Beat.Mix.Believe.

Just when you've gotten the hang of building your rhythm on your good old set of acoustic drums, an innovative musical instrument finds its way in the market. Voila! Technology brought us electronic drums! 

Totally unheard of during the baby boomer era, electronic drum sets provide musicians certain benefits that cannot be seen in an acoustic set. The most noticeable benefit is its compact size. In addition, electronic drums do not need complex microphone arrangements and can be played at lower volumes.  

The alesis dm10 pro kit is a handsome looking, top performing electronic drum kit. The hardware components are a snare, 4 toms, 1 kick and 4 cymbals. It has 100 preset drum kits. It delivers a unique experience with 1047 preset sounds. What is more amazing it that its built-in sequencer can play accompaniment parts for practice sessions or for recording your musical masterpieces. 

Electronic drum kits have changed the way music is being created, played and recorded. Less the bulk, more of the richness of tones. In full support to budding musicians, electronic drum kits also have the ability to hook up to an external CD or MP3 player for practice jamming. Unbelievable.

I am astonished at the genius of this new technology. It does keep me at the edge of my seat with the question "What could be next?"

Vocabulary Booster: Wave 1

Every day I eagerly await Fox News Channel's "The Factor" with Bill O'Reilly. There is never a dull moment in the show. Mr. O'Reilly's topics are always about interesting news and events that may impact our daily life.

The best part of the show for me is the #Factor Word of the Day. It is interesting to learn about a new word, how it is used and its etymology. 

Allow me to share with you my love for languages and the latest group of words I have learned.

1. PECKSNIFFIAN

A word that came from the brilliant mind of Charles Dickens. It originally referred to a character is one of his books, Seth Pecksniffian who was a land surveyor.

By definition, the word Pecksniffian means "blatantly hypocritical," "self-righteous." People who are labeled as Pecksniffians put up a facade of having high moral principles, being benevolent and righteous. However, deep underneath, they are highly critical, mean and treacherous.

Sample sentence: "You know you're in trouble when a Pecksniffian smiles at you." 

2. NUGATORY

The word "Nugatory" was first used in 1603, the origin of which is from the Latin word "nugatorius." Merriam Webster's online dictionary defines it as "of little or no consequence."

In modern day language, the word "Nugatory" would be similar to the words "invalid" or "non-binding." Practical applications of the word could be seen in legal documents pertaining to corporations and contracts.

Sample sentence: "The majority vote rendered the bill nugatory."  

Credits:
http://www.billoreilly.com/factor-words-of-the-day
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nugatory

Fasten Furious

The modern skyline is filled with unbelievably tall buildings which seem to touch the clouds when viewed from the ground up. Amazing feats of architecture have been sprouting all over the world, with each new structure trying to outdo the most recent, tallest building. 

Engineers are the go-to persons that describe and define the types of materials to be used in a major project. It is then critical to make the right choices in the selection of materials to use. An essential  part of this selection would be to decide on the size, gauge and material to be used in the construction and industrial setting. Another factor would be that these materials must come from a reputable dealer. Most, if not all civil and structural engineers would choose reid. A vast array of fasteners, nuts, bolts, u-bolts, screws and other building materials make planning a easy task. These are all guaranteed to be made of the best raw materials made to last a lifetime. 

The combination of materials that are structurally sound and the architectural appeal are an engineer's dream come true. The assurance of safety and security as you stand way up on the topmost floor of a skyscraper or on the second floor of your modest home is yours.  

Achieve Your Dreams with #Globe

An inspiring video aptly entitled "10 Age-Old Truths that our Generation has Defied"

I strive to be like Number 3.

I am proud to have #Globe to take care of my cellphone and internet connectivity needs. Started out with them since I got my very first cellphone and I have no intention of switching to another provider.

Inspiration + Hard work + #Globe = SUCCESS.

#Globe and me. Me and #Globe. FOREVER!

Image credit: www.gadgetpilipinas.net

The Ultimate Assistant

In days of old, composers would go out of their way to search for an instrument that makes a distinct tone to complete a masterpiece. Some artists are very particular in choosing a musical instrument that will make their music stand out. This may be a special guitar, a kind of drum or a native instrument.

Nowadays, song writing, musical arrangement and creation of sound effects have been rendered easy with the influx of technology. Composers and artists no longer have to go far and wide to find that instrument with a distinct sound they need.

The Native Instruments Komplete 9 Ultimate offers 65 instruments and effects, with over 16000 sounds and 370 GB of samples. This cutting edge software offers an easy user interface and fast hassle free installation enhancing any professional's workflow. Cost effective and versatile enough to use for a variety of needs like music production, live performance, instrument and sound design, we can be assured to save on ni komplete 9. With this great product on hand, we can have more time to concentrate on performing and creating unforgettable masterpieces.

Coping with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

I was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in 1998. Its not a surprise, being an offspring of pure line diabetics, coupled with my dietary preference for sweets.

It was not such a big deal for me early on in the disease until I started getting all the weird stuff. Nagging headaches, numbness in my toes and hands, dizziness and increased sleepiness. My endocrinologist had to keep me in the hospital for 3 days because of dehydration (apparently I had more sugar in my blood than normal). 

I was put on home medication (Metformin 500 mg and Pioglitazone 15 mg) for a good 5 years, and then I was shifted to Metformin 850 mg because I was rapidly gaining weight with Pioglitazone. And then I was fine. 

Until two weeks ago.

I started having chest pains, breathing problems and nausea. I was extremely thirsty all the time and no amount of fluid would quench the thirst. I was ordered to have my blood chemistry done, together with a urinalysis and 2D echocardiogram. 

Wake up call.

My blood sugar is out of whack again. Way too high. The doctor is amazed I did not have any episodes of losing consciousness. She ordered for a new set of medications because she wanted to decrease my sugar level rapidly to avoid damage to my liver and kidneys. I have to take my blood sugar reading twice daily - after I wake up in the morning and another one two hours after dinner. (Ack! Those glucometer strips cost a fortune!) 

My urinalysis revealed a 4+ presence of sugar. I guess my body can't contain all of it and starting throwing it out in my urine. Another sign that I really need to start taking care of myself.

Lastly, my blood cholesterol levels are unbelievably high too. In Type 2 DM, increased blood sugar levels impairs the function of the liver to break down fat in the diet. This fat (specially the Low Density Lipoprotein of "bad cholesterol") may be deposited in the walls of blood vessels putting me at risk of a heart attack. Hence, the request to have a 2D Echocardiogram done. 

During first few days of drastically altering my diet, I was practically in tears every time I would sit down for a meal. I totally shunned rice and replaced it with complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. I had boiled vegetables instead of stir-fried, and I had my favorite spicy pork adobo with nothing else. Can you imagine a Filipino having adobo without any rice? What a bummer.

I shifted my love for packaged snacks to boiled peanuts. White bread to wheat bread. Water, water and more water. The only thing I haven't done yet is to start an exercise plan. I can't do it yet without my doctor's approval. 

So now, I go along each day with the feeling of a hatchet hanging over my head. That things can go wrong anytime. 

Until such time that I get assurance from my endocrinologist that everything is under control, I would have to do my part to manage my sugar and cholesterol levels in the best way I can. 

I have drafted a strategy to accomplish this goal:

1. I will eat healthy.

2. Doing housework will be my exercise. 

3. I will stay away from stress (Avoid the undesirables at work who do nothing but cause stress)

4. I will never fail to measure my blood glucose levels at the appropriate time

5. I will take my oral medications regularly to avoid having to shift to using an insulin pen

6. I will do calming exercises. (Blogging IS my calming exercise)

7. I will always be "HAPPY HAPPY." (Just like Coach Ty Bundit tells his team when they have their backs against the wall - "You play happy happy!")

So there. I am now on the journey to get back to the pink of health. 

God willing, I will get through this. 

Keep Calm and Love a Bass Player

Image Credit: Bassplayer from Vector.me (by ashtra.com)

Playing a bass guitar does not entail doing the same kind of plucking or strumming with every performance. These artists come up a unique style every time. The secret is in the kind of strings they use. Guitar players need to be "attuned" to their strings whenever they get a new set. Some mix and match different strings until they get the feel and sound of it.

With that being said, bass guitar players don't just need a good guitar, they also need good strings that suit their music genre. The market is full of different kinds of guitar strings which could make a neophyte musician's head spin. However, the selection process could be shortened by choosing any of the fender guitar strings at Guitar Center. My personal choice would be nickel long bass strings which give me a smooth feel, and provide clear distinct tones with every performance. 

For a minimum investment, you can pluck, strum, and thump your way to success!

Sunny days and Sundays

Sunday is my Laundry Day.

I try my best to do it during weekdays but I am just too tired to do so. My tension rises every time I pass by the laundry basket and see how fast it piles up. My youngest son used to help me with this "dreadful" task, however, he has to be in school by noon and since he gets up at 10 am, then I guess I have to take ownership of this task.

Sorting the clothes is my first activity on a Sunday morning (after I had had 2 cups of coffee and watched the morning news). Whites, colored shirts, underwear, jeans, bath towels, bed sheets and pillow cases. After that is done. I stare at them and let out a sigh. 

Oh well. So I load up the washer and start my day listening to the hum of the machine. My children always tease me about the sun hiding in the clouds after the laundry is done. Its true! Whenever it is time for me to hang the clothes out to dry, there is no more sunshine. It is just suddenly cloudy. I think I'm cursed. Haha. 

Here are pictures of my first activity on a Sunday morning. Thank God there are no bed sheets today. 

The dreaded pile of clothes

The completed task. Whew!

One task done for the day. A gazillion more awaiting completion. Happy Sunday!

Leveling Up from Gigs to Concert Performance

So now you're thinking of taking your guitar playing to the next level. You have a good guitar, a group of friends who play musical instruments, a lead singer and some equipment. What else would you be needing then?

You need an amp cabinet. You cannot play an amp head without a cabinet. That's a fact. So now you have to go into the detailed selection of a good amp cabinet compatible with your amp head. First thing to consider is the resistance which is measured in ohms. Your amp resistance must match that of the cabinet you choose. The fender cabinet from musicians friend offers different models to match your current amp. They are compact and rugged to enable easy transport, hence, it is perfect for taking along with you on your gigs. 

A good guitar player armed with a compact, rugged amp cabinet producing great defined tones is what turns a gig into a concert level performance. 

An Unusual Day at the Market

8 March 2014. I got a day's leave from work. After a very good night's sleep, I decided to go to the market for fresh meat and produce. I took my shopping bag, stuffed my pocket with my cellphone, my handy digicam, and of course, money. 

When I got to the market, I noticed that there were more people than usual this morning which made me think, "Is there an upcoming holiday? Why are there so many people in the market today?" What I saw got me excited. Good thing I always have some gadget with me to capture pictures.

Today, the market was full because a "Timbangan Ng Bayan" was installed and inaugurated by the Congressman, the City District Councilor, the Baranggay Chairman and the Market Administrator. A "Timbangan Ng Bayan" is a calibrated weighing scale that the public can use to check if their purchases are weighed and priced accordingly. It is a way for the government to protect the consumer from unscrupulous businessmen. 

Thank God for my trusty little digicam. My intent to buy meat and vegetables turned out to be an article for a blog post. Sharing with you pictures of the event.

Councilor Gian Sotto (2nd from Left) and Congressman Bolet Banal (Right with microphone)

Ribbon cutting

And now, I will take you on a picture tour around our public market.

The rice stall

The meat stall where I get my choice cuts of beef, pork and chicken, sometimes sausages too.

The seafood section. Fresh catch of the day - mussels, clams, squid and shrimp.

Fresh fish of all kinds and sizes

When you get hungry while shopping, you can always have fried plantains, skewered and covered with caramelized sugar. Yum!

This is my favorite vegetable stand. The old lady always gives me a discount or a freebie (an extra onion or a head of garlic.)

This is where I get my green leafy vegetables.

Dried fish, anyone?

Smoked fish and shrimp fry

Coconuts! The basic ingredient for making rice cakes and creamed fish or meat. Curry won't be curry without coconut milk.

The dry goods stand. They have everything houseware - from pots and pans to flower pots, plungers, clothes hangers, brooms, trash bins, etc.

Clothes and slippers store where you can get shirts, shorts and sandals at a very low price.

Seems like we got everything covered, right? All you need in one trip. The bakery is just across the street together with the drugstore and fruit stand.

I love living here. All I need is just a stone's throw away.