The Twitter Revolution

First, there was MySpace (Friendster in Asia), then came Facebook.  Now, it's Twitter.  

(screenshot of my TweetDeck)

(Twitter on the web)

What is Twitter?

It's a form of electronic networking designed to instantly answer the timeless question, "What are you doing?"  At first glance, Twitter is not much different from e-mail or textmessaging; you simply sign up for a free account at Twitter's website and start sending and receiving "tweets" via computer, cellphone, or other hand-held device.  But unlike textmessaging or IMs, a tweet can reach potentially thousands of pre-approved "friends" at once, and there is a space limit of no more than 140 characters per tweet.  

Who's using it?

Twitter has now some 14 million users who spend an average of half an hour a day posting a total of about 2.25 million tweets.  The site, which debuted March 2006, received about 10 million visitors in February.  Users include everyone from teenagers who crave constant contact with their friends to celebrities who use the service to build their fan bases to politicians who want to stay in touch with constituents.  Known "tweeters" include President Obama, Martha Stewart, Oprah, Demi Moore, and of course, Ashton Kutcher.

What are these people saying?

In general, nothing in substance.  Whether the tweeters are famous actors or middle-class housewives, their communiques tend toward the mundane.  Tweeters describe what they are eating, comment on news events, or express joy when their favorite team wins.

Are all these tweets banal?

No.  Sometimes they can approach haiku in their simplicity of expression and complexity of message.  The English comedian Stephen Fry keeps his nearly 200,000 followers amused with such wry tweets as one sent while stuck in an elevator: "Hell's teeth.  We could be here for hours.  Arse, poo, and widdle." But Twitter is not just a silly distraction.

How else has it been used?

To save lives, mobilize masses, and scoop the news media.  After Demi Moore received a Twitter message from a woman threatening to kill herself, she used Twitter to rally her fans to the woman's cause.  The woman was reportedly touched by the outpouring that she changed her mind.  Earlier this month, the anti-Communist activists in Moldova used Twitter to generate massive protest against the government.  And among the first reports of the US Airways jetliner's miraculous landing in January- transmitted before any news organization reported on the story- was this tweet from Florida businessman Janis Krums: "There's a plane in the Hudson.  I'm on the ferry to pick up the people.  Crazy."

How did this all get started?

Twitter was the brainchild of three Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.  They were inspired by the "away messages" that many people leave on their computers to let others know their whereabouts.  Twitter takes no advertising, and employs only about 30 people.  But because it attracts so many eyeballs, it's estimated by some venture capitalists to be worth $250 million.

Does Twitter have critics?

Plenty.  Many see Twitter as the latest example of the self-indulgent, 24/7 exhibitionism that has been honed to a fine art in chat rooms, and on Facebook and other social-networking sites.  

Are there other concerns?

Yes.  Surveys show that the majority of tweets are sent from the workplace, resulting in productivity losses that could be in the billions.  And while Twitter is often touted as a way to establish and maintain relationships, it has also been known to strain them.  Jennifer Aniston reportedly dumped boyfriend John Mayer because he was too busy tweeting to answer her calls.  The wife of Ian Schafer, an online marketer, recently exploded when she caught him tweeting once too often. She said, "You would pay more attention to me if I were digital."

Source: 

The Week, May 1, 2009 issue

Scenic Sunday: Exploring Kaneohe

seen at the entrance of the Marine Base Hawaii

Chinaman's Hat

Kaneohe, which in Hawaiian means, "bamboo man", is the largest community along Kaneohe Bay in the windward side of the island of Oahu.

Sunday Activity

I am up early this Sunday morning.  It's 6:58 a.m. as I am writing this post.  Banabear is still asleep.  Last night, we were at the Waikiki Yacht Club for a small despedida gathering for our friend, Walter, who's leaving Hawaii at the end of the month.  We were tired when we got home last night so even when  I intended to stay up late to finish my Legal Writing assignment, I ended up going to bed at 12 midnight without writing anything.  

Today is a beautiful day - as usual.  The view outside looks inviting.  From our balcony, I could see a number of sailboats leaving Ala Wai Harbor.  

One of our friends said last night that she and her friends are going fishing today so they're probably in one of those sailboats.

It would've have been a good day to explore Oahu except that I have TONS of school work to do.  I have to finish my trial memo (first draft) today for inspection of Prof. J tomorrow morning.  I also have to study for my quiz in Law 202 tomorrow evening.  I haven't done my assignments for Document Preparation (due on Tuesday) nor have I started writing my essay for English Composition which is due on Wednesday.

So, instead of basking in the sun in this beautiful morning, I am sitted here with my laptop and books.  I have my binoculors, though, so am getting up right now to view a coming submarine.

Enjoy your day!

For Dieters

People on diet are aware that there are different kinds of weight loss programs, diet tips and slimming pills available in the market.  According, however, to a website reviewing these weight loss programs, almost 97% of those pills being advertised do not work.  They claim to deliver astonishing results to the body but their claims turn out to be empty promises.

There is a slimming pills review which rate the effectiveness of those diet pills.  The review is based on the ratings given by the industry and the consumers themselves.  

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out,

but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.

-Author Unknown.

God's Masterpiece

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). 

Catching the sunrise at the summit of Mt. Haleakala, Maui.

Sunset at Ko Olina, Kapolei, Oahu

Sunset at Ko Olina, Kapolei, Oahu

All things bright and beautiful, the Lord God made them all.

God is a great artist.  But  His greateast masterpiece is more than just the sunrise or the sunset or the beauty of nature,  like those you see in paradise-like Hawaii.

His greatest masterpiece is  you and me.  We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).  He made all the delicate, inner parts of our body and knit us together in our mothers' wombs.   (Psalm 139: 13)

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer known to be caused by exposure to asbestos.  Those who have developed this disease have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers.  However, a lot of victims were exposed to asbestos present in their workplace without their knowledge or they were never told about  its dangers nor were given the proper protective gear.  There were also others who were exposed through family members who brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes.

Mesothelioma can develop between 10 to 70 years after a victim's initial exposure.  Although this disease can be prevented, many workplaces involved in asbestos do not warn their workers who are exposed to this element about its hazards nor have given them enough protection.  As a result, many workers have developed this deadly disease. 

Although there are medical treatments as well as legal options available to victims, taking  preventive measures is still the best approach to fighting this deadly disease.

Another Beautiful Day

Good morning, world!  I woke up refreshed to a beautiful day.  The sun is up, shining through the clear Hawaii skies,  and reflecting brightly through the clear blue waters.  

There is a lot of activity going on at Ala Moana Beach Park and the Ala Wai Harbor right now.   I can see sailboats, a couple of parasailers, motor boats carrying visitors and a cruise ship coming in.  

At the entrance near the Waikiki Yacht Club, a tent has been set up where children in groups wearing shirts of different colors converge and from there, they walk towards the direction of Waikiki.  As usual, joggers are a common sight at the Park, as well as groups of paddlers, beachgoers and picnickers.

Hubby and I plan to spend the morning at the pool.  I'm already preparing the prime rib and corn on the cob for lunch.  

What about you? What are your plans for today?

Toys for Big Boys and Girls

Technology has evolved exponentially.  Take for instance, the PS3, a favorite toy not only of teenagers but also of "big" boys and girls.  It is not just a gaming tool but a total home entertainment system. Aside from games, it can play dvds, cds, and blu-ray movies, play music from your Ipod and MP3 player, allows you to view pictures  from your digicam and memory card, and even access the internet. 

It would have been a perfect gift for my baby, Nathan, who is turning 15 on May 27.  Alas!  Mama cannot yet afford to buy him this toy as she's no longer working.  I know he would've loved to receive this toy as a birthday gift.  Well, maybe on his next birthday.

My Wannabe Handyman

My hubby loves to buy different kinds of tools.   He always say that "to do the right job, you need the right tool."   He's accumulated a lot of hand tools, power tools, carpentry tools and mechanic tools that the garage of our house at Ewa Beach almost looked like a showroom for industrial supplies. Well, except that it was always in disarray.  

We've since moved out of the house and are staying in a condo in Honolulu before we fly out for Florida at the end of May.  All his tools are already in storage somewhere in Miami, Florida awaiting for the owner's arrival.  I hope that his "showroom" in our new residence will be more organized.

Tools are a must for every household especially here in the U.S. where we practically do home maintenance and repair jobs by ourselves.   There are a lot of building supply stores which carry different kinds of tools that can help make our home life easier.  It's practical to invest in these kind of tools.

Monochrome Friday: Sailing at Ala Wai Harbor

Across our home is the Ala Wai Harbor (Honolulu, HI)

What Works...What Doesn't?

Have you tried colon cleansing?  I have.  But... I am not sure if my colon cleanser delivered the results it claimed in its brochure.  What made me unsure if it was really effective? Well, I haven't seen anything that resembled what I saw in the ads.... you know, that gross-looking thingy?  Ok, I don't want to elaborate more.  You know what I mean.

Anyway, for those planning to do colon cleansing, and are unsure which colon cleanser to use,  do extra research  about the product before buying it.  There are a lot of colon cleansers  proliferating in the market which do not work.  Read a colon cleanse review to see which products work, and which do not.

Let Us Pray

Dear Lord,

I thank you for this day.  I thank you for my being able to see and to hear this morning.  I am blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.  You have done so much fo me and You keep on blessing me.  Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.  I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.  Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.  Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.  Let me continue to see sin through Your eyes and acknowledge it as evil.  And when I sin, let me repent and confess with my mouth of my wrongdoing and receive forgiveness.

And when the world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray.  It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.  I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.  Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.  Keep me strong that I may help the weak.  Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.  I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way.  I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood.  I pray for those who don't know You intimately.  I pray for those who don't believe.  But I thank You that I believe.

I believe that You change people and You change things for good reasons.  I pray for all my sisters and brothers.  For each and every one of my family members and friends and their families.  I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than You.  Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.  I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.

This is my prayer in Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Special thanks to Daisy C. for sharing this with me.

All My Bags Are Packed

My days here in paradise are coming to an end.  I only have 1 month and 9 days left and I'll be bidding the Rainbow State goodbye.  Except for a few necessities which we've kept with us here in our temporary 'castle' in Honolulu, our things have already arrived in Florida, and are now being kept in storage, awaiting our arrival.

Moving out-of-state can be very expensive, especially if you have a lot of heavy stuff (like furniture) and your point of destination is quite a distance from your point of origin (in our case, Hawai'i to Florida).  Fortunately for us, our move is paid for by my husband's former employer.  

The need for storage is almost synonymous to moving.  And when you think about storage, it always entail expenses.  Nevertheless, there are affordable and convenient  self storage options one can choose from.

Woman of Worth: From Women-ish to Woman On a JouRney

("Eye" - painted by Thess of Women-ish)

I am very honored to receive the first Woman of Worth Award from Women-ish, a blog dedicated to Women's Issues from a Christian perspective.  I first read about the author, Thess, in KuyaKevin.com, another Christian blog.  Her bravery and outlook in life is admirable.  She's truly one beautiful woman of God.

American Sign Language

When I was still in the Philippines, I took ASL lessons at a local SPED (Special Education) school under Mrs. Lumaug.  I enjoyed learning sign language (my son and I were classmates in ASL) but haven't put into practice what I learned  three years ago.  Alas, I've forgotten 99%  of what she taught me.  

Banabear and I love to shop at Barnes and Noble (and Borders).  A few weeks ago, I bought this basic American Sign Language book at a bargain price of $9.98 at Barnes and Noble in Ala Moana Center.  The book is divided into 5 parts: alphabet, numbers, common words, phrses and classifiers.

Thank You, Girlfriends!

from Gaga&Gaga

from Jacky

Here Comes the Sun...

The sun is up and the morning air is not as chilly today compared to the previous weeks.  I hope this will continue during the whole week.  I do not have classes on Thursday so I am planning to spend time at the condominium's pool area: take a dip at the jacuzzi, do a couple of laps on the pool, lounge comfortably at the patio chairs  with my laptop and have barbecue later.  

Our condominium's pool area is spacious and clean.  Since it is a Thursday,  I hope hubby and I can have the pool and jacuzzi all to ourselves. 

Although we sometimes have our breakfast or dinner in our unit's balcony where we have a beautiful view of the ocean and the park, sitting on the comfy patio chairs at the pool area while enjoying the warm breeze is a treat!

Chandeliers

One of the major attractions of Vegas are the themed hotels that line up the strip.  The  lobby of the major hotels are so beautifully and elegantly decorated that I can stand in awe for hours admiring the well-decorated surroundings.  Have you seen the 'dancing' lights emanating from those gigantic and gorgeous chandeliers?  

Traditionally,  chandeliers were seen in the foyer and formal dining room of big houses, hotels and similar establishments.  Today, chandeliers come in a variety of sizes, color and style suitable for even the simplest home. 

Chandeliers are a good investment.  They bring warm ambiance and elegance to the room.  With the right design and style, it can  turn your simple home into a classy abode.

Second Year Anniversary

Today marks the second year of my stay in the United States of America.  On April 19, 2007, at around seven o'clock in the morning, I arrived at the Honolulu International Airport to begin another chapter in my journey through life.  

It seems only yesterday when I stepped out of Philippine Airlines carrying my X-ray results and computer bag and straight into the immigration section for an interview to determine if I am really fit to be admitted into the U.S. soil. 

I remember the immigration officer who interviewed me.  She was an amiable Caucasian, very accomodating and with a sunny disposition; in contrast was the elderly Filipino female guard who was grumpy and who treated rudely the "promdi" newcomers who were having difficulty understanding instructions.  Those poor newcomers were most probably still suffering from jetlag from our 10-hour flight, and here was this guard who was almost shouting at them- in English, of course, but with a very thick Filipino accent.  I wanted to  give the rude "feeling American" Pinoy guard a piece of my mind but instead, decided to bit my tongue and grunt my displeasure for the way she treated her fellow Filipinos.  

There have been a lot of changes in my life since I arrived here two years ago.  For one, I now have housekeeping skills - and I found out that I can live without a maid.  Well, thanks to the first-world amenities that we have here in the U.S. which makes our homelife manageable.

Career-wise, I was better off in the Philippines.  Over there, I was "ma'am", "boss" and "atty."  I was not mucho dinero but I was comfortable and I can go shopping any time I want, as long as my pocketbook can handle it.  That was a thing of the past.  Now that I am a full-time student, i.e.,  'eskolar ng bayan', or 'scholar of my banabear', I depend upon him for all my needs and wants.  Therefore, I am no longer financially independent to do what I want.  In fact, I do not have enough money to spend for shopping sprees. haha!

My two years in America has taught me how to be independent, strong, persevering and assertive.  I have also learned how to exercise maximum tolerance towards people with 'questionable' attitude.  I've encountered some of the worse here.

In spite of the trials I have experienced here in the U.S., I still consider myself blessed.  I lead a pretty much comfortable life,  I am back to school (which I enjoy), I enjoy good health, I gained new friends and my old, trusted friends are still there giving me support.

I am no longer in my comfort zone and I know my journey in America will be filled with bumps and rough roads.  However,  I have a God who is there to guide and protect me along the way.   

If God is for us,

who can be against us?

-Romans 8:31

Scenic Sunday: Lagoons of Ko Olina

Ko Olina Beach Resort, Kapolei, Oahu.

Travelling with Convenience

My hubby and I have learned how to travel light, i.e., bring only the bare essentials instead of packing the whole contents of our closet.  We are electronic junkies so included in our necessities are our respective laptops (including the accessories), cameras (and accessories), battery chargers for mobile phones and cameras, hubby's headset and, if we're travelling out of state, our respective dvd players. I used to pack my "carry on" stuff in a large backpack but it became very uncomfortable and heavy and I had to switch to my computer bag.  However, there was not enough room in my bag to carry all my gadgets.  

Now, he's buying me a carry on wheeled luggage which can hold more stuff than my earlier bags.  The safe maximum legal size for a carry on is 45" (22" x 14" x 9").  Travellers must be careful about not going over the allowable size limits or run the risk of being forced to "gate-check" a  valuable item they hoped to carry with them onto the plane.  

I've been looking around for different styles of carry on wheeled luggages  and I prefer those with many pockets and dividers.  One of those I like is a Samsonite luggage.