Stop Repeating the Past 10 Ways to Break Away From Repetition Compulsion

We keep making the same mistakes & engaging in the same destructive behaviors even when we know better. Here are 10 ways to stop repeating the past.

Repeating the past and making the same mistakes is repetition compulsion, according to Sigmund Freud. This in psychiatric terms means "the blind impulse to repeat earlier experiences and situations quite irrespective of any advantage that doing so might bring from a pleasure-pain point of view." In regular words, it means that we're repeating the past, making the same mistakes, and constantly complaining about the results – and yet we keep doing it!

Stop Repeating the Past: Why We Struggle With Repetition Compulsion

Repetition compulsion or repeating the past involves recreating the same dynamics that we experienced as children. If your childhood was filled with verbal abuse and fear, then you may be more comfortable living with abuse and fear as an adult – and so you pick a partner who calls you names or pushes you around. This is repeating the past. If you were the "good kid" who didn't cause trouble and always helped out, you may be inclined to make people happy (the people pleaser). Again, you're repeating your past or making the same mistake.

For some, repeating the past means complaining about never making money in the stock market – because they never invest or move their money around. For others, repeating the past means waking up with a hangover and no idea where the car is – and doing it again the next weekend, or even the next day. It's about repeating the past or making the same "mistakes". However, repeating the past isn't about mistakes.

Repeating the past or repetition compulsion could involve picking friends who take advantage of you, or accepting jobs that don't offer a chance of promotion or professional development. Repeating the past is pursuing the same dead ends over and over again, or engaging in the same self-destructive behavior. It's making the same mistakes. To stop repeating the past, you must first determine if you are repeating the past.

Repetition compulsion or repeating the past includes:

* Emotional eating, or eating too much or too little
* Drinking too much or alcoholism
* Unsafe, unprotected promiscuity
* Drug addiction
* Working all the time, workaholism
* Constant misery, complaining, or sour attitude - a common form of repeating the past
* Chronically choosing the wrong man or woman
* Picking the same type of friends (bad ones)
* Chronic negativity or pessimism
* Trying to "make" others love us - another common form of repeating the past
* Constant financial struggles
* Persistent struggles with illness or disease

How to determine if you're repeating the past:

You consistently ignore the negative consequences of your actions (and you're obviously repeating the past). For example, when you're stressed about work you always eat donuts, potato chips, and chocolate bars until midnight – then wake up feeling disgustingly fat and sluggish. Yet, you ignore the awful feelings and not only do you keep on eating, you don't deal with the source of the stress (e.g., get a different job or delegate some responsibilities). You're repeating the past and suffering for it.

10 ways to stop repeating the past:

1. Counseling with a therapist familiar with repetition compulsion.
2. Self-awareness and honesty.
3. Books. To stop repeating the past, read about habits and motivation.
4. Workshops or lectures about repetition compulsion.
5. Support groups.
6. Friends or family that will support you as you stop repeating the past.
7. Crisis moment or pivotal experience (eg, experience with death).
8. Medication (if you're depressed, for instance, learn about antidepressants).
9. Quitting cold turkey.
10. Find relief through vacations, exercise, hobbies, new activities. To stop repeating the past, you may need to distract yourself.

When you're trying to stop repeating the past, you may not know which way will work best for you until you try each method. Pick the most obvious or easiest method to stop repeating the past, give it your best shot, and see what happens. If it doesn't work, then pick another path. A combination of things (such as books and support groups) is an often effective way to stop repeating the past.

There may be no easy answers – but at least you're aware of your tendency towards repeating the past.

This article was taken from Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's site, http://theadventurouswriter.com/.

This is me.

I am John. Most people I know call me by that name. Close relatives call me Jay. If you want to live through the ordeal of reading this crap, call me John. Thank you.

• I am extremely ordinary: I have no special talents and I look painfully plain. Too plain even for my bland taste.

• I am not particularly deep. I easily laugh at stuff. Even the corniest of jokes would crack me up. It also doesn't take much to bring a tear to my eye. A sweet gesture, even the smallest of things, would be very much appreciated.

• I love watching cartoons. I love The Fairly Oddparents, Danny Phantom, SpongeBob SquarePants, Looney Tunes, Ben 10, Justice League, Legion of Superheroes, The Batman, Teen Titans, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Dexter's Lab, What's New Scooby Doo? Courage the Cowardly Dog, Tom and Jerry, The New Woody Woodpecker Show, Totally Spies, Martin Mystery, Cow and Chicken, The Powerpuff Girls, Batman Beyond, Batman the Animated Series, X-Men, X-Men: Evolution, Godzilla, Extreme Ghostbusters, The Little Lulu Show, Garfield and Friends, Scooby Doo, Where Are You? The Adventures of Tintin, Visionaries, Tigersharks, Wild C.A.T.S., The Real Ghostbusters, Thundercats, She-Ra Princess of Power and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I also love animé! I watch Pokémon, Doraemon, Detective Conan, Blood+, Cardcaptor Sakura, Hunter X Hunter, Slayers, Ninku, YuYu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, Yaiba, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Zenki, Ranma 1/2, Trigun, Virtua Fighters and Weiß Kreuz to name a few. I could watch a marathon of any of these shows at any given time.

• I like to read books, magazines, articles and just about anything that is thought-provoking. At times when I want to soak up on new words, I read the nearest dictionary available. And yes, I read the dictionary. Uh no, I am not weird. If I do read something, it means that it has piqued my interest. I seldom read novels as I tend to lose interest midway; especially if the author hasn't got the good stuff to keep my eyes glued to his material. If ever I do get the chance to read one (and be able to finish it), it means that I was kept wanting until the end (which, I think, is a good thing).

• I take pleasure in meddling with other people's lives, although most meddling instances occur only inside my head. This is probably because of my abysmal curiosity. I want to know: a) what goes on inside your head; b) what makes you tick; c) what makes you smile; d) what are your deepest secrets and the reasons you have for keeping these things unknown to the rest of the world; e) what do you think about when you're alone; f) what food do you like; g) what makes you do what you do; h) how would you react to certain stimuli and other stuff that randomly comes to mind every time I get to thinking.

• I always offer unsolicited advice. No, wait. I always GIVE unsolicited advice. So beware. And be prepared to just ignore me when I do.

• I am a keen observer in the lives of many who surround me. Since I was a kid, I've always felt compelled to watch those who are around me. Watching their every move, taking note of the nuances in their behavior. It was like I was waiting for something to happen and I wanted to be aware and prepared when that something does.

• I love to eat (which is made blatantly obvious by my girth). I love spud-based dishes and snacks. I adore pasta coupled with the oil-slathered, carb-rich, artery-clogging, pizzas.

• I like to cook. And thankfully enough 95% of the people I cooked for have survived my kind of food. They loved it. The rest didn't live long enough to have seconds. I WONDER what ever happened to them...

• I am open to experimenting and try new things. Yes. I am adventurous (even if it would not seem like it at first). Though admittedly, there would be times that I'd hesitate and refuse to try something new, I am mostly receptive to stuff I haven't had my grimy hands (or jagged teeth) on.

• I mussitate. I talk (out loud) to myself, especially, when I am in duress.

• I am a scaredy cat. Despite this fact, I have a strong penchant for horror, thriller and mystery flicks. I like the ones that evoke spine-chilling, raising-the-hair-at-the-back-of-your-neck stuff, especially the ones that make their scenes linger in your head even after the credits finish rolling. If a movie has had such an effect on me as to leave me paranoid (more than usual), then it's definitely scary. Well, that or my steroid-packed imagination is acting up again.

• I like chocolates! I'm not much of a nutty or nougat-filled chocolate person (though I like Toblerone and Snickers). I love Hershey's Milk Chocolate, M&M's Plain, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, Swiss truffles, Maltesers, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, KitKat, and Twix.

• I like playing handheld and console games. I have had a Gameboy, a Gameboy Color, a Gameboy Advance, Gameboy Advance SP, a PSX, a PSOne, and a PS2. Yes, I know. What a gamer I turned out to be when I just happen to own only 2 gaming consoles. I do have plans of getting my own Xbox 360, GameCube, Wii and PS3. I just want to get my own house first so I could set up a gaming room where I could put all of these stuff in.

• I adore ice cream! I'm especially fond of the Selecta's Vanilla Ice Cream (which I top with Nesquik chocolate syrup); the Nestlé Crunch Ice Cream Bar; the Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream Homemade Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Ice Cream Bar. Häagen-Dazs' Crème Brûlée and Dulce de Leche is SIMPLY to die for. Seriously. Have you tried it? The poverty of words simply cannot begin to define the sweet, velvety taste of these confections. As with my chocolates, I'm not too fond of nuts, mallows, or anything "intrusive" in my delightful heaven.

• I hate being late, being made to wait or moving around slow people (especially when I'm in a pickle). At the risk of sounding uncouth, I would say that it would be (uneducatedly) unfair for someone to make somebody else wait (on their account). That's why I try to be early on appointments. I know that not everybody would share the same sentiments, but I guess there's nothing wrong in being early (and expressing my utter disdain for those people who are taking their precious time wandering about not mindful of those who are waiting for them). I guess it would be okay to be late as long as you don't have anybody waiting for you. Otherwise, it would just be plain rude. As for the slow folks, try not to hog sidewalks, escalators or passageways. There are others (like me) who would rather pace quickly and do more important stuff other than lag behind you slowpokes.

• I am impatient (evidently enough based on the latter). Enough said.

• I understand spoken French. I try to read a lot of bande dessinée, listen to music and watch TV5 more for practice. Getting into a conversation with a native speaker would be a struggle, but not impossible.

• I tend to lose IQ points in the presence of magnificence or gorgeousness. I either turn into a blabbering idiot or a lifeless stump. Aargh. If I do manage to get my tongue twisted in your company... well, that's your cue.

• I get a lot of people (who would later become friends of mine) who come up to me and tell me stuff that one wouldn't readily share with just anybody. And I do mean stuff you couldn't easily share with casual acquaintances. There came a time when I asked myself if I had this sign on my forehead, "Tell me your woes and secrets." Not that I am complaining. It's just that it never ceases to amaze me that people come to trust and let me in on their most guarded secrets. It feels good to know that these people come to you and have the utmost confidence that they'd never need to be worried that our conversations would go out or something. I also feel that they have no thoughts that they'd be prejudiced against, be mocked or even be placed under scrutiny when they come to me. Otherwise, they wouldn't have come at all.

• I love listening to people (which would also help explain the latter). I am not that talkative, but I do know how or when to speak up. It just takes a bit of a spark to get me going in a conversation. I mean, if the person doesn't push the right buttons, I would hardly speak up. It also works better for me (most of the time) if the other party talks more than I do.

• I'd love to travel more. And spend less.

I'd love to write more but, for now, this would suffice. More on this as soon as the steroids kick in. Au revoir!

Panalong Pre-Nup Video

bado+sugar prenup music video from noel bentulan on Vimeo.

Havaianas or Spartan?

Pangalan: Havaianas

Lugar na pinanggalingan: São Paulo , Brazil

Pagbigkas:
ah-vai-YAH-nas (Brazilian Portuguese)
hah-vee-ah-naz (American English)
OMG! hah-va-yaH-naZz! (Filipino)

Materyal na ginamit: Malupit na goma (high-quality rubber).

Presyo: Depende. Ganito na lang, 1 pares ng Havaianas = 100 pares ng Spartan.

Mga nagsusuot:
Mga konyotik at mga mayayaman (na noong una ay nababaduyan sa mga naka-de sipit na tsinelas at sasabihing, "Yuck! So baduy naman nila, naka-slippers lang.")

Malulupit na katangian at kakayahan:
- Masarap isuot.
- Shock-absorbent
- Malambot ngunit matibay
- Makukuha sa sandamakmak na kulay, disenyo at burloloy
- Maaaring isuot sa loob ng starbucks
- Mainam na pang-japorms
- Mainam i-terno sa I-Pod at Caramel Macchiato
- Mapipilitan kang maglinis ng mga kuko mo sa paa
- Maaari ka nang mag-dikwatro sa loob ng mga pampublikong lugar at sasakyan
- Magiging 'fashionable' ka kapag ikaw ay nagkukuyakoy
Olats na mga katangian:
Mahal!
Mahal!
Mahal!


Pangalan: Spartan

Lugar na Pinanggalingan: Metro Manila , Philippines

Pagbigkas:
spar-tan (American English),
is-par-tan (Filipino).

Materyal na ginamit: Pipitsuging goma (Low-quality rubber).

Presyo: Wala pang 50 pesos. Isang pares ng Spartan = 20 piraso ng pan de coco.

Mga nagsusuot: ang masa (gaya-gaya lang ang mga sosyal at pasyonista)

Malulupit na katangian at kakayahan:
- Maaring ipampatay sa ipis
- Maaring ipampalo sa mga batang suwail at damuho
- Pwedeng ipanglusong sa baha at putikan
- Pwedeng ipamalengke
- Mainam gamitin sa tumbang-preso
- Mainam gawing 'shield' kapag naglalaro ng espa-espadahan
- Mainam isuot sa siko bilang proteksyon habang naglalaro ng piko
- Mainam na pambato sa picha o shuttlecock na sumabit sa puno
- Mainam na pangkulob sa pumuputok na watusi
- Kapag ginupit-gupit nang pahugis 'cube,' e maaari mo nang gawing pamato sa larong Bingo na kadalasang makikita sa mga lamay ng patay.
Olats na mga katangian:
- Madaling magkawalaan kapag hinubad dahil halos pare-pareho lang ang itsura
- Masakit isuot kapag may mga balahibo ang mga daliri mo sa paa
- Minsan kapag ipinambato mo ito sa picha o shuttlecock na nakasabit sa puno, e nadadamay pati yung tsinelas

Was about to try something new...

I was on my way to the office when it started drizzling. I was glad that I was still inside the bus when it did. Instead of a scorching-sunny-wet-your-armpits-like-hell morning, it was raining! Yay! It WAS a great morning for me. A great way to start off the week. I had thought of doing something new today. Something to resolve my utter lack of rationality last week... Something possibly life-altering (alam ko, OA na ito... but hey, that's how I felt).

I got to the office brimming with hope and enthusiasm for the coming days. I think I got an idea. And then something happened.

I was already in the office. I put down my implements and supply cache for the week. Then I opened the fan just to dry myself. I opened my PC. The PC was booting when suddenly, pak! The fan sparked a blue light and it went off. The smell of burnt electric cords wafted and filled the area. I turned the fan off and pulled off the cord. I took it out. Then I saw that my PC didn't boot! Aargh. Good thing though that it was only the AVR that conked out. Had a change of AVR units and I was back in business. I thought that that was it. I could go on as planned.

Then along came my good friend Karl. He enquired why I was ignoring him last week (around Thursday and Friday). Sabi ko, I wasn't ignoring him. I was just probably busy with something. Besides, I couldn't remember receiving an IM from him. Seeing as how reliable my memory is and how it has served me quite well, I was prompted to view the archive of messages from last week to prove my point (and innocence).

Gasp! And aargh! No archives. Gasp!

I was exasperated and I hyperventilated for a couple of minutes. And then I decided to write this.

I still am contemplating on trying the new stuff I thought about before this morning's minor mishaps. It just got me to thinking. Maybe this will work. More on this later. ;)

Just me and my overly hyperactive, oxygen-deprived imagination

I could easily tell that this is gonna be one of those days (or nights, if you're gonna go and nitpick) where I would spend time in the corner, talking to myself, ALONE. I never was one to handle being thrown off-balance. I mean, all of my rational thinking, analytical prowess (ahem, kapal) and generally sane disposition evade my grasp. In the corner. ALONE. Wondering what the friggin' hell am I doing here?! I thought I have gone forward already and took a 180° turn, only to find myself in the exact same spot I fled from. Running. Almost 2 years ago.

And what sorta bothers me is that it tends to be the same thing, AGAIN and AGAIN. Like a bad case of déjà vu gone worse. Or an endless rerun of horrendous slapstick sitcom episodes. Or a barrage of idiocy wherein instead of me fleeing, you see me catching every ounce and drop of it with open arms and a wide-gaping mouth. Aargh. I can feel my IQ points diminishing.

It is not that obvious that I am bashing myself. I am beating myself for digging up yet another pit for me to fall through. I am mad at myself for being such a fool. I am on the verge of trying self-mutilation but I am not that foolish (yet) or that brave even.

Why didn't I see the signs? Signs that I was again setting up myself for agony and pain and regret. Make no mistake though. I am not a sado-masochist (well, most of the time I am not). I don't like getting hurt and even if I appear to enjoy getting hurt, I assure you that I do not. Maybe I have seen the signs. Maybe I have seen them and just ignored them. You ask me why? Why indeed. Why would I ignore these signs if they were there to help me avoid such untold pain?

Maybe I was just blissfully unaware. Blissfully ignorant of the dangers that accompanied my kind of HAPPINESS. I feel happy. I felt happy. I was, for a time, HAPPY. But as the happiness ran out, I turned bitter. Or just severely melancholic. Or I was overcome by a schizophreniform disorder. I felt my veins and muscles were slowly caramelizing into a catatonic state and I became extremely overwhelmed with avolition. Crap! Crap! CRAP!

In my defense, I have already improved. I was not like this before. I was the worst kind of scum when it comes to this kind of stuff. I had this nasty habit of lunging at the next person I like and professing my undying devotion to them. Am different now. I'm a bit wiser. And when I say a "bit," I do mean a BIT.

If I pause and assess the situation, it's just me. I mean, the other person is completely clueless (or not) as to what I am going through, on what thoughts run across my mind, or even the feelings attached to being a mere "admirer." Wala siyang ginagawa. Ako lang itong gago na nag-iisip ng kung anu-ano. Ako lang ang dahilan bakit ako nagkakaganito. Wala nang iba pa. Also, I wouldn't venture that far by letting the person know. It wouldn't be natural. It would feel forced. It wouldn't be right. I wouldn't tell just so I can elicit a favorable response. Again, I am not that brave. Better shun telling than facing rejection. Or am I just making excuses?

I have always thought that everything will just work out the way they are supposed to in the end. Things always happen for a reason (and yes, aargh for being so cliché but that's the way I see things). I am still thinking things through. Sorting through the mess. Rummaging through countless excess baggages. You ask, what's the point in all of this? Probably in the middle of all this ranting is a silent prayer asking for help and forgiveness for everything. By the way, I still feel the same way. Confused. Wanting. Crappy. ALONE.

Failure to launch

We had an extremely superb, albeit short, weekend trip around the Bicol region. Despite the occasional drizzling during the day (and the torrential rains during the wee hours of the night), we were able to have lots of fun (and pictures taken too)!

After a grueling 20-hour trip, we were in Bicolandia. The travel time was sort of long but I think it gave us enough time to enjoy each others company. We waned the waiting time with a medley of sorts and our friends' signature moves kept us awake through most parts of the trip. In spite of the mishaps, we arrived quite safely at our destination around 4:00pm, Friday. The skies were already overcast, foreboding the weather conditions that awaited us.

The following day we went to CamSur for the wakeboard thingy. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. But since we were already there, I have tried to give kneeboarding a spin and I ended up catching my breath. After two attempts at launching my fat-ridden carcass towards the water, I had to lay my dreams of becoming a wakeboarder on the sidelines. Well at least until I get the darned technique of turning at the buoys without hurling myself helpless and funneling the water straight through my mouth and nose.

Same afternoon, we went to the Cagsawa ruins. The air was surreal when I got there (well, at least for me that is). It was like stepping into a postcard. We moved quickly towards the site as we were trying to catch ample lighting for our photos. Soon it was dark and we started to head home.

The whole weekend went by fleetingly. Probably because we were having fun. Or maybe it was just really too short a time for us to go and visit more places.

I was happy to realize that on this particular trip, I learned a lot and was able to pick up a few things on the way (which I guess is true for any experience you gain). The following insights aren't exactly newfangled ones. They were just highlighted one way or the other during the whole trip.

• Despite our best efforts, we cannot please everyone. I would have died ages ago, had I not realized this sooner.
  

• We can control our actions (and reactions), but cannot do the same towards other people. In short, prudence. Inasmuch as we would want for others to (at least) have the same degree of control, it is near-impossible. So, instead of driving myself stark-raving mad trying to control them (or even expecting control from them), I focus on trying to curb my own leanings. We can choose to be happy. We can choose to be bitter. We can choose to be forgiving. We can choose to be mad. Whatever we do, ultimately, it is our choice that will matter. So we cannot go around blaming people for the things that they do to us. It doesn't (and shouldn't) work that way. Only we are responsible for our actions and we are somehow a part of the way other people treat us. If you feel like you are treated like crap, then maybe you are crap (or have actuations that make you look like crap). But if you think you are not crap, then maybe it's high time you show and prove yourself to the people around you that you are not deserving of such treatment. Get a grip. Take control. And stop pointing fingers.
  

• Your learning curve is your own. What may work for another person, may not necessarily work as good for you. Do try and try until you succeed, but always take a breather after each attempt. Life isn't always a competition in which you have to win. You might as well have a rockin' fun time and savor every second of it, instead of beating yourself down to a pulp and killing yourself in the process. Live another day to try again and have some more fun! What is important is that you are able to accept your shortcomings and do your best to try and work your way around them.

• Maturity cannot be forced. There are no shortcuts to being mature. I guess this kinda comes with time and age (and self-respect). Imagine me, at my age, throwing tantrums. Oh, well sige na nga. I still do throw fits of violent rage and show signs of inner turmoil. I am not perfect. I, too, experience "off-days." So sue me.

• Assumptions should be kept to one's self, especially ones that are most likely to be unfounded. Normally, one would make the wrong assumptions just about anything because we base solely on either one of the following: (1) a string of events, tied-up loosely at the ends to make a certain condition plausible or even remotely acceptable; (2) high expectations; (3) clouded judgment due to emotions caused by no. 2; and (4) misleading or incomplete information. Now, having said this, I hope nobody would assume that this is about them. This is my blog. These are my assumptions. So I better not get any outrageous and vehement reactions as I am not pointing out anything to anybody. This is about me. Period.
  

• One should learn to value, appreciate and be grateful for the blessings that come their way. A lot of people (including myself, of course) sometimes become too complacent and forget to be thankful for everything that's been given to us. Thankfully enough, I know many people who constantly remind me that I am always blessed even if I sometimes think (and feel) that I am not.

• Living together sheds people's affectations. People, to some extent, lower their guards in situations that make them comfortable. Not only do they let down any hanging pretensions, but they also tend to show what their true colors are. This doesn't necessarily make them "plastic" or even hypocrites. It's just that we are shown another façade of their personality that we seldom see (like when they are at home or are in the company of friends).
  

• Make the most out of every situation. Carpe diem.
  

• Not everybody can take what you have to say. As every individual is unique, coupled with the different backgrounds, various levels of intelligence, values and personalities, it would be difficult to ascertain if a certain someone would be able to digest the things that you would be telling them (without getting misunderstood). As a rule of thumb, if you have nothing nice to say, then don't say it. Or if you have to say something not exactly nice, try to rephrase it to make it more "palatable" and less hurting. Unless you intend to make it that way (which is an entirely different story, fit to be told on another occasion).

• Empathy is a priceless trait. Most of the time, I try to place myself in the other person's shoes. I also try to be considerate. And sensitive. And understanding. But as I've said, I also experience "off-days." And during this "off-days," I undergo transformation and turn into an inconsiderate boob. Well, at least this only happens every once in a while. Unlike some poor sap I know... Oh, forgive my uncouth implications, as today happens to be an "off-day."

Got home around 1:00am this morning. I was tired and I was contemplating on how to get myself to sleep. After a cold shower, I lied down in bed. Apparently I got asleep even before I could think of anything.

Overall, I think the trip was a huge success. I got to Bicol for the first time. I tasted food that I previously didn't want to partake of. I got pictures taken of Mayon (even if it was hidden behind thick clouds). I got to think about a lot of stuff on the way and back. And I got a taste of the things to come my way. Am I happy? Of course I am. It's just that, instead of finding answers, a lot of questions cropped up. Thoughts rushed in. And the fool that I am, came tumbling after. I am in neck-deep. And it scares me.

To be or not to be

As a true blue Libran, I have been constantly plagued with bouts of severe decision paralysis. And these situations involve, not life-changing decisions that need to be made, but normal, everyday stuff like picking a shirt (even if it's the same crappy set I choose from every week) or choosing between chocolate cake or ice cream (which sometimes invariably end up together in the same bowl).

When I am blessed with a lucid mind (which doesn't happen very often as of late), I can take [almost] any situation and be able to see both sides clearly. This trait can also come as a hindrance for me as I see both sides, it would sometimes be difficult for me to pick one, make a choice or take a side. This is where the predicament arises: decision paralysis at its best [or worst, depending on the situation].

There have been a number of thoughts that I have been pondering on and I haven't actually gotten any nearer a conclusion. I'd like to share them with you and I'd appreciate hearing what your opinions are regarding them:

1. On loving half-way and loving with all your heart and soul.
A few people have said to me that you shouldn't love too much as to leave yourself with nothing. "Magtitira ka para sa sarili mo." If this is the case, one would be loving someone only half-way (or not wholeheartedly) and not with one's very existence. Isn't it true that, for you to be able to say that you love someone, one must be able to love him/her with your heart and soul? "Hindi ba kapag nagmahal ka, dapat lahat-lahat, buong-buo ng pagkatao mo ibibigay mo para maramdaman ng taong minamahal mo na siya ay minamahal mo ng lubusan?"

2. Fighting for love and letting go.
When would you know that you should fight for love? Would you fight for love against all odds? Would you be steadfast even if the one you love isn't sure if the both of you should go on? Does it hold true that when you love someone, you should be ready to face anything and be prepared to overcome obstacles along the way? When would you know that you should let go? Or should you let go? Is letting go tantamount to saying that you are giving up?

3. A person should change for the one he/she loves or a person should accept his/her partner for what he/she is.
Should a person change for him/her to be accepted by the one he loves? Or should the person learn to accept and live with the shortcomings of his/her love?

I know that for some, the premises I have raised would seem childish and impudent. But let's say for the sake of argument, you had to make a choice, what would you do? Which would you choose?

Conversations Amongst Myself

For the record, and I want this to be quite clear, I am not psychotic. No, no really. I am not. It might not seem apparent at first glance, as I may exhibit negligible personality shifts and disorganized thinking, but I assure you that I am in complete control of all my conscious thought and mental processes. I AM... am I not?

What I admit that I do not have control over, are those darned voices that keep muttering inside my thick skull. Again, I repeat, I AM NOT CRAZY. But ever since I was a little kid, I've always felt that there wasn't a moment that I would be left alone. You couldn't see anybody around me. But that doesn't mean that I WAS alone.

It kinda helped me survive my early years as a kid. My mom was so protective of me that I wasn't allowed to play outside the house with other kids. Well, for good reason. The next house with a kid my age was nowhere near our place. I had to use binoculars and smoke signals just to get a simple invitation across to another kid. You could just imagine the lengths I would have to go through just to play with other kids on our street. Ah, my sweet childhood. Happy days... Yes. Happy daze.

This is exactly the reason why I had to content myself with what I had within my reach. I thought to myself, "What did I have that would keep me occupied?" Hmmm... My Lego set. My Lionbots. My RC car and track set. Countless episodes of Sesame Street and Batibot on the tube. Hmmm... what else.. Oh, my. I almost forgot. MY IMAGINATION. I think I had started using my imagination at such a young and fertile age that, my imagination seems to have grown a mind of its own...

I tried to shrug the voices off and reasoned that what was happening to me could be attributed to an [overly] hyperactive imagination. It can't be possible. No it can't be. Only me and my mom were at the house most of the time. I was quite sure that there was nobody around when I heard them. Yes. Them.

I remember hearing a few set of different voices depending on where I was in the house. There was this little voice that pulled me from deep slumber. Or the one voice that whispered softly and made me turn around and look at my back, only to find nothing. The weird thing is that all I can remember hearing were unintelligible whispers or sounds that made no sense. Imagine my surprise as only me and my mom where at the house at this time. Yup. Me. Mom. And them.

One time, I made this huge mistake of telling my superstitious aunts what I was experiencing and this prompted them to go on code red. They made me wear a scapular. They had me "treated" by an old witch doctor ["albularyo"]. I also had to wear a piece of cloth given by the "albularyo." It was a whole production. It was done in our ancestral home in San Pablo, and the kibitzers just continued pouring in as the "ritual cleansing" was performed. Fortunately, the whole event was over before things got worse. I was expecting to be tied as my head spun around uncontrollably... wait. That wasn't me. Hahaha.

Thankfully enough, I outgrew them. I do not hear powwows in my head any longer. I couldn't remember when was the last time I heard these voices. I guess it was a kind of coping mechanism I did to compensate for my lack of social interactions as a child. If this was the case, I need to surround myself with people and shun my reclusive ways lest I suffer a relapse of sorts.

I may seem like an oddball to others. A weirdo most of the time. Or worse, a rambling psychotic. Mumbling seemingly incohesive nothings at the corner. What I have now is what people may see as an outward manifestation of my advancing condition: I mussitate. Okay, so I might have overreacted by a notch... Others may view this as alarming, odd or even remotely irritating. I mussitate whenever I think. But it's that characteristic that makes me unique. I didn't realize that I would come to terms and appreciate this trait and all the others that makes me, well, ME. If you see me that way, it's normal. People who know me have grown accustomed with these nuances. I'm glad they've learned to laugh at it and came to accept it. C'est moi. And I love it! :P

X-Files: I Want To Believe

After a full 10 years, Chris Carter brings back former Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully for yet another... err, wait. I do not intend to write a review so I'm stopping at this point.

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I won tickets. I won the tickets to this movie's premiere and I wasn't expecting to. Well, actually I was. Until I gave up all hope of winning last Wednesday, and instead had tickets reserved to the movie's first showing day (on August 13). I was dead set on watching the movie ahead. Or at least be one of the first to do so. I dunno why. Maybe the X-phile in me was revived. Maybe I was just excited to know that Mulder and Scully are back... together. Or maybe I just missed seeing them doing the stuff that they do best: being Mulder AND Scully. So now that I've already watched the movie, what the effing hell am I going to do with those ticket reservations I made for tomorrow?! Hmmm...

Anyways, I got to join the contest by accident when I chanced upon their ad on the tube. It was the evening of July 19, a Saturday. Here's the thing: one would just watch the 3-episode marathon aired from 11pm to 2am and be able to answer the question they'd be flashing during the marathon. Answers are to be emailed and, if chosen, the winners get tickets to the movie's premiere. I never had much luck in contests, but that didn't stop me from trying.

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I watched that evening's marathon and started late. Well, I kinda tuned in at about 11:08pm. Only to find out that that evening's question was, "How many times did Skinner appear in this evening's marathon?" I was thinking, "Aargh. I must've missed something during the first few minutes of the show." 11:08?! Aargh, 11:08! "Oh well..." I just counted all of Skinner's appearances I saw in the duration of the show. I counted 15. Again, I was racking my brains thinking, "Did I miss anything in the first part of the show?" "DID I miss anything in the first part of the show?!"

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A few days later, with high hopes of winning, I began browsing for reviews on the movie. A lot of people were saying that they were disappointed with how the movie turned out. A few said that this movie was the long-awaited fruition of the Mulder-Scully relationship. And a handful, still, are punchdrunk from Heath Ledger's phenomenal portrayal of the Joker. Reading a lot of reviews made me think twice if I should still see the movie. But I got to thinking that if I should have a reason not to watch it, it should be because I have seen for myself why it shouldn't be watched and not just because some punk in a skirt told me not to. Besides, I was hoping to win the tickets at that time.

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Monday, August 11. We got to Rockwell around 6:17pm. That was just after we got caught in a minor scuffle between the cabbie (who apparently beat the red light) and a traffic officer. We had to butt-in crudely between their conversation and intrude in the defense of the poor cabbie who was just following our very, very poor set of instructions. Good thing the officer was in a nice, forgiving mood and he just let things slide. We payed the cabbie after the stressful encounter and headed to the Power Plant Mall. Whew!

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We proceeded into terra incognito. I was a virgin at Rockwell, both literally and figuratively. I was gawking at the sights, when I remembered that we went there for a particular reason: to watch a movie (good thing the meds kicked in at just the right time). After ascending a number of escalators, and after a good number of minutes searching, it was decided that we were definitely lost. You're probably thinking, "Why the hell doesn't he just ask somebody (a guard or another person) for directions?!" I dunno (again). Maybe it's pride. Or maybe not. I've never been one to ask for directions. I just rely on what I know and try working from there. It's kinda more fun that way. Okay, okay, fine. Unless I was: a) pressed for time; b) cramming desperately or c) terribly (yet still fashionably) late, then I DO ask for directions. But in this particular instance, we weren't. So there. Finally, we got wind that the cinema was just ahead of us when I smelled butter-flavored popcorn. We followed my nose's lead until we reached the Cinema. We were plenty early despite the fact that we've been wandering aimlessly around the darned place. There were no lines yet and the staff were just setting up. We asked what time they would be letting people in. 7:30. We had to go around the place and wander some more to pass time. And in a jiffy it was 7:30. Well, almost.

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We went in line for the loot bags and after that fell into a queue for the food (a good-sized tumbler of popcorn, a cheese dog with everything on it and a large root beer). We went into the theater and since there were still a number of nice seats available, we took the 7th row, center seats (yes, we chose we're we could sit). We sat through tv ad plugs from the movie's main sponsor. The movie started around 8. The movie started and my mouth was gaping with anticipation. An X-phile's dormant blood was slowly being awoken. Gasp! I was in a seat, in a theater showing the movie for the first time! I mean, yay! YAY!

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Time has certainly taken its toll on the movie's main actors, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. They are more... mature-looking. Understandably enough, the timeline in this movie does take place many years later, when both agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are no longer working with the FBI. Although the movie can be considered standalone, a lot of the humor present can be appreciated more by those who followed the series. Overall, the movie did well by veering away from the traditional extraterrestrial/conspiracy plot. As I am not feeling particularly sinister right now, I'd stop here (again) and prevent any more spoilers from coming out. Just watch 'till after the credits roll. I'm glad I did.

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After almost 2 months of my blogging-hiatus, I am back (though not with a vengeance). I am aware that it has been ages since my last post. I've been busy with work and have been up-to-my-neck with DS games that I've neglected writing for quite some time now. Some would say you shouldn't have come back. Or, "Your writing sucks." We'll I couldn't agree with you more. Now that I am experiencing no emotional duress, I feel that my writing has become lackluster since. On the bright side, me not writing means I'm not in a stark-raving-lunatic-sitting-on-a-corner-mumbling-to-myself mode. With a handful of unfinished drafts, it would seem that I am nowhere near finishing them any time soon. Oh well...

Born On The Cusp

This term applies to people born during the first and last three days of any particular sign, making their nature more complex because it is under the influence of two adjoining signs and their corresponding elements. The compatibility ratings cover a wider range of possibilities as these signs area a mixture of water and fire, fire and earth, earth and air, and air and water.

March 18 to 23: Pisces-Aries, water and fire
April 18 to 23: Aries-Taurus, fire and earth
May 19 to 24: Taurus-Gemini, earth and air
June 19 to 24: Gemini-Cancer, air and water
July 20 to 25: Cancer-Leo, water and fire
August 21 to 26: Leo-Virgo, fire and earth
September 21 to 26: Virgo-Libra, earth and air
October 21 to 26: Libra-Scorpio, air and water
November 20 to 25: Scorpio-Sagittarius, water and fire
December 19 to 24: Sagittarius-Capricorn, fire and earth
January 18 to 23: Capricorn-Aquarius, earth and air
February 17 to 22: Aquarius-Pisces, air and water

Birthday: June 15

With your sparkle, you shouldn't be content to play in the minor leagues. Pay your dues and move up! Feeling a need to serve the world in some way, you have to ask, what exactly does the world need? To start with, it needs you and your unique, pleasant personality, and a lot less disharmony, something you may have had to grow up in, hindering parents and all. You're too smart to let the past hold you back.

So, you seek freedom and develop your ideals. Jealousy and treachery--why can't others just behave? You make a good nurturer and teacher--given the chance--and computers and the internet are useful tools--anything modern. Bad habits and vices--x-them out. You don't have the time. There's time for kites, ferrets, poems--any of life's special joys.

LOVE
You have good sense about what to get from a relationship--your expectations are realistic and basic. Therefore, you're rarely disappointed when things falter or halt because you're always straightforward and honest and willing to go that extra mile. Lovers must provide you emotional challenge, in order for you to fee that you are accomplishing something--you like tangible, not hopeful, results. More often than not, you're the stabilizing influence in personal affairs.

MONEY
You are a tireless worker and give everything you full effort and focus. (regardless of how inspired or sporadic your attention span). 6/15-born go to great lengths to provide top-notch service and accomplish what must be done before the urgings of fellow employees. In other words, keep away from weak-willed coworkers and aim for management positions or on-the-road kind of jobs. You're confident saying "no." Deep within, you understand that you can accomplish almost anything.

Birthday: June 14

Well-liked and depended upon, it is your quiet, thoughtful, fun-loving, and affectionate nature that sets you apart, whether you have good looks to match or not. You do need love in return and usually have it. Your home is you. To stay healthy, you need to express yourself, to get out and be seen more. Show off your craftsman-like skills or down-to-earth human qualities and excellent personal touch. You don't waste words, usually, though others do. They should listen.

A good eye for value and a bit finicky, you'd make a good mystery shopper or bargain hunter, and when cooking, you deliver up the right stuff. A smile always gets you more than a frown. A bed and breakfast would be a great weekend getaway for you; better yet, a hunting lodge for you and close friends.

LOVE
You're not one for slow courtship; you prefer to get down to business ASAP. Your desires come suddenly and strong--you inclination is to strike while the iron is hot. It's important that your partner enjoys socializing because you don't like being alone. You are a people-person and have many friends and interests. Don't shortchange you love life with a stay-at-home wallflower.

MONEY
You have eager, eagle eyes for money, and enjoy it to the fullest! You have enormous drive and ambition and are impatient with anything that slows your pace. To many coworkers, your goals may seem unrealistic, but you keep tweaking and fine-tuning lists and move forward with determination. It rarely occurs to you that you will fail. Your accomplishments are acclaimed and envied by many. Even when facing overwhelming odds, you assert yourself with confidence.

Birthday: June 13

Fateful June 13--soaked in karma and so misunderstood. This is a challenging day to be born. Your health could be better, and seemingly, no matter how hard you try, the rewards and satisfaction just aren't enough. Maybe your expectations get in the way. You smile and know you have abilities--instructional, mathematical, and organizational to name a few. Realize you're one of those people who really does need people--then you'll be the luckiest person in the world.

Since there are a lot of tremors in the "force" around you (the fault is in the stars, not yourself), feeling dependent may be natural. If so, realize there's nothing wrong with dependency since we are not all created equal. Earnestly do your part to overcome adversities. Try different paths without straining or stressing.

LOVE
In relationships, you either do too much or not enough. You need a partner with a steady hand and lucid mind, who tells you when you're over-the-edge, or out of their league. Much of your emotional difficulty results from crossed communication, rather than from lack of judgment. Mutual understanding will allow you both to grow, rather than one partner being swept along by the other.

MONEY
Although you have rich insight, you need to start learning about what is real and what is fiction. You're an easy target for a con game. 6/13-born aren't that great at math or science--not because you are slow but because you just don't think that way. But employers know they can count on you to get the job done. Seek jobs that don't require a lot of improvisation, because you need all the structure you can get.

The Elements

The ancients divided the twelve signs of the zodiac into four groups corresponding with the four elements - fire, air, water and earth. The rapport between any two people partly depends on the way in which their ruling elements interact. However, remember that there is no infallible rule when these principles are applied in such a general way to the abbreviated horoscope.

Two simple examples will explain this point. Capricorn is an earth sign and Sagittarius is a fire sign. Fire and earth have little in common, with the result that some degree of incompatibility often is found between these signs. But a Capricorn person who has a magnificent star pattern between Mercury, the planet of the mind, and Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, it will not be surprising that this Capricorn will have an affinity with Sagittarians.

Aries is a fire sign and Gemini is an air sign. There is a harmonious affinity between fire and air which make these two signs very compatible. However, a Gemini person was born when Mercury, his sign's ruling planet, was in strong conflict with Mars the ruler of Aries. The result is that this Gemini will have negative experiences with several Aries people and feels general incompatibility with this sign.

It is important to know to which element your sign belongs to and how it interacts with others.


FIRE SIGNS (Red)
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Fire is compatible with fire and air, except in the case of the opposite pairs Aries-Libra, Leo-Aquarius, and Sagitarrius-Gemini. There can be strong initial attraction between opposite signs but after a while, the pendulum may swing the other way causing friction. Fire does not combine readily with water or with an earth sign.


AIR SIGNS (White)
Libra, Aquarius, Gemini

Air is compatible with air and fire, although initial affinity between the opposite pairs Gemini, Sagittarius, Libra-Aries, and Aquarius-Leo as shown in the zodiac wheel, may bring conflict. Air does not have much in common with water or earth.


WATER SIGNS (Blue)
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Water is compatible with water and earth, except when the pair of signs are on the opposite sides of the zodiac wheel. These are Cancer-Capricorn, Scorpio-Taurus, and Pisces-Virgo. Water has little affinity with fire or air, so they are danger zones.


EARTH SIGNS (Brown)
Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Earth is compatible with earth and water, although some conflict may develop with a water sign if it is opposite your earth sign in the zodiac wheel. These pairs are Capricorn-Cancer, Taurus-Scorpio, and Virgo-Pisces. Earth does not mix easily with fire or air.

I'll try to put together all the possible combinations of the twelve signs, which yields a total of seventy-eight pairs. For the mean time, I'll have to psych myself out as this task is easier said than done. Hope to see you on my next post! ;)

The Signs

Some close human relationships inspire a sublime degree of personal happiness, others lead to nothing but conflict and heart-rending unhappiness. Why do you feel an instant rapport with one person at first meeting and, for no apparent reason, find another who turns you off, or even repels you? The mysteries of compatibility intrigue mankind and yet astrology, the oldest science known to man, can supply many answers to the riddle.

Let's take a look at some of the fundamental characteristics of each sign because they will play a significant role in determining compatibility when two people get together in a close personal relationship.

ARIES (Party of One)
Aries are the pioneers of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: March 21 to April 19
Symbol: The Ram
Motto: "I am me--you're not!"
Key phrase: I am!
Keyword: Action
Virtue: Courage
Defect: Arrogance
Qualities: Cardinal-Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and the ruling planet is Mars, the planet of action. People born under the sign of Aries are action-oriented and competitive. They strive to be first in everything, often to the point of ignoring the rights and feelings of others. If they can learn to temper their aggressiveness with diplomacy and tact they can accomplish much. They are natural leaders. They like to start things for others to finish because they become bored and want to move on to some new challenge.

Aries tend to be: dynamic, impulsive, quarrelsome, easily bored, selfish, aggressive, enthusiastic, and forceful.

Some of the typical interests of Aries are: themselves, challenges of any sort, being a leader, starting things for others to finish. The have a basic pioneer nature. They also tend to be warlike.

Aries have great willpower and confidence in themselves. If they can learn to love and respect others and to act with wisdom, there is virtually no limit to their accomplishments.

Aries will never admit defeat. They will keep on fighting and striving until they either succeed or death takes over them. They ask no quarter, and give none.

Notable Aries Types:
Thomas Jefferson, US president
Marlon Brando, actor
John Tyler, US president
Gloria Steinem, writer-editor
Gregory Peck, actor
Maya Angelou, poet-writer
Joseph Campbell, mythologist-writer
Diana Ross, singer


TAURUS (The Comfort Zone)
Taureans are the accumulators and builders of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: April 20 to May 20
Symbol: The Bull
Motto: "It's mine, once it's on sale!"
Key phrase: I have!
Keyword: Possessions
Virtue: Reliability
Defect: Stubbornness
Qualities: Fixed-Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Venus, the planet of beauty and grace. Taureans like the good things in life and usually focus their energies on acquiring material possessions and money. They pursue with great zest everything that will satisfy their desires... this can be pleasure, comfort, wealth.

Taureans appreciate beautiful things whether it be art, music, or nice clothing.

Taureans are very stable people and are reliable, although usually quite stubborn.

Some of the characteristics of Taurus are: materialism, greed, laziness, patience, practicality, steadiness, and endurance. They are somewhat slow, but always finish what they start.

Some of the interests of Taurus are: comfort and possessions of all sorts.

These people are fiercely loyal to their friends, often burdening themselves with their friends' problems. They are also very jealous people, usually to the extreme. They tend to not to be too aware of themselves or their motives. They are great planners, and then they will work hard to make those plans materialize.

Notable Taurus Types:
Harry Truman, US president
Andre Agassi, tennis pro
Glenda Jackson, actress
Liberace, pianist
Katharine Hepburn, actress
Karl Marx, philosopher
Jessica Lange, actress


GEMINI (Two for the Road)
Geminis are the salesmen and communicators of the zodiac. They are also the noncomformists of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: May 21 to June 21
Symbol: The Twins
Motto: "I'm interested so let's talk about it some more!"
Key phrase: I think!
Keyword: Variety
Virtue: Alertness
Defect: Shallowness
Qualities: Mutable-Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Mercury the planet of mentality and communication. Geminis are probably the most intelligent people of the zodiac. They have quick minds and are curious about virtually everything. The only problem is that they rarely have any self-discipline. Therefore, they lack the staying power to finish what they start. They are the "Jack-of-all-trades and master of none." If a Gemini acquires self-discipline, there is nothing he or she cannot achieve.

Geminis are the happiest when they are involved in many pursuits at the same time. Mostly they prefer intellectual activities such as philosophy, writing, talking, or thinking up things for others to do.

Geminis strive to acquire calmness because they are in danger of "burning out" their nervous system since they are almost always stressing so much.

Geminis tend to be: fickle, superficial, witty, inquisitive, intelligent and versatile.

Some Gemini interests are: communication of all sorts, travel, being a know-it-all, learning, talking, writing and reading.

Notable Gemini Types:
John F. Kennedy, US president
Isadora Duncan, dancer
Bob Dylan, musician
Marilyn Monroe, actress
John Denver, musician
Steffi Graf, tennis pro
Patti Labelle, musician


CANCER (Call Me Mama)
Cancers are the homemakers of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: June 22 to July 22
Symbol: The Crab
Motto: "It hurts to say goodbye--so don't go!"
Key phrase: I feel!
Keyword: Tenacity
Virtue: Caring
Defect: Combative
Qualities: Cardinal-Water
Ruling Planet: Moon

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the Moon. Cancer is the most sensitive sign and is the strongest of the water signs.

Home and family life are of the utmost importance to Cancers, and they will do whatever is necessary to establish and protect their domestic security.

Cancers are easily hurt by the slights of other people. These are very complex people, sometimes appearing extremely strong and at other times seem to be as vulnerable as a child. Very few people ever really understand Cancers; therefore they never receive the necessary understanding from others.

Cancers are very loving people. Once a love is begun, they never stop loving. However, they can be very cruel enemies. These people are usually shy, even timid, moody, and react more from intuition or emotion rather than from reason.

They are the masters of the art of passive resistance. They can be directed through kindness, but if forced, they become immovable.

Cancers tend to be: moody, domesticated, family-oriented, sensitive, emotional, and tenacious.

Some Cancer interests are: home, security, and love of country.

Notable Cancer Types:
Calvin Coolidge, US president
Tom Hanks, actor
Meryl Streep, actress
Robin Williams, actor-comedian
Phyllis Diller, comedian
John Glenn, astronaut-politician
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, psychiatrist


LEO (Hear Me Roar)
Leos are the entertainers (sometimes clowns) of the zodiac. The are also the "ones-in-charge."
Birth Dates: July 23 to August 22
Symbol: The Lion
Motto: "The show must go on--starring me!"
Key phrase: I will!
Keyword: Power
Virtue: Magnanimous or Noble
Defect: Ostentatious or Show-offs
Qualities: Fixed-Fire
Ruling Planet: Sun

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the Sun. These are noble and generous people, although they often possess over-sized egos. They are over-confident, blunt and outspoken. These characteristics often cause them to lose friends. Leos are courageous and loyal. They like to be in charge.

Leos are strongly attracted to the opposite sex.

Woe be unto anyone who hurts a Leo's child!

Leo's tend to be: romantic, idealistic, ambitious, egotistical, temperamental, loyal, enthusiastic, generous, optimistic, domineering and affectionate

Some Leo interests are: sports and games, achievement, fun, being in the spotlight, and children (especially theirs).

Notable Leo Types:
Stanley Kubrick, film director
Martha Stewart, entrepreneur
Andy Warhol, artist
Kathleen Battle, coloratura soprano
Bill Clinton, US president
Kathie Lee Gifford, television personality


VIRGO (Tidying Up)
Virgos are the craftsmen of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: August 23 to September 22
Symbol: The Virgin
Motto: "I'm making a list--and checking it twice!"
Key phrase: I analyze!
Keyword: Service
Virtue: Thoroughness
Defect: Pettiness or Fussiness
Qualities: Mutable-Earth
Ruling Planet: Mercury

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Mercury. Virgos constantly search for knowledge.

Virgos are very detail-conscious and do well in any line of work that requires exactness. Virgos are practical and efficient.

The single greatest defect of Virgos is that they are very critical of others... even to the point of being judgmental. If they overcome this negative trait, they can attain the highest spiritual achievement in life.

Sometimes they become so immersed with the details that they lose sight of the bigger picture. They also tend to worry a lot which can adversely affect their health. If they learn to discipline their minds to think constructive thoughts, they then tend to have good health and can be of great benefit to humanity. Virgos often go into some branch of the medical profession.

Probably more Virgos remain unmarried than any of the other signs because they have difficulty in finding anyone who measures up to their high standards.

Virgos tend to be: critical, methodical, neat, reliable, practical, mental, industrious and cautious.

Some Virgo interests are: fault finding, helping to improve others, work, details and perfection.

Notable Virgo Types:
William H. Taft, US president
Sophia Loren, actress
Sean Connery, actor
Chrissie Hynde, musician
D. H. Lawrence, writer
Lily Tomlin, comedian
Leonard Bernstein, conductor


LIBRA (Taking Turns)
Libras are the diplomats of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: September 23 to October 23
Symbol: The Scales
Motto: "We're in this together--so let's share!"
Key phrase: I balance!
Keyword: Harmony
Virtue: Fairness
Defect: Indecisiveness
Qualities: Cardinal-Air
Ruling Planet: Venus

Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Venus, the planet of beauty and grace.

Libras are rarely loners, they want and need companionship. Thus marriage is very important to them. Also, they prefer an occupation that brings them in partnership with others or at least brings them close contact with people. They make good counselors and judges as they can see clearly both sides of an issue. However, this ability to see an issue from all sides frequently gives them a problem in making decisions, especially concerning minor matters. For instance, it may take a Libra hours just to pick out a blouse or shirt when there is a selection to choose from.

Libras are rarely lazy. They work hard, and also demand that their partners work just as hard. They have a strong sense of of justice and fair play. They rarely express anger, but when they do it is usually a "storm." Their anger subsides quickly, however, and they do not hold grudges. Anger frequently leaves them feeling ill.

Libras tend to be: romantic, dependent, fickle, cooperative, gracious, extravagant, and somewhat materialistic.

Some of the Libra interests are: partnerships, justice, peace, companionship, beauty and social life.

Notable Libra Types:
James E. Carter, US president
Matt Damon, actor
Gwyneth Paltrow, actress
F. Scott Fitzgerald, writer
Sigourney Weaver, actress
T. S. Eliot, writer
Christopher Reeves, actor


SCORPIO (All or Nothing at All)
Scorpios are the detectives of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: October 24 to November 22
Symbol: The Scorpion
Motto: "Trust me--you really don't want to know my secrets!"
Key phrase: I desire!
Keyword: Resourcefulness
Virtue: Intense dedication
Defect: Vindictiveness
Qualities: Fixed-Water
Ruling Planet: Pluto

Scorpio is the eight sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Pluto. This is an extremely strong sign; no other sign in the zodiac is so potent for good or for evil as is Scorpio.

Scorpios have strong willpower and an intense emotional drive. Their sex drive and their interest in sex is usually very strong. Scorpios are not "half-way" people, whatever they do; they do it with intensity and completeness. They have no fear of death.

Because of their strong emotional drive, they need to keep their integrity high lest they fall into undesirable behavior such as violence, jealousy, hatred or possessiveness.

These people often become workaholics. They drive themselves hard, and usually drive others unmercifully. They despise weakness in themselves or in others.

Often they will help others, but then they expect the one whom they helped to start helping themselves. They will give a helping hand, but not for long.

Scorpios are secretive people. They are also ruthless enemies or competitors.

Scorpios tend to be: vindictive, sarcastic, heroic, forceful, cynical, secretive, determined and suspicious.

Some Scorpio interests are: sex, unraveling mysteries, money of others, and being the unseen power.

Notable Scorpio Types:
Theodore Roosevelt, US president
Grace Kelly, actress
Pablo Picasso, artist
Marie Curie, physicist-chemist
Martin Scorsese, director
Jodie Foster, actress
Robert Kennedy, politician


SAGITTARIUS (Big World Out There)
Sagittarius are the philosophers of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: November 23 to December 21
Symbol: The Archer
Motto: "I believe we're all here to do some good!"
Key phrase: I see!
Keyword: Freedom
Virtue: Hopefulness
Defect: Non-discriminating
Qualities: Mutable-Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Jupiter, the planet of expansiveness and good fortune.

Sagittarians are honest and freedom-loving. No matter how difficult a situation becomes, there always seem to be help for them because they seem to always be under some sort of protective shield.

These are generally spiritual people, but they sometimes become narrow-minded if they are associated with a social or religious group that has limited vision.

These people call the shots as they see them without any embellishment; therefore, they are often considered to be blunt or lacking in tact.

Women Sagittarians make charming companions, but usually dislike domestic tasks and are generally quite independent.

These are idealistic people. They must learn wisdom and balance or else they become fanatics and follow blindly some narrow dogma.

People born under this sign tend to be: optimistic, friendly, argumentative and generally easy-going.

Some Sagittarius interests are: religion, philosophy, traveling (especially foreign), horses, law, books, publishing and giving advice.

Notable Sagittarius Types:
Noel Coward, songwriter-actor
Margaret Mead, anthropologist
Mark Twain, author-humorist
Tina Turner, singer
William Blake, poet-artist
Bette Midler, singer-actress


CAPRICORN (A Slow, Steady Climb)
Capricorns are the organizers of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: December 22 to January 19
Symbol: The Seagoat
Motto: "Life makes me wait--but I'm worth it!"
Key phrase: I use!
Keyword: Ambition
Virtue: Respectfulness
Defect: Condescending
Qualities: Cardinal-Earth
Ruling Planet: Saturn

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Saturn. Many astrologers consider this to be the strongest sign of the zodiac. These people are frugal, hardworking and dedicated to achieving their goals. If they can maintain their integrity, they can achieve the highest of accomplishments. If they lack integrity, they may also achieve the highest accomplishments, but they will most assuredly have the greatest of falls. A recent example of this is Richard Nixon, a Capricorn, who became president and was forced from office because of his lack of integrity. This is because the ruling planet, Saturn, always gives perfect justice... what you sow, you will reap. Sow good seed and you reap good results. Sow bad seed and you reap undesirable results.

These are practical people. They will let nothing stand in their way. They are unbeatable enemies and loyal friends. They are neat and methodical. They also are frequently "slave-drivers."

They don't function well for long in subordinate positions. They need to be in charge, even if it is in a small way. Capricorns, commonly, live to a ripe, old age. They are old when they are young, and they are young when they are old.

Capricorns tend to be: frugal, serious, ambitious, realistic, cautious, responsible, worriers, and hardworking.

Some Capricorn interests are: business, material success and being in charge.

Notable Capricorn Types:
Aristotle Onassis, business magnate
Dolly Parton, singer
J. Edgar Hoover, FBI director
Joan Baez, singer-activist
Elvis Presley, singer-actor
Marlene Dietrich, actress


AQUARIUS (Breaking the Rules)
Aquarius are the reformers of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: January 23 to February 18
Symbol: The Water Bearer
Motto: "I am a round peg in a square hole in a curved universe!"
Key phrase: I know!
Keyword: Independence
Virtue: Friendliness
Defect: Eccentricity
Qualities: Fixed-Air
Ruling Planet: Uranus

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Uranus. This is the sign of brotherhood and friendship. They are loyal friends.

These are tireless workers, and prefer to work in some endeavor that has humanitarian benefits. They have great desire for material gain, but are bot greedy. They are willing to work for what they want, and do not demand more than their fair share. because they take their work seriously, they are usually a bundle of nerves inside.; this can make them get ill frequently. However, to outward appearances, they seem to be calm.

With Aquarians, what you see is what you get... they do not put on facades or affectations. They have great dislike for hypocrisy.

These are determined, stubborn, and often argumentative people. They have the ability to stir up much dislike towards themselves.

People born under this sign tend to be: tactless, independent, naive, broadminded, dogmatic, rebellious and impersonal.

Some Aquarian interests are: helping others, friends, astrology, truth and politics.

Notable Aquarius Types:
Wlliam Burroughs, novelist
Oprah Winfrey, television celebrity-actress
Thomas Edison, inventor
Helen Gurley Brown, publisher
Wolfgang Mozart, composer
Carole King, singer-songwriter


PISCES (The Art of Dreaming)
Pisceans are the martyrs of the zodiac.
Birth Dates: February 19 to March 20
Symbol: The Fishes
Motto: "With an open heart, I swim the deepest cosmic waters!"
Key phrase: I believe!
Keyword: Compassion
Virtue: Charitableness
Defect: Easily influenced
Qualities: Mutable-Water
Ruling Planet: Neptune

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Neptune. These are very sensitive people who are responsive to the thoughts and feelings of others. They always want to do the right things, but usually have little willpower. They are unable to make up their own minds.

These people rarely participate in sports or strenuous activities. They are not combative. They will suffer rather than fight for their rights; they have a martyr complex.

They can be so stubborn that no one can reason with them. They also like to drift, rather than buckle down to a responsibility.

They alternate between pessimism and optimism. In fact, they alternate in much of their behavior from one extreme to the other; this is very annoying to anyone who has to live or work with them.

Generally, these are not ambitious people; they seem to be tuned in to some dream world. They often make excellent artists in all fields of art. They have hyperactive imaginations.

Pisces are blind to any faults in anyone they love.

Pisces tend to be: sensitive, impressionable, changeable, day-dreamers, compassionate, psychic, careless, and dependent.

Some interests of Pisces are: hospitals, medicine, pets, drugs, just thinking and serving others.

Notable Pisces Types:
James Madison, US president
Albert Einstein, physicist
Drew Barrymore, actress
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor
Elizabeth Taylor, actress
Kurt Cobain, singer
Tea Leoni, actress

There. The twelve signs of the zodiac. Whew! I'll be posting more profiles in the coming days including compatibility between signs, rulership of the body parts, and lots more.

Come back and discover more about yourself and the people around you. You might be surprised with what you might find out. Hope to see you guys around! 'Til next time. ;)

The Dark Knight

PLOT:

With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman has been making headway against local crime...until a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker unleashes a fresh reign of chaos across Gotham City. To stop this devious new menace--Batman's most personal and vicious enemy yet--he will have to use every high-tech weapon in his arsenal and confront everything he believes.

CAST:
Christian Bale - Bruce Wayne / Batman
Michael Caine - Alfred Pennyworth
Heath Ledger - The Joker
Aaron Eckhart - Harvey Dent / Two Face
Maggie Gyllenhaal - Rachel Dawes
Gary Oldman - Lt. James Gordon
Morgan Freeman - Lucius Fox
Eric Roberts - Salvatore Maroni
Cillian Murphy - Dr. Jonathan Crane / The Scarecrow
Anthony Michael Hall - Mike Engel
Monique Curnen - Det. Ramirez
Nestor Carbonell - Mayor
Joshua Harto - Reese
Michael Jai White - Gamble
Colin McFarlane - Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb
Chucky Venice - Gamble's Bodyguard
Nydia Rodriguez Terracina - Gotham Judge
Melinda McGraw - Barbara Gordon
Nathan Gamble - James Gordon Jr.
Danny Goldring - Maroni's henchman
Chin Han - Lau
William Fichtner - Gotham National Bank Manager
Vincenzo Nicoli - The Chechen
Beatrice Rosen - Natascha

TRAILER:

MOVIE POSTERS:






LINKS:
The Dark Knight Official Site - http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/
Joker's Site - http://www.whysoserious.com/
Wikipedia Entry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Knight_(film)
IMDB Entry - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/
Allmovie Entry - http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:357349
*some of the links may not work after some time