Nicholas Sparks in Manila and 8 Things I Learned Straight from His Mouth

     

The date was 24^th of October. The last Friday of the said month. It is not an ordinary day to booklovers of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. This was a red-letter day, the day Nicholas Sparks had a public encounter with his Filipino fans for the first time to greet them and sign their treasured purchase which is the author’s latest and 17^th novel, “Best of Me.”

     Upon stepping on the second floor of the Podium in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, you’ll get infused by the excitement and brimming welcome bestowed by the “reading” audience. You would not even think that a book author was the center of all these attention. Basing on all the teeny shrieks and giggly shouts, it’s as if a pop idol or rock star has conquered the stage, but it’s not. Although observers admit that he's a spitting image of Ryan Reynolds. I must confess as well that I didn't expect he'd be such dashing (shy smile).

     One group of girls even made a banner in gold letters, “there is sparks in Manila because of Nicholas.” Gadgets led by mobile phones, followed by compact and DSLR cameras, and tablets were littered all over just to capture each beating second of what can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime event both to hardcore and enthusiast romance-themed novel readers.

     For me, what’s most special was knowing basic information of a famous person not from google, facebook or Wikipedia but straight from the mouth of the author, “For those who doesn’t know me, I live in North Carolina. It is the birthplace of Pepsi Cola.” Tell me, just how privileged I was? I needed to confess that apart from knowing Nicholas Sparks as THE guy behind “the Notebook” and a “Walk to Remember”, I didn’t know much about him beyond all the short reviews of his books which I read. I am not a big fan of romance-induced paperback or tomes as throwing myself into some kind of sappiness is not my thing. Although, I’m a bibliophile, I do make sure to read any latest reviews of the book which are raving in the market whether of already a famous author or a newbie.

     As an aspiring writer though, I decided to somehow try and check out Nicholas Sparks since I was already near the venue. Besides even though he’s a writer of a different genre, I surmised that I can still get some tips from him. After all, successful persons begets inspiration. Somehow, you have this positivity that you see your future in Him, or simply state, he moves you to continue just what you’re doing right now or propel you to greater heights and persevere on your dream to become a writer. More than being and seeing Nicholas Sparks, that is what drew me to this event, and I never regretted it.

    Straight from THE man’s mouth, I’ve come to know the eight things in its exact order: 

ü  Somebody has already gotten the movie rights for the Best of Me, but he would not reveal the Hollywood actors.

ü  He has already written 17 novels, seven are made to Hollywood movies. 

ü  A Walk to Remember is the book he loved to write the most because it is the easiest to write

ü  It takes him 70 days to write a novel, not in continuous mode though. He’d write a novel in 70  continual days at a time period of about 150 days. Each day, he’d write 5 to 6 hours a day.

ü  If he’s not writing, he described his normal day as boring as he also walks his dog.

ü  He’s married for 22 years, got five children ages ten to 20.

ü  All his novels were set in North Carolina

ü  He also relayed that there is “unofficial” Nicholas Sparks tour in North Carolina which passes by at the back porch of his house. He encouraged everybody that if ever they will take it, make sure to get the latest ride (about 7 PM) for the high probability to see him on the back porch, otherwise, they would just take a glimpse of the place sans his presence. (Haha!)

More of Nicholas Sparks

More of the Boy Abunda Interview in his TV program, the Bottomline, 05 October 2011 Saturday

What do you do during your writer’s block moment?

     I procrastinate, stare, delete, write the ending, work backwards

How do you know the ending?

     There are only 3: happy, bittersweet, sad, tragic

Most favorite book, the closest to him

      Three Weeks with my Brother, it is a memoir.

The most difficult to conceive

     The Wedding

Nicholas Sparks promises to come back to the Philippines. This is the only Asian country stop he has on his “Best of Me” book tour. It is also his choice.

3 Reasons Why I Truly Hate Termites

(image courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/)



1. They destroyed my lifelong friends’ letters. 
2. They destroyed my lifelong friends’ letters 
3. They destroyed my lifelong friends’ letters.

     My friend expressed her lamentation the other day. She visited her container of friends’ letters collectively from way back elementary, high school and by trickle, college and how she wished that the world is not as technologically savvy as it is now so that friends could still “traditionally” write each other: in longhand penmanship, with much care in self-preferred stationery. She was bitten by nostalgia bug. I understood.

     At that moment, I was staring at a blank air space next to her face, not because I have the same sentiment, well almost, but because I bitterly remember the tragic fate of my beloved friends’ letters. It was so tragic and utterly painful that I was not able to share it to anybody. My family is a silent witness to the pure devastation:

(image courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/)

     One unsuspecting rest-day afternoon, my brother presented to me a familiar plastic bag, his face was serious. Then, it dawned to me, it houses some of my friends’ letters from the happy past: elementary, high school, college and beyond. I had the inclination of what happened. I laid the bag on the ground, and slowly shook it of bringing the papers out. No matter how slowly or safely I handled the bag and its content doesn’t matter anymore. I’m way too late -- My letters. No, my precious letters. No, it’s not the letter, it’s the testimonials that is IN the letters. No, it’s the MEMORIES. There you go, I poured it out. The memories of the wonderful yesteryears, the memento of the great relationships I had with wonderful people. I kept them with all care in my heart and in our room -- in few days unknown to me, just a fraction of time as compared to how long I treasured them, destruction came to them in the form of tiny but merciless creature – the termites.

     “Darn them!” But I couldn’t even remember I cursed those creatures as I was overly soaked by what happened. A submissive, heaven-thrust whine was instead what I heard, “can we bring them back, please? Can we bring them back.” The mind took over, “there is no sense crying over a spilt milk.” For a moment I thought of sharing this on my facebook wall. Nope, I never shared something unless I’m 100 per cent sure I’m ready for the whole world to see it. Maybe I could just write a message to those friends who sent me those letters, no matter how long. Maybe they could replace the letters. Nah, it’s impossible to replicate it.”

     I never really have much accomplishment in my life, and if I do, I don’t brag about them, at least not in my conscious self; not the medals, not the trophies, not the certificates, not any dust-gatherer thingamajig. But these letters? they will tell a lot about the person who received it—me and the person who sent them, my friend/s! One big (about 1.5 by 2 whole rulers) and one small paper bags full of much-thought of letters, notes with bible and friend quotations, hand-made keepsakes, all created, designed and weaved with sheer love in the name of friendship. I love my friends, and here are physical remembrances of them. My friends who have been God’s gifts, representatives of heaven, always sent in times when I needed them most. They are a reminder that life is beautiful, an obelisk of God’s awesome love to me.

    I shook my head off. Oh yes, my friend was telling me about her lamentations. I couldn’t still take my mind off what happened. Despite of the tragic fate, pathetic fragments, a bitter trace of what happened, were still left. Yes, like the 9-11 rubbles. Whatever little that is left, I lay them carefully on a recycled bond paper. They are so devastated that look like they can be housed on an enclosed glass casing ala-museum anytime. They can be labelled, “fragments of an DJ’s friends’ letter. Family says she was devastated with what happened.” Sigh. I could no longer pull out the letters anytime and read it in random. Oh that nostalgic act. Darn Termites!

     I guess that only proves that your best treasure is not actually the physical things. All the memories? They are still in my heart. The people? They are still there. I could virtually poke them anytime. The relationship? Awesome. And the love I felt from and with them? Priceless. No amount or mounds of termite could take it away from me.

     “Do not store up treasure for yourself here on earth where moth and rust destroy it, and where thieves can steal it. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.”

                                                              -Matthew 6:20-21

                                                                                                  

                                                      

     

12 Christmas Gift-giving Tips by EcoWaste Coalition

Gift giving with ecological value is possible (image from www.flickr.com/photos/)

1.          Collect unused gifts, old clothes, and toys, and books then donate them to charitable institutions.
2.    Make your own gifts. Why not gift your family and friends with your specialty dish, plants from your own backyard, scrapbooks, or a CD music compilation?
3.      Volunteer your time and talent to worthwhile projects and services for the community and the environment. Ask your church, school, or organization how you can be of help.
4.      Recycle old items and redesign them for a new look. It not only allows you to be creative and imaginative, it also prevents waste generation.
5.       When buying gifts, choose eco-friendly products that do not come from old-growth forests and do not contain genetically-modified organisms. Patronize products that are not fossil fuel-based, non-toxic, and are not made from child or abusive labor practices.
6.       Select toys that are adequately and truthfully labelled, age-appropriate, locally-made and safe. Carefully read  the product labels. Ensure that the items do not contain hazardous ingredients such as bisphenol A, phthalates, lead, mercury and other chemicals of concern.
7.      Patronize toys that promote a culture of creativity, harmony, and peace and no that of prejudice, war and violence.
8.         Give Products and delicacies from your province. Go for fruits, vegetables, plants, sweets, condiments as well as decorative and functional crafts.
9.      Give environmentally-friendly gifts made of recycled materials and products/services that advocate sustainable living. Share items that will teach recycling such as handouts, primers, and manuals on the different kinds of recycling.
10.        Choose gifts that do not need to be wrapped such as potted plants, massage from blind masseurs, gift checks, concert tickers, among others.
11.       If you need to wrap the gift, use old magazines, newspapers, or bandanas. You can also use craft paper and jazz it up with colored pencils.
12.       Call or send e-cards to family and friends with Internet access. Create your own greeting card to give it a more personal touch or buy cards from groups with a special mission or advocacy. 

Source: Eco Waste Coalition

iPassion: The REASON Why I Cried When I Learned of Steve Job’s death

    Steve Jobs, the Icon. What more is there to say?

   More than his ingenuity, creativity and brilliance, there is one word, the reason that made me shed a tear the day Apple, the company he co-founded officially announced his death: PASSION.

   His Passion for what he’s doing is so obvious that it brims in the stage whenever he does product presentations. It doesn't only affect the people in the four corners of the venues, but also translated to the four corners of the houses or the offices of the watchers of his presentations in You Tube. One word will escape from your mouth after he presents the product, “Wow!” And that what makes consumers purchase his products. He doesn’t sell products, he sells lifestyle.

     Now, how can you imagine an ipod-less or iphone-less society? Impossible. All because of a man who happens to be a visionary. He’s penchant for passion is just amazing, unimaginable and great.

   

     I learned of Steve Jobs’ death on the day when I was about to apply for a job, on one of the strings of days when I was figuring out what to do next after a 5-month sabbatical period. Had my resources were not depleting; I would have not dared bailing myself out in this wondrous rest mode. But I have to go out and find a living. The thought of it dragged me but I have to make a responsible decision. After all, even though both my parents were already gone, I still have a very good support of my sibling and friends to back me up with whatever dreams I want to reach or endeavors I want to fulfil. I was so close to deciding to get a choice on the mere basis of “I got no choice.” Then Steve Jobs died and the message of passion echoed strong and hard: “If this is your last day on your earth, would you want do the thing that you'd do today?” My answer was no, but thinking of the activity I would have to do to the next day which is attending an environmental symposium, then, it’s a CLEAR yes.

   Sigh. Passion. In this mediocre world, it’s easy to get lost with what lowly the world offers, with what is easy to grab.   Steve Jobs death reminded me to dig deeper into my heart then listen to it. It’s hard though. Even if I consider myself a risk-taker, I still take calculated risks. If I follow my passion which is writing, arts and advocacy, how am I to support myself financially?

     Articles, memorials, messages of heartfelt gratitude surface in overwhelming scale one after the other, in surprisingly creative way in each passing day that he’s gone. In each write up, I am reminded of what for me was the greatest message of his life, more than his legacy of awesome gadgets, it is the PASSION he has put on what he’s doing that sets him apart. And the world was never the same again.

     A week after he died, the world continues to revolve. In my life, I will make an important decision on which organization I will pour my talent, skills and effort. Or maybe I will need to build one. Half kidding aside, his death reminded me to take inventory of my own skills and talents which God has given to me. In sharing that to others, I need to make sure that it’s sealed with much zest – just like what Steve Jobs did -- iPassion


     "Sometimes life hits you in  the head with a brick, don't lose faith."




     "Our work is going to fill a large part of our life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what we believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what we we do. If we haven't found it yet, we should keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, we'll know when we find it. And, like any great relationship,  it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So we need to keep looking until we find it. We shouldn't settle."

9 Valuable Tips to Save Money on Gas

Saving Money on Gas is easier than what you expected (image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

1.)    DO Take your time. Being to speedy can cost you big bucks. The faster you drive on the highway, the worse your mileage will be.

2.) DO Map out your trip. Plan your drives in advance, even if you’re just running errands. An efficient route saves gas, and combining several stops into one trip helps minimize the miles. It also saves gas because your engine is more efficient when it’s warmed up. Starting up a cold engine burns more gas.

3.) DO Drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and braking can reduce fuel economy by about 20 per cent. Drive smoothly and try to anticipate the movement of traffic. Maintain a steady pace one the highway. Using cruise control can help. Slow down gradually when you can; the more time your foot is off the gas, the less you’ll use.

4.)    DO Lose the roof rack. More than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag on the highway. Even empty, a bike or ski rack can shave about 6 mpg off your gas mileage.

5.)    DO Keep up tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cost you 1 mpg. Tires lose pressure over time, so check the pressure at least once a month. Another good reason to check: Underinflated tires wear out a lot faster.

6.)    DON’T  Pay unnecessary premium. Many people think premium fuel makes their car run better. That’s not true unless you have an old car with engine knock or your owner’s manual says premium is “recommended,” you can use regular with no damage and little or no loss of performance.

To save money on gas, don't burn gas when you're not moving (image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

7.)    DON’T Burn gas when you’re not moving. When your car is idling, you’re getting zero miles per gallon. As a rule of  thumb, shut off your engine if you expect to be sitting for more than about 30 seconds.

8.)    DON’T Go for gimmicks. We’ve tested several  devices over the years that claim to improve fuel economy, but none provided a significant improvement in gas mileage or acceleration. In one case, performance got worse.

9.)    DON’T Ignore your engine. A poorly, maintained engine can cut gas mileage 10 to 20 per cent. So get a tune-up!

Source: Shopsmart magazine;) (the quick and easy guide from "Consumer Reports"

7 No-nonsense Online Language Courses Site

Learning a second language has been made easier by online language courses site (image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos)

       To help you with your goal to effectively learn second language, here are seven no-nonsense websites just for you:

1.)    http://www.word2word.com/course.html

     The best thing about www.word2word.com/course.html is that everything is FREE. There is an array of cool features like Online Dictionaries and Translators, Free Language software and Alphabets of the world. As of these writing, it has 119 languages up its sleeves.

     Since it’s free, you have to forgive the layout design of the site which is not that presentable. It appears that “content is the king” rules in this sight.

2.)    http://www.learnalanguage.com/ (Saving the world one language at a time)

     To start with, the http://www.learnalanguage.com/ layout is looking way cooler than the first. The catch is, it only focuses on THE eight major languages of the world, namely Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, German, Chinese, Russian and English.   

     Each language is represented by the most famous landmark of the country. The “lesson plan” were clearly laid out as well: for example Spanish – Learn Spanish,  Spanish Words, Spanish Phrases, Spanish Blog, Spanish Dictionary, Spanish Forum, Spanish Culture, Spanish Verbs

     The site promises hundreds of free language-learning lessons, games and activities.

3.)    http://www.verbalplanet.com/ (the home of learning a language online)

     Signing up and trial lessons on https://www.verbalplanet.com are free. Other than that, there is a tuition to pay which includes private, native-speaking/ online language tutor which is just what you need to practically verbalise the chosen language.

     They offer 20 languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portugues, Danish, Arabic, Czech, Turkins, Polish, Norwegian, Hungarian, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish and Greek)

     They have cool features like MP3 Audio lessons, iPod Electronic Phrase books and iPod and MP3 language courses.

4.)    http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/ 

     There was no sign of something FREE with the languages section of this popular BBC website, https://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/. They boast that you can learn the language in 12 weeks. There are also funny tales, valuable tips and sensible stories.

     Since this is UK-based, they specialised in UK languages (Gaelic, Welsh, Irish and English) which other sites don’t have.

      There are interesting sidebar like the Foreign-language TV (French TV, Spanish TV, German TV and Italian TV) which features news and programmes online. You can download transcripts for BBC language programmes as well.

     A lot of multi-linguists actually recommend this site.

5.)    http://www.omniglot.com/links/courses.htm (writing systems and languages of the world) likea database

     The layout of www.omniglot.com/links/courses.htm is pretty basic if not boring. Think ‘90ish. This page contains links to online courses and lessons for many different languages. Most are free. The quality and quantity of material varies considerably.

6.)    www.livinglanguages.com

     www.livinglanguages.com is quite popular. I have a German audio cd copy myself. They tie up with books and calendars to aid the readers with their quest for learning  second language.

      In the site, you can participate in language forum,  play in language lab and read interesting blogs.

7.)    www.livemocha.com (Welcome to the World’s Largest Language Learning Community)

     You have to register first before you enter www.livemocha.com. You must log in either with your Facebook or Email account. Once you’re registered,  you’ll be given 200 tokens to use in any valuable way you want: Try the language course you chose in the pre-registration form, try the Instructors’ writing exercises and the speaking exercises. The site’s lay out is conveniently so “social networky” feel in mocha color. Their marketing way to make you feel homey perhaps.   

Four Practical Ways to Have a Scrapbook Paper

Having a Scrapbook paper is easy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

     Whether you’re just starting or a pro in scrapbooking, here’s a primer on how you’ll snag a scrapbook paper where to paste your photos full of memories or jot down your momentous day. Here are four sure and practical ways to have a Scrapbook Paper:

1.)    BUY SCRAPBOOK PAPER. I only recommend this if you don’t have time and you think that getting one is a must. Perhaps you don’t want the important day pass without documenting it or you need it as a gift to your friend and you’re pressed with time, then “buying” one from craft store or bookstore is the best way. Aside from saving time, you get to choose from a wide range of choices. If you’re melancholy-type of person, you’ll get thrilled at the range of choices as each theme may help you remind of a specific event in your life.

2.)    PRINT SCRAPBOOK PAPER. Maybe you don’t have time to go out either or snag a minute or two and go to the nearest craft store to purchase a scrapbook paper. If you have a computer with internet access, then voila! Your problem is solved. You just have to explore the world wide web and google for a free scrapbook paper. Free doesn’t mean design is compromised. There are a lot of wonderfully-designed scrapbook papers littered in the web.

3.)    CREATE SCRAPBOOK PAPER. This one is my favorite. Even before Scrapbook paper has been popular and commercialized, I didn’t know that it was the thing that I was long doing. So, I’m already creating scrapbook papers since I was young long before I knew how it was called. Then and now, I am always consistent with my materials: recyclables. That includes newspapers, magazines, any used cardboard or paper bags with interesting designs. Anything goes. There is no right or wrong design. You are the master of your “scrapbook paper” ship. Suit yourself, mind your own business and trust/ satisfy your discriminating taste.

4.)    BEG FOR SCRAPBOOK PAPER. That’s another ways of saying “ask.” It’s a little tricky because you will not be doing it in a “desperate” way. You simply have to share and tell your closest friends that you’re into “scrapbooking’ and it would be lovely if you’d be able to receive a scrapbook paper from them by any chance. This works and just expect your scrapbook paper on Christmas, birthdays and other important events in your life. If that is not a brilliant idea, then I don’t know what one is.

     I would like to give you one valuable tip. Since I really do most stuffs myself, I seldom buy scrapbook papers. But when I got the chance to have one during the scrapbook papers’ sale, I was surprised to read some technical terms when it comes to preserving the paper in the long run. This is what I would want you to be aware of. Please make sure that the scrapbook paper is “acid-free” and “photo-safe.” In plain terms, this means that the scrapbook papers holding the photos will be preserved for years.

     www.ehow.com also recommends to “always create scrapbook paper out of archival quality paper, which is acid-and lignin-free so that it doesn’t damage photographs over time. If you’re not sure if your paper is archival quality, you can take precautions by spraying it with an acid-neutralizing spray.”

    Lastly, don’t worry though if you didn’t understand a single terminology. For now, you have to mind how to have the scrapbook paper which will house your photos and thoughts. The understanding to technicalities will come later. Don’t sweat over that stuff. 

Lovely Scrapbook Papers (images from http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

     Well with that, Happy Scrapbooking friend, and if by any chance you believe you have whipped a wonderful scrapbook paper, go and share it to this site’s readers for ideas and inspirations J. 

The dawn of 3-D Printer in the U.S., Is it for real?

printed cups for speaker enclosure courtesy of a 3-D printer (image from http://www.flicr.com/photos/)

    

     I first heard of the 3-dimensional printer (3-D printer) in 2010 during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). I thought it was a more sophisticated version of a 2-D printer which just becomes 3-d through folding, like it will spew out a flat printed paper, cut it out and manually fold it to assemble any item you scan – sort of kid stuff! I was wrong.

The National Geographic and other national television shows soon feature this wonder.  The dawn of 3-D printer is real, and it’s awesome to say the least. It can print almost anything: From shoes to mechanical wrench, head bust of a popular personality, car parts, transistors, solar cells, skulls (Lehman College is doing this) and big bikes – yes, big bikes. Cool huh?

How is that possible? What happens is that the machine, the 3-D printer/ copy machine prints layers of material one on top of the other. The layers are very thin — usually one-fifth or one-tenth of a millimeter. The layers then combine to form a solid object. There are many versions of this kind of technology. But the basic idea is the same for most 3-D printers. The process is called additive fabrication.

Aside from the 3-D printer itself, the secret is in the paper. It’s a specially-engineered composite material. It is a unique concoction not use anywhere else.

It boasts not only precision but also promises productivity as it can do more than one sample of small objects at the same time.

Great machine, awesome material and the process is simple:

First, Scan the object. The scanner inputs every facet of the object into the computer creating an image that will be sent to the printer. Computer-aided design programs use software to direct the printer.

     Once specific scanner can measure about 50,000 points per second at a density of 160,000 dots per inch (dpi) to create a highly detailed digital model.

Second, The 3-D printer does its job – print. This will take some time, few minutes to long hours, depending on the object. The printer doesn’t mind any complexity of the object, the size however determines the length of the process. Accuracy is astounding, said to be within 40 microns, that is little less human hair width.

Third, Grab and marvel the finished product. Most powerful 3-D printers will make you grab the finished product from a box of white powder. It will be sent to a separate machine which will dust off the excess powder.

How’s the outcome? It will freak you out. The material is solid, you can customise the color of each part of the object. If it has some movable or functional parts, the 3-D printer could replicate it no matter how small, no matter how intricate.

     Jay Leno, the popular TV host, is using a 3-D printer to replicate the rate parts of his old car, 1907 White Steamer and has this to say, “They stand in front of the machine and watch a wrench beding made, and they still don’t believe it. It’s like The Jetsons. George Jetson would say, “I want a steak dinner.” He’d press a button and the meal would come out of the machine, with the roasted potatoes and everything, all on one plate. We may not have the instant steak dinner yet – but my NextEngine system is like the car-guy equivalent.

This 3-d printer has so much power and practicality that it’s making waves in the mainstream business. Its potential has become a powerful tool for product designers since they can create a solid model in a short time and easily make changes and tests. Designers in various fields use this technology to print out prototypes to decide on the best possible pattern to send into production. 

Finally, ‘how much is this?” and “is there a possibility that ordinary folks can own one in the near future?” Hold your breath; those big 3-D printer is valued at $150,000. People in other parts of the world are equally impressed but gulped at the humongous price. Don’t be upset though, we researched and found out that there are home printers like the New York-based MakerBot Thing-O-Match which costs less than $1,300. They come in kits which you will put up into a small printer. Just don’t expect it to be as efficient as its big brothers, but for a way cheaper cost, it can still blow you away as to what it can do.

So does it have drawbacks? Just like a coin, it has two sides. Metals are more difficult to print that plastics or any composite materials. Some specialized 3-D printer though can even make a replacement part in cobalt-chrome with the direct laser sintering process. According to Popular Mechanic article, "Just fee a plastic wire -- for a steel part you use metal wire -- into the appropriate laser cut."

3-D printer in action. (image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

And just what is next in this eye-popping 3-D printer buzz? Nobody has attempted to print an airplane yet but its being done with some of its parts like what Boeing is doing to replicate some rare parts for its older machines. And according to the Scientific American website, even printed organs for humans beings may soon be viable. Now that sounds sci-fi turning into reality.

Sources: National Geographic Channel,  htto://www.objet.com/, http://scientificamerican.com, Popular Mechanics Magazine

Six Wonderful Personalised Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones

Your loved one sure deserves the best gift - a personalised and customised gift from your heart.
(image from http://flickr.com/photos/)

     It’s your loved one’s birthday, and just like last year, you can’t think of a great gift to give to him/her simply because he/she deserves the best. You don’t think that any of the current options you have is good enough. And as it turns out, the best can’t just be found right around the corner.

     In this situation, creativity will step in. And time has proven that creative, personalised and customised gifts never fail to incite a comment of “wow” or “awesome” from your family and friends. To spare you of the head-banging thinking, here are five brilliant personalised gift ideas:

1.)    Puzzle letters/ photos. This is unique. Grab a fave pic of you and your loved one, OR make a letter for him/her. Sprinkle a twist by making it a puzzle! In this way, before he/she reads your letter, there is a little “work out”. Believe me, it’s all worth going through the puzzle only to know what your precious message/ picture is in the end!

2.)    Photo Cross-Stitch. This one will take some time, effort and money. Once again, get a fave photo of him/ her. A portrait would be suggested. The one in which he/she is at his/her best. You can either go to the nearest craft store or google a site for a free software to turn your photo in to a cross-stitch pattern. You may try, “free photo cross stitch converter” in the search bar. They will also provide you with the colours of the thread. You can buy all the materials (cloth, threads, needle) and some accessories you need in either a physical or online store. There is a 100% guarantee that your loved one will be touched with the time, effort, money and a great love you have poured in to making this portrait masterpiece.

Photo Mosaic, another wonderful personalised gift idea
(image from www.flickr.com/photos/)

3.)    Photo Mosaic is an assembly of multiple photographs. One photograph will outshine though, which will largely represent the whole picture. This is another awesome personalised gift idea. Collate all your loved ones favourite photos. Make sure to choose the happiest moments where there are a lot of smiling, events to reminisce, memories and celebration. Then choose a main picture. Once again, a portrait is strongly suggested. Something that will tell other people what kind of person this friend of yours is just by looking the portrait. If your friend is known for her ripples of infectious laughter then choose a laughing portrait of her! Go to the nearest photo store or google (type “photo mosaic”) the net of the software which can do just like this. Nothing will beat this personalised and well thought-of gift.

4.)    Create Your Signature Craft. This is any of your “do-it-yourself” project. So bring out your water colours, pens, highlighters, any art materials there and whip your obra exclusively for your loved one. You might say, “nah, I’m not in any craft of sort.” That is actually an added value. When they know that you don’t lift a finger to produce something close to artistry, they will surely appreciate you for the effort and for collecting humongous guts to swallow no-artistry-in-body stance and belief. For ideas, you can look for some inspiration in any craft magazine. This blog, www.dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com, may also give you an idea.

5.)    Awards, awards.  This actually appeals to some people. You can brag your greeting to the “man” or “woman” of the hour through tangible awards-like object: certificates, plaques, trophies. Go to a gift shop and you will sure find one or create one, something that banners words similar to “Very Important Person Award presented to (your loved one’s name), given by (your name) on (date). That’s another creative twist to your personalised gift idea.   

Bonsai, one of the unique "green" gifts you can give to your loved ones
(image from www.flickr.com/photos/)

6.)    Be Green.  As you know, green is in. Anything about “caring for the environment” is cool. You can buy your loved one a small plant, flower plants perhaps. For it to live longer, you can ask the plant guy if it’s low maintenance specially if you know that your loved one has no “green thumb” or you’re unsure if he/she has some “plant” background. Or you can check out for the bonsai instead. You may want to search more info about the plant and associate it to your friend, like “You’re beauty reminds me of the rose, blooming and wonderful.” Uhm, that was rather bad. I’m sure you’re a better wordsmith or poet.  Mushy as it sounds, your loved one will definitely have her “ahhh” moment with your unique personalised gift idea. 

FIVE SIMPLE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO SQUEEZE A STRESS BALL

Smiley Stress Ball as desktop companion and handy stress-reliever (image from http://flickr.com/photos/)

     Stress balls, those rounds, bright, squeezable, hand-held balls which you usually get as promotional items or small tokens from your company or a hand-down thing from a friend seem a potential object just to sit on your desk and gather some dust. But do you know that they do more than what you think they can? They are way more than what meets the eye.

     Here are the five simple reasons you should start squeezing those unsuspecting stress balls:

1.  It’s the most compact Stress Reliever. Stress balls come with a brief instruction manual: Squeeze it, over and over again. This action relieves muscle tension in your hands and you will feel a more relaxed mind. This is said to be the “Progressive Muscular Relaxation”. The effect of this repeated action is instant and tremendous: your emotional stress is being released. It’s indeed the most portable stress reliever. Stress balls indeed perfectly help you during your frustrating and stressful moments.

2. It’s the lightest Exercise Equipment. Not only does it take your stress away, it is also the most handy exercise equipment you can bring on and out anywhere. Aside from emotional benefit, you will also notice increase in strength. How is that possible? When you squeeze, the muscles not only contract in your hand, but up your arms as well. As your muscles relax, the tension will leave your arms and hands. Aside from boosting your attention level, you’ll also improve your hand strength and dexterity.

Specific stress balls can be more efficient in terms of exercising your arms and other parts of the body. For example, the stress ball which has the spiky features, when you press your hands against it, it also triggers stress points. This means that when you squeeze it, the spike will put pressure on specific parts of  your palm which is connected to the other part of  your body which is also benefitted. And the repeated pressure can improve one’s health.

3. It’s good for both your emotion and physical health.  Stress balls stimulate good blood circulation and can aid in reducing arthritic pain and stiffness. It also releases endorphin. In layman’s terms, it simply refers to the general feeling of well-being. (Just by squeezing a simple ball!)

4. It’s a visual feast. Nowadays, stress balls do not come only in the shade of yellow with the most basic smiley face. Marketing designers and strategists have already thought of hundreds of designs for the customers to enjoy the stress ball in a different twist. They thought of products which surprises and amazes people like the stress ball which changes color once you squeeze it hard enough. Or that which contains luminous materials. They come up with different themes: sporty (I personally like the soccer ball), scary, personalized, they can even adjust the softness and texture just for you.

     A couple more of tips, make sure to replace your stress ball when it wears out for continuous enjoyment of its benefits. Another thing, if you still can’t accept the fact and logic why you have you have to squeeze it to release the stress, then you don’t have to convince yourself hard. Another great thing to do with stress ball is to play with it and bounce it against the wall or the floor. Just make sure that no one would be hit when you do this. I find it pretty effective as well. It’s like you’re throwing your anger and stress. It still serves its purpose without being squeezed on.

     So the next time you see a stress ball, don’t just stare at it and dismiss them as another non-sense object. Start using them and you will realize that relaxation is just a squeeze away J.