It was a required course. I never was excited about the idea. I know that it was not my cup of tea. I couldn’t comprehend all the stuff about a manual camera. I was so tired setting up everything. Even before I could click the shutter, the subject that I was interested into no longer had the same appeal.

I still remember the first time I was made to develop a film. Before I could even perfect a photo, I had used so many photo papers (and it was so costly at the time). So in the end, I had different versions of the same ugly photo.

I didn’t like the smell of the chemical that was used to develop the films. I can still smell it long after I have left the dark room.

But really, I love taking pictures. That is why I am so happy when I had my first digital camera. What’s even better about this is that it comes with a photo editing software. But nothing beats the good ole Adobe Photoshop.

Now I don’t really have to have the eye for beauty. All I have to do is tweak the photos and add effects and alas, they would look like they were taken by a pro.

If you are into digital photography, here are the mistakes that you must avoid in order to enjoy your hobby.

1. To zoom or not to zoom. If you really have to use the optical zoom feature of your camera, then do so. But do not use the digital zoom as much as possible. It lessens the quality of your photos. The effect that it can create can also be obtained by using photo editing software.

2. Reducing the resolution of the images. Some people do this when their cameras have limited storage capacity. By doing so, they are able to save space so they can take more pictures. If you have a choice, do not opt for such.

Aim for your photos to last so that they can be seen by the generations ahead. Use the highest resolution that your camera can provide. This way, your photos can easily pass as a postcard design.

3. Back up. Do not rely on your PC to hold up your pictures forever. Back up your digital files on disks. You can also save such on some photo sharing web sites.

1. Mr. Potato Head. I never had this when I was a child. It was never popular in the province where I was from. Although I have seen this at stores when I was already growing up, I never liked it. That changed when I saw the movie, “Toy Story.”

So that’s why it looks so weird. The facial features of this character are interchangeable. A child could learn a lot just from this stuff. It was in 1952 when this was patented. It was actually the first toy that was advertised on TV.

The funny thing is that for the first eight years that this has been in the market, children used real potatoes because its plastic body only became available in 1960.

2. Hula Hoop. Nobody played this game with me because I was the expert when it comes to this hoop. I could make it go on and on for 15 minutes or longer until my playmates stop counting and start announcing that the game was over.

It was in the 1950s when a toy company from California, Wham-O, made this available in the market. By 1958, the fever was caught around the world, except for Japan and Soviet Union. The reason of these two countries for not selling the hoops was that this stuff only symbolizes the lack of meaning of American culture.

3. Barbie. I only had one when I was a child. My mom wouldn’t buy me any more after I cut the doll’s hair because it was becoming too hard to comb. This toy changed the world’s perception of dolls in 1959.

This was created by two of Mattel’s founders, Ruth Handler and Elliot, her husband. The concept was inspired when their daughter, Barbara or Barbie played with an adult looking doll from Switzerland along with her friends. They preferred this than the baby dolls.

4. Everything with the Disney princesses in it
I no longer buy toys now just for my pleasure, but instead, for my 3-year old niece. She knows all the names of all the princesses. And she has everything, from stuff toys, to pillows, card board games, to a high tech Leapster electronic game.

I have learned to appreciate them all. But I never admit to my niece that I am finding it hard to differentiate Cinderella from Aurora and Belle.

Hey, this list is not in order. And this is only partial. I actually have a lot of favorites. But it will take ages to finish it off. Talk to the person who orders her meals on the fast food chains with the toys in the bundle.

— mau pelayo

Harrison Ford, who is now 65, agreed to wax his chest hair for an ad by Conservation International. This 30-second commercial reminds people of Steve Carell’s scene in the movie, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. But that was completely hilarious.

Mr. Ford’s version is far from comedy. He is serious about the ad. The message he likes to impart was – “Every bit of rain forest that gets ripped out over there really hurts us over here.”

If you are guilty of causing deforestation, how would you feel after seeing this commercial?

A. You will feel sorry that because of you, Indiana Jones had to undergo such painful process.

B. You will feel sorry for Calista Flockhart who will definitely miss those hairs. But after a while, be glad again because you know that soon enough, those will grow back.

C. Make sure that you print such pix of Mr. Ford using the best method like offset printing because it can become a collector’s item.

My point is that I cannot see the point at all. Do you think it’s the right ad for such cause? I don’t. If people need to be aware of the problem, show it to them pointblank. Use the real images on your ads.

What’s the effect of deforestation? What happens to the wild animals as a result of this problem? How will if affect people in the process, especially when there are natural calamities? This way, the focus becomes clear. Forget about the hunky chest of Mr. Ford or the way he reacts to waxing. It may be a good ad about understanding women better.

A blog from Mau -

As I am doing this, I am really fighting the urge to doze off. Why? Well, because I am at work and I really need to stay awake. But with the rate that I am going through, I can’t seem to find my grip. My mind likes to stay in the dreamland. And my eyes can’t stay open long enough.

I am not often like this. But it’s unfortunate that my shift starts at 6 AM. And for a night owl like me who is most functional when the moon can already be seen at the dark skies, every day at work is a challenge to stay up and about.

I am doing everything for my body to adjust. I sleep early. I drink coffee before leaving the house. I turn to sodas when I am already at my desk feeling drowsy and sleepy. But nothing seems to be working. Because I sleep early, I tend to wake up at different times during the night. So when my alarm goes off, I still feel like I haven’t had enough.

Coffee and sodas have become too addicting and my body is like already immune to these. As a result, no matter how many cups of coffee or how many cans of sodas I drown myself with, I am still sleepy.

If you have the same problem, here are some tips that we may all start working out.

1. Stand up from your seat. Walk to the rest room or somewhere near every thirty minutes or so.

• I have already tried this though. I even rode the elevator to go down the building and up in a jiffy. But when I go back to my seat, I am still sleepy.

2. Sodas can be addicting. (See, I told you.) It has a high fructose corn syrup ingredient that stays in our mouths and tongues all day. As a result, we will taste it long after we have drunk the product. This also goes for coffee. It is recommended to try apple for this purpose.

3. On a trip to the bathroom, try splashing some cold water on your face. This will freshen you up and will also lessen the frequency of your trips to dreamland.

4. Drink a lot of water. This is good for your body. And this will also make you stand up frequently to go to the bathroom.

If the above mentioned won’t work, try looking at some postcard design and ponder about your other options. Maybe you really are not fit for your shift. And the best way to fight sleep is to find another job that will not force you to wake up at an ungodly hour.

** interesting right? any advice for her?

The star of films like Blue Velvet and Death Becomes Her is now trying her hand on insect porn. Yes, ladies and gentleman, thanks to Isabella, now we’ll know how these small creatures propagate. She will play the lead role for each clip herself. She is gonna be the insect. And she is going to mate on national TV.

This is all part of the “Green Porno.” The project is made up of a series of two-minute short films to be shown at the Sundance Channel. These flicks are also made to fit cell phone viewing.

This special includes the praying mantis. I can only imagine how Ms. Rossellini will be able to imitate how such insects do their struts. As most of us know, when mating, the female praying mantis eats up her partner. The male insect continues the act until it can no longer afford to because he’s all chewed up.

Aside from the praying mantis, Isabella gives a hint that we should also be looking forward to how the mollusks do their foreplay. She said that it’s kind of rough. I wonder what she means.

So how is she going to pull it off? The famed star is going to be dressed as the insect she is portraying on the eight-part series. She’s going to demonstrate how it’s being done. Because most insects are hermaphrodites, Isabella gets to be the female one on some of it and male on the other flicks.

Don’t be too rowdy with your imagination though. She gets to do the act fully clothed in costumes. And her partners will only be cardboards. I can only speculate how she’s gonna eat that when she plays the praying mantis part.

This will be good to watch. The actress said that her son and his friends even helped her do the bees part. It just goes to show that her family is supportive with her porn project.

Everybody seems to be excited about it. Well, I’m not. For the 20 plus years of my existence, I’ve also worn 20 plus different bridesmaid dresses. I’ve been to all types of weddings. Name it, from simple, traditional, themed, so-so to extravagant.

I can understand that the brides don’t want to be upstaged on that big day. But you don’t have to be obvious. Although not all the bridesmaid gowns that were given to me contributed to that conclusion. Some of those gowns made me repulse the idea of being a bridesmaid ever again.

The most beautiful gown that I wore was given by my best friend. It was also the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to. Even though the preparation for that day was tasking for everyone involved, it was worth it.

I prepared the video presentation of the couple. My friend requested a song that was so hard to find. The venue for the wedding was far from my place. But I was so excited. I was looking forward into fitting in that beautiful gown.

It was a simple wedding, yet it was also very emotionally touching. My friend made sure that everybody will relieve the moment. All the bridesmaids went home with treasured memories and a pretty gown in tow.

Sometimes when somebody asks me to be a bridesmaid, I couldn’t help but count how many of my friends are still waiting for the coming Junes. I’ve sold most of the gowns or given them away. There is only one that is in my possession. It won’t fit me now but I still have the gown from my best friend’s wedding.

Walking the aisle is still far from my mind. But when I finally got the courage to do it with the right person by my side, there is one thing that I will not forget. I will make sure that my bridesmaids will enjoy the moment as much as I do. I’d like them to remember the moment when they have worn the gowns that made them shine.

- Maureen Pelayo

Why are we so obsessed about our age and the way we look? When we were young, we all have searched for the best acne and pimple remedy. And as we grow older, we look for ways so that the years won’t be so evident on our faces.

But with the everyday stresses that we are all faced with, is there really a formula to help you disguise your real age? We all know about this but we often tend to neglect.

Staying away from bad habits is one. But if you can’t do away from occasional drinking and smoking, just compensate for it. Exercise often and get yourself involved in activities that you will enjoy. Feed your tummy with the right foods. And also don’t forget to feed your mind.

The lines will appear through time. But it is better to age gracefully than show signs of aging while you are still young and very able.

But the real key to fight aging is by staying happy. Times may be hard. And things don’t always happen the way we want them to. But you can find happiness in every corner even of the darkest room. When everything doesn’t seem to work, let your creativity flow and stay positive.

Those anti-aging products can help us look young. But can they also make us feel young? You’ve got to have the right attitude to beat life’s odds. Always turn to the bright side of things. Always look for ways to turn negativity into something positive.

So if you are still in search for the best formula to hide your real age, you have to remember that you already have it. You just have to tap on it and make something happen.

I know that these statements seem easier said than done. But it can be done. I’m not saying that you must always be happy and laughing. True happiness lies within. It’s better than any anti-aging creams.

That was in May 2005 when even Oprah, the queen of talk, was dumbfounded when Tom jumped on the couch on the set of the show. He was professing his love for Katie. She was only his girlfriend back then.

What is his idea of love, anyway? He could have just used postcard mailing and sent it directly to his lady love.

I didn’t see that show. But I’ve seen the parodies that came after. It became a running gag for quite a time. That was when I also lost my admiration for the guy.

I mean, yeah, he would be marrying a girl young enough to be his daughter. But it doesn’t really mean that he had to act out like he was her age. Neither the boys of Katie’s generation would be awkward to do that.

If I was Katie, I would have jumped out of Tom’s life after that Oprah incident. It was a sign. It was definitely a sign that Tom and Britney’s brains are on the same path.

But maybe, Katie and Tom were meant to be. She seems like a sane and a very wise girl. She is not the type to jump on couches just to prove to people that she’s in love.

Back to Oprah, the show is going to give tribute to Mr. Cruise. It will be a two-part show. The first part will be done on his home. It will showcase the guy and his family life. The show will be aired on May 2.

And on May 5, Tom will reunite with Oprah’s couch on the Chicago studio for the second part of the special. We just have to wait and see what other pranks this guy has on his sleeves.

Daniel said that he was love-struck. But there was never a chance for him to get to know the girl that night or even get her number. Oh, this boy seems to believe in fairytales.

He said that he searched for the girl all through that night. He looked at the whole area for almost an hour, hoping to find his princess. But he wasn’t that lucky. You should have brought your magical broomstick with you, Potter. The Telegraph, in an effort to help Daniel, created a buzz by searching for that Aussie girl who captured the wizard’s heart.

There are a handful of girls who came forward and participated in the whole brouhaha. I can only imagine. But only one girl will soon fly over to London to meet up with Daniel. She no longer has to resolve to postcard printing because she will get to meet him in person. This modern day Cinderella’s name is Cassi McKay. She works in an insurance company in Sydney. And she is 20 years old.

But if you are thinking, Harry or Daniel is one lucky kid, or man. There is actually a twist to the story. Cassi has a boyfriend. They’ve been together for two years. I am not sure if the guy knows that his girl has been showering Harry smoldering gaze that fateful AFI evening. But Cinderella is open for friendship with the poor prince.

Lessons learned, my friends. First, a wizard cannot put a magic spell on his own love life. Second, it is sad to belong to someone else when the right one comes along (according to England Dan and John Ford Coley). And third and most important of all, the best way to Harry Potter’s heart is through his eyes.

I can just imagine the next time Daniel goes out for an event, pretty girls would surely practice some hypnotizing looks on him in hopes that they’ll be able to capture this wizard’s heart.

The latest brouhaha is about the phasing out of the famous Microsoft operating system from the market, the Windows XP. I don’t know about you, but I was like oh, no. Please don’t force me to use Vista.

I can still remember the time when I was so used with Windows 98. Everything seemed easy and not complicated for a non-computer geek like me. Many OS have been introduced after but I did not change mine.

It’s not until my old PC became irreparable that I had to buy a new one. And to my surprise, everything in the market came with a pre-installed Windows XP. I loathe the day that I had to learn everything from scratch.

The wiz in me came back into being a student. But I had no choice. I don’t want to change into Mac. If changing OS with Windows is like going to another country, changing to Mac would be like going to another planet.

Well, that’s only for me. I am conventional. I prefer the common postcard design as a marketing tool than a 3D billboard. And it took me ages to adapt to my Windows XP just to be told that now I have to let go of it soon and face another tune.

Microsoft will stop selling the XP OS. They will also stop giving updates. But it will still function. I can still use it until the day that I have to buy another PC. Oh, how I dread that day.

Can Bill Gates just make up his mind and stop creating different names for Window’s OS? Can Vista be the last? I know that technology improves through time. But can he just integrate all the improvements on the last OS standing?

Not all human beings have the size of Mr. Gates’ brain, especially the technology wiz side that I only have a very small portion of. So do not make things any more complicated than they already are.