Ever since the meteoric price rise of Bitcoin, the world is swept by the boom that is cryptocurrency. . While many have invested in Bitcoin to buy drugs early on, they have unwittingly become a millionaire. You now hear people driving lambos or going to the moons, just to name a few memes. However, there are real world uses for cryptocurrency. Without going into details, a great utility is to remove the middle man ie. banks in transactions. The idea is to be able to transfer currency across the world without paying fees or at least paying minimal fees.
The rise of cryptocurrency has allowed many new companies to obtain funding from the population by utilizing Initial Coin Offering (ICO). Start ups sell ICOs at a certain price to fund their ideas and the buyers can then use those coins to either speculate or use when the start ups become successful. However, there are a lot of ideas out there where the use of these coins are dodgy at best.
One of the few ICOs that I find use in the real world is GEMS. Briefly, GEMS removes the middle man when companies are outsourcing micro tasks. This allows the employers to pay less and the employees to make more as there are no third parties that need to be paid. Sort of like the Uber of microtask. You can learn more about it from their website: https://gems.org/
Monday, January 8, 2018
Thursday, December 19, 2013
I'm Done!
It's good day to be grateful, not that we should not be grateful everyday. Here goes my rant on on my mundane life. If your life is more mundane than mine and decides to read this, feel free.Although since you've already started, might as well.
I have been putting off writing an entry for an eternity, or so it seemed. So, taking this opportunity, I would like to finally renounce my position as a Ph.D student. And...yay! I have a Masters now! It did took four years but though it is long in comparison with the usual two years, the time spent was not in vain. I learned so much about myself. First of all, I'm lazy, and am lost. Also, I realized that I wanted a Ph.D so that I could be called Dr....well not totally but part of it.
Ever since I was a child, I had to conform with society's expectations for excellence in studies and sure enough I did. I almost did it without effort, until now. For some unknown reason, all my motivations (if I had any) were extinguished as soon as I reached the Ivory tower everyone referred to as the Bachelors. Little do they know, a BSc. is just the ground floor. The climb however, is different depending on each individual and I probably attempted to take the hardest route. What I meant was, I made it hard for myself by losing discipline.
These 4 years were full of depression and self-indulgence. Which one led to another, I'm not sure but I am spoiled. Through my depression, I was not able to achieve what I desire, and I rue for it every night before I go to bed. Through self-indulgence, I experience all sorts of luxury while using them as a distraction. What do I enjoy? I am not sure anymore. Gone are the days where I can sit on a spot and be involved in something while time slips past my fingers. I went a little bit off tangent there, oops. I was able to gain spiritual knowledge and what is important to me. Yes, friends and family, also books. In my depressing mood, they stood by me and support each of my decision. Never in my life have I experienced so much warmth, I could cry. I've learned to be grateful to each and everyone of you, and gratitude is all I can give.
So anyways, thank you for reading! I was only able to reach half-way through the Ivory tower but I did at least hope to come out a better person. I love you all! Always remember, conformation to society is toxic to the society itself! Do what you want and to quote Dr. Seuss "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Keep to good ones around you and don't go around chasing people that are pathologic to your life. :)
I have been putting off writing an entry for an eternity, or so it seemed. So, taking this opportunity, I would like to finally renounce my position as a Ph.D student. And...yay! I have a Masters now! It did took four years but though it is long in comparison with the usual two years, the time spent was not in vain. I learned so much about myself. First of all, I'm lazy, and am lost. Also, I realized that I wanted a Ph.D so that I could be called Dr....well not totally but part of it.
Ever since I was a child, I had to conform with society's expectations for excellence in studies and sure enough I did. I almost did it without effort, until now. For some unknown reason, all my motivations (if I had any) were extinguished as soon as I reached the Ivory tower everyone referred to as the Bachelors. Little do they know, a BSc. is just the ground floor. The climb however, is different depending on each individual and I probably attempted to take the hardest route. What I meant was, I made it hard for myself by losing discipline.
These 4 years were full of depression and self-indulgence. Which one led to another, I'm not sure but I am spoiled. Through my depression, I was not able to achieve what I desire, and I rue for it every night before I go to bed. Through self-indulgence, I experience all sorts of luxury while using them as a distraction. What do I enjoy? I am not sure anymore. Gone are the days where I can sit on a spot and be involved in something while time slips past my fingers. I went a little bit off tangent there, oops. I was able to gain spiritual knowledge and what is important to me. Yes, friends and family, also books. In my depressing mood, they stood by me and support each of my decision. Never in my life have I experienced so much warmth, I could cry. I've learned to be grateful to each and everyone of you, and gratitude is all I can give.
So anyways, thank you for reading! I was only able to reach half-way through the Ivory tower but I did at least hope to come out a better person. I love you all! Always remember, conformation to society is toxic to the society itself! Do what you want and to quote Dr. Seuss "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Keep to good ones around you and don't go around chasing people that are pathologic to your life. :)
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Ali!
Alison Roberts
This day was just like any other. The mid summer day was ever so hot, owing to the sun blasting never-ending rays of heat. As she climbed up the stairs leading to her apartment, streams of sweat were flowing on her forehead. "Almost there," she thought as she paid no heed to the droplets almost dripping into her eyes. Taking more effort than usual, she was able to unlock the door and got into her apartment. Tired, she walked over to her couch and sat there for a moment with her eyes closed, relishing the cool breeze from the air-conditioner.
Realizing her mouth was a little dry, she pour herself a glass of water. Even though she was thirsty, she couldn't help but notice the rainbow that had formed in her water glass. Little things like this unbeknownst to the human minds are what we called miracles. Things that form the greater mysteries of life, like how was the universe formed? or Is there a God? Not that she was ignorant of how rainbows are formed, but the fact that the little gap between the curtains that allowed the sunlight through such a certain angle and direction that allowed the formation of one in her glass is what bemused her. Minutes passed before she finally summoned her consciousness to lift that glass of water and pour it into her mouth. She felt a split-second of ecstasy as the cool and refreshing water touched her lips. "This is why delayed gratification can be so amazing. Again, another small miracle of life."
She looked at the clock and the time keeper suggested that it is time for her shower because practice will begin soon. She nodded in agreement and proceeded to the bathroom. Once she was done, she checked her reflection with her body-length mirror and nothing significant had changed. Perhaps her hair has grown a quarter inch longer, perhaps it hadn't, she couldn't be sure. Either way, there is no time to ponder over such trivial matters. There are things to be done. She meticulously went through her purse to make sure she had everything by going over a little list in her head. This habit of hers is like a mantra that never fails to keep herself in check.
"Phew," with a relieving sigh, she put on her red velvety boots, and left her cozy haven. Despite the hot afternoon, the night was a tad chilly. She was glad that she wore a scarf as a part of her attire.
Her emotional state was calm and neutral though the streets do seem a tad deserted. Not that it should be bustling with people on a Thursday night but the occasional laugh, usually echoed by the surrounding buildings was always comforting.
"No going back now," thought Alison. Being mindful of her steps, she made her way through to Memorial Union without any mishaps. She might have greeted a couple of people along the journey, nobody significant. The color prism of lights was fading as she walked and she could tell that her destination was not much further...only a small dark path under the trees to go through.
A recent string of robbery cases around this area put her on high alert that she need to divert her full attention to the surroundings. As she approaches the path, a gust of wind blew her scarf almost 100 feet forward. Bending down to pick up, she realized where she was. Underneath the final street lamp, she sees herself between the great divide between civilization and the netherworld. From the light side, she could smell the familiar aroma of fresh brewed coffee mixed with the latest pop-music while the direction she is heading offered nothing but a grey, colorless world. The pathway looked more menacing than ever now that she is only 2 steps away.
For once, she was scared. The little daredevil that would put her own bodily safety during her rehearsals was afraid of the darkness before her. She was never fearful of the lack of light, but the uncertainty that she is about to face made her froze. She can not decide if she should proceed.
This day was just like any other. The mid summer day was ever so hot, owing to the sun blasting never-ending rays of heat. As she climbed up the stairs leading to her apartment, streams of sweat were flowing on her forehead. "Almost there," she thought as she paid no heed to the droplets almost dripping into her eyes. Taking more effort than usual, she was able to unlock the door and got into her apartment. Tired, she walked over to her couch and sat there for a moment with her eyes closed, relishing the cool breeze from the air-conditioner.
She looked at the clock and the time keeper suggested that it is time for her shower because practice will begin soon. She nodded in agreement and proceeded to the bathroom. Once she was done, she checked her reflection with her body-length mirror and nothing significant had changed. Perhaps her hair has grown a quarter inch longer, perhaps it hadn't, she couldn't be sure. Either way, there is no time to ponder over such trivial matters. There are things to be done. She meticulously went through her purse to make sure she had everything by going over a little list in her head. This habit of hers is like a mantra that never fails to keep herself in check. "Phew," with a relieving sigh, she put on her red velvety boots, and left her cozy haven. Despite the hot afternoon, the night was a tad chilly. She was glad that she wore a scarf as a part of her attire.
"No going back now," thought Alison. Being mindful of her steps, she made her way through to Memorial Union without any mishaps. She might have greeted a couple of people along the journey, nobody significant. The color prism of lights was fading as she walked and she could tell that her destination was not much further...only a small dark path under the trees to go through.
A recent string of robbery cases around this area put her on high alert that she need to divert her full attention to the surroundings. As she approaches the path, a gust of wind blew her scarf almost 100 feet forward. Bending down to pick up, she realized where she was. Underneath the final street lamp, she sees herself between the great divide between civilization and the netherworld. From the light side, she could smell the familiar aroma of fresh brewed coffee mixed with the latest pop-music while the direction she is heading offered nothing but a grey, colorless world. The pathway looked more menacing than ever now that she is only 2 steps away.For once, she was scared. The little daredevil that would put her own bodily safety during her rehearsals was afraid of the darkness before her. She was never fearful of the lack of light, but the uncertainty that she is about to face made her froze. She can not decide if she should proceed.
“He who fears will suffer, he already suffers from his fear.” she recalls from Michel de Montaigne. Clutching her purse, she braced herself and went rushing into the "abyss". For a moment, the moonlight flickered on her boots as she crosses the line. The cold air feels harsh on her lungs but she can't stop herself from running until an icy sensation ran down her spine. Her feet feels heavy and her head is spinning. Catching her breath she peered upwards towards the source of the chilling touch. Expecting an unearthly being, she simply sees droplets of water dripping down the leaves from the rain before. She studies the dripping motions of the water until the giant moon juxtaposed behind the silhouettes grabs her attention. Her breath became regular and when her eyes got used to the darkness, the orange tint from the moonlight bestowed some color to her grey surroundings. At this very moment, her heart beat was palpable yet she felt a complete sense of calmness enveloping her existence.
"To think that a person can be frozen by both fear and beauty, life is curious indeed!"
She continued her journey towards the Union on time and practiced her dance moves one final time before the big day. When rehearsal was done, she went back through the same path to return home, but this time with companions. All they did was look at the gigantic moon and exclaimed while Ali grinned in silent.
Thank for Ali for spending her time with me! This took way too long but I'm glad I was able to finish writing! I would like to take this chance to congratulate Ali for her Taipei scholarship. You'll do great Ali!
Also, thank you all for reading!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Sleep a lot my friends
Hello,
This procrastination has got to stop. It's time to admit, I.HAVE.A.PROBLEM...I can't seem to be discipline enough to get myself to bed at night. All day long my head feels cloudy and it's as if I'm walking through a mist.....sometimes everything is confusing, and I procrastinate my work.
Bad habits die hard, so much harder...they simply kills the good habit that I had worked on for so long. Just imagine the possibilities. This is debilitating and has got to stop. I'm going to bed. Fuck you,world. Fuck you responsibilities. Fuck you....
This procrastination has got to stop. It's time to admit, I.HAVE.A.PROBLEM...I can't seem to be discipline enough to get myself to bed at night. All day long my head feels cloudy and it's as if I'm walking through a mist.....sometimes everything is confusing, and I procrastinate my work.
Bad habits die hard, so much harder...they simply kills the good habit that I had worked on for so long. Just imagine the possibilities. This is debilitating and has got to stop. I'm going to bed. Fuck you,world. Fuck you responsibilities. Fuck you....
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Love story in Madison
Hello everybody! Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm lucky enough to be in the receiving end of so much love from my family and friends. So fortunate to have all of you in my life and really, there's not much to complain about ! :) While a marketing scheme, take this day to give thanks to everyone around you. Life is hard, very hard. Be a little kinder to your family, your friend, your foe, and even yourself.
Today I will commemorate Valentine's of 2013 with a love story involving two of my favorite people in the world. My "sister" Alexandra and her boyfriend Dimas. I became friends with them during my first semester here at UW-Madison and they stood out to me as some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Without them, my first semester would have been slightly boring to say the least and their relationship is in my opinion what couples should strive for. So, here it goes:
"Eu Claire and Sheboygan" flashed on the sign of the bus.
Alexandra stepped off the bus to be greeted by the midday sun. It was a hot day and drops of sweat are already forming on the right side of her slender neck. The wind however, was much kinder. The gentle breeze carried the strong scent of fresh cut grass and tulips of colorful sorts.
"Funny thing, tulips are. They come in all different colors yet they all smell them same," thought Alexandra.
The thought of flowers revitalized her otherwise weak will to make her way to the orientation for international students at UW-Madison. Not that she was antisocial having arrive from Lima, Peru just two days ago, there was loads of errand to be taken care of. Not to mention her mother back home was already bugging her to call home. Alas, the temptation of food and fun were not to be taken lightly. With her chest puffed up and a bright smile, she walked towards to what seem to be a congregation of people. She introduced herself to the lady at the registration table, wrote her name on a tag, and proceed to the nearest group of people.
"Hi! I'm Alexandra from Peru!" greeted Alexandra.
Her greeting was well received and many of those people became her really close friends through the semester. But there was one guy that she was really intrigued by. A mid-sized Brazilian "boy" with shaggy hair and a lack of interest towards soccer. His teeth though, was spectacular. They kept stealing glances at each other subconsciously but as they wa the universe works, their eyes never met. Come 2pm, the sun went into hiding beneath mass of clouds as if to take a little break. The breeze continued to carry the scent of grass, this time with a greater intensity as the boys playing soccer on the far side of the park were kicking up a storm.
"The earthworms must be yelling murder," said Dimas, the Brazilian.
Alexandra let out a girly giggle and they continued spectating the soccer boys. The sun eventually retreats into the horizon and with that, the party ends. Many phone numbers and promises to hang out were exchanged. Everyone went home with hopeful of an exciting semester. One the way back, Alexandra spotted a small white egg with blue spots underneath some bushes. She thought it was pretty and kept it in her purse, only to forget about it.
A few days later, the group met again. This time with the presence of spirits. Fun times were had then and many nights throughout the semester. It turns out, Madison is situated quite close to Chicago, one of the largest cities in Midwest United States. Being exchange students, Alexandra and Dimas could not pass the opportunity to visit. They made plans with a few other students and soon a group big enough to fill a whole bus was ready to visit the Windy City. The trip was quite normal with the visits to some touristy places and great restaurants. A few hand brushes were also had. Day by day their "frienship" strengthened, so did the frequencies of glance stealing.
Summer soon left and the whole vista of Madison was painted 50 shades of red. It was time for the confession. Dimas invited Alexandra for a walk along the lake by where he lives. As usual. On their way to the Union, the temperature began dropping to Dimas's advantage. The put his arm around Alexandra who was then shivering from the chill. Underneath the starry night were two souls communing with each other. While it was freezing e outside, they could only feel warmth in each others' embrace as their hearts beat in harmony. In the midst of the chaos, Alexandra's gaze moved towards an egg by her feet, not unlike the one she had picked up ages ago. This time though, it had a crack on it.
Happiness is but a fleeting shadow. Morning came and Dimas woke up alone on his bed.
"That's right, she went back," said Dimas disappointingly.
Reality soon hits and he realized not a word was uttered the last night. Not that there was any chance. Sighing, he got ready for class. The day was relatively uneventful for him. He was unable to concentrate during his classes, and every meeting with his friends were forgotten. Try as he might, he was unable to get rid of Alexandra from his mind. By the time he felt hungry, Alexandra was sitting beside him at the dining hall. He make a sound but before he could, he was already on his bed in his pajamas.
"L-e-t-'s j-u-s-t b-e f-r-i-e-n-d-s," was what he recalled from dinner. He head felt heavy and there was a pool of undefined wetness on his pillow. Turning his head right, he was blinded by street light reflected by the silver letters "Jack Daniels" written on a half-finished bottle of whiskey. Never in his life had he ever gotten so drunk. However, the beam of light that initially blinded his eyesight somehow ignited a new fire within him.
"Never give up, never surrender."he told himself. He might have heard it somewhere but he could not be bothered to recall.
On the other side of Madison, a forlorn Alexandra sat on her bed with her back against the wall. Her heart ached as she stared at the midnight moon. Somewhere inside her purse, something was about to hatch.....
I'm lucky enough to be in the receiving end of so much love from my family and friends. So fortunate to have all of you in my life and really, there's not much to complain about ! :) While a marketing scheme, take this day to give thanks to everyone around you. Life is hard, very hard. Be a little kinder to your family, your friend, your foe, and even yourself.
Today I will commemorate Valentine's of 2013 with a love story involving two of my favorite people in the world. My "sister" Alexandra and her boyfriend Dimas. I became friends with them during my first semester here at UW-Madison and they stood out to me as some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Without them, my first semester would have been slightly boring to say the least and their relationship is in my opinion what couples should strive for. So, here it goes:
"Eu Claire and Sheboygan" flashed on the sign of the bus.
Alexandra stepped off the bus to be greeted by the midday sun. It was a hot day and drops of sweat are already forming on the right side of her slender neck. The wind however, was much kinder. The gentle breeze carried the strong scent of fresh cut grass and tulips of colorful sorts.
"Funny thing, tulips are. They come in all different colors yet they all smell them same," thought Alexandra.
The thought of flowers revitalized her otherwise weak will to make her way to the orientation for international students at UW-Madison. Not that she was antisocial having arrive from Lima, Peru just two days ago, there was loads of errand to be taken care of. Not to mention her mother back home was already bugging her to call home. Alas, the temptation of food and fun were not to be taken lightly. With her chest puffed up and a bright smile, she walked towards to what seem to be a congregation of people. She introduced herself to the lady at the registration table, wrote her name on a tag, and proceed to the nearest group of people.
"Hi! I'm Alexandra from Peru!" greeted Alexandra.
Her greeting was well received and many of those people became her really close friends through the semester. But there was one guy that she was really intrigued by. A mid-sized Brazilian "boy" with shaggy hair and a lack of interest towards soccer. His teeth though, was spectacular. They kept stealing glances at each other subconsciously but as they wa the universe works, their eyes never met. Come 2pm, the sun went into hiding beneath mass of clouds as if to take a little break. The breeze continued to carry the scent of grass, this time with a greater intensity as the boys playing soccer on the far side of the park were kicking up a storm.
"The earthworms must be yelling murder," said Dimas, the Brazilian.
Alexandra let out a girly giggle and they continued spectating the soccer boys. The sun eventually retreats into the horizon and with that, the party ends. Many phone numbers and promises to hang out were exchanged. Everyone went home with hopeful of an exciting semester. One the way back, Alexandra spotted a small white egg with blue spots underneath some bushes. She thought it was pretty and kept it in her purse, only to forget about it.
A few days later, the group met again. This time with the presence of spirits. Fun times were had then and many nights throughout the semester. It turns out, Madison is situated quite close to Chicago, one of the largest cities in Midwest United States. Being exchange students, Alexandra and Dimas could not pass the opportunity to visit. They made plans with a few other students and soon a group big enough to fill a whole bus was ready to visit the Windy City. The trip was quite normal with the visits to some touristy places and great restaurants. A few hand brushes were also had. Day by day their "frienship" strengthened, so did the frequencies of glance stealing.
Summer soon left and the whole vista of Madison was painted 50 shades of red. It was time for the confession. Dimas invited Alexandra for a walk along the lake by where he lives. As usual. On their way to the Union, the temperature began dropping to Dimas's advantage. The put his arm around Alexandra who was then shivering from the chill. Underneath the starry night were two souls communing with each other. While it was freezing e outside, they could only feel warmth in each others' embrace as their hearts beat in harmony. In the midst of the chaos, Alexandra's gaze moved towards an egg by her feet, not unlike the one she had picked up ages ago. This time though, it had a crack on it.
Happiness is but a fleeting shadow. Morning came and Dimas woke up alone on his bed.
"That's right, she went back," said Dimas disappointingly.
Reality soon hits and he realized not a word was uttered the last night. Not that there was any chance. Sighing, he got ready for class. The day was relatively uneventful for him. He was unable to concentrate during his classes, and every meeting with his friends were forgotten. Try as he might, he was unable to get rid of Alexandra from his mind. By the time he felt hungry, Alexandra was sitting beside him at the dining hall. He make a sound but before he could, he was already on his bed in his pajamas.
"L-e-t-'s j-u-s-t b-e f-r-i-e-n-d-s," was what he recalled from dinner. He head felt heavy and there was a pool of undefined wetness on his pillow. Turning his head right, he was blinded by street light reflected by the silver letters "Jack Daniels" written on a half-finished bottle of whiskey. Never in his life had he ever gotten so drunk. However, the beam of light that initially blinded his eyesight somehow ignited a new fire within him.
"Never give up, never surrender."he told himself. He might have heard it somewhere but he could not be bothered to recall.
On the other side of Madison, a forlorn Alexandra sat on her bed with her back against the wall. Her heart ached as she stared at the midnight moon. Somewhere inside her purse, something was about to hatch.....
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