Journalism.org: The Year in News 2011 | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

U.S.-based Journalism.org has released its list of top U.S. news makers of 2011. From culled news in print, radio, television to the Internet, some of the biggest reasons why we are tuned in to our mass media appliances are due to the news about the the bad economy, BP oil spill, Chilean miners, health care, Afghanistan same-sex marriage, and even more. Check the list here:

The Year in News 2011 | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

Good Magazine, meanwhile, has translated these biggest news drawers through a data visualization, as you can see below:

UI Overhaul Face-off: Twitter vs. Facebook

These days, Facebook and Twitter look like new chefs blushing in red as they await the reactions of their users after serving their most recent dishes, at least in terms of the services they offer in the techlandia. Their dishes, are not literally food, but the two giant's most recent attempts at revising the user interface (UI) of their websites, which most of their official statements declare are designed to give the best user experience to their users, in terms of feel and ease of use. Again.

But which of the two came up with the better food, er... UI or user interface revamp?

To the uninitiated, UI or user interface refers to the design or arrangement of elements in a particular space (i.e., web space) with which an online user may interact and "how an application program or a Web site invites interaction and responds to it." In layman's term, UI is the layout or arrangement of elements in a webpage.

First in line is Facebook, which introduced its much-discussed and now most debated new profile page called Timeline. This UI overhaul is an attempt to give users bigger view of what else but - timeline or history of all data that a user indicated on his online space via the Facebook universe. Many complained, including me, that the new UI looks crammed, chaotic and set to give the most dizzying experience and headache to everyone for tiring the eyes when you scroll left and right, up and down.

All these are made at the expense of seeing your page that sports the bigger you in terms of bigger pictures, and bigger status fonts, and more. You may check my Facebook Timelined page to see how this whole Timeline works.

Twitter, the popular micro-blogging website meanwhile, is also touted to release its major overhaul of its interface soon.

It is a revamp with no fancy name or identifier to brand this change. The amazing thing here is how the new Twitter UI was simplified (not to complicate because sometimes some simplifications do), but to give a better experience.  The four elements of the new interface are Home, Connect, Discover and Me. The arrangement of the elements are not eye-straining and the links, including how the elements would appear when clicked, are easy to learn.

Here is an online video from Twitter to check what they are rolling out soon:

Based on most online discussions and Facebook comments about these two recent developments, Twitter appears to be the runaway winner.

On my scorecard: its 93% for Twitter. 83% for Facebook.

Another year is ending. Another one is coming. But always thankful.

For the rest of us who will witness another year ending, technology has been a handy friend. It has always kept us updated and posted on what's happening and what's unfolding even from afar and beyond our eyes' reach. Just see the video below from Google Zeitgeist and you will see my point.

It's amazing to notice that while we have only learned of the bigger news and happenings through the newspapers, radio and television in the past, it is different today.  With the help of modern technology, we can be aware of the bits and smaller scale moments (at least in our perspective) that our friends, neighbors and even people from far away places have experienced and shared through Youtube.

Who are not aware of this very very popular viral Youtube clip of two toddlers that brings millions of smiles and laughter plastered in the face of the globe? But television programs will not actually show this in their regular programmings, thinking that the audience will not benefit from this. Today, the modern audience are different and will remain so ... unpredictable. Because what may be perceived as not entertaining may actually become one the next day or what may not be newsworthy yesterday, can be one that is seeing the headlines tomorrow. Sometimes, what becomes significant or relevant will be based on how many people have expressed their appreciation or likes to an uploaded media or video.

 
More true today because all have probably become instant participants in the evolving and shaping of what should see print or hit the radio and television airwaves.

Even more significant, the year that is about to end begs to be noticed by making one feel reflective about some deeds and things done in the last 360+ days. What am I regretful for? What do I liked the most? cherish? appreciated? hated? and most of all, thankful for to God?

For so many reasons, whether good or bad, am thankful to God. Countless reasons, in fact. Here are some of them:

Good health. For the very reason that even though I am not rich and not one among the less than 10% of the population's affluent few in my country (plus am not even in the middle ranges) I believe deep in my heart that am blessed with good health. I was not hospitalized the whole year. I am not suffering from very grave illness and not spending riches to pay hefty hospital bills.

Supportive family. We are always like this. We are not very vocal in expressing 'i love yous' to one another but I can feel and know that they do and they care. Truly. And I know, since I can remember, they have been supportive of me. My decisions in life, my plans, my life choices.

Best friends. I have been showered with some of the kindhearted and sincere folks though of course it's not always smooth sailing. And I feel lucky for having them and I believe they are here with me for a reason for my good. For better or worse, even though we now have different paths in life, I believe our friendship will stay stronger. (Iva, Dexter, Oneng, Maribel, Cynthia, Chester, I know you know who you are.)

The best teachers. They are the best reasons why I think I have learned the Truth and that I have a clear direction in life, the God's way. More than a teacher, they made me feel what it feels like to be part of a very very big family and like a father and a big brother, they are not there to pamper me with lies just to make me feel better. It is always God and His words above what I will feel. They are supportive and helpful in so many ways in shaping my spiritual growth. As an inspiration, they are relentless in showing it through words and deeds. All these and more are the very reason am thankful to God. To Bro Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon, I thank God because of you!  


How about you? What are you thankful for?

Gadget-wise, it pays to be Wise

Two giant networks - Smart and Globe are in an intense competition these days. Since Globe is no longer the exclusive network who can sell Apple's latest reboot of its iPhone4 product, now with a humble virtual assistant called Siri - the iPhone4s, the consumers must be happy they have a choice now.

Just as these are exciting developments to follow, it is even more a wish to be there in advance where this competition is leading us. But more than the price, consumers expect secure and reliable broadband connection. For a smart take on this, see Unbox.ph's showdown series: [1] [2] [3] For a countdown today, here's techie.com.ph's article for that.

 But buying an iPhone4s is not what usually preoccupies every consumer's gadget shopping time. It is just the hottest buzz nowadays. There's more.

When the months of November and December creep in, some consumers are usually very predictable that they didn't notice it, particularly when buying gadgets and digital accessories. It seems that these two months have been declared the default season to change one's old car, digital camera or mobile phone into something more savvy and more expensive.

Spending year-end bonuses to buy and spend for a brand new laptop or a mobile phone may seem justified. However, the decision should be more dictated by thorough evaluation of specifications, affordability and relevance to one's work or productivity needs (especially to those who are really after the worth of money spent on products).

Because when January comes - another default month, least to say, it's blaming season when regrets pour in.

Of course, most consumer companies selling their services and goods have earned their doctorate degrees in understanding consumer behavior and buying preferences. They are motivated more by profitability than giving you, the consumer, the penultimate and absolute gadget or digital devices that you need. Marketing also plays a key role in creating buzz, hype and madness when there are promos, contests and sale. 

Anyway, apart from the iPhone4s, which many of you (like me) may be wishing someday of owning, there are other gadgets and digital devices that you might want to check out. Again, as a tip, look for what you feel will be there for you for a long time and give you the best use.

From most magazine and tech websites, the most common picks are the following:

• Apple's Macbook Air (Summer 2011 Refresh), iMac (Spring 2011), iPhone4 and iPhone4s, and iPad2
• Amazon's Kindle Fire and Kindle Touch
• Nook Tablet
• Nokia Lumia 800, Microsoft Windows 7, 
• Asus EEE Pad Transformer Prime

• Samsung's Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II, Galaxy Nexus, and Galaxy Tab 7.7 and 10.1 tablets

HTC Titan 

• Lenovo IdeaPad U300/U400 ultrabooks


The gadgets in my list are not all cheap, you may or may not need any of those, but they are worth comparing with other gadgets out there. Price is relative, even preference for gadgets. So again, just think wisely.

 

From around the web, here are some popular magazines and tech sites that already gave their selections of the year's best gadgets:

• Farhad Manjoo of Slate.com list of the year's best gadgets

• Popular Mechanics Magazine's Top 19 Gadgets at CES 2011

• Gizmodo's Best Gadgets of 2011 here - [1] [2] [3]

• SmartCompany.com.au's Top 10 Gadgets for 2011 

• The Atlantic Magazine's Steve Kovach list of 20 Best gadgets for 2011

• TechRadar.com's Rob Mead-Green list of top 10 best gadgets at IFA 2011

Enjoy!

You just won an iPad2! An iPhone4! Only It's a Dream.

You know the feeling of talking to yourself and saying, "Why not?"

It's like a jolt of fresh lightning electricity that hit your irrational mind out to blurt out and imagine things differently. You convince yourself to pull the plug and try it too. In that alter universe, you picture yourself entering this and that room and scenario and you are the happiest human being.

Friends are pouring out: "How come?," "What was it that you just did?," and "How lucky of you to get that!"  Instantly you are the star, now the lights are showering you the beam.

Only, you are excited not because of something like you and your friends will embark on a Bohol adventure or you will write your next novel to beat Haruki Murakami for that coveted Nobel Prize.

Because your excitement is for winning a contest! An iPhone4s! An iPad2! A Samsung Galaxy! The Universe! Ha! So it brought your hands busy searching and searching for contest and promos to join.

This actually happened to me after learning that my friend just won a brand new iPhone4 from an online contest and promo. So I was like, let's find more contests out there and wait for destiny to unfold! (There must be a psychological explanation for this, I just thought.)

But another part of me was saying that just because out of the hundreds or thousands of entries that my friend was picked the winner of that highly-coveted gizmo, the same luck will transfer to me. So I thought.

But it was still motivating, at most encouraging, to try.  And I was already even imagining that my prize will be shipped in front of our house's door soon. Crazy!

After one, two, three hours of searching and looking for contests on Facebook, Twitter or friends' walls, it finally dawned on me that this experience is worth pondering.

And more lessons rained on me that I realized it may be best to blog about them here.

• Think of online promos and contests as marketing and advertising campaigns. This can either be positive or negative. Contests and promos are there for a reason, and the most basic is spelled B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S. The more that emails are collected or gathered from interested participants to raffles, contests and promos, the more that promoting companies earn from website traffic and other publicity benefits. Emails are expensive, especially if they are legitimate or if emails are owned by a human being.  So if one or two participants will find a "You won a new iPad2!" in his or her email, the rest of us will be in a sorry, try again next time mode. But don't blame yourself for giving away your email, just make sure that you join legitimate contests and not spamming sites' fake contests.

• Second, while it is fun and enjoyable clicking likes and sharing through Twitter and Facebook the pages of the promoting companies' contest pages, one should be ready to face the consequences. One is your friends' reactions for flooding their Facebook walls with your likes of pages and contests shared. Don't be surprised if you find your friends sneer or laugh at you for thinking that you are desperately seeking an iPad or iPhone. But if you know your reasons fully well on why you are joining (e.g., you want to save the world by developing the next app through an iPad2 that you are looking at winning), just don't mind or ignore the naysayers. But again, be ready to face the consequences, but be sure to keep your promise (of saving the world when you win!).

But of course, there are still more to realize from all this. That contest of whatever kind has the tendency to bring the very best and worst of human behavior. So it is  really important to bring along the most handy moral - being contented. This being happy also means that, even if the winning person is not you but your close friends, you are glad it is them who won.

Again, just enjoy and don't expect too much.

P.S.

I just entered in this contest, while there is still time, you might want to join CNN Go's Win an Iphone4s contest

May the best answer wins!

Survey Says Facebook Rules in the Philippines! Hooray!? or Boo!?

I don't know what to feel now that 24/7 Wall St concluded that the Philippines is the country to beat in terms of the dominance of Facebook in the online landscape, even topping the home of the social networking site itself: the U.S.  Today, there are 600 million Facebook members worldwide.

In the said report, the Philippines is joined by Israel, Turkey, Chile and Argentina as the top five nations where Facebook has whopping dominance of the online market.  Malaysia, Indonesia, Columbia, Peru and Venezuela round up the next five.
Here are the exact words from the article

1. Philippines
> Facebook: 93.9%
> Twitter: 16.1%
> LinkedIn: 1.9%
> Internet Use: 29.7%

Social network penetration is incredibly high in the Philippines, reaching 95%.  Facebook is the country’s most popular website, more so than Google, and has a penetration rate of 93.9%.  The Philippines is also the eighth most popular country for Twitter use on a global scale, with a penetration rate of 16.1%.  The popularity of photo sharing has increased by 46% in the country in one year, largely due to Facebook.  Social networking is so popular among Filipinos, the country has been nicknamed “The Social Networking Capital of the World.”

What does this mean? Here are some thoughts:

• TV commercials. TV being the dominant media in the country is one platform where the social networking site is massively promoted. Everywhere you see spread out like eagle's wings these commercials that carry the Facebook Fan pages of brands. You usually see these commercials at prime time where shows like telenovelas, koreanovelas, game shows, and more are being shown.  Hence, Facebook is being promoted free and Mark Zucherberg has a lot to thank the country's businessmen for having these ads without having to pay Philippine television networks a single cent.

• Filipinos are fond of "lists".  We are a curious race.  Last time, we are racing to set a record with the most number of circumcised teens in the world.  Then once upon a time, the Philippines was reportedly the third largest nation with the most number of English-speaking people, then the "Texting Capital of the World," and am not a bit surprised if we will again top this one. But yes we did! Another title? Yes, "The Social Networking Capital of the World." Did we ask for this? Definitely not, but it appears very natural for us Filipinos. Isn't it that the once glorious Friendster.com was the king of the internet landscape in the country here? And now that Facebook or FB is the king, we are quick to jump ship.  And it also looks like it is embedded in us to look for something that will make our country stand out among the rest. And even not economically perhaps, we can at least become the first to beat the U.S. and the G8.

• Cheap Internet Cafe Rates. For one peso, one can use the Internet and surf Facebook for as little as one minute! I am not kidding, this only happens in the Philippines. What can one do with one (1) minute? Just check notifications and generously spread "Likes," perhaps?  

• Consumption of time. Some would rather open Facebook and shout to the world that someone has completed the folding of 1,000 pieces of baby wipes in 10 seconds, mopped the lobby, post photos that charted the person's whole lifespan on earth, entered a mental hospital and shook hands with a parrot. These are considered more productive way of spending one's time than the more important things like devoting full eight hours to work, helping a son or daughter do assignments, and visiting charities and volunteering for causes.

• Narcissism. Sadly, could this also be telling us how much we love ourselves more than the others? There are already numerous studies about why social networking sites are growing more and more popular among children and adults, while some knows how to use the site for good, others don't. And others never will.

• And more.

Facebook is obviously here to stay. It will continue to grow or something new will emerge along the way. But what will be the same is that Filipinos will surely be among the first to appreciate these things before any nation in the world. We have proofs to back this up.

However, it is just my hope that somewhere along the way we would pick up the good over the bad: the use of technology wisely and intelligently not just for the self but for others.

Sitting and Dying (Softly)

Why sitting all day long is not good for your health? Take a look at this infographics below that I spotted at Mashable.com with the title, Just How Dangerous Is Sitting All Day?.

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

Filipino-English Diction: Do we know this Exist?

In a speech that BBC World News' anchor Rico Hizon delivered recently about our very own Filipino-English diction, he made valid points that should be pondered by many of us, Filipinos.

The Filipino tongue is unique, we must admit, and it was as if our race was singled out and blessed with this gift like no other people in the world. What could be God's reason? Is there a very significant purpose? 

Let's now read the analysis of Hizon, a true-blue Filipino, who explained why we should be proud of this unique quality, why we should protect and nurture this as well.

I am re-posting the speech here in full (of course with his permission) for the benefit of all.

Being Proud of our own Filipino-English Dictionby Rico Hizon
(Delivered during Toastmaster's International District 75 Annual Conference)

Every single day for the past 10 years on BBC World News, over 350 million people from all over the world wake up to the sound of my voice.

What I say can make or break their business. How I say it, however, will affect how they will react - whether to stay calm or panic.

DELIVERING THE NEWS
Delivery is key.

Apart from having complete, accurate and relevant information, the news must be read clearly to ensure that it is easily understood.

And for that, I am grateful for my education from the Philippines.

Tubong Maynila po ako! I was born, raised and educated here in Manila. Hindi po ako nag-aral sa Amerika o sa UK.

Hindi po ako nag Cambridge o Harvard.

I learned to speak well and clearly thanks to the patience of my parents, siblings and my teachers at La Salle Green Hills and De La Salle University.

My looks and my diction often leave people wondering about my nationality.

On many occasions, I've been asked if I'm a western-educated Chinese, Singaporean, Malaysian or even Indonesian.

They wonder because of my eyes, skin color, and the way I speak English.

I guess you can say its Pinoy super power.

We have the gift of languages. But what sets us apart is how, with any language we use, we are able to speak it clearly.


PAN-ASIAN DICTION
The Filipino diction is - clear, simple, neutral, easy to understand.

The Filipino enunciates clearly, pronounces every syllable in a pleasant --- even --- and non-threatening tone modulated for every ear to capture its essence….

And when we speak English, for instance, it is neither American nor British English.

It is a Pan-Asian diction. It does not pretend to sound western but both Asians and non-Asians can easily comprehend what is being said.

There are a variety of accents speaking the English language and there is no need for the Filipino to imitate … the American, British or whatever accent just to say its proper English.

We have our very own, and that is what makes us a cut above the rest.

And that's why I am where I am.  It's because of the Filipino English diction.

People often mistake the American accent for good diction.  And yet, there is no real American accent because there is the Southern drawl, the Texas twang, and a host of so many others ….

It is too, difficult to keep track….

But that's beside the point.

Someone pointed out, we are Filipinos. We don't have to speak good English.

But don't you think it's amazing that we do, despite the fact that we're not?  (Think about it)


EDUCATION
During my time, English was the medium of instruction.

When I graduated Grade School in 1980, High School in 1984 and University in 1988, majority of students could carry a very decent English conversation, because during my generation we had very good teachers who encouraged us to speak the language fluently.

We either spoke in  English or we spoke in Tagalog.

Mixing them up into Taglish was unacceptable.

Even earlier, during my parents' and grandparents' time, the country had citizens that were very good in English regardless of their educational attainment because English was widely and strictly used.


But today when I look around me and speak with the youth, I think we are dwindling race. English as a second language of Filipinos is fast deteriorating.

In fact, it has become a third language after Filipino and the more widely spoken Taglish. Not many can speak at least two or three sentences of straight English.

Worse, the diction is twisted to favor a twang often taken as a sign of being sosyal or wealthy.

And believe me, nothing could be further from the truth.


MEDIA
The media has played a major role in the inability of many Filipinos to speak English well.

TV programs these days are all in Taglish.

Even the news is no exception.

What do we do? How do we stop the spread of "Here na me, where na you?" and "Yes, op kors, dats rayt"

And it also does not help, that when people text or sms, the language and the writing is inappropriate.

And thus their inability to learn correct spelling, impacting their ability to communicate clearly and correctly - whether it be in English or Tagalog.
The key lies in recognizing that proficiency in communicating in English is indispensable.

Speaking in English is not unpatriotic.

We are not less Filipinos for mastering another language.
We are only making good use of our gift for languages to forge ahead.

English should be the medium of instruction in schools.

Spoken in the presence of trained teachers, children will learn to speak fluently and clearly, because when we master one language, whether it be English or Tagalog, we prepare our youth to challenge themselves to stretch and excel in their language skills, and basically, setting the foundation from an educational perspective.

There should be more English television programs such as documentaries and talk shows on commercial/terrestrial television with at least one dedicated English newscast.

Such shows these days are all on cable channels and are beyond the reach of the less privileged.

It is also equally important that we Filipinos read English text more often. Doing so further improves the grasp of the language.

Nowadays less Filipinos read and enrich the mind through books, editorials or websites.

And because of this, poor reading skills translate into poor writing and poor diction.

Indeed, sometimes the answer truly lies in reading between the lines, as well as from cover to cover.


GLOBALIZATION
In this age of globalization, it is inevitable that the Filipino will interact with peers and colleagues in the international community.

We can rightfully expect to hear even more accents, even more variations of the English language.

As such, this should spur our youth to even greater heights, to cement our place in the international scene as the most skilled, in communicating in the English language.

You have to give it to the Pinoy, we are still the best English speakers on this side of the planet.
So I believe, it is time to stand up, stand out, speak proudly as a Filipino and be heard across the globe loud and clear.

I know I did!

Live from the Toastmasters International Conference this is Rico Hizon reporting. Proud to be Filipino! Proud of our Filipino Diction! Mabuhay ang Pinoy! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Sealed with a Royal Kiss

Royal wedding. Royal kiss. Harry and Kate. These are words, phrases, and people that will be the subject of many discussions after the world witnessed Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding last April 29.

There will be extensive news and blog coverages to discuss the significance of the wedding.  Yet many will surely question the hype, media's role, the cost of the wedding, the pageantry of the ceremony, the parade of high profile fashion labels, and its many, many embarrassing insignificance. Update: Will + Kate = sixth-biggest Web event ever

The media's role here will obviously be an easy target.  By far there are few questions that are worth pondering upon. Here is one: how did the media played its role in its coverage and hyping of the British wedding?

Are Filipinos really talking about the Royal Wedding prior to advertisements of each television media network's promotional plugging?  Or is it the buzz generated by the massive promotion of the event that quickly piqued people's curiosity?

Using this as a frame, it has always been said that local media are not pressured to come up with excellent programming.  I have a theory that people from poorer countries are looking for fairy-tale-fantasies to forget abject poverty even for a very short period of time.

As a result, the media never forget that this could be their secret formula to winning more revenues. Little education too helps in fortifying the media's money-making machine because the public becomes less inquisitive and critical of the output they consume.  So the media has no fear in producing low quality output because as experience would tell its own tale: poor people seems to be resigned for bigger change, even higher expectations.  Hope is nil.

With lower expectations, improving for quality is no longer required.  To repeat the obvious, some television stations are profit-making establishments whose goals include hiring big stars, reducing production expenses and increasing profit.  By producing mediocre programming, lower production cost is necessary, and with aggressive marketing push, jackpot will be all around - higher income as a result of higher advertising revenues and lower production expenses.

This tells us a lot about why there is also the proliferation of game shows today in the country featuring none other than our poor fellowmen.

Because when contestants are poor, sad and desperate stories will pour.  What follows after drama is exploitation and debasement, which are ingredients for a potential blockbuster. Meet one recent example, the controversy involving Willing Willie host Willie Revillame's imbroglio. The host was recently under fire for the alleged abuse and exploitation of a six-year-old kid in a game show who was coerced to dance like a macho dancer in prime time television.

This brings us back to the pageantry of the royal wedding which is of course not any less different with the Willing Willie story for both exposed the Filipino psyche. Like the game show which is cheaper to produce, buying the rights for a modern fairy tale story is cheaper than producing own's very own telenovela.

In addition, the royal wedding and the Willing Willie controversy share some similarity because both highlighted our divided world: the rich and the poor, the privileged and the underprivileged.  We are also made aware about the media's role in shaping our perception of luck, fantasy, illusion, and entertainment.

What these two issues gave us are scenarios to reflect on. Is it really worth the talk? Because for instance, the only one benefiting here is London, which needs an image booster as future host of the 2012 Olympics.

What's funny though is what escaped our attention.  As most people were caught in the dizzying frenzy of the royal wedding, a lot bigger event was never given attention in our land: one which U.S. President Barack Obama was more interested at attending. The United States unveiled the final launch of the space shuttle Endeavour at the Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Another fantasy? Yes, perhaps, that American dream of becoming an astronaut and a space man.

But on a deeper level, it gives us reason to aspire to be excellent and to restart our once upon a time attempt at targeting the moon with the Filipino invention, the Moon buggy.

Why Originality Matters?

Because you are unique. And that is just one of the reasons that I can immediately think of to say why.  But for anyone, whether or not he is an aspiring writer, poet, artist, blogger, musician, and journalist, originality should be more than just that. It is there like a laminated diploma meant to highlight one's individuality and insight. One could dare say, I can be copied but it should not be me who is copying.

Please admit, we are unique in many many ways. And by being original, we does show the world that we are confident with the gift given us and what best we can do with that gift.

Who will deny that when we are starting we did imitate some of our favorite authors and role models? But imitating is different from stealing. You imitate because you love or like the style, the way sentences are weaved, the words are used and how the poetry of words caresses your ears. But you will soon let go of imitation because you will find your own voice. How do you say you already found your voice? It is your readers who will detect it for you. You will feel it when people recognize it is you they are reading. But after the very long voice-searching, you must protect it.  And from that standpoint, it is once again back to square one: you are now about to begin. 

Imitating someone, say a writer, it is said is more like an expression of admiration or respect to the person being imitated. But copying is a different thing, even if one claims he's lifted just a chunk of a sentence or a parcel of idea. Stealing is hard to conceal. Hiding the act committed is short-lived because it is especially easy nowadays to discover who copied from whom and what. Dare tell that to Google.com.

Aren't the act of copying sentences or paragraphs or concepts an act of admiration too? Yes that too is triggered by admiration at the beginning. If someone plagiarized, something evil may have lurked hereafter, however.  Ideas are sacred and we must remember that always. Original ideas or concepts should remain as intellectual properties of the author or the artist who may have spent tons of coffee, sleepless nights, and other unflattering rituals just to arrive at that eureka of discovery. Thus, it is still not fair to steal.

Now comes the sad news we heard of late.  Though not something very very new because we read or heard similar stories before of writers, editors, professors, journalists and even CEO accused of plagiarism or stealing words, ideas or concepts from somebody without the guts and heart to give credit to the source, their tribes, however, are increasing. From published authors to bloggers, plagiarism is fast spreading as a disease.

It is just disheartening to know what the deluge of information has brought us lately.  From tons and tons of published works down to the Internet, we get to see and swim through oceans of great works of many brilliant talents.  We get to discover new voices we formerly do not know we have in our midst.  Meanwhile, it is sad and ironic that in spite of the boon that technology has brought us, it also created insecurities, fear, and envy among many people. Even great ones and the more awarded ones are not even immune.   

Now, I am sharing here an open letter by some Filipino writers. This is both sad and at the same time alarming that plagiarism is spreading even in the Parthenon of arts and letters in my homeland. My hope is that we will learn a lot from this and may this be the end.

Shattering the Silence

Why originality matters? It matters highly because it is genius that you admit that you are not perfect. And being true to oneself is self-respect. It is also a form of compassion to oneself and other people.

Don't be deceived that when you copy or steal something it is you who will get all the spotlight. It is just an illusion that you are doing yourself a favor. Because after all that's been said and done, there is always that stinging feeling in your heart that will bother you and say: You are just fooling yourself!

The "You Can Be What You Want To Be" Culture

We've already heard and read lot about the many side effects of Facebook and other social networking sites here here here.  And this was lucidly illuminated in Jean Twenge's book, Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled — and More Miserable Than Ever Before. In the said book, Twenge predicted that a new global community called "GenMe" or "Generation Me" is giving birth to individuals who are self-centered or too obsessed with appearance and material things. In effect, the focus is too much directed on the self.

Twenge, who is Associate Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, gives us hints how to identify these individuals and what their attitudes are like. With the me becoming the priority over the others, it is not surprising to find them saying - “As long as I believe in myself, I really do not care what others think.” Twenge has also earned degrees from the Universities of Chicago (B.A. and M.A.) and Michigan (Ph.D.).

As the whole book explains, the over-emphasis on the self than family members, friends, peers, colleagues, and random people have so many grave repercussions. There is shift in beliefs and modes in obeying authorities at work, school and homes. Even the act of expressing respect for other people is disregarded by GenMe culture.  These types of people have also grew tired of attending to religious practices. All these negative attributes, according to Twenge, stemmed from the key message that these new GenMe individuals profess: “You can be anything you want to be."

The chapter titles should be sufficient enough in giving what readers should expect from reading the book:

1. You Don’t Need Their Approval: The Decline of Social Rules
2. An Army of One: Me
3. You Can Be Anything You Want to Be
4. The Age of Anxiety (and Depression, and Loneliness): Generation Stressed
5. Yeah, Right: The Belief That There’s No Point in Trying
6. Sex: Generation Prude Meets Generation Crude
7. The Equality Revolution: Minorities, Women, and Gays and Lesbians
8. Apply Our Knowledge: The Future of Business and the Future of the Young

It is also the GenMe culture that is sometimes to blame for the continued rise of the cases of depression, alienation, scholastic and professional stress, and other increased self-esteem symptoms. 




The World Is Obsessed With Facebook from Alex Trimpe on Vimeo.

Though what is certain is that the figures about the use of Facebook may not dip a bit, it was not yet clear how much this would impact our society in general. Because with the prevalence of GenMe culture, people who would become too obsessed with the self or narcissists, and only thinks of the self as superior might increase in numbers. Thus, we only can expect the worst in the future.

Unless these new social beings of GenMe culture would find self-control as a virtue, we should expect less for real change to blossom.  Otherwise, the opposite is likely to happen: crime rates surging, suicide cases caused by depression, alienation and stress mounting, and more of the like.

These are alarming scenarios if only solutions are available this instant.  Only with institutional actions and everyone getting involved matched with political will, however, we can see changes and success. Though there may be groups now thinking about this impending social meltdown, their tribes need to increase and become more vocal in asserting their sentiments. 

Now, let's pause and ask ourselves: Are we over-sharing enough? Are we Facebook obsessed? Are we turning into GenMe creatures?

Now think. Think of good reasons if we are not. Think how much better the world would become if we are thinking before posting.

Off to Lilliput for Exactly 14 Hours

Sunday (April 24) was beach day at the Panibatuhan, Morong, Bataan, a province north of the capital Manila. I went out with friends and colleagues for a short respite from weeks and months of works.

It was one memorable day at the Morong Star Beach Resort because we all enjoyed, and at the same time took advantage of the health benefits of swimming in the beach (the best part and which experts say help in ridding your body of radiations you get from being too exposed to computers and other digital devices).

It was not purely all play with me as I inserted taking photos to document whatever there is that I could take and treasure for memories' sake (note: photos here were taken using my handy Nokia 7200's camera and were published in their raw states).

As the whole day took its course, there are lots of other activities to be had that we enjoyed at the beach resort.

At one point when the heat of the sun was peaking to the point of burning off some layers of our skin, we went to the activity area and the adventure park of the beach resort to do some bike riding, team building exercises, and more.

Finally on our way home, we got to see some sight beholding places in Bataan, Clark and Pampanga.  The three or two and a half hours travel back to Manila gave our eyes some captivating places and spots to behold in the Philippines.  Bataan is one beautiful province with nice beaches and coves that remain hidden in the eyes of tourists (because when you mention tourist spots, the provinces that came to mind are Bohol, Palawan, Boracay or Pagudpud).

Thanks be to God, we all arrived safe from this trip to our homes.

Video: Messages for Japan

To show that it cares, Google launched a site, at www.messagesforjapan.com that allows people from around the world to submit messages of hope for the people of Japan.

According to the Youtube video's description:

These messages are automatically translated into Japanese using the Google Translate API so that people in Japan can read them. People can share the messages, view messages from others, see them on a world map, and donate on the site.

We hope that these messages from around the world will provide inspiration to the people of Japan as we face this challenge, and that the donations raised through this site and others will help the country on its road to rebuilding.

Let's share some words for the people of Japan. Let's support and show them that we care. 

Of Negative Self-Statements and Overcoming Procrastination

As it is often said, our own worst critic is none other than - ourselves!

Sometimes, we often hear that tiny voice inside us critiquing and judging our worth even before we even begin working. Should we really listen to this winy tiny voice inside?

If you will listen to that voice, statements flashing like neon lights are familiar ones like: you're not that good, your work is mediocre, you're just average.

In effect, this tiny critic inside is telling us that we should stop or else end up a failure.

Among our already many fears and anxieties caused by our external environment, this tiny critic is an addition. But I suspect this is not inherent, but just a creation caused by many factors. So begins my investigation.

Tomes and libraries of motivational books, magazine articles and literature already discussed this constant problem that many people grapple with most of the time.  This self-critic often breeds this badass habit of procrastination.

Deeply if you will ask: Am I really that bad that myself is telling me?

Definitely not, and some I guess will agree with me.  Because obviously, that is not the way to everybody. And if it were, we would be short with great Olympians, great basketball players, great authors, great role models and inspirational people. And I agree that it was not that way for you, for us, all the time.

It is this tiny threatening judge that Neil Fiore, author of the Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying a Guilt-Free Play, advises us to learn to control. Fiore said that this demanding voice begs us to feel we are the victim here.  As a victim, we are to blame for everything, for our faults, for our mistakes. But the reality is that there are no mistakes yet because you are not yet starting with your work.  If you listen to that tiny voice, it will obviously end up the victor and you the loser, guilty.

One solution, Fiore offers, is by converting these negative self-statements with positive self-statements. By refocusing one's focus toward the task at hand, rather than to questions of one's ability or worth, we end up the winner and our own source of approval. When we become the source of approval, we become less dependent on external judgments of our worth to face that blank sheet of paper or canvass to work.

Diversion Portion: 
Before I end up this blog, catch here 2011 Pulitzer Prize winning author Jennifer Sagan's advice for writers on why Best Writers Lists should be ignored. Top ten bests, best of the best lists are often source of external judgment for anyone aspiring to enter the world of arts (whether that be writing, music, arts, dance, etc.).

Now, hope your next conversation with your self will be like this:

VBR: Sorry mate, your work will suck, so don't pretend you're going to finish this blog!
Me: Sorry too. I am done.

My Blog vs Myself

There's brewing tension. Hearts are pounding. 

My new blog is already tensed and worried, asking me why I am abandoning him. 


Me:  Of course not! Why should I?
VBR: Because you are leaving me now!
Me: Haha! You must be kidding! I am not at all abandoning a new born baby. 
VBR: You seems suggesting.
Me: How can I leave something that I love doing?
VBR: You already did with my other siblings! What do you call that now?
Me: It's not abandoning. I just put then to rest.
VBR: You will do the same to me, right?
Me: Of course not (awkward smile)
VBR: Just don't say it. Prove it.
Me: I am doing now.

Truth be told, I am really thinking hard what to blog about. So I decided that while I think of some interesting things to write about, I will start posting some finds on the web that I will feature and share. 

For my opening salvo, here's one whose works online are really good at humanizing the web: Jonathan Harris.

To some who may not be familiar with him, his bio page says: he makes projects that re-imagine how humans relate to technology and to each other. (Impressive, isn't it?, though I have to figure out myself what he meant with that statement.)

Harris is co-creator of the We Feel Fine Project, the award-winning online experiment that gathers people's emotion in a very engaging and visually-enticing approach.

His latest, the Today project, is what am very pleased to share to you folks today. On this website, Harris posts one photo each day. The result? A beautiful collage of things, places, people and the like that we never sometimes give an eye to look at or appreciate.

With so many projects to his credit, the Today Project is one that inspires and encourages people to enjoy what you love doing and making sure there's commitment to doing it.  Another face of his project gives the impression that even with just one small step every day, like taking photos everyday, a lot will be accomplished.  

A short film here gives us a sampling of this work. 

Anyway, if the image won't play, here is the link.

Restarting a Passion - at least online

If you like writing, your second passion might be easy to guess. Reading, perhaps?

It has always been like that, isn't it? It was as if you are compelled to say (if you are what people dubbed as writer) to answer the required field when asked or interviewed about your hobbies or interests. Reading is to writing as writing is to reading.

And I know millions of people around the world are like me, those who love writing and reading yet continue to grapple with the fear of really beginning to write. Though I don't know if these people indicate writing and reading as interests in their profiles at Facebook, Twitter or at the once-popular fancy autograph.

I could also sympathize with those who are afraid to write, citing as reasons lack of confidence, bad grammar, and many other excuses. I have been beset with these worries, if not most of the time, at least every time I would pick up my laptop to write (before it was a typewriter and my pen and paper).

What's ironic sometimes is that when asked to give advice to those who are writing, I can be very passionate in giving tips and lists of what a writer should be and what a writer is not. But I myself is like these people, always struggling to start a line or a sentence when confronted by a blank page. I am always telling myself I would begin one day but it's always been like that. Never really starting.

Looking back, I have joined a local broadsheet as a business correspondent immediately after graduating in college a decade ago but such writing is not very personal. Not the kind of writing that I could simply breeze away what I think about just about anything.  Now I am called a freelance writer but that is still work, and not really writing.

Just a day ago, I decided I will return to blogging. Really excited to begin, my mind was busy thinking of a good title and a good way that my blog should care to produce. I guess a blog is a good platform to write what I think at the spur of the moment and perhaps give myself a reason to read.

With this new blog, I hope that I could gradually find my own voice as this online space matures every time I write my thoughts away. And finally I hope to make this new blog a useful and interesting place for others.  Just pray that I could muster enough confidence, motivation and determination to persist the pressure of coming up with a post on a regular basis.

With slew of other interests, I might go write about my commentary about headline-grabbing news, technology, design and sometimes science and health, and more of the like.

By opening a blog, some will obviously not care. But I am hoping that you, dear readers or stumblers, will support me in this endeavor. (So much for my shameless plug, let's all get back to work.)

World, am officially announcing the birth of my blog! In other words, it is writing without paper and ink. Thanks to Google's Blogger.com with few clicks, am officially in as a blogger.

I hope to be a better blogger soon.