In pursuit of a Muse

Isn’t it great just to relax and forget about everything that bothers you? We need it once in awhile just to keep life’s balance. I sketched this hoping to do it one day.

Is playing with Elmo from Sesame Street safe?
In my recent blog
regarding a Greener Apple, never would have it crossed my mind that
even an established and trusted company such as mattel
would also be a hazard to our child’s health. But in fairness to
mattel, they quickly made recalls from some of their hazardous products
made by their contractors from China(complete list of recalled products).
The toys containing-approved paint pigment with lead has long been
banned in the market for a long time and to such surprise went under
the eyes of the company. Recalling their products may be a
kiss-of-death to mattel, however we should also praise their dedication
to their costumers. On the other hand, I still feel that mattel should
do more than just recalling their products, better yet replace the ones
they sold with a safer product, if your child is still willing to part
ways with the original toy. For the full text from mattel click here.Is playing with Elmo from Sesame Street safe?
In my recent blog regarding a Greener Apple, never would have it crossed my mind that even an established and trusted company such as <a href="http://www.mattel.com/index.asp?f=false">mattel</a> would also be a hazard to our child’s health. But in fairness to mattel, they quickly made recalls from some of their hazardous products made by their contractors from China(<a href="http://www.service.mattel.com/">complete list of recalled products</a>). The toys containing-approved paint pigment with lead has long been banned in the market for a long time and to such surprise went under the eyes of the company.  Recalling their products may be a kiss-of-death to mattel, however we should also praise their dedication to their costumers. On the other hand, I still feel that mattel should do more than just recalling their products, better yet replace the ones they sold with a safer product, if your child is still willing to part ways with the original toy. For the full text from mattel click <a href="http://www.shareholder.com/mattel/news/20070801-258085.cfm">here</a>.

Aside from adjusting with my new job and the election fever is slowly turning cold, I’ve got not much to say. However, a lot of things is going through my life personally which I won’t write about yet ( I fear I might jinx it), though I assure I’d write about it in a few more months.

Conceptualized a poster for greenpeace for their greener Apple campaign. A little help matters.

Download the zip file here.

For more details click me.

ng A tragedy shocked and brought grief to the hearts of the world as Cho Seung-Hui, 23, a South Korean student of Virginia Tech, open fired  at the Norris Hall, ending 33 lives including his own. Before the tragedy, few students even joked around that one day this guy may come to school packed with guns and shoot them one after the other. It turned out to be not a laughing matter anymore as the incident occured. Her teacher even stated that Cho Seung-Hui’s writings and plays[Richard McBeef, Mr. Brownstone] were violent in nature. If she noticed that, did she in anyway seek guidance for this student? According to those who survived, all they remember was the bursts of fire aimed at them. Upon the magazine emptying, he just reached to his pocket and fired again.

We should condemn and fight such incidents! The school should be a place of peace and learning. It should be the second home for these kids yearning to learn and achieve a better future thru education. My condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the victims of this sad tragedy.

Will idealism kill?

Armando "Jun" Ducat Jr., owner of a day-care center and entrepeneur, hostaged 26 kids and 4 tutors in a bus during a field trip ^{[read the full story]}. A magical mystery tour as he packed his UZI, a 45- caliber pistol, and a grenade. What’s ironic was that the hostages didn’t seem to fear Armando. His neighbors supported his cause and even held a short protest rally. What’s the demand?

"Ducat had demanded support for the education of at least 145 school children of the Musmos Daycare and improved housing for them and their families."

A pathetic cause for a hostage undertaking. However, in a third world country such as the Philippines, attaining a "higher education" is a privilege. Some might percieve Armando’s actions to be  worthy. But come to think of it, most Filipinos, graduates or undergraduates alike, resort working abroad due to low employment options, but that’s another story. He requested Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla (in the hero costume in the picture), whom he has close ties with to listen to him and act as the negotiator. Hmmm. Just like a movie.
After 10 hours or drama. It was finally over. Ducat was apprehended and possibly be sentenced for life imprisonment.

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES- I had a chance to eat again at one of my fave restos in the city, Ma Mon Luk Restaurant. Their remaining brach is at Banawe, Quezon Avenue. And I can’t help but reminisce on my childhood.

Before the boom of the fastfood industry, our family used to dine frequently at Ma Mon Luk Restaurant after shopping at Cubao (which was the in place during the 80’s) . I could still see myself sitting on the high chair anticipating for my siopao and enjoying the aroma of the place. While the waiters and bus boys swiftly pass by the aisles to accomodate more diners. How large are the glasses I thought they were but its the other way around. I got small hands that’s what it is. When I came back there during my teens, they are still the same people who served me when I was younger. Probably the owner has a good heart for his people to stick with him.

Countless times have Ma Mon Luk been featured by the media. In their walls you’d find ancient articles about the restaurant. Their noodles and dumplings have the same ol’ taste as when I was  a kid. At the other side of the table I saw  a family which reminded me of the times when we dined in Ma Mon Luk together. Man how quickly do they eat! I savored each sip I took from the soup. Each bite of the siopao is so tasty. Moneys worth in this place. Hey don’t I deserve a free meal for this blog?

It’s now International Womens Day and what’s better way to celebrate than throwing few tidbits.

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As of this writing, TV-host Kris Aquino, is in the hospital due to reasons I don’t care about. Happily married to James Yap(professional basketball player) they flooded the boob-tube with countless endorsements, the streets with humongous billboards among a few. The irony is with the TV ad wherein she proudly claims, she’s got nothing to ask for in her life. After a few days, at her televised  birthday celebration, she gives her husband a cold shoulder. Rumors of infidelity by her husband. And so we witness the new from of sarswela.

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On  August 31, 1920, Marie Ruoff Byrum  was the first woman to cast a vote in Missouri.

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Newsbreak online editor Gemma Bagauaya
was arrested after a subpoena was filed against her and five other
colleagues. A 10 million libel suit filedby senatorial candidate, Luis "Chavit" Singson, due to her article The power of Singson outside Vigan.
Bail is set at ten thousand pesos, or $200 but the warden was not
around so she had no choice but to spend the night in jail. What’s
funny about that? Well, a Nokia phone was used to take her mugshots!
WTF. Beat that.

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Finally, I call to a stop to any violence especially to women. Or more Lorena Bobbit-likes will arise. Viva Gabriela!

 

Beggars are a common scene the metro. But as I was strolling amidst the hustle and bustle at the City Hall in Manila, two dogs caught my attention. Mongrels as they are, but they pretty well know how to serve their master. According to few some, they are pets of an old man who has no capacity to feed them no longer. An outreach reality TV show even featured these dogs and the old man.

Is it cruelty to animals?