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496415766836783634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hasQ_N1cXx-F5C6ngz0ioPcwNwVPiZqGr68OiAY6QNXEOosywRFItAh6pLCehpqMOI7pkw8Ezhew8YRze4mYU8mn738HCst8igzlggfTsPuTw7xVpU7uZVJhXHu2fCmTO6xqRA/s1600/IMG_2137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hasQ_N1cXx-F5C6ngz0ioPcwNwVPiZqGr68OiAY6QNXEOosywRFItAh6pLCehpqMOI7pkw8Ezhew8YRze4mYU8mn738HCst8igzlggfTsPuTw7xVpU7uZVJhXHu2fCmTO6xqRA/s320/IMG_2137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496415756593068002" /></a>Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-30268925790448404102010-07-19T00:22:00.000-07:002010-07-19T01:23:09.527-07:00Free StuffLately, I've been hooked by a new addiction - <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">freecycle.org</a>. This site connects people with free stuff they want to give away and people who need stuff, for free. The site encourages members to think twice about throwing away used but otherwise still usable items with the goal of recycling (the more accurate term is re-using) items and keeping our landfills from becoming bigger. The site prohibits the selling of the stuff. <br /><br />Since joining the site, I have given away one bistro set composed of 1 high table and 2 high chairs. I have received 1 old but fully functional desktop computer which I gave to my 3 year old son. He uses it to access online educational tools. I'm currently waiting to receive a once-used rechargeable hand-held vacuum for our car. <br /><br />There are a lot of stuff offered on the site for free! Unfortunately I don't have a pickup truck to get bigger items such as sofas, cabinets, bicycles, beds, etc. My wife won't let me buy a pickup for fear that I might become a hoarder like those featured on cable. <br /><br />Although Freecycle is for a worthy cause, it highlights one disturbing fact about life here - people have so much useless stuff (useless to them anyway). People park on their driveways because their garages are filled with stuff bought, used once, and then "put away" in the garage never to see the light of day again. Stuff such as "revolutionary exercise equipment" with dubious claims of 5-minute workouts are peddled by the home shopping network and QVC. <br /><br />Consumerism has encouraged people to buy stuff they don't need with money they don't have. This has contributed to the great recession we are experiencing now.<br /><br />This reminds me of an old <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac">George Carlin</a> stand up routine.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-8251729346614745662010-07-18T20:36:00.000-07:002010-07-18T20:46:04.898-07:00The Jedi PathIn ancient times, students of the force possessed a most valuable book passed from master to padawan. After the destruction of the temple, only one copy survived...<br /><br /><a href="http://starwars.com/video/view/001050.html">The Jedi Path</a><br /><br />coming in SeptemberRitsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-53690190329434414562010-07-18T18:53:00.000-07:002010-07-18T19:02:27.429-07:0019 Facts You May Not Have Known About Star WarsThis from asylum.com...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.asylum.com/2010/07/13/19-facts-you-may-not-have-known-about-george-lucas-star-wars-universe/">19 Facts You May Not Have Known About Star Wars</a>Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-73716453762045807382010-07-17T21:40:00.001-07:002010-07-17T22:07:52.263-07:00Random Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cqrYjwCssEsSiPVLcKNuV7s1b680ijv1Eknxnl0i1gf_2kw552Q1fNRIleIE2kRwLUckP_d-XdvagG1ojwt85KuR5g_a0oo1dTVG6_q4pfrJylq3VHvLuQ7leHQAxPuK72VKgA/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cqrYjwCssEsSiPVLcKNuV7s1b680ijv1Eknxnl0i1gf_2kw552Q1fNRIleIE2kRwLUckP_d-XdvagG1ojwt85KuR5g_a0oo1dTVG6_q4pfrJylq3VHvLuQ7leHQAxPuK72VKgA/s320/IMG_1247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495108264962065074" /></a><br />Cheap Thrills<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVnwBIspyrXh4Cm2TgTRFPCzUFEk2-hDdLuYXvaZD9hCmZiT-0823pbY07ejhn2_e3zzB7wvns9jrF-v3yrdzOBtmgAhR3KZFOLyveoEEOoKCp6BeO3pBIrRkxyiQ9ZrGOp1IYA/s1600/IMG_1389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVnwBIspyrXh4Cm2TgTRFPCzUFEk2-hDdLuYXvaZD9hCmZiT-0823pbY07ejhn2_e3zzB7wvns9jrF-v3yrdzOBtmgAhR3KZFOLyveoEEOoKCp6BeO3pBIrRkxyiQ9ZrGOp1IYA/s320/IMG_1389.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495107978717882146" /></a><br />Guiding Light<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWY6ph7q5gjrghM2C1lkJDpADP0Rcazp06yZ7sCGQnJFy2Mp7wLxE8VbFwNys4cTYC7pwdOrtEEggoEng8wNG3o1nKVLOc7yomvQEv3pwruYYLGMpkXhByAVbuQ9pu4eGAyh2NA/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWY6ph7q5gjrghM2C1lkJDpADP0Rcazp06yZ7sCGQnJFy2Mp7wLxE8VbFwNys4cTYC7pwdOrtEEggoEng8wNG3o1nKVLOc7yomvQEv3pwruYYLGMpkXhByAVbuQ9pu4eGAyh2NA/s320/IMG_2280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495107214852379714" /></a><br />Bridge to Nowhere<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiPbU5Sd1vbWdTM5lRCEKaITqTpKd9YVZ6okEjsTDOFwPeqjJlaJmCGsjUchLYLhQJFXEXxlrOhMTzP88JQ5Wh5Cn9ikLtekfunke2fi-P12nf-9HrqgHg9qdzD2LEDSwdcAa_Q/s1600/IMG_2273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiPbU5Sd1vbWdTM5lRCEKaITqTpKd9YVZ6okEjsTDOFwPeqjJlaJmCGsjUchLYLhQJFXEXxlrOhMTzP88JQ5Wh5Cn9ikLtekfunke2fi-P12nf-9HrqgHg9qdzD2LEDSwdcAa_Q/s320/IMG_2273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495106887194746658" /></a><br />The Thinker<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aLgWtMVQcq8/TEKKHyTUMII/AAAAAAAAABI/Z3_BbhdC8Q4/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aLgWtMVQcq8/TEKKHyTUMII/AAAAAAAAABI/Z3_BbhdC8Q4/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495106361711931522" /></a><br />We are all prisoners of our own desires.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-82325971140581019102010-07-16T10:42:00.000-07:002010-07-16T11:03:32.521-07:00Restarting (or at least trying to...)It's been more than a year since my last blog post. Life has changed dramatically over the past year that I found little time to think and write down my thoughts. I don't know if this is a blessing or not but I now have PLENTY of time on my hands. So here I go again.<br /><br />I'm starting a new life in a new city and under new circumstances. It's an exiting time as I navigate my surroundings, getting used to the new ways of dealing with the same old routine... surviving.<br /><br />I can't say that I am entirely happy with this new situation. There are a lot of things I desire that I have yet to accomplish. But I can say this for sure, I'm doing this for and with the most important people in my life, which makes all the difference.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-65022588971581792862009-06-06T02:05:00.000-07:002009-06-06T02:06:57.132-07:00How Many balloons Would It Take to Lift a House?Slate Magazine's take on the Physics of Pixar's Up!<br /><br />http://www.slate.com/id/2219775/Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-33334345181991976162009-04-08T02:10:00.000-07:002009-04-08T02:38:43.233-07:00How to file an income tax return, Philippine styleBackground: I had 2 employers for the fiscal year 2008. The company I left decided they wont bother submitting my tax deductions to the BIR and promptly returned the money they originally withheld. I was thus forced to file my own Income Tax Return.<br /><br />Following is the harrowing detail of how I filed and paid for my Tax Return today...<br /><br />9:45 - A quick stop at the ATM to get money for my tax payment<br /><br />10:00 - After breakfast and doing a bit of chatting with my wife, I promptly left the house and proceeded to the city hall to file my tax return. Upon reaching city hall, I was barred from entering the premises by the guard on duty because he said I was not wearing proper attire (shorts and sandals)<br /><br />10:20 - Upon being refused entry to city hall, I decided to proceed to Riverbanks Mall where I had seen a satellite BIR booth the day before. I thought the mall woudn't mind me dressed in board shorts and sandals. The guy at the booth looked at my tax return form (1700) and told me that he only accepts returns without paayment. Since I will need to pay taxes, I should proceed to the nearest bank (PNB) that accepts tax payments.<br /><br />11:00 - I arrived at the nearest PNB Branch.. which is across the street from City Hall!!! The guard gave me a form to fill out and a number (48) the bank was serving number 15 at the time. I waited... and waited for more than an hour.<br /><br />12:15 - Finally the teller called my number... and was told that they were offline and couldn't accept my payment since they cannot credit the money to the BIR Account. I was told to proceed to the next nearest PNB Branch.. in Masinag, Antipolo.<br /><br />12:35 - As I proceeded to PNB Masinag, I passed by Veterans Bank. Knowing that they accept BIR payments, I stopped, only to be told that they only accept BIR payments on Tuesdays and Thursdays... and it is a Wednesday. Blood pressure at this point: 120/90 <br /><br />12:45 - Passed by a BDO branch. I didnt know if they accept paayments but as i was starting to get frustrated, I tried asking. Nope, they dont accept BIR payments.<br /><br />12:55 - Passed by a Landbank branch. I was sure they accept BIR payments, being a government run bank. I drove around the U turn slots near Sta Lucia to get to the other side where the bank is. The guard told me they were offline. Grrr (blood pressure: 125/95. I decided to drive all the way to PNB Masinag branch where the original bank teller told me to go.<br /><br />1:00 - I arrived at PNB Masinag Branch and was told to fall in line at the "new accounts" desk. "Same bank, different procedures?" I thought to myself. After waiting for 20 minutes, my turn had finally arrived. The teller promptly stamped "received" on my form and told me to wait my turn at the teller counter to be able to pay. .. and oh by the way, they are offline too so I would have to wait until they get back online. ARGHHHHH. <br /><br />1:35 - I decided to try my luck at the UCPB Branch right beside the PNB branch. They told me they accept BIR payments. And there was no line at the counter! Nirvana!! or so I thought. The teller told me that my form was already stamped "received" by PNB. I was told to go back and have them cancel the "received" stamp. so I went back.<br /><br />1:45 - I returned to UCPB with the cancelled stamp over the received stamp on my form only to find that there was a new client.. and he was depositing... COINS!!!!! I swear I am not making this up. I took them forever to count the coins and accept the deposit.<br /><br />2:00 - Finally, it was my turn. The teller took my form, took my money, stamped something, counted my change and then done, it took 2 minutes. That's it. <br /><br />No wonder so many people evade paying taxes!Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-75204620099339681982009-01-27T05:50:00.000-08:002009-01-27T06:05:53.255-08:00Guys have nothing left to live for..News article from popsci.com:<br /><br />"Drop that Sock! Masturbation May Cause Cancer" <br /><br />New study links ejaculation frequencies to rates of prostate cancer; but the jury's still out.<br /><br />http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-01/drop-sock-masturbation-may-cause-cancerRitsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-22897705345919109422008-11-17T21:32:00.000-08:002008-11-17T21:45:52.110-08:00A Geek's Dream Come True...This is happening as I am writing this piece...<br /><br />I am in a Netopia Branch near my former office whiling away the time waiting for an appointment when the ultimate geek dream happened (is happening as I write this).<br /><br />A beautiful, tall, model-like lady just entered Netopia wearing a white skimpy short (and I mean Short!) dress and sat next to my computer terminal. Her perfume wafts over me as if enticing me to introduce myself.<br /><br />This would have been the luckiest day of my life if I weren't a) married and b) a total geek!<br /><br />Assume for a moment that I am still single and have the liberty to pick up chicks, this perfect situation would still be a total disaster because I am a *refer to item B above*. I was a total shy-type dude when I was single it's a miracle I ever got married in the first place.<br /><br />I guess this wouldn't be a Geek's dream after all... more like agony when I think about it.<br /><br />*Disclaimer* - I believe married dudes should be allowed to "look but don't touch". And thats just what I am doing, honest dear!Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-53295378019456676742008-06-24T06:10:00.000-07:002008-06-24T06:22:37.428-07:00George Carlin 1937 - 2008George Carlin died today. In my humble opinion, the greatest stand-up comedian ever!<br /><br />The following excerpt from one of his monologues best describes the man:<br /><br />"Quality, style, service, selection, convenience, economy, savings, performance, experience, hospitality, low rates, friendly service, name brands, easy terms, affordable prices, money back guarantee, free installation, free admission, free appraisal, free alterations, free delivery, free estimates, free home trial, and free parking, no cash no problem, no kidding, no fuss no muss, no risk, no obligation, no red tape, no down payment, no entry fee, no hidden charges, no purchase necessary, no one will call on you, no payment on interest until September... but ... limited time only though so act now, order today, send no money, offer good while supplies last, two to a customer, each item sold separately, batteries not included, mileage may vary, all sales are final, allow six weeks for delivery, some items not available, some assembly required, some restrictions may apply, so come on in for a free demonstration and free consultation with our friendly professional staff. Our experienced and knowledgeable sales representatives will help you make a selection thats just right for you and just right for your budget. And say, don't forget to pick up your free gift, a classic, deluxe, custom, designer, luxury, prestige, high quality, premium select, gourmet, pocket pencil sharpener, yours for the asking, no purchase necessary. Its our way of saying thank you, and, if you act now, we'll include a extra added free complimentary bonus gift, a classic, deluxe, custom, designer, luxury, prestige, high quality, premium select, gourmet, combination key ring, magnifying glass and garden hose in a genuine, imitation leather style carrying case with authentic vinyl trim, yours for the asking, no purchase necessary. Its our way of saying thank you."<br /><br />We will miss you.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-21043342830185825542008-06-14T02:44:00.000-07:002008-06-14T03:05:40.576-07:00Here we go again!It's been a loooong while since i last posted a blog; almost a year in fact. What a year it has been. I've been preoccupied with a lot of things... been busy running around the great hippodrome we call the rat race. <br /><br />Let's see.. what has happened since my last blog... hmmm.... gasoline is now Php 56.57 per liter! A sack of rice costs Php 2,000.00! The world is continuing its relentless march towards climate change; terrorism, famine, anarchy.... you know, the usual stuff.<br /><br />Dad died last March. We're still very much affected by the loss.<br /><br />But hey! since I last blogged, some good things happened as well. <br /><br />My kid turned 1 year old this year. I got a new job that pays well (although I don't know how good it will remain given our runaway inflation rate). <br /><br />Interesting times!Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-39703431813150683102007-06-25T06:22:00.000-07:002007-06-25T06:24:27.936-07:00Have you seen the Philippines?<p><a href="http://forge.codedgraphic.com/lakbayan"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://forge.codedgraphic.com/lakbayan/map-v1.0?bbckeaakgbcmcaaafkbcbgabaabfkabaaafkappdpmpaahkrukaanacapdkhmcpaaacpapkrpccchaanaaaaaaaaaa9157" title="Lakbayan Visited Map" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://forge.codedgraphic.com/lakbayan"><img style="border:0px;margin-top:5px;" src="http://forge.codedgraphic.com/lakbayan/grade-c+" title="Lakbayan Grade: C+" alt="" /></a></p><p><strong>My Lakbayan grade is C+!</strong><p><p>How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at<a href="http://forge.codedgraphic.com/lakbayan">Lakbayan</a>!</p><cite style="font-size:85%">Created by <a href="http://vaes9.codedgraphic.com">Eugene Villar</a>.</cite><br /><br />The map above shows the places I've been to.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-5886570125747195712007-04-10T05:07:00.000-07:002007-04-10T05:27:21.629-07:0010 Peso PoopI'm sure you've been to those fancy smanzchy lounges inside fancy smanzchy malls otherwise known as bloody loos (toilets! increase your vocabulary please!)... (ok, ok, for the uninitiated pinoys - CR!).<br /><br />Anyways, for the price of admission (10 Pesos) they provide you with a cleaner toilet complete with the rarest commodity inside Philippine toilets - toilet paper! Yup, they even provide liquid soap and cheap body cologne and generic lotion. Oh, and the toilet smells oh so fresh and fragrant as well. <br /><br />These perks and privileges worth 10 Pesos are considered freebies, nay, requirements even, in more developed countries and even lesser ones all throughout the world. But no! Those money grubbing mall operators have the gall to charge our brown Pinoy butts the price of a small soda drink for "services" they ought to provide for free!<br /><br />For those of you who feel as shortchanged as I am, I do offer a suggestion. But I wont suggest you boycott these establishments, I'd even encourage you to take out your 10 pesos and please go to those "lounges" and use their facilities. <br /><br />But don't just pee!<br /><br />Do the number 2!!! not only that, pass gas so hard that it will negate the effects of the air freshener. Use up all the toilet paper and the lotions, spray the whole bottle of body spray onto your shirts to remove the smell of fart you just exuded and dont forget to lather your skins with lotion.<br /><br />If enough people do this, we can clog up their sewer lines for weeks! <br /><br />Disclaimer: I am by no means associated with Malabanan pozo negro sipsip co.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-80002668156501957112007-02-21T01:19:00.000-08:002007-02-21T01:23:36.508-08:00Travelogue Part 2 - San Fernando La UnionTook a trip to San Fernando, La Union... (actually we went to Bacnotan but stayed in San Fernando). The trip was supposed to last for seven hours.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You know how long seven hours is while sitting in the passenger seat of a car?!*@#%!&^!!Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-17357016610294199252007-02-17T04:56:00.000-08:002007-02-17T05:04:56.288-08:00Down the DrainHave you ever watched that TV show "My name is Earl"? It's about one man, worried about Karma tries to right everything that he did wrong in life... and he got a list. <br /><br />I too am prone to believe in karma. And in my case, Karma is usually quick in reminding me of what I've done. It doesn't usually take too long for karma to bite me in the ass. <br /><br />This time, it took a few months. I accidentally bumped my car into the passenger side door of my neighbor's car a few months back. I tried settling it then but my neighbor just let the thing hang as if he isn't keen on having me answer for the faux pas. <br /><br />Karma took its time. It finally came knocking on the door today.. Literally. I got a bill for the body repair for that small dent on my neighbor's car door.<br /><br />There goes three thousand pesos down the drain. <br /><br />Hayyy life! You can't win.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-83509393303747025042007-02-14T22:09:00.000-08:002007-02-17T04:18:39.232-08:00Travelogue Part 1 - San CarlosGoing to San Carlos (Negros) for my latest project was fairly easy enough at the beginning, although I had a lot of work done in the office on the morning of my trip. There were a lot of loose ends that I had to tie up. I also had a lot of work delegated to workmates before I was able to leave.<br /><br />The plane ride was a breeze. I had a bad cold which made popping my ears for the pressure change quite a difficult ordeal. Then came the highlight of the trip – the car ride from Bacolod to San Carlos. The trip was fairly short – about an hour and a half for a trip of about 85 Kilometers. We passed through endless sugarcane fields and up the mountainous pass. Kanlaon volcano was to our right. <br /><br />The ride took place at about 6pm to 730pm. This is where it gets interesting. I was always psychologically affected by twilight. Twilight always depresses me. The view of endless terrain with nary a soul in sight, not even a lamppost – made me all the more anxious. For all intents and purposes, I was on the brink of panic.<br /><br />And that was just the beginning.<br /><br />Upon Getting to San Carlos, our host provided us with accommodations smack right out of a Shake Rattle and Roll movie. We were billeted in an old hacienda manor reeking of “haunted house” aura. The house was located in the middle of sugarcane fields with only a dirt road as access to the highway. Except for a housekeeper who stays in a small house behind the manor, my companion and I were all alone inside the manor. <br /><br />The décor of the house reeked of old Spanish era ambience. I swear I could just imagine old lola Basiang sitting on the wooden rocking chair in the living room. Every old urn looks like something a monster would call home.<br /><br />I slept soundly though.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-85520443449216739532007-02-06T06:27:00.000-08:002007-02-06T06:40:23.767-08:00No TitleI'm depressed.<br /><br />I'm at the crossroads of my life.<br /><br />I know I have to move forward. I know I have to take the step - to take control of my destiny. I have to live the life I chose.<br /><br />But I also want, for one fleeting moment, to go back to the way it was, not to dwell on the past but to savor it for one last time. Just one last hurrah. Is that too much to ask? Will the world stop spinning because of that? Am I a bad person for wanting it? <br /><br />Just one, one fleeting moment to save and cherish and remember. That's all I want - memories.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-36499539942590507262007-01-24T02:41:00.000-08:002007-01-24T02:44:29.263-08:00WaitI know, I know... I've been slacking on my blog posts. I just don't have the inspiration right now... busy too. <br /><br />Wait for my inspiration... and my postsRitsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-71879892184114135282007-01-01T23:27:00.000-08:002007-01-01T23:49:17.795-08:00Back to WorkIt's back to work after the holiday break.<br /><br />Back to the old grind...<br />Keep your nose to the grindstone..<br />The rat race...<br />Work to live, dont live to work...<br />Work like you dont need the money...<br />Sariling sikap...<br />Sipag at tiyaga...<br />Dignity in labor...<br />Putting food on the table...<br />Hi Ho! Hi Ho! it's off to work we go...<br />be thy labor great or small, do it well or not at all...<br />Rest is the sweet sauce of labor...<br /><br />I need a vacation!!Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-21176626593967193802006-12-29T03:56:00.000-08:002006-12-29T04:10:37.263-08:00When you get what you want, try not to look surprised.Be careful what you wish for...<br /><br />Don't ask me how or why the gods conspired to give me something I wished for this Christmas but I did. Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies.<br /><br />I got an xbox 360 for Christmas!!!!<br /><br />Now I have problems. Lots of them. My brother in law told me that to be able to get the very best out of the xbox, i needed at least 150, yes 150 thousand pesosesoses...<br />You see, to be able to appreciate the video/audio quality, I needed, my bro-in-law says, an HDTV flat panel LCD television; at least a 5.1 surround audio system; ... and a La-Z-Boy.<br /><br />Well, why not kick it up another notch?! Better set up an entire room with sound insulaton all around, wall to wall carpeting, air conditioning, a snackbar with soda dispensers... oh and I want to win the lotto so that I dont have to go to work anymore.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-4619418412358702302006-12-20T16:56:00.000-08:002006-12-20T17:21:08.777-08:00Random Yuletide ThoughtsI've all but completed my Christmas shopping save for one gift. Ant it's probably one of the hardest thing to decide... what to give my mom. Any suggestions?<br /><br />My wife and I decided to postpone our own Christmas celebration until the end of February when our gift will arrive. The gift is tenatively named Richard Sebastian. Trina still thinks the name is too long, fearing that the child will still be writing his name on the paper when pop quiz question number 3 is already being asked. I find the name destined for greatness.<br /><br />I took the liberty of buying generic gifts for my friends. One gift to rule them all. Shopping with my sisters, i found a gift good for one, asked the price and finding that the price is resonable, I ordered 12 - 1 each for all my friends. Talk about thoughtless gifts.<br /><br />The past weekend was supposed to be the last weekend before the xmas celebrations. I dreaded going to the malls for fear of being suffocated. I didn't know if I was glad or sad at what I saw at the malls. First, we got a parking space quite fast (my sis says she has a personal parking angel)... then the malls seem normal. One could amble, sashay, trudge or whatever kind of walk one wants and it would've been ok since the malls were not quite full. I saw people with nary a plastic bag in tow. Either they have completed xmas shopping early, or all that talk about economic progress is juat a lot of hot air from an embattled presidentita.<br /><br />I was supposed to be on an extended vacation after xmas due to a company-imposed office shutdown. I was looking forward to 10 glorious days of lying around the house unbrushed, unkempt, unshowered and uncaring. Lo and behold, a client wants my presence for their pre-bidding conference on the 27th in Iligan City no less! There goes the party. No more 24-seasons-1-to-5-DVD-marathon for me.Ritsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22192610.post-6152955213083039322006-12-12T22:03:00.000-08:002006-12-12T22:12:48.768-08:00Con AssesFrom Conrado de Quiros' column in the Inquirer today...<br /><br /><blockquote>Joe de V and company themselves did not ask for a permit from the Constitution, or the source of the Constitution, the one thing that animates it -- the people -- to perform sodomy upon Inang Bayan [Mother Land]. What else call "Con-ass" [constituent assembly] but that? At the very most, it’s time we showed that we do not exist at their sufferance, they exist at ours. It’s time we stopped suffering from them. It’s time we stopped suffering them.</blockquote><br /><br />further...<br /><br /><blockquote>I can’t understand why we should content ourselves with being at the receiving end of every iniquity or abuse this government, in whole or in part, foists upon us.</blockquote><br /><br />de Quiros rubs it inRitsardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967972807677220322noreply@blogger.com0