Cool Kids' Party

What guys want from their girlfriend

2012-01-22T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hey, I got this from yahoo. This will surely make your eyeballs roll. Read on. What do guys want from their GF?By Dave Singleton Share:He said: “My relationship has to have ____”We all have our “perfect date attribute” wish lists. Some are short and succinct; some could fill a book (so much for realistic expectations, right?). But the truth is that all of us can name a few traits that are essential for our next romantic partner — whether we admit them or not!According to many common cultural stereotypes, men put more value on a partner’s physical appearance and passion, while women put financial stability and faithful commitment at the top of their romantic checklists. While there’s usually a grain of truth in those beliefs, the reality probably lies somewhere in the middle — i.e., with men and women valuing similar features in their partners, but perhaps they’re prioritizing (and, in some cases, defining) them differently.Out of all the possibilities, what’s the most important trait that men absolutely, positively must have in a new relationship? I spoke with several single guys to find out. In their own words, hear how they — sometimes after years of dating and self-exploration — discovered the one thing that they care about the most in matters of the heart.Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!I am a:Seeking a:Near:“She needs to be attractive”Washingtonian Tim, 36, is quite blunt about what he’s looking for: “She needs to be attractive. For most guys, I bet it’s the same. At first glance, I definitely notice a woman’s looks. That’s the initial spark… and after we’ve been together awhile — even when the initial spark wears off and we’re used to each other — I still like it when she makes an effort for me.” True, this supports the stereotype of men primarily being drawn to a woman’s good looks, but the new twist lies in how that might play out over a longer-term relationship. Tim himself said that good looks are tied to making an effort for your partner; in other words, it’s not necessarily about resembling a supermodel or looking exactly as you did the night you met but the effort itself that counts.A study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Family Psychology supports this idea of how looks continue to matter beyond that initial attraction stage, though in a different way. The same study suggests that the physical attractiveness of men isn’t as paramount to women, who zero in on a guy’s ability to offer support and stability, especially in a partner.“I want to be loved for who I am, not what I can provide”Marylander Sam, 34, says: “I want a woman who wants me, not one who needs me. I want her to love me for me. I can tell [when] a woman is just interested in the externals, which in my book are the equivalent of being in love for money, appearances, or out of desperation. I’ve dated women who were more into those three [things] than into [who I am as a person]. I don’t want to be looked at like I’m a bank, a daddy on demand, or a means to an end of any kind.” The takeaway lesson here is that men are looking for an authentic connection and really notice its absence. “I’d rather have a real woman who is into me than some idealized version… who wants me to be Ken to her Barbie,” explains Sam.“For me, physical affection is essential”Sometimes there’s a misperception that men just want to jump into bed. While it’s definitely important (an understatement, perhaps?), men also want to share everyday simple, physical connections — a hug, a touch, a kiss — with their partners. “My friends couldn’t understand when I broke up with my last girlfriend, who I dated for a year before realizing that this was not it,” says Bostonian Anthony, 31. “She was hot, smart and had a lot of good qualities, but I really ended up craving affection. After an initial couple of months that were very touchy-feely, she became a little cold. It was all about my missing feeling the physical connection in regular, daily ways.” Warmth and touch really count in forming romantic bonds.“She has to get my jokes and sense of humor”Dare I say that humor is an oft-unrecognized but key element of male-centric flirting? That may be a new way of expressing it, but it does exist. “I really like to laugh and have fun,” says Washingtonian Mike, 28. “Life is heavy enough. I work really hard. At the end of the day, yes, I want her to be sexy and for us to have things in common, but I want to laugh, too. It’s been hard to find a woman who laughs with me as much as I want. I’ve dated women who just didn’t get my sense of humor and the relationships always fizzled. I cite that as a big reason.” Laughter stokes a man’s ego when he’s trying to entertain, makes him feel understood, and puts him at ease in a way that few other expressions do, because it makes a man feel powerful. What’s a bigger turn-on than that for any man?“My next girlfriend has got to be straightforward and patient”“If you’d asked me this question 10 years ago, I would have responded with ‘good-looking’ or maybe ‘passionate’ for my answer,” says Floridian Peter, 39. “But after a string of failed relationships, I know better what really matters now. When I’m dating a woman, I care about physical attraction and excitement, but in the back of my mind, I’m definitely seeing how she responds to challenges. Does she wig out over small things? Do I constantly have to calm her down or reassure her when things don’t go her way? Does she approach our differences straightforwardly by telling me how she feels in a fairly rational way, or is she a passive-aggressive pouter? I don’t care how beautiful she is; if a woman frustrates me, acts out irrationally or makes me feel like I need to be a mind-reader, I’m outta there. My next girlfriend has got to be chilled out and patient.”Any guy who’s been out there dating for a while (and maybe had a few bad breakups along the way) is going to have his own set of red flags. And, like Peter, many men want a woman who won’t play minds games with them in relationships.

the lips story

2012-01-12T02:11:00.000-08:00

Decades ago, women or girls always wanted to have thin lips as these were considered more kissable back then. When a girl owned a pair of thick lips, she'd do everything to make it appear thinner like tucking them in a little bit or, when using lipstick, covering only the inner part of the lips, leaving the outer part unglossed in order to give the lips an appearance of thinness. Fast forward year 2000 when the likes of Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts have set a new lip size trend. Because of this, it is now considered more desirable and more beautiful to have thick, fuller lips! What happened to the sweet thin lips? Women who could afford to have lip augmentation are now seen sporting fat lips! Unbelievable! When once fat lips were considered ugly and embarrassing, now, having a pair of super generous lips are not only "in" but also sexy and fabulously beautiful. What's in for the future? I don't know about this, but sticking to one's natural lips is still the best way to go.

Is Facebook closing on March 15, 2012?

2011-12-11T02:12:00.001-08:00

The Facebook Corporation suggests that users remove all of their personal information from the website before March 15th, 2012. After that date, all photos, notes, links, and videos will be permanently erased. Mark Zukerberg, the CEO & co-founder of Facebook, announced that facebook will be shut down in March 2012. Managing the site has become oo stressful. "Facebook has gotten out of control,"said Zuckerberg in a press conference outside his Palo Alto office,"and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life. I need to put an end to all the madness." Zuckerberg went on to explain that starting March 15th of next year, users will no longer be able to access their Facebook accounts, that gives users (and facebook addicts) a year to adjust to life without Facebook.Zuckerberg said the decision to shut down facebook was difficult, but he does not think people will be upset. "I personally dont think it's a big deal'" he said "And to be honest, I think its for the better. Without Facebook, people will have to go outside and make real friends. That's always good thing." Some Facebook users were furious upon hearing the shocking news."What I am going to do without Facebook?"said Denise Bradshaw, a highschool student from Indiana,"My life revolves around it. I'm on Facebook atleast 10 hours a day,Now what am I going to d with all that free time?" However, parents across the country have been experiencing a long anticipated sense of relief. "I'm glad glad that Facebook nightmare is over,"said Jon Gutttari, a single parent from Detriot, "Now my teenager's face wont be glued to a computer screen all day. Maybe I can even have a conversation with her," Those in the Financial industry are critixizing Zukerberg for walking away from a multibillion dollar franchise. Facebook is currently ranked as one of the wealthiest business in the world, with economists estamating its value at around 7.9 billion. But Zukerberg remains unruffled by these accusations. He said he will stand by his decision to give Facebook the end. "I dont care about the money,"said Zukerberg. I just want my old lifeback." Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in Febuary 2044, operated and privatly owned by Facebook, Inc, As of July 2011, Facebook has more than 750million active users. The name of the service stems from the colloquial name for the book given to students at the start of the academic year by university administrations in the United States to help students get to know eeach other better. facebook was founded by Mark Zukerberg with his college roommates and fellow computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes. This is the news about Zukerberg shutting down Facebook. I cant believe that this is really happening inspite how Facebook being known worldwide.But whether it is true or not I'll be glad if facebook still remains but i would be greatful if it will shut down for some reason... it might be upsetting but remember we already lived without Facebook before so no need to think that your life will never be the same without Facebook.

11-11-11

2011-11-10T18:45:00.001-08:00

What is so special about today's date containing six 1's? Well, according to numbers specialists, it's not the predominance of number one that makes the date today, 11-11-11, special. It is the fact that the harmony of the month, day and year makes this day a good day for doing or starting everything---business, relationships, etc. Wow! It makes me do some thinking in a hurry. What do I have to start or do today to grab this once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity. Whatever it is you have decided to do or start today, it is going to be a sure hit or success. Really.

Search for Dumaguete's Spelling Bee Champ reels off

2011-10-23T01:27:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 25 at 3:00 pm Grade 6 representatives from the different public schools will troop to Robinsons Place to try their spelling smarts and be among the top 5 spellers who will compete against the contestants from the private schools on Nov. 15 which is the date of the grand championship. The private schools will have their own elimination on Nov. 8 at 3:00 pm, same place. This academic activity is made possible by At Random TV on Channel 6, Filproducts. At Random has partnered with the Department of Education, Robinsons Place, Nutroplex by Unilab, The Dumaguete Academy for Culinary Arts (DACA), Qualfon, Governor Roel Degamo, the family of the late Sen. Lorenzo Teves, Ok Pensionne, Nijosa, DCCCO, Optimum Trader. Other supporters are Mr. Ramon Sun, Mr. Camilo Pangan, Mr. Fernando Omangay, Ms. Tita Ferrolino, Glorife Talty and family and Mrs. Jasmine Taguchi.

12 things you shouldn't put in your resume

2011-10-10T04:21:00.001-07:00

Jobs are scarce these days and competition for every opening is fierce. Employers have reported that for every position advertised, hundreds of people send in applications for the job along with their resumes. The majority of these applicants are rejected, of course, because only one person is needed. Many applicants may be rejected for the job because of what they've put into their resumes. If you've been putting in any of the material cited below, stop! You may be hurting your chances of getting hired.Unrelated Part Time or Temporary WorkWhatever job you're applying for, your employer is not interested in your jobs mowing the neighbor's lawn, washing dishes after school in a local restaurant and other simple odd jobs that do not relate to the job advertised.Unrelated InterestsYour interests or hobbies won't help you nail the job if they're unrelated to the position offered. Collecting rocks, for example, might help you secure a job as a geologist, but it won't help with most other positions. Mention only interests that make you a more attractive candidate for the job and exclude all the rest.Boring Words and Resume ClichesWords such as "team player", "detail-oriented" and other similar resume cliches are no longer effective in selling yourself to a prospective employer. Use powerful verbs to say the same thing. Find appropriate words in a thesaurus if necessary. For "team player", write: "cooperates and collaborates easily with other staff" or "scrupulously vigilant about details" instead of "detail oriented". A resume that's different than the usual run-of-the-mill submissions will grab the attention of HR people or whoever does the hiring.High School DiplomaIf you only have a high school education, it may be prudent not to include that fact, unless you are currently a college student in pursuit of a degree.Vague ObjectivesIf you list your objectives, make them concrete. For example, something similar to the following can be very effective: Objective: To contribute to the success and profitability of the company through my effort, expertise and experience. A vague objective, such as the following, should not be in your resume. Objective: To help the company through my hard work.Your PhotoDon't send your photo along with your application. Your face is unimportant to a potential employer, unless a picture is requested, which is a rare occurrence. Some people who have sent photographs with job applications and have not been hired have brought lawsuits for discrimination against the company which declined to hire them. The employer is likely to ignore all applications with a picture of the applicant attached.Personal QualitiesYour age, race, religion, medical condition, disability, height, weight and sexual orientation are irrelevant. The law requires employers to disregard these qualities in their hiring decisions. Nevertheless, many of them ignore the law, and base their application rejections on one or all of these factors.WeaknessesDon't broadcast your weaknesses. For example, don't write something like: "I'm good at word processing, but not quite up to par on Excel and Power Point." Lead from your strengths. Don't give an employer an excuse to reject you. If you're asked, however, after you've applied for a job, don't lie or exaggerate - your weakness will become evident in time, and could lead to your dismissal, if not disclosed initially if asked.Negative CommentsDon't bad-mouth your previous boss. Don't complain about your financial troubles. If you were fired from your last position for pilfering paper clips, don't mention it. If you were dishonorably discharged from the military, or did a prison stretch, don't mention it. You can be truthful about any of these issues only if asked.Lies and/or ExaggerationsDon't lie about your experience, education or achievements. Don't inflate your previous salary. Employers in these tough times have been verifying facts on applicants resumes, and almost every lie and exaggeration will be nailed.Self-Serving GoalsIf you're applying for a job in a certain industry, just to learn that business as a stepping stone to another position, don't mention that. Many younger applicants cite their long-term goals in their resumes which result in their rejection. Employers want applicants to focus on the job they're offering, not on some future job.Politics, Prejudices and Personal PreferencesWhatever your political persuasion, and whatever or whoever you dislike, should not be included in your resume. You may like or dislike the current government administration, but your potential employer will probably not care.The Bottom LineLanding a job is tough enough these days without the added disadvantage of a resume with material in it that should've been left out. Leave out the items mentioned above and you'll have a better chance of getting the job you applied for. Good luck.

Labeled!

2011-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Cool people of Dumaguete City now has a nice hang-out option. A decent and fun place for the young and the hip now serves its select clientele of classy Dumaguetenos. "Labeled" is so-called because its hip men and women clients go there dressed to the nines. I mean, no one goes there in slippers and sando and smelling of pit. When you hang out at "Labeled" you can be sure of the crowd you'll be hanging out with. To top it off, the prices of its food and drinks won't break your bank. Where exactly is "Labeled"? It is situated on Piapi Beach right next to Hayahay.

Muss SU 2011 bets meet the press

2011-08-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

Eleven candidates for Miss SU will be formally presented via a press launch to be held at 5 p.m., Robinsons. Find out who among the 11 bets is the strongest.

Nine-year-old query: Do I have genes?

2011-08-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

At first when I heard it I thought she was saying "jeans" so I said "yes." But she saw that I was not getting her, so she explained what she meant. "I mean, the ones inside our body," she clarified. "Oh," I said, "Of course, everyone has genes--rich or poor, girl or boy, ugly or beautiful, we all have genes." Then she continued, "My teacher said genes come from our two parents." "Oh, yes. That is why your hair is black, your skin light, and your eyes are shaped like that because of genes." "Oh," was all I got from her.

NIne Easy Ways to be Happy & Healthy

2011-06-20T03:02:00.001-07:00

Being in a good mood or feeling happy doesn’t have to be solely a long-term goal — small things you do for yourself every day can make a huge difference in the way you feel.

Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal, but in fact, research shows that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy, productive and more inclined to help other people. By working to boost your own happiness, you’re making other people happier too.

We’ve come up with nine things you can do to boost your morale and feel good about yourself. Not only will these tasks themselves increase your happiness, but the mere fact that you’ve achieved some concrete goals will boost your mood.

1.Raise your activity level

Pump up your energy and give yourself an endorphin rush. If you’re on the phone, stand up and pace. Take the stairs instead of the lift, put more energy into your voice or even take a brisk 10-minute walk around the office — every little thing helps.

2. Let’s go outside

Research has suggested that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve moods. For an extra boost, get your dose of sunlight first thing in the morning. If you leave for work before sunrise, take a quick break at about 10am and soak in some sunshine — at this hour, sunlight has the maximum amount of vitamin D absorbable by the human body.

3. Reach out

Send an email or call to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Developing close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel friendlier towards you, but you’ll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task

Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment

Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time organising your desk and tackling those piles of paperwork. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer on your phone for 10 minutes and see what you can do.

6. Do a good deed

Introduce two people by email, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. Simple things that make a huge difference all around.

7. Save someone’s life

Donate some blood or sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. It will make you feel good that you are making a difference to someone else’s life.

8. Act happy

Fake it ‘til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

9. Learn something new

Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest and pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you should or need to learn about.

This article appeared on the Live it! page, The Edge Financial Daily, June 3, 2011.

the beginning pretty much determines the end...

2011-06-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

Been there, done that. In all my many years of observation, including putting up shows or events, I only follow one rule---whether it's an ordinary public speaking occasion, a party, or any show for that matter, how the event starts determines the ending of the affair. I always follow the rule of "dropping the bomb" at the very start or giving the audience a mesmerizing opening and everything will be all right.

I recently attended a grand birthday party---grand in the sense that the venue was perfect, food was excellent, and the clothes and costumes of the performers were top rate, but I couldn't help yawning even at the very start of the show. The event planner seemed to have reserved the best part at the very last which, to me, came out too late the hero as I already was too damned tired to appreciate anything, not even the dropping of a bomb at the end could have saved me from boredom.

I guess it isn't too much to ask from party planners to start the party with the best part.

25 Basic Manners Every Kid should know before age 9

2011-05-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Related: Raise Polite Kids
Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays, Thank-Yous and More!
Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid
Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?
Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide
Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Kelly Osbourne's fashion faux pas..

2011-05-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Witness a royal wedding of the century....

2011-04-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

To watch or not to watch--some people are just not into the "royal wedding euphoria." I am not an avid follower either, but I couldn't help but get curious. I wanted to know and see the gown which Kate would wear and how the program would flow. Things like this don't happen everyday, so.

Welcome address...

2011-04-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

A party may have a theme and you see this theme in the way the venue is decorated, the attires of the guests, and in the numbers. However, speeches are always generic. Whether it's a themed debut or not,the most important keyword is DEBUT. Speeches will only revolve around that keyword which is DEBUT. Themes like cowboy, Las Vegas, Luau, Chinese, Hollywood or what have you are only limited to the LOOK of the place. Speeches are generic and should apply to all sorts of debut no matter what the theme.

Debut--and not a concert...

2011-04-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

Please---whenever you plan out a debut bash for someone, do your research. There are a lot of useful information online. Do not just do it your own way to avoid turning the party into a variety show of some sort or a concert sort of. A debut is not an occasion for the debutante to have a concert! It is neither an occasion for the planner or choreographer or whoever to fulfill his or her own dream musical extravaganza. If it's just a series of dances and that's all, then it loses the real essence of a debut party. A debut must carry the characteristics of a real debut celebration--cotillion, debutante's speech, parents' speeches, 18 roses, 18 candles, 18 treasures, the works. Do your research please.

one beautiful deed...read this...

2011-02-24T04:14:00.000-08:00

Earlier that night when we passed by Scooby's, we noticed a kitten which was about a week old crying on top of a garbage bin. It was obviously hungry and homeless. My heart really went out for that kitten but with three dogs and four cats that we already have at home, it would be not within our capacity to take in another pet. So we just passed it and proceeded to Jollibee at the opposite side of the road. We were seated close to the window where we could see everything outside from the inside. In fact, we could even see the trash bin where the kitten was. As we were about to eat our food, we noticed two foreigners (from the white race) stooping to have a look at the kitten. They were obviously talking about the plight of the kitten. Then we saw the man (about 28 years old) pick up the kitten which he placed on the pavement. He tried to feed the kitty with what he was drinking at that time but the kitten did not seem to want it. Meanwhile, the man's companion, a pretty lady about his age, was clearly begging him to go already. Obviously, the man was not in the mood to leave the kitten just like that. Then we saw the lady gesticulating and trying to convince him to let it go, but still the man kept hold on the kitten and even tried to talk to it. Exasperated, the woman left him and the guy was left behind with the kitten. We saw how the man was closely studying the kitten's face which probably made him decide to take it with him. Seeing that was like seeing the most beautiful thing we've ever seen in years. We felt happy for the cat for the man did not pass his opportunity to help a poor creature. Lovely.

a fly at Kamalig...

2011-02-07T23:03:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours was halfway through his food when he noticed something black on his spoon which he was about to put in his mouth. Luckily he took one hard look at it and confirmed his suspicion. It was one humongous fly that obviously did not make it when it landed on the food. Just how did that huge fly get into his food? There are only three possible reasons: One, it must have landed on the food while it was being cooked. Two, it must have been there among the food ingredients where it met its death or three, the cook must have deliberately placed it there to spite the owner. Ewww....whatever the reason, that food hut would have been as dead as the fly had we made the report to proper authority, but we did not because we're not eating there for the rest of our lives even if the food were for free. When you come to Dumaguete, beware of that food hut near the dockside because you just don't know what you will find in your food. That is, if you're lucky to even scrutinize the food. Usually we just eat and eat without actually poking or looking at what's in there. So crazy.
Reactions:

Tierra Alta, Palinpinon, Valencia

2011-01-28T04:01:00.000-08:00

The ride to Tierra Alta from the city took us only about 15 minutes and there, we communed with mother nature in its greenest state. The well-paved roads and the beautifully structured gates that opened to the vast soon-to-be high-end housing subdivision took our breath away. The magnificent tower and the clubhouse which is on its final stages of construction gave our imagination a picture of what the place will look like five years from now. Yes, it is here in Tierra Alta where the most beautiful houses in Negros Oriental will be built. The Zipline cable was another attraction that made our hearts stop. With four different ways of riding it; sitting, inverted, superman, or tandem; one can truly have the feeling of viewing the whole world while suspended some 300 feet up and zipping the 600-meter long cable wire.

Six Cancer-fighting foods

2010-12-28T00:50:00.001-08:00

By Leslie Barrie

To reduce your risk of cancer, look no further than your fridge. "All the studies on cancer and nutrition point to eating plant-based foods for their phytonutrients and other special compounds," says Richard Béliveau, PhD, chair in the prevention and treatment of cancer at the University of Québec at Montreal and author of Foods to Fight Cancer.

Aim for five to nine daily servings of all kinds of fruits and vegetables—especially these six superstars.

Broccoli
All cruciferous veggies (think cauliflower, cabbage, kale) contain cancer-fighting properties, but broccoli is the only one with a sizable amount of sulforaphane, a particularly potent compound that boosts the body's protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals, says Jed Fahey, ScD. A recent University of Michigan study on mice found that sulforaphane also targets cancer stem cells—those that aid in tumor growth.

Helps fight: breast, liver, lung, prostate, skin, stomach, and bladder cancers

Your Rx: The more broccoli, the better, research suggests—so add it wherever you can, from salads to omelets to the top of your pizza.

Health.com: 13 easy pizza recipes

Berries
All berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. But black raspberries, in particular, contain very high concentrations of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which slow down the growth of premalignant cells and keep new blood vessels from forming (and potentially feeding a cancerous tumor), according to Gary D. Stoner, PhD, a professor of internal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Helps fight: colon, esophageal, oral, and skin cancers

Your Rx: Stoner uses a concentrated berry powder in his studies but says a half-cup serving of berries a day may help your health, too.

Health.com: Go wild for berries!

Tomatoes
This juicy fruit is the best dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red hue, Béliveau says. And that's good news, because lycopene was found to stop endometrial cancer cell growth in a study in Nutrition and Cancer. Endometrial cancer causes nearly 8,000 deaths a year.

Helps fight: endometrial, lung, prostate, and stomach cancers

Your Rx: The biggest benefits come from cooked tomatoes (think pasta sauce!), since the heating process increases the amount of lycopene your body is able to absorb.

Health.com: 10 tasty tomato recipes

Walnuts
Their phytosterols (cholesterol-like molecules found in plants) have been shown to block estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, possibly slowing the cells' growth, says Elaine Hardman, PhD, associate professor at Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia.

Helps fight: breast and prostate cancers

Your Rx: Munching on an ounce of walnuts a day may yield the best benefits, Hardman's research found.

Health.com: 8 super nuts

Garlic
Phytochemicals in garlic have been found to halt the formation of nitrosamines, carcinogens formed in the stomach (and in the intestines, in certain conditions) when you consume nitrates, a common food preservative, Béliveau says. In fact, the Iowa Women's Health Study found that women with the highest amounts of garlic in their diets had a 50 percent lower risk of certain colon cancers than women who ate the least.

Helps fight: breast, colon, esophageal, and stomach cancers

Your Rx: Chop a clove of fresh, crushed garlic (crushing helps release beneficial enzymes), and sprinkle it into that lycopene-rich tomato sauce while it simmers.

Health.com: Surprising health benefits of garlic

Beans
A study out of Michigan State University found that black and navy beans significantly reduced colon cancer incidence in rats, in part because a diet rich in the legumes increased levels of the fatty acid butyrate, which in high concentrations has protective effects against cancer growth. Another study, in the journal Crop Science, found dried beans particularly effective in preventing breast cancer in rats.

Helps fight: breast and colon cancers

Your Rx: Add a serving—a half-cup—of legumes a few times a week (either from a can or dry beans that've been soaked and cooked) to your usual rotation of greens or other veggies.

*

2011 is year of the Metal Rabbit

2010-12-23T00:47:00.000-08:00

Horoscope 2011, forecast for the 2011 year of the white Rabbit

The coming 2011 year of the metal Rabbit is around the corner. It is not the size of this animal that makes sense for the whole year, but its inner nature. It looks like we've got quite sophisticated period with gracious manners and sensitivity. This 2011 year of the white Rabbit your may pin hopes on your sense of intuition. But don't be impatient or be in harry, in 2011 year of the Rabbit without concentration you will fail.
Read yearly 2011 astrology forecast, horoscope 2011 for your zodiac sign and also read your free Eastern horoscope 2011.

Rabbit Personality

People born in the year of the rabbit often make ideal diplomats or politicians. Rabbit person has grace, culture and beautiful manners. Although rabbit people get on well with everyone, at heart they are basically reserved creatures, and are only really happy when they are engrossed in some sort of scholarly or intellectual activity. They are just too sensitive to the world around them. They are just not able to thrive in a competitive or aggressive environment, and it makes them anxious if someone forces them to take risks. Their inner world is simply too delicate for unsettled or unpredictable situations, and they tend to create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere on a hunch. This character trait makes them very hospitable and attentive people, who take care of those around. The average rabbit person emphasizes the importance of small details. They pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. And only when they are sure that everything has been arranged as they wished, these people can relax and have fun. Person born in the year of rabbit often leads a conservative lifestyle, where one of the most important things is their security. This quality has a negative side also. Opting for safety over risk they may miss good opportunities. This does not imply that these people are frivolous or irresponsible, for when they truly believe in some thing they are serious, perseverant and capable.

Calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke rabbit people. They are sentimental and compassionate. Yes, and they cry easily too. They can be moved by personal problems you share with them. Therefore, if you work as a salesman for a living, you will have much better luck with rabbit people - Nine out of Ten Rabbit people will definitely buy your products!

Rabbit Love Affairs

People born in this year can be great partners in relationships. Romantic and sweet, faithful too, rabbit people never lack of suitors. They are in extreme need of trust, security and tenderness in a relationship and are really happy when they manage to create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. When the rabbit person does the planning, he/she is happy calling the shots and will expect his beloved automatically be on the same wavelength. In case the partner's behaviour becomes erratic or hurtful he/she withdraws into your shell. Sometimes this person really believes that everything is fine and these relationships are strong and solid, but careless remark or impudent behaviour can suddenly place serious doubts in his/her mind. It is important to solve such problems appropriately. Partners may discuss these fears and express their points of view openly to avoid repetition of these problems in the future. Otherwise these relationships won't last too long.

In spite of his/her devotion to the loved one, it is important to remember that the rabbit person wants to have a secret side to his/her life, too. It is natural for him/her to demand solitude in order to get in touch with his/her inner self.

Sometimes it takes time for a rabbit person to find a partner, a real soul-mate, and he/she may seem to be fickle and insecure along the way, but when he/she has found that person his/her attachment is boundless.

Rabbit Career
Horoscope 2011, forecast for the 2011 year of the white Rabbit

The coming 2011 year of the metal Rabbit is around the corner. It is not the size of this animal that makes sense for the whole year, but its inner nature. It looks like we've got quite sophisticated period with gracious manners and sensitivity. This 2011 year of the white Rabbit your may pin hopes on your sense of intuition. But don't be impatient or be in harry, in 2011 year of the Rabbit without concentration you will fail.
Read yearly 2011 astrology forecast, horoscope 2011 for your zodiac sign and also read your free Eastern horoscope 2011.

Rabbit Personality

People born in the year of the rabbit often make ideal diplomats or politicians. Rabbit person has grace, culture and beautiful manners. Although rabbit people get on well with everyone, at heart they are basically reserved creatures, and are only really happy when they are engrossed in some sort of scholarly or intellectual activity. They are just too sensitive to the world around them. They are just not able to thrive in a competitive or aggressive environment, and it makes them anxious if someone forces them to take risks. Their inner world is simply too delicate for unsettled or unpredictable situations, and they tend to create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere on a hunch. This character trait makes them very hospitable and attentive people, who take care of those around. The average rabbit person emphasizes the importance of small details. They pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. And only when they are sure that everything has been arranged as they wished, these people can relax and have fun. Person born in the year of rabbit often leads a conservative lifestyle, where one of the most important things is their security. This quality has a negative side also. Opting for safety over risk they may miss good opportunities. This does not imply that these people are frivolous or irresponsible, for when they truly believe in some thing they are serious, perseverant and capable.

Calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke rabbit people. They are sentimental and compassionate. Yes, and they cry easily too. They can be moved by personal problems you share with them. Therefore, if you work as a salesman for a living, you will have much better luck with rabbit people - Nine out of Ten Rabbit people will definitely buy your products!

Rabbit Love Affairs

People born in this year can be great partners in relationships. Romantic and sweet, faithful too, rabbit people never lack of suitors. They are in extreme need of trust, security and tenderness in a relationship and are really happy when they manage to create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. When the rabbit person does the planning, he/she is happy calling the shots and will expect his beloved automatically be on the same wavelength. In case the partner's behaviour becomes erratic or hurtful he/she withdraws into your shell. Sometimes this person really believes that everything is fine and these relationships are strong and solid, but careless remark or impudent behaviour can suddenly place serious doubts in his/her mind. It is important to solve such problems appropriately. Partners may discuss these fears and express their points of view openly to avoid repetition of these problems in the future. Otherwise these relationships won't last too long.

In spite of his/her devotion to the loved one, it is important to remember that the rabbit person wants to have a secret side to his/her life, too. It is natural for him/her to demand solitude in order to get in touch with his/her inner self.

Sometimes it takes time for a rabbit person to find a partner, a real soul-mate, and he/she may seem to be fickle and insecure along the way, but when he/she has found that person his/her attachment is boundless.

Rabbit Career
Call them cautious or call them timid, rabbit people will undertake nothing before they have weighed the pros and cons from every angle. And that is probably why rabbit people are doing their work so well. They are balanced in outlook and cautious in approach, and like to be informed of all the facts before making a judgment. They usually can not bear the cut and thrust of business life preferring work that is more methodical and reliable. At times a rabbit person is a bit of a plotter and tends to be too conservative, but he/she is gifted with a positive yet practical outlook that few can fault. He/she has a talent to avoid the trouble and identify opportunity. But it is important to remember that his/her creative talents will come to the fore when he/she is allowed to work at your own pace. As a rule, colleagues value these people's tact and modesty and realize the fact that rabbit people are unlikely to step over others to achieve their goals.

Ideal Job for the Rabbit Include
counselor, barrister, judge, solicitor, adviser or secretary

Horoscope background
Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 19, 35
Equivalent Western Sign: Pisces
Element WOOD
Color GREEN
Yin/Yang YIN and YANG

what not to give your kids this X'mas....

2010-12-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

I know. 'Been there, done that. Children could be the meanest creatures on earth when it comes to receiving gifts. When they receive a gift that they do not like, they will say it out loud, throw the gift away, thereby breaking the giver's heart. So if you want the child to appreciate your gift, never buy one based on what YOU want or what HER MOTHER or FATHER wants. Rather, have in mind what the boy or girl really wants. Here's a list of what kids do not want to receive as gifts:
1. a pair of socks
2. knickers or panties or briefs
3. t-shirts
4. books
5. dress
6. hat
7. diapers
8. milk formula
9. money
10. pants, shorts
11. throw pillows
12. shoes, slippers

In short, clothes do not open up the kids' eyes. The reactions you get whenever they open a gift containing one of those listed above are varied: "I hate it." "Yuck." "I don't like it." "It's so boring." Or they cry or throw a tantrum. So what sort of gift will they appreciate? Simple. In buying a gift for your kids, think of TOYS. Yes, you can't go wrong with TOYS. They will love any sort of toys. Although most likely these toys would end up as garbage, never mind, if you want to see that smile on their faces when they open their gifts, just think and be like a kid in buying gifts for children.

Sunday indulgences....

2010-12-05T01:19:00.000-08:00

For two reasons, I decided to take a walk for almost an hour from my residence to the marketplace. That's free exercise and fare-free as well. After buying some fish and my favorite "dahon sa sili," I headed back home to show our new househelp how to cook "tinola." After cooking the simple dish, I moved on to the next task of giving my dogs a bath. That done, I hit the bathroom for a quick shower, ate a quick lunch, and tryked to Marirose Beauty Salon for my weekly manicure, pedicure, & facial.

Villa Eden Resort, 20 minutes to paradise

2010-11-27T02:46:00.000-08:00

A short 20-minute trip to another island will bring you to a place called Liloan, Santander, Cebu where a quiet resort called Villa Eden beckons with its awesome facilities enough to make any visitor gasp "heaven." An eternity pool that seems to meet the blue sea, a tennis court, bar,good food, a function room, cozy rooms overlooking the sea that lashes with its cool clean breeze, and a panorama of hills, rocks,and flowers to feast your eyes with. It is a place perfect for honeymooners or any sort of get-together. To go there from Dumaguete City, one needs to only take the fast craft in Sibulan and voila, after 20 minutes, you're in paradise.
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Ten Favortie things...

2010-11-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

If Oprah has her top ten favorite things list, every other human being also has, and definitely, I too have my own. Here they go:

1.Having my weekly manicure, pedicure, and foot scrub is so relaxing.

2.Full body massage---Swedish combined with Shiatsu, please.

3.Rambutan---a kilo of it I say, definitely completes my day.

4. Playing with my three playful pet dogs---makes me feel like a child again.

5. Reading. Anything that comes in handy on any given day.

6. Dressing up. I love doing this once a week for my TV show.

7. Dancing. (sighs) I really miss doing this for a long time.

8. Simply being with my family---that's heaven for me.

9. Driving. I love driving! Miss this too.

10. Being in control of my time by having my own business. Nothing beats this---when you're the boss and you call the shots.

Simple stuff really. It doesn't take much to please a human like me. LOL

internet cafe as new nanny..

2010-10-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Years back, when the internet still was unknown, busy parents would just turn on the television set and leave their children to watch shows all day long while they do their chores. Today however, with the emergence of internet cafes in our country, parents find it more convenient to just put their kids who are old enough to use the computer, in safe internet cafes where they can play their favorite computer games while they do their shopping and other tasks minus the hassle of bringing along the kids. All they have to do is to inform the net cafe attendant that the kids will be picked up at a certain time. Times have changed.

What is it to "party?"

2010-10-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

Great. I was at this party and all I did there was sit and eat. The food was good, the venue was a delight, and the people were fascinating but at the end of the evening, I felt like I hadn't exactly partied. Why? I didn't get to dance because the people who I know there weren't up to dancing while my feet were itching to hit the dance floor and exercise myself to death to the beat of the latest songs being played. Sigh. What's to party, anyway? It is to enjoy and have fun and one doesn't get that sitting down nor is eating my idea of fun. What a bore. The people who I asked to dance were way younger than me in years but they seem to be suffering from a case of early old age.

I have observed several times in many parties that when the time comes for everybody to dance, people would start going home, leaving only a handful who want to keep the party alive but are unable to do so since everybody has already deserted the affair.

Do we only attend parties in order to sit and eat? Come on....

At Random is three years old this month!

2010-10-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

At Random, the only talk and TV magazine in Negros Oriental turns three this month---yahoooo! The show and its producers thank the following partners for sharing their resources with the community through a show like At Random which supports talents, entrepreneurs, people with issues, education, and everything under the sun. Kudos to the following: St. Paul University-Dumaguete (c/o outgoing President Sr. Nilda Masirag), Dewfoam or Dgte. Upholstery & Textile Center (thru good couple Mr. & Mrs. George Chua, Santillan Optical Clinic (c/o beauteous owner Janice Santillan), Marirose Beauty Salon (c/o kind owner Rose), Haven Crematory (c/o lucky couple Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Amigo), Obdullia's Business (thru good friend Atty. Florence Tangente), Optimum Trader (c/o ever supportive Tintin Chua), Ang Tay Golf & Restaurant (c/o Mr. Wilson Chua), Qyosko (c/o former student Au-au Miranda), Tangy's Swirl (c/o family friend Debbie Dael), Bernard's Bicycle (thru nice couple Mr. & Mrs. Bibi Tia), Du Ek Sam (c/o former student), Orientwind (thru former tutor Sanda), Great Delights (thru nice couple Mr. & Mrs. Uymatiao), Hi-top News Mag (c/o friend Malou Mercado)and KC & D handicrafts, and Antulang Beach Resort (c/o former student Annabel Lee) MORE POWER TO YOU, PARTNERS!

Founder of Facebook Zuckerberg

2010-09-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg (born May 14, 1984) is an American entrepreneur who co-founded the social networking site Facebook. Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook with fellow classmates Dustin Moskovitz, Eduardo Saverin, and Chris Hughes while attending Harvard. He is a billionaire due to his 24% share of Facebook.[2]Zuckerberg was born in White Plains, New York and raised in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Zuckerberg's parents are Jewish,[3] but he considers himself an atheist.[4] He started programming when he was in middle school. Early on, Zuckerberg enjoyed developing computer programs, especially communication tools and games. Before attending Phillips Exeter Academy beginning in his junior year of high school, he went to school at Ardsley High School.[5]

He transferred to Phillips Exeter Academy where he immersed himself in Latin.[6] He also built a program to help the workers in his father's office communicate; he built a version of the game Risk, and under the company name Intelligent Media Group, he built a music player named the Synapse Media Player that used artificial intelligence to learn the user's listening habits, which was posted to Slashdot[7] and received a rating of 3 out of 5 from PC Magazine.[8] Microsoft and AOL tried to purchase Synapse and recruit Zuckerberg, but he decided to attend Harvard College instead, which he attended in September 2002, and where he joined Alpha Epsilon Pi, a Jewish fraternity.[9] In college, he was known for reciting lines from epic poems such as The Iliad.[6]

Zuckerberg "clearly thinks of himself as a hacker"[10] and says hacking isn't about "breaking and entering," it's about "being unafraid to break things in order to make them better."[11] Facebook conducts "hackathons" every six to eight weeks in which participants have one night to conceive of and complete a project.[10] The company provides music, food, and beer at the hackathons, and many Facebook staff members, including Zuckerberg, regularly attend.[11] "The idea is that you can build something really good in a night,” Zuckerberg told Wired. "And that’s part of the personality of Facebook now ... It’s definitely very core to my personality."[10]

On Zuckerberg's Facebook page, he lists his personal interests as "openness, making things that help people connect and share what's important to them, revolutions, information flow, minimalism." [12]

Vanity Fair magazine named Zuckberberg no. 1 on its list of the Top 100 “most influential people of the Information Age” for 2010.[13] Zuckerberg ranked no. 23 on the Vanity Fair 100 list in 2009.[14]

comparing one's self with others kills creativity and uniqueness

2010-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

A lot of young people today are so into looking at what others are doing that they no longer make themselves think of what they can do to make a difference in this world. A case I would like to point is one girl who wanted to win a cheering competition. In the process she became desperate because she kept on looking at what the other teams were doing. When she saw what the other teams had and which their team did not have, she would do everything to have exactly what the others are having. Result? All the four teams' performances were devoid of uniqueness and originality. They looked alike and moved alike. They almost had the same jingles and the same gimmicks. It is sad to see this general deterioration of the imagination.

The best thing to do under such a situation is to do your own thing. Never look at what others are doing. So you see them doing a certain routine? Okay, fine. That's THEIR routine and not yours. The best way to avoid having feelings of insecurity and desperation, is to focus on what you are doing. Leave the others alone to do their thing. This way, you will be allowing your creative juices to flow.

paying for the "ambiance"/ ambience

2010-09-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Out of curiousity, we checked out the latest high-end restaurant located at the heart of the city.

Upon entering the place, you will be impressed by the coolness, cleanliness, beauty, and novelty of the dining area. Uniformed waiters with ready smiles popped the question on whether we wanted a table for two or four or however many we were, but I preferred one area with cushioned seats.

Pronto, the menu was delivered and my eyes popped out when they saw the numbers which were way too high from what foods made on earth are supposed to cost! I mean, hey, did they cook this in heaven?

Since the food items cost like they would eat up an entire week of budget, we chose to only settle for one dish that was good for five, rice, and drinks. We weren't that hungry anyway, and we're on diet, so.

The drinks came, then the food, and boy, did I regret having eaten there. The drinks tasted weird to me and the dish we ordered was overcooked. Obviously, we weren't able to consume the food and I was only able to take one sip of the drink I ordered which cost almost a hundred bucks!

One does pay highly for "ambiance." Erap, after all, was right. Next time, do not order for "ambiance". Ang mahal-mahal naman ng ambiance na 'yan.

Phil. Bus Hostage and Miss Universe all screwed up

2010-08-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

By: Daniel Wagner

This week two noteworthy events involving the Philippines made headlines: the botched rescue of Chinese tourists taken hostage by a disgruntled former policeman, and a botched response to a question by Miss Philippines in the finals for the Miss Universe contest. You might ask, what do these two things have in common? Separately, not much, but taken together, they represent both the peril and promise of the Philippines today.

For many years pundits have commented that the Philippines appears to be heading backwards economically and politically, while many parts of Asia barrel toward middle income status and have maturing democracies. Yes, other countries have disputed elections, other countries' leaders do questionable things, and other developing countries struggle to achieve sustainable economic growth. And, yes, there are recent examples of fresh political turmoil and economic hardship not only in Asia, but throughout the world.

The difference here is, many of the countries experiencing political instability and economic dislocation don't have the things the Philippines has: agricultural self-sufficiency, a high literacy rate, and a largely homogeneous population. One Asian country that possesses these qualities - Indonesia - has managed to transcend monumental political turmoil, turn its situation around, get on the path to democracy, stay there, and become a darling of the international investment community. The Philippines had this in the 1960s. Why can't it have it now?

When I lived in the Philippines from 2003 to 2007, I was asked, what is the difference between the Philippines and Indonesia? My answer was, "In Indonesia, they have hope." I came to the conclusion that in spite of all the things the Philippines has going for it, its people didn't demand enough of themselves, or of their government. Political apathy and a willingness to accept a low common denominator of performance have taken their toll on the psyche of the Philippine people.

Filipinos should not therefore be surprised that the Philippine police tried to negotiate with the hijacker of the Chinese tourist bus well after a reasonable period of time had passed, negotiations had failed, and the lives of the tourists were clearly in jeopardy. Police from a variety of other nations would have simply killed him at the first opportunity, regardless of the fact that he was a former colleague. This SWAT team knew how to get the results that were required, but they failed to do so. Why? Their priorities were misaligned. The safety of the hostages should have been paramount - not the fanciful notion that a man who is desperate enough to take hostages would somehow come to his senses at the height of the crisis.

The result of actions like this are unfortunately consistent with the expectations many people have of performance in other areas. Politically, the Philippines has descended into an ongoing competition between political dynasties: Marcos, Arroyo, and yes, Aquino. What I don't understand is, why do Filipinos continue to vote them in, election after election? Is it because of a lack of viable alternatives? No. Is it because of political apathy? Possibly. Or is it because they have no expectations that anything will change, regardless of who is in power? Definitely. What does this say about the country's future? Nothing good.

Which brings me to the Miss Universe contest. Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj, is by anyone's definition fantastically beautiful, poised, and graceful. Many believe she should have won the competition, and she deserves a lot of credit for being the first Filipina since 1999 to make it to the finals. But her flubbed response to the question of what mistake she had made in her life and what would she have done differently apparently cost her the crown. How could this 22-year-old woman, who so diligently prepared herself for that moment -- at great personal sacrifice her whole life - not have come up with a better response?

She was nervous, she said. Well, who among the finalists wasn't? Other Filipinos have said English wasn't her first language so she had difficulty coming up with the right words. Really? How come no other Philippine contestant in the Miss Universe pageant ever had an interpreter? In preparation for this event it never occurred to her or anyone around her that such a question might be asked? Had she come up with a better response, it is likely the crown would have been hers, and the Philippines would be basking in her glow. Instead, it's just another instance of a missed opportunity, and Filipinos are making excuses.

If the Philippines wants to get its act together and live up to its potential, it needs to demand more of itself. It can achieve this by stopping making excuses for its failures and ending its acceptance of the lowest common denominator. President Aquino promised to put an end to nepotism and corruption in government. The people should make sure he does this. When the police screw up a hostage rescue, the people responsible should be fired. And when a beauty queen blows an attempt to become the glory of the Philippine people, it should be recognized as such.

Daniel Wagner is Managing Director of Country Risk Solutions, a political risk consultancy based in Connecticut.

22-year-old Mexican crowned Miss Universe 2010

2010-08-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

By OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writer Mon Aug 23, 9:22 PM PDT

A 22-year-old Mexico woman won the Miss Universe pageant Monday night after donning a flowing red gown and telling an audience it's important to teach kids family values.

Jimena Navarrete of Guadalajara was first to answer an interview question Monday night and the last of 83 contestants standing in the headline-grabbing pageant on the Las Vegas Strip.

Her one-strap dress flowed behind her like a sheet as she walked during the evening gown competition. Earlier, she smiled in a violet bikini as she confidently strutted across the stage.

Asked by Olympic gold-medal figure skater Evan Lysacek how she felt about unsupervised Internet use, Navarrete said the Internet is important but parents need to be careful and watch over their kids.

"I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time," she said through an interpreter. "We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family."

First runner-up was Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps, while second runner-up was Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell.

Navarrete — who's been modeling since she was 15 — is Mexico's second Miss Universe. Lupita Jones of Mexico won the title in 1991. Navarrete replaces Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela.

Navarrete's win thwarted Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson from giving the South American country a third consecutive victory. Neither Gibson nor Miss USA Rima Fakih made the top 15 finalists.

Navarrete was immediately congratulated on Twitter by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife, Margarita Zavala.

"Congratulations to Jimena Navarrete for her deserved victory as Miss Universe," Calderon said. "This will serve Mexico, (and) our image as a country."

With fans in some 190 countries watching on television and keeping tabs on social networks, Navarrete and her competitors introduced themselves while wearing over-the-top national costumes. They then danced in silver and black dresses for the show's opening number before the top 15 finalists were announced.The final 15 walked in swimsuits while Cirque du Soleil musicians played Elvis Presley songs including "Viva Las Vegas." The last 10 impressed in their gowns while John Legend and the Roots played a soulful medley including "Save Room."

By the end of the show, seven of the top 10 trending topics on Twitter had to do with the pageant, its contestants, its judges or owner Donald Trump. The mogul co-owns the pageant with TV network NBC.

The show was without any major gaffes, except for Miss Philippines' answer when asked what her biggest mistake in life was and how she fixed it.

"In my 22 years of existence, I can say there is nothing major," Venus Raj said.

Before the pageant, Raj was rated among the top contestants in an online poll on the pageant's website. She finished in fifth place.

Navarrete won a package of prizes including an undisclosed salary, a luxury New York apartment with living expenses, a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy with housing after her reign, plus jewelry, clothes and shoes fit for a beauty champion.

Campbell won the Miss Congeniality Universe award. Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul won Miss Photogenic Universe and a second award for having the best national costume.

Fakih, a 24-year-old Lebanese immigrant from Dearborn, Mich., spurred celebrations among Arab-Americans when she won Miss USA. Pageant records aren't detailed enough to show whether Fakih is the first Arab-American, Muslim or immigrant to win Miss USA.

Don't eat transformers candies

2010-08-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

California health officials have warned consumers not to eat Transformers "Revenge of the Fallen" Crunchy Candies from one specific lot after tests found unacceptable levels of lead.

Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately, the California Department of Public Health said Friday.

The candies are imported from China and distributed by Au'some, Inc., located in Monmouth Junction, N.J.

The affected lot was sold exclusively to 99 Cent Only stores in California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Au'some, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of the candy after learning of the elevated levels of lead found by the state.

Recent analysis of the candy determined that the Lot No. 09168 of the candies contained as much as 0.27 parts per million (ppm) of lead. California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.10 ppm to be contaminated.

The candy is sold in 4.5-oz. packages (UPC No. 66097311718-3) and consists of compressed, hard candies that are pink, orange, blue and purple. The candies are visible through the retail package. The lot number is printed on each individual retail bag of candy in black ink on the clear plastic seam, located on the back of the packaging.

who wears it better?

2010-07-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents, we have another epic A-list battle on our hands. Our dueling divas -- Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna -- were both spotted out wearing the same striking Lanvin dress. Question is ... who wore it better?

Jennifer Lopez in London, April 28, 2010. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Rihanna in West Hollywood, July 19, 2010. Hellmuth Dominguez/PacificCoastNews.com

Back in April, J.Lo donned the Lanvin frock for the London premiere of her romantic comedy, "The Back-Up Plan." Accessorizing with a wide belt, Lanvin necklace, black Ferragamo heels, and a Jimmy Choo clutch, the actress topped off her look with a fab beehive inspired by the Lanvin models who walked the runway at the Paris Spring 2010 show.

Lat Monday, Rihanna stepped out in the same one-shoulder gown for a dinner at AGO in West Hollywood. Still rocking her signature fire engine red locks, the "Run This Town" singer kept her look simple with nude heels, a narrow belt, and barely any makeup.

Besides the fact that this dress conjured up fond memories of Jacobim Mugatu's "Derelicte" fashion line in "Zoolander," the gown looks amazing on both ladies. I love that Ms. Lopez had the confidence to rock that cool, retro hairstyle as it lends her an old-school Hollywood vibe, and her figure-flattering belt accentuates her curves in all the right places.

Rihanna dressed down her gown to perfection for a Monday night out on the town. Love that she kept it low-key. The only drawback with the "Rude Boy" diva's outfit is that her narrow sash doesn't give quite the same hourglass definition as La Lopez's wide belt.

So for me, Jenny from the Block wins this battle royale. Mugatu would be proud!

Charice Pempengco goes under the knife for "Glee" role

2010-07-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

By Agence France Presse

Teenage Philippine singing sensation Charice Pempengco has caused an Internet uproar after having cosmetic surgery to improve her looks ahead of her debut on top US television show “Glee”.

The 18-year-old, known simply by her first name, had botox injections and minor surgery in Manila at the weekend to narrow her rounded face, with the procedure filmed and broadcast afterwards on a national television station.

“It’s one of the big preparations we are making for ‘Glee’ and of course I also want to look fresh on cam,” Charice said in a TV interview as she defended her decision to have cosmetic surgery at such a young age.

Fans, however, flooded the star’s official website, www.charicemania.com, as the issue became a hot Internet topic, with many lamenting the fact that she felt pressure to alter her face.

“At a very early age, she was made to feel inadequate and was told time and time again that, although she had a killer voice, she did not possess the looks to make it as a ‘star’,” a fan using the name Marie wrote on Charice’s website.

“I can’t even begin to imagine what that did to this child’s self-esteem.”

On another fan site, www.charicemusic.com, there was more concern for Charice.

“I hope she doesn’t change or undergo any more treatment and change herself… she’s just fine as it is… listen to yourself and not be affected by other opinions,” wrote a user calling themselves Mirana on that site.

Charice’s procedure was a top-10 global topic on the social networking site Twitter at one point this week.

Her plastic surgeon, Vicki Belo, said the procedure was meant to sculpt Charice’s naturally rounded face.

Belo said the botulinum toxin injections, which immobilise some muscles, would not have any effect on Charice’s voice.

The diminutive Filipina first gained global renown through video-sharing website YouTube and has since become a favourite of US TV talk show queen Oprah Winfrey.

“Glee” is an hour-long comedy series that follows an optimistic high school teacher as he works with a group of outcasts to revive the fortunes of the school’s performance art club.

Filipina inherits millions of dollars in Singapore

2010-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

By Agence France Presse

A devoted Filipina maid inherited six million Singapore dollars (more than $4 million) from her late employer after more than 20 years of service, a newspaper report said Wednesday.

“I am the luckiest maid in Singapore, with or without the money,” the 47-year-old single woman — identified only by the pseudonym “Christine” — told the Straits Times in an interview.

The maid refused to be named in public for fear of possible threats to her life in the impoverished Philippines, where wealthy people have been kidnapped for ransom and some killed by their abductors.

The windfall, including cash and a luxury apartment near the Orchard Road shopping belt, came from the estate of her employer Quek Kai Miew, a medical doctor and philanthropist who died last year at 66.

The maid had also taken care of the doctor’s late mother, and was told that she would be a beneficiary of her employer’s will when it was drawn up in 2008.

“There were no secrets between us. I was not surprised at all when she told me how much I was going to get,” the maid recalled.

“Christine” was devastated when Quek died a year ago, as the two were inseparable, and temporarily moved in with the doctor’s nephew for solace.

“It was heartbreaking for me as I saw more years with Doctor Quek than with my own mother. I would break down every time I thought about her. I could not be by myself,” she said.

“I was always beside her. Wherever she went, I was with her.”

The maid, who is now applying for permanent residency in Singapore, said her newfound wealth had not changed her lifestyle.

“I do not really think much about the money I got. I just live my life as I did before, and not as a rich person,” the maid, dressed simply in a blouse and slacks with short-cropped hair, was quoted as saying.

“I am still who I was before. I cannot behave differently because I have money now. Even my Filipino maid friends here still treat me the same.”

Nearly 200,000 foreign maids, mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia, work in affluent Singapore, which has a population of five million.

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toughie and the rain....

2010-07-21T08:54:00.001-07:00

It was one of those rush days because it was a Monday morning and it was raining. It was a perfect day for judging people by how they look as everybody was going about their business in the rush hour. It was drizzling and , after dropping my grade 2 kid at school, I was heading back home when I passed by several scenes that caught my attention. One of these was the father-and-daughter scene in which I instantly made a summary of what my eyes saw at that time. The tough-looking father (with mustache and muscles) was dropping his daughter to school and their means of transport was a motorcycle. The 13-year-old girl was holding an umbrella which protected her head from the rain but whose legs were all splattered with mud. The tough-looking daddy was using his hanky to wipe the mud off her daughter's legs. I found this touching for in the mind of the dad must have been this thought: "since I could not afford a car in which to protect my daughter's legs from being splattered with mud, I must do this..."

Pink Halo-halo premiers July 11, CCP

2010-07-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

All ye residing in Metro Manila or anywhere near it, you are invited to watch the premier of indie film and Cinemalaya entry, "Pink Halo'halo" which had its location shoot in Masbate, the third poorest place in the Philippines. Find time to watch it!

hair spa at El Frisco, Dumaguete City

2010-07-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just had my hair spa done by a hair specialist at El Frisco, Sta. Catalina, Dumaguete City and I am so satisfied with everything. The medicine used was imported and the result is just perfect. My hair now looks like it has been rebonded, and I like the smell of the medicine used. Hair spa, when done right and with the right material will turn your hair into a bouncy, lovely, glowing beauty.

taking our time at the gym....

2010-06-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

During school days, our trip to the gym is cut down to three times a week, sometimes less. But we're just enjoying our time there.

game plan.....

2010-06-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Looking good and feeling good about ourselves are very important to one's self-esteem. We are forever pressured on the looks department to look superb in order to gain friends and not be the laughing stock anywhere. Part of this goal of achieving good looks is ensuring that we look fit and fit enough to look good on any clothes. So the obsession now of achieving that reed-like figure grips everyone, rich and poor alike. Yes, obesity is now a big problem especially in places where fast foods are everywhere. Food is definitely hard to resist and its availability on almost every corner of the street makes it hard for anyone to maintain a trim figure. But with some will and determination, one can achieve his/her desired weight without going too far. Here are few doable suggestions on how you can lose weight without a sweat. Remember, this only works when you have the will to follow these simple goals which yours truly is following without breaking a sweat. Here goes:
1) Give up the sodas or softdrinks. If you find this hard to do, you can first try drinking only half of the usual amount you drink. Then go down to just a sip until you are able to give it up entirely and enjoy the satisfying effect of plain water.

2) Share your food. Whatever food you have, share it with people around you. Cut it into half or maybe three or four.

3) Cut by half all your food intake. For instance, instead of a cup of rice, just consume half a cup, half of the meat size you usually consume, etc. etc.

4) Exercise. You may quickly say you don't have the time. I don't believe it. I am sure you have 30 minutes to spare everyday----early morning when you wake up, lunch break, after work, before bedtime? Find time to sweat it out.

sharing as one way of losing weight...

2010-06-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have found a new way of keeping a few pounds away and it is by sharing your food with others. If you have like a huge sandwich prepared by your mom, you can give half of it to a friend. If your mom has insisted in loading your lunch box with goodies, be happy to share them with your classmates or officemates. Share, share, share whatever food you have----this will make you look good to your friends as generosity is always a virtue anywhere, and---this will also make you lose some weight.

"Pink Halo-halo" premiers July 11--

2010-06-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Watch indie film "Pink Halo-halo" when it premiers

on July 11 at the CCP. See you there!

journey towards fitness---

2010-06-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

The temptation to post our photos now which will comprise our "Before" pictures in the future is so strong that from now on I will be sharing the little successes we're able to achieve on a day-to-day basis. Today being Monday is a no-gym day but we did a few counts of semi push-ups and leg exercises which did not really translate into any drop of sweat but nevertheless I count them as something. For several evenings now, we have skipped eating rice at dinner. So far, so good. We will see.

girls with thin arched brows...

2010-06-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

It still baffles me why make-up artists shave much of a girl's eyebrows when she turns 18 and submits herself to full make-up for her party. Why? The effect is not very appealing for most times they make the girl look 80 instead of 18. What is wrong with these beauticians who think that thin arching eyebrows are in good taste? Believe me girls, never allow make-up artists to leave a thin line for those eyebrows. They are not in the least flattering. The best make-up artists in the world know that good eyebrows look natural but clean. They're not very thin and arched. That's so yesterday.

gym and dieting...

2010-06-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

Let me share with you how I am going about my plan to shed off excess pounds in the next few months. A membership at a gym most accessible to me was done. Then, in order to reach my goal in the shortest time possible, I had to limit my food intake as well, but in so doing I did not also want to deprive myself of the pleasures of eating the foods I want. So what I do now is to cut the amount of food I take by half. For instance, instead of a cup of rice, I try my best to make do with half a cup. As to sodas, instead of finishing the whole can or bottle, I only drink half of it and this holds true for everything else. Cakes, bread, chicken, pork adobo----I only eat half and leave the rest on the plate. I've done this for a couple of weeks yet, so I may not be able to see much loss. But surely, in the new few months, I should be able to tell you whether I have succeeded in shrinking the waistline.

"Pink halo-halo" starts getting the hype

2010-05-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

Director wants kids to see his new film
By Marinel R. Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:31:00 05/30/2010

Independent filmmaker Joselito “Jay” Altarejos, whose work “Pink Halo-Halo” is competing in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, says his goal is to have the movie seen by as many schoolchildren as possible.

Altarejos is one of five filmmakers in Cinemalaya’s first-ever Directors’ Showcase category. “Pink Halo-Halo” is up against Mark Meily’s “Isang Pirasong Pangarap,” Joel Lamangan’s “Sigwa,” Mario O’Hara’s “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” and Gil Portes’ “Two Funerals.”

“Halo-Halo” is about Natoy (Paolo Constantino), who finds joy in the simplest things, especially in eating halo-halo with pink gelatin and red sago. Thus he leads his simple and happy life until, one day, he catches a TV report about a wounded soldier pleading for rescue. The soldier is his father. Natoy’s sudden transition into adulthood starts when he and his mother Sonia seek help.

“More than touring the film abroad, I’d like to arrange screenings in at least 20 schools nationwide,” Altarejos told Inquirer Entertainment recently. “Cinemalaya films should reach a bigger audience than those who go to the Cultural Center of the Philippines.”

He added, “It doesn’t matter if they can’t pay for tickets. I’d like students, especially in the provinces, to see this movie.”

“Pink Halo-Halo,” written in 2004, was Altarejos’ final paper in a Creative Writing course at the University of the Philippines. “I dreamt of making a movie out of it,” he said. “It wasn’t exactly easy.”

One-week shoot

Altarejos earlier directed the indie films “Ang Lalaki sa Parola,” “Ang Lihim ni Antonio” and “Ang Laro sa Buhay ni Juan.” While he normally finished a film in three days, he said, “Halo-Halo” took a week.

“We had a lot of day scenes and exterior scenes. Since our lead actor was a minor, we couldn’t work late at night. We were bound by the rules of the Department of Labor and Employment,” Altarejos explained.

The film was shot in San Jacinto, Masbate. He recounted, “We tried to get help from the provincial government, but since it was election period, the officials had other priorities.”

The Directors’ Showcase category is for Filipino filmmakers, who have directed at least three full-length feature films that have been released commercially.

Altarejos refused to be pressured by being pitted against veteran and award-winning directors Lamangan, Portes, O’Hara and Meily.

“I’m not after awards,” Altarejos stressed. “I just want to make a decent film. Winning would be a bonus.”

He added: “It was tough getting into the competition. I have a lot of good friends whose movies were rejected.”

“Pink Halo-Halo” also features Allen Dizon, Angeli Bayani, Dexter Doria and Mark Fabillar. The 2010 Cinemalaya film fest will be held at the CCP from July

debut with a touch of Monte Carlo and Moulin Rouge

2010-05-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

Feathers, boas, hats, net stockings, red lipstick and everything that spells sexy and wild should dominate a party with a Las Vegas or Moulin Rouge type of theme. A lot of leg-kicking high-heeled girls in ruffles should differentiate it from the "charleston" number. Although there could be a thin line of difference, but I go for a theme that is clear and specific. The "moulin rouge" number would be sexier, wilder, and louder. The photo above (bottom) shows girls showing the right outfit for a "charleston" dance number. The one on top photo shows how moulin rouge stands out differently.

on pets as gifts

2010-05-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

Gift-giving requires art and creativity. You just don't buy something for someone without knowing the reason for the choice of the gift. I know that a lot of money is wasted on gifts that recipients do not find useful. Before you buy a gift for someone find out what the person wants or what the person will appreciate. Don't and NEVER give a pet to someone who does not appreciate pets or someone who has no idea how to take care of that pet. It may sound cute, charming, sweet and unique of you, she might lavish you with kisses for giving her a cute pet puppy, but at the end of the day, think about what happens to the puppy as soon as you go. Are the other members of her family open to the idea of having a pet around? I would feel very bad if the pet would go neglected the whole time that it eventually dies as a result. It would be a big mistake on your part to be such a thoughtless and lousy gift-giver.

wedding party with Filipiniana theme and a debut bash with a Las Vegas motif

2010-05-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

Two different parties in a span of less than a week can be exhilirating. One has to be very creative in order to come up with an outfit that is both in theme and in fashion.

The wedding party with a Filipiniana theme was one fashion challenge for me. I had to make sure that I'd look fashionable and at the same time Filipiniana ang dating. I searched for a formal outfit that was knee-length and sleeveless. Then I used a gypsy inspired scarf to drape my shoulders and voila! There's that touch of party elegance and looking Filipiniana too.

For the debut with a Las Vegas theme, I intend to use a glittery top then use huge red flowers to adorn the neck. I intend to match this with splashing red pants (since red is the color motif) and hopefully come out looking elegant and sinful at the same time. LOL

rebonding vs. semi-rebond

2010-05-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

I was told that the difference between full rebond and semi-rebond depends only on the amount of hair being ironed during the ironing process. The same medicine is used but it is only in the amount of hair and amount of time put in ironing which differentiates the two processes. The difference in price of the service is a bit huge so you might want to go for the cheaper one.

clowns

2010-04-12T17:58:00.001-07:00

Politics in the Philippines is crazy. Just look everywhere and you see the lipsticked and hatted politicians with fake smiles plastered all around. It is hilarious how these politicians now wear their fakest smiles just to win the hearts and votes of gullible Pinoys. And they have resorted to tactics used by trapos and that is mudslinging, challenging one to undergo a psychological test for he probably feels that lying is an acceptable trait. What? Habitual lying is a psychological disorder he needs to have his mind checked ASAP. A habitual liar can't be running the country for his leadership will surely be flavored with dark controversies. What else has he kept secret from the public? And have you seen their faces on television while they are posing with crowd-drawing celebrities? Don't they look like greedy monsters? Just look at their faces. They're all saying, "I want to win, I love nothing but power and money!" What clowns!

Be busy this Summer!

2010-03-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Foods that harm your dogs

2010-02-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

Which foods could be dangerous for my dog?

Some foods which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. The following common food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to dogs. This list is, of course, incomplete because we can not possibly list everything your dog should not eat.

Items to avoid	Reasons to avoid
Alcoholic beverages	Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Baby food	Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources	Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Cat food	Generally too high in protein and fats.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine	Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
Citrus oil extracts	Can cause vomiting.
Fat trimmings	Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins	Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Hops	Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron	Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Large amounts of liver	Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts	Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Marijuana	Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Milk and other dairy products	Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage	Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms	Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)	Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Persimmons	Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Pits from peaches and plums	Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems	Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs	Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish	Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt	If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
String	Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."
Sugary foods	Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)	Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Tobacco	Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Yeast dough	Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)	Can cause liver failure.

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wearing the same dress as someone at a party....

2010-01-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced going to a party and finding someone there who is wearing exactly the same dress you are wearing? What did you do? Did you go home to change? Did you hide and try to stay as far away from that person? Here are some tips. You never know when this will happen to you especially when you buy your clothes from boutiques and malls where everybody is free to buy anything. In order to minimize the "embarrassment" of wearing an identical dress with someone at a party, this is one thing that you could do. Always expect the unexpected. Before going to the party see to it that you style your hair differently, wear nice shoes that accentuate rather than match the color of your dress ( same is true with your purse), and wear accessories that will bring out the elegance of the dress. Yes, it's not only the dress that creates the total "winner" effect. It's what you wear along with the dress. So if it happens that somebody else is wearing the same dress, it is going to be a matter of , "Who wears it better?" With your accessories and awesome shoes and bag, you can actually create a different look that says, "I wear it better"

bib necklace is still in na in!

2010-01-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

Bib necklaces became a hit on the later part of 2009 and is still a huge fabulous choice for 2010. It's a must-have for those who want to add some "oomph" and "aah" in their outfit. Any simple dress for that matter magically transforms into a fabulous winner the moment the wearer puts on her bib necklace. Go! Have a collection of these super fabulous drop necklaces!

A Tiger theme for your debut ...

2009-12-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

Hey, all those celebrating their debuts this month or next month can have their theme around a tiger motif. 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and it would be fun to have a debut anchored around this powerful animal. Yes, a tiger inspired gown and hairdo, why not? A jungle motif for the venue, drums, and other animal sounds for a "bonggang-bongga" opening. I would love to see a cotillion done in complete tiger moves. Wow!

Why many parties fail...

2009-12-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

Come on, no matter how much money you spend on food, props, fireworks, drinks, gimmicry, outfit, costumes, and other visual effects, any party would still have that ho-hum element without dancing. Yes, as in dancing by everyone and not just a few while everyone just sit and stare. That's boring. But when everyone gets on their feet and dances the night away, everyone will go home happy and with that feeling of having really "partied". Party people do not want to just eat and sit, period. NO matter what the age. We all want to dance. So always incorporate dancing into your party and everyone will surely have a grand time being there.

music for cotillion de honor...

2009-12-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

This one depends on the theme of the debut. If it is the traditional type, then classical music is the call of the day. For this one can also opt to have any of the popular love songs of your choice. If the debut is something with an 80's or 70's theme, then the choice of music for the cotillion should be taken from this era and the choreography should likewise be based on that. You are free to make your party as unique and as exciting as you want it to be.

the debut with a pop theme....

2009-12-22T13:02:00.001-08:00

Debuts today may come in various themes, depending on the budget and desire of the debutante and her family. However, the traditional mode of debut includes gowns, coats, 18 roses,the cotillion, 18 candles, 18 wishes and other perks like having 18 balloons, etc. When there are just too many of these 18 ceremonies put into the occasion, especially when each requires speeches, the party will become boring. A party is what the word is. It is a party and therefore it should be fun.

just a tube of lipstick...

2009-12-05T05:57:00.000-08:00

We just can't help it. Kids have stage presentations at school and it can be too expensive and cumbersome to be hiring a make-up artist for such occasions. Here's one suggestion. Just bring along a tube of red or pink lipstick and your kid will look like an angel onstage by simply using the lipstick as blusher, lipstick, and even eye shadows. I have done this so many times and the results had always been angelic. Why waste a lot of money and time going to a beauty salon when a tube of lipstick will do the trick?

"Quieres Bailar"

2009-12-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

"Quieres Bailar" is a dinner-ballroom party which promises to give you some good clean fun in the form of dancing, eating, and gaining new friends. Get out of your holes on Dec. 17 and join the party which starts at 7:30 dinner and 9:00 dancing at the El Camino Blanco Drive. It is one event you shouldn't miss. Tickets can be ordered here: 0915-288-688-0 Just text.

trashy and trendy?

2009-11-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

Like me, some of you are probably wondering how some clothes with mismatching colors and styles that your normal mind couldn't understand land in fashion magazines and get to be shown in fashion shows. Why? Are there no more rules in fashion? Is uniqueness and being outlandish the "in" thing now? I really wonder about this a lot because while watching one of these fashion shows in the country, I get to see clothes that no one in his or her right mind would wear anywhere anytime. Honestly, if you were to ask those models wearing those trashy-looking outfit to wear those clothes in real time in the real world, I think they would rather go around without anything on than be caught donning one of those. So for me and my conservative fashion views, wearability is a prime.

7-year-old kid wants a scooter for X'mas...

2009-11-27T06:44:00.001-08:00

Well, it's the time of the year when we get to start thinking about gifts--what to give who. This can be a huge problem sometimes that we often end up buying something that the recipient won't be able to use nor appreciate in the very least. So one day we brought the kid in the house to the mall and made her choose what she wants. Sure enough, she found it---a scooter worth two thousand bucks. Not wanting to let her down we promised to buy her that for X'mas. So there. One problem partly solved until it is purchased. Hmmm....we'll see...

Robinson's opens in Dumaguete City

2009-11-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

Call it timely, but the most-awaited opening of Robinson's in Dumaguete, happened two days before the city fiesta. Oh, you should have been there since the real mall opened on November 23 where everybody didn't mind the long queue just to be able to get inside. And no, this is not just because of the novelty but because the new shopping center has everything that everyone is looking for. It is a convenient place to shop while at the same time get to hang out there and meet your friends too. Nice, nice place. I think the other department stores in the city will have to seriously do something to make people still go to their establishments. Robinson's will surely capture all the Dumaguete shoppers' attention not only for now but for as long as it stands there. Hmmmm......Dumaguete is indeed growing.

the sounds of fiesta..

2009-11-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

What telltale signs do you see or hear that a particular town is celebrating its "fiesta"? Well, you see colorful bantings everywhere, the streets and stores are suddenly busy, vendors and peddlers selling assorted goods are out in the streets either shouting or blowing horns to attract your attention, and on the day before the fiesta, the neighborhood becomes noisy because of pigs squealing as they are prepared to become the main dishes of the occasion. LIke now, as I am typing this, the whole neighborhood is busy and noisy with all the squealing and squeaking going on as pigs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes breathe their last. That is fiesta in the Philippines.

Quieres Bailar!

2009-11-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

Quieres Bailar is happening soon in the city of gentle people, Dumaguete City. What is Quieres Bailar! all about? Definitely set on Dec. 17, 2009, Quieres Bailar! is a dinner-ballroom party for ballroom enthusiasts and for those who only want to have some fun meeting people. Quieres Bailar will be held at the El Camino Blanco. Around 20 dance instructors will be around to dance with everyone. Dinner starts at 7:30 and the dancing part starts at 9 or so. The dinner-ballroom party is sponsored by At Random, Negros Oriental's weekly talk and TV magazine in cooperation with HAT'z Productions and Events, a new events and productions company owned and managed by Honey Amigo Teves, sister of Samantha Amigo Laurel. Don't miss to attend this great opportunity to have some good fun.

a child's b'day party turned into chaos?

2009-11-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

A kid's birthday party should be fun, entertaining, and memorable not only for the celebrant but also for the guests as well. However, much too often, kids' parties almost always turn chaotic because one, you're dealing with kids and you know how kids are. So it is important to have a program that will not cause inconvenience to the adult guests without removing the fun from the kid guests. What some do is have separate preparations for the kids and the adults but on the same day but at different time skeds. In the invite card, it states what time the party for kids starts and when it ends. Usually the party for adults starts as soon as the party for kids ends. This kind of set-up isn't perfect since it extends the party longer than necessary and thus create more chaos than needed. Just picture this scenario: Kids eating their own food with their parents or yayas by their side. When it is time for the parents to eat, the kids are still by their side and they could not help feeding their children with "real" food as they are also eating. I mean, why have separate times for eating? You can have separate tables for kids and adults, the kids getting their food first while assisted by an adult, and as they are eating, the adults can also start getting their own food so they can at least eat along with their children. This way the party will end without much ado. When you separate the parties, one doesn't know whether the party has already ended or has just started. That spells chaos. And as I have always been saying, the secret to keeping the attention of everyone intact is a good host.

So sweet for a 7-year-old...

2009-11-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Dew Geisha, the 7-year-old kid in the house, asked if she could have dinner early yesterday, so I let her. A few feet away from my office is a fastfood where she had dinner by herself. What amazed me was what she did after eating. She must have observed my practice of taking home whatever left-over food we have, so even without my telling her, she came back with a doggie bag containing her left-over food. This girl does not speak Bisaya and the thought that she had to go up to the counter to ask for plastic in which she could place her left-over food is just sweet.

Tyra Banks on texting

2009-10-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

The Tyra Banks show recently tackled an interesting issue called "Random Acts of Rudeness" and one of those acts considered as RUDE is texting a person so many times a day expecially when she or he is no longer responding. This incident happened to me and I totally agree with Tyra that we have no right to invade into a person's privacy even through texting. When someone did this to me, I even resorted to having everything recorded in the police blotter, showing all the messages, just in case. One can never be sure what's going on in the minds of people. Too many loonies around these days.There is no need to explain this but when a person receives foolish text messages from the same person many times a day, what do you expect the recipient to do? Be happy and say thank you? Texting someone countless of times a day even when he or she is not responding is a form of stalking.

"Mga Laro sa Buhay Ni Juan"

2009-10-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Inviting those of you who are in Manila to go watch the movie "Mga Laro Sa Buhay ni Juan" showing na at one of Robinson's theaters. It casts Hari ng Negros 2006, a Dumagueteno, so please go and buy your ticket now as the movie only runs this week.

"surprise" party: is it possible?

2009-10-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine planned to give a "surprise" birthday party to her husband. She wanted it to be all "hush-hush", that everything will be under wraps and that her husband should really remain clueless 'til the party hour. I had doubts about this because how can one keep this kind of "secret" from someone close to you, or someone living in the same house, etc. It just wasn't possible, I told her. But she pushed through with her plan only to be surprised herself by the celebrant when he actually found out about it himself by accident when he chanced to take a peek at the venue earlier that day, where he saw his name and photo plastered on the backdrop of the stage. So? How can one truly have a "surprise" party for someone so close to you?

Sarah Geronimo in Dumaguete!

2009-10-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

The concert was called "The Next One" and it featured pop princess Sarah Geronimo along with Mark Bautista, Billy Crawford, Mr. Marquez, Simon Wood and the G-Force dancers.Dumaguetenos once again gave their full support to the pop princess as evidenced by the jampacked Macias Sports Complex in the evening of Oct. 2. To hear just Sarah G. singing seemed to be enough to make her fans go wild. Although some groups requested for Mark Bautista to give Sarah a kiss, but nothing to that effect happened.

from scrap to punk

2009-09-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

Is this even possible? Hmmm.....let us see.....the dominant feature of punk is BLACK. Punk is usually associated with black get-ups, accentuated by pink. Hair is dyed and strictly punkish, meaning uneven, standing, hanging, or anything out of the way. While some would easily label such style as trashy, that's punk to some. So it is practically easy to turn trash to punk fashion but make the color in dominant black.

Friday at Hayahay, Dumaguete night life

2009-09-13T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Circle this date in your calendars= Sept. 25, 9:00 p.m. is Jammin' with Cuarenta at the Hayahay. Entrance fee of Php 150 is already inclusive of a drink, so have fun dancing, singing,and mingling with friends and fellow Dumaguete jammers. Age does not matter so long as you know how to have some good clean fun.

debut script...

2009-09-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Those who are looking for a script for a debut can refer to my old, old posts. I have already given plenty of suggestions and examples here so all you need to do is to look around and get the suggestions and samples. As I always say, anchor everything on the theme of the debut. There is no script that fits all. Each should be uniquely designed to fit the theme and the personality of the debutante. Do not be afraid to try new things but make sure that they all lead to a happy celebration. That's the whole point.

www.cute-spot.com

2009-09-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Everything cool and cute here:

http://www.cute-spot.com

big chunky fashion necklace

2009-08-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

It is so frustrating when you look around for the latest in jewelry and find all the boutiques and stores not having even one of those chunky necklaces that are now the fashionable thing. If you watch "Gossip Girl" you will know what I mean. It's everywhere in the fashion world. The ones on this photo are not as bold and as chunky. I imagine the chains to be super big like the chains used to hold big dogs. The only solution to this is to MAKE YOUR OWN. Go and shop for some cute stuff that you could put together to have those big necklace of your dream.

have you tried threading?

2009-08-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

How do you get rid of unwanted and unsightly body hair like your out-of-the line eyebrow hair, facial hair, armpit hair and the likes? Some use traditional pluckers or tweezers while others resort to waxing. But have you tried this very clean and painless method of removing body hair called threading? As the name suggests, the procedure merely uses ordinary thread, but the process of removing the hair is far from ordinary. You need a trained one to do this and the effect of this threading procedure is really impressive. I got my eyebrows and armpit hair removed by threading and I am very satisfied with the result. Next time you go to a beauty parlor, ask if they do threading and give it a try.

declamation pieces for kids

2009-08-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

I make declamation pieces suited to the age and personality of the kid who will deliver the piece. Of course, I charge people for these original pieces that I make. It is important for the piece to have current issues, to have concerns that the kids today can relate to. There is no use making our kids recite this very old piece called, "Unpardonable Crime". It's unpardonable to do so. Times have changed and the storyline of the piece must be in consonance with current issues.

bag organizer..

2009-08-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I purchased a nice bag that does not have partitions. But the quality of the bag is very good, the material and the style also made me finally settle for it although the absence of compartments would have been enough to make me junk the bag. I ended up buying it because of its appearance. So off I went to another store that sells a bag organizer for Php 200 and I am liking it. The organizer has a lot of compartments, a lot of colors too to choose from you can match it with the bag itself. I have a compartment for all my stuff---keys, coins, ballpens, passbook, checkbook, usb, cellphone---I am so happy with it.

eye glitters.....

2009-07-21T16:27:00.001-07:00

I see a lot of women wearing eye glitters nowadays. Is this the reason why Ever Bilena is coming out with tons of eye glitter collections? Girls/ladies who glitter their eyes really look very in and very cool. Ever Bilena's eye glitters come in a variety of soft and warm colors. Really a plus to your make-up collection. Gotta grab one myself but I am confused whether to go for blue or green.

applying false eyelashes

2009-07-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Wearing false eyelashes can really enhance a woman's beauty. However, applying fake eyelashes so that they don't look fake is sticky. The following tips might help.
Steps to follow in applying fake eyelashes:
Trim the lashes.

If the lash is wider than your eye, trim one side of it lash by lash.
Optionally, trim the individual lashes to make them look more natural. They should be longer towards the outer corner of the eye, and the lash length should vary slightly.

Squeeze eyelash glue onto the back of your hand and run the eyelash along it. Blow softly from edge to edge to make the glue a little less runny to apply your lashes.
Pick the lashes up with tweezers and bring it as close to your natural lash line as possible.

Press from end to end and hold until the glue dries (30 seconds to a minute, or sometimes less depending upon the adhesive). This allows the glue to set so that when you lift your fingertips from it, the lashes won't come along for the ride
Apply mascara while pressing your finger behind the fake lashes. This will bond the false lashes with yours.(It may be beneficial to use an eyelash curler before applying mascara)

Fill any gaps between the false lashes and your natural lash line with eyeliner.
Individual lashes are applied in the same way. Trim the lashes so that they vary in length, with the ones towards the outer corner of the eye being longer. When applying them, start in the outer corner and work your way in.

Remove the lashes before sleeping by using the special remover provided with your lashes. Otherwise, wet a washcloth with warm water and hold it over the lashes to loosen the glue. Petroleum jelly can help with dislodging particularly stubborn lashes. Whatever you do, don't pull too hard, or you might take some of your own lashes off, too!

Store the lashes in their original packaging, so they do not lose their shape and you can reuse them.

For a more dramatic effect, apply eyelashes on the bottom of your eyes as well.
Look for black eyelash glue at your local pharmacy or beauty supply store. It makes goofs look like eyeliner.

Go easy on the glue so that it doesn't build up on the false eyelashes or clump up your real eyelashes and leak into your eye.
To avoid using too much glue--take a straight pin and stick it into an old cork. The cork makes it easier to control and provides a handle. Dip the FLAT end of the pin into glue and dab it along the false lashes.

After applying glue to the lashes wait a few moments until the glue starts to set. It sticks better and won't move as much on your eye. The more glue you use the longer you will need to wait.

It only takes a small amount of glue to keep lashes on. Use the cork and pin method above to put a fine line of glue to your lashes.
Most glues dry clear

The lash applicators are cumbersome. If any fine adjustments are needed they can be done with fingers or regular tweezers.

Apply the false lashes as close to your natural eye lash line as possible.
It helps to bend the eyelashes inward from the middle and on each end gently, depending on the natural curve of your eye. This helps to get the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible.

If you apply your false eyelashes after you have done your eye makeup, you can later help cover up the false lash line with an eyeliner.

Sometimes applying mascara at the very end helps the falsies blend with your natural eyelashes.

Soak the used eyelashes in warm gentle soapy water to remove glue and other makeup that may have gotten on them. Gently reform and air dry on a dry paper.

why I choose Ever Bilena...

2009-07-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

My line of cosmetics now comes from Ever Bilena. Not really the branded or expensive type, I know that, but I am not into big names or big prices. It's the quality and affordability of the products that made me stick to this product for years now. Guess what? I signed up as dealer so I can get 25% discount for my purchases, and the original price minus 25% is really light on the pocket. I am especially impressed by its pressed powder which, unlike other pressed powders are dusty when use. I accidentally dropped my Ever Bilena pressed powder one time and guess what? Did it break and turn into cracked powders? No it didn't and this made me appreciate and patronize it even more. I have used several types of pressed powders in the past and they all get broken when dropped.

the best beauty service in Dumaguete

2009-06-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

It is not because Marirose Beauty Salon is sponsoring beauty services for us such as manicure & pedicure, highlights, footspa, facial, etc. but it is because I have tried getting my manicure and pedicure in some beauty parlors with fancy names and with rates that are three to four times higher than what Marirose charges and with the lousiest manicure/pedicure I've ever had. I swore I'd never, ever go back to any of those salons with fancy names and with very high fees for their poor services.

are you bipolar?

2009-06-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

A person who is bipolar is said to be suffering from a psychological disease called manic-depressive, a person who shifts from one extreme mood to another. A bipolar is one who cries and wails and throws tantrums at the slightest drop of a pin. They cannot control their anger and their emotions and they cause a lot of damage to themselves and others. In times of excitement or happiness, bipolars also express such emotions in high-strung fashion like screaming, laughing loudly, and doing some extreme actions or movements that others may consider weird. Is there a cure for this disorder? Here's a clip detailing the symptoms as well as possible cure for biplolar disorder.

What is manic-depressive disorder?

Manic-depressive disorder is the former name for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a serious brain disease that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. It affects approximately 2.3 million adult Americans-about 1.2 percent of the population.2 Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness. The disorder typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood, but in some cases appears in childhood.3 Cycles, or episodes, of depression, mania, or “mlxed” manic and depressive symptoms typically recur and may become more frequent, often disrupting work, school, family, and social life.

Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder—rather, many factors act together to produce the illness.

Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers have been searching for specific genes—the microscopic "building blocks" of DNA inside all cells that influence how the body and mind work and grow—passed down through generations that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. But genes are not the whole story. Studies of identical twins, who share all the same genes, indicate that both genes and other factors play a role in bipolar disorder. If bipolar disorder were caused entirely by genes, then the identical twin of someone with the illness would always develop the illness, and research has shown that this is not the case. But if one twin has bipolar disorder, the other twin is more likely to develop the illness than is another sibling.

sharing beauty facts from yahoo

2009-06-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

The obsession to beauty dates back to antiquity

Students from the Paris Opera Ballet school in Nanterre apply make-up at the Opera Garnier in Paris before performing on stage, March 2009. The desire to look one's best has been a human obsession since the dawn of time, and the seeds of today's cosmetics industry were sown in antiquity, an exhibition on the history of personal grooming in Paris shows.

PARIS (AFP) - – The desire to look one's best has been a human obsession since the dawn of time, and the seeds of today's cosmetics industry were sown in antiquity, an exhibition on the history of personal grooming shows.

"The Bath and the Mirror", which traces the importance of bathing and body care from the Greeks and Romans to the Renaissance, has been jointly mounted by the Cluny Museum of the Middle Ages in Paris and the Chateau d'Ecouen, which houses the national Renaissance collection (until September 21).

The theme is particularly apposite at the Cluny site, which includes the remains of public baths dating from the Roman empire. And the bulk of the 350 exhibits are set out in the newly-restored "frigidarium", the cool, dry north-facing part of the baths, which contained a plunge pool.

This is where bathers would go to relax and socialise after working out in the gym, where they rubbed their bodies with oils to protect their skin from the sand, or sweating in the hot rooms.

"Going to the baths was part of daily life. Even people from relatively modest parts of society went, it was not reserved for the elite," says curator Isabelle Bardies-Fronty.

Most of the everyday toiletry necessities from that era have come down to us thanks to the custom of burying such items with the dead for use in the after-life, she explains.

Tombs have yielded up mirrors, combs, hair-pins, tiny boxes or "pyxides" of make-up with spatulas to apply it, "strigils" to scrape off rough skin, and also "aryballos" -- a globe-shaped flask in thick glass used to carry oils.

Researchers at the Louvre museum and the cosmetics giant L'Oreal have taken miniscule amounts of the residue of powders and unguents and subjected them to high-tech analyses by particle-accelerator and electro-microscopy to determine their composition.

In Roman times pale complexions were admired, so faces were whitened with chalk and kaolin, even toxic lead, and the equivalent of today's blusher contained madder root, kermes or some other red mineral.

Flowers were macerated in almond and olive oils for body rubs and perfumes.

As early as the 6th century BC, luxury packaging had already become important as a sign of wealth and status: the exhibition includes exquisite mini amphora in moulded glass and alabaster and little bottles shaped like shells for cologne, silver mirrors and powder compacts that are breathtakingly modern.

Long before women's magazines, fashion was a concept, but propagated quite differently. For example, hairstyles were copied from coins and medallions which circulated throughout the Roman empire, and from busts of the emperor and his consort erected in public places.

"What better way to be in fashion than to wear your hair the same as the sovereign or his wife? It was also a sign of social integration," says Bardies-Fronty.

In the Middle Ages, flowing tresses were considered beautiful and women dyed their hair wearing wide brimmed hats to protect their pales faces from the sun, pulling their hair through a hole in the top to dry.

Mixed sex public bathing was the norm in many parts of Europe in the late Middle Ages, according to rare engravings by Albrecht Durer in the second half of the exhibition at the Chateau d'Ecouen. The titillating scenes, often with women in suggestive poses, fell out of favour with more prudish later generations and the engravings were mostly destroyed.

The chateau has a suite of private bathrooms, rarely open to the public, to which rain water from the central courtyard was channelled and then purified for the use of the aristocratic elite in their ablutions.

A lady's toilette in the Renaissance was a very public affair, so items used in the ritual were appropriately extravagant and precious, from enamelled boxes for potions to silver toothpicks and ear-cleaners.

Because of their high value, like the bejewelled segmented pomanders worn on chains or attached to a belt, they have been passed down to posterity.

Hugs in US schools not allowed....

2009-05-30T06:29:00.001-07:00

It's been a trend among teens to hug each other as a way of greeting. However, this practice had gotten out of hand. These students just openly and unnecessarily hug each other anywhere inside the campus and this has called the attention of school authorities. Now the practice of hugging is no longer allowed. Hugging on campus is prohibited as a form of greeting most especially if it takes longer than 2 seconds.

Shaking of the hands or merely nodding of the head with a smile is enough greeting while on campus. Hugs are unnecessary and too distracting to the school environment.

it's white!

2009-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

By Ryan Patterson

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -Hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend! If you go by the old style rule, you can officially wear white now!

But white can be a little trickier to pull off, because it’s less forgiving than darker colors. InStyle Senior Style Editor Sydne Bolden Long shares her tips for how to do white right.

“For white jeans, which I think are a must-have for Summer, I suggest cutting out the front pockets for a clean look. Many designer jeans have faux front pockets. But I think if you find a flattering jean, just take it to your tailor and have them cut the front pockets and sew them closed.”

“I think the most universally flattering pants on most body shapes are the classic sailor pant in white. It’s a fun look; the wide leg can balance hips and if you have a boyish figure go for a trimmer leg and a heel to add length. Nautical is always a Summer trend,” according to Sydne.

“This season, white is a great base for the bright pink, yellow and orange neon accents in clothing. It makes those colors really pop!”

“I absolutely love a white t-shirt with everything this season - under a vest, under a boyfriend blazer with skinny jeans, underneath a wispy camisole dress… so fresh! My all time favorite is either Petit Bateau or 3 Dots,” says Sydne. “They are thicker and you don’t have to worry about the sheer factor.”

Sydne stresses that “nude underpinnings are a must when wearing white. Nude full cut panties are my favorites with pants and skirts because they add extra coverage and comfort. You can even go for a slimming one underneath garments for added smoothing.”

The above article explains everything.

bags to die for: Hermes!

2009-05-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

Hey, don't just look, but take a real close look at these bags that are worth a house and lot each. Yep, the famous Hermes line that local celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, Gretchen Baretto, Ruffa Mae Quinto, and even Korina Sanchez have possession of. In fact Sharon and Greta are rumored to have not only one but a collection of these high-end imported crocodile and Ostrich bags by Hermes. The estimated worth per bag? Php 3.5 million! Huh! I could get a house and lot for a million. Aaahhh....totally sinful!

when attire is "strictly formal"

2009-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

When you attend a party and the invitation card indicates "strictly formal", this means gowns for women and suit or tuxedo for men. Some women make the mistake of wearing cocktail clothes, you know, knee-length but still dressy, but this is not the right one to wear at a very formal occasion which requires one to wear an evening gown. It is important to know what the dress code is when going to a party. Most parties have themes or motif and you might want to be in synch with the party's theme. You don't want to show up at a party looking like you're so out of place. Party organizers or planners should also indicate in the invitation what the visitors are expected to wear.

Manners: cover your mouth when you sneeze

2009-05-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Don't just spray your germs or bacteria to the people near you. Be courteous, have respect for others, avoid sneezing into anyone's faces nor anyone's food. It is bad manners for you to be delivering your germs to people around you. Likewise, if somebody sneezes, always cover your nose and mouth so you don't inhale the contaminated air.

Dumagueteno nominated among World's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities

2009-05-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

If you are from the city of Dumaguete, or from any part of the Philippines, you might want to support our fellow Filipino who has been voted as one of the World's Sexiest Vegetarian celebrities. You may log on to www.petaasiapacific.com and vote for Mark Xander Fabillar under male category. Let us support animal rights. Log on to the site given and cast your vote.

so your friends hate you because you are an obsessive borrower

2009-05-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

From hairbrush, to lip gloss, to cologne---come on, who wants a friend who behaves like a leech, sucking all her friends dry of personal supplies. What a shame. Personal things like lipstick, powder, comb are personal and not to be passed around or used by another person. You just don't know about the other person and how tricky these germs can be.

A student at a local dormitory for girls has been the subject of gossip because she thrives on others' things. She never buys her own stuff including clothes. She would borrow her dormmates' blouses and pants, sometimes without their permission.

Borrowing is very similar to begging. But in borrowing there is this unwritten contract that the item borrowed will be returned. But how do you return lipstick or cologne borrowed from a friend? That's hard.

So guys, don't be a leech. Buy your own stuff. Stop borrowing people's things. It's a shame!

don't be stupid.....

2009-05-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

A motorist was recently killed in the US because of a stupid lady driver who was painting her nails while driving. Well, studies have reported "painting the nails" as the number one cause of car accidents, followed by "reading a book" as number two, and "using the cellphone" as number three. I say, what? How can you be so stupid?

Driving is a full-time occupation. You cannot do anything else while you're driving. Always remind any driver who does other things while driving. A woman also killed herself while she was driving and trying to pick up her sunglasses that fell. The car almost lost control and could have crashed against a truck had the truck driver acted quickly. See? That's another stupidity. If something falls, pick it up later when you're not driving. Otherwise, you can always stop the car and do your thing.

Effective Ways to diet

2009-05-04T04:18:00.000-07:00

People wonder how I am able to keep my figure fit and trim despite my age because people at this age generally slacken and put on unwanted pounds in the most visible areas. When asked, I'd usually give them the following twenty dieting strategies that have helped me maintain a youthful figure.

1. BRUNCHING. Brunch is short for breakfast and lunch combined. By eating only one meal instead of two, you will already save your body from additional calories that you usually put on a single meal. So instead of eating breakfast at 6 or seven in the morning, have a good meal at around 10:30 and that's it. You will be too full to eat another meal for lunch.

2. HYDRATE YOURSELF every now and then. Drink lots of water when any sign of hunger starts to come. Water will give you the feeling of fullness, and it is also serves as a very good cleansing agent.

3. NO SODAS. Skip the drinking of sodas, or any sweetened drink. Just stick to the good old reliable water.

4. FOR SNACKS bring carrot sticks to your work or school. Aside from being a good source of beta-carotene, carrots sticks are easy to prepare.

5. CRACKERS. Snack on crackers when hungry.

6. Eat a bit of cheese before eating. This is said to reduce your craving for huge amount of food.

7. AVOID parties. This is where you usually get those unwanted pounds. So try to avoid attending too many parties for these will only tempt you to eat.

8.OATMEAL. From time to time, have whole days of nothing but oatmeal. You can choose weekends to have full days of nothing but oatmeal.

9. MOVE. While eating, you might want to multi-task at the same time. You can order food that is healthy and ready to go so you can actually eat it on the go.

10. NOTHING AFTER SIX. This method works with a lot of people. They eat nothing after six o'clock in the evening and this has successfully made a lot of people lose weight.

11. AN APPLE A DAY. So you have two full days with nothing but oatmeal. Since there are seven days a week, you can also have one day with nothing but an apple per meal.

12. EAT VEGAN. Avoid red meat. Learn the vegan way of dieting, and that means eating nothing but veggies. There are substitute vegan "meat" to satisfy your craving for meat.

13. EAT SLOWLY. A person who enjoys his food will chew the food slowly, thus allowing faster absorption. The tendency to eat fast will make people eat more. So learn to enjoy your food by not doing it in a rush.

14. GO SLOW ON THE CARBS. Bad carbs easily translate into sugar which is a very big factor of obesity.

15. FRUITS AND VEGGIES will keep the body healthy as they do not contain cholesterol that will make you sick. As much as possible have fruits and veggies on the dining table everyday.

16. MEASURE the amount of food you take in terms of calories. Be consicious of what each food will do to your body. By being meticulously aware of food calories, you will actually be careful not to overstock your body with unwanted poundage.

17. EAT HOME. Dining out will only make you order food that will make you gain weight. Make it a habit to eat at home.

18. SKIP THE COFFEE. Coffee also contains sugar, so the best way to avoid needless sugar in the body is to skip coffee during your coffee breaks.

19. VITAMIN C will help in the breaking down of food and fats in the body, so have an ample dose of it everyday.

20. SLEEP at the right time. Staying up late will give you more chances of snacking in the middle of the night. You know what this will do to you, so sleep on time.

There you are---20 tips and tricks to achieve that enviable physique.

beware of slimming pills!

2009-05-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

Guys, beware of slimming pills because they can ruin your mind and body. Just this week, news came out of a teen-age girl who died as a result of the diet pills she was using. A few others have been sick, complaining of hallucinations and other weird happenings on their bodies which no doctor could explain. It is really very, very dangerous to use diet or slimming pearls. Be warned, guys.

If you are serious about losing weight, exercise your way to it. Exercise is fun and healthy. It may come in a lot of forms---sports, dancing, games, and all the fun thing that involves physical movement.

One slimming pill to avoid is one that has the terms "white" and "pearl" on the label and is Made in China or Taiwan.

Jeezuz...don't fart on your date!

2009-04-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, ladies! One thing you have to avoid is farting on your date, OMG! It can be the greatest of all turn-offs,and most guys have zero tolerance for such a faux pas.

Imagine you and your date spending a nice time together, getting started so well, you're enjoying this wonderful conversation together, when, out of control, you let go of bad air. With or without any sound, since he did not do it, he will know it's you! Shucks! No amount of perfume can ever make you smell good again in his eyes. You're done and finished.

One advise that you need to follow is this: Don't forget to do your toilet duty before going out on a date. That is very important.

should all dates end with a goodnight kiss?

2009-04-28T02:12:00.000-07:00

I know how hard it is to answer this question especially when it is your very first date. In some cultures, kissing on your first date is a no-no. Since the first date is the first level of the getting-to-know-you stage, it is expected that the gentlemen will respect the feelings of the girl who will most likely feel cheap when the guy insists that he kiss her. It can be a very awkward situation especially when the girl does not want it. If it is also the guy's first date, he might also feel the same way and if he pushes hard, the whole thing might turn into a horrible kiss, like you know, missing it with your lips in kissing position and the girl not wanting to get it. Yikes!

If ever it has to end with a kiss, like the guy formally asks the girl if he can kiss her, then the girl may agree to have a peck on the cheek. Yes, a peck on the cheek would bring you a long, long way like you don't want to forget that long after the date is gone. It is going to be sweet and memorable especially if it is your very first kiss from someone of the opposite sex.