I recently read Michael Parenti's new book, The Assassination of Julius Caesar. The point the author makes is that plutocrats who wanted to maintain the status quo killed Caesar. Caesar, they thought, was more of a populist. War, however, suited the rich. It allowed them to amass wealth at the expense of the middle class and poor while enslaving the conquered peoples.
The technique was simple. First tax the middle class and tie them to heavy citizenship obligations. Male Roman citizens owed the government 20 years of military service. As a result, the middles class, craftsmen, and small farmers couldn’t pass their skills or businesses to their heirs who were overseas fighting foreign wars. Over several generations the middle class was squeezed into poverty.
That’s not much different than what happened in the US months ago. The government was using the cost of the Afghani and Iraqi wars to transfer wealth from the middle class to the rich. Over $200 billion had been moved from the civilian sector to military companies. Meanwhile schools across their country closed libraries and cut back arts, music, and sports programs.
Empires use wars to accumulate wealth. The Romans collected resources and captured slaves, which were so cheap a source of labor that owners kept the sexes separated. It was cheaper to buy slaves than to breed them. Rome, or at least its wealthy, grew rich from the country’s foreign adventures.
When Britain invaded using force and diplomacy, it systematically looted the country of its wealth. In fact, just the jewels remove from the Taj Mahal mausoleum paid the costs of running the British government for several years. The Soviet Empire lasted seventy years, until the conquered peoples were drained dry and couldn’t support the Russians. The standard of living dropped precipitously, and the empire imploded.
Empires come and empires go. The Egyptians lived in relative peace for more than 3,000 years. Anthropologists think that there was an early empire in South America that lasted three millennia, too. Their achievements are forgotten and their remains have been covered by jungle. We have seen the death, birth, and death of many empires in the last century. Just a few that you might remember: the six-year reign of the Nazi’s 1000-year empire, the ending of the French, Dutch, and British empires, the Soviets, and now the sole superpower, the US.
My History professor last year told us that he was glad to see America waste its resources on trying to secure Afghanistan and Iraq. He said that these were unwinnable wars because there was no front. There was no demarcation of enemy and friend. Instead, every time you turn your back, someone can be aiming at you. That’s exactly how the Americans fought against the British and their mercenaries, the Hessians, in the 1770s. They didn’t confront the regiments in battle, but picked them off. The rebels had the advantage because it was their home territory, they knew the land and they had the support of much of the population.
This morning in Creative Writing class, the professor told us that the Bush regime may cause the abortion of the nascent American Empire. There is no way for the US to take wealth from either Afghanistan or Iraq. All efforts will be subject to sabotage and will be doomed to failure. This is what pleased my CW prof so much. He views these wars as the exploits of a fool who is using up the nation’s resources. Voila! End of the empire just as it’s digging in its feet.
Minutes ago, Atom was saying that America’s the world’s most dangerous country: The real evil empire. He would be glad to see it implode or fade into the dustbin of history, and sooner rather than later. The longer the US tries to impose itself on the world, the more the world will suffer for it. Bush’s invasion is a great failure and will use up the country’s wealth. It will be a boon to the world if it hastens the fall of this empire.
I thought back to my quick study of Portuguese history last summer. In the early 15th century Prince Henry the Navigator, started a navigation school in Portugal. It was the rocket science center of the time. The Portuguese started exploring the coast of Africa and began the slave trade in 1434, selling them in Europe. At the same time they invaded Morocco on a religious crusade. They were defeated so badly that they were only allowed to retreat when the Portuguese king’s younger bro was left as a hostage. (He was never ransomed.) In 1947 Portugal went through another depression, when it chased out the Jews, who comprised a great proportion of the artisans, traders, and intellectual class. They immigrated to Holland and helped it become a great trading nation.
Portugal recovered. During the next century it grew richer with foreign trade and conquest. Since the navigation school had made them so rich, you’d think they’d have devoted more money to science, tech, and education. That would be my thought, too.
A century passed and another especially fanatical king decided that it wasn’t trade and colonizing that made them so blessed, it was God. Therefore they should finish the job and invade North Africa. In 1578 his band of 18,000 ill-prepared men, boys, and nobles invaded. The men boiled in their metal armor under the African sun. The wagon wheels were caught in the sand. There were no provisions. Almost all were killed, lost, or enslaved. The one silver lining was that Sebastian the Regrettable died in the fiasco.
Bush is following in Sebastian’s footsteps. He de-funded the Hubble Space Station, blinding our eye on the universe and letting cosmological science fade away. He has cut back spending on education, higher ed, basic science and civilian technological research. These are the aspects of their industry that keep US society dynamic. Without cultural and scientific innovation, the true Am Empire, based on tech, will shrivel.
The Egyptians, Chinese, Portuguese, and many after them had the most vital, advanced civilizations with high tech that surpassed others. Times changed and the hotspot shifted. The US Empire may turn out to be one of the shortest. It really doesn’t matter. After all, who will know that we existed in one thousand years?
Next millennium, humans probably won’t even look the same. In a few years the keys to genetic engineering will be available to the rich and the middle class. Order up your kid: A girl, five foot eight, greenish blue eyes, outgoing, medium large busted who has modified risk orientation, enjoys music with a beat, … order ‘em up and we’ll modify your little baby to make it just the way you want it.
If these changes include the reproductive organs, each generation will modify permanently. Humans will evolve faster than ever. A thousand years, forty generations of directed genetic modification, will certainly result in a different form of human in ways that might now all be anticipated. Not only will year 3000 English be undecipherable to a 21st century dude, but the creatures will be the product of intentional evolution. Something new under the sun.
I usually make an entry like this private, but whatever it would be funny to read all of it again tomorrow morning when I’m back to the usual.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Flaky
Shot some prints with Frank and Wacky today for a new magazine, including ack! a self-portrait.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Whimsyland, thank you for all the things you have taught me, I love you
Do you guys remember Whimsyland? I used to hang out there every Sunday when I was a kid. Batang tambay ako dun, spendin hours, goin crazy over the most awesome yet extremely chezy games.
Whatever happened to Whimsyland? I've been wondering about this ever since Shang kicked it out of its prop.
I found out yesterday afternoon, on my way home.
And I hate to talk about it because it's just sad.
But I have to. Release. RELEASE!!
When I saw those arcade machines, I told myself that there's something eerily familiar with them. After a few seconds, I gasped, “Potek Whimsy!”
And true enough. The minute I stepped inside the area, I knew I was back inside the incredible place that served as a second home—no, sanctuary—to gazillions of kids all over town.
Whimsyland, the place that captured my heart, is now located inside the mall connected to the Araneta Cubao MRT station, the one that you have to pass by going to Gateway.
It's in the 3rd floor, isolated from the rest of the stores. Whimsyland, a childhood cornerstone, is at the third floor of a poorly kept mall, sufferin from bad lighting, stinky walls and floors, and amazingly sucky prizes.
I remember winning cool stuff like remote control cars, giant action figures, and walkie talkies from the old Whimsy. Now the top prize is a teddy bear, accented with medyo cheapo eyeballs and shaggy fur, and a suspicious grin reminiscent of Tinky-Winky of Teletubz.
I played a few games, and I felt like wow, I can't explain it, ibang klase. It was like I was back to childhood days. Me, alone, at Whimsyland, playin the exact same machines I played with a decade ago.
I won 57 tickets, and I got a Ninja Turtles pencil, and an eraser with an image of a cow, and the word MOO! on it.
Puwede.
My PE this sem is Wrestling. Grabe, ang saya. Seryoso, the best.
Immediately after Wrestling, I run to Spanish class.
I dunno why I wrote that.
Whatever happened to Whimsyland? I've been wondering about this ever since Shang kicked it out of its prop.
I found out yesterday afternoon, on my way home.
And I hate to talk about it because it's just sad.
But I have to. Release. RELEASE!!
When I saw those arcade machines, I told myself that there's something eerily familiar with them. After a few seconds, I gasped, “Potek Whimsy!”
And true enough. The minute I stepped inside the area, I knew I was back inside the incredible place that served as a second home—no, sanctuary—to gazillions of kids all over town.
Whimsyland, the place that captured my heart, is now located inside the mall connected to the Araneta Cubao MRT station, the one that you have to pass by going to Gateway.
It's in the 3rd floor, isolated from the rest of the stores. Whimsyland, a childhood cornerstone, is at the third floor of a poorly kept mall, sufferin from bad lighting, stinky walls and floors, and amazingly sucky prizes.
I remember winning cool stuff like remote control cars, giant action figures, and walkie talkies from the old Whimsy. Now the top prize is a teddy bear, accented with medyo cheapo eyeballs and shaggy fur, and a suspicious grin reminiscent of Tinky-Winky of Teletubz.
I played a few games, and I felt like wow, I can't explain it, ibang klase. It was like I was back to childhood days. Me, alone, at Whimsyland, playin the exact same machines I played with a decade ago.
I won 57 tickets, and I got a Ninja Turtles pencil, and an eraser with an image of a cow, and the word MOO! on it.
Puwede.
My PE this sem is Wrestling. Grabe, ang saya. Seryoso, the best.
Immediately after Wrestling, I run to Spanish class.
I dunno why I wrote that.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
WINNAR
After waiting in line for more than four hours, I was given a slot in Math 2. IN THE SCHEDULE THAT I WANTED.
Walking out of the enlistment room, I glanced towards the long queue outside, where the populace looked at me with a blend of exasperation and umbrage. Cry children.
Naunahan ko pa si Wacky at Miko, na medyo naging maangas due to the hours of waiting.
Wacky: Grabe pare, we just hit the three-hour mark.
Miko: Bad trip.
Girl seated in front of us: Um, three hours lang?
Wacky and Miko: ??!
Girl seated in front of us: 6 am pa kami nandito, no!?
Wacky: Ok.
Miko: Good for you.
You should've seen the girl's reaction. Near spastic fit na.
Iba talaga pag competitive.
Walking out of the enlistment room, I glanced towards the long queue outside, where the populace looked at me with a blend of exasperation and umbrage. Cry children.
Naunahan ko pa si Wacky at Miko, na medyo naging maangas due to the hours of waiting.
Wacky: Grabe pare, we just hit the three-hour mark.
Miko: Bad trip.
Girl seated in front of us: Um, three hours lang?
Wacky and Miko: ??!
Girl seated in front of us: 6 am pa kami nandito, no!?
Wacky: Ok.
Miko: Good for you.
You should've seen the girl's reaction. Near spastic fit na.
Iba talaga pag competitive.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Unibersidad ng Pila
Today's the start of reg at my school.
It's hell time once again, kids!
Turns out am taking CW 180 - Comicbook Writing, instead of the Fiction class with Sir Butch Dalisay. Sayang! Pero oh well, mukhang fun ang 180.
I'm using a temporary number for my phone. Please e-mail me your numbers. Thanks!
Great weekend. Friday, went to Tagaytay with friends. Went home Saturday night. The next morning, went to Los Banos for a family reunion. Good times.
Mga vandal sa school. Sent to me by a classmate.
Fine Arts Wall:
"nobody cares"
somebody answered:
"not even the carebares?"
then another:
"not even kier?"
then:
"not even zoren?"
lastly:
"not even zorro?"
all written by different people.
AS (Arts and Sciences Hall):
AS chairs:
"push button to eject seatmate"
"push button to eject urself"
"push button to kill teacher."
"push button to eject teacher"
...reply: "it's jammed! We're doomed!"
AS chair :
"you know bobo? bobo is you!"
AS 1st floor CR:
"if you forget the past, then you porget the purious.."
AS 1st floor CR uli:
"I'm a simple gay "
tapos may sumagot:
"sira! Dapat 'Im simple and gay!' Taga peyups ka ba? duh! "
tapos me sumagot ulit (with matching arrow pa na nakaturo dun sa reply)
"sira ka rin! yung simple is used as an adjective tapos yung gay is used as a noun. kaya ok lang yung simple gay nya!"
CHEM:
Chem chair:
"push button to spray acid on prof's face."
Another chem chair:
"You Boron!!!"
BIO:
Bio chair:
"Push cadaver to haunt teacher."
FO Santos:
"SA MGA NAGTATAPON NG BASURA DITO... bawal."
ENG'G:
Sa Men's CR, facing the urinal:
"Hawak ko saking mga kamay ang kinabukasan ng bayan!"
Reply:
"the future you are holding is very small."
MATH:
sa cr sa may math building:
"SUMAPI SA NPA! "
may sumagot:
"PAANO? "
may sumagot pa:
"MAGFILL UP NG COUPON AT IHULOG SA PINAKAMALAPIT NA DROP BOX SA SUKING TINDAHAN!"
sa math 3rd floor, sa isang upuan uli.
"you'll NEVER find what you're looking for"
May nag-reply:
"find x."
3rd floor math cr:
"kaibigan, pagkapatos mong umihi, paki PLUS mo naman, hehehe."
VINZONS:
Wall ng vinzons
"Do not steal. The government hates competition"
men's cr sa Vinzon's:
"remember: the hands that clean this toilet are the same hands that cook your food."
men's cr waaaay above the urinal:
"if you can reach this, the fire department wants you!"
MAIN LIB
Sa isang lamesa ng main lib, filipiniana section:
"UP STUDENTS HAS BECOME PATETHIC"
tapos may sumagot...
"mali pang grammar at spelling mo, halatang di ka taga UP"
KALAI: (short for Kalayaan)
nietzsche-"god is dead"
God- "Nietzsche is dead!"
It's hell time once again, kids!
Turns out am taking CW 180 - Comicbook Writing, instead of the Fiction class with Sir Butch Dalisay. Sayang! Pero oh well, mukhang fun ang 180.
I'm using a temporary number for my phone. Please e-mail me your numbers. Thanks!
Great weekend. Friday, went to Tagaytay with friends. Went home Saturday night. The next morning, went to Los Banos for a family reunion. Good times.
Mga vandal sa school. Sent to me by a classmate.
Fine Arts Wall:
"nobody cares"
somebody answered:
"not even the carebares?"
then another:
"not even kier?"
then:
"not even zoren?"
lastly:
"not even zorro?"
all written by different people.
AS (Arts and Sciences Hall):
AS chairs:
"push button to eject seatmate"
"push button to eject urself"
"push button to kill teacher."
"push button to eject teacher"
...reply: "it's jammed! We're doomed!"
AS chair :
"you know bobo? bobo is you!"
AS 1st floor CR:
"if you forget the past, then you porget the purious.."
AS 1st floor CR uli:
"I'm a simple gay "
tapos may sumagot:
"sira! Dapat 'Im simple and gay!' Taga peyups ka ba? duh! "
tapos me sumagot ulit (with matching arrow pa na nakaturo dun sa reply)
"sira ka rin! yung simple is used as an adjective tapos yung gay is used as a noun. kaya ok lang yung simple gay nya!"
CHEM:
Chem chair:
"push button to spray acid on prof's face."
Another chem chair:
"You Boron!!!"
BIO:
Bio chair:
"Push cadaver to haunt teacher."
FO Santos:
"SA MGA NAGTATAPON NG BASURA DITO... bawal."
ENG'G:
Sa Men's CR, facing the urinal:
"Hawak ko saking mga kamay ang kinabukasan ng bayan!"
Reply:
"the future you are holding is very small."
MATH:
sa cr sa may math building:
"SUMAPI SA NPA! "
may sumagot:
"PAANO? "
may sumagot pa:
"MAGFILL UP NG COUPON AT IHULOG SA PINAKAMALAPIT NA DROP BOX SA SUKING TINDAHAN!"
sa math 3rd floor, sa isang upuan uli.
"you'll NEVER find what you're looking for"
May nag-reply:
"find x."
3rd floor math cr:
"kaibigan, pagkapatos mong umihi, paki PLUS mo naman, hehehe."
VINZONS:
Wall ng vinzons
"Do not steal. The government hates competition"
men's cr sa Vinzon's:
"remember: the hands that clean this toilet are the same hands that cook your food."
men's cr waaaay above the urinal:
"if you can reach this, the fire department wants you!"
MAIN LIB
Sa isang lamesa ng main lib, filipiniana section:
"UP STUDENTS HAS BECOME PATETHIC"
tapos may sumagot...
"mali pang grammar at spelling mo, halatang di ka taga UP"
KALAI: (short for Kalayaan)
nietzsche-"god is dead"
God- "Nietzsche is dead!"
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
In moderation
Marami marami pictures from Cagayan-Apari-Tugueguerao Field Trip, thanks to Jem and Bamba
bats, pottery, caves, rivers, music, churches, museums, wells, and relly relly good food
the necessary awkward class photo
basketamen / la salle gh and zobel kids
sino ba nagsabi may issue?
medyo artsy
bamba actually took home one of those
homebound
More, more pictures next time
In other news, I suddenly missed high school tonight.
Especially when you see a photo like this. Reminds you of the good ol' days.
bats, pottery, caves, rivers, music, churches, museums, wells, and relly relly good food
the necessary awkward class photo
basketamen / la salle gh and zobel kids
sino ba nagsabi may issue?
medyo artsy
bamba actually took home one of those
homebound
More, more pictures next time
In other news, I suddenly missed high school tonight.
Especially when you see a photo like this. Reminds you of the good ol' days.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thank yea
Just came from a seven-day break. Sarap.
Just checked the CRS site.
YOU ARE KEWL, SIR REUEL. Kinabahan ako because at first he was quite against me pursuing a full-length film about a superhero. Did not expect this!
This inspires me to work even harder.
TAKE MP 179 if you can!
I lost my phone. Which is OK. I'm free from another unnecessary piece of tech!
CRS, you are kewl too. Thanks for giving me all my subjects.
Will eat lunch, then will pack for another three-day break. Yahoo.
Just checked the CRS site.
YOU ARE KEWL, SIR REUEL. Kinabahan ako because at first he was quite against me pursuing a full-length film about a superhero. Did not expect this!
This inspires me to work even harder.
TAKE MP 179 if you can!
I lost my phone. Which is OK. I'm free from another unnecessary piece of tech!
CRS, you are kewl too. Thanks for giving me all my subjects.
Will eat lunch, then will pack for another three-day break. Yahoo.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Dear Website
You kewl, CRS, you gave me three majors and a Spanish class.
But, for the nth time, you have failed to give me a Math class.
I guess I have to thank you though, because this means I'm taking a Landscape Architecture class!
Should I exchange my Comparative Lit under the J. Neil Garcia with a Film class under the Nick Tiongson, who's teaching for the last time next sem? OR Tilman Baumgartel's Hong Kong Cinema class? OR Yason Banal's British Cinema? Or Eyasmin Lantz' Fine Arts studio claSS? The paaaiinn of choosing
^
While answering the peer evaluation sheet for our final production
Paolo: Ano binigay mo kay Eddy (our Korean classmate)?
James: UNO.
Paolo: Ano? Bakit??
Marian: Huy, for a Korean a, ok si Eddy.
But, for the nth time, you have failed to give me a Math class.
I guess I have to thank you though, because this means I'm taking a Landscape Architecture class!
Should I exchange my Comparative Lit under the J. Neil Garcia with a Film class under the Nick Tiongson, who's teaching for the last time next sem? OR Tilman Baumgartel's Hong Kong Cinema class? OR Yason Banal's British Cinema? Or Eyasmin Lantz' Fine Arts studio claSS? The paaaiinn of choosing
^
While answering the peer evaluation sheet for our final production
Paolo: Ano binigay mo kay Eddy (our Korean classmate)?
James: UNO.
Paolo: Ano? Bakit??
Marian: Huy, for a Korean a, ok si Eddy.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Preaks
Been months since I last checked our Superfreaks website. The six of us built it during the summer after our first year in high school. I was laughin so hard reading the pages minutes ago. The site's a compilation of memories that the six of us can all go back to in the future. I just finished reading the FAQ page, and I couldn't help but shed a tear. Joke lang.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got a question for the Superfreaks? Send it to superfreakshome@yahoo.com and they just might appear here with your name! But before you ask it, you might find
the answer you're looking for right here!
Let's start with the question we get most...
"I have gum stuck in a shag carpet, is there any way to get it out?"
A surefire way to remove gum from a shag carpet is to simply cut a huge circle out of the rug. Make sure the part you cut out has the offending gum stuck in it. Place a sofa or large chair over the cut out piece. You can cover smaller holes with Superfreaks stickers, or anything under our merchandise products. Just be sure that we will profit from it!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In the first Mission: Impossible could you guys figure out WHAT was going on?"
No.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Can I buy Superfreaks stuff from you guys?"
All Superfreaks books, toys and games and other products are licensed merchandise. This means that outside companies pay us a pathetically small fee to use the Superfreaks name, the Superfreaks logo and other Superfreaks likenesses. Superfreaks products are not manufactured, warehoused or shipped from our homes. (Which is too bad, because we'd love to get our grimy hands on free samples to give as holiday or birthday gifts!) But if you'd like to see the latest Superfreaks merchandise so you can pester your local retailer into stocking it, click here.
Just kidding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Does Superfreaks buy freelance material like Chapter contributions or writeups?"
So, you want to make big bucks and earn the respect and admiration of your friends, family and neighbors, eh? Then go to medical school and do something with your life! But if you'd like to waste your time and effort and become a member of The Usual Gang of Idiots, then, yes, you may want to
try contributing. But before you dash off your brilliant ideas, make sure you know what you're doing! Or, if you're an artist, be sure it's US that you're drawing!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If I come to the Superfreaks office, will I be able to meet the Superfreaks?"
Before you make a special trip to the Superfreaks office, we should tell you that it's rare for any of the artists or writers to be here at the office. Almost all of them work at their own studios, and although occasionally one of them drops by to mooch a free lunch,they mostly send their work via email. (Truthfully, that's how we keep our expenses down. By keeping them off premises, we don't have to worry about them stealing office supplies, making long distance phone calls or dropping water balloons out of the window!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If the Superfreaks aren't there, who IS?"
Oompa Loompas. However, if you want to be able to say "I visited the Superfreaks offices," come on by. (If you're bringing sweets, please visit on a Saturday. That's usually the day where all of us are in and we'll autograph just about anything in exchange for homemade baked goods!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What's a typical day at the Superfreaks like?"
It's, like, eight hours, minus an hour for lunch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"No, I mean, is it wild and wacky, with people wearing funny hats, and having food fights, and doing all sorts of crazy, weird things?"
No, you're thinking of our brother website, CNN.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Is there a Superfreaks summer intern program?"
There is an excellent intern program here at Superfreaks. For college credit, a student can learn how to paint Jay-Ar's room, how to shampoo a conference room rug and even how to go for coffee.Sometimes they may even be asked to pick up a croissant, which gives the intern program an international feel.
For more information on these exciting career opportunities, just email us!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Okay, I'm on the website, but now I'm having trouble with my browser,
what should I do?"
Complain out loud. If that doesn't work, try bitching and moaning out loud. If all else fails you can...
1) Call Greg, and explain your problem in a cool, calm voice
(If you hear snoring on the other end of the line, call again and try to find someone else who's awake.)
2) Send a cool, calm email to superfreakshome@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Why did you pick the name 'Superfreaks' What does it stand for?"
It's the acronym for the Superfreaks motto: "Stupidity Is Timeless."Duh!
***
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got a question for the Superfreaks? Send it to superfreakshome@yahoo.com and they just might appear here with your name! But before you ask it, you might find
the answer you're looking for right here!
Let's start with the question we get most...
"I have gum stuck in a shag carpet, is there any way to get it out?"
A surefire way to remove gum from a shag carpet is to simply cut a huge circle out of the rug. Make sure the part you cut out has the offending gum stuck in it. Place a sofa or large chair over the cut out piece. You can cover smaller holes with Superfreaks stickers, or anything under our merchandise products. Just be sure that we will profit from it!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In the first Mission: Impossible could you guys figure out WHAT was going on?"
No.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Can I buy Superfreaks stuff from you guys?"
All Superfreaks books, toys and games and other products are licensed merchandise. This means that outside companies pay us a pathetically small fee to use the Superfreaks name, the Superfreaks logo and other Superfreaks likenesses. Superfreaks products are not manufactured, warehoused or shipped from our homes. (Which is too bad, because we'd love to get our grimy hands on free samples to give as holiday or birthday gifts!) But if you'd like to see the latest Superfreaks merchandise so you can pester your local retailer into stocking it, click here.
Just kidding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Does Superfreaks buy freelance material like Chapter contributions or writeups?"
So, you want to make big bucks and earn the respect and admiration of your friends, family and neighbors, eh? Then go to medical school and do something with your life! But if you'd like to waste your time and effort and become a member of The Usual Gang of Idiots, then, yes, you may want to
try contributing. But before you dash off your brilliant ideas, make sure you know what you're doing! Or, if you're an artist, be sure it's US that you're drawing!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If I come to the Superfreaks office, will I be able to meet the Superfreaks?"
Before you make a special trip to the Superfreaks office, we should tell you that it's rare for any of the artists or writers to be here at the office. Almost all of them work at their own studios, and although occasionally one of them drops by to mooch a free lunch,they mostly send their work via email. (Truthfully, that's how we keep our expenses down. By keeping them off premises, we don't have to worry about them stealing office supplies, making long distance phone calls or dropping water balloons out of the window!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If the Superfreaks aren't there, who IS?"
Oompa Loompas. However, if you want to be able to say "I visited the Superfreaks offices," come on by. (If you're bringing sweets, please visit on a Saturday. That's usually the day where all of us are in and we'll autograph just about anything in exchange for homemade baked goods!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What's a typical day at the Superfreaks like?"
It's, like, eight hours, minus an hour for lunch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"No, I mean, is it wild and wacky, with people wearing funny hats, and having food fights, and doing all sorts of crazy, weird things?"
No, you're thinking of our brother website, CNN.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Is there a Superfreaks summer intern program?"
There is an excellent intern program here at Superfreaks. For college credit, a student can learn how to paint Jay-Ar's room, how to shampoo a conference room rug and even how to go for coffee.Sometimes they may even be asked to pick up a croissant, which gives the intern program an international feel.
For more information on these exciting career opportunities, just email us!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Okay, I'm on the website, but now I'm having trouble with my browser,
what should I do?"
Complain out loud. If that doesn't work, try bitching and moaning out loud. If all else fails you can...
1) Call Greg, and explain your problem in a cool, calm voice
(If you hear snoring on the other end of the line, call again and try to find someone else who's awake.)
2) Send a cool, calm email to superfreakshome@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Why did you pick the name 'Superfreaks' What does it stand for?"
It's the acronym for the Superfreaks motto: "Stupidity Is Timeless."Duh!
***
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Cheese na naman
This sem's real tough, and I'm glad am close to finishing all the requirements.
What's left
- Four papers, OO APAT! for MP 115 due tomorrow (I haven't done anything which means I'll do everything one hour before the deadline just like what I did to the three, OO TATLO papers for PSYCH 101 ('Di na pala 'ko INC sa PSYCH, Prof. Van Heugten was real nice and gave me a day to complete the experiment)
- Final prod for BC 100. We recorded our production in the studio yesterday and kanina, and man, we had fun. Even Eddy, our Korean classmate, couldn't help but laugh. What's left is digital editing for the audio para swabe ang tunog.
Ako: Kuya A (BC Dept's all-around audio guy), bakit kailangan digital editing?
Kuya A: A siyempre, para swabe. Swabe ang tunog.
And scrapbook pa pala, which the girls are taking care of.
In true sabog fashion, I finalized my online enlistment last night, 30 minutes before the cut-off. Apart from the majors, I got Comparative Lit 123 (Post-Colonial Non-Western Lit Theory) and CL 151 (Phil Lit II - 40s to Present) under J. Neil Garcia AKA You're My Idol, I Wish I Could Be Half As Smart As You Are. In the end, I'll probably just take one of the two, pero para lang makasigurado. I don't care if he gives low grades, he's my idol and I wish I could be bla bla
ROTC Final Training Day last weekend. We were literally prisoners of war the whole time. After midnight, they started blindfolding and tying us. Exciting! They released us at Sunken Garden around three in the morning, and we had to rescue each other, and reach the finish point before the sun rose.
Ako: Naku, naiilawan tayo dito. Baka makita tayo ng officer!
Batch Commander MARIO: Concealment! Mag-concealment tayo!
'Di ko alam kung bakit, pero tawa 'ko nang tawa after he said that.
We ended up diving into dirty ponds, crawling on mud; bruises, allergy attacks, and ants & insects crawling all over us.
BUT, it was awesome.
Tomorrow, we shoot footage for someone's birthday.
\
Next week, I start shooting my film. AT LAST
Ako ang lead actor sa film ni James. Isa akong superhero. Exciting!
What's left
- Four papers, OO APAT! for MP 115 due tomorrow (I haven't done anything which means I'll do everything one hour before the deadline just like what I did to the three, OO TATLO papers for PSYCH 101 ('Di na pala 'ko INC sa PSYCH, Prof. Van Heugten was real nice and gave me a day to complete the experiment)
- Final prod for BC 100. We recorded our production in the studio yesterday and kanina, and man, we had fun. Even Eddy, our Korean classmate, couldn't help but laugh. What's left is digital editing for the audio para swabe ang tunog.
Ako: Kuya A (BC Dept's all-around audio guy), bakit kailangan digital editing?
Kuya A: A siyempre, para swabe. Swabe ang tunog.
And scrapbook pa pala, which the girls are taking care of.
In true sabog fashion, I finalized my online enlistment last night, 30 minutes before the cut-off. Apart from the majors, I got Comparative Lit 123 (Post-Colonial Non-Western Lit Theory) and CL 151 (Phil Lit II - 40s to Present) under J. Neil Garcia AKA You're My Idol, I Wish I Could Be Half As Smart As You Are. In the end, I'll probably just take one of the two, pero para lang makasigurado. I don't care if he gives low grades, he's my idol and I wish I could be bla bla
ROTC Final Training Day last weekend. We were literally prisoners of war the whole time. After midnight, they started blindfolding and tying us. Exciting! They released us at Sunken Garden around three in the morning, and we had to rescue each other, and reach the finish point before the sun rose.
Ako: Naku, naiilawan tayo dito. Baka makita tayo ng officer!
Batch Commander MARIO: Concealment! Mag-concealment tayo!
'Di ko alam kung bakit, pero tawa 'ko nang tawa after he said that.
We ended up diving into dirty ponds, crawling on mud; bruises, allergy attacks, and ants & insects crawling all over us.
BUT, it was awesome.
Tomorrow, we shoot footage for someone's birthday.
\
Next week, I start shooting my film. AT LAST
Ako ang lead actor sa film ni James. Isa akong superhero. Exciting!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Span-ish
I have no time to nerd.
Which is sad, because suddenly the load that I had last week (see last post) has been doubled in just two days!
I'm officially INC in Psych, which I find funny. I did well in all the 10 exams, and in the two online experiments. But, because I got sick and there were no classes last Thursday and Friday, I lack an hour of experiment credit. Yeah, just one hour. That's 1.5% of the total requirements in the course. And I get a final grade of INC.
MP 115 is killing me, because Sir Vim and his fun, spontaneous self suddenly decided to go to Thailand without telling us. He'll be back on October 11—which means we'd have to actually do our finals stuff WITHOUT HIM. According to my classmates, we'd be doing our workshops online. Some found this very hip, and very now, but I just find it real annoying. A lot of people have been telling us that every student of Sir Vim gets an INC grade, and now I'm convinced.
The Fine Arts G.E. art production is the only class that's keeping me sane these days, making masks and painting stuff.
In other news, life is great, really, if I don't think about school.
Last night we celebrated an important event, and dahil bunso ako, I ate and drank the most. And medyo nasobrahan yata. I had to sleep there for the very first time, which was fine, because I didn't have to wake up and drive there (or magpadrive) at five in the morning like I do everyday.
A lot of things are changing, and I couldn't be more happier to embrace this new life.
I just enlisted my classes online, and I got two Spanish classes. Which means Spanish everyday.
Tonight I sleep early, tomorrow there's ROTC physicals before the sun rises. ACK!
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.
Which is sad, because suddenly the load that I had last week (see last post) has been doubled in just two days!
I'm officially INC in Psych, which I find funny. I did well in all the 10 exams, and in the two online experiments. But, because I got sick and there were no classes last Thursday and Friday, I lack an hour of experiment credit. Yeah, just one hour. That's 1.5% of the total requirements in the course. And I get a final grade of INC.
MP 115 is killing me, because Sir Vim and his fun, spontaneous self suddenly decided to go to Thailand without telling us. He'll be back on October 11—which means we'd have to actually do our finals stuff WITHOUT HIM. According to my classmates, we'd be doing our workshops online. Some found this very hip, and very now, but I just find it real annoying. A lot of people have been telling us that every student of Sir Vim gets an INC grade, and now I'm convinced.
The Fine Arts G.E. art production is the only class that's keeping me sane these days, making masks and painting stuff.
In other news, life is great, really, if I don't think about school.
Last night we celebrated an important event, and dahil bunso ako, I ate and drank the most. And medyo nasobrahan yata. I had to sleep there for the very first time, which was fine, because I didn't have to wake up and drive there (or magpadrive) at five in the morning like I do everyday.
A lot of things are changing, and I couldn't be more happier to embrace this new life.
I just enlisted my classes online, and I got two Spanish classes. Which means Spanish everyday.
Tonight I sleep early, tomorrow there's ROTC physicals before the sun rises. ACK!
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
(You) complete me
Fine Arts field trip to Cagayan, Tuguegarao, and Aparri was real great. Pictures soon.
//
Art Production for FA 30
Dula, an entirely new Story, Poem and Kuwento Revisions, and the Folio of Works for MP 115
Full-Length Film Screenplay for MP 179
Final Production and Scrapbook for BC 100
Online and Classroom Experiments and ENDLESS Papers for Psych 101
Final Exam and YET ANOTHER Final Paper for Comm 100
All these in less than two weeks.
Someone save me from the deadly INC from Psych and my two MP classes. Three INCOMPLETEs in the transcript is not pretty good.
And I haven't enlisted my subjects yet!
//
Art Production for FA 30
Dula, an entirely new Story, Poem and Kuwento Revisions, and the Folio of Works for MP 115
Full-Length Film Screenplay for MP 179
Final Production and Scrapbook for BC 100
Online and Classroom Experiments and ENDLESS Papers for Psych 101
Final Exam and YET ANOTHER Final Paper for Comm 100
All these in less than two weeks.
Someone save me from the deadly INC from Psych and my two MP classes. Three INCOMPLETEs in the transcript is not pretty good.
And I haven't enlisted my subjects yet!
Monday, September 04, 2006
One Taiwan Job
Today I celebrate one whole year of playing servant to the loaded citizens of Taiwan.
It all started exactly a year ago—September 4, 2005. A man e-mailed me and asked if I was interested in some extra cash. By extra, he meant “more than what you’re getting from whatever sidelines you have.”
The job: People from Taiwan send in their articles, theses, college application letters, dissertations, and even company memorandums for me to “fix” their faulty English grammar and sentence construction. By faulty, I mean unpleasant fourth-grade level English.
And it hasn’t been easy.
Aside from the occasionally piercing task of trying to find some sense in the works I read, the job entails an extreme amount of research. Every month, I’d receive at least six to seven pieces on topics I’m not familiar with at all. There was this paper on the Navier-Stokes equations used to solve the aerodynamic flow over an aircraft. And this college science project on the neurophysiology of visual perception, mammalian brain neuroanatomy and cell-level neurophysiology. And the most challenging so far, a university thesis presenting superconductivity as a macroscopic quantum state of "Cooper pairs."
But, it’s been very fulfilling. A Taiwanese lass sent a thank-you card after she passed Stanford, a lighting company gave me a small lamp and seven light bulbs of different sizes after I “sanitized” their company’s constitution and by-laws, a group of college kids scanned their 3rd prize science fair ribbon and gave me a copy. These small deeds permit me to overlook the pain of splurging hours reading about calculating Pi, environmental neurotoxic substances, or bioluminescence.
It all started exactly a year ago—September 4, 2005. A man e-mailed me and asked if I was interested in some extra cash. By extra, he meant “more than what you’re getting from whatever sidelines you have.”
The job: People from Taiwan send in their articles, theses, college application letters, dissertations, and even company memorandums for me to “fix” their faulty English grammar and sentence construction. By faulty, I mean unpleasant fourth-grade level English.
And it hasn’t been easy.
Aside from the occasionally piercing task of trying to find some sense in the works I read, the job entails an extreme amount of research. Every month, I’d receive at least six to seven pieces on topics I’m not familiar with at all. There was this paper on the Navier-Stokes equations used to solve the aerodynamic flow over an aircraft. And this college science project on the neurophysiology of visual perception, mammalian brain neuroanatomy and cell-level neurophysiology. And the most challenging so far, a university thesis presenting superconductivity as a macroscopic quantum state of "Cooper pairs."
But, it’s been very fulfilling. A Taiwanese lass sent a thank-you card after she passed Stanford, a lighting company gave me a small lamp and seven light bulbs of different sizes after I “sanitized” their company’s constitution and by-laws, a group of college kids scanned their 3rd prize science fair ribbon and gave me a copy. These small deeds permit me to overlook the pain of splurging hours reading about calculating Pi, environmental neurotoxic substances, or bioluminescence.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Muro Ami
Taking a break from finishing a plate for furniture class. Really working hard, considering it’s non-credit. The class keeps me sane from all the mad stories and ideas we have to churn out every single day for the major subjects. Man, the last time I stayed up this late was the day before our big BC report.
Hung out with Victor today, drove around UP, caught up and all after what? two months! Went all the way to Shang for a real nice dinner, where we couldn’t help but recall the good ol’ days. Tear. Oh man. Tama na. Hahaha.
Diving class is awesome, potek sa Anilao ang finals namin!
Kaso sadly, I won’t be able to go to the Fine Arts field trip this weekend to Vigan due to the craziness that is ROTC. Iz cool, RO is really fun, especially with all the kalokohan Chuck teaches me, like how to manipulate an officer to not kill you after coming in late sa training for five hours. Haha. Hi Chuck! Cadet Officers, if by any chance you’re reading this, you know I’m just kidding, right? You know I never cut class. :E (Man, what’s with that smiley?)
Working on new stuff with this year’s batch of Entrepreneurial Management boys in UA&P. Hyperactive group with so much potential. Plus they give me the whole high school vibe which I miss a lot.
If you’re from school, drop by at CHK tomorrow night for some Judo and Karate action. Support me and sina Marty, Art, and Nic!
Thank you beautiful people.
Hung out with Victor today, drove around UP, caught up and all after what? two months! Went all the way to Shang for a real nice dinner, where we couldn’t help but recall the good ol’ days. Tear. Oh man. Tama na. Hahaha.
Diving class is awesome, potek sa Anilao ang finals namin!
Kaso sadly, I won’t be able to go to the Fine Arts field trip this weekend to Vigan due to the craziness that is ROTC. Iz cool, RO is really fun, especially with all the kalokohan Chuck teaches me, like how to manipulate an officer to not kill you after coming in late sa training for five hours. Haha. Hi Chuck! Cadet Officers, if by any chance you’re reading this, you know I’m just kidding, right? You know I never cut class. :E (Man, what’s with that smiley?)
Working on new stuff with this year’s batch of Entrepreneurial Management boys in UA&P. Hyperactive group with so much potential. Plus they give me the whole high school vibe which I miss a lot.
If you’re from school, drop by at CHK tomorrow night for some Judo and Karate action. Support me and sina Marty, Art, and Nic!
Thank you beautiful people.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Cravings
Spending time in Alabang now with TJ and Max. Will run to Greenhills in a few to buy Chinese chow from the supermarket.
Film scriptwriting class is driving me and the rest of the class nuts.
There's only one requirement for the entire sem, that's one full-length script. I'm still on the first stage—the storyline part. I've submitted four storylines, and the one that I like best is the last one, a sci-fi thriller about the dark side of being a superhero.
Just got feedback from Prof Reuel a few mins. ago:
James,
Ang paggamit ng superhero at sci-fi ay hindi basta-basta. Nakaangkla ito sa katotohanan ng lipunang ginagalawan natin. Halos tumatayong simbolo o representasyon ang mga ito. At ang sci-fi ay parang isang komentaryo sa kasalukuyang kalagayan.
Ang puntong ito ang aking hinahanap, ang komentaryo sa kasalukuyan.
Lagi, naisasantabi ang puntong ito at nahihirati ang pagkukuwento sa special effects, spectacular scenes, at imahinasyon.
Reuel
I don't even know what “nahihirati” means. :(
One month to write !
Every Friday night, we'd run to the nearest mall, where we'd eat for hours, then go to the movies, then hang out at some person's house to watch the latest corny TV show available. And sometimes we'd escape from a group whatever to eat at cheapo buffet places. It is, truly, chow time na. Hahaha.
The first time I met Greg was freshman year high school, where we were seatmates. During our first Reading test, I “stole” a ¼ sheet of paper from his bag. When he found this out, he confronted me and said, “Hindi ka ba tinuturuan nang mommy mo na magsabi ng please?”
The next day, we became close friends. Haha.
Happy birthday Greggy!
Film scriptwriting class is driving me and the rest of the class nuts.
There's only one requirement for the entire sem, that's one full-length script. I'm still on the first stage—the storyline part. I've submitted four storylines, and the one that I like best is the last one, a sci-fi thriller about the dark side of being a superhero.
Just got feedback from Prof Reuel a few mins. ago:
James,
Ang paggamit ng superhero at sci-fi ay hindi basta-basta. Nakaangkla ito sa katotohanan ng lipunang ginagalawan natin. Halos tumatayong simbolo o representasyon ang mga ito. At ang sci-fi ay parang isang komentaryo sa kasalukuyang kalagayan.
Ang puntong ito ang aking hinahanap, ang komentaryo sa kasalukuyan.
Lagi, naisasantabi ang puntong ito at nahihirati ang pagkukuwento sa special effects, spectacular scenes, at imahinasyon.
Reuel
I don't even know what “nahihirati” means. :(
One month to write !
Every Friday night, we'd run to the nearest mall, where we'd eat for hours, then go to the movies, then hang out at some person's house to watch the latest corny TV show available. And sometimes we'd escape from a group whatever to eat at cheapo buffet places. It is, truly, chow time na. Hahaha.
The first time I met Greg was freshman year high school, where we were seatmates. During our first Reading test, I “stole” a ¼ sheet of paper from his bag. When he found this out, he confronted me and said, “Hindi ka ba tinuturuan nang mommy mo na magsabi ng please?”
The next day, we became close friends. Haha.
Happy birthday Greggy!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Pro-jek
Break time at last. The last time I went out was the week before Bree left for Esta-tes, where with no plans whatsoever we ended up watching The Dawn and Ely Buendia's whatever band. This week I'm finishing my final project for the apprenticeship, my dorky pal Timmy comes to the rescue to play the main man.
Design project's called 4 minutes, which is a compilation of unedited\continuous shots in the life of four different human beings; in this case four spoiled kids whose parents think that the price of a privy school educ equals good conservative angels. Loko lang. Sige na salamat Timmy at Steve at Arthur at Je.
And this is what's up
been teaching a class in Pisay, nice hyperactive kids, no formal lectures (as if) next week, instead we'll play rugby
will start doing some stuff for Northfield tomorrow, advising their council, pretty excited, feels it'll work out
and then there's school, which is quite crazy, endless homeworks and exams, but i'm having a great time
Design project's called 4 minutes, which is a compilation of unedited\continuous shots in the life of four different human beings; in this case four spoiled kids whose parents think that the price of a privy school educ equals good conservative angels. Loko lang. Sige na salamat Timmy at Steve at Arthur at Je.
And this is what's up
been teaching a class in Pisay, nice hyperactive kids, no formal lectures (as if) next week, instead we'll play rugby
will start doing some stuff for Northfield tomorrow, advising their council, pretty excited, feels it'll work out
and then there's school, which is quite crazy, endless homeworks and exams, but i'm having a great time
Saturday, July 29, 2006
MUST SEE! TOTALLY INSPIRING!
Click here and watch the most shockingly artistic video you'll ever see in your life.
Got this from Quark, thank you for leading us to this gem.
I'm still speechless.
Pepe, we have to get these people to work with us!!!
Got this from Quark, thank you for leading us to this gem.
I'm still speechless.
Pepe, we have to get these people to work with us!!!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Forst Som
01.
General Psych – M. Van Heugten
Apol, who has just shifted from Manila, is my classmate here. Kaso, it’s individualized instruction (meaning: hello, welcome to class, get a copy of the textbook, read it and I’ll see you during exams, bye!) so we’re not really gonna see each other except the first meeting. And during the ten exams. !
02.
Fine Arts 30 – R. Defeo
Yahoo! It’s Defeo time! And field trip to Bicol!
03.
Communication – A. Aguila
04.
Broadcast Comm – P. Aseron
And because I didn’t get any Math or Science related classes, I got not one, but two Malikhaing Pagsulat subjects! Eets Tagalog time!
05.
Pagsulat ng Iskrip sa Pelikula – R. Aguila
And …
06.
An MP class entitled: “Seminar.” Amazing. The awesome thing is it’s being taught by Prof. Vim Nadera aka Idol.
And of course,
07.
Judo
08.
Skin Diving
09.
Military Science / ROTC
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Apol to Diliman and to congratulate him for getting two certainly stirring subjects: Russian and Japanese Studies! These classes are of course extremely necessary for such a man who plans to travel to Russia and Japan in the NEAR future.
General Psych – M. Van Heugten
Apol, who has just shifted from Manila, is my classmate here. Kaso, it’s individualized instruction (meaning: hello, welcome to class, get a copy of the textbook, read it and I’ll see you during exams, bye!) so we’re not really gonna see each other except the first meeting. And during the ten exams. !
02.
Fine Arts 30 – R. Defeo
Yahoo! It’s Defeo time! And field trip to Bicol!
03.
Communication – A. Aguila
04.
Broadcast Comm – P. Aseron
And because I didn’t get any Math or Science related classes, I got not one, but two Malikhaing Pagsulat subjects! Eets Tagalog time!
05.
Pagsulat ng Iskrip sa Pelikula – R. Aguila
And …
06.
An MP class entitled: “Seminar.” Amazing. The awesome thing is it’s being taught by Prof. Vim Nadera aka Idol.
And of course,
07.
Judo
08.
Skin Diving
09.
Military Science / ROTC
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Apol to Diliman and to congratulate him for getting two certainly stirring subjects: Russian and Japanese Studies! These classes are of course extremely necessary for such a man who plans to travel to Russia and Japan in the NEAR future.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
In the Dojo
Spent my summer in the Judo Room!
Took Dr. Argete's class, which is really an awesome Environmental Engineering subject filled with calculations and long biogeochemistry terms. Given a chance, I'll take it again. Dork! Sobrang galing ni Dr. Argete, the best. He went to Max-Planck-Institute kaya he has this German accent.
Judo addiction while taking notes!
Took Dr. Argete's class, which is really an awesome Environmental Engineering subject filled with calculations and long biogeochemistry terms. Given a chance, I'll take it again. Dork! Sobrang galing ni Dr. Argete, the best. He went to Max-Planck-Institute kaya he has this German accent.
Judo addiction while taking notes!
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