Nakanamamboogie! I've been tagged!
I have never been tagged before, so here goes...
You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451. What book do you want to be?
Farenheit 451 is the temperature that paper starts to burn. In Ray Bradbury's story, the "firemen" did not stop fires, they burned books to discourage independent thought. If I want to make a difference and go in a blaze of glory, I would like to be Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species. However, if I want to effect change yet survive a regular neighborhood book burning, I would like to be a dictionary, pretty harmless by itself yet capable of bringing forth great ideas in the right hands.
Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
To satisfy the (perverse) curiosity of the one who tagged me, I especially liked Dr. Arroway in Carl Sagan's Contact. (It also helps that Jodie Foster played her in the cinematic version later on.)
The last book you bought is...
Aldous Huxley's Island
Five books you would take to a deserted island:
1. A survival guide (preferably one written for castaways on deserted islands)
2. A gourmet cookbook for seafood or whatever's edible on a deserted island
3. An entertaining book about the true-to-life experiences of a real castaway, so I won't feel particularly unfortunate.
4. A compendium of different world religions. When I'm not busy chasing crabs and harvesting coconuts, I'll probably wonder about my place in the cosmos.
5. A book on sailing and navigation, just in case I get tired of the seclusion and decide to return to civilization.
What are you currently reading?
Jane Jacobs' The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Why didn't they teach us all this in college?
Who are you going to pass this stick to and why?
Yo and Ferdz. They read very curious books.
3.28.2005
3.23.2005
The Other Metropolis
I have realized that growing up exclusively in Metro Manila has greatly contributed to my ignorance.
I have traveled to different parts of the country, but mostly on short vacations, tours, or site visits. However, I never experienced working for an organization based in another distinct city until I went to Cebu on a teaching assignment.
That's me in the airport admiring the shiny floor
There's the gate lounge and some airport employees amused by a camera-toting pseudo-Japanese tourist
The plane I thought I would be on until they changed gate assignments at the last minute
Cebu was a pleasant surprise, every bit as urban as Metro Manila minus the traffic and the crowds, more comprehensible in scale as a city, at least an hour away from pristine mountain and shore, and full of nice friendly people.
Not my aerial photo but you get the idea - Cebu City
Unfortunately, I did not get around much since my classes were back to back, but i did manage to sample some of the local food, experience a bit of the relaxed nightlife, drive through the city, and live for a couple of days with the very friendly and considerate extended family of my friend and teaching colleague.
Cebu is a wonderful city and metropolis of its own right. Metro Manila, though much larger and more diverse, is a sad comparison in terms of livability and lovability. What makes a city great is not how many people or how much economic activity it generates, but how much it makes you want to stay and explore the possibilities. I would sure like to go back someday soon.
I have traveled to different parts of the country, but mostly on short vacations, tours, or site visits. However, I never experienced working for an organization based in another distinct city until I went to Cebu on a teaching assignment.
That's me in the airport admiring the shiny floor
There's the gate lounge and some airport employees amused by a camera-toting pseudo-Japanese tourist
The plane I thought I would be on until they changed gate assignments at the last minute
Cebu was a pleasant surprise, every bit as urban as Metro Manila minus the traffic and the crowds, more comprehensible in scale as a city, at least an hour away from pristine mountain and shore, and full of nice friendly people.
Not my aerial photo but you get the idea - Cebu City
Unfortunately, I did not get around much since my classes were back to back, but i did manage to sample some of the local food, experience a bit of the relaxed nightlife, drive through the city, and live for a couple of days with the very friendly and considerate extended family of my friend and teaching colleague.
Cebu is a wonderful city and metropolis of its own right. Metro Manila, though much larger and more diverse, is a sad comparison in terms of livability and lovability. What makes a city great is not how many people or how much economic activity it generates, but how much it makes you want to stay and explore the possibilities. I would sure like to go back someday soon.
3.16.2005
Blog Link 1: Pointyman2000
A fellow blogger writes about teenage angst and buddhism.
Read it by clicking on the title of this post.
Read it by clicking on the title of this post.
3.06.2005
Is this possible?
| You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained |
| The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
3.04.2005
Solo Flight Around the World!
The Virgin Atlantic Globalflyer piloted by Steve Fossett at the conclusion of the fastest, non-stop, non-refuelled solo flight around the world
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