King Kobe Takes the Throne Again.

The Lakers won the 2010 NBA Championship but the rivalry remains---even in my family. :)

Pick a side...any side.

Don't Want Cancer? Go to Starbucks.

USA Today has announced that there have been more recent scientific findings that suggest that a delicious columbian grind and adrenaline booster can prevent cancer-head and neck cancer to be exact. I'll have a cup of coffee please. Make it a venti.

Researchers have discovered that daily coffee drinkers who consumed at least four cups a day were 39 percent more likely to not develop cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx. Also, an experiment conducted in December at an AACR conference found that men who enjoyed a cup of joe daily were 60 percent less likely to possess prostate cancer.

However, such statistics should be taken with precaution. It is not concluded or widely advised that at least four cups be consumed or that coffee should be consumed at all in avoiding cancer. A healthy lifestyle including clean eating and exercise override any caffeine high.

But in support of the pro-coffee campaign, coffee is contains an abundance of anti-oxidants which seem to be common denominator in helping fight any type of cancer. Therefore despite the fact researchers have not been able to reason why coffee is linked with the prevention of cancer exactly, it does prove one thing; coffee isn't that bad after all.

Japanese Robot Baby?

(picture courtesy of physorg.com)

It cries, sleeps, eats, and sneezes. But it isn't real. Unlike most robots known from sci-fi films and novels, this new technological creation is not designed to produce mass destruction or take over the human race. Instead its main goal is to multiply the human race. What kind of messed up psychological agenda is this? It's not as much morbid as it is necessary according to a few Japanese engineers at Tsukuba University.

The infant-like robot, Yotaro, was made as a strategic effort to further population in Japan as the nation confronts a demographic crisis; a pervasive low birth rate.

Witnessing the robot behave like a newborn baby provokes parental instincts: protection, compassion, and perhaps in some cases love. Aside from its behavior, its own texture, temperature and facial expressions play a significant role in the experiment. The robot is made of silicon to emulate a baby's soft skin and its "skin temperature" is warm similar to a real infant. Yotaro's facial expressions are due to a computer animation projected onto its silicon canvas. Yotaro is capable of projecting happiness, hunger, sadness, and etc. Facial expressions along with physical reactions are caused by amount of attention it receives from its parental figures. The more loving attention one provides, the happier Yotaro. The opposite is true as well.

The interaction between its volunteer parents and the robot instantaneously forms a relationship between the two parties. It is that specific relationship that is expected to spark a society's genuine interest in familial growth.

Dancing Machine

This bright star is one of my two best girls, Carolyn who is a strong possessor of passions and a "jill of all trades." But of all her extra curricular endeavors the art of dance seems to satisfy her most. Therefore I have used, once again the advantage of photography to capture her at her most delightful moments in self experession. Enjoy. This is an ode to dance.

oh i just can't wait to be KING!

Back when the VHS player was the sign of the times, The Lion King over-exhausted itself having been replayed, rewound, and fast forwarded millions of times. This time around--even in adulthood--I took it upon myself to witness The Lion King come to life at the Orange County Pacific Arts Theater with a couple of friends. Although based on a children's cartoon film, the reenactment manages to entertain individuals of all ages as it incorporates quite a bit of modern day humor and contemporary music. In short, it was an amazing performance and would recommend everyone to watch it.

close up.

In this post I have included portraits of two fireball free spirits who are currently in the midst of self discovery in its truest form. Both are born of spontaneity and liberation and moved by the persuasion of emotion while leaving questions and answers to be determined at a later date. I managed to capture them in moments of stagnation and quiet calmness where the loud sounds and visions of nightlife scenarios are left behind.

a few notes from mexico.

Ms. Dang's Birthday. I must say.

Happy birthday to my lovely friend Julie Dang who turned the ripe age of 23 years old! In the comfort of her childhood home we gathered for some cal bee barbecue and good ol' fashioned NBA rivalry. On this day the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics by nine points leaving thousands of Laker fans extremely upset and concerned--Julie's uncle very much included. (haha) Despite the general mood swing, her birthday was filled with a lot of love and best wishes. Here are some pics...

a memorial weekend

Memorial weekend was spent with family as my dad barbecued a plethora of pork chop, corn and asparagus. All my favorite Filipino side dishes such as salted egg and tomato and peanut-based vegetables (grandma's specialty) were all included. After a hard day's work there is nothing more wonderful than going home to the people that know and love you the most! In this post I have decided to share some personal pictures I have taken and to pay recognition to the people I call home. enjoy.