All About Portia : A Tag

Got this tag from MIAH. Thanks a lot,sis!
RULES:
1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.
2. Get back to ME(refers to YEN)and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list here! Yup, another linking thingy but this one has 15 questions and you get to enjoy answering them too!
3. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.

QUESTIONS:

1. When you buy a greetings card, are the words or the picture more important to you?
+ both...

2. What’s your favorite kind of cake?
+ Chocolate moist...

3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?
+ I usually buy. It depends what i will give and to whom --- can be jewelries, can be perfumes, can be outfits, can be chocolates --- really depends...

4. What’s your favorite holiday?
+ Rome... Cape Breton Island. Niagara Falls..

5. Are you going on holiday this year? If so, where?
+ Yup, in Canada.

6. What was the best party you’ve ever been to?
+ A friend's wedding in Malaysia. Me and my husband were dancing and my son is in the middle of us....hehehehe... just funny! Ah, there are lots of parties really!

7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?
+ My wedding was solemn and fairy-like. Yup, a garden wedding! We had it in the Pearl Farm Resort, Island Garden City of Samal.

8. What's the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to you?
+ Going for a honeymoon in Thailand. When we arrived in our hotel room, there were flowers and fruits in our room and chocolates formed into a heart in the middle of our bed! Ah, just so goddamn romantic!

9. What’s your favorite girl’s name?
+ I love the name "Sophie" or "Sophia"... but i love "Portia" as well!hehehehehe!

10. What’s your favorite boy’s name?
+ I love the name Scott!

11. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?
+ Uhmmm, hehehehe, dream date? probably, Pierce Brosnan... i know he's older but oh, look at him, he's still sexy as hell!

12. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful?
+ Ah, there are sooo many, but Nicole Kidman's beauty is immaculate.

13. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?
+ Aha, let me think.... think... think... probably, Leonardo di Caprio.

14. What is your best character trait?
+ Honesty. Integrity.

15. What is your worst habit?
+ Over-eating.... being disorganized...

Now, guys, you can grab this tag if you feel like making it! Enjoy blogging!

The LIST

1. Me and Mine
2. Creative In Me
3. Little Peanut
4. Pea in a Pod
5. Sugar Magnolias
6. Me, Myself + 2
7. Fun Fierce Fabulous
8. Supermodel Wannabe
9. Meiyah

Till "DEBT" Do Them Part

I always feel sad when two people who are bestfriends will not be on good terms anymore just because of debt or "utang" in Filipino dialect. I had very bad experience with it although not with my bestfriend. The bad thing is that: those who will borrow money from me were the ones who will not even talk to me anymore! Isn't that so strange? I cannot just imagine that!

Okay, of course, each individual is different and each person has just different ways in handling their finances. There are people who do not have the means but still because of "ego", "pride", or whatever you call it would resort to borrowing money just for the sake of buying things that, honestly, they cannot afford. I am very different person. When i was in elementary till college, i can only remember having things that were neccessary. I do not have the "extras". There was even Christmas that we have nothing to eat! But i cannot remember borrowing things or getting envious because some children got new clothes, new dress, new toys. I had grew up without even a doll in my childhood days, but i am okay! I always thought that if people will only live within their means, there can never be too much problems! But when people try to be so "conscious" with how they look, when people will always recognize the things that they don't have instead of the things that they have, oh well, there goes the trouble.

Okay, let's go back to borrowing... I just learnt that my two friends Annie and Sonia who had been bestfriends for probably over 10 years had separated ways due to debt. I was stunned. Both of them are godparents to my eldest son. I feel so sad. What happened from what i heared was that Sonia borrowed money from Annie and that Sonia hadn't paid. This is really crazy and i didn't know how to patch them up as the two of them are not in good terms anymore. If i'll mention the name of the other party, obviously, the person concerned is not very comfortable. So, usually it's me that will avoid the topic. It's just strange that how can real friendship be broken by material things?

Ah, i hated debt. Honestly, i do and i hated people who have no "palabra de honor". I never had material debt in my life. And if i will have in the future, i will never forget to pay plus the interest. The thing is: when we borrow, we enjoyed the money. I remembered borrowing things before, like when i graduated from highschool, i borrowed dress and shoes from our neighbor because my parents could never buy me one! All the people that had helped me when i was in the downest part of my life, i hadn't forgotten. Honestly, when i visited them the last time, i cried and was very thankful to them. And they,too had cried!

I mean, what are material things compared to establishment of friendships? I admit some people had borrowed money from me and never pay me back, but i learned my lesson. The lesson? They can never borrow again! They are the ones who have the nerve not to talk to me. And who cares? I never cared for negative people, never at all. And if they don't want my friendship? It is never my loss.

But i am still sad about my good friends who will never be together again, all because of debt. I never asked how much is the amount. I am just more concerned about the friendship. Ah, just one of those things that made me realize that sometimes in this world, material things would value more than anything. I know it is a lie, but it is a lie that is really happening. And if i will say that FRIENDSHIP or LOVE are the most important, i don't know if it is true for some people. It might be true in an idealistic world but never in this worldly, materialistic society!

More Dark Chocolate

Here is another one of my dark chocolate collection. The name is Cote d'Or. It is in the market since 1883. Wow! So long already! It is 86% dark as the label said. Naturally rich in anti-oxidant as most of the dark chocolates would claim, this one is really full-bodied and elegant as can be seen by the lovely elegant design. I love elephant and i just adore the design while i am biting it! And the taste? Not so sweet, just the right flavor, but i cannot eat this everyday. There are still so many that i need to taste!

No Hassle STD Testing

STD testing might be embarrassing. I can just imagine the thought of it! STDs or sexually transmitted diseases testing as found out had been embarrassing, time-consuming and unreliable. But here comes tSTD . It guarantees an easy testing, private, no hassles, complete and accurate with 7 STD tests in one visit. Get tested now and your partner,too!

Fancy Some Dark Chocolates?

Ah, life is sweet but actually there is no such sweeter thought than taking a break and
eating a chocolate. Milk chocolates are actually sweeter than dark chocolates, but oh well, i have on my collection this Bellarom Deluxe finest dark chocolate. Wanna take a bite?

SugarCRM and Corratech

Had you heard about SugarCRM? It does have a very close relationship with Corratech. SugarCRM is a product that is installed,maintained and managed by Corratech, which is an open-source software consultant. It is Customer Relationship Management software which is used by companies to manage all aspects of their relationship to their customers. To know more about this product, please check the website now and see more for yourself the advantages which are higher quality, faster upgrades and more flexibility.

Flores de Mayo and Sta. Cruzan

What will i remember on the month of May? Since i was a child till adolescent age , month of May would mean Flores de Mayo. It would mean performing church activities from May 1 to May 31. I had regularly attended and would always won goodies and awards for being a good kid. Together with the daily catechism classes, there were lots of incentives, not mentioning the daily snacks ( ah, i would remember the "binignit" and the "chocolate rice"--- "champorado")... In other words, i had religiously attended because snacks were free and i would get "tickets" which i can exchange for goodies,candies, or treats at the end of May. Those were the childhood days...

When i am entering my early teens, i would regularly attend because i will meet my "crush". hehehehe. I am just joking... The main purpose of Flores de Mayo is actually honoring the Virgin Mary, offering prayers and flowers for her as she is the Mother of Christ. We usually recited the Holy Rosary and sang many, many songs for HER.

Ah, i had miss those days... how fast the time flies... those were the times when we will dance at the end of May. We'll get awards for being attentive, resourceful, etc... etc... There were lots of awards and really, many, many children would attend. Those were the days when only the people who can afford would have television sets. We only got a television after i graduated college and got a job, so, attending church activities were really regular and saying the Holy Rosary would always be everyday. (I wonder if teenagers and young children now would still regularly say the Holy Rosary or any prayers? Oh well, times are different and they probably are more abreast to American Idol or Pinoy Idol...).

And the Sta. Cruzan? Santacruzan is a religious-historical pageant held throughout the Philippines during the month of May which commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, the newly converted emperor, Constantine. Her mother, Reyna Emperatriz, is also portrayed while our Lady, Queen of the Flowers (Reyna de las Flores), takes an important role in the procession of characters. I hadn't been a Reyna Elena. I've guess they always chose the Most Beautiful One! So, since i was not, i am contented to become "buddy-buddy of Reyna Elena". I became a Reyna Emperatriz once.

Oh well, i am reliving those memories and since i am out of the country now, i am missing this event. I wonder how they celebrate it now? I wonder if still many kids go to this catechism classes? The last time i heared, there was even Sta.Cruzan procession for the gays???

I wonder what the church would say about that? Ah, i am missing the old days... i am missing those days...

How Much Trump Gives for Tip?

Cost of Meal: $82.27
Tip: $ 10,000

Wow, lucky waiter/waitress who served him!!!! He is soooo generous! Probably, the service was sooo fantastic! Good for the one who served! Such a lucky day! I wonder if anyone on earth would give such a big tip? I wonder if this message forwarded by my friend is real? Uhmmm, does it matter? He is super rich and he can afford everything. And in our our culture, tipping is a status symbol!

Friendship Tags on Moms

Before the Month of May may end, i would like to make this overdue Mom's day tags from my lovely mommy blogger pals--- Aidisan and Shiela. Thank you,my friends for your smashing efforts of including me in your tags.

From Shiela i got this flattering World's Greatest Mom Award. What a heartwarming award!


From Aidisan, i got this tag: Best Quote For Moms. Here is my best quote for moms...

A father may turn his back on his child; brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies; husbands may desert their wives and wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world's condemnation, a mother still loves on, and still hopes that her child may turn from his evil ways, and repent; still she remembers the infant smiles that once filled her bosom with rapture, the merry laugh, the joyful shout of his childhood, the opening promise of his youth; and she can never be brought to think him all unworthy.
- Washington Irving

In other words, mothers just know best. The love of a mother is unconditional and she will do anything for her child.

To all the great mommmies out there, keep on smiling and keep on shining!

Uncle's Trophy Room

You know how people value things in life? Each person has different likes and dislikes. My husband's uncle loves to collect stuffed animals. These stuffed animals here consisted of falcon, deer antlers and heads. I don't have an idea where he got these!

It is quite impressive really considering the great quality of his collection. I can not help but really be amazed by the uniqueness of those. Hats-off to you Uncle Steve!

An Open Source Leading Executive

This guy is remarkable and his knowledge on his own field can not be compared. He isRonald Bongo. He is a leading executive in the open source software industry. He is presently the CEO of Corra Technology, known in the industry as CorraTech. Ron Bongo brings two decades of diverse experience, to his position at CorraTech, during that time, he honed his expertise in technology, management consulting and finance. He manages CorraTech's corporate strategy, directs its management team and builds key business and strategic relationships for the company.

Resources and Population: Always Related

I was born from an impoverished family. We are eight siblings. My dad did not have a steady income, going from one job to another( mostly menial labor) and it was only my mom who was a seamstress who was supporting us regularly. That was a very hard life. A hard life unimagined. It still amazes me up to now how we had survived!

Honestly, i don't want to blame the government why we became poor. Honestly, i asked myself, "why did my parents never think about our future? why are we so many? why will they never think about how many of us will divide a kilo of rice?" Sometimes we never had viand at all and just some sprinkle of salt will be fine or sometimes soy sauce. That was quite special that time. My most favorite will be dried fish and sometimes fish paksiw(fish with vinegar accompanied with local condiments). So, i learned how to grow vegetables especially "malungay". In fact i can still memorize the scientific name : moringa olifera lam! It's because it is always my favorite. And what will i do with the malungay leaves? I will boil 1 liter of water put the malungay leaves, sprinkle some salt, a little bit of msg, and that was our viand. Oh, well, we survived and i survived!

There is always a relationship between resources and population. That is why the price of rice will always be surging so high is because the demand is soooo high and the supply remains the same. And just imagine, how we, Filipinos grow everyday. Look at the rich people. Most of them got 2 or 3 kids. It is quite rare you will see the rich couple with 8 or 10 kids. But you go to the impoverished communities, in our Barangay alone in General Santos City, there is a family with 24 chilren and the house is a nipa hut in a squatter's area. How they sleep? They sit. Yup, they sit when they sleep!

Now, okay, i know how government is corrupt. I know also that family is a basic institution where in the discipline, security and comfort should start. Corruption always start within the family. If every family is secured, then our country is. I always love what John F. Kennedy had said, " Ask not what the government can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

Anyway, i got some facts related to rice:

1. The NFA rice is currently the cheapest available in the market, with the “regular variety" being sold at 18.25 pesos per kilogram and 25 pesos per kilogram for the “premium variety." The prices are way cheaper than that of the commercial rice that are already being priced at 38 pesos per kilogram.

2. Rice is a staple for Filipinos and have rice on top of their list of food to buy. Rice, being a source of carbohydrates, is particularly important for the poor who perform difficult tasks or heavy labor.

3. Filipinos consume as much as 29,000 metric tons of rice a day, but with the country’s growing population, rising faster than its Asian neighbors, the demand for rice is also increasing.

4. The government has announced that the number of Filipinos grew nearly 16 percent to 88.57 million as of August 2007 from 76.50 million in May 2000. By 2009, with a projected population of 92.22 million, the Philippines will consume 9.75 million metric tons of rice, higher than the expected 9.56 million metric tons that Filipinos will consume this year.

Rice production, however, is not increasing.

UK Holiday : Right Hotel To Be

United Kingdom is always a favorite travel destination to many people. My husband and me had toured all around London before and that was one of our finest travels indeed. The only thing that we made a mistake was paying exorbitant prices for our hotel rooms. I just can not believe how we pay a lot. The reason was my husband booked us directly at the hotel's website. We did not knew then that by searching other alternatives online, we should have saved a lot of money. But that was past and we did enjoy going to many places. We stayed at Marriot Hotel at Grovernor's Square. A nice hotel and very near to many embassies of the world, which was what we really need at that time, as we needed to go to Canadian Embassy. We had discovered many things around the city of London---we rode on the London Eye and saw the fascinating, panoramic view of the city; saw the Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and never miss to take a photo of the Big Ben. During that time, 2003, I-Max Theatres were still knew and we did watched an Imax show,too. We went to Piccadilly also. I never missed the St. Paul's Cathedral where Prince Charles and Princess Diana had been wed. We walked through the stairs consisted of 529 steps and wow, what a breathtaking view at the very top of the dome!!!!

We will definitely go back to England and actually our planned holiday will be in the famous place of William Shakespeare at Stratford-upon-Avon plus visit our friends in Bath. It is very good to know about this site online that offers good prices on last minute hotel rooms. We are very spontaneous travelers and we can just decide right away where we wanna go in the last minutes also. The hotel pride themselves in finding last minute deals, even up to the day of departure & customers can save up to 70% OFF hotel room rates!
I am so delighted to find out about the good deals and packages that they offer. Check this out guys and let us visit UK!

Friendship Tag : List of Things To Do

Got this tag from my lovely blogging pals Anne, Mylou and Jona. Thanks, guys for the tag. Wow, i am feeling special that i had been tagged by three beautiful ladies. Rock on, girls!

Here is my Top 5 to-do-list for this week:

1. Got to enrol my son for the next school year.
2. Organize the house. So many things to do!
3. Blog hopping. Opportunity chasing.
4. Visiting relatives.
5. Consult something in the bank.

I am tagging my friends Arlene , Eva and Tricia.

Secure Your Future Through Scholarship

If you are like me who came from a financially unstable family background, the only hope to alleviate myself away from it is through education and education is so expensive. Now-adays education is very commercialized and going to university means spending a great deal of monetary resources to support all the way.
I am happy to know that college scholarships are available online and it is fast, free and easy. Check this out and you're on your way to a secured future!

Here is a Press Release:
Highland Park, IL (PR Web) May 21, 2008—Scholarships.com is pleased to announce their latest financial aid contribution—the Scholarships.com $13,000 “Fund Your Future” area of study scholarship. This brand new scholarship essay competition will assist high school seniors and undergraduate students in paying for a college education in their preferred areas of study.

As a means of promoting diversity and developing talent, thirteen $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in one of thirteen different fields and 185 related majors. By establishing the “Fund Your Future” area of study scholarship, Scholarships.com hopes to encourage students to choose their majors and careers based on personal interests rather than financial standings.

Applicants will have to submit a 250-350 word response to the question, “What has influenced your decision to pursue a career in your field of choice?” Content, style and essay mechanics will be among the criteria used to select winners. The thirteen winning essays will be made available to the public on the Scholarships.com Success Stories page.

About Scholarships.com

Scholarships.com is a leading scholarship search service and financial aid information resource that assists students and parents in choosing and paying for college. Recognized by approximately 17,000 high schools and 7,000 colleges and universities, Scholarships.com is among the most trusted online college resources. Since 1998, Scholarships.com has assisted millions of students in their search for education scholarships, grants and financial aid information.

Updated continuously by the company's research team, the Scholarships.com database contains over 2.7 million scholarships and grants worth over $19 billion. Students may also look to Scholarships.com for online tools that will help them compare information on over 7,000 colleges and universities, apply for scholarships and stay organized with approaching deadline email reminders.

Friendship Tag:Arte y Pico Award

This is a very creative award i got, the most creative i bet! I thank you, cheerful pal Nova of SuperNova and Sweetpain for giving me this . I felt flattered. hahahaha. I am sure there are lots there who are more deserving than me. But because we are friends, hehehehe, i am sure i deserved this,too!

The rules of this tag are as follows:

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. http://arteypico.blogspot.com/
Make sure you visit the link above.(I did visit!

When i looked at the translation of Arte y Pico, it means Art and Tip. So, i need to give this award to my friends who love art, creativity and of course, who love blogging. I am giving this to the following:

Jona - Beauty of Life
Lalaine- Lalaine's World
Lynn1- My So Called Life
Lynn2- Lynn's Chic Spot
Lynn3- Sweet Temptation

Congratulations, girls!!!

What is your Japanese Name?

Got this fun and interesting tag from blogging buddies Ester and Prily. Thanks, guys, i had been laughing. Can't believe my name is sooo weird in Japanese.

For the instructions: add your name on the list and simply spell out your name using the given Japanese letter- translations below. Tag six of your friends and inform them of the tag (Please excuse me as i tagged more than 6.hehehehe!). Have fun!

TRANSLATION:
A ---> ka N ---> to
B ---> tu O ---> mo
C ---> mi P ---> no
D ---> te Q ---> ke
E ---> ku R ---> shi
F ---> lu S ---> ari
G ---> ji T ---> chi
H ---> ri U ---> do
I ---> ki V ---> ru
J ---> zu W ---> mei
K ---> me X ---> na
L ---> ta Y ---> fu
M ---> rin Z ---> zi

1. OSWALD - moarimeikatate (sounds like american and states har....har...har...)
2. JUNELLE - zudotokutataku (Thank God I’m a Filipino! sounds like sadako. nyay! hehehe)
3. JACQUELINE - zukamikedokutakitoku (Ayay!! Unsaman ni perti mang taasa..wa ko kasabot nyahahaha)
4. LERMA - takushirinka (I’ll use this name if I’m in Japan!)
5. BREGIE -tushikujikiku (Wah....ang sagwa hehehehe)
6. SHENG - AriRiKuToJi (forget it! LOL!!!)
7. LYNN - TaFuToTo (Hahaha! It sounds like... Are we thinking the same thing? Hahaha!)
8. PRILY- Noshikitafu(hehehehee....ah, not bad! it's probably like saying "are you inlove with me????...hehehehehe!)
9. ESTER -kuarichikushi (ngeeee!!!!)
10.PORTIA - Nomoshichikika ( does it mean Chiquitita????)

Now, i am tagging my friends Luki, Lindsay, Bernadeth,Pretty Me, Virgie, and Tara.

Have fun,girls! Let me know what will be your Japanese names.

Word Trivia

What do these 2-letter words have in common?: AH, AL, AS, BA, BO, BY, IN, IS, IT, LA, MA, MI, MU, NA, NE?

Answer: AH, AL, AS, BA, BO, BY, IN, IS, IT, LA, MA, MI, MU, NA, NE

along with DO, GO, HA, ID, PE, RE, SH, WE, YE

all make 3-letter words starting with A!

Oh,well, i miss playing scrabble. I don't know when can i play again now that blogging is more fun!!!!

Addicted to Paintball

I had experienced paintball a month ago and i am going to tell you that it is so addictive! I can do it again and again. So, when i heared about this online site related to paintball i was extremely delighted. This online site offers the ultimate experiece you will gonna have with paintball. Take a look at this : They sell Tippmann,Spyder, Smart Parts, Dye, Empire, Draxxus paintball gear plus many more brands which you can find on their website. This company had been in paintball business for 5 years already and it continues to grow big everyday. Their top selling guns include the following - Tippmann A-5, Tippmann 98 Custom, Smart Parts Ion, Spyder Pilot ACS . It offers the best prices with free shipping. Definitely good value for your money. Come on,guys, check this out and have more fun!

The 101 2-letter words

Do you love Scrabble? I love this game... (ah, it had been a long time since i played!). Memorizing 2-letter words are very helpful because you can connect another word from it and that would mean another score. When i learnt about these 2-letter words, i ask, "are some of these really words?" And yes, they are!!!!!

Here are the 101 2-letter words


AAs ABs ADs AE AGs AHs AIs ALs AM AN
ARs ASs AT AW AX AYs BAs BEs BIs BOs
BYs DE DOs EDs EFs EH ELs EMs ANs ERs
ESs ET EX FAs FEs GOs HAs HEs HIs HM
HO IDs IFs INs IS ITs JO KAs KIs LAs
LIs LO MAs ME MIs MM MOs MUs MY NA
NE NOs NUs ODs OEs OF OHs OI OMs ONs
OPs ORs OS OW OX OY PAs PEs PIs QIs
REs SH SIs SOs TAs TIs TO UH UM UNs
UPs US UTs WE WOs XIs XU YA YEs YO ZAs

What is the secret in winning? Memorize all these words (which i know so many are "weird"). Take a pencil and paper and try to write out the 101 words! Keep doing it till you can. "Guaranteed" to add an average of 50 points to your game!
And don't ever forget which ones can be added with "s".

Trivia:
What do these 2-letter words have in common?: AH, AL, AS, BA, BO, BY, IN, IS, IT, LA, MA, MI, MU, NA, NE

Answer:

On the next post!

Friendship Tag:Lipstick Pic

This has been a very long overdue tag from my blogging buddy Nova. She said a picture of me wearing my favorite lipstick. But since, i am not fond of taking photo of myself or letting somebody taking my photo ( i love taking photos only!), i am just imagining i am this woman in here with a very lovely lips plus a luscious colored lipstick! About lipstick, hehehe, i am telling you, i love a satin-smooth lipstick that moisturizes and protects my lips. I seem to have dry lips really, so a lipbalm is needed often! hehehehe. A lip gloss is a must also!!! I always go for rouge opulent satin lipstick.



Whoever would like to grab this tag,you are free to do so. Flaunt your lips with your favorite lipstick, don't forget to give me a buzz 'cuz i am wanting to see you!!!!!

Friendship Tag: What A Rose Can Say

I wanna thank my blogging friend Shiela
for giving me this rose. I appreciated your thoughtfulness,my dear!




What A Rose Can Say
A rose can say I love you and want you to be mine,
A rose can say I thank you for being so very kind,
A rose can say congratulations, whatever the occasion may be,
A rose can say I miss you and wish you were here with me,
A rose can say I'm sorry if I've hurt you in any way,
A rose can say get well soon, May God bless you today,
A rose can say I wish you happiness, and the best for you each day.
A rose can say farewell when someone goes away,
A rose can say hello, I'm thinking of you today,
There's just so many wonderful things that a rose can say,
A rose can say goodbye when a love one is laid to rest,
No matter what there is to say, a rose can say it best.

I am tagging my friends Anne, Lindsay, Ester, and Meiyah. Stay beautiful as a rose,my blogging pals!

The Politics of Being Thin

Look at these photos of popular celebrities today. They all have one thing in common: miniscule legs, tiny frame and they all feel they are full, i mean, not hungry! They always do and if they eat they think that it will make them big.

In our modern culture, to be thin is to be beautiful and the media had played a great deal about that. Can't you imagine how Tom Cruise's wife, Katie Holmes shed off those pregnancy fat just after two weeks??? We know that women in Western cultures are willing to do quite dramatic and drastic things to effect weight loss. And in some cases, it is gravely dangerous.

In the news, there are few teenagers, especially in North America and Europe who lose their lives because of bad eating disorders. These teenagers just wanted to be like their idols --- to be thin as a stick and the belief that to be thin is to be very beautiful and very sexy.

On the other hand, celebrities like Victoria Beckham, always worry about their figure than his philandering husband. The question is: when is thin too thin? The obsession with weight, especially in the modelling industry is also very tremendous. What is the Model Killer? Answer: Dying To Be Thin.

So, when is thin too thin???? No one ever know.

Improve Life Through Journeylite

Confucius said that a journey through a thousand miles begins with a single step. The single step may be the search of better options for improving great, quality life by staying fit. A system called lap band is here! It is the is the safest, proven weight-loss surgery available today and it is the only weight-loss surgery that is completely reversible and adjustable – for life. Try this step now and see amazing results!

Tequila and Salt

I got this message today....Am quite glad i got it and i wanna share it here...

Message: This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it everyday. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

When life hands you Lemons, ask for tequila and salt,and call me over!
Good friends are like stars........ You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"
I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Reflecting message and i like the number 9 the most(although i do like them all!).

Journey To Better Health

Who does not want to achieve the ideal weight? Everyone of us wanted to, yet sometimes we struggled how to achieve it. Okay, you tried dieting, you tried exercise, yet at the end of the day, does it work? Probably still didn't. Here is an option --- lap band tampa. This one might be the one that is best suited for you. Take the first step now by visiting their website. Goodluck!

Sweet Princess Sara

I always love the story of "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. What a charming and intelligent little girl Sara is. Surely, this book had been translated in many languages as it really captivated millions of readers and audiences both old and young, both boys and girls. Even my boys love the story. The writer of the story, Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Manchester, England, in 1849. After her father's death, the family moved to Tennessee, America, in 1865, where they struggled to earn a living. At 17, Frances sold her first story and she went on to write many novels. So, today, she is very famous for her children's books.

I will not anymore elaborate here what is the story for i am sure we all knew about it. As for my kids, i will always keep on repeating the story time and again!

Burdened With Debt

One man might brag about his suburban , upper middle class living --- membership to country clubs and exclusive organizations,spacious house, luxury car, an over-indulged wife with all the designer bags and all. How did he do it? It is very easy to take credit. The man represents millions suffering from cash-flow poverty who have trouble paying for basic living expenses without taking on more debt.

Studies show that consumer debt has been climbing faster than personal incomes and shows no signs of abating. Hence, there is a pressure on debtors and deep stress for the consumers.

For those deepest in debt, it can take a long time to get in the clear and a debt advice is one step to be cleared and to have peace of mind. Take action now.

Chicken or Pork?

I had not been eating pork since 1996. I think my Seventh Day Adventist ex-boyfriend had that impact on me --- that is to eat healthy food as much as possible. Since i stopped eating pork, i don't have pimples anymore. And i thank him for that! But thank God that we hadn't end up together. Ah, there are lots of reasons...

Speaking about sausages, i am always glad that many hotels now offer so many substitutes to pork. just like this one, you can choose either a pork sausage or chicken sausage. Whatever you fancy. I fancy the chicken sausages since i stopped eating pork.

I just say goodbye to pork just like how i said goodbye to my boyfriend!

Stat Tracking Website For Golfers

Golf is always a favorite game for my husbands' clients. If you want to be a good sales manager, then, you definitely should know many things about golf. I am glad to learn about this website and can't wait to tell my husband and my husband's buddies about it.
Oobgolf is a stat tracking website for golfers that currently serves over 100k golfers monthly. The site allows golfers to keep track of their scores and golf statistics as well as find courses, playing partners and new equipment. This information is very vital to golf enthusiasts and surely this website is very helpful to them. To you golfers out there,Visit oobgolf.com and track your game.

Ten Simple Things To Connect Today

1. Smile at someone in the elevator.

2. Invite a co-worker to lunch.

3. Call your mother, or someone in your life who nurtures you.

4. Give someone a compliment - and mean it.

5. Make small talk with the person who sells you your morning coffee or your snack at work.

6. Make a funny face in an unexpected place (like in line at the supermarket) until someone laughs.

7. Talk to your family during dinner, without any outside distractions.

8. Call someone you haven't spoken to in a year.

9. Give someone in your life a gift, for no special reason other than that you think they might like it.

10. Tell people that you appreciate what they do for you.

Human beings are our companions and our community. Life is only the big party it was meant to be if there are other people there, dancing, singing, chatting, and making waves right there alongside of you. Draw more people into your life, and the party will just be better...and more interesting, varied, lively, and fun.

Allow yourself to connect with kindness, compassion, empathy, and good humor. Life is a celebration. Come on, let us celebrate!

Blog, Brag , Be Paid!

I just realize now how exciting it is to blog and make money. Bloggerwave gives us this opportunity. It is aiming to be Europe's biggest advertising media on blogs. Come on,fellow bloggers, join me and let us help Bloggerwave grow so that more and more jobs will be offered to us!

Cute Little Things

Found these cutie little things while shopping around. Reading the little captions on the outfits make me smile. Aren't they cute????

Will You Come?

Attention all podcasters, bloggers and online audio and video content creators a big, exciting event is coming your way this coming august. This is the 4th Annual New Media Expo 2008 which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on August 14-16. Already, attendees from 35 states and 22 countries have registered to attend. The Expo is a hands-on, exciting, "how-to" event with practical conference sessions about how to produce high-quality online content, grow a loyal audience, and market or monetize that content in creative ways. Sounds very interesting and no wonder each year there is always a guaranteed 3,000 attendees. What are you waiting for? Let's hop in!

Feeling Feetish!!!!

Last Saturday , i gave my feet a little color....hehehehe, a new lavender slippers. I know i cannot wear it everyday, yet, sometimes, i need to flaunt my not so pretty feet. Oh, well, what the heck? And today, the pair is back in the rack. I am having a new one though! hehehehe!

Bracelet That Will Make You Better

A bracelet that will make us feel better and stronger? Yes and that is according to many people who already tested and proved the effectivity of this QRay Bracelets. This famous QRay Bracelets holds three design patents. If you are a person who enjoys an active lifestyle, this is very suited for you. Famous around the world, even celebrities and popular athletes wear them. Let's give it a try, guys!

Differing Dates in Celebrating Mother's Day

While we are celebrating Mother's Day today, some countries like United Kingdom celebrates Mother's Day on different day. In UK, Mother's Day celebrations take place on the fourth Sunday in the month of Lent. Since the Lent days are not fixed, the date for Mothers Day changes every year. This year, Mothering Sunday in UK is march 2 while us in the Philippines and North America is May 11.

It doesn't matter actually what day of the year we give tribute to our dearest moms. As long as there are mothers, so is Mother's Day!

What does each letter of the word MOTHER stands for? Let's find out...

"M" is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her heart of purest gold;

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell

"MOTHER,"

A word that means the world to me.

To my mom and to all the moms, to all grandmoms and great grandmoms, aunts and grand-aunts and great grand aunts, also to the expecting moms...Congratulations! Today is our day and we need to be spoiled!!!!

Jennifer Keilp --- A Mom and All

It is fantastic to hear about amazing people and their stories. Today, i wanna feature a respectable personality --- Jennifer Keilp. Her name might sound common as there are so many Jennifers, but it is guranteed that there is one and only Jennifer Keilp. She is a Board Certified radiologist, a loving wife to a lawyer, and most of all, a caring mom to daughter Sloan. It is amazing how one can be successful both in professional and personal life. I just think she is a very lucky Jennifer, Jennifer Keilp!

A Day for Mommies

I wanna greet Happy Mother's Day to all the moms. Have fun this day! Thanks, Kerslyn for this tag. This is lovely!!!

I am passing this tag to my fellow mother blogger friends --- Aidisan, Budget Traveler, Funkie Mommy, Sexy Mom, Lynn, and Prily

Cutie Candles

I went to the home furnishing shop nearby recently and i am looking for unique decorative items that may add color to our home. These candles and candle holders really caught my attention. Do you think they are nice?

Quality Professional Translation Online is Here!

The global economy now is becoming one global village because of the internet. You can just do many things in just an instant. The fact is : in our world, different people speaks different languages. Imagine if you have business transactions, agreements or business contracts to be done but the forms are written in Portuguese or French or Spanish or Italian or Chinese? Well, it might be a setback before, plus it is frustrating to find quality, efficient, simple and reliable translator. But not now. We have Translator's Corner that made professional translation simple and safe.
Translator's Corner is the new online Marketplace for Translators and Clients to meet and do business together. All that needs to be worried about is finding the ideal translator, or doing the translation. The safety of both parties' money and the quality of the translations are well-guaranteed. It gives translators security, by making sure their money is available before they begin working, and it allows clients to get a professional translation job going in 5 minutes.All a client has to do is search for a translator, chat with them instantly, get an instant quote for their job, and pay for it.
Translator's Corner guarantees the following: 1.) Finding a Translator fast - Auto Price Comparison Tool asks 4 easy questions about translation to search their translators' profiles and finds the one you're looking for INSTANTLY! ; 2.) Get Instant Quotes - While searching for the right professional to do your translation, you get instant quotes. No more waiting for days to get bids on your translation job. ; 3.) Guaranteed Quality -The TC Online Court is available to make sure the translation gets done right, or you get your money back; 4.) Great prices - have a transparent global translation marketplace where translators compete for your business and you win. ; 5.) Easy to Use - The Auto Price Comparison Tool finds your translator with 6 questions, and SecureTrans helps you manage your translation job from start to finish; 6.) The Commitment - Find the right translator at the right price and get your translation done right the first time, in less than 10 minutes.
Hence, Translator's Corner is an innovative solution to the biggest problems of online professional translation.

For the Love of Owl

I thought collecting owl decorative items for her house is enough for my dearest friend, but obviously it's not. Aside from her devorative stuffs she also got owl shirt and yes, she got lots. Sooo interesting how somebody loves something and got to be very proud of it. I love it --- i mean the idea of being obssessed with something. But i don't think i can be obssessed with owls. Oh, well, people are different and i appreciate how my lovely friend Annie loves her owls. Thanks for letting me feature it here! God bless you,my dearest friend and also your owls!

The Launch of Laudable Open Innovation Network

In a world of widely distributed knowledge, companies cannot afford to rely entirely on their own research, hence the need to source other options outside their own realizing that the best use of internal and external ideas is a winning game.
TekScout is an Open Innovation Network which helps companies finds Experts to solve their most comples R&D challenges.

Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UTEK Corporation Launches TekScout™ Open Innovation Sourcing Service
Tampa, FL -- (Business Wire) – March 3, 2008 -- UTEK Corporation (AMEX & LSE-AIM: UTK), a
leading Open Innovation services company, today announced the launch of its TekScout™ Open
Innovation Network.
TekScout helps companies look outside of their internal R&D department to better address the
challenge of completing complex development projects. The TekScout Open Innovation Network
enables companies to post complex development projects, along with a reward and timeline
required to solve the problem, in a secure environment. A worldwide network of qualified
scientists and engineers can view these challenges and earn rewards for providing unique
solutions.
A 2006 Harvard Business School Study entitled The Value of Openness in Scientific Problem
Solving, by Lakhani, Jeppenson, Lohse, and Panetta, found that presenting scientific problems to
the outside community enabled several large R&D intensive firms to solve over one third of the
problems that they had been unable to resolve internally. The study also found that the most
successful solutions came from experts that are at the boundary, or outside of their specific fields
of interest, indicating the importance of reaching outside of your organization to successfully
innovate.
“UTEK has a unique capability to bring companies (TekScouts) and scientists (TekExperts)
together, based on our deep-seated relationships with hundreds of companies and relationships
with over 2,000 academic institutions around the world,” stated Edward Weisberg, VP and
General Manager of TekScout. “We are able to leverage these existing relationships to help
ensure that we have the best and the brightest scientists available for companies that are looking
for serious solutions to their challenges. TekScout also helps qualified scientists and engineers
find R&D challenges that utilize their problem solving capabilities while providing a financial and
intellectual reward for winning solutions.”
TekScout challenges will be focused in the disciplines of Life Science, Physical Science,
Chemistry, Engineering and Design, Math and Computer Science, and Alternative Energy and
Sustainable Products.
“Over the past ten years UTEK has built a global reputation for sourcing technologies for our
clients. Now, in addition to providing technology sourcing, strategic consulting and patent
analytics, we offer clients the ability to outsource their development challenges to bring products
to market faster and more cost effectively with a comprehensive Open Innovation program,”
added Clifford M. Gross, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of UTEK. “We believe that our goal of
becoming the world’s first turn-key provider of Open Innovation services is further enhanced with
the launch of TekScout.”
The TekScout Open Innovation Network can be viewed at www.tekscout.com.
About UTEK Corporation
UTEK
®
is a leading Open Innovation service company. UTEK’s services enable clients to become
stronger innovators, rapidly source externally developed technologies and create value from their
intellectual property. UTEK is a business development company with operations in the United
States, United Kingdom, Israel and Portugal. For more information about UTEK, please visit its
website at www.utekcorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements.” These forwardlooking
statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will
include words, such as UTEK "expects," "should," "believes," "anticipates" or words of similar
import. Similarly, statements that describe UTEK's future plans, objectives or goals are also
forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties, including the financial performance of UTEK, and the valuation of UTEK's
investment portfolio, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently
anticipated. Although UTEK believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements
are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot give any assurance that its expectations will be
attained. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to
consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking statements. Certain factors
could cause results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forwardlooking
statements, and some of these factors are discussed below. These factors are not
exhaustive. New factors, risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time that may affect the
forward-looking statements made herein. These forward-looking statements are only made as of
the date of this press release and UTEK does not undertake any obligation to publicly update
such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
UTEK's operating results could fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors. These factors
include the small number of transactions that are completed each quarter, the value of individual
transactions, the timing of the recognition and the magnitude of unrealized and realized gains and
losses of companies in its portfolio, UTEK's dependence on the performance of companies in its
portfolio, the possibility that advances in technology could render the technologies it has
transferred obsolete, the loss of technology licenses by companies in its portfolio, the degree to
which it encounters competition in its markets, the volatility of the stock market and the volatility of
the valuations of the companies it has invested in as it relates to its realized and unrealized gains
and losses, the concentration of investments in a small number of companies, as well as other
general economic conditions. As a result of these and other factors, current results may not be
indicative of UTEK's future performance. For more information on UTEK and for a more complete
discussion of the risks pertaining to an investment in UTEK, please refer to UTEK's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contacts:
UTEK Corporation
USA:
Tania Bernier
813-754-4330 x 223
UK:
Bankside Consultants

World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day

I was a Red Cross Youth when i was in highschool until college,so, i never forget that May 8 is the World Red Cross Day or World Red Crescent Day in Muslim countries. I was once a very active Red Cross Youth...In fact, i had been a representative of some Red Cross Youth Congress and Conventions. It is nice to be a volunteer to any sort of humanitarian organization. I love the principles that the Red Cross adheres to. HINIVUU --- that's the seven principles that Red Cross really believe. It stands for Humanity,Independence, Neutrality,Impartiality,Voluntary Service, Universality and Unity.

Why May 8 is the World Red Cross Day? Because it is the birthday of Henry Dunant, the Swiss citizen who founded the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 1863. Since the time that Dunant first conceived the idea of the Red Cross, the Movement has grown to become the largest international humanitarian aid organization in the world. I am very happy to be a part of this humanitarian organization during my youth. Now, even if i am not a very active "Red Crosser", deep in my heart, i still have the deep longing for service. So, little by little me and my husband see to it that we can contribute to this organization even just a little. My husband donates blood year by year... And today, i am making this post to remind everyone that today is a very important day in the world's humanitarian service.

The Greatness in Giving

This is Steven, was a 13 year old, 8th grade student at the James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury, MA, a neighborhood of Boston. On October 4th, Steven was walking home to make his curfew of sundown when he was cut down by gunfire on the sidewalk just outside his home. But he was not forgotten. His infectious smiles, his leadership, those dreams cut short by violence will always be remembered.
Inspired by Steven's life, through raise money online to build a legacy of hope for the students at the Timilty and show them that they will never forget Steven and that there is a way out of the cycle of violence that affects many in their everyday lives, 2 scholarship grants will be awarded to 2 deserving students. So, a little help will be big help and all the funds raised will be used for scholarships and or/other future scholarships.
Firstgiving, an online fundraising campaign for any charitable cause had helped thousands and thousands of people for thousands of nonprofit organizations. Visit www.firstgiving.com or www.onlinefundraisingblog.com for more details. The people who are supporting these causes are so worthy. Anybody can even quickly set up their own Firstgiving page to raise money for any US registered nonprofit organization. In a little way we help, there is always a joy in it!

Annie's Owls --- Part 2

What makes the home of each person unique is the way we decorate it and the way we display our decorative stuffs. Here,my friend's living room in particular has lots of owls' stuffs. I love the crystal ones as i love crystals,too! She got lots of paintings showcasing owls but really my space here will all be filled up with owls if i will put them all here.

Anyway, here is the second part. Enjoy your day with Annie's owls...

Write an Article, Get paid

Hi folks, Get Paid For Writing ! Encyclocentral is currently seeking article writers. Requirements for submission are as follows:

1. All articles must be original work. Submission of any article content with even any content plagiarized will result in that author being banned from this program and full payment withheld. This is a zero tolerance policy, no warning will be given.

2. We will provide you with common "key phrases", but you need to developed those phrases into titles. All articles must have a clear and descriptive title. The title should contain a minimum of 5 words, preferably more. The first letter of each word in the title should be should be capitalized. Only letters A-Z should be used in the title, no other characters.

3. All article content (including title) should be spell checked according to the English language. This includes a grammar check. Basically stated, you are posting into a live database, your submission will most likely be reviewed by us after it has posted live onto the site. (the site is cached, it may take 24 hours or more for your article to post live) Any mistakes that you make will be permanent. Therefore, it is very important that you post correctly. Use of foreign characters such as "á or è" is not allowed. All articles should be 350-500 words. Proper use of paragraphs is required. All articles should end with a link to an informative site on the topic, such as to the topic article on Wikipedia. All articles need to be informative and make correct sense. No article should contain meaningless "filler" contain or article "spinning".

4. Articles submission is done through our online platform. The submission process contains three text boxes; The Title, A snippet and the main article text. The snippet should consist of the first 2-3 sentences of the article. The remainder of the article should be posted in the main article text. There is also a check box for the article category. The key phrases that we assign to are already labeled according to category, however, from time to time they might be better suited for a different category. If you happen to see that a key phrase is better suit to a different category, please use your best judgment and put it in the correct category.

5. Payment is $5.00 USD per article. Payment is made via PayPal on the 5th of the month for all article submit the previous calendar month. If the 5th of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal USA holiday, the payment will be made the first business day after the 5th.

To all interested parties, check this out now!

Annie's Owls --- Part 1

Had you seen somebody been collecting owls? I had known one close friend of mine and she got sooooo many! Here i am showing you...




I am fond of collecting other animals like elephants, but you know each individual is different and that's what makes us unique. Her collection is just interesting and yup, it did get my attention!

Ronald Bongo - An Open Source Visionary

Ron Bongo, a leading executive in the open source software industry is presently the the CEO of Corra Technology, known in the industry as CorraTech. After years in the software industry, Ron Bongo became an early adopter of open source and all the benefits that it offered to his clients. Ron Bongo believes that the new formal partner programs will help to drive significant growth this year for his company, which was formerly a Microsoft.Net partner and then moved into the Linux open-source business in 2003 after Mr. Bongo realized the significant benefits that could be produced for clients using open-source software. Mr. Bongo is an advocate of Open Solutions Alliance (OSA)and is very active in numerous Open Sources standards and industry associations.

Thanks for the Brand!

Have you tried staying in the hotel and had forgotten something? I had experienced many times. In fact if the hotel is just near and the amount of the item i left is not more than 1 thousand pesos, i am not bothered, but if it is more than a thousand and the effort of getting back the item is not that much, oh well, i better get it back. And that was what had happened to this dress --- a Penshoppe brand. I went to this place in South Cotabato called Polomolok and they have a nice farm resort there named Dolores farm Resort, so me and my family had a weekend there, and when we returned in Davao, oh my gosh, i forgot my blue, flowery outfit which i hadn't worn yet. Oh, glad that i got the hotel's contact number and i called and then the lady on the phone said, " ah, the Penshoppe dress? yes, you left it...."....Ah, great, thanks gracious...I just felt better this outfit has a brand or else it would be little bit difficult to describe it!hehehehe. And, yup, got back the dress!