10 of the Most Inspiring Bloggers and Blogs “ 2011 Year End Gives-back Special”

“The best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing; the worst thing you can do is nothing.” - Theodore Roosevelt

As I take a sit, sipping my hot coffee, I think through the quotes Sir Roosevelt had left us – stunned by the first phrase “The best thing you can do is the right thing.” I asked myself, what was the best thing that I did this year of 2011? I used to think of that when I was little, perhaps by some force of my metabolism I have forgotten the essence of what did I do best – for me and for others. Some of these “Others” are what we call Hero – an inspiration. Yes, every now and then we need a hero. Sometimes we need them to be able to say, “What would [insert your hero’s name] do?” in order to conquer a complicated obstacle. Sometimes just picturing our hero’s face in our mind is enough to keep us going. Sometimes we do not need to look any further than within our own circle of family and friends. At other times, we are inspired by those we know only in name.

I believe that Blogging is a very powerful tool in expressing oneself and changing the lives of others. For this reason I have put together 10 Bloggers and Blogs that I deem to be the most inspirational figures of the year 2011. The list below is in random order.

1 – John Philip, Semidoppel.com

When I think of this blogger, I can’t help but to smile - no I mean it literally. There is something to this blogger and his blog; hmmm… what’s that word? Yes – Charisma to people. The way he writes and engages with other bloggers in blogosphere. You can see his passion in writing, the way how he thinks through complicated situations or issues and come up in grounds that he thinks worth fighting.

So John, what are the good things you did this year?
“Hmm, may nagawa nga ba akong tama? Hmm tingin ko I have, marami ako naturuan sa pagba-blog. Hindi ko na count. hindi ako SEO expert pero lahat ng tinuro sa akin eh itinuro ko sa kanila. Ngayon nga mas earners pa ung mga tinuruan ko, at ang maganda dun hindi sila nakakalimot lumingon...lagi sila nagpapasalamat.
Lagi ko sinasabi na "Blog about your passion and make Blogging your passion" Trademark ko yan hehehe. Yan ang pinakamagandang quote siguro galing kay Semidoppel. Tingin ko 'yung pagbabago ng niche ko kahit may negative impact sa traffic at stats ng blog ko eh may malaking tulong din. Nai-share ko sa mga tao, kapwa Filipino o foreigner man na kung anung kultura natin, simula sa mga laro hanggang sa pamahiin. Nai-share ko sa kanila ang mga point of views ko na minsan ako lang ay may lakas ng loob kahit na may magsasabing mali ako.well opinion nila iyon. Isang tama din na ginawa ko sa blogosphere na napatunayan ko naman siguro na ang respeto ehhindi lang nakukuha sa isang larangan...kahit anung galing mo sa isang aspeto kung wala ka naman pakialam, hindi ka nagmamasid at hindi ka sensitibo eh balewala ang kahusayan.”

2 – Bennix, Bennixville.com

I’m not a techie type person but by the way this next blogger influenced others in terms of technology stuff – you’re up for this list of inspirational figures. From the first time I chat with Bennix and exchange comments, I know that he’s one of the best in blogosphere. The way he take things lightly and of course the way he build bond or friendship with other bloggers and you may add the success his Bennixville blog that as of now holds a much avid followers.

So Bennix, what are the good things you did this year?
“Constantly connecting to successful and active bloggers online is the right thing I did this year in the blogosphere and because they are the people that helps me to excel and achieve my milestone in time. Success is like a magnet if you stick with the losers then, definitely you will have the same fate. It's not wrong to be open-minded, accept criticisms from readers and most of all aspire what others had in the blogosphere, that's the main thing I learn there.”

3 – Charlie, Isangminutongsmile.com and fromthedungeon.com

When things go wrong, you can fall down or look up. You can shut down or wake up, all over again, starting from right where you stand. You can accept that the days won’t always look bright, but commit to finding something worth smiling about. Not sure what that might be? – This next blogger is the right person to talk to. Charlie is the founder of Isangminutongsmile.com whose advocacy is to spread happiness or just a simple smile to share with others. He is also the mind behind fromthedungeon.com. I always admire Charlie for his vision to help others which also the one who lit the fire of blogging spirits.

So Charlie, what are the good things you did this year?
“Ginawa kong tama? lolzz sabi sayo wala akong maisasagot eh :)) ... Seryoso ... Nung nag-umpisa akong magblog hangad ko lang may mapaglibangan, di ko rin inaasahan na aabot sa ganito ang pagba-blog ko. Di ko alam kung tama nga ba, pero sa tingin ko tama naman ... Nagawa ko na ang isa o grupo ng mga bloggers, hindi ko man kilala ng personal, na magkaisa para sa isang mabuting adbokasiya. Ang magpangiti ng mga Kids sa abot ng aming makakaya.”

4 – Roy, Abdul-hakeem.com

Ever dream to have a big brother who’s guiding you to every step of the way and helping you up through encouragement and support? That’s what I see of Sir Roy from London – up for this top inspiring list. He is also the man behind Proudly Pinoy Bloggers Group in Facebook which as of now one of the main reasons why I’m always present in Facebook almost everyday. One way to say thank you is to share my knowledge others like what he did to me.


So Roy, what are the good things you did this year?
“Ang naging nagawa kong tama sa blogosphere ngayung taon ay nakapagbuo ako ng Proudly Pinoy Bloggers group sa facebook, at napagbuklod at napag-isa ang layunin ng kapwa bloggers na magtulungan sa larangan ng blogging. Nagkakaroon din ako ng maraming kaibigan at kakilala at ang bawat isa nmay ganun din.”

5 – Manuel, Designrshub.com

Oh well, Here’s the man – Manuel Garcia, Founder of DesignrsHub. The first time I meet him online just 5 months ago was something that made him to be included in this top inspiring bloggers list. I’m one of the witnesses to how he successful manages Designrshub as one of the sensational design blogs here in Philippines as well as worldwide. And guess what? This man is also the winner of our very first Best TOP10 Contest.

So Manuel, what are the good things you did this year?
“The best thing I did, was to help other bloggers with their blogging career through giving tips, advice, answers to their inquiries and so on"

6 – Gian Faye, the.loading-info.net

Yes, the great Gian Faye of loading-info is one of the inspiring blogger of 2011. I still do remember when I first meet her online and it’s something funny – I actually pissed her. I get to know her when I react viciously in the comment on a blog about Adsense and its banning activities for violators; I’m some sort of bad mood at that time. At the end I did try to make up with her and who knew that she will become one of my trusted blogger friends online. Today, I always admire and respect her ground on certain issues and let me tell you that I’m a fan of her blog too.


So Gian, what are the good things you did this year?
“I quite don't get it because I was trying to do the right thing on almost everything. I think the best thing I did this year is to revive my blog on February which I have abandoned for months. If I hadn't done that I would knew awesome people and awesome blogs.”

7 – Jose, Opinyoneyted.com

This person seems to be the star of 2011 in terms of blessings – The year of recognition in tribute to his talent in writing and blogging. I’m quite impressed by how dedicated he is on his works and he deserves what he is now - definitely one of the most inspiring this year and I can see a great future ahead for 2012.

So Jhiegz, what are the good things you did this year?
“As a blogger, I would say that the best thing I did in the blogosphere for the year 2011 was I able to prove to myself that writing isn't only my passion, it becomes my life that I have my heart and soul in it which was the best way of expressing my total emotions and feelings... Having all my articles visible to my blogs, it all showed my sense of honesty and being fair to my co bloggers... In fact in 2011, I shared the best in me without doing any harm to others. However, since we can't please everyone, those negative criticisms somewhat inspired me to write more, express more and be open to changes for the best. I will take it that way because I always stand being positive all the time... At this point, I am glad that through my blogs I inspire and motivate others to become bloggers for the coming years…”

8 – Aj, Beneath the Tree

I personally believe that the personification of knowledge comes not just in a piece of something informative, thus from the sources that leads to knowing that information. This year might not be my year to learn programming stuff as I listed from last years resolution and I still never give up since I have a sensei to look up to - it’s this guy from beneath the tree. What else is there to worry about? – I trust this guy and his awesome blog.

So AJ, what are the good things you did this year?
“For almost three years, 2011 is a year for me to explore the blogosphere. Also, it has been an opportunity for me too to share not only my skills on programming but my knowledge in other niches. With this, I was able to gain more friends and learn more things.”

9 – Ram, Gadgetreport.me

So hype about the latest gadgets and gizmos? So are we, and Ram of Gadget Report is the first person to see - well that’s if you’re in the Philippines. Ram has been ravishing the latest Technology slash Gadget world on his blog and it’s a one stop for buyers of this stuff. His thingy obsession (sorry for the choice of words) on gadgets makes his way up for the most inspiring bloggers this year. Will he end up being the next Gadget Master? We’ll look forward to that.

10 – Iam Herbert, Herbertkikoy.info

We should be thankful to who we meet everyday like this inspiring blogger – Iam Herbert of Locally Made. I meet him specifically in Facebook Blogger group Proudly Pinoy Bloggers and since then I always visit his blogs get valuable information which always inspires me to write more of quality content. I haven’t met him in person though I think he’s a humble one and that’s one of the reasons why I include him in our most inspiring bloggers list of 2011.

So Iam Herbert, what are the good things you did this year?
“Sharing the knowledge i gained from other people to my fellow bloggers. More white hat and less black hat “

10 of the Best Music Video of Enrique Iglesias

Before the year ends, I’m thinking of featuring some music artist – Yes and it’s Enrique Iglesias. For those who didn’t know, His real name is Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler (May 8, 1975), a Spaniard singer-songwriter popular in both the Latin market and the Hispanic American market in the United States.

According to Wikipedia, Iglesias was born in Madrid, Spain, and is the third and youngest child of singer Julio Iglesias and socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. His mother is a Spanish-Filipino (He is a half-Filipino) and his father is of Spanish ancestry from Galicia.

Within five years of beginning his musical career in the 1990s, he became the biggest seller of Spanish-language albums of that decade. He made his crossover into the mainstream English language market before the turn of the millennium, signing a multi-album deal with Universal Music Group for an unprecedented US$50,000,000, with Universal Music Latino to release his Spanish albums and Interscope to release English albums. In 2010, he parted with Interscope and signed with another Universal Music Group label, Universal Republic.

Iglesias has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling Spanish language artists of all time.

Iglesias has had five Billboard Hot 100 top five singles, including two number-ones, and holds the record for producing 22 number-one Spanish-language singles on the Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks. He has also had ten number-one songs on Billboard's Dance charts, more than any other single male artist. Altogether, Iglesias has amassed 55 number-one hits on the various Billboard charts. Billboard has called him The King of Latin Pop and The King of Dance. Billboard also named Enrique the number two Latin artist of the years 1986–2011 (Luis Miguel taking the first spot).

Further more, here are 10 of the best music video of Enrique Iglesias (Editors Pick). Hope you'll enjoy!

1 – Hero

2 - Heartbeat featuring Nicole Scherzinger

3 - Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)

4 - Escape

5 - I Like It

6 - Dirty Dancer with Usher featuring Lil Wayne

7 – Bailamos

8 – Ayer

9 – Addicted (UK Version)

10 - Rhythm Divine

• Reference/Source: Wikipedia, Enrique Iglesias Bio and Enrique Iglesias Youtube Channel

10 of the Most Talked-About Shared Photos in Facebook

Facebook has changed the plane of user interaction in the web as it rose to being the most popular networking website. According to statistics, Facebook has more than 800 million active users and more than 50% of them log on to the site in a given day. An average Facebook user has 130 friends and connected to 80 community pages, groups and events. This social networking site has undeniably changed the way we communicate and interact with the people we personally know and the way we exchange ideas with people we meet in the community pages.

The statistics further show that users interact with more than 900 million objects in Facebook. These include more than 250 million photos uploaded each day on average. Some are inspiring and humorous, and some go the extra mile of attracting much attention by being the “talk of the town” or more precisely, the “talk of the cyberspace.” Many of these photos had created a stir within the networking site and in conventional media.

Riffing through these photos, here are ten of the Most Talked-About Shared Photos in Facebook.

1 - You are Not a Photographer; You Just Have an Overpriced Camera

The photo’s direct message brings to attention the popular fixation on expensive DSLRs. It stresses that photography is not about expensive gadgets.

If you look the meaning of the word “photographer” in the dictionary, it is a person who takes photographs, either as a hobby or profession. So definitely, the price of your gear doesn’t necessarily defines you as a photographer – Jhiegzh

2 - Lola Aurelia reunited with his missing husband Lolo Luis Matias

Lola Aurelia was the old woman sitting by herself at the corner of Buendia Street and Roxas Boulevard with flyers pinned at the front and at the back of her dress. The flyer says she is looking for her husband, Lolo Luis Matias. He is 78 years old, suffers from memory lapses, and had been missing for 2 weeks.

With the aid of Facebook user Reddie Js (who first posted the picture) and the 53,760 people who shared it, Lola Aurelia was finally reunited with Lolo Luis. (see the video here)

I will not let this happen to my Mom. Mothers are living martyrs. – Mylene Tamayo

3 - Steve Jobs and the Dying Children

When Steve Jobs, the co-founder and CEO of APPLE died on October 5, 2011, millions of people all over the world expressed their grief on their Facebook walls. However, this montage compared his death to the children dying of starvation with the caption “1 Person Dies and 100 Million Cry - 1 Million Die and No One Cries.” What do you think?

This is hardly relevant. Steve Jobs brought us all sorts of technology. What did those kids do for us? You can thank Mother Teresa for impinging the sweat-shop approach to child birth. The Catholic Church is against teaching third world countries about birth control so now let them live with their decisions. - Joe Klement

4 - Janella Lelis Saved the Philippine Flag during Typhoon Juaning in Albay

The 12-year old Bicolana Janella Lelis went bravely against the raging flood just to save the Philippine flag during the onslaught of Typhoon Juaning in Malinao, Albay. The photo was taken by Francisco Pena Lozano while he was watching Janella’s heroic act.
Due to her patriotism, she earned the admiration of Philippine President Noynoy Aquino and many Filipinos worldwide.

A pupil and a kid with a deep sense of patriotism that this country needs to unite and stand up on its feet! Worth emulating! – Willy Nicolas

5 - What social network should you use for your status post?

Using a process flow diagram, this image helps the users in choosing the appropriate social network for different kinds of status posts. The users are led to consider several factors like the feelings of people who are on their friends’ list or those who follow them. Will they be offended by the status post? Would it be awkward to explain that status to one’s boss or to one’s parents? If yes, then the user is urged not to post it.

6 - Judgment Day will be on May 21, 2011

Harold Camping, an American Christian broadcaster, predicted that Lord Jesus Christ will be coming to Earth on May 21, 2011 – the Judgment Day. His prediction spread all over the world and got huge media attention. He also said that there will be plagues with millions of people dying each day. However, as we know it, these events did not happen.

Camping pressed on and changed his prediction - October 21, 2011 was the new date for the end of the world. Because of his fizzled predictions, Camping on a private interview admitted that he no longer believes that anybody could know the time of the Rapture.

You better stop predicting about end times. Only God the Father knows when He is coming back. – Steven Kirst

7 - Tsunami Walk of Miss Shamcey Supsup in Miss Universe 2011

On September 2011 at Sao Paolo, Brazil, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup won 3rd Runner Up in the 2011 Miss Universe. But before the pageant started, Shamcey’s official gown was rumored to be a recycled Alfredo Barraza – the designer of the gown previously worn by Miss Colombia, Catalina Robayo Vargas.

However, this rumor didn’t stop Shamcey in giving her best. During the pageant night, she earned the trade mark for the Tsunami Walk with the swaying of her middle body likened to a tsunami wave as she walked.

Trade mark is yours when it comes to walking with Tsunami style!!! And the beauty of humanity as well the real world talent is one of the most ever! – Gloria Pedraja

8 - December 20, 2011: A Day Before The End of the World?

This calculation caught the attention of many people because of its mathematically incorrect treatment on the addition of the dates of two unforgettable events in recent history.

• 09-11-2001 – The 9-11 terrorist attacks. Terrorists took control of four commercial airliners, two of which crashed into the Twin Towers in New York.
• 03-09-2011 - A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan.

The sum of the two dates is a day short of December 21, 2011, said to be the last day of human civilization according to the Mayan Long Count Calendar.

9 - Steve Jobs and Dennis Ritchie: Media Exposure

Steve Jobs was the co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Because of him we have iPhones, iPods, iPads, iMacs and many others. On the other hand, Dennis Ritchie was an American computer scientist who created the C Programming Language, and with his colleague Ken Thompson the UNIX operating system. Both of them died in the same year (2011) and the same month (October) but it seemed only a few noticed the death of Dennis Ritchie.

Usually the guy who wrote a song is not as famous and praised than the singer who sang it. – Bernard Wong

10 - Juan Manuel Marquez Stepping on Manny Pacquiao’s Foot and Throwing a Combination

It was on November 13, 2011 when Manny Pacman Pacquiao won against Juan Manuel Marquez by a majority decision. The final scores were 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of Pacquiao. PacMan’s victory on this match was not totally expected by the viewers because when his name was announced as the winner, he received boos from the audience.

A few days after the fight, a photo of the Foot Stopper Trick by JMM during his match with Pacquiao circulated online. This was thought to be the reason why PacMan became an easy target. What do you think?

About Jose Peñas Jr.

He is an Electronics Engineering Technology graduate turned a blogger and call center agent who believes that versatility is more than intelligence. At age 19 he entered blogging realm with no experience and contacts. He learned to blog through online research. He received his very first award as Best Post of the Year in The Annual (Kalsada) Blog Awards 2010.

About Opinyoneyted

– One of your online interactive news publications. Before, its main reason is to share the author’s point of views about different society issues but now this blog is transformed to give you also news and information about trending events.

10 of the Best Mike (Michael) in History I know

“What’s in name that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”, wrote William Shakespeare in his immortal tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.” This dramatizes hints of negative spin on the significance of a name, although this is not what this top 10 list is all about. What I want to bring you instead is a moniker that over the ages has stood the test of time and, more importantly proven to be respected, most valuable, not to mention superlatively popular.

Michael, a Hebrew term which means “who is like God”, a name that boosts variations in a multitude of major languages around the world – from Irish to Swedish, German to Spanish.

Speaking of famous Mikes, here are ten (10) of the most famous and prominent in history. This is a subjective list, and admittedly you may have your own.

1 – Saint Michael, the Archangel

One of the seven angels in Hebrew tradition and feared by Satan as the leader of God’s army in the New Testament’s “Book of Revelations.” (Who did follow the Fallen TV Series *Guilty, I do…) the biblical account told of some angels turned against God in Heaven. They thus became the devils and demons. Archangel Michael led the good angels in a furious battle, beating the evil ones and throwing them down to earth as punishment. Michael has four positions – warrior against the devil and other demons, protector of righteous souls at the time of their deaths, transporter of soul for judgement, and champion of God’s people. In the Koran too, Michael is regarded as one of the principal angles in Islamic tradition and is known as the field commander of the army of God.

2 – Michael Fred Phelps, the Swimmer

He is without doubt one of the most famous athletes in the Olympic history, most especially at the Beijing Olympics where he hauled in seven world records in swimming. He has won 14 career Olympic gold medals, the most by any Olympian, and holds the record for the most gold’s won at a single Olympics with the eight he won at the 2008 Olympic Games – surpassing fellow American Mark Spitz’s total of seven at the 1972 Munich Games.

3 – Michael Kirk Douglas

The Hollywood is an actor and producer who have on numerous accolades, including Oscar awards, one for the Best Picture in 1979 as producer of the film “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and the other for the Best Actor in 1987 for his role as a businessman Gordon Geko in the movie “Wall Street.” He is currently married to voluptuous Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones.

4 – Michael Schumacher

Germany’s “god of Formula One (F1) Racing” is seven-time world champion and current advisor and occasional test driver for Team Ferrari. Official F1 website cited him as “statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen.” The only German to win F1 World championship, he has singlehandedly popularized the sport in Germany, and was voted the most popular driver among F1 fans in recent survey.

5 – Michael Jordan

Acclaimed as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan “flies” to dunk or lay the ball up – and was thus called “Air Jordan.” He is easily most recognizable name in sports and was instrumental in popularizing NBA around the world in 1980’s and 1990’s.

6 – Mikhail Servgeyevich Gorbachev

Only a few in politics reached the prominence that this Soviet leader achieved. He was the very last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and head of state of the USSR, serving from1985 until its collapse in 1991. He initiated Glasnost and Perestroika, a plan for reconstruction and reforms in the former Soviet Republic.

7 – Michael Joseph Jackson

The king of pop is undoubtedly the most prolific men in the music industry. He debuted on the music scene at the age of 11 as the lead vocalist of the family band The Jackson 5. Starting his solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group, five of his albums have been some of the world’s best selling records – “Off the wall” (1979), “thriller” (1982), “Bad” (1987), “Dangerous” (1991), and “History” (1995).

8 – Michelangelo

One of the greatest artist of all time, he was an Italian renaissance sculptor who was also versatile as a painter, architect and engineer. Michelangelo di Lodovico Bounarroti Simoni is the best documented artist of the 6th century, with his famous masterpiece the Pieta, the David, Scenes from Genesis on the ceiling, as well as the last judgement on the altar wall, both Sistine Chapel in Rome; and, the architectural design for St. Peter’s Basilica dome.

9 – Miguel Lopez de Legazpi

Known as El Adelantado (The Governor) and El Viejo (The Elder), he was a Basque Spanish conquistador (Colonizer) who established one of the first European settlements in East Indies and Pacific Islands way back 1565. he is a history textbook subject here (Philippines) as the Spanish colonizer who made a blood compact on March 16, 1565 with a native Bohol Chieftain, Datu Sikatuna, as a sign of friendship, as well as establishing settlement in Manila on June 24,1571, ordering the construction of Intramuros, and proclaiming the town as the island’s capital as well as the seat of the Spanish government in East Indies.

10 – Michel Legrand

Michel (February 24, 1932 Paris, France) is a French musical composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist of Armenian Decent. He composed more than 200 film and television scores and several other musicals, and has made well over a hundred albums. He won 3 Oscars (out of 13 nominations) and five Grammys. His first album, “I love Paris,” became one of the best selling instrumental albums ever released. Amongst his best are “What are you doing the Rest of your Life?” “Watch what Happens,” “The Summer Knows” (theme from the 1971 movie “Summer of 42”), and the hit song “The Windmills of your Mind,” (theme from the 1968 film “The Thomas Crown Affair”).

Is it any wonder then that the name Michael has enjoyed massive following for over a century now? From it’s biblical roots to its association with world-famous achievers, it is simply spells magnificence and great success.

Stated crisply, Michael’s best! This is me, signing off. Ciao!

• Reference/Source: Wikipedia

10 Bizarre things about Steve Jobs you might not know [Memoir]

Steve Jobs died Wednesday [10/06/2011]. He was 56. "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," the Apple company said in a brief statement.

"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."

[* 8/27/11] Today, I would like to share with you this post from Huffingtonpost.com in connection with the headline news this week about Steve Jobs stepping down as Apple's CEO. How far do you know Steve Jobs aside from the man posing at the stage for new updates about iPhone, iPod, iPad or anything Apple?

James Altucher quoted"... I was standing right next to Steve Jobs in 1989 and it was the closest thing I ever felt to being gay. The guy was incredibly wealthy, good looking enough to get any girl, a nerd super-rockstar who had just convinced my school to buy a bunch of NeXT machines (which, btw, were in fact the best machines to program on at the time) and I just wanted to be him. I wanted to be him ever since I had the Apple II+ as a kid. Ever since I shoplifted Ultima II, Castle Wolfenstein, and half a dozen other games that my friends and I would then rip from each other and pretend to be sick so we could stay home and play all day.

I don't care about Apple stock. (Well, I do think it will be the first trillion dollar company). Or about his business successes. That's boring. The only thing that matters to me is how Steve Jobs became the greatest artist that ever lived. You only get to be an artist like that by turning everything in your life upside down, by making horrible, ugly, mistakes, by doing things so differently that people will never be able to figure you out. By failing, cheating, lying, having everyone hate you, and coming out the other side with a little bit more wisdom than the rest."

1 - Nature versus Nurture

His sister is Mona Simpson but he didn't know it until he was an adult. Mona Simpson was one of my favorite novelists from the late 80s. Her first novel, Anywhere but Here, was about her relationship with her parents. Which, ironically, were Steve Jobs' parents. But since Steve Jobs was adopted (see below), they didn't know they were brother-sister until the 90s when he tracked her down. It's proof (to an extent) of the nature versus nurture argument. Two kids, without knowing they were brother and sister, both having a unique sensibility of life on this planet to become among the best artists in the world in completely different endeavors. And, to me it was great that I was a fan of both without realizing (even before they realized) that they were related.

2 - His father's name is Abdulfattah Jandali

If you had to ask me what Steve Jobs' father's name was I never in one zillion years would've guessed that and that Steve Jobs biologically was half Syrian Muslim. For some reason I thought he was Jewish. Maybe it's because I wanted to be him so I projected my own background onto him. His parents were two graduate students who I guess weren't sure if they were ready for a kid so put him up for adoption and then a few years later had another kid (see above). So I didn't know he was adopted. The one requirement his biological parents had was that he be adopted by two college-educated people. But the couple that adopted him lied at first and turned out not to be college educated (the mom was not a high school graduate), so the deal almost fell through until they promised to send Steve to college. A promise they couldn't keep (see below). So despite many layers of lies and promises broken, it all worked out in the end. People can save a lot of hassle by not having such high expectations and overly ambitious worries in the first place.

3 - He made the game "Breakout"

If there was one thing I loved almost as much as the games on the Apple II+, it was playing Breakout on my first-generation Atari (I can't remember, was that the Atari 2600?). And then Breakout on every version of my Blackberry since 2000. If he had never done anything else in life and I had met him and he said, "I'm the guy who made Breakout," I would've said, "you are the greatest genius of the past 100 years." Funny how things turn out. He went on from Atari to form Apple. Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari, went to form the greatest restaurant chain in the history of mankind: Chuck E. Cheese.

4 - He denied paternity on his first child, claiming he was sterile

The mother had to initially raise the kid using welfare checks. I have no judgment on this at all. Raising kids is hard. And when you have a kid you feel like this enormous energy and creativity you have for the world is going to get misdirected into a... little baby (Jobs' parents must've felt that way as well. Like father, like son). Heck, I originally wanted my first kid to be aborted. But people change, mature, grow up. Eventually Jobs became a good father. And that's what counts in the end. Much worse if it was the reverse. I didn't know this either: that the Lisa computer (the "Apple III") was named after this first child.

5 - He's a pescetarian

In other words, he eats fish but no other meat. And he eats anything else a vegetarian eats (including eggs and dairy). I think from now on I'm going to be a pescetarian, just because Steve Jobs is one. Except when I'm in Argentina. In Argentina you have to eat steak. Ted Danson and Mary Tyler Moore consider themselves pescetarians. Somehow, even the world "pescetarian" seems like it was invented in California.

6 - He doesn't give any money to charity

Yes and when he became Apple's CEO he stopped all of their philanthropic programs. He said, "wait until we are profitable". Now they are profitable, and sitting on $40b cash, and still not corporate philanthropy. I actually think Jobs is probably the most charitable guy on the planet. Rather than focus on which mosquitoes to kill in Africa (Bill Gates is already focusing on that), Jobs has put his energy into massively improving quality of life with all of his inventions. People think that entrepreneurs have to some day "give back". This is not true. They already gave at the office. Look at the entire iPod/Mac/iPhone/Disney ecosystem and ask how many lives have benefited directly (because they've been hired) or indirectly (because they use the products to improve their quality of life). As far as I know, Jobs has never even commented about his thoughts on charity. Good for him. As one CEO of a (currently) Fortune 10 company once told me when I had my hand out for a charitable website, "Screw charity!"

7 - He lied to Steve Wozniak

When they made Breakout for Atari, Wozniak and Jobs were going to split the pay 50-50. Atari gave Jobs $5000 to do the job. He told Wozniak he got $700 so Wozniak took home $350. Again, no judgment. Young people do things. Show me someone who says he's been honest from the day he was born and I'll show you a liar. It's by making mistakes, having fights, finding out where your real boundaries in life are, that allow you to truly know where the boundaries are.

8 - He's a Zen Buddhist

He even thought about joining a monastery and becoming a monk. His guru, a Zen monk, married him and his wife. When I was going through some of my hardest times my only relief was sitting with a Zen group. Trying to quiet the mind to deal with the onrush of non-stop pain that was trying to invade there. The interesting thing about Jobs being a a Zen Buddhist is that most people would think that serious Buddhism and being one of the wealthiest people in the world come into conflict with each other. Isn't Buddhism about non-attachment? Didn't Buddha himself leave his riches and family behind?

But the answer is "no". It's normal to pursue passions and outcomes, but just not to become overly attached to those outcomes. Being happy regardless of the outcome. A great story is the Zen master and his student walking by a river. A prostitute was there and needed to be carried over the river. The Zen master picked her up and carried her across the river and then put her down. Then the master and student kept walking. A few hours later the student was so agitated he finally had to ask, "Master, how could you touch and help that prostitute! That's against what we believe in!" And the Master said, "I left her by the river. Why are you still carrying her?"

9 - He didn't go to college

I actually didn't know this initially. Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are the famous college dropouts that I knew about. But apparently Steve Jobs went to Reed College for one semester and then dropped out. I guess you don't need college to program computers, make computers, build businesses, make movies, manage people, etc. (Of course, you can see all my other posts on why kids should not go to college.)

10 - Psychedelics. Steve Jobs used LSD at least once when he was younger. In fact, he said about the experience, it was "one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life." Apple's slogan for many years was "Think Different". Maybe using a drug which tore him from the normal frame of reference taught him how to look at problems from such a unique perspective. I don't think LSD is for everyone, but when you combine it with the innate genius the man had, plus the many ups and downs that he experienced, plus the Zen Buddhism and all of the other things above, it's quite possible it all adds up to the many inventions he's been able to produce.

Steve Jobs' story is filled with nuance and ambiguity. People study Steve Jobs by looking at his straightforward business successes. Yes, he started Apple in a garage. Yes, he started Pixar and almost went broke with it. Yes, he started and sold Next and he was fired as CEO of Apple, and blah blah blah. But none of that will ever explain the man behind the genius. None of that will explain all the products he invented that we use today. None of that will tell us about the iPad, Toy Story, the MacBook Air, the Apple II+, etc. A man's successes can be truly understood only if we can count his tears. And unfortunately in the case of Steve Jobs, that is one task that's impossible.

Man, You may REST in peace. Thanks for sharing your brilliant creation to us.

• Reference/Source: Huffingtonpost.com by James Altucher [8/24/11]
About

James Altucher

James Altucher is the managing director of Formula Capital, an asset management firm and fund of hedge funds. He's written a bunch of boring books on investing and one book that he loves: How to be the Luckiest Person Alive.



Mr. Altucher is the founder of Stockpickr.com, a social network for finance that had millions of unique visitors per month when it was sold to TheStreet.com in 2007. He has written over 200 columns for The Financial Times and has written for TheStreet.com, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Fidelity.com, and other publications. He was also the founder of a web services firm, Reset Inc, which he sold in 1998, at which time he became a partner at VC firm, 212 Ventures/Investcorp. Mr. Altucher regularly appears on CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, and CNN Radio, and is also in his spare time a nationally ranked chess master. Mr. Altucher received his BA at Cornell University and attended graduate school for computer science at Carnegie Mellon University.

James Altucher

10 Fascinating Oil Paintings by Ana Teresa Fernandez

Like everyone else, I’m easily drawn to the world of arts and visuals. When I see galleries of paintings in public like malls and bazaar – I can’t help but stop and take a look at some art piece which usually amazed me and feels like I’m content of just looking at them. Recently, I was scanning (I mean surfing) across the web when I stumble a picture showing a swimming woman in pool.

I didn’t hesitate to research who’s the photographer then what makes me feel like a fool is that, it’s actually a painting by a great painter from Mexico - Ana Teresa Fernandez. Let’s talk about her, she holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts at San Francisco Art Institute and has exhibited internationally in Mexico and South Africa. Her paintings attack the double standard imposed on women, showing them performing menial tasks like laundry and sweeping. (Oh, how fool am I becoming…*LOL)

So I decided to add her painting to our list. Here, take a look at some of her paintings which makes me teary eye. Thanks Ana for showing your talents to us.

• Reference/Source: Anateresafernandez.com

About Ana Teresa Fernandez
She was born in Tampico, Mexico. She holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts at San Francisco Art Institute and has exhibited internationally in Mexico and South Africa.

10 of Senator Miriam Santiago's Viral Pick-up lines

I still can't get over about the viral videos on youtube featuring my favorite senator in the Philippines - Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. She's always awesome and stunning when she speaks her wit mind.

Recently, Marc Logan of TV Patrol featured her in a segment entitled "Sa mga kwento ni Marc Logan" about her Pick-up lines in her engagement as a guest speaker and recently in the University of the Philippines - Diliman. Logan quote" Stand-up Comedian Miriam - If schools and institution needs a speaker, Senator Miriam Santiago is in the number one list. Why? Check out this video showing top 10 Senator Miriam's Famous Pick-up lines...

1 - How to be In...

Man: Gusto ko maging MAYOR para pagsilbihan ang KAPWA ko.
Maria: Gusto ko maging PRESIDENTE para paglingkuran ko ang aking KAPWA.
Juan Tamad: Ako naman... gusto kung maging KAPWA.

2 - Kodigo

One examination day...
Teacher: What's this? (Holding the paper she get from her student)
Student: Prayer ko po ma'am.
Teacher: If prayer ito, bakit puro answers ang laman nito?
Student: Naku, sinagot na ang prayer ko...

3 - Mataray sa kalaban?

Miriam: Karamihan sa mga kalaban ko tinatawag akong mataray... Hindi naman, eh. Ang tunay na mataray ay ganito..."Di ko sinabing maganda ako, ang sabi ko lang pangit ka!"

4 - Correct Answer

Boy: I thought your intelligent?
Girl: Yes, I am.
Boy: Bakit di mo ako kayang sagutin?
Girl: Kasi nga matalino ako at alam kong hindi ikaw ang tamang SAGOT!

5 - Facebook Status

Miriam: Sana Facebook status ka nalang para pwede kitang e-"like"

6 - Benta ng Bahay

Miriam: I benta mo na bahay mo kasi dito ka na nakatira sa puso ko.

7 - Lights issue

Miriam: Sana naka-OFF ang ilaw para tayo nalang ang mag-ON.

8 - Male Pick-Ups

Miriam: I never got time to pick-up by any of the males because at that time, I'm pretty convince that all males have a BRAINS of the AMOEBA.

9 - NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth)

Miriam: I never had a boyfriend when I was in college (Pause) but I always have a date!

10 - Corruption issue

Miriam: Kung alam ko lang na ganito pala kalakas at kalawak ang pagnanakaw dito sa ating bansa, nag-suicide na ako nong pinanganak ako ng nanay ko.

• Reference/Source: TV Patrol World (Stand-up Comedian Sen. Miriam sa mga kwento ni Marc Logan

10 Reasons to why people buy iPads

We have a lot of tablet computer available in the market. I would love to convince everyone to get one, I prefer Ipad, it's my personal choice. Tablet Computer or simply tablet is a complete mobile computer, operated by touching the screen.

If you don't have an Ipad yet and you're not sure that you really need one for yourself, here's 10 reasons why you should buy an Ipad.

1 - Mobility

You can take anywhere and work anywhere. Ipad is very light in weight and easy storage. You just need to load up all the necessary applications that you need and take everything with you. You can check your email and you can retrieve your files online using a wifi connectivity or if your ipad has 3G connectivity.

2 - Stay Connected

Stay connected 24/7 while on the road. Using Instant Messenger such as yahoo messenger, google talk, facebook, skype and others. Easy connections with your friends or at work when your out of your desktop. You can even do video or voice chat.

3 - Lot's of Games

Download all your favorite games through your Ipad device Apps store. Play games in your past time or in your boredom hours. With the multi touchscreen on ipad playing games is truly exciting.

4 - Movies

Loading my favorite Korean Dramas and Movies in my Ipad and watch it during my spare time or when I'm in bed lying.

5 - Music and Podcast

Listening to music or on my downloaded podcast using earphone or you can attached a mini speaker to boost the volume. You can also download music direct from your ipad using a specified apps.

6 - E-books and Magazines

Reading from your collection of ibooks and magazine straight from your ipad.

7 - Video Streaming

I can watch my favorite Korean Drama straight from the website in my ipad online anywhere I go and also videos from youtube, dailymotion, and other sites.

8 - Paper Less

I don't need some paper and pen if I need to jot down or write some important message or text. I also use this NOTES apps when writing my draft for my blog.

9 - Apps Galore

Apple offered a wide range of application at apps store. Apps ranges from free, free version, lite version to full version amounting to $.99 and above. You can download any kind of application that are useful for your needs.

10 - Long Battery Life

What's best about this Ipad, it has long battery life. I can use this Ipad for 8 straight hours before I need to recharge it.

This Ipad is a perfect gadget when I'm out of town or out of the country. All in one entertainment thing for me. Easy to carry and just fit right on my handbag. Useful on my daily basis and very entertaining. My secondary computer from my Macbook Pro especially when I need to search something in an instant.

• Reference/Source: Karenjardeleza.com[a.k.a Simply Me] by Karen Jardeleza [09/08/2011]

About Simply Me Personal Journal being Simply Me. I write about my travel, my escapades, my adventure, food, churches, gadgets, lifestyle, drama and other stuff.
About Karen Jardeleza, the author
Karen is from the country that has 7,107 Islands, The Philippines.She is a BS Accountancy graduate, a businesswoman, an entrepreneur, a Korean and Japanese drama enthusiast, a traveller, a gadget enthusiast and a photography enthusiast.

10 Photos of Famous People who look like Animals

You know the old saying: The longer you're together, the more you start to look like your partner. And while this theory usually applies to old married couples, it certainly happens in pet-owner relationships, too (science even says so!).

Tireless theory testers that we are, we set out to find said look-a-likes and expose them in all their twin glory. But actually, there are people who may or may not be a pet owner but looks like pets themselves.

Here's 10 Photos of Famous People who look like Animals. (Note: No, hurt feelings. It's just for fun - I'm a big fan of Taylor Lautner too!)

1 - Flava Flav and a Gremlin

Okay, okay, we know that gremlins aren't real... but we couldn't resist including this pic anyway!

2 - Tina Turner and a Chow Chow

It doesn't make sense though I love Turner and My friend's chow chow.

3 - Prince and a Miniature Pinscher

.... uhmmm. No comment.

4 - Hitler and aCat

There are so many cats who resemble Hitler that there's actually a website called "Cats Who Look Like Hitler!"

5 - Wilfred Brimley and a Cat

Odd, I usually think of him as a lion. Oh, lion is a member of cat family. LOL.

6 - Dog The Bounty Hunter and a Lion

Now I see a dog and a lion combined...

7 - Mark Zuckerberg and an Elephant Seal

Does it mean that Facebook and Seals are related? Conspicuous. I have to do some research...

8 - Taylor Lautner and a Llama

ET: Jacob, I thought wolves and Llama aren't related?
Jacob: My mothers is a were-Llama.
ET: hmp...

9 - Jack Black and a French Bulldog

Either way, his definitely funny.

10 - Josh Hartnett and a Golden Retriever

I see a golden retriever piloting a aircraft in pearl harbor... was it? Oh, sorry it's Super Dog.

• Reference/Source: Oddee.com by Beverly Jenkins [8/22/2011]