Information to Impact - digitalchain's Blog - Bakersfield.com

What Middle Class are you?

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:52:33 PDT

My Economics professor told us that there are two types of middle class - upper and lower. I stuck to that concept until I found out from Pew Research Center that there are four - in America. No, they’re not upper, upper middle, lower and low lower. Here’s the list:

Top of the Class. It’s the largest of the four groups, comprising slightly more than a third of the 53% of Americans who identify themselves as “middle class” in the Pew survey.

Struggling Middle. Life is considerably tougher for this group disproportionately composed of women and minorities. In fact, many members of the Struggling Middle have a lower median family income than Americans who put themselves on the lowest rungs of the social ladder. About one-in-six self-identified middle class Americans fall into the Struggling Middle.

The Satisfied Middle has everything but money; their comparatively modest incomes have not muted their sunny outlooks or overall satisfaction with their lives. This group is disproportionately old and disproportionately young; middle aged adults are relatively scarce in the Satisfied Middle. They make up a quarter of the middle class.

Call them the Anxious Middle; they make up slightly less than a quarter of all middle class Americans. By the conventional yardsticks of income, education, age, employment and family status, the fourth middle class group is the most middle class of all–and the most dissatisfied and downbeat of the four groups. While they enjoy some of the economic advantages of the Top of the Class, they express many of the same bleak judgments about their lives as those in the Struggling Middle.

Read the rest of the article here.

Can you identify where you are?

If the world were a village

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:48:53 PDT

There are currently more than six billion people on the planet! This enormous number can be difficult to grasp, especially for a child. But what if we imagine the whole world as a village of just 100 people?In this village

22 people speak a Chinese dialect

20 earn less than a dollar a day

32 are of Christian faith

17 cannot read or write

39 are under 19 years old

(Source: If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People)

The time has come...

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:20:28 PDT

Welcome Spring

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:03:49 PDT

Families welcome spring with a trip to the park. Ah, Spring!

Cheering others

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:43:33 PDT

Cards and flowers do have a way of cheering someone but Wendy Wayne did not want cards and flowers. She did not want to be cheered by flooding her bedside with witty worded cards and colorful bouquets of flowers, she wanted that we instead cheer others through random acts of kindness.

Having been a Peace Corp volunteer in Africa and a long time child advocate she understands that there are others out there who are in need of cheering - the underprivileged. Indeed, it is a selfless act to be thinking of them but there comes a time when the giver must be the receiver and it is hard not to think about Wendy and not want to cheer her up. She does deserve cheering up in this difficult time.

We hope Wendy wins this battle.

City responds to local leader's kindness quest

Models are starving themselves!

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:55:45 PDT

The image is far from the glitz and glamor of the modeling world - it looks more like a scene from the holocaust only more classy. The photos are shocking. But I know this is not new.

A post from F-word.org talks about a New York legislation called Res. 0692-2007, which urges sponsors of the New York Fashion Week to adopt a healthy models education campaign and ban models with a BMI of less than 18.5 from strutting the runway. This is highlighted because of a death of a model due to an eating disorder. She is just one of many models who have died. Here’s the news article.So sad to see these beautiful women wither away like that. Visit this site and learn more about the subject or go to Eating Disorder and be educated.

The "Barong" at the Golden Globe Nominations

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:26:22 PST

World famous US director Quentin Tarantino, who visited Manila to accept an award, wears “barong” to the 65th Annual Golden Globe Nominations held last year at the Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, California.

A Barong Tagalog (or simply Barong) is an embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. It is very lightweight and worn untucked (similar to a coat/dress shirt), over an undershirt. It is a common wedding and formal attire for Filipino men as well as women. The term “Barong Tagalog” literally means “Tagalog dress” (i.e., baro ng Tagalog or dress of the Tagalog) in the Filipino language. (wikipedia)

Unfortunately, the awarding is at risk due to the writer's strike. Will there be a resolution soon?

My daily fortune fix

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:07:32 PST

My fortune yesterday says that I will “have a chance at good fortune” and that I will “have happiness in my heart”. Teng was given a better reading - “now is the time to buy yourself something nice”.

This morning my fortune is - again- You will have a chance at good fortune.

I guess the great oracle has spoken. Now what do I do with my chances at good fortune? What fortune can that be? Perhaps I should approach the oracle again at snack time for a second opinion.

The greatest show on earth may not be that great at all

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:42:46 PDT

We went to the circus - a performance they also call the “greatest show on earth”. It was nice, really, to experience the circus. Yes, they did have great shows and the performers were awesome. The usual circus fare were there - the clowns, the flying trapeze, the acrobats, the men on stilts and the performing animals. It was fun to watch and we enjoyed it very much. We went to the 3:30 p.m. show.

The show was over, so we made our way out to the front entrance. As we exited from the Rabobank we saw the next batch of circus-goers lining up for the next show. Eager to get in, as we were 90 minutes ago. But at the corner of the intersection near the venue were a handful of people holding placards and handing out flyers. We continued to walk, admiring the water fountain fronting the arena. Children were in the fountain frolicking and soaking themselves to cool down as it was quite warm that afternoon. We stopped a few feet from the geysers, took some photos then walked casually some more - as did many circus goers were doing.

We reached the corner and saw what these handful of people were doing. It was a small protest group denouncing the cruelty that goes on behind this circus - particularly those made to animals. This is their site. Check it out and get educated.

I was not sure what they thought of us or what I thought of them. We just patronized, according to them, an organization that mistreat its animals. After enjoying the show, I suddenly thought, perhaps it may not be the greatest show on earth after all. They just spoiled the circus for me. But that’s just me thinking.

Clothing Stor(i)es

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:58:14 PDT

These stories just made me smile.

A shirt helps catch a crook, and;
the case of the missing pants finally resolved.

Is this true? Bakersfield is no place to raise a child...

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:56:06 PDT

I read from this article that Bakersfield is one of the worst place for a child. Any comments?

Father’s Day Thoughts

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:42:44 PDT

I have been a father for 14 years to a son and 8 years to a daughter and I enjoy every second of it! Yesterday, we joined millions of families pay tribute to fathers of all shapes and sizes.

I am fortunate to have had a positive role model. I grew up with a father who taught me what I needed to know how to be a father myself.

The sermon we heard yesterday talked about how families today are being torn apart because fathers have shirked their responsibilities. An appeal was made by the minister that, as a community, the males should take seriously their role - as a father, an uncle, a grandfather - and help provide a suitable environment where our children can grow up and lead productive lives.

The highlights of my Father’s Day celebration was a phone call from my son Pajo, who is in the Philippines finishing his high school and a dinner cooked by Thea, my daughter (Teng, my wife supervised the cooking).

Being a father is not only a blessing but an education as well. It’s just so sad that many decided to drop out.

A greater appreciation

Mon, 28 May 2007 08:48:20 PDT

We went to church service yesterday morning. As this was part of the Memorial Day weekend it was expected that part of the service delved on the sacrifices the soldiers offered for their country.

I also know that America is a nation at war with engagements in many parts of the world. However, I never really felt how they were affected by the conflicts.

At that morning’s service, Bobby Bligh was at the pulpit. Before he delivered his sermon he asked the church-goers a few questions, asking them to stand up to confirm:

“Who is serving or have served in the armed forces?” A few stood up; the congregation offered their thanks.

“Who has family members, relatives or friends that are now serving…” Now only a few of us were seated; most were standing up.

The effects of the war on terror is closer to home for people here in the US. To many of the members of this congregation the war and its horrors are felt daily. Out there in the front lines -a friend, a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, a father or a mother is in harm’s way. Just thinking about it pains me.

Our prayer goes out to the troops and their families. In a way, we too are affected by conflicts around.

I found this very informative : U.S. Memorial Day History and Information on U.S. War Memorials

Honking in America

Wed, 16 May 2007 17:05:02 PDT

A major difference in drivers' attitude here in the United States is the use of the vehicle’s horns.

On page 42 of the 2007 California Driver Handbook the uses of the horn are enumerated. There are 3 conditions where you can use your horns and 4 conditions when not to use the horn.

For comparison:

In California

Honk ONLY :to avoid accidents; to alert other drivers to get “eye contact”; on narrow mountain roads, where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.

DO NOT honk: if a driver is going slowly and you want him to drive faster; if slowing or stopping - use the brakes instead; to show other drivers that they made a mistake; if you are angry or upset.

In the Philippines I tap the horn

to get the other driver to go faster;
to show the other driver that he made a mistake;
when approaching an intersection;
when approaching a ped xing;
when a car is in front of me and its a green light;
when I give the right of way to another car;
to thank a driver for giving me way;
when I am angry or upset (which rarely happens).

The only time I heard a car honk was in Las Vegas. In Bakersfield, I have yet to hear a car honk.

Maybe you can ask Jason about it -he just got back from the Philippines! Welcome back!

http://digitalchain.wordpress.com

Taking in the sights and sounds of Bako

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:06:11 PDT

It has been ages since I last posted anything. We were busy preparing for the move to Bakersfield.

We got to see the city for the first time last March 29, 2007. I'm still taking in the sights and sounds of the city. So far, I like what I see. It's a growing community and a lot of things happen.

We met a lot of people and all were friendly. Even at Food Max where we often buy our groceries, we see a lot of smiling faces. We are renting an apartment along W. Columbus St. and are fortunate to be neighbors with fellow Filipinos. It's a warm community and there are many good things to discover. I have been watching the local TV stations and we are picking up more and more information about the city.

Her first American meal

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:32:54 PST

My wife SMSd me today. She was telling me about her very first meal in America. For breakfast she had cookies and coffee. For lunch she had a burger. She misses the usual Filipino meal of 'dinengdeng' - vegetable stew. She went shopping, too.

T-minus 59 Days to Launch

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:54:02 PST

I got a call from my wife this morning (it was three in the afternoon in CA). I was happy she completed the first leg of her adventure without incident. Her employer picked her up at LAX and proceeded to Bakersfield.

" You'll like it here!", she told me over the phone. "It's vast! There aren't that many skyrise buildings yet. It's different from what we see on TV."

I gave the the phone to my daughter.

" Honey, I'm in California already!"
" Really?"
" Yes, I am!"

During the course of that short conversation I saw Thea's eyes light up. I do not know what went on in her mind but she sure was excited.

We had to say good bye because we were off to work and to school.

At the office, I IM'd my relatives and friends that Teng has arrived. All were eager to get hold of her telephone number. She's in a hotel now and just SMSd me that they are on their way to dinner.

I'll ask her later what her very first American meal was!

T-Minus 60 Days - more or less...

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:59:39 PST

Dear Bakersfield,

My wife is on her way to California. In about six hours ( it's 9:37 pm here in the Philippines) she will be in Bakersfield. She flew ahead of the family to "recon" the area and because our kids are still in the last quarter of their school year. We would want them to finish the current school year until mid-March 2007. We will be joining her by April at the latest.

In my previous posts, I did a countdown on the last 100 days or so of us being here in the Philippines and our eventual moving to Bakersfield. There are some changes and I changed the countdown to T-minus 60 days. If all goes well- and we are confident that it will- Bakersfield will be our new home.

It's a new adventure and there are challenges but we are ready. We did a lot research about Bako - all the socio-economic data we can find - and found the city to be to our liking. It isn't as fast-paced as the other cities we compared it with. Plus we have first hand information from former colleagues who are now settled in the city. So far, we have heard a lot of positive reviews. Very encouraging.

I have been reading some of the post and I find the comments intruiging. I find the exchanges as educational and offers a "grass roots" picture on how the dynamics of the community is at play.

I have been warmly welcomed by the netizens of this community- there's Jason who started the ball rolling followed by koztarr then murphyslaw.

As this is an entirely new adventure, not only for me but also for the entire family, please allow us to observe how the way of life is in the city and the personalities that make the city.

Out-pouring of Support

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:15:24 PST

Today I rode with Kuya Gilo, a neighbor, to town. We had an interesting conversation. When I told him the family is moving to California he got excited and congratulated us. Like most of our friends and acquaintances who know of our plan to migrate, he was very supportive. He even invited us over to meet his relatives who will be coming from California for a visit to the Philippines next week.

Except for a photojournalist friend who was concerned about the "brain-drain", most support the move to migrate.

A few also offered to give the names of relatives in the States. They even went to the extent of informing their relatives that we will be coming over- it is typical of Filipinos to look after their own. It's a comfortable feeling - the feeling of being protected.

I don't know if this was meant to warn us - in your first few months you will be invited to many Filipino and Fil-Am homes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, coffee, cook-outs, etc. It will be a challenge! How you manage your time and your appetite will be tested to its limits. Personally, I like the idea. It's still Pinoy and it's a warm feeling!

T-minus 92 Days Before Launch - To Dream : American or Filipino?

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:30:06 PST

Ever since our friends knew about us moving to the US we have only received encouragement. One way or the other, they were happy that we were given the opportunity to start our American dream.

I just thought it odd that immigrants would really call their relocation or immigration as part of the American Dream. I was also thinking, what was my reason for wanting go to America? It was a tug-o-war for me. One part wanting to stay and help out and another part wanting to go to secure a more stable future for me and the family.

There are two thoughts regarding the matter and I found them when I was looking for an explanation. The American Dream I got from Wikipedia and the Filipino Dream from Philippine Senator Manuel A. Roxas.

The American Dream is a subjective term usually implying a successful and satisfying life. This term usually implies financial security and material comfort, but can also imply a dream of fame, exceeding social, ethnic, or class boundaries, or simply living a fulfilling life. Perceptions of the American dream are usually framed in terms of American capitalism, its associated meritocracy, and the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Bill of Rights. The term is not easily defined, and has subjective meaning to many who claim it. The American Dream is often associated with immigration, as the dream of religious freedom, economic prosperity, and meritocracy has historically driven immigrants to the United States. The term is used by many modern Americans to signify success in life as a result of hard work (as in, “living [or pursuing] the American Dream”). (wikipedia)

That Filipino Dream is a simple one, and it revolves around the Filipino family and its well-being, not around material goods. We want to be able to provide for the needs of every member of our family and to leave something behind for our children and grandchildren to build on. That means a good education, a good job, a roof over our heads, and peace and security in our homes and neighborhoods. We want to start our children off at a level better than what we ourselves began with. (Sen. Manuel A. Roxas)

Both dreams are good. I would gladly make use of the two. It's like having the best of both worlds. Can't wait to try the two out together.