Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

In a string of power blackouts occurring in my island as an aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), having a good book is a huge advantage (yup, they don't need charging). I ran out of reserve books since I’ve finished all of them already, good thing my sister had a couple from her collection that I could choose from. I readily grabbed Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers out of convenience considering its size being handy and light. A fan of fiction, I’m often entertained by strange, dreamy, extraordinary stories so I don’t read non-fiction much aside from articles online and in journals and magazines. My sister have been recommending Gladwell to me a lot of times, however, it’s only at this moment that I got a hold of one of his writings. I’m glad I picked it because as soon as I read the introduction, I got hooked. 

I cannot agree more with all the reviews printed on the book-- Gladwell is a master storyteller, no question about it. Albeit the book being non-fiction, there's no part that I find dragging or boring. I'm astounded by how he's putting everything in order, giving factual details at the same time enthralling the reader as one advances from chapter to chapter. Outliers is a story of success or rather facts of success. This path (success) everyone wants to take is not merely a platter served to one person or another; it’s actually a series of opportunities, hard work, cultural backgrounds, so on and so forth. Success is not what we actually think it is, there’s a lot more in between that we hardly notice unless we’re really meticulous or plainly observant.

This phenomenal book is abundant of thought provoking and eye-opening data that every time I turn a page I melt into reflection time and again. I come to realizations that I wish to apply in my own endeavors. It’s a literary experience that offers entertainment, information, and insights. 

Find out Bill Gates' journey to becoming America’s wealthiest person. Know the Beatles’ secret of becoming the world’s most exceptional rock band. Discover how an airline that had too many air crash changed their reputation from unsafe to one of today’s leading airlines.

Outliers is too read-worthy that I’m left giddy when I reached the last page itching to acquire another Gladwell book. I’m sure I’ll be a happy reader when I finish the rest of his masterpieces just like how I am today when the last letter entered my brain. 

I’m saving for his other best sellers— The Tipping Point, Blink, What the Dog Saw, and David and Goliath. “Absotively” recommending Outliers to everyone. You wouldn’t want to put it down. I swear.

Photo Inspiration #3

Source: http://steinarbergolsen.tumblr.com

Source: http://aurevoirparis.tumblr.com

Source: http://rhubarbinthegarden.tumblr.com

Source: http://noir-et-blancworld.tumblr.com

Source: http://pure-beauty-of-life.tumblr.com

Source: http://jpgmag.com

Sweet Home Cafe

Sweet Home Cafe is a good place to sip a mug of cappuccino while enjoying a book, catching up online, hanging out with a friend or just killing time. The cozy and comfortable atmosphere makes you want to stay a little longer. The homey ambiance justifies the name of the place. 

 

Not only will you  take pleasure on its setting, you can revel on an array of scrumptious food and drinks as well. My favorites are Hot Cappuccino, Berry Blue Yogurt Smoothie, Cucumber Quencher, Baked Spaghetti, All-American Burger, and Red Velvet Cake.

Baked Spaghetti

Cucumber Quencher

All-American Burger

If you're up for a relaxed coffee/food session in a home away from home, then this is the place to be.

Visit them at:

Sweet Home Cafe

Remolador St. Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines

(038) 501-6354

https://www.facebook.com/sweethomecafetagbilarancity

Mark Ryden

Rose

The odd and inexplicable are key components in Mark Ryden's masterpieces. His concepts are bewildering and complex yet tinged with familiarity. Dubbed as the "god-father" of Pop Surrealism by Interview Magazine, he utilizes subjects seen all around us-- from meat, blood, trees, bunnies, celebrities, to religious icons. 

I first encountered a Ryden painting through watching an episode of Miami Ink. This one guy had a little girl crying blood, Rose (painting above), tattooed on him. I appreciated the artwork in a heartbeat and it piqued my curiosity as to what this artist mixes up in his palette of mysteries. I am mostly fascinated by the perplexed and his works manifest enigmatic themes that bring satisfaction to my thirsty eyes of art. His beautiful paintings impress art lovers from all over the world and create a visible impression in art's hall of fame.

Incarnation

Girl Eaten by Tree

Jimi Hendrix

Fountain

Saint Barbie

A Dog Named Jesus

Nurse Sue

Dead Characters

Feast your eyes:

http://www.wondertoonel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Mr.Ryden?directed_target_id=0

http://www.earlmcgrathgallery.com/galleryartists/ryden/index.html

Words

Words are everywhere-- uttered or written. Numerous signs and quotes as we turn from one corner to the next. These arranged letters are influential, depends on the meaning they hold. Sometimes these words are needed to evoke us of the world around and it's up to us how we take in the data. Whether to absorb the idea it conveys or just glance at the letters without having to internalize what was asserted.

Phrases, statements, signs... in analogue shots.

Geometric

I'm just starting to appreciate wearing leggings. At first I didn't know what to do with them and how to wear them. My sister was reselling a bunch of leggings she bought online. I ignored it before thinking I'm not the leggings type but then thanks to trusty Pinterest, just a click away and there are bazillion looks to recreate (Yup, Pinterest addict here talking). Because of the style inspiration I had, I bought a few pairs. This geometric black and white piece is to die for. The pattern adds character to whatever plain top you have in mind to match it with.

Slouchy sweater: thrifted / Leggings: FB online shopping / Shoes: Converse

†††

Source: http://filtermagazine.com

Calm, soothing and putting me in the zone-- †††(Crosses). I could listen to their EPs all day and feel like I came from Utopia. I love listening to music that has easing and palliative elements since everything around is all but muddled there should be room for some standstill. I'm glad L introduced me to this band. 

Once you hear the vocals you'll know who's the one singing-- Chino Moreno of Deftones. His voice is perfect for the electronic rock sound. He claims "it's sort of like the stuff I like listening to when I'm not screaming my head off." With him in this side project are Far's Shaun Lopez and Chuck Doom.

The band released their first EP on 2011 and the second on 2012. A full-length album that includes tracks from the two EPs and a few new songs is set for release this year but pushed back to 11th of February next year. I can hardly wait to hear everything else in their coming self-titled album.

Meanwhile, here's a sneak peek of the upcoming record:

††† (Crosses) - †he epilogue

††† (Crosses) - bi†ches brew