Planning to Visit the Philippines Soon?

There are hundreds of tourists attractions in the Philippines. But as a lover of the Island of Marinduque (Home of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines), I am indeed partial to its beauty, charm and its friendly and hospitable residents. Therefore, help me achieve my dream of seeing this island becomes a world tourist destination, by telling all your friends and relatives about this site. Welcome, to you all, new readers and faithful followers of this site! The photo above is Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos, Marinduque with beautiful and majestic Mt Malindig in the background. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing your copyrights.

Friday, August 23, 2024

Trump the Picasso of Pettiness and Harris Acceptance Speech

DNC Convention is over with 
Vice President Kamala Harris used her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention last night presenting herself as a pragmatic leader who could unite all Americans behind a “new way forward,” painting her opponent, former President Donald J. Trump, as a dangerous and “unserious man” whose election would alter the foundation of American democracy. I say, Amen, Amen!

However this posting is about Trump and this article was from my Facebook Page the other day!    The whole world will be laughing at USA ( US)  if Trump Gets Reelected- That is my own Personal Assessment.   Do you agree or disagree?


Nate White, a British Writer, Pens The Best Description Of Trump
“Why do some British people not like Donald Trump?” Nate White, an articulate and witty writer from England wrote the following response:
A few things spring to mind. Trump lacks certain qualities which the British traditionally esteem. For instance, he has
no class,
no charm,
no coolness,
no credibility,
no compassion,
no wit,
no warmth,
no wisdom,
no subtlety,
no sensitivity,
no self-awareness,
no humility,
no honour and
no grace – all qualities, funnily enough, with which his predecessor Mr. Obama was generously blessed. So for us, the stark contrast does rather throw Trump’s limitations into embarrassingly sharp relief.
Plus, we like a laugh. And while Trump may be laughable, he has never once said anything wry, witty or even faintly amusing – not once, ever. I don’t say that rhetorically, I mean it quite literally: not once, not ever. And that fact is particularly disturbing to the British sensibility – for us, to lack humour is almost inhuman. But with Trump, it’s a fact. He doesn’t even seem to understand what a joke is – his idea of a joke is a crass comment, an illiterate insult, a casual act of cruelty.
Trump is a troll. And like all trolls, he is never funny and he never laughs; he only crows or jeers. And scarily, he doesn’t just talk in crude, witless insults – he actually thinks in them. His mind is a simple bot-like algorithm of petty prejudices and knee-jerk nastiness.
There is never any under-layer of irony, complexity, nuance or depth. It’s all surface. Some Americans might see this as refreshingly upfront. Well, we don’t. We see it as having no inner world, no soul. And in Britain we traditionally side with David, not Goliath. All our heroes are plucky underdogs: Robin Hood, Dick Whittington, Oliver Twist. Trump is neither plucky, nor an underdog. He is the exact opposite of that. He’s not even a spoiled rich-boy, or a greedy fat-cat. He’s more a fat white slug. A Jabba the Hutt of privilege.
And worse, he is that most unforgivable of all things to the British: a bully. That is, except when he is among bullies; then he suddenly transforms into a snivelling sidekick instead. There are unspoken rules to this stuff – the Queensberry rules of basic decency – and he breaks them all. He punches downwards – which a gentleman should, would, could never do – and every blow he aims is below the belt. He particularly likes to kick the vulnerable or voiceless – and he kicks them when they are down.
So the fact that a significant minority – perhaps a third – of Americans look at what he does, listen to what he says, and then think ‘Yeah, he seems like my kind of guy’ is a matter of some confusion and no little distress to British people, given that:
• Americans are supposed to be nicer than us, and mostly are.
• You don’t need a particularly keen eye for detail to spot a few flaws in the man.
This last point is what especially confuses and dismays British people, and many other people too; his faults seem pretty bloody hard to miss. After all, it’s impossible to read a single tweet, or hear him speak a sentence or two, without staring deep into the abyss. He turns being artless into an art form; he is a Picasso of pettiness; a Shakespeare of shit. 

His faults are fractal: even his flaws have flaws, and so on ad infinitum. God knows there have always been stupid people in the world, and plenty of nasty people too. But rarely has stupidity been so nasty, or nastiness so stupid. He makes Nixon look trustworthy and George W look smart. In fact, if Frankenstein decided to make a monster assembled entirely from human flaws – he would make a Trump.
And a remorseful Doctor Frankenstein would clutch out big clumpfuls of hair and scream in anguish: ‘My God… what… have… I… created?' If being a twat was a TV show, Trump would be the boxed set.

Meanwhile I took a few more photos of yoga conversion to our dining area during Kitchen renovation.









Ms Rachel Ryan ( THD COO) on her regular visit/inspection of our Community with Jenny S and Barbara S. Hopefully. a solution to the noise levels at Newton's can be resolved in the near future.

Again Looking forward for the Food Trucks This Saturday- It will be a welcome change from our Newton's Restaurant Menu, I hope. 

Watching the last day of the DNC convention last night gave me hope for a brighter future for our country. The acceptance speech of VP Kamala Harris made me so proud as an American with Filipino ancestry.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Antique Appraisal Today- Mexican Fiesta Photos

Another Activity Event I am looking forward to is the Antique Appraisal Day scheduled for today, Thursday, August 22, from 10AM to 2PM. You are limited to only 3 items.  There will be appraisal on Asian Arts, Jewelry, Collectibles, small Furniture and Fine Arts. The sponsor is Clars Auction, Oakland, Ca


https://clars.com/ 

I am planning to submit  two Asian Art Collection (Japanese Warrior Prints (set of 12) and A Pair of Chinese Water color Prints)  for re-appraisal. I am also planning to submit an antique leather stool  and A Martin Laurence Limited Edition Painting💚. I have signed for the 10:00-10:30AM time slot. 

💚mark king martin lawrence limited edition


The original unofficial appraisal value of these Asian Art collections is detailed in my blog below: I have no idea on the value of the Antique Leather Stool. 

1. This is one of the Samurai Japanese Warrior Prints ( Framed) out of 12 that I found in David's E ( RIP) closet while I was preparing for the Estate Sale because I am moving. I was intending to sell it for $10 each, However, when I had it appraised I was told the current market value of this art is around $80-$100 each. Here's a quote from the Appraiser.    

The photo above is by Kuniyoshi. The series is titled 69 stations along the Kisokaido and this particular print is of Yabuhara Station with the warrior Sue Harutaka on horseback.  The market value for prints from this series are about $80-100 each.


2. This is Pair of Chinese Water Color Prints, Fah-yen-Fah,the Princess dated 1926

I was planning to sell it for $50 each. I did some google search and I found the market value of this art ranged from $225 to $250 each. An honest neighbor informed me to do some search, before selling it at $50 each. Here's our conversation with my honest neighbor on the value of this art. 

"I just Google those. They are worth a couple hundred each. I would get them appraised if I were you. But I will take them for $50 if you just want to sell them".
 
ME
Thanks for the advise. How will I go about appraisal?. They are dated 1926 and were $50 then, so they must be worth more than a couple of hundred as you indicated by today. Yes I will have it appraised. Tks
 
This painting is Fah-yen-Fah, the Princess. The 1940 is listed on Goggle for $225. Since Mine is dated 1926, it probably worth at Least $300. The other painting is titled Elbow Page of Viceroy, Painting No.2 (Label from the back of the Frame)

For Details visit my blog below:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2023/05/learning-market-values-of-david-e-art.html

Meanwhile here are some photos of I took yesterday Dinner) - A Mexican Fiesta held at our Outdoor Court Yard.


My Chili Relleno Casserole with all its trimmings, beans, rice and avocado-Yummy, indeed!





I had the Chili Relleno Casserole and It was delicious. A Mariachi Band  provided authentic Mexican Music during our Outdoor Dinner in perfect late afternoon weather. Thank You THD for this memorable  Fiesta celebration during the Kitchen Renovation. Another special occasion that enhanced our well being and sense of Community.    

Have a Good To All!  Keep Smiling! You are in Candid Camera! ( In my Blogs). See you at the Appraisal!!!



Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Candlelight Concert- World Senior Citizen's Day

I attended last Saturday night ( August 17) Candlelight Concert by the Capriccio String Trio ( 2 violins, and a cello). The trio are Kathryn Hoffer ( 1st Violin), Janet Grizzle ( 2nd Violin) and Wendy Reynold( cellist). The first concert from this Trio, I heard was last November 19, 2023💚. 


Last Saturday Night repertoire has a lot more classical pieces that I am not familiar with.  However, one of the pieces by a German Composer ( Ferdinand Ries) was so familiar I felt nostalgic, remembering my college days  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Ries

The piece I have heard has been played numerous times, by my former dorm mate in College who was a Music Major in Piano and Violin.  💜   

I took some photos during the concert as follows: There were around 20 seniors who attended ( 15 inside the Activity room and 5 outside at the Lobby.  

Kathryn Hoffer, Janet Grizzle and Wendy Reynold- The Capriccio Trio
Jane Lowry and Debbie Baldwin
Anne Long and Mary Alice Rathbun- with Cidney Carbah and Soraya Cross ( standing outside)
Jan McGowan and Ray Gordon and at background table are Sue Hoyt and Emily Yee( new residents) 
Steve Kam, Karma Pippin, Dean Elias amd Marsha Kefer
The Capriccio Trio
I apologize for the lighting of my cell phone Camera- forgot to use the Night Feature for Photos.

Here's my article on my three Favorite Violin Concertos for your information and how I learned how to appreciate violin music.   


Meanwhile today is World Senior Citizen's Day -𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 21, 2024 | 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐍'𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘

“Ageing is just another word for living.” – Cindy Joseph
Today is World Senior Citizen’s Day! Life teaches us many lessons, however, with the help of an elder, these lessons become a lot easier. This is the perfect time for us to express our love and gratitude to those elders whose wisdom and experience lay the groundwork for our future. Let us appreciate them for they are our history, our roots, and our greatest educators. Happy World Senior Citizen’s Day to All My Fellow THD Residents!

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Yoga Room Conversion as Our Dining Area During Kitchen Renovation

Starting yesterday, August 19 ( see Rejuvenation schedule above), Dining Activities have been temporarily transferred to our Yoga Room and the Outside Patio.  All exercises and other Activities  in the Yoga Room will now be at the Liberty Courtyard during this 3-week rejuvenation and maintenance of Newton's Kitchen.  The Conversion run very smoothly yesterday using plastic dining wares/plates, The food was great, but I missed my soups and tea service. 

 I took some photos yesterday and the Yoga Room looks Great. 

The Temporary Kitchen Area with Carolina ( Carol) Salvador preparing my Sandwich

Liberty Courtyard now will be our Exercise Room and Place for other Activities( Chair Volleyball) etc..

Soraya Cross and Minor Farver with Samanta Gaylan and Maddy( Maricela) Bermudez in the Outside Patio 

What's the problem with your eyes, Samanta?

Mary Reiser and New Resident Emily Lee-Inside Yoga Room Dining Area at Brunch Time 

Martha and Maddy talking to Linda at the temporary Kitchen Counter





John and Carol Larimore- Overheard them say-This is Camping in Heritage!!


With Nancy Schultz, Anne Long , Linda Mitchell and Kerry Horner in my Table at Dinner Time


Dining Outside the Yoga Room -Camping Style- Plastic Plates and Utensils. It was great.  My Beef Stroganoff and Haagen Daz ice cream were delicious.   I missed my soup and tea service, but I will be patient..

Kudos to the Kitchen Staff and Crew for a smooth and trouble-free transition of Our Dining Activity. 

Good Day To All.  Again, looking forward for the Mexican Taco Fiesta this Wednesday and the Food Trucks this Saturday! 

Monday, August 19, 2024

A Most Appreciated Gift and An Act of Kindness


The much awaited pork sinigang soup that our Chef Agustin and I has been talking about,  was handed to me during my brunch take-out trip to Newton's yesterday. It was a gift from Agustin's Filipino-American wife( Mrs. Gutierrez).  I have not meet Mrs Gutierrez in person, but Agustin has been telling me she cooks Filipino food for Him. I will add this in my postings of examples of an act of Kindness from Strangers. Agustin, please relay my thanks to your wife for the above Pork Sinigang Dish.   

 As seen in the photos above, I divided the dish in 3 portions. Two for future use in my freezer, the other one I have savored and indulged with gusto last night with steam white rice and green papaya atchara ( sweet pickles).  

The soup has been rated by Taste Atlas as the best tasting soup in the world.💚 This soup was served at Newton's last October 13, 2023 during the Filipino-American History Month Celebration here at THD.

I have written several articles on the soup sinigang. Again here's a summary for your information and review.    Sinigang is a sour soup native to the Philippines. The recipe above uses pork as the main ingredient. Other proteins and seafood can also be used. Beef, shrimp, fish are commonly used to cook sinigang. The chicken version, on the other hand, is called sinampalukang manok. It is mixed with a variety of vegtables, such as green beans, okra, radish, eggplants etc...,  For detail visit:

https://panlasangpinoy.com/pork-sinigang-na-baboy-recipe/

💚https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/03/pork-sinigang-best-tasting-soup-in-world.html

Here are more websites on Best Soups of the World, listing Sinigang in the top 10, top 50 and top 100 best tasting soup in the world

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-100-best-dishes-in-world.html

https://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-top-ten-most-popular-dishes-of.html

Again thank You, Mrs Gutierrez and Maraming Salamat!! Masarap! Manamit Guid ( Ilongo).This gift is very much appreciated!!

Meanwhile,  Happy Renovation Celebration to all my Fellow Residents here at THD! Will there be Pinoy Food in the Food Trucks This Saturday? Just Dreaming? 

My photo taken by Martha Rodriguez after receiving the Sinigang from Agustin yesterday. 


https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/08/thd-newtons-restaurant-kudos-to-chef.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawEvm2BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVlQub2O1x2sFTb_ZXeekvCjcD_mjvgm7SOLVQUmDj4T92F4JCOjhmXhvg_aem_hYOUG5UZ9cHkk--jGy6laQ 

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Newton's Kitchen Maintenance and Renovation

I received the above Good News Yesterday( See Brochure). Thank You THD Management and Owners for this improvement in the Quality of Our Life Here at THD.  

Meanwhile, this is also a good time to do some improvements in the Noise Level inside Newton's Restaurant.  In my previous posting, it was suggested that perhaps carpeting and installing Draperies will indeed reduced noise level to a more tolerable level.  

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/07/newtons-restaurant-noise-and-its-health.html

A recent suggestion is to install suspended acoustic-ceiling panels which is reasonably cheap. For details read the website below.        

These panels does not look that bad. Will it work? I really do not know! But it is worth a try. The Acoustic Panels are reasonably cheap and it comes in 14 colors.  If these acoustic ceiling panels work, I will be delighted to donate the cost of one panel. Just add the cost of one panel to my rent. I have a feeling a few of my fellow residents will be able to afford the cost of one panel (For cost of one panel read the website below).    


I hope THD management/owners is reading my blogs and consider this suggestion.  Again, my personal thanks to Ms Ryan ( CFO) for the newly purchased chair back pads in our Activity room.    

https://www.skutchi.com/product/product-lines/escape-solutions-series/escape-round-suspended-acoustic-ceiling-panels-acoustical-ceiling-baffles-14-colors-available/

Meanwhile, landscaping improvements in our Courtyard is in full swing. The huge trees giving shade in the Patio of Apartment 106 in the Fairmount Building and touching the roof and walls of the Fairmont Building have been replaced with a smaller tree and several 7-feet bushes, giving more sun.  

Another tree ( a eucalyptus ) is touching the walls of the 2nd and 3rd floor Apartments in the Fairmont Building( West Side). I suggest this tree must be also trimmed (see photo below).  This will give my patio more sun for my cacti and jade plants collection as well as a needed tree maintenance service for trees touching the buildings in the THD compound. 


 Happy Sunday to ALL! Looking forward to the coming 2-weeks of Rejuvenation Celebration! The Food Trucks are coming on Saturdays. It will be a welcome change from our Newton's menu! 

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