“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself,” the alchemist replies. “And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”

The Alchemist

The message is simple and clear— follow your dreams; listen to your heart; find your destiny, your Personal Legend. Easy said but done, right? Nadja, my classmate in college, after reading The Alchemist, told me that the book wasn’t great. Well, it certainly wasn’t that “great” but it was a good read. She said that we basically know what the book is trying to say. That is right but I guess what Paulo Coelho is trying to do is to remind us of our capability and our responsibility with our own lives. And yes, we all know those aphorisms saying we should follow our destinies, that we have a choice and so on, but that is not an easy task. And what Coelho does is to precisely present that it’s no easy as pie by webbing a tale laying the hardship of one’s journey bare–a classic tale of embarking into a world of unknown to find your treasure, only to realize in the end that the treasure was within you all along, or to quote the book, the treasure was, there right from the outset, in your own backyard.

I think the strength of the book comes from its simple language. Bare yet full. Literal yet symbolic. Albeit I didn’t quite like the notion of philosophical words like “Soul of the World” or “Maktub”, the language in general is nonetheless mystical, interesting, magical just like the work of an alchemist.

What I like most in the book are the landscapes delicately described in the book specifically the desert. The images were vividly drawn by Coelho. The heat, the sun, the people, the sand, were exquisitely illustrated. I also like its philosophies such as that the world’s greatest lie is the notion that there are certain points in our life that we lose control of our destiny; that to realize one’s Personal Legend is a person’s only real obligation; that that the secret to happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon, among others. The fist one is not unlike the theme of one of my favorite books of all time, Steinbeck’s East of Eden. I can’t help but see the parallelism of the two. Both books basically highlight the power of the self. In East of Eden, the book stresses that everyone has the power of choice, that although his soul is always attacked it is never destroyed because “thou mayest”. In the same yet different way, The Alchemist presents, too, that one is the alchemist of  gold that is his life. The major difference is The Alchemist believes in destiny or maktub (“it is written”) while East of Eden believes in the power of choice to make your own destiny.

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It’s not surprising why millions of readers love The Alchemist albeit some wouldn’t call it a great book- the story is simple, the philosophy is simple. And most notably, readers don’t judge a book by its simplicity or profoundness but by the impact it had on them.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Alchemist.

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Hello, folks.  I am now hosting my own blog using WordPress software (get it at wordpress.org). 

Please do visit my new blog at hammedonline.tk. Thank you so much for reading and supporting Strawberry Fields Forever.

Celine Dion will sing a duet with Charice Pempengco

That’s right. The girl keeps on getting big time. After Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli (watch the video), et al, now she is set to sing a duet with superstar Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden no less.

Because Charice shares so much of her talent with others, Celine wants to give Charice something in return. “I’m going to be singing at Madison Square Garden, and I would love to ask you to come and sing a duet with me,” she says. “Maybe we can sing ‘Because You Loved Me,’ and maybe we can dedicate this song to your mother.”

Tune in Friday, September 19, to see Charice sing with Celine, who’s currently on the road with her Taking Chances tour. Celine’s visiting every major city in North America through February 15, 2009.

Read more: ChariceMania

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Deforestation

Last year it was Indonesia’s deforestation that was named the fastest in Southeast  Asia and in the world.  This year, RP (Republic of the Philippines) took over as Southeast Asia’s #1 Forest Killer.

The good news is Indonesia might be doing something about it. The bad news is the Philippines could not care less.

The reports might be inconsistent but they are alarming nonetheless.

Inquirer published the following information on September 10, 2008 as per European Union’s report:

RP lost forest fastest in Southeast Asia

RP lost  2.1% of forest every year from 2000-2005: the fastest in Southeast Asia and 7th in the world.

RP’s total forest today- 24%  of the land area.

Forest to population ratio- 0.1 hectares of forest per head: “one of the worst in the world- at the level of Saharan countries”

Last year, on May 2007,  Reuters published the following as per Greenpeace’ findings:

Indonesia Deforestation, Fastest in the World

Indonesia had the fastest pace of deforestation in the world between 2000-2005

Indonesia has lost 72% of its ancient forest.

So, Indonesia’s  total forest today is 28%  of the land area. RP has a lower percentage. I guess the EU report is more accurate.

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Large Hadron Collider

Today, September 10 Wednesday, scientists will recreate the origin of the universe- the Big Bang- through what they call LHC (Large Hadron Collider). Some are concerned about the potential danger it will bring.  They claimed that a black hole may form out of it hence putting the entire planet and maybe the entire solar system in jeopardy.

LHC Safety Assessment Group put up a website to protest the experiment. Last June 30, CNN has published this interesting article.

These are the highlights:

• The machine has been called the largest scientific experiment in history
• It straddles the French and Swiss border and is buried 330 feet underground
• Scientists will hunt for signs of invisible “dark matter” and “dark energy”
• The safety of the powerful collider has been debated for years

So should we worry now?

“Obviously, the world will not end when the LHC switches on,” said project leader Lyn Evans.

“The LHC is only going to reproduce what nature does every second, what it has been doing for billions of years,” said John Ellis, a British theoretical physicist at CERN.

Okay, that’s good to know. I am hoping that it would result to more breakthroughs in science so we could understand our planet and the universe a little better.

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Hazardous to your health?

I received this email from Ms. D.  This is really not new as reports have been made before about the potential health hazards of energy drinks.

But this time, more research has been made. And I didn’t know that Red Bull has already been banned in several countries, did you?

Be informed. Spread the news.

Just one can of the popular stimulant energy drink Red Bull can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. The effect was seen even in young people.

The caffeine-loaded beverage causes blood to become sticky, a pre-cursor to cardiovascular problems such as stroke.

One hour after drinking Red Bull, your blood system becomes abnormal, as might be expected from a patient with cardiovascular disease.

Red Bull is banned in Norway, Uruguay and Denmark because of health risks.

Source: Reuters August 14, 2008

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I was not able to attend to the WordPress Camp in Manila because I learned it too late. The registration was officially closed when I was about to sign in. But I did my research. I read that they are about to launch WordPress 2.7 this November. Woohoo to them.

I am using wordpress.com obviously, but I really want to take advantage of WordPress.org much more now that they have upgraded their version to 2.7. The problem is I don’t know if I can use a free host or web server to create one. I don’t want to pay $6 every month just to have a great-looking blog. Also, the instructions are too technical for my shrinking brain.

Any suggestions from the intellectual and technical buffs out there would be appreciated.

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Google Chrome is the newest browser available today. Built by Google, it features minimal design and faster browsing capability. I downloaded it yesterday and so far I’m loving it.  I can’t wait to see more great features in the future.

I’m no expert but here are just some of the reasons why I like Google’s browser:

1. Clean and Sleek Design. It’s pleasing to the eyes. There’s no clutter. One box for your browsing needs.
2. Faster Browsing. It’s true. Maybe because the design is simple?
3. Bookmark Button. It is conveniently located just before the address bar.
4. Most Visited Page. Every time you click the add tab button, a page of your most visited sites in thumbnails (YES, in thumbnails) are displayed. So if you need a screen shot of a particular website that you have visited, you no longer have to use the print screen option or any screen capture tool for that matter.  That’s right. You can easily simply right click and save the thumbnail as jpeg or otherwise.
5. History. Very easy way to look up  and search your history.
6. Import your Settings. Your browser settings with Firefox or Explorer can easily be imported to Chrome.
7. Safer and Private Browsing. Chrome will warn you of any malicious sites. Moreover, it has the Incognito mode option wherein you can opt to private browsing if you don’t want some sites to show in your history.

Of course there’s the negative side. There are some images that do not show for no apparent reason. So far, that’s my only concern.  There are more good reasons to try Chrome. Visit http://www.google.com/chrome for more information.

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Because it is still in beta version, it’s not perfect but it poses a great threat to Microsoft’s Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. And it’s a great alternative for average surfers.

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I have just learned today that Google has built a powerful browser they named Chrome. Watch out Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox!

And just like the clean Google homepage, it advertises its minimal, simple design and fast technology. It is still a beta version and is currently available to Windows XP and Vista only.

You can download it now! Visit http://www.google.com/chrome

Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier. – Google

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Official Announcement from the White House: A new US Government Logo has been created.

Here’s the new Great Seal of the United States:

Right: The New Great Seal of the United States

Image Source

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Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

I’ve read Gone with the Wind (GWTW) for 2 months. For its length (1024 pages), that is, in fact, fast paced for me. Usually, it takes me 5 months or so to read such a lengthy novel.  I prefer books to stay with me longer. I get attached to the characters. It leaves a mark and a greater impact to say the least. It’s like the book being part of your daily life.  But this book is so utterly interesting (such an understatement) that I can hardly put it down. Hence, I finished it faster than usual.I finished reading the novel at around 10:00 am. It was depressing. The book has indeed left a lasting effect on me.  Ah, the ending is just so, so sad, albeit hopeful.

Greatest Love Story of our Time.

The book cover says it’s the greatest love story of our time, the story of Scarlet O’Harra and Rhett Buttler. For the most part, I initially thought that that’s all there is to it-their romance. How wrong I was.  Why, it’s the epic story of humanity itself. It’s a story of war, slavery, poverty, changes, power, downfall, salvation, and above all, love. It’s the greatest love story because there’s no love story like that of Scarlett and Rhett. Forget about your old notion of love or romance because you won’t find it here.

Unforgettable Characters

No other female character in literature (at least on what I’ve read), with the exception of innately evil Cathy of East of Eden, is more fascinating and complex than Scarlett O’Hara. Scarllet is perhaps the most intriguing, loved/hated character that any book or movie has portrayed. Just like Dostoevsky’s Rodion, she’s a multifaceted antihero. But, no, she is Scarlett O’Harra and there’s no way to categorize her. I can actually see my self to selfish and narcissistic Scarlett and to mysterious, worldly, intellectual Rhett Buttler. The book is filled with richly textured and other unforgettable characters like Mammy, Ashley Wilkes, Melanie Hamilton, Prissy among many others.

War, Slavery and Will

Gone with the Wind has taught me a lot about war and slavery among other things. Never have I understood slavery and what war really meant to other people until I’ve read it. And I have all the more understood the power of human will and determination. Ah yes, it’s the story of the South’s old life, grand civilization that was gone with the wind. But their stories of love, fear, death and sacrifice will remain forever.

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Seventy years later, it has never gone with the wind.

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Gone with the Wind (1939)

It is somewhat silly to explain why Gone with the Wind should be seen. Why, it is the most popular film ever, has won 10 Academy Awards, and is considered to be one of the greatest and most beloved films ever made, among other superlatives. It may be a futile attempt but I will try nonetheless. I will keep it short and simple. Only a few friends of mine have seen it anyway.

Albeit it’s primarily tagged as a romance, I find the film to be more about survival. Adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s best selling, Pulitzer Prize wining novel of the same title, Gone with the Wind is the against all odds story of Scarlett O’Harra and of the Old South ‘ gone with the wind’.

If there’s only one reason to watch this, it is Vivien Leigh, the graceful, talented and beautiful icon who played Scarlett O‘Harra. Scarlett is a complex character. She is not your conventional protagonist. She is selfish, vain, manipulative, cunning and somewhat evil. But she is also generous, kind and is willing to give up her life to protect her land and family.

Remember that this film was made in 1939 and decades later, it is still regarded as an icon in American Cinema. Gone with the Wind boasted some of the best actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, a majestic, unparalleled musical score, unforgettable characters, iconic scenes and images that will move you to tears, and of course the infamous lines “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” and my favorite “As God as my witness, I’ll never be hungry again!”

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Should definitely be # 1 in your to-be-seen list.

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If you know nothing or little about Photoshop like me, here’s a very easy and quick way to turn your photo into your own magazine cover.  Simply click the link below the pic to create your own fake magazine cover in a matter of few seconds. Go on, mag your pic!

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

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Wall-E (2008)

Some 100 years from now the planet would be so polluted that life on earth would be virtually impossible. Humans would have to evacuate to space in order to survive. That’s the not so unrealistic premise of WALL-E, the newest animation by Pixar which is the only consistent company today that produces quality films.

WALL-E stands for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class. In short, WALL-E is a robot. After 700 years, he’s the only remaining robot of its kind “alive”. He’s got no companion except a cute cockroach, the only living creature left on earth. Through the years, WALL-E has developed a  personality. He still does the task he was primarily programmed to do i.e. collecting garbage mainly produced by Buy N Large Corporation but he has become curious.

The first part of the film is superior. It barely had a dialogue (robot dialogue that is) and was able to successfully portray the lonely existence of WALL-E. Ironically, I believe this is the part where most people can relate to i.e. the feeling of loneliness, disconnection.

I find the second part of this post-apocalyptic film good but weaker. It had more fun, probably more laughs, more teary eyes but it’s got less smiles. Here, WALL-E will discover his greater purpose. With the help of EVE, his love, and those malfunctioning “crazy” robots, he would be destined to bring life back on Earth.

It is obvious that Kubrick’s magnum opus 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of the inspirations of the director. Just two of the obvious, shallow connections are WALL-E’s AUTO and 2001’s HAL 9000 and using Sprach Zarathustra as a musical score.

It is redundant to say but hey Pixar has done it again. Boy, aren’t we surprised.

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So far, the best film I’ve seen this year.

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If this is true, this would definitely be the biggest boxing event of the year.

It is reported by ESPN and AP that Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is set to fight with Oscar De La Hoya!

The match is scheduled on December 6, 2008. They reportedly agreed to split $100 million equally.

De La Hoya is a boxing superstar but keep in mind that Pacquiao has win 4 world titles in different weight divisions. This would be an interesting match.

Who do you think would win?

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A fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Story Highlights

The Israel Antiquities Authority will digitally photograph and scan the scrolls

The images will be posted on the Internet for anyone to see

Some of the scrolls date back more than 2,000 years

Texts include the oldest written record of the Bible’s Old Testament

Source: Read more here

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Here’s a cool Newspaper Clipping Generator for fun.  Start creating your own newspaper now!

What is written on the paper is true.

Go here

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find out how rich you are!

I’ve just found out that I’m loaded.

It’s official. I’m in the top 14.56% richest people in the world! I’m the 873,914,635th richest person on earth! That means there are billions of people poorer than me. That’s an interesting way to look at it, isn’t it? My annual income decreases though so I used to be richer. But who am I to complain? Why, I’m so rich!

Want to know how rich you are?

Simply click the link below.

Every year we gaze enviously at the lists of the richest people in world. Wondering what it would be like to have that sort of cash. But where would you sit on one of those lists? Here’s your chance to find out.

Just enter your annual income into the box below and hit ’show me the money’

Global Rich List

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Another great performance from the wonder kid with no other than the maestro himself.

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Just learned about this from ET. This is one of the cutest and loveliest videos I’ve seen recently. It’s about this lion who was reunited to his human parents. He was reared by these humans but was released rightfully back into the African wild. One year after he was released, they came back to check if he’s doing fine.

What you will see will make you smile and may make you cry.

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