I’m always fascinated by those old maids and the character that they possess. I admit I’m a little puzzled why they remain as such knowing that they’re “straight”. Unfair na kung unfair pero that’s how I really see them. I would have understand if they belong to my kind but the mere fact that opposite still attracts them? I really don’t know.
They have been stereotyped to be those whould spend time being uptight, masungit at sobra istrikto. I have a friend whom I can really categorized as one. To my disappointment, I’m starting to feel na rin talaga her being monster. Monster in the sense that she really have this attitude of being so mayabang, so feeling and maraming issues sa ibang tao. She would always have something bad to say about somebody. Be it our boss, co-workers or almost everybody else. I can’t imagine how she’s doing it and how he can just face them the next morning with a fake smile in her face. Damn! she’s a real actress.
Anyway, since it’s June 4 let me dedicate this space for those who are lonesome and still haven’t found “Mr. Right”? Yet, the years are beginning to pile up? Don’t worry or fret. This day is for you. Old Maid’s Day brings awareness to those of us who have not yet found [and caught] our soul mates.
Old Maid’s Day exists to put into the spotlight all of the fair maidens who have yet to find their Prince Charming.
Ladies, celebrate Old Maids Day by getting out and getting noticed. Guys, open your eyes…. “Mrs. Right” may be right under your nose.
Well, I’m extending this for those who are really just “old maids” not the “monsterly old maid” I know.
Just a simple FYI :
ORIGIN OF OLD MAID DAY
The year was 1946 [or thereabouts]. WWII was over, and millions of soldiers were returning home. There was a huge increase in marriages. Somewhere during this time, it was noted that there were plenty of Maidens waiting for the returning GIs. And, the ladies were not getting younger as they awaited the return of their GI. The long war had disrupted and put on hold many relationships. And, many GIs did not return home. Dances and socials were held to bring together returning soldiers and the many available, unmarried ladies. It is from this occurrence that Old Maid’s Day emerged.
Just as I was checking my SMS, I received a message from a friend asking to join him on an ISAW feast at his place. He used to be my hangout buddy while he was still a Law Student at UP. I then thought it was just timely since I had been planning to blog about the street food we ate the past few days. As he puts it, “food is a window into culture.”
Last Saturday after shift, I, Ryan, Mia and Cj met Kate, Mike and their lovely Mika for an Isaw Adventure. As we all know, the UP campus in Diliman is a haven for street food.
We went straight to the isawan near the shopping center and the church. I’ve been there before with Gretch, Myah and Kate’s family too and that’s how I became a fan of isaw. Aside from pork barbeque, the selections of grilled chicken and pork innards, collectively referred to as isaw, include isaw baboy [pork intestine], isaw manok [chicken intestine], tenga ng baboy [pig's ears], goto, botsi, atay [chicken liver], balun-balunan [chicken gizzard], and betamax [pig's blood] among others.
Besides its stellar education, the University of the Philippines Diliman campus is a popular destination for college students in the area for the wide variety of delicious street food and affordable restaurants in the shopping center and various buildings. One of the most sought-after goodies in the campus is their isaw [intestines], which you can find near the Kalayaan Residence Hall. At around three or four in the afternoon, you can find the vendors from the UP Coop setting up their barbecue grill and bringing out their sticks of pre-cooked isaw baboy [pork intestines], isaw manok [chicken intestines], barbecued pork, chicken feet, and other barbecued meats.
After the isaw baboy and manok is grilled in front of you, you dip it in vinegar seasoned with garlic and onions. The crunchy exterior of the pork intestines and the chewy texture of the meat makes isaw baboy something I always crave for when I smell the aroma of barbecued meat. Be warned though - this snack is high in cholesterol, and eating too many sticks at once just might bring you a little bit closer to death
There is another isawan that used to be in front of Ilang-ilang Residence Hall but moved to vacant lot beside the UP Law Center. The main difference is in the sauce since this has a sweet brown sauce and spicy vinegar while the other is mostly vinegar-based.
Other selections in UP include the sorbetes, taho, lumpia, banana cue, camote cue, cheese sticks, fish balls, squid balls and kikiam among others. Immediately after the Isaw session, we went to Joanne’s place and had spaghetti and liempo over some bottles of beer. The videoke was also a blast.
Highlights were : Mia having a stolen picture with the “takaw sa isaw” Onemig Bondoc, Ryan imitating the bedimpled guy, Joanne & Ivan’s mala-sarsuela drama, Cj’s sleeping on the table and my own version of “I belong!” picture.
I’ve been trying to find hawker centers here in the Philippines just like those in Singapore and Hongkong. And the closest thing that we’ve got here is Market! Market! in Fort Bonifacio Global City, just along C5. So our next stop? Market! Market!
Our very own Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco starred with Andrea Bocelli, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Katherine McPhee, Michael Johns, Babyface, Michael Buble, Brian McKnight and John Mayer in a concert tribute to songwriter David Foster on May 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The concert highlighted the luminous career of Foster, one of the music industry’s most celebrated producers. He was honored by a historic one-night-only live concert, David Foster and Friends.
Charice got two standing ovations after she sang “I Will Always Love You” and “And I Am Telling You.”
“Tonight, a star is born!” David Foster exclaimed when Charice Pempengo wowed a 10,000-strong audience. She was the only performer to get a standing ovation, in fact - two!
Oprah called Foster to get Charice on his show. The 16-year old from Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines appeared on the Oprah Show, and she was clearly impressed. Well, a good thing Foster accommodated Oprah, too!
If Groban is one of Foster’s most renowned discoveries, this night truly belonged to a newer one, doe-eyed 16-year-old Filipino belter Charice, whose voice is like a jetliner taking off from her sternum.
She turned in a stunning rendition of the Whitney Houston-by-way-of-Dolly Parton hit I Will Always Love You, singing with such power and poise, it was hard to believe that she wasn’t even yet alive when the song originally became a hit on The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992.
“Tonight, a star is born,” Foster gushed after her brief set, another grand sentiment from a man defined by them.
I was just tidying up my station as I was ready to go home when I had the chance to check this from coconuters blog. I have been posting Charice’s videos here even before so I thought - I couldnt miss this. And so I posted.
I decided to make a separate post of this adventure as it deserves a limelight of its own. Capones Island is really a sight to behold. Contrary to what I’ve read in my research, the sea was not that wild and rough so it was so funny that the other boat where our hunks were riding had life vests on during the entire boat ride [our boat with Mia, Joanne, Ivan and I didn't have any].
We opted to go to Capones Island earlier as it was said to be more difficult to reach especially during high tide. It was a very enjoyable boat ride. I was screaming like hell. Thirty minutes later, we arrived at its shore to experience the famous lighthouse for which it is known for. The stair trail was steepy and really high. We passed through thick grasses and trees and soon enough, we finally got to Capones Island Lighthouse.
The Faro de Punta Capones on the Island of Grand Capon, simply known now as the Capones Island Lighthouse, was built in 1886 and became operational in 1890. Despite its old age, the lighthouse is still operational and is currently powered by solar cells under the maintenance and supervision of the Philippine Coast Guard.
After taking photos of the lighthouse, we went inside and tried to go up to where the light was. There was a creepy feeling as we roam and check the place. The walls were too thick, the stair way was creaking with every step we made, the echo of our voices gave a shrill to our body and the height freightened me too. More pictures were taken then we decide to call it a day.we decided to leave the lighthouse for fear that the beach might be impassable should the tides go higher.
The trek back was just as difficult, but we were able to maneuver our steps better among the rocks and corals along the beach. We went inside the tall, wild grasses again and came out with lesser scratches. Exhausted from the trek, we rested first under a cliff’s shade, while the others check a group of photographers doing photoshoot.
We then headed back to Pundaquit Beach. As expected it was a very enjoyable boat ride. Basically, everything was done in a leisurely manner. We left the island and were back in the resort in no time. We readied ourselves for the long journey home… Back to reality.
Friday night which extended to that morning of a Saturday was chaotic! Everyone [except for me] was cramming on their reports and work loads just so we could leave the office, go home and head to the bus terminal… Maybe it was the excitement that drove us crazy. Weird, but I was half hearted and couldn’t fully join the fun because Agnes’ birthday will be on a Sunday. The thought of being out of town made my heart jump and beat twice but missing my friends birthday held me from being on an ecstatic mode.
When I got home I texted Joanne and Mia about joining them on our way to the bus terminal. Few changes of our route plan made me feel cramming but thanks to great heavens we still made to the terminal early!
The bus was supposed to leave at 12:00, Lou, Ryan and Ivan were already there when we arrived. Cj then came after few minutes. Everyone shifted mood because Beto was nowhere in sight and the bus is about to leave in 15 minutes. Good thing he made it before the scheduled departure.
We arrived at San Antonio at around 3:00 am, which was earlier than our expected time of arrival. From there, we met our guide and rode a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach. While Mia, Joanne and Ivan were doing the pamamalengke, the rest of us just took time taking pictures, enjoying the beach and wandering how it would be like to be in Anawangin while staring at Capones Island and another one which I soon heard to be Camara Island.
Capones Island and a couple of other smaller islands [the Camara Islands] lie a few kilometers from the shores of Pundaquit, Zambales. The Camara islands are 2km offshore and Capones is 3 kilometers farther [5.2 km offshore]. Capones and Camara are known for their white beaches, speckled with colorful crushed coral. Clear turquoise waters held us spell-bound. High rock cliffs beckon rappellers. Capones is known for an old Spanish-era lighthouse that brings visitors back in time.
The boat was small and I can see some were hesitant to ride it! It was my first time to ride a small boat, but the excitement consumed it.
About 15-20 minutes later, we docked at Anawangin Cove. All the while I thought that Anawangin is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. But we were surprised to see that there were actually a lot of people that weekend! Lucky us, we got a space near the improvised CR and poso [well].
I had fun at Anawangin. This is the first time I’ve set up a tent and actually felt like a real camper! Our trip from one island to another was a real scare and adventure at the same time! Imagine going against the waves, in a small boat, at the middle of the sea! But it was fun and really something worth sharing.
Before we head back to Pundaquit Beach the next day, we made a side trip to Capones Island. It rained hard while we were packing our things and unfolding our tent. We wore our “Anawangin - Capones Adventure shirts” and decided to brave the rain showers. The Capones adventure will be on my next blog post.
The locals of San Antonio should take care of their beaches and other natural resources around the place. Tourists should likewise do their part in preserving the beauty of Anawangin [and Capones too]. Everyone should do their share in preserving the place so that a lot more would also be awed by its beauty and serenity. As my fellow campers say: “Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints; kill nothing but time…”
The entire Zambales experience was capped with Jollibee treat for ourselves as we board Victory Liner. Definitely, a good way to end a good long weekend with a good out-of-town trip.
I’d like to thank of course everybody who made the trip memorable and really enjoyable. Lou [my husbandry], Beto [boyprend], Ryan [ex], CJ [hmmm.. gretch's], Joanne [porky], Mia [chuchay] and siyempre lalong higit kay Ivan na sobra bait at nag-asikaso ng halos lahat.
I have been biased regarding issues on “network wars” all my life. Anything 7 will surely be dismissed without notice. As you may have read from my blog entries, I have given my heart [jologs as it may] to Angel Locsin who was lambasted by 7 people. Having so, I come to hate what they claim took her crown and to my “kangitngitan” was claimed to be her better replacement - Marian Rivera.
I just bumped into this video and I don’t wish to make any comment sana [hehehehe] and then I heard from my officemate that the same video was featured on television yesterday. In recent news, the famous lady actress Marian Rivera was featured as being rude ["nagtaray"] to one of her fans. But watching the video, I think that Marian Rivera only reacted to the male person whom she accused as being a jerk. The guy tries to turn things around by appearing tame and kind. I think Marian did blow her top but for a reason. I think she would would have also weighed her reaction first and maybe what the guy did to her was too much that’s why she vented out her feelings that way. Well, I’m not a fan of hers but, judging from Marian Rivera’s Video clip, this is my take on all these. What’s yours?
It does pay to really be cautious about the things we say especially for public figures, because people can interpret even our sincerest and best intentions/reactions negatively.
When we talk about Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquaio, Banig Roberto, Nichole of PSD, Apple [?] of Black Eyed Peas, Charice Pempengco, Sam Concepcion and the likes, we can’t help but feel proud.
The other day, Nathan and I talked about working overseas. The hassles and difficulties, the discriminations and how we should consider waiting for better paying jobs since we have waited long already. We talked about Roan who’s in Qatar now.
I don’t have the figures to prove my point. I have no doubt though that many of my countrymen will agree that we Filipinos are notorious for being extremely proud of our racial heritage. I don’t know but it comes out naturally. The mere suggestion of an insult directed to anything Filipino would be enough to raise an uproar of such cataclysmic proportions that the poor hapless critic can soon expect to equate his life with standing naked under a hail storm. Don’t you dare!
This is why I now wonder what fellow Filipinos think of the country’s description in Uncyclopedia. For those who have no idea what the site is about, just imagine Wikipedia on a perpetual drinking spree with psychotropic drugs on the side. The result is an acidic, witty and impertinent view of everything under the sun and beyond it. You might even find it humorous if you’re not in it.
Filipinos [or Pinoys, as they prefer to call themselves] have a pair of eyes, ears and nostrils, two arms and legs much like humans. They pout and use their lips instead of their fingers to point to things, and they can understand each other using various body languages and gestures without uttering a word. At home, a Filipino family’s hospitality is renowned worldwide. They will more than happily accept over $500 worth of food and groceries, but will be extremely insulted if you offer to make even one grilled cheese sandwich.
To get a Filipino’s attention, just say “Hoy!”, or “Psstttt!”, or “Pssst uyy!!!”. If this approach fails, yell “DOG!” and they will turn around, fangs bared and eyes bulging, saying “WHERE?!”
They have an appendage called a celfone which they use to communicate with their herd. This body part, if taken away from a Filipino, will result in paranoia. This makes it easier for biologists to identify the Filipinos in the wild, since they have their individual IMEI numbers which the scientists can track. Filipinos immediately respond to celfone messages rather than any emergency and calls you can imagine. Whitening cream and transexualism is very popular with Filipinos. Over half of the GDP comes from these two interests.
Rules on Being a Filipino
Be shameful of your heritage and language, be a clone of an American.
Any Caucasian or American is God [even if they rape your daughter].
Carry a Nokia Cellphone, and use TXT msgs [never call it SMS or you will be PWNED!!! LOLZ]
Avoid trailer parks.
Beware of “evil demons”.
Beware of dwarves.
Act black.
Elect actors and actresses into public office then clap your hands.
Believe in superstitious bullshit.
If you’re a balikbayan from the states, never ever speak Tagalog.
Always climb a volcano.
When a typhoon hits, STAY OUTSIDE AND PLAY!!!
Complain to foreigners that the Philippines is the poorest country in the world and then spend all day shopping at fancy malls, drinking Starbucks coffee, and riding taxis.
Ditch utensils!!! Eat with your hands, dammit!
Buy a painting of The Last Supper and hang it on your dining room wall, even if you’re not Christian.
Where to find Filipinos
Love hotels
Under mountain hats
In volcanoes
For males: in a white girls ass
For females: the hospital
In villages with small houses
In the ghetto fo sho
Under rocks, trees, volcanos, mountains, of about
In church
In a grave
Under a Jesus statue
Anything to do with water buffalos
Basketball games (you know the ones that aren’t black)
Black neighborhoods
Lucky Plaza Singapore
In the States, pretty much where the black people are in order to niggerize themselves and become gangstas and get some shiny-ass blingz. They later begin calling themselves “pi-ggers” for pilipino-niggers.
As expected a number of online Filipinos who do not appreciate satire have decided to miss the point altogether and react on the Philippine article. I am not qualified to have any kind of reaction because my own acidic tastes will not permit objectivity and will equally suggest impudence. It would be interesting to know though what other Filipinos within my circle think of the site and our article.
All right, maybe it does hurt my sense of national pride a bit but only because the article holds some grains of truth. Isn’t it partly true that a boxer is becoming more celebrated than the national hero, that more people are singing Boom Tarat-Tarat than the national anthem and that we are under the rule of a half Ewok?
Read and think about it.
Just yesterday as I was forcing myself to sleep again, I received a text from JC - “Ano na?” which I replied - “huh?”. He then texted me again as I gave immediate responses… - “Saan ka?”, “Home”, “Gawa mo?”, “Watching TV, ikaw ba?”, “Dito kina Ki**, lunch ka na?”, “Di pa”, “Tara sa Rob pioneer”… and so on, and so so..
To cut the already long story short, We met and made our way to the mall. There we had coffee at Starbucks and met our friend Jay and Ralf. Kiko also met us for a taste of buko and “pinatubo” - as JC calls that empanada-looking-yummy-food we had. I missed our then religious meetings and Starbucks tambays. We both love coffee and shares the same fondness for everything “Starbucks”.
I love Starbucks and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I love the pleasing aromatic smell when I walk into the place. I love the cups, and mugs, and French presses, and wildly expensive coffee makers and coffee gadgets they sell. I love the fast and friendly service provided by the green-aproned baristas.
I used to have satisfying weekday evening routine that involves Starbucks. At approximately 7:20pm, Monday through Friday, I visit the Starbucks conveniently located mere minutes from my office to pick up my Americano. My order is always the same. Venti Coffee [dark roast]. Most evenings, I can get in and out of there in less than 5 minutes, despite the evening rush. That might have something to do with the fact that I don’t have to speak while in Starbucks [other than to say "Thank you" when I'm handed my coffee]. That’s because they know me. And they know my drink. In fact, when they were running the “2008 Starbucks Planner”, JC and I had 3 for each.
The mark of a good and experienced barista is knowing your regular customers, and let me tell you, the baristas at my Starbucks rock. Most of them know me. Not my name, but my face. And more importantly, my drink order. I approach the counter, and many times my Americano Coffee it already sitting there waiting for me, because one of the baristas spotted me coming in and knew what I would order. Other times the barista waiting on me says “Venti Americano for Michael.” Not a question, but a statement. I nod my head or say “yes, please.” I grab my drink, and I’m on my way.
The system is not always flawless though. One particular barista has asked me twice in the last month “Grande Half-Caff?” [A half regular, half decaf coffee for those of you not fluent in Starbuckian]. I must look like the “Grande Half-Caff” guy. When I say “Nope. Venti Americano” she looked embarrassed. But she’s new. Give it time.
And once, about a month ago I went to Starbucks late on a Saturday morning. Not a day I normally go, and not the time I normally go either. Would they still know me? Was the recognition by the baristas more of a situational thing? Did they only know me because I was there like clockwork every day during the week? But most importantly, how would the baristas react when they learned I wasn’t getting my normal Americano Coffee? I figured chaos would ensue.
You see, it was a hot and humid morning. It was around 11am, and it was already pushing 90 degrees. I didn’t want an Americano Coffee. It was too warm out. I wanted a cold drink. So I approached the counter. “Americano Coffee” stated the barista with a smile, and turned around to grab my drink. “Nope. Something different this morning, ” I said. “I’ll take a Grande Non-fat, Sugar-free Iced Vanilla Latte.” She looked at me as if I had sprouted horns and a tail.
There’s just something about visiting a place where “everybody knows your name” [or rather, your drink]. I see many of the same customers in Starbucks each and every evening. I’m always greeted with a smile, and all the baristas seem to be in perpetually good moods, which I find surprising since it’s so late in the evening. Oh, and the coffee tastes really good too.
Knowing that I considered going to they gym because I really need to shed some pounds, Ron forwarded this article…
A recent study from the University of Arkansas says a mouthful: The average diner underestimates his or her calorie count by up to 93 percent when eating out. So every time you step through a restaurant door, you may be consuming twice what you bargained for. And that’s bad news for all of us: This year American’s will spend $500 billion — half of our total food dollars — eating out. It’s a double-dip disaster: More meals out, more calories consumed, more trouble from expanding waistlines.
I should know. During a single day recently I visited three big chain restaurants, ordered normally, and demonstrated how you can easily consume a whopping 6,000 calories — three times the recommended total. No, I didn’t eat a mountain of onion rings or a whole extra-large pizza. In fact, I didn’t even have snacks or dessert — just three square meals, including a bran muffin, a burrito, and a salad. It’s the way millions of Americans eat all the time, thinking they’re doing pretty well.
The good news is you can eat on the run — helping yourself to a lot of delicious food — and still lose weight. You just need a strong sense of determination and a wary eye for the the food traps. Start now by making smart choices like those shown here, and you’ll be much skinnier by summer!
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Sandwich
Eat This!
Ham, Egg & Cheese English Muffin Sandwich:
310 calories
10 g fat (5 g saturated)
Not That!
Multigrain Bagel with Lite Cream Cheese
530 calories
17 g fat
Many readers have indicated that breakfast is one of the most misunderstood meals of the day. So let’s say it once and for all: Bagels are bogus. Doesn’t matter if they’re made from multigrain and slathered with the lightest cream cheese in the world. A study from St. Louis University found that people who started their days with eggs consumed 264 fewer calories over the course of a day than those who started with bagels and cream cheese. (That’s 1,800 calories in a week — or a half pound of fat!)
Why? Because protein kick starts your metabolism, helps keep you feeling full throughout the day, and gets your body burning calories early and often. Empty carbs, either from bagels, pancakes, even bran muffins, spike your blood sugar and set you up for a big energy crash — and the massive cravings that come along with it.
LUNCH
Burger
Eat This!
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese
510 calories
26 g fat
Not That!
Burger King Whopper with Cheese
770 calories
48 g fat
Yes, you can keep your figure, or even shrink it, eating the occasional burger, as long as you know the right one to pick. Apparently the BK’s famed flame-broiling does nothing to cut the calories on their most popular burger. And the massive bun and thick layer of mayonnaise don’t help either.
So, a few rules for the burger lovers out there who don’t want to kick the habit: 1) Four ounces of meat or less. Some chains serve burgers packing up to a full pound of beef, easily exceeding the USDA’s recommendation for meat intake…for an entire day. 2) No mayo or mysterious sauce. It doesn’t matter how “special” it may be, it can pack as many calories and fat as the meat itself. (The only thing special about it, most of the time, is its ability to stretch you horizontally.) Ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce are all fine. 3) Can the combo. If you were to add a large fry and large Coke to McDonald’s relatively reasonable Quarter Pounder, that’s an extra 870 calories. If you want to eat cheeseburgers, you’ll have to show some restraint with the sides.
DINNER
Eat This:
Ruby Tuesday’s 9 oz Sirloin with French Fries
615 calories
19 g fat
Not That!
Ruby Tuesday’s Bella Turkey Burger with Baked Potato
1524 calories
84 g fat
People pay too much attention to the type of meat being served to them, and not enough attention to how it’s being served. Steak = bad, turkey = good, but it’s not always that simple. The fact is a sirloin — among the leanest of all steaks — has about the same number of calories, ounce-for-ounce, as turkey or chicken.
But problems arise when the poor turkey is fried, stuffed into an oversized bun, and covered in cheese and mayo. All of a sudden, you have a turkey burger with four times the amount of calories as a 9-oz sirloin. Note to all sandwich, burger, and wrap lovers: Beware of the cheeses, special sauces, and dressings. It’s these, not the meat itself, that pack the biggest punch.
DESSERT
Cake
Eat This:
1 Slice Blueberry Cheesecake
450 calories
30 g fat
Not That!
1 Slice Chocolate Layer Cake
900 calories
55 g fat
We too often look at dessert as an all-or-nothing proposition, as if deciding whether or not to eat it is the only choice that matters. But even within the world of indulgences, there can be a meal’s worth of calories separating a slice of cake from a slice of cheesecake, which is why every decision you make throughout the day, from breakfasts to snacks to the moments where you’re rewarding yourself, demand careful consideration.
Cheesecake is by no means a health food, but the graham cracker crust it often comes built on is a relatively low-impact vehicle, and the blueberry topping (usually fresh or frozen berries simmered with lemon juice and a touch of sugar) adds a small dose of antioxidants. Chocolate cake, on the other hand, is a dense wall of flour, butter, and sugar, spackled with multiple layers of frosting made with more butter and sugar and heavy cream. Ounce for ounce, it’s one of the most calorie-riddled foods on the planet.
Make all the right choices above, and you’ve consumed 1,885 calories. For someone who’s busy and moderately active, that means you can lose up to a pound or more a week! (Add in a few bouts of exercise, and the weight loss can easily double to two pounds a week or more.)
Thanks Ron!
When my so-called infatuation and kagagahan reached my mainstream friends [Havenlink friends, PacHub friends, college friends, hayskul friends and office friends], again my blog world attained recognition. It showed people its possibility as a medium for communication, advocacy and as an attention grabber.
I thought Im just being lured by his looks and so my infatuation for beautiful creatures kicked in, but after reading his entries, I started to feel and appreciate what his blog is all about. And what I really should be feeling.
I wish to seek forgiveness of my so-GAY reactions and initial intention. I gave in to my physical desires. I’m really sorry and I mean it. Now, I can say that I’m more attracted to what is in between his ears atop his shoulders. I understand what infatuation is now. Thus the definition explains…
Infatuation is the state of being completely carried away by unreasoning passion or love; addictive love. Infatuation usually occurs at the beginning of relationship when sexual attraction is central. It is characterized by urgency, intensity, sexual desire, and anxiety, in which there is an extreme absorption in another. It is traditionally associated with youth.
In the case of David Eric Poarch, his blog exudes richness in content and personal details that each post easily merits a lot of comments from readers not to discount the fact that his looks well complemented to it too. To think his blog [as it has been considered a Travel blog] contains mainly of Luzon travels, his blog traffic can easily give a lot of big blogs [containing the LuzViMinda travels] a run for their money.
Here is why I think his blog has become a big hit:
Emotion. David’s post touches the reader’s heart especially Filipino hearts. Most of us will never forget actors, authors, writers and stories that stirred our feelings. But the fact that a person gave up what most of us have been dreaming of for the love of Philippines and our culture created a big impact on each and everyone’s disposition. Whether they made us angry, cry or laugh, the emotions they create remain and will not be easily forgotten. Thus gave us the question - Do I really have to dream or aspire for the land of honey?
Writing style. David’s writing style is very direct. He speaks his heart out in every blog post he has written. Anyone who gets to read wants to understand more about the issue at hand. Every blog post bears a lot of emotion that shows the effort made when writing. This makes the post clear, beautiful and intriguing. His stories are always well provided by pictures to document it.
Facts. Rather than just opinions or rants, David shares a lot of information in his blog that concerns the various parties involved in the issue.
Appreciation. David continuously showers his readers with appreciation by recognizing them whenever he can. This touches the heart of readers and contributors who feel acknowledged and the spirit of community or bonding is further strengthened.
Feedback. David does not hesitate to accept feedback through his blog and is willing to answer them sincerely. This transparency showed how connected he can be although he hid the message board to avoid some more confrontation with his partner.
Concern for others. David’s blog has now extended to a bigger cause, dealing with politics, nature and current issues. This, in turn, has also earned him a growing loyal audience.
Word of mouth. Eventually, those who came to know of David’s blog, and was touched [or entertained] by it, have become sneezers of information that further spread the word about his blogging cause. It has moved a person, like me, to reflect on what lessons can be learned from him in this column.
Bravery. Not all of us are bold enough give up all the luxuries and the comfort we have at home. David fighting for what he believe is right and pursuing it made most of us think - Can I also do that?
There are actually more lessons that can be learned from his blog. I won’t be surprised if he will be considered as one of the most influential bloggers in 2008.
I will continue to post entries about him not primarily of my physical attraction but more of admiration on what his coconut contains. He would still be “My Coconuter”.
I’m confessing now. My blog post yesterday isn’t over yet. I have coconuter’s picture gracing my phone’s wallpaper and screensaver too! You remember the commercial that sang - I’m a wheel watcher, I’m a wheel watcher…you know, for Wheel of Fortune [now that it's in your head you'll be singing it for the rest of the day.] Well, I am a blog stalker. There I said it. I’m obsess and I’m stalking his blog. Even the people in my department are affected by my current kabaliwan. I’m checking his every post and gets drifted with it. One time I was there, I noticed that he really had a good time taking his everyday pictures. I can feel how he was feeling then. The simplicity of everything, the enjoyment you feel each time you go back on a place that has been once your home. So I clicked and clicked and all of a sudden I felt like I have found my childhood and I was snooping in something I shouldn’t be snooping in. Forgive me coconuter. After all, I know I’m not supposed to grab your pictures but I’m not gonna use them in bad ways I promise. I wasn’t invited to read his blog. But hey, it’s public. I suppose if he didn’t want me reading it he would have made it private. But it still felt invasive to me.
I just love his being Filipino, his humor and wit. I love his photography. I love his simple recipes. Heck, I love him!
Oh and one last thing, I’m a blog stalker… I’m a blog stalker… everyday. Sing it with me!!
Since I was too excited to check on Anawangin pictures and cant wait to see its beauty, I googled for some info and pictures. While screwing things all at once [very Gay], I accidentally bumped into a blogger who had experienced the island and a lot more of the Philippines. I admired the pictures he posted and I was drifted to checking all his posts. And then whoah! I saw one picture with the blogger himself! I was love struck! hahahahaha… Damn! I giggled stupidly to the weird-prying-eyes of my officemates. Hahahaha… I don’t care! I just so love him! He’s too admirable and sexy. I cant help but to post this video and I know I’ll be digging so much of him from now on. How come I haven’t been able to watch this TV documentary before? Good thing naihabol ko pa! At least I can say… I really didn’t miss half of my life. Sheez, thanks to YouTube.
A young man who had a comfortable and achievement-adorned life in the US, left it all in search of true meaning to “life, freedom, purpose, and happiness” figuratively embodied in a “perfect golden coconut.” While in the US, he graduated Valedictorian of his high school class, received a full scholarship to one of the top US colleges, Rice University, interned at NASA for two terms, and is MENSA International qualified, to name a few of his accomplishments. He now lives as a “nomad” in the Philippines and attempts to try and understand various aspects of life and life itself. He maintains a blog to document his thoughts and photographs during his journey. His writings and ideas have good intentions and have potential for overall world improvement, which you will see from reading his blog. I just hate envy [sorry for the bitchy term] Liza [you know what I mean].
Goodbye chocolates, goodbye hotdogs… Goodbye other crushes!
Vacation, schmacation. Taking time off sometimes seems like more trouble than it’s worth: the frenzied push to get everything done before you go, the zillions of Transaction Monitoring Forms to be filed and e-mail messages to answer when you get back. Maybe that’s why, many of us don’t take all the vacation days we’re entitled to, minus the fact also that our superior wouldn’t just let us to do so [on my case it's more difficult because my manager is also a friend].
A simple vacation will. Even after the shift you can enjoy the luxury of a get away. I just recently did with Mami Abis generosity. She invited us for a fiesta vacation on their hometown - Bauan Batangas. I really enjoyed it.
This simple getaway simply proves that there are ways,to ease those transitions on both ends and to wring enough satisfaction out of our week off to last us. . . well, for a few days after we get back.
So what I can suggest?
Take Your Time: The first step toward achieving vacation nirvana is, duh, to take the time you’re due. And don’t view that as shirking work: A good vacation,”means you come back recharged, somehow, at peace or re-energized, with new eyes and ready to rock and roll again.”
Go Away: Don’t spend your vacation at home. “Get away from your normal space and the people you’re normally around,” Even if you just drive somewhere an hour away. “You don’t have to go clear around the world to get away and come back tired. You can get the benefits of vacation in a simpler way” by taking a low-key trip.
Plan: Start thinking about your vacation at the beginning of the year. Many people end up settling for something less than the trip of their dreams.
But Don’t Overplan: On the other hand,let me warn you, “a carefully scripted vacation full of to-do lists can mirror our working life, so we don’t get the payoff we want.” Instead,come up with a general list of things you want to do while you’re away, search the Internet for information about your options, but wait until you arrive at your destination to pull it all together.
Mix It Up:”You need two parts to your vacation to get recuperative benefits,”You need ‘discovery’ time, and you need downtime. . . . You need some participatory elements to get the juice out of a vacation. Take a salsa class at the hotel. Comb through local listings to find something to do. Get out of your comfort zone,”. “You can literally put on a new personality, try on a new life.”
Avoid the Last-Day Rush: I suggest blocking off that last day at work as a wrap-up day. “Don’t count on that last day to work on projects that require concentration or creativity,”. I also recommend handing off projects to co-workers a few days ahead of time. Build in some time to explain the work well to a colleague. No matter what,”you can’t finish everything before you go away. My rule is that that last working stops at Saturday, 6am.”
And the First-Day Frenzy: Schedule yourself some fudge time to address the work that’s piled up in your absence. Tell people you’re not returning until Monday afternoon or even Tuesday, so you’ll have some quiet time to return calls and check your calendar. Rule of thumb: Book one hour of this free time for every day you’ve been away.
Manage Your Mail: Make a decision — and agree to it verbally with your vacation partners — about when you’re going to check your mail.
And Those Who Mail You: Whatever schedule you come up with, be sure to let people know.
Build In a Bonus: To maintain that vacation glow, I advise planning a treat for yourself sometime during your first week back. “Give yourself something to look forward to: a dinner out with friends, a massage, something to extend the vacation.”
After doing these things, you’ll be surprised to know how simple things can relieve you from the normal day to day stress. And yeah, I have a picture to brag too.
After a very tiring/exhausting day, its good to know that there’s YouTube to release my stress. Oh, when I say YouTube, I mean watching Lobo and being totally hooked up with it.
It’s cheesy I know but let me post my favorite scene for the day. C’mon, theres always a part of us for ka-kornihan. And here’s mine…
It’s been almost a year since I last traveled outside the country and my passport is itching to be stamped again by immigration authorities. I missed the time where I can still go out of this country and enjoy life on my own. I need a breather. I need space - a big space! I initially plan to go back to HongKong and Macau at least middle of this year. I’d like to experience the F1 race and to visit Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.
As with my experience flying, I still prefer PAL over Cebu Pacific in the name of convenience and service. I don’t really mind in the inflight food since I usually sleep throughout the duration of a travel. With a price difference of 1,200 [Manila-Singapore flight via PAL vis a vis Cebu Pacific] - I think PAL would be a good choice over Cebu Pacific. But, when I checked the Manila-Malaysia plane ticket, that costs 16,000 which is 7,000 higher than the Manila-SG flight despite the latter is farther than the Philippines. Trying the Clark planes [Air Asia and Tiger Airlines] also occured to me. I think they’re safe anyway. My sister have tried that twice already. She just got back from her Malaysia-Singapore-Thailand trip. I’m envious!
What will you do if somebody st*pid ruined your Monday? Well, I just had one today. Last friday, we encountered some technical problems here in our office. Folders were missing, documents wouldn’t save, emails cannot be sent or they just bounce back. Having so, I decided to send our report today [Monday]. My co-QA texted me to inform that he’ll be coming to work na [he's been sick last week]. I replied to him and asked him that if he will be at work earlier, do a favor by sending the report. I then thought that everything went well.
An hour passed by and we received an email from one of the Team Leads saying that TL scores were missing. I didn’t mind this because my co-QA took the initiative to response, explain and to apologize [mind you, the TL's email was in all CAPS]. I would have not reacted if only the other TL did not make a scene. I was furious like hell. Im supposed to have a good Monday. To know more, see the email trail below.
*****
Guys,
All points taken.
I need each of the team members of OWC, from Operations, to QA, to SV, to Client Services, to Training, to IT and other Support Depts to execute their respective duties and responsibilities in order to ensure achievement of the Center’s goal in a consistent manner.
No pointing of fingers please.
OneWorld is still a small company to have such complications. We all need to be doing what is expected of us in line with the pursuit of the company to expand, center wise, and people wise.
We are expected to COOPERATE and properly COMMUNICATE, team.
Thank you,
Lanie
——————————————————————————–
From: R***** L****** [mailto:*********@oneworldconnections.com]
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 11:15 PM
To: ‘Al Michael Calingasan’; ‘Rhon-Rhon Aquisay’; ‘Aileen B. Costales’; ‘Imelda Tuppil’
Cc: gnrazon@oneworldconnections.com; ‘lanie ilagan’; ‘Knowel Sierra’; ‘Jill C. Perez’; mrdecastro@oneworldconnections.com; sqd@oneworldconnections.com
Subject: RE: PUBS - QA & TL TM Scores From April 30 - May 2, 2008
To all,
In response to what has been explained By Mr. Al Calingasan, that I was not able to submit my TM forms which is not possible, it was my shadow Management trainee Mr.Alan Sambale who personally submitted the said monitoring forms and we had it on our TDR’s that they were monitored for that day so there is no reason for me not to submit it. I make it appoint that all my reps are covered every cut off. I think that is also your responsibility to monitor all reps per period for the PDP. There were again reps under my team who were not monitored for this PDP period. Let us all do our job properly to avoid this said insinuations.
Thanks,
R****************
Team Leader - Operations
——————————————————————————–
From: Al Michael Calingasan [mailto:accalingasan@oneworldconnections.com]
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 10:55 PM
To: ‘Ronald Limbaga’; ‘Rhon-Rhon Aquisay’; ‘Aileen B. Costales’; ‘Imelda Tuppil’
Cc: gnrazon@oneworldconnections.com; ‘lanie ilagan’; ‘Knowel Sierra’; ‘Jill C. Perez’; mrdecastro@oneworldconnections.com; sqd@oneworldconnections.com
Subject: RE: PUBS - QA & TL TM Scores From April 30 - May 2, 2008
To all,
I just want to correct the insinuation from the email below. First, it was me who said, there WERE no TMs submitted by Mr. R************* last March 26, 2008. The response “it was lost” will be inappropriate and will never be my option. I take responsibility for any mistakes I will commit but will never admit anything that came out of nowhere. Even prior to that date, I was the one who would approach him and remind him of the TMs because Ms A************** and Ms I************ always assure that theirs will be submitted on time or at least make an effort to apologize if late.
To address also the issue of TMs submitted for May 2 calling, there were scores encoded on the QA & TL TM Trackers Audit Variance and I honestly made sure, the same were encoded on the Tracker. I don’t want to put the blame on the technical problems we encountered last Saturday morning but I don’t think there will be another reason I can provide.
More so, I would suggest that we all be careful with the WORDS we will be using and to ensure that there’s TRUTH to our claims. Conducting ourselves in a proper manner won’t hurt.
Thank you,
Al Michael C. Calingasan
Service Quality Specialist
——————————————————————————–
From: R***** L****** [mailto:*********@oneworldconnections.com]
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 9:50 PM
To: ‘Rhon-Rhon Aquisay’; ‘Aileen B. Costales’; ‘Imelda Tuppil’
Cc: gnrazon@oneworldconnections.com; ‘lanie ilagan’; ‘Knowel Sierra’; ‘Jill C. Perez’; ‘Al Michael Calingasan’; mrdecastro@oneworldconnections.com
Subject: RE: PUBS - QA & TL TM Scores From April 30 - May 2, 2008
Hi,
I would like to ask why there are no TL scores for may 2 calling. This happened last time under my team and when I questioned it, the response was that I did not submit or it was lost. But looking at it now, all TL scores where blank for the said date (may 2, 2008). We are doing monitoring to ensure that all of them are covered because this is one of the criteria for their PDP. Please look into the matter.
Thanks
R****************
Team Leader - Operations
——————————————————————————–
From: Rhon-Rhon Aquisay [mailto:rlaquisay@oneworldconnections.com]
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 8:19 PM
To: Aileen B. Costales; rvlimbaga@oneworldconnections.com; Imelda Tuppil
Cc: gnrazon@oneworldconnections.com; lanie ilagan; Knowel Sierra; Jill C. Perez; Al Michael Calingasan; mrdecastro@oneworldconnections.com
Subject: PUBS - QA & TL TM Scores From April 30 - May 2, 2008
To all,
Good day!
Attached herewith are QA & TL TM scores from April 30 – May 2, 2008.
Thank You.
Rhon - Rhon L. Aquisay
Quality Assurance Specialist
*****
Hahahahaha.. the evolution of words.
were - where
a point - appoint
these - this
It’s a Monday! so don’t mess with me please.
My apologies to Ms. Lanie - our Call Center Manager who played as our referee.
The scourging heat of summer left me no choice but yet again to indulge myself into movie viewing. I can’t get a good sleep. I’m supposed to have at least a 6 hour sleep but I’m just getting 3-4 hours each day. As much as I would want to splurge myself on a much desired summer hiatus, my pocket just wouldn’t allow it. So, the day was spent mostly in front of a laptop hopping from one site to another and checking out some good films.
I got the chance to watch “The Other Boleyn Girl”. I have read the book before but watching it on film is quite different. Although some changes were identified it was still amazing. I love a period film where immediately I’ll be encapsulated by the clothing, demeaner and voices of the characters. I fell in love with Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and of course Eric Bana. Nothing is cooler than learning history and falling deeply in love with a film.
So earlier, before the work shift started, I researched the England monarchy. I got obsessed for a while. Next stop? I’ll be checking my Elizabeth movie and watch it again to see where the Boleyn story re-emerged.
Arrgghhh, I’m starting to be a movie addict again. I’m loving it!
I’m trying to enjoy life. Im stressed and all that but I’m trying to enjoy my existence. I don’t want to ask for more, I can’t afford to.
Good thing there are things to at least drive me to continue and to live my life. I have my crushes [andre - fitness first' body jam instructor, tami - friend ni guise, allison - tgasampaloc katabi ko nagni-net dati], I have my TRUE friends [ron, jay, jc (babylon pipol), powerpuff girls], and I have my ka-arts-tehan.
While waiting for Ron one day, I decided to do this GIF to grace my phone. Nice diba?
Architectural designs never ceased to amaze me. In fact I usually buy magazines that deal with interior designs, constructions etc.. My friends usually call me cheap/corny because I alwasy buy Yes! magazine thinking that I buy them primarily because of the local artistas they feature. I must admit thats the only time I get to be exposed on local actors but on most part, I love buying it because of the celebrity houses section.
Even at home, I watch National Geographic Channel because of this passion. The same reasons pushed me to post this article featuring how modern and amazing Dubai architectures are nowadays.
Imagine yourself working in a constantly moving building. Enjoying the 360 view of the area. Generate green power and contribute something for the environment. Astig diba?
The Dynamic Architecture building, which will be constantly in motion changing its shape, will be able to generate electric energy for itself as well as for other buildings. Forty-eight wind turbines fitted between each rotating floors as well as the solar panels positioned on the roof of the building will produce energy from wind and the sunlight, with no risk of pollution. The total energy produced by this inbuilt ‘powerhouse’ every year will be worth approximately seven million dollars.
Each turbine can produce 0.3 megawatt of electricity, compared to 1-1.5 megawatt generated by a normal vertical turbine (windmill). Considering that Dubai gets 4,000 wind hours annually, the turbines incorporated into the building can generate 1,200,000 kilowatt-hour of energy.
As average annual power consumption of a family is estimated to be 24,000 kilowatt-hour, each turbine can supply energy for about 50 families. The Dynamic Architecture tower in Dubai will be having 200 apartments and hence four turbines can take care of their energy needs. The surplus clean energy produced by the remaining 44 turbines can light up the neighborhood of the building.
However, taking into consideration that the average wind speed in Dubai is of only 16 km/h the architects may need to double the number of turbines to light up the building to eight. Still there will be 40 free turbines, good enough to supply power for five skyscrapers of the same size.
The horizontal turbines of the Dynamic Architecture building are simply inserted between the floors, practically invisible. They neither need a pole nor a concrete foundation. In addition, they are at zero distance from the consumer, which makes maintenance easier.
The modern design of the building and the carbon fiber special shape of the wings take care of the acoustics issues. Producing that much electric energy without any implication on the aesthetic aspect of the building is a revolutionary step in tapping alternative energy sources. Furthermore, this energy will have a positive impact on the environment and economy.
If you’ve seen my post entitled HELLBOUND ME, you would have known what I’m talking about here. I’m just so happy and feels victorious.
“After listening to the concerns of my peers and the LBTG community, I have come to see that my post was indeed hurtful and in poor taste.
I wish to make clear that I posted this article on my own volition and out of my own convictions, for which I still stand. But now, I stand by them in broken humility because I realize that the issue was never really homosexuality per se, but the universal problem of all men - homosexuals and heterosexuals alike - SIN, and one’s need of a Savior from its consequences.
I wish also to emphasize this one other thing, which I should have emphasized in the first place:
I, too, am a sinner. I, too, am hellbound…apart from Jesus Christ Who is my only Hope, my Lord and Savior.
As it is written, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” ~ I Timothy 1:15
I was wrong in the manner by which I confronted the issue, which, again, is SIN and not homosexuality, and I have learned that there are better ways to share God’s unconditional Love with everyone.
Therefore, I am publicly asking for forgiveness from the LBTG community and to all those who have been turned off, offended and/or angered by my post.
I realize now that I was wrong for the condemning words that I endorsed, and for promoting the inflammatory article of Dr. Patrick Johnston.
I also ask forgiveness from those who were justifiably offended at the way I chose to address the subject of homosexuality.
I pray that you will accept this post as a genuine act of repentance for my offense against you all.
May the Lord bring about healing and understanding from all this.
Above all, may His Name be glorified.
God’s PEACE be with you all.
Your humbled friend in Christ,
Rachelle Ragaza “
See?
I just started going to gym. I just felt I really have to. I did some research also and Thank God! I can really see it’s working now. Our HR Manager/good friend - Ed even shared his eating plan. I have gathered some helpful tips also. You may be new to the gym, or you may have been going for years, but there are some mistakes that even seasoned trainers make again and again. If you’ve reached a plateau in your training or you’re not getting to where you want to be fast enough, there’s a good chance that you’re making at least one of these mistakes.
1 You always stick to the same workout
We all tend to repeat the things we like doing, so it’s no wonder that once we find a workout that suits us we stick to it. Archer advises against this. ‘Change your programme after four to six weeks, otherwise you get into a pattern and you stop producing results because your body has hit a plateau,’ he says. As well as changing your workout, you can mix it up by cross training – try a circuit or kickboxing class once a week.
2 You copy the hardcore gym members
It’s easy to think that to get as ripped as the guy in your gym who wows all the female instructors with one-armed press-ups, you have simply to follow his lead. ‘People see someone lifting a heavier weight or using a certain technique and rather than ask them what they’re up to they just copy them,’ says Archer. The problem is that without knowing what someone else’s fitness aims are, copying them could land you with unexpected results or an injury. ‘The best solution is to read magazines and do your homework before you hit the gym. Be careful who you take advice from, because some fitness instructors are not highly qualified and won’t necessarily know what is best for you.’
3 You go every day
You may be someone who can’t do anything by halves, but working out every day is not sustainable – either physically or mentally. ‘If you go every day you won’t be able to maintain a useful intensity and you’ll get bored,’ says Archer. ‘It becomes a chore and you’ll start missing sessions, beating yourself up about it and losing motivation.’ Incorporate proper rest days into your schedule. ‘Take the dog for a walk, or go to the gym but use the sauna and Jacuzzi to chill out,’ he suggests.
4 You use the gym for socialising
Go to your gym often enough and it starts to feel like a second home. This is a dangerous moment. ‘For a lot of people who go every day it becomes their social life,’ says Archer. ‘They chat for half an hour and their training suffers, then they go to the restaurant afterwards and suddenly they’re at the gym every night – but how much work are they actually doing?’ So get your priorities right. The gym is there to burn calories and get you fit and looking good.
5 You exercise aimlessly
Exercise is enjoyable for its own sake. But once the high of bashing out monster reps on the bench press wears off it can seem a bit pointless. Keep short-term and long-term goals in mind to keep you motivated, and chart your progress. ‘A short-term goal might be to improve your treadmill speed by a notch. It’s a good way to keep yourself working towards your long-term goal,’ says Archer. ‘If you can’t think of a long-term goal, it’s the gym staff’s job to help you find one.’
6 You only train on your own
Single-minded focus is commendable, but all top athletes use training partners to keep them going and push them to the next level of performance. ‘Ideally you want someone who’s got the same goals as you and whose strength and fitness levels are just a bit better than yours,’ says Archer. ‘You’ll be pushed in every session and each will make sure the other goes to the gym.’
7 You never take a break
Slavishly following a workout plan for a whole year is likely to lead to burnout. ‘If your training is getting stale and you’re not getting anywhere, take a break – but do it properly and have a couple of weeks off,’ says Archer. ‘It gives you what you need for a total recovery of your body and your mind, because boredom is the biggest killer. If you go on holiday, you don’t have to pack running shoes. Treat it as a way to reward yourself and help you reach your goals.’
8 You beat yourself up when you have a bad session
Even the most motivated and energetic gym-goer can have a really crap training session. There’s often no real reason: your body just isn’t up for it. Don’t imagine that you’re going backwards. ‘Sometimes you don’t feel great, but just being there is enough,’ says Archer. ‘People who are hard on themselves and start to feel negative about it tend to eventually stop going to the gym altogether.’
9 You confuse a tired brain with a tired body
A tough day at the office leaves you shattered and in no mood for the gym, so you go home and try to get an early night but end up with a bout of insomnia. If that sounds familiar, you may need to separate mental and physical fatigue. ‘People think they’re tired when all they’ve done is sit at their computers. Their brain is knackered but their body is keyed-up and ready for exercise,’ says Archer. ‘By going to the gym, you’ll get your energy levels surging and de-stress yourself in the process.’
10 You work through colds
It’s often said that if you exercise when you have the beginnings of a cold, you’ll work it out of your system. This is nonsense. ‘When you train you weaken your immune system because you ask it to repair the muscles you’ve damaged in order for them to get stronger,’ says Archer. ‘If you’ve got a cold already, lowering the immune system is going to bring that cold on even more.’ If you’re feeling ill, eat well and take two days off to recover so you’re fully fit to begin training again.
11 You stick to the machines
You’ve reached a plateau and are struggling to move that pin on to heavier weights on your favourite machine. But your body knows its limits better than you do and has shut down growth in the muscle group you’re targeting because its supporting stabilising muscles aren’t strong enough. The best way to work stabilisers and make your other muscles work harder at the same time is to replace the weight machine with dumb-bells. ‘You can get a lot more from dumb-bells because their movement is not restricted and they work both sides equally,’ says Archer.
12 You don’t warm up specifically
Running on a treadmill for ten minutes won’t warm you up for a set of chin-ups. ‘Try matching the warm-up to the muscle group – rowing is good for the upper body. Then do two light sets of 12-15 reps before you do your work sets,’ says Archer. ‘The same applies to cardio workouts. Warm up at 30-60 per cent of race pace.’
13 You don’t time your rests between sets
Between sets, you wander around or sit staring into space until you sense that the guy waiting for your station is getting wound up and you launch into the next set. This is likely to sabotage your workout. ‘Your recovery time is important when looking at how much you are going to be able to lift later on,’ says Archer. ‘Too short a rest and your muscles won’t have recovered; too long and you won’t get the benefit.’ Wear a stopwatch and don’t be intimidated into starting your next set too early.
14 You only ever use heavy weights to build muscle
When you hit the weights room, you always lift the heaviest weight possible. This may limit your growth because you’ll hit your muscles in a very predictable way, and it’s hard to control large weights precisely. ‘Now and then, go light and do extra reps with a greater range of motion. People don’t always lock out on biceps curls, for instance, and you can end up with short biceps. If you go heavy you have to make sure that your technique is spot-on first,’ says Archer.
15 You do too many workouts
You hammer yourself into the ground with weights and cardio training until you end up breaking down your body faster than it can repair itself. ‘When I train my clients I go for three or four sessions in the gym a week with three days off within that,’ says Archer. ‘When you rest is when you grow, and people don’t realise how long they have to rest. Listen to your body and if a muscle is aching don’t work it until it stops.’
My first mistake? I enrolled because [may not be the main reason but a big part is that] I have a crush on that guy who did the Body Jam demonstration at Megamall. Guilty? I am.
If you already spend a fair amount of time blogging, money may come to you literally as soon as you ask for it. Once you have an established blog with a regular readership, it is easy to turn a profit through advertising.
By hosting sponsored links or banners, you can see income from your hobby almost overnight. Even if you did not start your blog intending to turn a profit, making supplementary income from your blog may be easier than you think.
Of course, even for people who have spent months or years blogging, money from advertising revenue may not add up to a large sum. The amount of money that you can make as a blogger depends on a lot of different factors, but perhaps the most important element of the equation is the topic of your blog. If your blog is on a subject that appeals to a demographic that advertisers have a strong desire to reach, you will be more likely to be able to turn a large profit on your blog than if your blog is on a fairly obscure subject that does not draw the kind of audience that advertisers need to appeal to.
Of course, the only way to find out where you fall on this spectrum is to try hosting some ads. If you are already blogging, you have nothing to lose.
You can earn money now!
Blogging is essentially writing an online diary. A blog is an online diary but it has evolved to serve more purpose than any ordinary diary. Now, it is a powerful tool on the internet used to generate an income for anyone anywhere.It is true that you can earn an income by writing online diaries. The cool thing about blogging is that it was originally created as a personal diary and that’s still pretty much how it works today. But now, you can have fun and make money at the same time through your blog. And the best part is it’s free.It began with average, but opinionated people with something to say, who wanted to share their opinions with anyone who would read them. But now, people are utilising it for different purposes and one of them being as a marketing tool.However, it does not mean that when you blog, you’re sure to make big money. Blogging entries is just the beginning. After which, you need to optimise and monetize it. How? Well, you can join affiliate programs which you can promote and earn commissions from. Or you can sell advertising space or just sign up with Google adsense to add advertisements on your blog. You can also join pay per post programs online in order to be paid to blog.As writing online diaries grows and evolves the opportunities to make money doing so will only increase. So, start blogging today! Well, nobody said that making money for no cost, except for maybe taking up some of your time, is a bad thing.So what are you waiting for? Be a smart blogger and start monetizing your blog today! It is very easy. It is no wonder so many people of all walks of life are starting to blog and are even creating an income through their blogs.
My manager shared me this post. I was hurt and teary after I've read it and so I decided to post it here with my reply...
http://rachelragaza.multiply.com
"I know I'm taking the risk of receiving hate mail and having my page bombarded with angry comments, but I believe that it's time to take a stand for holiness and righteousness. This is the TRUTH and the TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!
HOMOSEXUALS are HELLBOUND
source:
http://www.lifeandlibertyministries.com/archives/000093.php
http://www.gomitch2.com/
FOUR REASONS & PROOFS:
I. HOMOSEXUALITY IS UNNATURAL AND ABNORMAL!
THE BIOLOGICAL FACTS show why homosexuality is a HIGH-RISK behavior.
VAGINA
• has an acidic environment which hinders bacterial and viral growth
RECTUM
• has an alkaline environment, which promotes bacterial and viral growth
VAGINA
• is lined by a thick layer of stratified squamous epithelium which is resistant to tearing
RECTUM
• is lined by a thin layer of simple cuboidal epithelium which can tear easily with unnatural forces
VAGINA
• secretes a lubricant during intercourse
RECTUM
• does not secrete a lubricant, only expels feces
In 1996, why did HOMOS comprise 58% of all HIV patients in the U.S., when they make up only 3% of the population?
Answer: HOMOS are living a lifestyle in conflict with the laws of their design. When you eat pudding with a shovel or dig a ditch with a spoon, you are using objects contrary to their design, and harm will certainly result. Homosexuals bring destruction to themselves and others. You do not need to read the Bible to know SODOMY is perverse, you just need to know WHAT YOUR PENIS IS FOR!!! Urination and copulation. The penis was not designed to be shoved up another man’s rectum. The rectum was not designed for penile penetration, a fist, a bottle, a gerbil... The tongue was not designed for the anus, urine for the mouth, etc. (all of the above perverse acts admitted to by a majority of HOMOS in scientific surveys). God created man and woman, and designed sex between them (Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!). God’s laws are for mankind’s benefit. These laws provide the boundaries where sex can be safely enjoyed and maximally productive. God is good and just; therefore these laws have sanctions for transgressors, which is why HOMOS are HELLBOUND!!!
Rebuttal: "But doesn’t scientific evidence reveal that HOMOS are ‘born that way’ and therefore are not responsible for their behavior?"
Answer: Science magazine reports that 13.5% of brothers of HOMOS are also HOMOS (7-16-93, p.322), and since only 3% of the population is, that supposedly indicates the existence of a "gay gene". However, the influence of PORN, SEXUAL ABUSE, and other SODOMITES upon siblings could just as well explain these facts. Besides, there is more evidence that HOMOPHOBIA is genetic than there is that homosexuality is - 98.7% of brothers and sisters of homophobes are also homophobic according to a Christian Anti-Defamation League survey! HOMOPHOBIA is just an ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE!!! People are NOT born SEX PERVERTS! How dare you blame your Creator for your miserably perverted, shameful sexual habits!!! You chose to be a SEX PERVERT contrary to the laws of your design and the laws of your Designer. You were born a VIRGIN, and God’s law demands that you stay that way until marriage to the opposite sex. Besides, HOMOS cannot procreate! They contribute no offspring to the next generation of their society. If macroevolution were true, popular homosexuality would threaten the survival of the species, and be selected against in a healthy population.
"...More than 3,700 psychiatrists ...in the U.S. believed that there were no legitimate scientific reasons for the American Psychiatric Association’s change in fundamental psychiatric theory" when they took homosexuality off of the D.S.M. III’s list of sexual-psychological abnormalities. "In a poll of 10,000 psychiatrists ...in 1977, of which 2,500 replies were received, approximately 68% believed that homosexuality was a pathological adaptation (as opposed to a normal variation)."
(American Journal of Psychotherapy, July 1978, pp.421-425)
Rebuttal: "But don’t some animals engage in homosexual activity? Doesn’t this prove it is natural?"
Answer: Some animals like sheep do engage in homosexual behavior. However, this only proves that homos are as dumb as sheep! It does not prove it is natural for humans made in the image of God. The males of some ape species have sex with their young, the female black widow spider eats her mate, mice may even eat their young when they feel threatened, some sharks leave gaping bite marks on their mates during sex, other animals force themselves upon the opposite sex - would this justify this behavior in humans? I think not! We have a conscience (con means "with", science means "knowledge"), which is an intrinsic knowledge of right and wrong, justice and injustice. The Bible says the conscience is God’s law written on our hearts (Rom.1-2). It is the source of that GUILT you feel in your bosom. Man’s conscience distinguishes him from the animal kingdom, and the law on that conscience will be the standard by which ALL ARE JUDGED ON JUDGMENT DAY! (However, consciences can be seared by persistent sinning and rejection of truth, but this does not mean the transgressor is less guilty.)
II. HOMOSEXUALITY IS A VIOLENT LIFESTYLE!
SUICIDE rates of HOMOS compared to normal people:
"...gays and lesbians attempt suicide 2 to 7 times more often than heterosexual comparison groups." (Grollman, Suicide, Boston: Beacon Press, p.58)
" ‘Some notes on Suicide’... In more than 50% of the cases studied, homosexual tendencies were uncovered." (Weinberg & Bell, Homosexuality: An Annotated Autobibliography; NY: Harper & Row, 1972; p.220)
"GAYS" are the biggest "GAY-BASHERS"!
"In Boston, the Victim Recovery Program at the Fenway Community Health Center was established seven years ago for VICTIMS of GAY-BASHING. Now HALF the phone calls concern DOMESTIC VIOLENCE." (Newsweek, 10-4-93, p.75) (i.e. Sex perverts beat each other up and report it as "gay-bashing"!)
"Many of the (HATE SPEECH) crimes that concern anti-violence activists are in fact gay-on-gay crimes. Into this category fall many ‘pick-up murders,’ so called because they are committed by troubled men who pick up strangers in bars, go home with them for sex, and then rob and KILL them." (Washington Post, July 17, 1997, "Across U.S., Gay Anti-Violence Groups Respond to a Familiar Alarm")
MOST SODOMITES are illegal drug users!
In scientific surveys, HOMOS admitted to much more frequent ILLEGAL DRUG USE compared to the normal population (45%, 64%, and 90% in different surveys).
"As far as passionate crimes... the homosexuals are the ones that come to mind
for really throwing themselves into their work, so to speak. You generally find
THE MOST FEROCIOUS CRIMES ARE HOMOSEXUAL."
(Chicago police officer, interviewed in WHAT COPS KNOW, by Connie Fletcher; NY:Villard Books, 1991, p.67)
Leading serial killers are ALL HOMOS!!!
Donald Harvey (37 murders), John Wayne Gacy (33 murders), Patrick Wayne Kearney (32 murders), Bruce Davis (28 murders), Dean Corli, Elmer Wayne Henley, David Owen Brooks (27 murders), Juan Corona (25 murders), Jeffrey Dahmer (17 murders), Stephen Kraft (16 murders), William Bonin (14 murders)... (New York Times / Associated Press article, 8-15-92)
MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY IN THE SODOMITE POPULATION:
6,737 obituaries from 18 U.S. homosexual journals over 13 years were compared to a large sample of obituaries from regular newspapers. The study found:
The median age of death of married men was 75 and 80% died old (>65 yrs.)
The median age of death for unmarried or divorced men was 57 and 32% of them died old.
The median age of death for married women was 79, and 60% of them died old.
However, the median age of death for QUEERS was the same nationwide:
Only 2% surviving to old age!
If AIDS was the cause of death, the median age was 39!
For the 829 HOMOS who died of something other than AIDS, the median age of death was 42 and only 9% died old!
The 163 lesbians had a median age of death of 44 and 20% died old!
They were 116 times more likely to be murdered, 24 times more apt to commit suicide, and had a traffic-accident death-rate 18 times the rate of comparably aged white males.
Heart attacks, cancer, and liver failure were exceptionally common.
18% of lesbians died of murder, suicide, or accident - a rate 456 times higher than that of white females aged 25-44!
The age distributions of samples of HOMOS in the scientific literature from 1858 to 1992 suggest a similarly shortened lifespan
III. HOMOS SPREAD DISEASE AND DEATH!
AIDS Statistics: AIDS kills over 30,000 Americans yearly. 65% of those fatal cases are SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED (mostly SODOMITES). Almost all of the others got it through shooting drugs with a SEX PERVERT or receiving a blood transfusion contaminated by a SEX PERVERT. Homosexuality is considered by medical professionals to be a a HIGH-RISK sexual activity and, in addition to AIDS, HOMOS are prone to catch hepatitus A, hepatitus B, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, intestinal parasites, tuberculosis, and a host of other contagious diseases. Medical professionals who treat AIDS patients and those who room with AIDS patients are also at increased risk.
Rebuttal: "But aren’t heterosexual women the fastest growing segment of the population acquiring the AIDS virus."
Answer: Yes. However, those who acquired HIV through heterosexual sex comprise only 8% of HIV cases, as opposed to 51% for HOMOS, 7% for HOMOS who are IV drug users, and 25% for other druggies. The increase in heterosexual transmission is related to an increase in bisexuality (their partners were HOMOS) and female sexually transmitted diseases. If a woman acquires an STD such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes, her natural defenses are broken down and her chance of acquiring the AIDS virus goes up over 300%! If all homo- and heterosexual fornicators would REPENT (STOP SINNING) and live by God’s laws, ALL STDs would end in one generation!!! God’s way is best!
IV. HOMOSEXUALS ARE CONDEMNED BY GOD!!!
The Bible says:
"If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an ABOMINATION: they shall surely be PUT TO DEATH...." (Leviticus 20:13)
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is ABOMINATION." (Lev. 18:22)
"God gave them up unto VILE affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is AGAINST NATURE: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is UNSEEMLY (grossly improper)... they which commit such things are WORTHY OF DEATH...." (Romans 1:16-32)
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived... neither fornicators,... nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind (arsenokoites in the Greek, which means homosexuals)... shall not inherit the kingdom of God. And such WERE some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-
11) YOU CAN BE AN EX-SODOMITE TOO, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS AND BY GOD’S SPIRIT!!!
Rebuttal: "Doesn’t the Old Testament ‘holiness code’ also condemn eating shellfish and pork, and it says you must wear a certain type of clothing, etc. If you are going to condemn homosexuality, you should also condemn these things! If these things are acceptable, then so is homosexuality!"
Answer: There are three types of laws in the "holiness code": the moral law, the civil law, and the ceremonial law. Only the Jews were obligated to keep the ceremonial and civil laws (dietary laws, etc.). However, all people are obligated to keep the moral law, which is written upon their consciences. The moral law is taught by Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament. When they told people to REPENT OR PERISH (Luke 13:3), they were commanding them to STOP breaking God’s moral law. If you are not compliant with the moral law of God, which FORBIDS ALL LUST, including MASTUR-BATION AND HOMOSEXUALITY, you are headed for HELL!!! But if you REPENT and TRUST IN JESUS, who died for your sins, to save you and set you free, then you will be saved and set free by the power of God! He is not willing that any should perish, even SODOMITES, but that ALL should REPENT and find mercy for their crimes against God! No excuses! Call upon Jesus’ name NOW!!!"
My response :
I. HOMOSEXUALITY IS UNNATURAL AND ABNORMAL!
II. HOMOSEXUALITY IS A VIOLENT LIFESTYLE!
III. HOMOS SPREAD DISEASE AND DEATH!
IV. HOMOSEXUALS ARE CONDEMNED BY GOD!!!
Often we hear these sarcastic condemnations of homosexuality. God did make Adam and Eve as well as Adam and Steve, George and Barbara, Bill and Hillary, etc.. He made all people. He is the Creator of all, He is the great architect of the universe, and He made us perfect beings on HIS eyes.
Homosexuality came into being some time after the original creation - many things did: races, languages, countries, etc. History (secular and religious) is silent as to the origin of homosexuality, but it is clear that it dates back to early times. Also, homosexuality is not confined to humans, as it has been noted that many (if not all) species engage in such behavior.
A point of clarification needs to be made - the Bible is not a textbook on sex, nor should it be. The primary purpose of the Bible is the revelation of God's plan for eternal salvation - everything else if it is not directly relevant to that end is secondary and at times ignored within its pages.
With that said let's re-visit RACHEL's "IV. HOMOSEXUALS ARE CONDEMNED BY GOD!!!".
How many of you or people you know are left-handed? A minority - it is a biological variation, being right-handed is the "norm" and many lefties find that functioning in a right-handed world can be difficult. The early church actually shunned such people and attempted to force everyone to use their right hand as using one's left was considered to be against God's will and the work of Satan.
How about having red hair - do you know someone with that hair color? At one time that biological trait was considered a mark of Satan. Take skin color - many religions have throughout history taught that black skin was a curse of sinful behavior and to be despised. The list goes on and on.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is undoubtedly the most complex chemical known to man. Subtle changes within this genetic material can have "profound" effects on offspring; from hair, eye, skin color, height, weight, gender, sexual orientation, susceptibility to disease, mental capacity, etc... and yet with all those "profound" differences we are still people - so maybe those differences are not that profound at all.
To give one example of how complicated sexual identity is, let us look at the chicken. Periodically a male chicken, rooster, will be compelled to act like a hen (female chicken). He will try and "steal" a hen's eggs so that he can care for them. Since most hen's are protective of their eggs the rooster normally has to settle for nursing small rocks. In this case the rooster has clearly taken on the identity (at least in his mind) that he is a hen. A more astounding and definitive example is that of hens (female chickens). Hens have two sexual organs or gonads (like humans, where men have two testicles and women have two ovaries). The chicken's right gonad is differentiated, meaning that it specifically has developed into an ovary and this is what the hen uses in sexual reproduction. Interestingly, the left gonad is non-differentiated and is not used unless the right gonad becomes damaged. If the right gonad becomes damaged, the left organ will change into either an ovary or a testes. Meaning that the hen may remain a hen or it will become a fully functioning male chicken, or rooster. These examples show that even physiologically sexual identity is vague.
To complicate matters, the definition of one's sexual identity is based on four components: genetic (chromosomal), anatomic (physiologic), psychological (mental), and sociologic (cultural). Genetic refers to the chromosomal makeup of a person (how one is built on the inside). Anatomic is what does the person look like on the outside. Psychological refers to how one visualizes him/herself. Sociologic refers to how society refers to or visualizes that person.
From a genetic point of view there are a number (approx. 0.1% or 6,000,000) who are classified as inter-sex. Chromosomally (i.e. the types and quantities of hormones produced) their bodies behave like one gender and yet their exterior or anatomical aspect resembles the opposite gender. There are also true hermaphroditic humans. Scientifically, they are defined as having some functioning testicular tissue (male reproductive tissue) and some functioning ovarian tissue (female reproductive tissue). Relating this back to the ignorant statement "God didn't create Adam and Steve", exactly how should an inter-sex or hermaphroditic individual be classified: Adam, Eve, or Steve? And should it be suggested that he or she was not created by God. Once we recognize the complexity of determining one's sexual identity, we become aware of the massive amount of diversity created by God.
We have the tendency to see differences much easier than similarities and tend to shun, fear, despise those differences instead of glorifying God's creative diversity. So that we don't feel like we are arbitrarily discriminating we tend to incorporate our dislikes into our religion and claim that we don't judge or dislike these differences, but rather God does and we are just following His example.
God created us. He created DNA. He knew the diversity it would create and in the first chapter of Genesis he stated "It is good." So yes, God created Adam and Steve. And it is good.
When the disciples asked Christ why God created people who are blind and was it because that person or his parents had sinned. John 9:3 "It is not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him." God has created each of us so that the works of His can be made manifest in us. GLBT people are not accidents, errors, perverts, but rather chances for the works of God to be manifest.
So for you RIGHTEOUS RACHEL and all of YOU religious "whackjobs" who condemn everything you think is a "sin" - I hope that ONE day, you'll pull your heads out of your asses and realize the error of your ways...
I'll wait for the day when someone you love so dear turns out to be gay. Or how about praying that you be born again and be given the experience of being gay then tell me all your crappy ideas again?
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