Winning And Losing

If you had tuned in to any of the news channels this past fortnight you could be forgiven for thinking that the Syrians had stopped shooting at each other, the recession was over and the ice caps had stopped melting. I must admit, it's nice to hear mostly good news for a change.

I'm sure that most people couldn't fail to be moved by the efforts of all the Olympic competitors, whether they are winners or also-rans, British or foreign. A lot has been written in the press and talked about on TV about how the games will inspire the youth of this country. Inspire them to do what, they don't make clear. But I suppose they mean, first and foremost, to take up sport. Secondly I imagine they expect people to be inspired in their everyday lives. Nice sentiments but easier said than done.

It's good to see our British athletes doing well in so many events. A lot of the time they make it seem so easy. Which, in my opinion, could be the problem. Before they can reach Olympic standards these people have to work hard for years. Going to the swimming pool for a couple of hours before school, getting out on the bike on a freezing Sunday morning, going on a ten mile run after work etc. How many aspiring young athletes will lose interest after attending a few sessions at their local track? Especially if the weather is bad.

David Brailsford, Performance Director of British Cycling and General Manager of Tour de France winners Team Sky, gave an interview on BBC this morning where he emphasised the importance of commitment. He also claimed that, in the course of attaining your goals, you will lose more than you win. Which just confirms what I've always thought. You learn more from losing than from winning.

So it is in writing. Which is why I don't throw away my rejection letters. They are there to remind me how much hard work I've put in when that acceptance e-mail suddenly appears in my Inbox. When I hear of some new author that has their very first manuscript accepted by a publisher, I imagine all the other would-be novelists thinking they can emulate this feat, only to give up after one knock-back. Which brings us to Dave's point about commitment. Talent is no good without it.

Happy writing, everybody. Keep at it.

The Kildare Mansion

I did this post on The Kildare Mansion a couple of years ago.  It has become one of my most popular posts and some of the comments on the post are very interesting and written by those who have lived in the house and experienced it.  I thought I would repost it with the comments so others could read the stories of those who know the house far better than I.  The Kildare Mansion was first famous for it's ghosts.  It was built in 1886 by a wealthy Irishman named O'Shaughnessy.   He built the castle as a reminder of his homeland, Ireland.   He put a fortune into making it the most extravagent house in the area and he did a good job of it.  This giant of a house overshadows everything around it. It has over 40 rooms and is over 17,000 square feet including the massive basement.   In 1900, MR. O'Shaughnessy went blind and his wife Anna sold Kildare to the trust fund established for Mary McCormick who inherited a multi million dollar fortune from her father

Unfortunately, Mary McCormick was mentally ill and suffered greatly during certain periods.  At the time,  treatment options were limited so they kept her locked in the house and had several nurses and staff to take care of her.  During her lucid periods,  Mary a wonderful woman who was known for her kindness and generocity.   For her entire life, she needed nurses to help her care for her mental illness.  Finally she had to retire to a sanitarium,  leaving her beautiful house behind.

From 1932- 1975, the Kildare Mansion fell into disrepair.   It decayed slowly as slums and lesser buildings slowly surrounded it hiding it's beauty in their sullen shadows.  In 1975, the house was purchased by the Reeves, who lovingly restored the house to its original splendor  It was during this time that the house was shown in the tour of historic homes and became a popular visit for haunt jaunters.   The house's basement was notoriously haunted by the ghost of  Mary McCormick.   Still tormented by her madness, she apparently made quite a ruckus at night.

In 2005 the house was bought by a family whose name I won't mention.  Since that time, the ghosts have become the least interesting part of this house.   The house has always been a favorite site for anyone visiting Huntsville because of its historic significance, its beauty, and its haunted history.  Many people drive by the house and photograph it.   Since 2005, however, the new owners have spent a considerable amount of time watching out for anyone lingering near the house.  If you drive by slowly or stop in front of the house,  a woman will emerge screaming at you.  Sometimes she'll curse and sometimes she'll use the garden hose to spray your car.  Other times she'll shine a spotlight on you and others she'll take pictures of you with her cell phone.  No matter what the new owner does, it is always hostile and she seems to always be watching.  She sits day and night waiting for those that linger to long, which might make one wonder if  Mary McCormick's mental illness might not be spreading?   Perhaps the house and its dark secrets have driven the new owner mad?  Perhaps madness is part of the curse of the house?

No matter what the case. Sadly,  the reason most drive by these days is to see the new owner run out and start screaming.  Her wild antics have become a fun attraction for locals who stop by just to see her jump around and scream  Few remember the ghost stories or the house's beautiful history.

The Train Ride

Story

[Taken from Internet:]

One day there was this girl named Jessica. She was looking at the train arrival time-table, and found that her train was about to leave. So she ran to the ticket order counter, and quickly bought a ticket. She ran straight to the train. She is meant to catch and made it. When she got onto the train she saw that the only people on the train were these 3 girls. The 3 girls were all sitting on one seat. So Jessica decided to sit on the seat that was across them. On her way down the aisle she saw that the middle girl was staring at the seat she was going to sit on and the girls that were beside her on either side were staring straight ahead. When Jessica sat down she started to get freaked out coz the girl in the middle was staring at her. Then the ticket-collector came to the girl and said, Excuse me ma'm can i see your ticket? Jessica replied, Yeah sure. When the ticket collecter looked at the ticket he said to Jessica, Sorry ma'am, but you have to come with me your ticket is fake. Jessica said WHAT!? No that can't be! I just bought it 2 minutes ago. He said Ma'am, come with me, otherwise I will call the police. So she got up and went with the man and went into his office. He stared at her and said Look, your ticket wasn't fake. i did that because the two girl that are beside the middle, strangled her to death before you even got on the train!

My first impression on this story is that, it seemed like an urban legend. But still I'm searching for some information about the story.

Source:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/60923738/Haunted-Places-in-the-Philippines

Hate Letter to Filipinos

As I read the Hate Letter, which they said, written by Mr. Art Bell, I was disturbed! I felt angry on how he look at Filipinos, and I was very offended to how he described my country - Third World (which he meant many things, such as uneducated, pervert, and trashy.)

I can't imagine that there's an individual person existing in this world as racist as he is. Whoever created this e-mail, he is much more disgusting than the Filipino he is pointing out. He speaks for the whole not for few, but even he did, still he is much puking. Whatever nation and race he came from, perhaps, it's the most flawless and perfect country of all. I don't want to speak wicked things on his country, but to him, I will.

Story

According to the E-mail, it was created by Art Bell.

Arthur William "Art" Bell, III (commonly known as Art Bell) is an American broadcaster, an author, and founder of the Pahrump, Nevada-based radio station, KNYE 95.1 FM. He also created and formerly hosted its companion show, Dreamland. Semi-retired from Coast to Coast AM since 2003, he hosted the show many weekends for the following four years. He announced his retirement from weekend hosting on July 1, 2007 but occasionally serves as a guest host.

It was stated in e-mail that Art Bell once lived in the Philippines, and it is true. Moreover, his wife is a Filipino. Nowadays, he is still living in the said country with his family. That made me doubt of his authorship of Hate Letter. How can he say those words if his wife is a citizen of the country he is insulting? Make sense...

Well, here's the letter in e-mail:

[Taken from Internet: (Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:16:26)]

Filipinos... ..*make me puke* (Art Bell) As we've all come to notice, in the past few decades, Filipinos have begun to infest the United States like some sort of disease. Their extensive involvement in the U.S. Armed Forces is proof of the trashy kind of qualities all Filipinos tend to exhibit on a regular basis. You can see this clearly by studying the attitudes and cultural Icons of most Filipino Americans. Origins of Pinoys/Pinays: Are they really Asian? Well we've come to accept the fact the Filipinos come from a part of the world known as South East Asia . But the term ' Asia ' is used in the wrong way. You may notice that contemporary Filipino Americans try very hard to associate ate themselves with groups that we know as Asian. I cannot count the number of times I have seen a ' Third World ' Filipino try to connect themselves to the Chinese or Japanese people. There is no connection and here's why. The Philippines is a Third World country. Nothing respectable has EVER been created by Filipino people during our entire human history. Young Filipino men in America have become obsessed with 'import racing'. They have an enormously perverted affection for Japanese cars. It's a common phenomenon. In their minds, these Filipinos somehow believe that they are Asian and that it somehow connects them to Japanese people and Japanese cars. They often take credit for the ingenuity of Japanese people and say how it's an 'Asian thing'. This term...'Asian thing' derived directly from African American slang 'blackthang' . 'It's a black thang.' 'It's an Asian thang.' You can see the connection. It's even funnier that, in Japan , Filipinos are heavily discriminated against. The only Filipinos that can live successfully in Japan are the Filipino prostitutes. But that's the case for most Filipino people no matter where they live in the world . Now we've come down to this fact...and it is a fact. Nothing in Filipino Culture can be seen as Asian. They have no architectural, artistic, or cultural influence which is in ANY way, Asian. Thinking of the great countries in Asia such as Japan , Korea , and China there is no way you can possibly connect the Philippine Islands. This assault by Filipino Americans to connect themselves with the great peoples of North East Asia is foul and disgusting. Try visiting a young Filipino's web site too. You'll see something called the 'Asian IRC Ring'. It has to do with the chatrooms. The most horrible thing about this is that these TRASHY people are trying to associate themselves with Asia again!! People in Asia don't act like, this at all. What we are seeing here is the natural Filipino in it's element with full access to technology and this is how they act! You will consistently see this behavior over and over again. Another interesting thing is that these 'third world' people also frequent RC chatrooms such as #Chinese # Japan and #Asian. They must believe that they are some how related racially or culturally to North Asians. But it's completely WRONG! There might have been some distant contact With China and even less with Japan during World War II, but these people are actually more closely related to African Americans and Mexican Americans. Do the parents of these young Filipinos know what's going on? Would they accept this? I believe that they would and do. This is the natural 'Trash' element in Filipinos manifesting itself. Nothing good has ever come from Philippines and I don't believe anything good ever will. Recognizing your Roots (A Message to Filipinos) To all filipino people: Please recognize your ROOTS! You come from the Third World ! You country is a disgusting and filthy place. Most people there live in poverty! Your culture has MUCH MORE SPANISH influen ce than chinese, and absolutely no JAPANESE influence whatsoever. People in Japan and China , do not act like you. They do not constantly talk about sex and they have a MUCH HIGHER level of RESPECT for each other. There is NO WAY that you can connect yourself to Asia other than location. Your culture and technological advancement does not even come CLOSE to What Chinese, people have done in the past and what Japanese and Korean people are doing now! Everything you do is distinctly filipino. You cannot take credit for Japanese cars, video games, or Hentai! It's not an 'asian thing' it's, an 'American thing'. You have no concept of culture...no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy! Can you demonstrate how you use Confucianism or Taoism in you everyday life?? You can't. And you will NEVER be able to. I understand t hat you are trying to create an identity for yourselves as young people... but it is NOT related to Asia . Your Identity is Filipino. That's all you are. Just Filipino. Think about what that means.... Sincerely, Art

As I read the main letter, I was almost convinced that it was true, that Art Bell made it. Well, some of the qualities of Filipinos told above is quite real. Even I would admit it.

Filipinos are trying to connect themselves to other races.

Well, it is somewhat true. Filipinos have this attitude: Colonial Mentality. Colonial mentality refers to institutionalized or systemic feelings of inferiority within some societies or people who have been subjected to colonialism, relative to the values of the foreign powers which had previously subjugated them through colonization. Philippines was once colonized by Spaniards (Spanish) which brought this kind of mentality among Filipinos, until now. It is said that when a foreign colonial or imperial power is too strong to be effectively resisted, the colonised population often has no other immediate option than to accept the rule of the foreigners as an inescapable reality of life. Filipinos was oppressed and forced to do work (Polo y Servicio) by Spanish invaders, but those Filipinos with foreign ancestry (Filipino Mestizo) are exempted. They were even free to have education while natives were not. Thus, in order for Filipinos to achieve freedom, they need to marry foreigners.

Filipinos affection for foreign products.

Yes, it is quite true. It is because, some Filipinos treat local products as low class. So they prefer to buy foreign goods.
Young Filipino men in America Have become obsessed of 'import racing'. The Import Scene or Import Racing Scene or Tuner Scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars (commonly referred to as imports), especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing.

Nothing respectable has ever been created by Filipino people during our entire human history.

Definitely it is not true! We Filipinos had created many respectable things in the world. Even the simplest thing, you can count on it. I just can't tell them all, one-by-one. Examples are, Jose Rizal, many people (local or foreign) were inspired to what this Filipino guy did for his nation; Previous Pres. Corazon Aquino, fighting for democracy, who also inspired other countries to fight for their freedom; Manny Pacquiao, for giving honor to Filipinos in boxing; OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), who sacrificed themselves for the sake of their family; and many more. If he only know.

The only Filipinos that can live successfully in Japan are the Filipino prostitutes.

I don't want to comment on this one. But I definitely disagree with it. There's still Filipinos who became successful for being a good worker, not from being a good prostitute.

Nothing in Filipino Culture can be seen as Asian. They have no architectural, artistic, or cultural influence which is in ANY way, Asian.

I can't think of one, but the reason behind that is, Filipinos came from different kinds of Asian people, and these people originated in countries where civilization concentrated. If you notice, whatever island you visit in this country, there is another culture and language different from where you are. That is an evidence that Filipinos came not from only one kind of Asian, and was not united before the Hispanic Era occur. Other than that, we are not alone from being like it, if we actually are.

Here's the continuation of the e-mail:

... and here's a response to this idiotic mail: ------------ --------- --------- --------- --- I find this funny, he is right in some ways where we, as Filipinos dont actually have an 'Identity'. I think this is due to the confusion of our mixed races from Hispanic, Chinese, American and Malay origins. I see it in malls, imagine young generations wearing ski caps and ski goggles in a tropical country, baggy low rise pants like that of African Americans living in th e Bronx of New York, not to mention endless whitening products being sold at department stores and drug stores. But his ignorance also blinds him from the other truth. That while we may glorify Anime shows and Japanese Internet gaming, he is not aware that a nameless Filipino may be responsible for some technical aspects of some Japanese software. He is not aware of our contribution to the the society in general .Technological advancements that may have aided post war navigations and landing on the moon. That the antibiotic Erythromycin was discovered by Dr. Abelardo Aguilar from Iloilo creating the brand 'Ilosone'. Thomas Edison may have discovered the electric light bulb and the fluorescent lighting was thought up by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores (a Cebuano named Benigno Flores of Bantayan Island , according to the Philippine Daily inquirer), a Filipino scientist. Americans helped then-Philippine leader Ramon Magsaysay to develo p it for worldwide commerce. That the personal physician of former U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton is Eleanor 'Connie' Concepcion Mariano, a Filipina doctor who was the youngest captain in the US Navy. A Filipino writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2, and grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French and Chinese. Or that a Filipino genius was responsible for the near hiatus in the PENTAGON and White HOuse nearly infiltrating their closely guarded secrets with the 'ILOVEYOU' bug. Nuisance maybe, but still one heck of a 'beautiful mind'...not to be underestimated. The list goes on and on, but who cares right? Certainly not Mr. Art Bell...Boy, I'm not surprised. Perhaps Art Bell does not know that although we consider ourselves ASIAN because we are strategically located in the Southeast asian region of which our nearest neighbors are Malays, ASIA does not mean only Chinese and Japanese race of people. Then maybe it is his connotation that 'Asia' meant only our economically successful, paler brothers and he considers Malays such as Thais, Malaysians, Indonesians, and ourselves as a ' Third World ' race. Then it is 'his' ignonimity that would make a civilized person of whatever race puke. Imagine literally connecting Chinese, Koreans and Japanese to the Philippine Islands which is archipelagos away from the countries he has mentioned. I also wonder where he got the impression that we aspire to be Japanese(??? ) Hispanics maybe but not the Japanese. But even Hispanics today do not mind sharing their 'surnames' to their Asian brothers who they have colonized for 3 centuries. Another sad reality that although most Filipinos working overseas are domestic helpers and prostitutes, who does he think educates the toddlers of Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Tokyo? Parents of these countries rarely have time spent with their children, leaving them to their Filipino nannies. And with regards to prostitution. Filipinos are not the only ones working as one. I HARDLY SEE FILIPINOS STARRING IN PORN MOVIES. THERE MIGHT BE A FEW FILIPINOS WE HAVEN'T SEEN , BUT MOST ARE FROM MR. ART BELL'S RACE. He also mentioned that we have no concept of culture..no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy. How can we demonstrate Confucianism or Taoism in a Christian nation? IS HE INFORMED THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS THE ONLY PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN/CATHOLIC NATION IN ASIA ?! YOU HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE IN A LOT OF THINGS SOMETIMES... We do not need to create an identity for ourselves. We are who we are. Our identity stems from the anonymity we live in this world. How we contribute silent ly towards the progress of the world and not just one country. Although the Filipino blood may be tainted with malice, corruption, poverty and prostitution, it is not a perfect race... But so are the others. Maybe Mr. Art Bell needs to think about this. WE MAY NOT BE PERFECT MR. BELL BUT AT LEAST WE STILL H AVE VALUES. FOR ONE THING WE DONT PUT OUR AGING PARENTS IN NURSING HOMES BECAUSE 'THEY'RE SIMPLY OLD AND WORTHLESS'. WE DONT HAVE AS MUCH NUMBERS OF SINGLE MOTHERS WHO GET PREGNANT IN THEIR VERY EARLY TEENS AND EVENTUALLY BECOME PARASITES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR YEARS AND YEARS. YES...WE CAME TO YOUR COUNTRY TO WORK, TO EARN DECENT MONEY (HALF OF WHICH BY THE WAY GOES TO TAXES BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY SOCIAL PARASITES FROM YOUR RACE).AND BY THE WAY, MOST EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH DONT COME FROM YOUR RACE... THEY'RE ACTUALLY IMMIGRANTS TOO. AND THOSE EDUCATED ONES DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU DO, PERHAPS BECAUSE THEY'VE REALLY BEEN WELL EDUCATED..AFTER ALL THAT'S SAID... WHO IS THE IGNORANT ONCE AGAIN?! - ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ So, be proud, you are a Filipino,... and not like Mr. Art Be ll. Please do send this to as many person as you can until it reaches him.

About

This E-mail hoax spread specifically in America, but it went out to other countries, and even got in the Philippines.

Hans Eisenman enumerated four things to look for when reading E-mails similar above:

Does the email recommending sending it to everyone you know?

Yes, as written above:

... send this to as many person as you can until it
reaches him.

Does reading it make you feel outraged, angry or like you have to "do something"?

Yes

Do you find yourself saying "incredible!", but yet somehow believing it could happen?

Yes

Does the subject matter scare you? Does it make you think "what a scary world we live in today!" or something similar? In other words, is it preying on your fears?

Yes

Definitely the E-mail complies on the said requirements above to be a hoax. But actually, in this case, the message speaks to all the Filipinos, not for a specific one. Whether this is not written by Art Bell, yet it prejudices the personality and character of every Filipino in the world. It still affect the treatment of foreign nation and people to Filipinos.

Well, I need to accept the opinion of other people. Truth can set everybody free, and DOGS BARK WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW THE PERSON.

Here's the whole e-mail: (Note: I didn't edit it. I retained the original form.)

Subject: "Hate Letter" Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:16:26 -0400 This is a very disturbing open E-mail letter to all Filipinos around The world; specially here in North America !, from a man who has the power To reach million of people. (he's a radio talk host) Please read on.......... .... This is an open letter email by Art Bell, a radio talk show host in Nevada (more info in the email itself). Here is yet another person who has taken advantage of his power and privilege to use hateful words and racial stereotypes that breed further ignorance and intolerance in our society. Art Bell is a talk radio host who has two shows that he broadcasts from his home in Nevada , that is rebroadcast by 400 stations across the country. He's written 2 books. He lived in Okinawa , Japan for some years and had a radio program on the English station here. And, though it's hard to believe after reading the following letter from him, he actually has been to the Philippines (he's traveled fairly extensively around the world). This letter is so degrading, I think it's really important that everybody read this and not attack him, but respond to him in a civilized manner because otherwise his th oughts will be reaffirmed. Understand that not everyone has a viewpoint like we do, and that this is an opinion of someone who hopefully can be changed only by civil actions. ............. ......... ......... ......... ....... Filipinos... ..*make me puke* (Art Bell) As we've all come to notice, in the past few decades, Filipinos have begun to infest the United States like some sort of disease. Their extensive involvement in the U.S. Armed Forces is proof of the trashy kind of qualities all Filipinos tend to exhibit on a regular basis. You can see this clearly by studying the attitudes and cultural Icons of most Filipino Americans. Origins of Pinoys/Pinays: Are they really Asian? Well we've come to accept the fact the Filipinos come from a part of the world known as South East Asia . But the term ' Asia ' is used in the wrong way. You may notice that contemporary Filipino Americans try very hard to associate ate themselves with groups that we know as Asian. I cannot count the number of times I have seen a ' Third World ' Filipino try to connect themselves to the Chinese or Japanese people. There is no connection and here's why. The Philippines is a Third World country. Nothing respectable has EVER been created by Filipino people during our entire human history. Young Filipino men in America have become obsessed with 'import racing'. They have an enormously perverted affection for Japanese cars. It's a common phenomenon. In their minds, these Filipinos somehow believe that they are Asian and that it somehow connects them to Japanese people and Japanese cars. They often take credit for the ingenuity of Japanese people and say how it's an 'Asian thing'. This term...'Asian thing' derived directly from African American slang 'blackthang' . 'It's a black thang.' 'It's an Asian thang.' You can see the connection. It's even funnier that, in Japan , Filipinos are heavily discriminated against. The only Filipinos that can live successfully in Japan are the Filipino prostitutes. But that's the case for most Filipino people no matter where they live in the world . Now we've come down to this fact...and it is a fact. Nothing in Filipino Culture can be seen as Asian. They have no architectural, artistic, or cultural influence which is in ANY way, Asian. Thinking of the great countries in Asia such as Japan , Korea , and China there is no way you can possibly connect the Philippine Islands. This assault by Filipino Americans to connect themselves with the great peoples of North East Asia is foul and disgusting. Try visiting a young Filipino's web site too. You'll see something called the 'Asian IRC Ring'. It has to do with the chatrooms. The most horrible thing about this is that these TRASHY people are trying to associate themselves with Asia again!! People in Asia don't act like, this at all. What we are seeing here is the natural Filipino in it's element with full access to technology and this is how they act! You will consistently see this behavior over and over again. Another interesting thing is that these 'third world' people also frequent RC chatrooms such as #Chinese # Japan and #Asian. They must believe that they are some how related racially or culturally to North Asians. But it's completely WRONG! There might have been some distant contact With China and even less with Japan during World War II, but these people are actually more closely related to African Americans and Mexican Americans. Do the parents of these young Filipinos know what's going on? Would they accept this? I believe that they would and do. This is the natural 'Trash' element in Filipinos manifesting itself. Nothing good has ever come from Philippines and I don't believe anything good ever will. Recognizing your Roots (A Message to Filipinos) To all filipino people: Please recognize your ROOTS! You come from the Third World ! You country is a disgusting and filthy place. Most people there live in poverty! Your culture has MUCH MORE SPANISH influen ce than chinese, and absolutely no JAPANESE influence whatsoever. People in Japan and China , do not act like you. They do not constantly talk about sex and they have a MUCH HIGHER level of RESPECT for each other. There is NO WAY that you can connect yourself to Asia other than location. Your culture and technological advancement does not even come CLOSE to What Chinese, people have done in the past and what Japanese and Korean people are doing now! Everything you do is distinctly filipino. You cannot take credit for Japanese cars, video games, or Hentai! It's not an 'asian thing' it's, an 'American thing'. You have no concept of culture...no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy! Can you demonstrate how you use Confucianism or Taoism in you everyday life?? You can't. And you will NEVER be able to. I understand t hat you are trying to create an identity for yourselves as young people... but it is NOT related to Asia . Your Identity is Filipino. That's all you are. Just Filipino. Think about what that means.... Sincerely, Art and here's a response to this idiotic mail: ------------ --------- --------- --------- --- I find this funny, he is right in some ways where we, as Filipinos dont actually have an 'Identity'. I think this is due to the confusion of our mixed races from Hispanic, Chinese, American and Malay origins. I see it in malls, imagine young generations wearin g ski caps and ski goggles in a tropical country, baggy low rise pants like that of African Americans living in th e Bronx of New York, not to mention endless whitening products being sold at department stores and drug stores. But his ignorance also blinds him from the other truth. That while we may glorify Anime shows and Japanese Internet gaming, he is not aware that a nameless Filipino may be responsible for some technical aspects of some Japanese software. He is not aware of our contribution to the the society in general .Technological advancements that may have aided post war navigations and landing on the moon. That the antibiotic Erythromycin was discovered by Dr. Abelardo Aguilar from Iloilo creating the brand 'Ilosone'. Thomas Edison may have discovered the electric light bulb and the fluorescent lighting was thought up by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores (a Cebuano named Benigno Flores of Bantayan Island , according to the Philippine Daily inquirer), a Filipino scientist. Americans helped then-Philippine leader Ramon Magsaysay to develo p it for worldwide commerce. That the personal physician of former U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton is Eleanor 'Connie' Concepcion Mariano, a Filipina doctor who was the youngest captain in the US Navy. A Filipino writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2, and grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French and Chinese. Or that a Filipino genius was responsible for the near hiatus in the PENTAGON and White HOuse nearly infiltrating their closely guarded secrets with the 'ILOVEYOU' bug. Nuisance maybe, but still one heck of a 'beautiful mind'...not to be underestimated. The list goes on and on, but who cares right? Certainly not Mr. Art Bell...Boy, I'm not surprised. Perhaps Art Bell does not know that although we consider ourselves ASIAN because we are strategically located in the Southeast asian region of which our nearest neighbors are Malays, ASIA does not mean only Chinese and Japanese race of people. Then maybe it is his connotation that 'Asia' meant only our economically successful, paler brothers and he considers Malays such as Thais, Malaysians, Indonesians, and ourselves as a ' Third World ' race. Then it is 'his' ignonimity that would make a civilized person of whatever race puke. Imagine literally connecting Chinese, Koreans and Japanese to the Philippine Islands which is archipelagos away from the countries he has mentioned. I also wonder where he got the impression that we aspire to be Japanese(??? ) Hispanics maybe but not the Japanese. But even Hispanics today do not mind sharing their 'surnames' to their Asian brothers who they have colonized for 3 centuries. Another sad reality that although most Filipinos working overseas are domestic helpers and prostitutes, who does he think educates the toddlers of Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Tokyo? Parents of these countries rarely have time spent with their children, leaving them to their Filipino nannies. And with regards to prostitution. Filipinos are not the only ones working as one. I HARDLY SEE FILIPINOS STARRING IN PORN MOVIES. THERE MIGHT BE A FEW FILIPINOS WE HAVEN'T SEEN , BUT MOST ARE FROM MR. ART BELL'S RACE. He also mentioned that we have no concept of culture..no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy. How can we demonstrate Confucianism or Taoism in a Christian nation? IS HE INFORMED THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS THE ONLY PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN/CATHOLIC NATION IN ASIA ?! YOU HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE IN A LOT OF THINGS SOMETIMES... We do not need to create an identity for ourselves. We are who we are. Our identity stems from the anonymity we live in this world. How we contribute silent ly towards the progress of the world and not just one country. Although the Filipino blood may be tainted with malice, corruption, poverty and prostitution, it is not a perfect race... But so are the others. Maybe Mr. Art Bell needs to think about this. WE MAY NOT BE PERFECT MR. BELL BUT AT LEAST WE STILL H AVE VALUES. FOR ONE THING WE DONT PUT OUR AGING PARENTS IN NURSING HOMES BECAUSE 'THEY'RE SIMPLY OLD AND WORTHLESS'. WE DONT HAVE AS MUCH NUMBERS OF SINGLE MOTHERS WHO GET PREGNANT IN THEIR VERY EARLY TEENS AND EVENTUALLY BECOME PARASITES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR YEARS AND YEARS. YES...WE CAME TO YOUR COUNTRY TO WORK, TO EARN DECENT MONEY (HALF OF WHICH BY THE WAY GOES TO TAXES BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY SOCIAL PARASITES FROM YOUR RACE).AND BY THE WAY, MOST EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH DONT COME FROM YOUR RACE... THEY'RE ACTUALLY IMMIGRANTS TOO. AND THOSE EDUCATED ONES DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU DO, PERHAPS BECAUSE THEY'VE REALLY BEEN WELL EDUCATED..AFTER ALL THAT'S SAID... WHO IS THE IGNORANT ONCE AGAIN?! - ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ So, be proud, you are a Filipino,... and not like Mr. Art Be ll. Please do send this to as many person as you can until it reaches him. Note: I retained the E-mail on it's original form. I didn't edit it. It is as is.

Sources:
http://www.joewein.net/hoax/hoax-art-bell-hate-letter.htm
http://hanseisenman.typepad.com/hans/2005/11/how_to_spot_a_h.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_mentality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Import_scene

Best ad placement EVER

So today I was reading commentary on Chic-Fil-A. And then someone on facebook posted a link. I arrived to observe the best ad placement I have probably ever seen...ever. Behold the glory....

Wandering in the Shadows Mounds State Park

Mounds State Park is located in a tiny corner of Indiana by Indianapolis.  It is easy to drive by.  I would have passed this park by a thousand times over if it hadn't have been for the legend of the pudwudgies. I went to Mounds State Park searching  for the legend of the pudwudgies.  The folklore associated with Mounds State Park is more than just oral history, sighting of the legendary beings that haunt this state park persist to this day. Creature from Native America Folklore called pudwudgies are seen on a regular basis around this site. Pudwudgies are 2 or 3 ft high with large noses, fingers, and ears. They are grey and are sometimes said to glow. They are dangerous creatures that can transform into animals and are said to enjoy mischief and destruction and sometimes have been known to lure people to their deaths.  Interestingly, Pudwudgies are said to be able to control the ghosts of those they have murdered. Thus they can use their army of ghosts to create more mischief and cause more death. Regular sitings of the Pudwudgies and their ghosts are reported at the Mound State Park and I can't wait to visit and see if I can catch a glimpse of these mischief makers myself. 

I wandered through Mounds State Park looking for ghosts and legends, but what I found was soft grassy mounds and old growth trees that cast long shadows on soft grass.  I found a quiet place off the beaten path that hid behind bubbling streams and whispering woods.  The Great Mound was beautiful and quiet and it was easy to understand how the natives gave it religious significance.  The gently whisper of the breeze through the trees and the smell of the foliage lent a peace to the place that was completely otherworldly.  I wandered for a while looking for ghosts and pudwudgies in dark places.  My children chased fireflies in the dark, but we found nothing but the natural beauty of a lovely park.

Babala: May Isa pa Para Sayo (Warning: There's One more for You)

Story

BABALA (May isa pa, para sayo) May mga bagay sa mundo na hindi mo maipaliwanag kung bakit naganap, kung nagkataon lamang ba o kundi kaya - isa iyong babala. Second year high school ako noon nang maganap ang pangyayaring ito. Isang gabi, tinapos namin ang project sa History. Nagkolekta kami ng mga tradisyonal na mga kasuotan ng bawat bansa sa Timog, Silangan, at Timog-Silangang Asya. Batid ng aking mga magulang na nasa bahay ako ng isa kong kaklase at kaibigan ko rin, kung kaya kalmado sila, at hindi nag-aalala sa akin. Napagpasyahan ko na doon na lamang ako magpalipas ng gabi sa bahay ng kaibigan ko, total inalok din naman nila ako, batid din niya at nina Tito at Tita (mga magulang ng kaibigan ko) na malayo pa ang uuwian ko. Ang iba naming kaklase ay nagsipag-uwian na. Maganda ang bahay nila, ngunit mukha itong luma. Ang ibang bintana, kung iyong pagmamasdan sa labas, gawa sa kapis. Hagdanan ang una mong lalakarin papasok sa loob. Sa pagpasok mo sa loob, mapapansin mong hindi luma ang itsura ng mga kagamitan. Matapos ang aming hapunan, pinapasok na kami sa kwarto ng kaibigan ko para matulog. Ngunit, hindi kami sumunod. Ang kwarto niya'y hindi makaluma ang dating, bagkus mukha pa nga itong moderno na. May mga posters ng anime character sa dingding, may TV at DVD player din siya. Sa bagay, sabi niya, marami na ring nagbago sa bahay nilang iyon. Ang front face lamang ng tahanan nila ang talagang nagsilbing makaluma at nanatiling ganoon magpahanggang ngayon. Mga alas onse ng gabi kami nagpasyang matulog, matapos naming panuorin ang isang movie. "Tara, matulog na tayo." Pagyayaya niya sa akin. "Sige! Parang malalaglag na kasi yung mata ko sa sobrang antok eh." Pagsang-ayon ko. Hindi rin naman kami agad-agad nakatulog. Tulad ng ibang mga kabataan, pag magkasama, naghaharutan muna, hanggang sa nakatulog na kaming dalawa. Tantya ko mga hating gabi na iyon. Dumating ang alas tres ng gabi, nagising ako. Naririnig ko pa ang tunog ng kanilang Grandfather's clock na kumakampana. Mga ilang minuto lang, may narinig akong mga hampas ng paa ng mga kabayo at gulong waring isang kalesa. May narinig akong mga tao na nag-uusap at naghahagikhikan. Nagtataka ako kung bakit sa dis oras ng gabi ay may roong mga taong dumating pa, at bakit nakakalesa pa sila. Dahil sa curiousity ko, tumayo ako ng higaan at binuksan ko ang bintana ng mga isang dipa ng aking kamay (hinlalaki at hinliliit) sa pag-aakalang mga bisita iyon ng mga magulang ng kaibigan ko. Sa pagbukas ko, nakita ko ang isang kalesa at isang kabayo. May isang taong nakaitim na nakatayo sa labas niyon na waring may hinihintay. Nakita ko ang ama ng kaibigan ko na papasok sa loob ng kalesa. Napansin yata ako ng mamang nakaitim, kaya tumingin siya sa akin. Sa pagharap niya, nagulat ako, sabay sabi niyang, "May isa pa, para sayo!". Tumakbo ako patungo sa higaan ng kaibigan ko. Sa takot ko, nagtalukbung ako ng kumot. Kinaumagahan, hindi ko na maalala kung isa lamang iyong panaginip o totoong tumayo ako't nakita ko sila. Hindi ko makalimutan ang mga naganap kagabi. Nanatiling misteryo iyon sa akin. Kung sino ang mga taong iyon at bakit pumasok sa kalesa ang ama ng kaibigan ko. Tatanungin ko sana si Tito kung may pinuntahan ba siya kagabi, ngunit, bukod sa hiya, sumagi sa isipan ko na maaaring hindi totoo ang mga naganap dahil nandito lamang si Tito. Bago ako pinaalis ng bahay, pinakain muna ako ng agahan. Kasabay kong naglakad si Tito patungo sa sakayan. Mayroon kasi siyang trabaho noon. Nagkausap kaming dalawa, nagkukulitan, at nagtatawanan. Makaraan ng ilang minuto, dumating ang isang bus patungo sa Bayan. Bumaba ang kundoktor para manghikayat ng mga pasahero para sumakay. Dahil magkaiba kami ng sasakyan ni Tito, siya ang nauna sa amin. Nagpaalam siya. Napansin ko, parang nakita ko na ang kundoktor kung saan. Inisip ko iyon ng inisip. Noong malapit nang umalis ang bus, mag-isa na lang ako sa waiting shed. Sinabihan ako ng kundoktor, "May isa pa, para sayo!". Sa narinig ko, bigla kong naalala ang nangyari kagabi, at napagtanto ko rin na kamukha ng kundoktor ang nakaitim na lalaking nagyaya rin sa akin kagabi. Kumaway na si Tito, sinyales ng pagpapaalam. Tatawagin ko sana siya para bumaba, ngunit huli na ang lahat. Mga ilang metro pa lang ang layo, biglang sumabog ang bus!

Warning: (There's one more, for you) There are things in the world which you can't explain why it happened, if it's just a coincidence or ... it could be - a warning. I was second year high school when this event happened. One night, we (with my classmates) finished our project in History. We collected traditional clothings of every country in South, East, and South-East Asia. My parents know I was in the house of my classmate and my friend as well, that's why they were calm, and not worried of me. I decided to spent whole night in my friend's house, well they offered me also. My friend, and Tito and Tita (his parents) knew that my house is far from there. Our other classmates already went home. Their house is beautiful, but it seemed old. Their windows, if you will look from outside, it was made of Kapis. You will first pass to their stairs, before entering the house. When you're inside, you will notice that their things look isn't that old. After dinner, we went to his room to sleep. However, we didn't do that. His room looks modern. He has posters of anime characters in the wall, he has TV and DVD player too. He told me that there house had been changed. Only the front face of the house remained the same till now. It was 11 o'clock at night when we decided to go to sleep after watching one movie. "Let's go to sleep." He told me. "Okay! My eyes seemed about to fall because of drowsiness." I consented. Neither we immediately fell asleep. Like what other kids do, when they were together, they play first, till we finally fell asleep. I think it was midnight. 3 o'clock at night came, I was awaken. I heard the sound of their Grandfather's clock belling. Few minutes later, I heard horses' feet and chariot wheels. I also heard people chattering and laughing. I wondered why there's still visitors in the dead of time, and why are they riding in chariot. Because of my curiosity, I stood up by the bed and I opened the window a fathom of my hand (thumb and small finger) thinking that those people are my friend's parent's visitor. As I opened, I saw a rig and a horse. I saw a man dressed in black outside of it, as if he's waiting for someone. I saw my friend's father came over the rig. I think the man in black noticed me, so he look at me. As he approached, he told me, There's one more, for you.. I ran toward the bed of my friend. I was scared, then I covered myself with the blanket. The next morning, I can't remember if it's just a dream or if I really stand and saw them. But I can't forget what had happened that night. It remained a mystery to me. Whoever those people, and why did my friend's father entered in the chariot. I would like ask Uncle if he went any where last night, but, aside of being ashamed, something came to my mind, that it might be not true, because Uncle was still there. Before they let me go home, they gave me breakfast first. Me and Uncle walked together to the bus stop. Uncle was going to his work. While we're walking, we talked and laughed together. As we arrived, a minutes later, a bus came. The bus-conductor went down to encourage passengers to ride. Since the bus we're waiting is different, Uncle go first to the bus. He said farewell to me. As I noticed the conductor, he seemed familiar to me, as if I saw him somewhere before. When the bus is about to go, I was alone in the waiting shed. The bus-conductor told me, There's one more for you.. As I heard, I suddenly remember what happened last night, the conductor looked like the man in black last night, who similarly told me those words. Uncle waved at me, sign of farewell. I wanted to call him to get off the bus, but it was too late. Just few meters away, the bus suddenly exploded!