Do You Like It That I Like You?

When I grasp for words and I stutter in awe

And describe in detail everything that I saw

Does it move you an inch, make you itch — maybe flinch

At the thought that I like you far more than you think?

When I say your name sweeter than someone else’s

Drag my chair, pull it closer to surround all your edges

Does it push you away and elicit awkward glances

That I’m always around you, in your trainers, like laces?

Does the sky fall in the morning when you open your eyes

Feeling heavy all of a sudden at the prospect of a surprise

At the idea of a day lost in loving words all unspoken

Because I finish your sentences and mend fences that you’ve broken?

Some things can become too much in the absence of touch

Some lives are oddly intertwined by parallel paths

Haunting eyes across oceans and thousands of miles

Do you like it that I like you a dozen million times?

(end)

Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

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Just look at this uber-minimalist website that answers my most favorite question.

Just look at it. :) 

Conversations With Siri

As you may know by now, I just got myself a white iPhone 4S last Monday.

Those of you who have iPhone 4’s may not see the 4S as an improvement worthy of an upgrade, I know — I completely understand the knee-jerk reaction right there. After all, if it looks the same in the outside, there’d be nothing to blatantly brag about. For how else will you impress your Facebook friends or even the next guy at the grocery aisle that you have “the latest and greatest most amazing iPhone yet” if they can’t tell it’s a 4S at first glance?

But if you’re like me who came from a 3GS, a jump to the 4S is nothing short of satisfying. Sure, some may say all that it has over the iPhone 4 is the revolutionary virtual assistant called Siri. But I would beg to differ. There is so much more to the 4S.

So what do I like about the iPhone 4S?

Speed to me is a major consideration. Though I’m not exactly a speed typist on conventional keyboards, I do type (tap) faster on the iPhone mainly because of the freedom its autocorrect function provides me. The iPhone 4S, I’ve found is way faster and incredibly responsive in almost all aspects. Feeds, games, websites load faster. Practically everything you do is noticeably faster on the 4S. Whether its gaming, email, web surfing or tinkering with apps, the 4S won’t leave you wanting for speed.

It’s an eye-candy.

Photos, texts, and websites are rendered more beautifully on the 4S and the 8MP camera means you can really leave your digicams at home.

Siri: The Dealmaker

The iPhone 4S was officially launched here in the Philippines last December 16, 2011 but it’s been around here for quite some time and even longer in the US, UK and elsewhere overseas. Siri — the virtual assistant that comes preinstalled in the iPhone 4S has been tested and reviewed innumerable times.

I think Siri is definitely the defining feature of the iPhone 4S. And while there’s more to the 4S than Siri, I’d have to agree that it does make a significant difference especially because, for all the good reviews Siri got, it is officially still in beta which means Siri will inevitably get better. And nothing makes me happier than being an early adopter (okay, maybe there is something else). Experiencing technology firsthand as it evolves from obscurity to ubiquity is a most-satisfying experience for tech enthusiasts.

So since every 4S purchase comes with sleepless conversations with Siri, let me share some of mine (and others by my son).

Conversations with Siri

Let’s start with the usual — fishing for compliments. :)

Getting to know you’s

Power-tripping

And then of course, the random questions:

So, apparently to “have a love life”, one needs to have actual meetings with “Love”.

But, as with everything that rely on technology, there are limitations.

Siri is very impressive as it is now but I hope it gets outside the “Apple box” in the future, communicating with third-party apps and even altering phone settings at will.

Until then, it’s a little reassuring that the antisocial me will have somewhat sensible conversations with Siri whenever I’m alone. Though I’m a little disappointed that until I figure out how to put condiments inside my 4S, I still have to make my own sandwich.

Happy New Year from RJMarmol.com!

Happy New Year Everyone! Wishing you all a prosperous 2012!

Click to view Happy New Year card.
**Warning: Explicit content.

Unboxing the 2012 Starbucks Planner: Review

After spending approximately about 2,550 pesos (that’s actually a modest estimate; truth is it costs more than that because I don’t just go there for coffee, I eat too), I’ve been justly rewarded a FourSquare mayorship and a planner.

(Photo credits: Philippines.Starbucks.com)

Hooray for me (and the guy who makes all these possible)!

I know, a bit indulging if not downright insensitive considering how economies in Europe are quickly spiraling down into a black hole of uncertainty.

See, some people smoke. Some gulp one too many alcoholic beverages. Some womanize like it’s the end of the world. And me, well…

I like limited edition planners.

Is it a sin? Maybe. But it’s not illegal so I’m safe for now. Maybe I’ll burn in hell later, just like that old planner-junkie before me. But hey, I’m in no rush.

So in the tradition of many irrelevant analogies: Just like the hunter who came home from an endless stake-out, and like that annoying man who brags about his latest “conquest”, allow me to delight you with my latest catch —

The Starbucks 2012 Planner

It’s not too big, not too small.
Not too heavy, not too tall.

Fits in my bag, fits in your hand,
Not too sweet, not too bland.

It’s made of wood, hard and strong
It’s not too short, and not too long.

What I forget, it will recall
When I’m at my wits end
and about to crawl.

But why no page to write my name?
Oh, have these editors gone insane?

What good is a planner that’s shiny and new.
If it gets lost and can’t be returned to you?

Perhaps it’s true, what people say
All you are’s a fad that will go away

But now that I have you,
I’ll overlook the dismay
You’re so dear to me to part with
So I’m afraid you’ll have to stay.

Below are photos of the new Starbucks 2012 Planner.

The Starbucks 2012 Planner comes in five (5) colors: Poplar, Bamboo, Cherry, Spruce, and Oak.    Of the five colors, I chose Oak — the darkest color. My planner goes where I go and I don’t want to worry about it getting stained in any way. Perhaps if I manage to complete another set of stickers, I’d get Cherry.

This year’s planner comes with the usual Starbucks coupons we’re used to. Blissful cards for coffee lovers.

Last year’s string bookmark with a metallic coffee-cup-designed end has been replaced with a cardboard this year.

The Starbucks 2011 and 2012 Planners, side by side comparison:

Yes, it truly is “bigger than coffee”. This font though eerily looks exactly like my handwriting.

The planner on top of my Asus Eee PC netbook.

It has a monthly view section for all your month’s sked in a glance:

A weekly view and a “notes” area:

A small monthly calendar over at the top right of every weekly view section to keep track of where you are in that month:

Month side tabs:

A pouch for your coupons and other small papers:

Planner back view:

Hey, it’s thicker than my netbook!!!

The pouch that comes with it is perfect for light travels like going to the bank, mall or any short-distance driving.

My essentials like lip gloss, sign pen, highlighter, cards (driver’s license, credit card/ATM card), house/car keys, iPod and USB all fit inside!

What’s to like?
1. Size and weight
2. Uncluttered design
3. Free carrying pouch
4. Environment-friendly

What’s not to like?
1. No owner identification section.

Final verdict: 4/5 stars.

If you’re an upwardly-mobile coffee and planner junkie by the slightest definition, the Starbucks 2012 Planner was made just for you.

The coffee may be expensive alright but just like anything in this world, you get what you pay for. And in this case, with a free planner, you actually get more than what you pay for.

Plus, you get to be charitable while indulging in your favorite brew because every planner redeemed translates to enriching children’s lives through the Starbucks Spark Hope program.