How?

... does one right a listing ship?
... does one restore order in the face of seemingly overwhelming chaos and confusion?
... does one swim against a tide?
... does one make one's voice heard amidst all the noise in a crowd?

There are simply moments when one feels he's fighting a losing battle.

Worth A Visit

A San Francisco street scene

A view of Manhattan island from Brooklyn

Another San Francisco street scene

Midtown Manhattan

These city and street scenes are some of the diplays at Legoland in Carlsbad, California, a few miles north of San Diego. All of these structures were constructed out of Lego bricks. The site also features a replica of Washington, D.C., New Orleans in Lousiana, and other prominent sites around the US. It also features a full-size Jeep Cherokee made entirely of Lego bricks! So whenever you find yourselves in the lovely city of San Diego, CA, take some time to stop by this theme park even for just a few hours.

The place also features some rides and shows that adults and kids would both enjoy. I took these photos a couple of years ago while I was in the area on a business trip. Finding some time on my hands one afternoon, I decided to take a quick tour of this park. Boy, it was sure worth it.

So just to give you a perspective on how big (or small) these displays are, check this photo out:

Original Photos by: Panaderos

Hitback!

Was a Freshman in high school when both this band and the song became popular:

Can anybody guess both the name of the group and the song?

In addition: (Bonus questions hehehe)

Can anybody still recall where the title of this blog entry came from?

In addition, whose voice was it? (Clue: She was a popular TV news personality in the early 90s.)

Worn Out

I want to write about the latest scandal rocking my country. This Lozada matter is a corruption scandal that could potentially topple the hugely unpopular and politically inept Arroyo administration. I want to read the dailies to analyze the statements from the opposing parties. Like millions of my countrymen, I have a very strong desire to learn the truth.

But for some reason, I could not muster the energy to do so.

I don't want to say that I've become apathetic for my country remains very dear to me. I remain very interested in any news that discuss the latest Philippine developments or lack thereof. I remain very proud whenever I hear of my countrymen's accomplishments in both the local and international scenes.

However, call me a pessimist if you'd like but I believe, as with the other scandals that went before it, that the whole truth will still manage to elude us here. I can no longer be excited by charades held under the guise of Senate hearings.

I sincerely apologize for the attitude but I'm tired of a government that asks so much of its citizens but gives too little. I'm resentful of a political leadership that protects the interests of a wealthy few at the expense of the long-term interests of the struggling many. I'm so sick of seeing a Congress that is supported by billions in taxpayer money but with too little to show in terms of meaningful legislation.

Thus, this whole Lozada affair should be viewed as nothing more than entertainment. It is a show that's being staged for us at our expense. Like the others that came before it, we will end up not getting our money's worth for it is another poorly scripted play. We, the viewers, will again walk away from it with no real lesson learned. Given that we already know what's in store for us, the best thing to do is to simply ignore the whole damn thing.

Post-Valentine's Day Scenario

Ok, I'm away from my loved one on this special day. :( While millions of couples the world over are celebrating Valentine's Day over a romantic dinner and/or in some romantic getaway, I will be here at work by my lonesome. I'll be spending the evening drafting a report and reviewing the work of subordinates. What can I say except that it sucks and it sucks BIG TIME!

However, I find comfort in the thought that a week from today, I'll finally be with my very special someone, even for just a few days. We will have our own belated Valentine's Day celebration. And when we do start our celebration, I assure you all that we will have "one hell of a time". Mu..hu..hu..bwahahahahahahaha!!! (Devilish laugh/"Tawang Demonyo".)

THEREFORE, let me issue the following warnings/words of caution to all of you, especially those who reside in the Southeast Asian region, in the so called "Ring of Fire" (you still have a week from today to take the necessary precautions):

1. If you feel the ground shake while you're outdoors, please run to an open field as fast as you can, far away from the dangers of falling objects such as shattered glass from windows;

2. In case you live near the sea, prepare for a major tsunami warning. Be ready to move your family and cherished belongings to higher and safer ground;

3. Those of you who will be in offices, check the sturdiness of your desks to see if it will provide you with ample protection while you're under it in the event of a ceiling collapse. Look around you and familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits in case fire breaks out or your office building is facing imminent collapse; and

4. Contact the Office of Civil Defense in your area on what other steps or precautions you need to take to prepare for an earthquake emergency; and

5. Last but not least, to kids below the age of 13, ask your teachers for a perfectly wholesome explanation of what is the root cause of all the tremors around you.

:P