PRACTICE MAKES GAME-CHANGERS (A Look Into The 10,000-Hour Rule)

by Ayn

Let's go back to when we were gradeschoolers and we hear a lot of adults' "practice makes perfect" thingamajig. And we hated it, because we'd rather spend our youthful time living life in our own terms, hanging out and refuting this with the line, "there's no such thing as perfect." But little did we know that what really separates great people from everybody else is the fact that they spent 10,000 hours doing their craft, regardless if it's quite a success or not. Ten thousand hours?! Yeah, I know that sounds holy freaking way too much.

Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, a Swedish psychologist who's one of the leading theoretical and experimental researchers on 'expertise,' proved in a study that being an expert requires us to have done AT LEAST 10,000 hours of practice. This theory has been echoed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book "Outliers", which explained in detail the stories of the world's most successful people apart from what we are generally knowledgeable of.

Before the Beatles made it big, they had to perform live every night from 1960 to 1964 for 1,200 times, stockpiling some 10,000 hours of playing time on stage. By the time they returned to England, they were believed to have sounded like no one else. When Bill Gates gained access to a high school computer in 1968 at age 13, he started programming the machine. By the time he dropped out of Harvard in his first year, he already had an incalculable advantage over other developers of his time. Tiger Woods is a good example too.

Geoff Colvin also arrived with this conclusion in his book "Talent is Overrated", which claims that what we achieve isn't about natural gifts, and that great performance is more available than we ever thought.

But regardless if it really was 10,000 or what, people, it all boils down to one word: hardwork. Successful people did not just hit one brilliant idea and made money overnight, as some people makes it appear to be. They tried, and needless to say failed several times too. When we do one thing we love over and over, we develop a certain maturity and strength of character, because we refuse to back down and get discouraged during the first few tries. We learn to see things in a different perspective and accumulate wisdom from those experiences. Consequently, we become innovative thinkers when we find better avenues in doing these things.

Practice does not make perfect. It makes an expert and perhaps subsequently a game-changer. So to be one that's 20 hours of work a week for 10 years for you. Haven't started yet? Better do. #

photo credit: http://heart2heartlove.wordpress.com/page/2/

NOSTALGIA MANIA

Tracing those tracks did not help. At all.

So I'm in yet another episode of freaking S.A.D.* Having to meet up with and message old friends surely made diverting easier, but by doing that I realize I'm unconsciously retracing my tracks, at times literally. Was leisurely walking down my old route a few hours back, something I last did four months ago. And it doesn't help. At all. I'm starting to look for a part of my old life and badly want it back. From 1995, 1998, 2002, 2009 --- all those years.

Funny how people usually want their old lives back. Nostalgia, as they often call this medical condition. But what's funnier is that this "old" life we yearn for was once the "present" we never wanted. It's just so human to live in a realm of double standards.

Talk to friends, I was advised. It's actually hard for me take this advice easily because I feel like I should first define what a "friend" is, and to what level should this "friend" be in my specific situation. Do I need just someone who will listen? Someone who will tell me what to do? Or someone who bears way more sense to help me realize how senseless I have just become?

Again, I'm over-thinking. In the simplest sense, maybe I just need an outlet. Listening to Arctic Monkeys helped me quite a deal lately, else silence could have led me to some serious unscrewing. Just any outlet. Not necessarily someone to talk to. Not necessarily someone to read this pathetic entry. Because I honestly don't get what's happening to me now. But I know I don't always have to. #

photo credits: http://www.templates.com/blog/interview-with-a-3d-artist-of-the-month-andrius-balciunas/

*Seasonal Affective Disorder. Pls. refer to The Perfect Drug entry for more details. :)

THE BLIND'S CORNER

by Ayn

Is it? Is it?

Good news, it is.

It came on a Good Friday.

On the 13th of April.

I'm beginning to think that 13 is lucky.

Or coincidence maybe.

Is it? Is it?

Maybe.

There wasn't a fair chance.

Chance is never fair at all.

Is it? Is it?

Of course it is ---

for you at certain times,

when polarity inadvertently leans

Towards the sun-drenched side for you.

Chance is never fair --- just like you.

Then you're given a second chance.

"How can I thank Thee?" you say.

Back off. Minutes ago you just asked,

"How will I thank Thee?"

Your skeptic self begin to believe

It's not something you deserve.

Is it? Is it?

Go down deep and see.

I did not move.

I dared not stir

Until Answers fall down ---

They always do.

Like second chances.

They're just quite around the corner.

Are they? Are they?

They could have been. #

photo credits: http://www.dipity.com/tickr/Flickr_corners/

MONOLOG

ni Ayn

Ayoko nang isipin.

'Pag iniwasan kong isipin,

Hindi ko na pipiliting intindihin.

Hindi naman lahat kailangang intindihin.

Ayoko nang mag-isip.

'Di rin naman masayang mag-isip.

May mangyayari naman kahit pabayaan.

Minsan mas maganda ngang pabayaan.

Baka kailangan ko lang ng katahimikan.

Minsan solusyon din ang katahimikan.

Masyado nang ring maingay ang mundo.

Gusto kong matahimik sa sarili kong mundo.

Pwede bang maging ibang tao na lang ako?

Sana pinanganak na lang uli ako

Bilang ibang taong maraming kapareho.

Minsan masaya ring maraming kapareho.

Hindi rin pala gano'n kadali.

Bakit sa ibang tao gano'n lang kadali?

Dapat ba 'kong magalit sa nakikita ko?

O ang dulo lang nila ang nakikita ko?

Sabi nila meron lang tamang paraan.

Meron nga bang tamang paraan?

Parang ang dami ko nang nasubukan.

Baka naman may hindi pa 'ko nasubukan.

Hindi ko pa rin maintindihan.

Kailangan ko ba talagang maintindihan?

Baka naman masyado lang ako mag-isip.

Pa'no nga ba pinipigilang mag-isip? #

PEN MEDINA?

Siguro nga panahon na.

Sinubukan ko naman eh, alam mo yan.

Pero baka nga naman talagang...

Pen. Me. 'Di na.

Pero malay mo pa rin, 'di ba? #

Photo Credits

http://www.jessicakhoury.com/2011/11/letting-go-when-to-bid-your-novel.html

http://www.njaron.com/index.php/category/writing/

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1209718

http://stevnle.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/hope-through-all-odds

Rock In Peace, Karl Roy (1968-2012)

For the love of one man's undying love for his art, I cease to be an art snob this time. Will go ahead on posting on a trending topic despite hating that fact to the fullest.

At 5:30am I planned to check Gmail but apparently left myself logged-on to FB the other night. And the first feed I see was from Jun Sabayton, the letters R, I, and P with Karl's photo. Hell no.

Being neither a rockstar nor a plain musician, I settled with the simple appreciation of music that I find unique yet equally meaningful. And because my little world contained mostly of either rock or jazz, P.O.T. perfectly fit the galaxy. Or maybe there's just something about the front man that makes it all magnetic, despite being called 'adik' or 'sabog' in maybe half of his lifetime. I suddenly remembered that a shy little handshake was all I could ask from this guy when we bumped into him in one of his small gigs with Kapatid.

To rock music fans of my generation, Karl was exceptional and legendary, even when he was still alive. Vocals? Huge part of it. Personality? A big perhaps. I don't know the guy, but maybe it was just his love for his art that most compelled people to him. Musical integrity --- two words he would always emphasize.

Our sadness comes partly due to the fact that slowly, these real musicians begin to fade, commercially or literally for that matter. But as much as I want to bash all the crappy artists left living who call themselves "rockstars," it would be a violation to Karl's respect for their chosen means of expression.

Paraiso now has a full combo with Teddy and Chico on guitars, Bosyo on drums, and Karl on vocals. So I would have to revise my "Worst Deaths" entry to add Karl to the list. Or maybe I should change the title to "Greatest Filipino Rock Musicians of All Time." Whatever it is, he sure will Rock In Peace. #

photo courtesy of myspace.com

RAIN IN NEW YORK

by Ayn

Yes. The only answer you accept.

Maybes struggle for equilibrium

No matter how tight the rope on end to end

Only a yes---a rock-hard, unbroken yes.

Where do I come from?

A take-up from a cold zilch yesterday,

Or from modest heaps of nixes amassed over time?

It's still a springboard, in any case.

Expectation, Anticipation, and Optimism

Ring sounds of assent but are still understated.

Hope. Life is felt when hope is drank.

I can dream not, but hope not, I refuse.

It rained in New York that day.

The Big Noon Guy only waited from behind.

Since they're neither sweet nor saline,

I let it permeate my cover

This is not the first time.

Does it bother you knowing you know what to expect?

You know you need a yes.

A rock-hard, unbroken yes.

Here's to another interlude,

Where patience gets deducted from hope,

To a point when I ask the Big Noon Guy,

Does it even rain in New York? #

photo fr www.vinosite.com

STIMULUS

by Ayn

"Expect ingratitude."

I'm breaking the silence.

It happened because it had to.

I did it. I left home.

Home? Not a fool will believe.

A place of comfort

is not always "home."

It, too, can just be "fear."

I wanted to pull you out

From that old, grimy place

where Gold is foreshadowed with gold

And victims grow by the dozen

Don't take too much time

Get the hell out of Hell

Know that despite this pain

Truth awaits your arrival

Inciting to sedition

I hate how you never saw I was always like this.

I hate how I had to play your games.

Chinese checkers are never fun.

I am not proud.

I never was.

I never was like you.

And never will be. #

*photo by Mike of freedominteractivedesign.com

OF BREAK-UPS AND DEATHS

by Ayn

It's all part of life. Every now and then we get to experience how it feels to be down on the sidelines, being separated from someone. And sometimes, we still hope for unexpected comebacks. Just like in the Rock music industry. Sorry to disappoint you with the title.

I'm not that old to have experienced the glory days of rock and roll. Minus The Beatles, I can go only as far back as the 80's. But as far as my era is concerned, I believe there have been pretty disappointing turns over the last 30 years.

1.) Worst Band Break-Up (Foreign): THE SMASHING PUMPKINS

Technically, the Pumpkins are still alive. But the break-up I'm referring to is of the four-piece ensemble of Billy Corgan, James Iha, D'arcy Wretzky, and Jimmy Chamberlin, who immortalized "1979", "Perfect", and "Tonight, Tonight" in the mainstream. Unknown to many is the real reason of the split, but the usual vocalist-turned-mad hit the headlines in 2000. Corgan returned a couple of years fronting Zwan, but was unsuccessful. In 2007 a much-publicized comeback album was released, but to the disappointment of many. Carrying the Pumpkins' brand again, the only original member Corgan brought with him was Chamberlin, who was rumored to have later left the band because of... Corgan.

So maybe the headlines were right. It was a vocalist-turned-mad case after all. But still, Corgan will never cease to be my all time favorite lyricist. I do not know Pumpkins past 2000. It was in 1998 with the song "Perfect" when I discovered this permanent love affair for alternative music. It was with the classic Pumpkins' albums where I learned my first guitar lessons, strumming "1979" and plucking "Stumbleine" and "Galapogos." Their music was addicting, with clean guitars and labyrinth-like verses. Despite keeping the band name alive, the Pumpkins that I knew has long been dead. And it's the worst in 30 years.

* Others in the list - Soundgarden, New Radicals, White Stripes, Goo Goo Dolls, Jars of Clay

2.) Worst Band Break-Up (Local): THE ERASERHEADS

And it's not because I celebrate the same birthdate with Ely Buendia. Claim number one: E-HEADS is NOT Ely Buendia. I know, I know, I could have picked someone not-so-mainstream and not-so-known by posseurs. But still, their music is a celebration of modern (and tamed) Filipino rock. Melodies were simple, lyrics were sometimes lame, but all in all, E-heads defined the Filipino alternative music of the 90s. But again, rumors say it was yet another vocalist-turned-mad case. 'Twas in early 2000s when Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Markus Adoro tried reviving with a lady frontman, Kris Dancel of the The Fatal Posporos. But everybody thought it weird, because everybody associated E-heads with Ely. I can't even blame kids if they thought the E in E-heads meant Ely. Claim number two: E-HEADS IS NOT ELY BUENDIA. Good Lord. But all members are now on separate ways in their respective careers, still within the local rock industry. I just hated it when they did this reunion concert, and TWICE at that. Come on. When you say REUNION, you do it permanently, a la Wolfgang!

*Others in the list - Twisted Halo, Sugarfree

3.) Worst Death (Foreign): JEFF BUCKLEY

No need for words. Just listen to his music. Or refer to my blogpost last Nov. 17. :) No, but seriously, I just hated why this guy had to die before his mile-long vocal range hit the airwaves. Just so frustrating I didn't even get to hear him live. He drowned in the Mississippi in 1997. He was 30. Reincarnation, please? Everybody here wants you. Me and Karla on top of the list. :)

*Others in the list - Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), Hillel Slovak (Red Hot Chili Peppers), John Lennon

4.) Worst Death (Local): TEDDY DIAZ

"And even back then The Dawn was never your band. It was Teddy's." This emotional line from Cinemalaya's Tulad ng Dati briefly expresses how influential Diaz of The Dawn has been especially in the rise of the 80's New Wave, uh, wave. Though I wasn't born yet to have witnessed him do "Salamat" and "Enveloped Ideas" in the flesh, I just know he was the guitarist who set the standards for most modern lead guitarists today. I mean, I love Francis Brew, as in hands down to the little guy. But seeing Teddy play that electric lead using a violin's bow? Man, I would have paid anything to go to a freaking Storm Concert! Teddy was stabbed by a petty thief in 1988. He was 25. Little did that robber know he hit a vital artery in the local rock scene.

*Others in the list - Chico Molina (Kapatid), Francis Magalona

Despite these deaths I would like to believe this industry will still continue to keep the love alive, especially with the comeback of STP, Fuel, and Wolfgang, and with the perpetual commitment of Pearl Jam, Razorback, and other oldies to musical ingenuity and integrity. Deaths and break-ups are all part of it, and comebacks are just pleasant surprises. But whether or not these people stay, the music definitely will. #

WILLINGLY WEIRD

by Ayn

People sometimes call me an art snob. Or at least my friend Sharon always does. That's not at all true, if I may contest. I may openly hate the pop culture, but I'm definitely open to all avenues of creativity. It's just that I hate the pop culture. Okay, so maybe she's right.

The word 'weird' was something that has always been dear to me. I may not dress in a strange manner, use odd palettes for my face, or go to joints full of eerie people, but I wanted to be weird by simply NOT doing the things most people do. I never read or watched a single Potter or Twilight. The only movies I watch in theaters each year are Cinemalaya entries. No Bieber, Gaga, Perry, or Rihanna could be found on my playlist. I stopped listening to radio after NU 107 got defunct. Never wanted to get ANY Apple product. Never dreamed of a Ferrari but a vintage little yellow Volkswagen Beetle. Not to mention I stopped blogging when I noticed everyone else was doing it! The nerve. That's why advertisements never worked for me.

But since I have a Facebook account and my Blogspot went live again, sometimes I ask myself whether I'm really not into pop culture, or I'm just too plain indolent to try out some things. I try, but I have to find myself a really, really good reason, or an excusable excuse. And I must admit this laziness can really become a hindrance to human relationships, especially when I feel like I'm pushing people away by telling them indirectly that "We're not the same."

Nevertheless, I know I'm not alone, or maybe I'm just on the other side of the plane. Maybe people who love Gaga thinks everybody loves Kurt Cobain or that Eddie Vedder's vocals are just so ordinary. Or that The Dawn is just a local rip-off of Western New Wave culture, and it's high time Joey Ayala gets a haircut. Well he already did. So now I'm starting to accept that everyone's just finding ways to belong, at the same time express--- and by that I mean owning a certain personality that is ours, and only ours.

I suddenly remembered this acquaintance of mine who most, if not some, consider 'weird.' Perhaps it's just with how she carries and expresses herself. She might wear off-season layers and (not) give you 'the look', but as for me I never saw her as the strange fella everybody thinks she is. In fact I think she's one of the coolest kids I've known, aside from the fact that she also has this knack for creative writing. We were out of town then and people thought she was being emo, staying on the cabana by herself. Didn't tell them I wanted to do that, too (but she was there so I have to strut a different stuff, haha). That was also when we had a first and last real conversation and man, did we never ran out of subject matters. She wasn't trying to be deep, opening up topics like pointillism, realism, and all sorts of -isms, but was rather just being truthful to the craft she can best express herself with.

Maybe that was what I think pop culture has snatched from a lot of us. Everybody loves it, so how now can I see YOUR personality apart from the trends that 85% of the planet follow? I just wished people will think of and own their unique avenues to express their creativity, because believe me or not, we all have artists in all of us. As for me I wish I am able to express myself better instead of coming across as an art snob. As for everybody, I wish we would someday stand up for a cause we love or a craft we enjoy, as beings who would willingly be weird as we are. #