Greetings!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Moving out, Moving in

I've been busy for the past few days renovating the room, in a new location, that we've leased. It's very tiring; energy drained that I can hardly pressed the keys here on the keyboard to type. All I can type now is... .... ....

Pacquiao Mania!

It's done!

Manny Pacquiao had retired Oscar De La Hoya via TKO in the 8th round! Wow! The pound-for-pound king of boxing has done it again.

Mabuhay Pilipinas!

Watch your back!

You can't see him,
but he can see you.

An assassin, he can eliminate you

with his weapons:

Bangyard!
Turat!
BKNY!

He will hunt you with his:

BroodMama!

Damn! He's got a crack!

So better watch your back.

I'm Addicted

Nothing to do much tonight again...

Coming off from work (rest day tomorrow) I'm here alone, listening to these christian and gospel songs and at the same time downloading more from torrentz. I've got a lot of space in my iPod to use, about 30gb maybe. Arrggh!

Well, these music that I'm listening to kinda take the stress and tiredness away from me. Soothing. Relaxing. It's all about God. I'm addicted.

I Almost Let Go

Sometimes we think that life is unfair especially when the things we encounter or experience will hurt not just our feelings but even our hearts. Sometimes we question, 'Why me?', and we look above and we tend to blame Him for everything. Sometimes there are people who cannot take life anymore and they let go, from everything... from Him. Sometimes we do these things but everytime we are always wrong. Everything is planned by God that will lead us to 'something'.

Been there when my mama passed away, done that, I almost let go...

I ALMOST LET GO

Kurt Carr

I Almost let go
I felt like I just couldn’t take life anymore
My problems had me bound
Depression weighed me down
But God held me close
so I wouldn’t let go
God’s mercy kept me
so I wouldn’t let go

I almost gave up.
I was right at the edge of a break through
but couldn’t see it.
The devil really had me,
but Jesus came and grabbed me,
and He held me close,
so I wouldn’t let go.
God’s mercy kept me,
so I wouldn’t let go.

CHORUS
So I’m here to day because God kept me
I’m A live today only because of His grace
Oh He kept me, God kept me
He kept me,
so I wouldn’t let go

I almost let go.
I felt like I just couldn’t take life anymore.
My problems had me bound,
depression weighed me down,
but God held me close so I wouldn’t let go.
God’s mercy kept me, so I wouldn’t let go.

God kept me, He kept me
God kept me, He kept me
So I’m here to day because God kept me
I’m alive today only because of His grace
Oh He kept me, God kept me
He kept me, so I wouldn’t let go

You didn't know how far gone I was
God kept me

November Rain

Barack Obama wins!

The first U.S. black President.

A History.

Strong Strong Wind

I've been listening to this song by the Air Supply. It's just good.

Strong Strong Wind
by: Air Supply


We walked away before
There were too many storms
We could not get throught
But I still kept loving you
Now fate brought you back to me
This time I won't let you leave
I'm holding on to you, forever,
I'm never letting go
The time I spent away from you
was time that made me see
I need to live this life with you
I need you here with me

Now it would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
To make us break apart this time
It would take a strong, strong wind


Hearts sometimes lose their way
But they find their way back someday
To the arms they need
And I need you like the air I breathe
The time I spent away from you was time
lost in the rain
I'm meant to live this life with you
That's something nothing can change


And it would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
To make us break apart this time
It would take a strong, strong wind


This time I'm holding on with everything
This time I won't let go for anything


It would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
To make us break apart this time
It would take a strong, strong wind
Strong, strong wind.

Been a Long Time

Time
goes
by

Done
nothing
here

Posted
nothing
here

Been
a
long
time

Still.

Teeth Whitening Treatments

It's sad but true; the models in the magazines always seem to have whiter teeth than you do, no matter how conscientious you are about caring for your teeth. Because tooth whitening can be accomplished in number of ways, acquiring a whiter, brighter smile is not that difficult.

There are a variety of methods you can use to whiten your teeth. An overview of each method, along with their advantages and disadvantages, will be discussed in this article.

Dental Office Treatments: Advanced bleaching treatments are available from your dentist; these last a long time and are quite effective. The treatments range in price from $300 to $500 so are they can be quite expensive. This is the most effective treatment method, if you can afford it.

Whitening Mouthwashes and Toothpastes: Although they do not work as well as professional dental whitening treatments, mouthwashes and toothpastes that claim to help whiten teeth can be effective. The results may not be immediate, though. These work best on light to medium stains. They work very well as a preventative and maintenance measure and are more affordable than many other methods.

Whitening Strips: Depending on the quality, whitening strips can cost as much as $40+, and are readily available at all drug and grocery stores. The strips that cost the least work well only when used on a regular basis. The more expensive strips will provide results that almost match the effectiveness of teeth whitening treatments provided in a dental office. You don't want to have stripes on your teeth due to uneven whitening, so care must be taken during application. Increased tooth sensitivity can occur as a result of using whitening strips.

Brush-on Methods: If you are hoping not to spend too much money, then brush on treatments might be the best method for you. A two week-kit is quite affordable, in some cases only costing about $3. The applications can be quite difficult and messy. You can also wake up with terrible morning breath after using these products.

A Change in Diet: If you avoid known stain inducing agents, you can reduce the need for whitening procedures, no matter which whitening method you choose. Try to refrain from using tobacco, coffee, tea and soda so that your teeth do not become stained and discolored again.

There are a variety of teeth whitening treatments available to help whiten your teeth. No matter which method you choose, remember that regular visits to your dentist and a change in diet can help to maintain a whiter, brighter smile for many years to come.

Father's Eyes

This is a story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship.

Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior.

All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a bench-warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.

The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game.

It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.

Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted is worst player in this close playoff game.

But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star.

His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard.

Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

Kirsten-Wave: Acceptance Letter vs Offer Letter

What's going on now with Wave Training and Kirsten Recruitment?

Kirsten claimed that they've changed the scheme on how they will be able to send students to UK for National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) since they have established a new partnership with the just built Wave Training but still, to my point of view, issues arose and some still unresolved. When I attended their orientation before, Kirsetn informed their applicants that a student should stay in U.K. and will finish two NVQ courses within 2 years (NVQ 2&3 for caregiver level, NVQ 3&4 for nurses); however, here comes the new scheme of adding an additional year (that makes it 3 years) for the students to stay in U.K. to continue their studies. The question now is, what course are they going to take? Will the nurses able to take NVQ 5 already? Guess not. People in Kirsten claimed that it would be a "theoretical" subject, a lot reacted for it. Whatta!? What could be that theoretical subject? Kirsten answered that they don't know yet but it will be disseminated soon. Say what? Why implement something that is nothing? Just a suggestion for Kirsten, try to put everything in black-and-white.

Regarding the additional year, how about those applicants that have already offer letters but they haven't departed yet? Will Kirsten bother to change their contracts?

I heard some info from people that Kirsten is already giving "acceptance" letters so that the applicants can start their UK Visa application. Now, a UK Visa is good only for three months, beyond that it will be forfeited. Now don't tell me that an acceptance letter is the same as an offer letter. What will happen to an applicant that has already a UK Visa but doesn't have yet an offer letter from his/her possible employer and it's nearing the 3-months period? Will Kirsten going to force that applicant to go to UK and find an employer by himself/herself to support his/her studies? Or, will Kirsten backup the re-application of the UK Visa when it's forfeited?

When I went to the office of Kirsten the last time I was able to see on their visitors' log book that a number of people were going there to withdraw their applications. Maybe this had triggered the people of Kirsten to gather those applicants (who don't have offer letters) in a meeting. Hmmm.

I overheard someone saying yesterday that an applicant (A) was contacted by Kirsten regarding the availability of the acceptance letter; but A is actually withdrawing the application. However, here's the catch, Kirsten told A that the $500 deposit cannot be withdrawn anymore because A has already an acceptance letter. What!!! Mehn, the acceptance letter is from the school or training institution (Wave) not from the employer. The employer sends 'offer letter'. I still remember what I heard during the orientation that once an applicant had already an offer available then he/she cannot retract the $500 even though he/she will withdraw application.

What is the purpose of the acceptance letter? For formality and technicality sake, I believe. If you've decided to pay the $500 deposit then that means you're already accepted by the training institution. But why pay first to be accepted? Hmmm. There is a big difference between Wave's "acceptance" letter from the employer's "offer" letter. Correct me if I'm wrong and let's grab a beer.

Euphoria and Prednisone

One of the main symptoms of falling sick is feeling bad - the technical term for describing the basket of symptoms including pain, inflammation, possible fever, problems breathing, and so on. It can be really depressing to feel sick. So when a drug makes you feel good, does that mean you're getting better, or is this one of those adverse side effects you hear so much about? When people take Prednisone, it usually has an immediate effect in reducing inflammation and easing many of the physical symptoms. This improvement naturally lifts your spirits. You're starting to feel better. However, some people find their spirits getting slightly out of hand. The medical expression is "euphoria". Some older patients experience a sense of the years falling away. It leaves them feeling ten or more years younger. Although this may not sound a bad thing, you need to be cautious. Even though you may only be taking a small daily dose of Prednisone, there are other side effects. In older people, the most dangerous is osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones caused by a loss of calcium. You may miss the signs of muscular weakness because you feel good. Similarly, in younger people, the sense of happiness can mask other symptoms that would warn you of problems. So, if the euphoria persists, you should go see your local health provider and get sad again. Although Prednisone is an excellent drug, you need to be able to monitor your body accurately for other side effects.

Wheat grass, what is it?

Wheatgrass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum, that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal and human consumption. Both provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Claims about wheatgrass' health benefits range from providing supplemental nutrition to having unique curative properties. Some consumers grow and juice wheatgrass in their homes. It is often available in juice bars, alone or in mixed fruit and/or vegetable drinks. It is also available in many health food stores as fresh produce, tablets, frozen juice and powder.

Drink wheat grass juice... not beer.

Earlier I was watching GMA's Jessica Soho show and their episode is regarding natural supplements that are very helpful to people's health. This 'wheat grass juice' caught my attention so I tried to watch carefully. Interesting. Afterwards, I research the internet for related articles and below is one of them:

Drink wheat grass juice to boost your immune system

If you find yourself out of breath and out of mind, listen to your body.

Heed the following signs: shortness of breath, constant headache, persistent pain, stomach disorders, palpitations, dizziness, pale or discolored skin, see-saw weight loss/gain, exhaustion, constipation, general weakness, tremors.

If you have experienced the above-mentioned conditions:

1. Stop whatever it is you are doing. Take the example of Mandy, a 40-year old businessman. For years he had been experiencing mild palpitations. Coming from a family who has a history of diabetes and heart disease (his younger brother died a few years back of renal failure due to diabetes at the age of 30), he ignored the quality of his genes. While doctors say 70 percent of your body’s health is up to your genes, 30 percent is under your control. However, more studies have shown that the predisposition of your genes may be challenged by a healthy lifestyle.

Mandy didn’t do anything to improve his lifestyle. He had little exercise. By the time he reached his 40th birthday, he suffered his first heart attack.

2. See your doctor. Have a medical check-up.

3. Learn to do less work.

Health tips from experts

1. Learn to unload your stressors such as work, people and situations that cause your aggravation. Do not take more work than you should—you are not a super hero/heroine.

2. Adopt moderate exercise.

3. Make relaxation part of your daily life such as a walk in the park, listening to meditation music, taking time out with family and friends, laughing.

4. Adopt a joyful attitude so no matter how great your burden, it will not weigh heavily on your heart.

5. Eat more vegetables. Start your day with a shot of wheat grass juice. You can buy trays of the freshly grown grass (Tel: 09178168794 (Arthur Tanco), an immune system booster.

6. Drink water every hour on the hour. The medical benefits of this pure liquid are far-reaching.

7. Sleep at least 8 hours, preferably before 10 p.m. The gallbladder rests and rejuvenates between 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. while the liver 1 a.m. - 3 a.m.

8. Have a detox bath by using activated charcoal. This ingredient can draw out toxins from the skin through the pores. Sweat glands are able to release heavy metals from the body (such as lead, mercury, cadmium) which if not excreted can cause illness. Tel: 4119168, Biosafe Complementary Center.

Kidney cleansing tea

1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 cup hot water

Drink up (you may eat the leaves).

Today’s affirmation: “I let life flow through me. I have the will to live.”

Love and light!


Credits to Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Pacquiao vs De La Hoya is on!

The fight is on!

The Golden Boy will be facing the pound-for-pound king of boxing, Pacman, in what is believed to be the biggest match for this year.

It will be Oscar De La Hoya’s farewell fight and Manny Pacquiao’s biggest ever.

Check it out: "Pacquiao-De La Hoya, the $100M fight"

Kirsten Recruitment and Wave Training tie-up (Public Notice)

Here is the public notice of Kirsten Recruitment that I've talked about on the previous post Kirsten Recruitment and Wave Training tie-up:


NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

We are aware of the recent publication in the website of Immigration Matters, a private immigration consultancy firm based in the UK.

Contrary to the claims of Immigration Matters, Affinity Training Ltd. and Kirsten Student Development Inc. in particular stands firm in its commitment to its candidates already in the UK and those posing to go to the UK, as well as those applicants of Kirsten Student Development Inc. here in the Philippines.

At present, changes are in process in the UK. Personally, KIRSTEN STUDENT DEVELOPMENT INC. is asking for understanding and dispensation to the Learners in the UK, and in the Philippines, to applicants who are waiting for deployment and to those waiting for their offer letters.

Arrangement and changes are being made and we expect things to be in place in the very near future. Such changes will result to a more stable process streamlined for faster delivery of quality services.

The machineries, procedures, processes, system and schemes are still in place. Our continuing obligations to the Filipino learners in the UK shall be respected and answered for by Kirsten Student Development Inc.

To implement this guarantee, Kirsten Student Development Inc. categorically declares and undertakes that it will continue its operations and accomodate applicants and monitor its candidates in the UK. Kirsten Student Development Inc. is not a recruitment agency. It is separate and distinct from Kirsten Recruitment Inc. Our student applicants are not migrant workers.

Kirsten Recruitment and Wave Training tie-up

A week ago we went to the office of Kirsten Recruitment to get some update or information about their tie-up with Wave Training, the new institution in U.K. that was established on the days that the Affinity Training Ltd. is going down, and also to process some documents of course. It's been known, news spread over the internet, that Affinity went bankrupt and that it had created 'chaotic' problems to some Filipinos in the United Kingdom and here in the country. We were informed, also there was a public notice released, that everything is being taken care of and that all accountabilities are being carried over to Wave. Is it?

When Kirsten announced that they are trying to resolve the problem by making a deal with Wave, we immediately searched the internet for information about the said 'school' but seems like the search engines were having difficulty giving us search results. However, there was this one time that we were able to access the website of Wave (http://wavetraining.co.uk) but it was still under construction. Whatta!!

Yesterday I checked Whois.ws to get info about that site it was just registered on the 24th of July this year. What could be the credibility of a claim that could guarantee those Filipinos who applied (and who are applying) that everything will be OK? I mean, Wave is just a new institution and that the first batch for the Kirsten-Wave students to go to UK will be experimental. Correct me if I'm wrong. Sometimes I've got this feeling that Wave is just a mask for Affinity. Hmmmm, this better be good for there are a lot of people involved and concerned about this.

Mehn, am I being radical about this? Gotta drink a water to cool off.

Our health is our wealth.

Last thursday morning I didn't go to work for my right pinkie (finger) had a small wound and got infected. A small thing that I should have given a curing action before it got worse. The images above show what my finger looked like that day read here what I've done for it.

When you are sick, you need to see doctor. Nobody can bear the pains of sickness and diseases. In health, never underestimate what you know is just a small thing for it can cause big effect. When you are sick, you are suffering.

Our health is our 'everything'. Whether you are a toddler, a child, a teenage or an adult, a good health enable you to perform the daily functions of life. For adults, good health means you can go to work everyday, to earn a living, to be able to achieve your goals in life. Good health also enable you to enjoy life.

The greatest asset of life is our ability to be able to wake up everyday and go to work. I am sure you have experienced time when you are not able to wake up in certain time of the morning. You are sick. Your bodies are aching. You have headaches and to make it worse, you feel nauseous and you may be having diarrhea too. When time like that strikes, you have to call up the office to report that you are sick.

Credits to Helium.com.

Scandal in Eat Bulaga

BPC agent Emer Almiral played in Eat Bulaga's "Sa Pula, Sa Puti" and proved that he is really... black by wearing white shirt and bonnet!!



Click here for the proxified version.

He had just created a 'scandal' for not saying the correct spelling of the word 'hippopotamus' and also by humiliating his opponent (and Tito Soto) for answering without a question.

What's going on with Affinity and Kirsten?

A few weeks back I accompanied my girlfriend to submit the documents being required to her by Kirsten Recruitment for her application to study in the United Kingdom thru the Affinity Training Ltd. She also paid a "commitment" fee that amounts to hundreds of dollars in order for her to complete her CV and be sent to UK for possible employers. She will be studying, and at the same time working, in the UK for about two years. She is a nurse and will be taking National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) levels 3-4 in Health and Social Care. Actually there are hundreds of nurses and caregivers from the Philippines that are in UK right now and taking up their NVQs. This is actually a good program; not only that a student gets paid but he/she will also earn an international qualification related to his/her degree. Nice.

However, just last week, a rather bad news had came out. The major NVQ training provider, Affinity Training Ltd, went bankrupt! News from UK about this had reached all 'corners' of the Philippines. Here is a quote of an article published over the internet:

• "Major NVQ training provider, Affinity Training Limited, has been put into administration after going bust.
  
  Hundreds of international students, many recruited from the Philippines, will lose fees paid in advance for NVQ training in Health and Social Care."

You can click here to check it out.

Kirsten Recruitment claimed that they had already established a tie-up with another institution but still information regarding it was not disseminated. A lot of applicants are still waiting.

The bad thing about this is that not only my girlfriend was affected but also her brother (who is also a nurse) and her brother's friends. And the worse thing? A lot of Filipinos are affected!

Dating Services

Dating is easy when you sign up for a membership in a dating site. With technology as fast and easy as it is, you can find the love or your life, or at least a solid friend, when you allow yourself to meet new people. Dating has never been easier and when you check out the services that are provided to you on this site, you will be able to increase your chances of meeting that special someone now.

Dating sites have changed Dating sites have changed. Now, more than ever, you can option to sign up without having to commit to a relationship. Many people are simply looking to meet someone that they can connect with, be it a romantic level or platonic. Get the information that you want when you are seeking the right person for you. On this dating site, you will gain the information that you need. Safety, efficiency, and privacy are all important when seeking the right kind of mate.

Dating online Increase your chances of meeting that special someone right now. Dating has never been easier and when you check out the services that are provided to you on this site, you will find that you are more than satisfied with the outcome. Get the information that will protect you and give you opportunities to date the right type of people for you. Get started today.

Distance Education in the Philippines

This is somewhat related to my last post. I decided to put in here the institutions or schools, that I was able to research, which offer full academic degree programs via distance learning that are duly recognized by the Philippine government, through accreditation with the Commission on Higher Education, are shown below. Their programs enjoy the same legal status and privileges as those offered in traditional colleges and universities, and are eligible for credit to other institutions of higher learning.

Asian Institute for Distance Education

Asian Institute for Distance Education (AIDE) is a distance learning college accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the official government agency regulating all colleges and universities in the Philippines.

AIDE is a private, non-sectarian, higher education institution offering programs leading to baccalaureate degrees via a mixed mode of instruction, largely dependent on self-instructional module packages.

CAP College Foundation

Academic programs: CAP College offers associate degree, baccalaureate degree, and masteral degree programs in business, education, social sciences, liberal arts, and information technology.

Teaching method: Students have the option of taking courses online, by mail, or by pick-up of their module packages. Midterm and final examinations are proctored and have to be physically taken on-site.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Open University

The Open University of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, headquartered at the Gusaling Don Pepe Atienza at Intramuros, Manila, has operated a continuing education program for working adults and professionals in its several partner institutions and agencies in and out of the country. It is designed to provide higher education and improved qualifications to individuals who are unable to take advantage of traditional modes of education because of personal and professional responsibilities. It offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Open University

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Open University (PUP-OU), or the Pamantasang Bayan (Filipino: Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Bukás na Unibersidad) or the PUP Center for Distance Learning Education is located at Mabini Campus in Manila. It was established in 1995 to meet the needs of those who cannot physically go to regular classes.

The following degree programs are offered via distance learning:

Master in Educational Management
Master in Public Administration
Master in Construction Management
Master in Communication
Bachelor in Broadcast Communication
Bachelor in Entrepreneurial Management
Post-Baccalaureate in Computer Technology
Post-Baccalaureate in Library and Information Science
Post-Baccalaureate in Entrepreneurial Management

Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute

The Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute School of Organization Development, also known as SAIDI School of OD or simply SAIDI, is a graduate school in Antipolo City, Rizal Province, Philippines.

SAIDI is one of only few graduate institutions in the country to offer distance learning programs for working professionals. As of 2008, SAIDI offers academic programs in business, education, information technology, and language. The graduate school maintains an international faculty and admits students from different countries around the world.

University of the Philippines, Open University

The University of the Philippines, Open University (U.P.O.U.), headquartered at Los Baños, Laguna, was established on February 23, 1995 as the fifth constituent university of the University of the Philippines System. Its mandate is to provide education opportunities to individuals aspiring for higher education and improved qualifications but were unable to take advantage of traditional modes of education because of personal and professional obligations.

UPOU provides quality higher and continuing education to Filipinos through the distance education system. Its mission is to give its students formal qualification, as well as to develop in them the discipline and capability to become lifelong learners who are at home in today's knowledge society.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has declared the UPOU as the National Center of Excellence in Open Learning and Distance Education in recognition of its achievements in this field and its vital role in pushing the frontiers of learning in service to the Filipino nation.

Hope this will help give you information about the distance education in the Philippines.

Distance Education

I was not able to finish my BS course, that's a fact.

I want to finish college and have a degree, that's another fact.

I was studying back then when the opportunity of working reveals itself and was able to convince me follow its path. That was late 2005. On that time, deciding whether to continue my studies or start working was not easy. I can't do both at the same time, as much I want to, for the workplace is in Baguio. Before going to the City of Pines I told my friends and relatives that I'm sure I can manage my time in Baguio and become a working-student; but that never happened.

Now that I'm here in Manila, still I cannot find time to enroll myself to any college to continue education. Until my girlfriend told me an idea about distance education. Distance education?!

• Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy and andragogy, technology, and instructional systems design that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site". Rather than attending courses in person, teachers and students may communicate at times of their own choosing by exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology that allows them to communicate in real time and through other chatting ways. Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason including the taking of examinations is considered to be a hybrid or blended course or program.

So we researched the internet about the colleges that offfers distance education. What caught my attention is University of the Philippines Open Univeristy, will this be another opportunity for me to go back to the school that I left? I guess not. Their offered courses were not in my interest. Tsktsk!

Distance education, distance education. How can I avail of you? Having further net search about it we came across CAP College - College on the Web (CAP-COW). Nice one. I did a lookup on their program and I was somewhat interested on their A.B. Information Technology (IT) course. I will be taking that and finish it! Angst!

A good thing about CAP-COW is that they offer courses that can be taken whether via online or via the common modular method. Hopefully this month I can enroll and start my distance education.

Nothing is impossible. Just believe in yourself.

White Water Rafting and the Rain

It's rainy season again! But don't think that you cannot do any adrenaline-pumping activities under the rain.

If it rain, the waters of the great Chico River will rise and more rapids are created. High and fast rapids means added difficulty to rafters; white water rafting will be more intense and exciting. If a river flows faster than it normally would then the force of the rapids will be stronger. So if you want to do something adventurous during the rainy season then, besides from camping, white water rafting would definitely be a great experience!

The Chico River is always open for you guys. The river is challenging you to conquer its rapids. Do you have the guts?

Nothing much...

For the last few days I've been busy at work and that I'd hardly found a little time to think about what I can post here. Actually, I started some articles but I wasn't able to finish them that's the reason why I've posted some "hosted" articles instead. Can't find my rhythm. Can't find the proper mood to start with. Aarrgh!

However, I've had always updated my sports blogs though. Check them out, The Great Ballers and Total Knock Down and leave some comments if you like to. Also my iKalinga blog is always alive. God bless!

Using tramadol to treat chronic low-back pain.

Low-back pain is very common. The lower area of the back is made up of several vertebrae, disks of soft cartilage, joints, muscles, ligaments and nerve tissue. Its function is to connect the upper area of the chest and arms to the lower area of the pelvis and legs, providing the power and strength to stand, walk and lift, and the mobility to bend, turn and twist. If the lower back is not functioning well, almost every daily activity is affected.

Research evidence suggests that up to 85% of people will experience pain in this area of the back at some point in their lives. In most cases, the pain passes quite quickly, easing within no more than four to six weeks and allowing the same degree of mobility as previously enjoyed. But some estimates have pain persisting for one year or longer in up to 30% of all cases.

If pain does persist and significantly impairs mobility, painkillers of increasing strength may be required to allow everyday life to continue. The use of mild analgesics over time is not a problem but, if you feel that something stronger is necessary, it may be necessary to take one of the opioids such as tramadol. The difficulty is that, taken over time, any opioid may become habit forming. It is therefore necessary to balance the effectiveness of the drug against the risk that you may become addicted to it.

Published at the end of 2007, a Cochrane Review examined a number of randomized, double-blind studies involving some 950 participants into the use of oral opioids to treat low-back pain. The studies either compared tramadol (an atypical opioid) to a placebo or a morphine-based opioid to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as naproxen for more than one month. Studies comparing different opioids were excluded from the review. Without exception, all those receiving an opioid reported a reduction in the level of pain experienced and an improvement in their ability to continue their everyday lives. This does not mean that there was any change in the mobility of the back itself. None of the painkilling drugs on the market have any direct effect on the joints or musculature to relieve stiffness or restore function. All that happens is that people are better able to move within their physical limitations without the accompanying pain.

The authors of the Review therefore conclude that the use of tramadol for short-term pain relief is safe and effective. Although a small percentage of people reported mild headaches and an occasional feeling of nausea, there are no adverse side effects for the vast majority of people taking this drug. It may be considered a reliable response to moderate to severe low-back pain. But there are no formal studies examining the long-term management of low-back pain using opioids. Thus, their use should always be discussed with your physician if you propose to take it over any extended period. The fact that some people become dependent on tramadol is well documented. So you should combine drug therapy with other forms of treatment to reduce the risk of addiction while continuing to lead a relatively normal life. Used wisely, tramadol will give you the relief from pain while your back problems are resolved (to the extent that medical science can resolve them).

How do you stay at the top of your league?

Talk to any sports team manager and you hear the same answer. Once you are at the top, everyone else is gunning for you. They want the satisfaction of beating you, to prove they are better than you. You have to play your best all the time. One slip-up and you are yesterday's team, the has-beens.

According to reports in Drug Topics, the online magazine, Ambien was the thirteenth highest selling brand-name drug in the United States in 2006. So ignoring all the categories of antibiotics, antidepressants and so on (Ambien is the best selling hypnotic sedative used to treat insomnia), only twelve other medications sold more by volume in the US. That makes Ambien one of the most profitable medications on the market and, not surprisingly, other manufacturers would like a slice of Ambien's pie. But, to do that, the competition has to prove their products are as good (if not better) in direct comparison trials. As Ambien might say, "Bring it on!"

Perhaps even as recently as last year, there was investment money available to develop and bring new medications to the market. Now the credit crunch is starting to bite more fiercely, that money is harder to find. Take as an example, the Neurogen Corp., a biotech company based in Connecticut. It has a medication in development intended to go head-to-head against Ambien. But that is only half the battle. To get past the Food and Drug Administration, it needs clinical data from properly designed trials. This takes time and money. So it all comes down to priorities. Which is more important: current operations or future profits?

Neurogen has just announced it is laying off forty-five of its staff and raising some $30m with private investors to focus on just four prospects. This is a dramatic strategy. Most of the staff were in research and some in administration. So, the company has decided that one of the four prospects - to treat insomnia, anxiety, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and Parkinson's disease - must succeed for the company to survive. It does not have the capital to maintain the search for future medications. Even the more general administration of the company can be allowed to degrade. The share value fell one third on the announcement, the company having lost almost $58m last year.

But the potential value of even a flea bite in Ambien's market share would restore Neurogen to profitability. So it has to bet its shirt on its head-to-head competitor in development. If it can produce clear clinical data that it has a safe and effective product and that product is at least as good as Ambien, it will have saved itself. The results of the trial are due at the end of this year.

What price should any company pay to chase the pot of gold at the end of the commercial rainbow? Market dominance such as that enjoyed by Ambien is not necessarily a good thing. In a capitalist society, we should encourage open competition if it benefits consumers by producing excellent products at a good price. But I worry about the forty-five staff who lost their jobs. Who is to say they would not have developed a special new medication next year? Now all they have to look forward to is next month's red reminders from the credit card companies.

I am not arguing that companies should not compete with Ambien. Competition keeps the established player on form. But I wonder who really benefits if a biotec company like Neurogen does get a good product out there. A few already rich investors get a spectacular return. There is a new product that has to maintain a high price to recover its development costs, i.e. Ambien has no price competition so consumers get no benefit - other than being able to buy Ambien and get some quality sleep, of course. Perhaps that investment money could have been better spent on something more immediately of benefit to the ordinary consumer.

Hotel Reservation Online

Hotel Reservation is necessary when you are seeking the right place to stay. Whether you are seeking a place to hold a business conference or are simply passing through town, you need to have the very safest and most comfortable place to rest your head. You can easily find the hotel that you need. Enjoy the ease that comes with booking hotel reservation online.

Booking hotel reservation online Don't risk going to a town without having the hotel reservation that you need for accommodations. When you need group bookings, family reunions, or short staying time, you can easily find the proper hotel accommodations right here on this site. By perusing the various hotels and locations throughout the nation, you will gain access to the many options that there are concerning your stay. Enjoy the booking process as much as you enjoy the hotel that you choose to stay at!

Online search hotels Search the wonderful hotels that there are throughout the nation with this site. When you book your hotel online you will be able to travel with ease. Know that you have a safe place to rest your head as soon as you arrive at your destination. Hotel reservation online is one the best aspects of the web technology. Safely arrive at your hotel and enjoy yourself. Beginning booking your hotel right now.

Kalinga Tourism

If you want to spend time with mother nature and you are looking for a place to do that then I can recommend one, the province of Kalinga in the Philippines.

Kalinga is a landlocked province in the northernmost section of the Cordillera Region. A glance of the Philippine map will easily reveal the similarity of the physiography of Kalinga to that of a bust of a man akin to former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The province’s geographic feature is charcterized in the western portion by sharp crested interlinking peaks of the steep slope, isolated flat lands, plateaus, and valleys. The eastern portion has generally rolling, gradually sloping foothills. With interlocking wide tracks of flat lands and flood plains along its main drainage system, this rare geography interposes a great role expected of the province in national development pursuits.

Kalinga is nestled on an elevation of 300 to 5,000 feet above sea level with a northsouth assemblage of mountain ranges within the Cordillera Central. It has been dubbed as the “Prince of the Highlands” in the Philippines.

Below are some of the natural tourist destinations found in the province:


Mt. Binaratan: This fabled mountain is located in Dacalan. It is the entry point of General Emilio Aguinaldo during his retreat to Kalinga. It is also called the Silent Mountain for if you are there you can't even hear the birds singing and the echo when you shout. Legends say that Kabunyan (Kalinga deity) had ordered the birds on that area to keep quiet because he can't hear his dogs' barkings, and the birds remained silent until now.


Palan-ah Falls: This waterfalls is located at Tulgao West, Tinglayan. The name is derived from the native term "Pinalpallang-ah" which means chair. The falls spray down from approximately 100 meters above forming a pool where during a sunny day, one practically swims at the end of the rainbow.


Lubo Rice Terraces: The rice terraces surrounds the villages of Lubo. The best time to view the rice terraces is during the planting season and when the rice terraces is already ready for harvest.


Sleeping Beauty (Mt. Mating-oy): This fabled mountain range borders the municipalities of Tinglayan and Tanudan. It is called as the "Sleeping Beauty" for its slopes take the form of a sleeping lady supinely lying in its back. A vantage view of the profile can be seen from the Sungang View or from Basao, Tinglayan.

Uguid-Maling Subterranean River: Located four kilometers away from Poblacion, Balbalan, the Subterranean river of Balbalan is a maze of cavernous borders and rocks where bats and eels abound. Its cool waters murmur underneath the rocks, disappearing momentarily at certain portions then resurface again approximately one kilometer away, then finally going underground to join up with the Saltan River.

Buaya Caves: The different caves are interconnected and covers a large area (most probably the entire mountain). The caves are considered to be similar to the caves in Sagada with stalactites and stalagmites formations.


There are a lot more!




Credits to:
WOWPhilippines
Kalingatambayan
NSCB

Conquer the Mountains!

I like hiking and trekking. I like going up the mountains, feel the air up there and shout, "I am the king of the world!"

I wish I could do those things again. Conquer the mountains!

When I was studying in U.P. I joined the UP Mountaineers; that was last 2001. I experienced jogging around the UP oval for about 4 times, very tiring. Well, I wasn't able to complete all the Basic Mountaineering Courses though, so I can say that I'm not one of them. So sad.

When I decided to continue my college education at the Kalinga-Apayao State College (KASC) in my beloved province I tried to establish a mountaineering organization and called it Tagu Mountaineers (Tagu means life or person), many become interested and actually joined. However, that organization didn't last long for we lack equipments and that I wasn't able to complete its paperworks. Also, I lacked support. So we called it quits for good.

Last 2005, there were KASC students who planned to organized a mountaineering group in the campus. They were determined and ambitious. They had seeked my opinion and help. Because I knew that these students had the potential and determination I decided to give them some information. But I wasn't able to hear from them since I left KASC.

Last year I've heard from some friends in the province that there is a new organization called Kalinga Mountaineering Society (KMS) being put up and planned by good people. I felt very glad for it. I've been hearing good news and comments for KMS; they had already their climbs and events. In fact we and Nats had a little chat before and he was inviting mo to join, well as much I want to but I'm based here in the metro and my schedule could hardly allow me to join the fun and events. The organization is growing, thumbs up to that!

White Water Rafting in the Great Chico River

Are you an adventurous person and always wanting to do more adrenaline-pumping activities? Do you like to experience riding the fast rapids of the river? If you do then go extreme and try to conquer the rapids of the Chico River in Kalinga Province by white water rafting.

Kalinga is the White Water Rafting Capital of the Northtern Philippines. The Chico River is definitely a great destination for you to go rafting. The water levels of the legendary river is generally of Class III and IV based on International Scale of difficulty. The Chico River is considered the umbilical cord or River of Life for the Kalingas. Its headwaters emanate from Mt. Data and span the whole of Central Kalinga.From the First Put-In In Tinglayan to the Tabuk Take-out is approximately 72 kilometers. With its waters, run the rich political and cultural history of the Kalingas. It is one river that united the whole of the Cordilleras in opposition to development aggression. It will be recalled that in the early seventies the Chico River was supposedly the site of one of the biggest hydroelectric dams in Southeast Asia but the Kalingas successfully opposed the project. The opposition to the hydroelectric dam dramatized the struggle of the indigenous peoples to be free from development aggression and for self determination. To the Kalingas it is popularly called "kayakayam" which means crawl.

You can check the ChicoRiverQuest site for details.

My Pay Per Post Experience III

I was very glad when PayPerPost (PPP) had accepted my sponsored post PayPerPost is on the Rise! and granted me $20. Wow! That would be a good start for me.

I always check my PPP account for open opportunities but still I'm not seeing any available for me. So I thought, well, maybe this blog isn't good enough yet to receive any open opportunities for me to write. Basically this blog of mine is just like a rookie to those kind of stuffs; however I'll keep working on it to make it better and drive traffic. Well then why not try PPP for yourself and start earning? Just click the button below and signup! Enjoy!

PayPerPost is on the Rise!

I signed up for PayPerPost few days ago and enrolled this blog but I was not able to get the approval immediately. Since then each day I was re-submitting this blog but still not getting approval but I learned that there were some grounds; one reason is that my blog is not more than 30-days old. I understood that clearly.

This morning I received an email from PayPerPost (PPP) informing me that this blog has been approved and is ready to post sponsored reviews; but when I checked my account for opportunities there were no available yet so I decided to re-check my dashboard after several hours. About 10 minutes ago I logged in again to PPP and guess what, there was an opportunity waiting for me! How about that? I'm actually expecting earlier that offers will be coming in a matter of days, I guess I am somewhat wrong.

I'm really amazed by how fast things are going for PPP now. Originally, I've been reading some online articles about what are the best ad programs that I can use to monetize my blog and I came across several opinions regarding PayPerPost as a successful program and that they (PPP members) are earning good. I was curious and was convinced by those testimonies so I decided to sign-up; I am so glad that I'm a PPP member now. PPP will bring out the 'writer' part of me, I would definitely be inspired and motivated by the opportunities open for me. Not only that I will be earning by what I do but also I can interact with my fellow PPP member. I will totally recommend this not only to my friends and colleagues but also to everyone. Try it and see the difference!

blog ethics

My Pay Per Post Experience II

For the past days I've been resubmitting this blog to PayPerPost for their approval inorder for me to start posting reviews about the opportunities that they can offer me but it's always been denied; not until today. Earlier I received an email from them (PPP) informing me that this blog has been approved and I'm on the go. It feels good hearing that news. Immediately I logged-in to my PPP account and updated it. I'm all setup and ready to do reviews about anything I will be offered. It's just but a good time for me to earn something by blogging. Well, is it?

I checked my PPP dashboard if there are any available opportunites for me to grab but to my dismay, there weren't any. Well then, I thought, maybe it's just too early for me to be offered. I hope the next few days there will be offers for me to start with. I've been hearing and reading opinions about PayPerPost and they all say that it is good and one of the best today.

Ces Drilon Kidnapping Drama

The Ces Orena-Drilon kidnapping case have been the talk about for the many last month; well in fact until now it is. News broke out that Drilon, an award-winning broadcaster for ABS-CBN, and her group, were seized by the Abu Sayyaf at the village of Kulasi in the town of Maimbung on June 10. Drilon’s team arrived in Sulu province on June 7 to pursue a story after an Abu Sayyaf leader reportedly sent surrender feelers.

Last night I have watched the special show of ABS-CBN entitled "Kidnap" and it's about the revelation of what Drilon, and cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama experienced under their alleged Abu Sayyaf kidnappers. During the show there were feeds, re-enactment and actual footage, as the three victims relate their stories. After knowing all these things, their claims, questions and doubt started to evolve in my mind. I started thinking that the kidnapping could be real but it could also be hoax. It could be a case well-staged by some non-professional actors. I arrived here in the office early and asked the opinion of my colleagues regarding the kidnapping of Drilon and most of them are doubting it. One even said that what happened could be just for a documentary purposes by ABS-CBN because their rival network, GMA-7, have a lot of award-winning documentaries. He got a point there though.

I listened closely to what the three were sharing last night. I observed the feed of actual footage. Well, they could be genuine but still questions are lurking in my mind about the credibility of their claims. They've said that the kidnappers are very smart but how could they (bandits) let the camera and film walk away? Holdappers, kidnappers or criminals wouldn't definitely want leaving evidences for their deeds; how much more for a possible video?

I cannot recall now if it was Encarnacion or Valderama who claimed that he had asked for the camera, from the abductors, so that he can refresh the device and the film for it might get moist. Will you still think of cleaning your camera if the time is ticking for you to be beheaded? If you are one of the kidnappers will you give that camera? Weren't you be smart enough to think that the cameraman could manipulate his own toy and may deceive you? If the drama is real then they are just a group of dumb kidnappers I ever heard of. Beats me.

The kidnapping drama may be real but there are still people who may think that everything was staged. We, definitely, have different point-of-views of what's happening in our country today.

Miss Venezuela wins Miss Universe 2008

The faster way to go to a point is to go through curves and fixing every curve.

- Dayana Mendoza (Miss Universe 2008)

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Universe 2008 at the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Monday.

The 22-year-old Miss Venezuela edged a fellow Latina, Miss Colombia Taliana Vargas, who won 1st runner-up. The second, third and fourth runners-up were Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Russia and Miss Mexico, respectively.

Before the special announcement, Miss Venezuela, who is into interior design and learning new languages, was among the crowd favorites. She wore a beautiful yellow night gown when given the 18K white and yellow gold crown, which was valued at $120,000. She is the 57th Miss Universe.

The crown was given to her by Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori of Japan.

Earlier, the Miss Congeniality category was awarded to Rebeca Moreno of El Salvador and the Best National Costume award was handed to Miss Thailand Gavintra Photijak.

Drinking Coffee is Good

"Two cups of coffee is all it takes to overcome fatigue."

I want to start my day with a steaming cup of coffee.

For me it is good to drink a cup of coffee before going to work. It is nice to drink coffee especially right now that we are in the rainy season. The smell, the taste, and the aroma of a coffee is somewhat giving me that extra energy. Since I'm a coffee drinker I decided to dig information in the world wide web to know more about this 'liquid' that became a staple of our modern life and culture. Below are some of what I've read regarding the effect of coffee to someone's study habit and work performance:

• Mental Performance - Coffee helps to improve alertness, attention and wakefulness and by that means it facilitates relevant learning. When the study is tedious, boring and not motivating, coffee helps to give you the energy to study and to make the best of it. The caffeine in your cup of coffee helps you process the information from your study books and the lessons you follow.
  
  Coffee also helps with Short Term Memory so a valuable adjunct during revision periods. Drinking coffee will also help to focus your attention to the main task, when there are many things around needing your attention. It draws attention to what you need to learn and leads to less distraction although doing different things at the same time may in itself be stimulating enough.


• Work - Studies have shown that the effects of caffeine can combat symptoms experienced by many night workers such as the tendency to be less attentive and being slower to respond. Two large cups of coffee, containing a total of 200mg of caffeine, can reduce significantly the tendency to sleep and increase alertness and concentration and enable night shift workers to perform at levels similar to their colleagues working during the daytime. This effect can be sustained for 5 to 7 hours.
  
  So next time you need to combat fatigue and lack of sleep, remember that a couple of cups of strong coffee will not only keep you alert and but also help you feel happier about working late!
  

So if you're at work or if you have a homework for school then why not grab a cup of coffee?

Coffee Drinker

Last Friday me and my girlfriend went to University of the Philippines (UPD) and after requesting for my OTR we decided to take a little walk and visit the Vargas Museum; it's going to be our first time to enter that museum. Before we entered the museum we noticed that there is a small cafe on the left wing of the building and we were somewhat surprised, it is Cordillera Coffee. I have a friend in Kalinga that talked a lot about the Cordillera Coffee when I was still there. The cafe is owned by a family from our hometown. My friend is actually staying with that family and he once had tried to work in a branch of that cafe here in the metro; he had roasted coffee beans. So me and my girl decided to try what the Cordillera Coffee can offer; to my curiousity I ordered their Kalinga Cafe with whip cream and orange slice. Well the coffee is good but the orange slice had added a little sweetness to it, I like a coffee that is a little bitter or let's just say less sugar.

I'm a coffee drinker. I love coffee. I drink coffee at home and even here in the office. I drink coffee almost everyday, sometimes three times a day. But what I missed the most is the coffee from our province. Kalinga is now producing processed native coffee powder and also being commercially introduced; Kalinga Coffee and Kalinga Blend are the top brands. I've tried those brands already but still I'm missing the taste of something, the taste of a coffee that I haven't drink for a long time. It is the coffee that my beloved grandmother used to roast and process by herself; so sad she is now very old that she cannot identify what is a good coffee bean from not.

Cordillera Coffee says Drink for a Cause for they are patronizing the best coffees of the entire Cordillera Region, that's good. Kalinga coffees are also being sold not just here in the Philippines but also abroad; if the iKalingas and the governmnet will continue supporting these native products then we might see a boom and economic progress in the province. Well then I have to drink my coffee first for it's getting cold.

Going back to U.P.

During my rest days I was not really able to do the movie marathon that I talked about in my last post; instead we (w/ my girlfriend) went to the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) to request for my transcript of records. For the first time in my life I was able to visit the Jorge Vargas Museum in the campus for the fact that I studied in UPD for about 2 years, from the year 2000-2002. Actually there are places in UP that I never been to; there are buildings that I never entered during my stay there. Have I missed a lot of opportunites? The answer is a sorrowful YES! But what saddens me most is that me not continuing my education in that great university before. If ever I will be given the opportunity to study in UP again I'll definitely grab it. Sigh.

Inside the Vargas Museum we were able to view and appreciate the works of art by some renowned artists of our country. I love art. I do art. But the masterpieces that I've seen there are somewhat different. How I wished I can do something like those and be known in the future. I want to learn more about arts. I want to polish my forte. I want to be better than what I am capable of right now. I've drawn, painted, sketched, taken pictures, wrote; I've tried. I will be better. I will get there, I know. I dream for I believe.

Day Off Movie Marathon

It's my day off tomorrow! Movie marathon on the go! I have just copied some movies from the computers here in the office and I'm going to watch them! Actually agents here in the office are sharing movies to each other. If they got some new stuffs they will just upload it to the laptops for the others to download.

I was helping a customer earlier regarding his problem with the computer that he has for just 2 weeks. It's a networking issue, he cannot connect to a wireless network. So I grabbed one of our laptops here and used it to properly guide the customer for the workaround in VISTA. As I was browsing the computer I saw a new movie file. When I played the file to check it out, I'm surprised, it's Hancock! The latest movie of Will Smith, which is being shown as of the moment to theaters, is already being circulated in the office. So I immediately grabbed a blank DVD and decided to copy it. Though the quality isn't that good I'm sure I still can understand the story.

The last movie that I was able to watch that I have taken from here is Wanted, the latest film of Angelina Jolie. I've also copied some movies yesterday but when I tried to play them at home my DVD player cannot recognized the discs. Arrggh! Wasted.

Anyways, I hope these movies that I have now will work. It will be a long rest day for me. Beer and coffee will be flowing!

GMA-7 and their Documentaries

Ever since I transferred to morning shift I had always the time to do things that I want to do at night. I can play the Playstation 2, I can watch movies (mostly downloaded from the office), I can surf the net, and of course watch documentary shows on TV. What I like the most are the documentary shows of GMA-7, they are good and not boring. Also, that network had won a lot of international awards for their documentaries. If you know where to buy a compilation of their documentaries please send me a buzz.

GMA-7's documentary shows are focused mainly in the Philippines. Here I was able to watch shows about things happening in the country, and the people, that I never had any idea that they exist. I am surely gaining knowledge and information from them; and you can too. So start watching those shows.

By the way, I wrote something about the rice shortage in our country today. Click here to read my post The Lion, the Witch and the $3000 Dress.

Chocolate, Chips Ahoy and My Baby

Who likes chocolate?

Do you like chocolate?

Almost all like to eat chocolate!

I like chocolate. I want to eat a lot of chocolate! Right now I’m craving for that lovely and irresistible food. Arrgh!

But I know someone that loves chocolate more than I do. Someone who loves to eat that sweet food more than any other food. That someone is my girlfriend, my baby!

My baby likes to eat chocolate so much that makes her looks like a kid. It’s somewhat chocolate is bringing out the child part of her. She likes almost all types and brands of chocolate. Black chocolate, brown chocolate, white chocolate, red chocolate, etc. From Toblerone to Flat Tops; from Snickers to Kit Kat. When I asked her what is her favorite brand she answered, “Everything!” The funny thing is that when she is eating a bar of chocolate and I’m with her she is chewing the food so passionately and that she is trying to imply, This is so delicious! Yummy! Just keep on watching but I will not give you any. Well she knows that I like chocolate too; but when I’m asking her to give me some she always decline. She doesn’t want to give me, “This is mine, go get yours.” I’m always begging like a kid just to bite from her bar of chocolate. I admit that sometimes chocolates bring out the child in me.

Who likes Chips Ahoy!?

Do you like Chips Ahoy!?

I like Chips Ahoy! But I know someone who likes Chips Ahoy more than I do. Guess who?

The New Jordan 23 Shoes

A few months back I was surfing the internet looking for a running shoes that I may buy. I have two basketball shoes already so I decided to go for a running shoes for me to use to jog around. I browse the websites of Adidas, Reebok, Converse and Nike but I was not able to look for that something that can convince me and make me want to buy it. So I thought maybe instead of checking it out in the internet I will be going to their stores so that I can personally look, touch and feel their shoes; but I didn’t have the time to do so.

One time, my girlfriend and I went to Divisoria to buy some stuff for the wedding of her sister. Then we dropped by this boutique that sells a variety of clothing and foot wears. Then I saw a shoes with the number 23 on it and it looks cool. I thought maybe this is a Jordan shoe but I’m not really familiar with it. All I heard from the saleslady when I’m holding and appreciating the shoes was it’s a class A and it costs about two thousand pesos (P2000.00) but she can sell it to me with a discount. Class A? So it’s not original but I didn’t know it at the first place. Well it’s already common here in the Philippines that there is a rampant imitation about almost everything. We have also a ‘class A’ president here.

Finally I had the time to visit a Nike store in one of the malls in the metro to look for those running shoes that I will buy. All of a sudden, inside the store, something caught my attention; it’s the shoe that looks like the one I saw from Divisoria! It really is a Jordan shoe! I reached for it and tried to compare it to the one in Divisoria. I was working my memory but I cannot figure out the difference of the design. I was told by one of the store personnel that it is the latest Jordan shoe. When I asked for the price, now there’s that very big difference. It costs more than P9000.00! Wow!

I liked the shoe. I admired it. It looks cool. It has something in it that’s making me change my decision of getting a pair of running shoes.

Well it is expensive but I can buy it half the price. How? Let’s just say that I have this friend that gets 50% off discount to all Nike shoes from a Nike store. Isn’t that great?!

However, I can probably buy that new Jordan 23 in a few weeks or maybe months from now. I have to save for it starting today! I have a 100 pesos in my pocket to start with.

My Pay Per Post Experience

Yesterday I was reading some blogs again then I came across this post by someone regarding his experience with PayPerPost. He stated that when he had applied for the PayPerPost's program he was somewhat denied but then after sometime he received an email from them (PPP) telling him that his blog will be approved and he can start posting. That blogger then started writing posts about the opportunities PPP had given him and good things had happened; he was receiving pay cheques for his posts. He was paid by every posts and reviews he had talked about; my curiousity and attention was caught by that. Since I have this blog and other blogs I decided to apply to Pay Per Post. I was able to signup and submit this blog. When I checked my email I received a message that they will have to review my blog first then they will email me if it will be accepted or not; I will be receiving the notice within weeks they said.

This morning I checked my emails but I was a little bit surprised for Pay Per Post had already send me a notice, well that's fast. I opened the message and to my dismay this is the first part of the message:

This is a notification to let you know that we were unable to approve your blog, Not a Writer, Not a Blogger, due to the following reason(s):

Thanks for your blog submission! In order for a blog to be approved into our Marketplace, it needs to be a minimum of 30 days old, and contain a minimum of 10 posts in those 30 days. This blog is currently less than 30 days old.

Well I didn't know that till now. I tried and there was no harm done. I will try to do PPP's suggestion of resubmitting this blog after a week or so and hope for their approval.

Every writer knows that inspiration and motivation will result to a good work. Let's bring it on!

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, and the Law

Today I decided to read something about Mesothelioma for I think it became a hot topic for bloggers and net writers, I'm just a little curious. At first what I thought about Mesothelioma is that it is a terminable disease of the brain but I learned that I'm a little bit correct; it's in deed a disease. Below is Wikipedia's definition of Mesothelioma:

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma.

The disease is also included and defined in the articles about Asbestos and the Law; worldwide, 60 countries (including those in the European Union) have banned the use of asbestos, in whole or in part.

As I've read further, I was able to know several symptoms and somewhat shocking facts about Mesothelioma and they are as follows:

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis can be made with chest X-rays and a CT scan, and confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung.

Here are some facts:

1. Most people who get mesothelioma have worked in jobs where they breathed in asbestos fibers at some point in their lives.
2. Mesothelioma can take 25 - 40 years to develop after the initial asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma affects men 3 - 5 times more often than women.
3. Three-fourths of people with mesothelioma are over age 65.
4. The disease only metastasizes, or spreads outside the initial cancer area, in 5% of cases.
5. The average survival time after a person has been diagnosed with mesothelioma is one year.
6. The Environmental Workers Group (EWG) estimates that between 1979 and 2001, at least 43,000 Americans died from mesothelioma and an often-fatal non-cancer disease of the lungs called asbestosis.
7. The truth about asbestos has been known and mostly hidden from the American public since the early 20th Century.
8. Up to 8 million Americans may have been exposed to asbestos. The use of asbestos has not been banned in the United States.

Most of the facts above are mainly focused in the United States but I was able to gather information about asbestos related diseases, like Mesothelioma, and also lawsuits. Click here to know more.

I have to drink my coffee for it's getting cold.

Top Paying Adsense Keywords

I was, again, searching the internet for the best keywords for my Google Adsense and I came across some articles and forums about the top paying Adsense keywords and phrases with the possible revenues that can be generated from them. And believe it or not I can say that there are thousands or even millions of them. There are bloggers who categorized them by topic and there are some who had organized them in alphabetical order and post them (keywords) on the internet. I'm imagining, if you are a very good writer, you know how to use those high paying keywords and have a very good strategy in marketing your sites then you can make thousands of dollars each month. Wow!

Below is a rather not organized lists of keywords (with dollar figures) which I was able to encounter during my research in the net.

austin dwi $66.89 austin dwi attorney $58.30 san diego dui attorney $54.56 houston criminal attorney $47.44 san diego dui $42.83 dwi texas $40.89 dui attorneys $40.19 dwi attorney $39.90 dui attorney $39.11 dui attorney $39.11 dui attorney $39.11 dui lawyer $38.49 lawyer dui $38.49 dui lawyers $37.57 federal criminal attorney $35.80 car accident lawyer $35.67 dwi attorneys $35.32 criminal lawyers $34.19 new york criminal attorney $33.95 auto accident attorney $33.19 auto accident lawyer $33.13 dwi lawyer $32.31 dwi lawyer $32.31 texas dwi law $31.02 car accident attorney $30.16 car accident attorney $30.16 california tax attorney $29.56 dwi in minnesota $29.37 motorcycle accident attorney $28.93 washington dui $28.38 lemon law attorney $28.25 lemon law $27.95 help attorney $27.92 injury lawyers $27.88 dallas dwi $27.68 wrongful death attorney $27.25 mesothelioma attorney $27.20 personal injury lawyer $26.72 san diego personal injury attorney $26.58 accident lawyer $26.55 personal injury attorney $26.32 personal injury attorney $26.32 tax attorney $25.83 tax attorney $25.83 alaska lawyer $25.77 minnesota dwi laws $25.75 federal lawyer $25.72 dallas personal injury attorney $25.58 lawyer injury $25.16 death lawyer $25.11 auto insurance quote $57.18 college loan consolidation $53.52 car insurance quote $46.89 federal loan consolidation $46.62 online car insurance $41.92 term life insurance quote $40.43 cheap car insurance $39.79 student loan consolidation $39.45 auto insurance quotes $39.24 online insurance quotes $37.63 student loan information $37.32 equity loan rates $36.53 nj auto insurance $36.31 student loan consolidation center $35.89 debt consildation $35.83 chase credit cards $35.02 student loan refinancing $34.89 discount car insurance $34.34 life insurance quote $34.26 homeowners insurance quotes $33.61 mortgage loans $33.17 mortgage loans $33.17 mortgage refinancing $33.08 equity line of credit $33.05 college loans $32.91 best mortgage rates $32.65 student loans $32.54 loan refinancing $32.44 us mortgage rates $32.38 instant insurance quote $32.37 term life insurance quotes $32.11 consolidation loan $32.03 loan refinance $31.95 car insurances $31.92 safe auto insurance $31.82 insurance auto florida $31.38 auto insurance $31.38 equity line of credit $30.71 gmac mortgages $30.46 mortgages for self employed $30.45 car insurance california $30.17 in car insurance $29.84 best mortgage $29.53 refinancing mortgages $29.43 line of credit $29.27 prequalify loan $28.98 loans com $28.75 business credit report $28.40 whole life insurance quotes $28.17 new york auto insurance $27.72 online mortgages $27.71 student loan $27.61 cheap house insurance $27.45 low cost life insurance $27.25 school loan consolidation $26.99 citi credit $26.80 manhattan mortgages $26.70 school loans $26.61 term insurance $26.58 second mortgage $26.56 credit report com $26.48 auto ins $26.21 consolidation $25.90 line of credit $25.57 landlords insurance $25.46 low mortgage $25.45 commercial vehicle insurance $25.37 credit consolidation $25.32 bad credit mortgages $25.22 bad credit mortgages $25.22 discount life insurance $25.22 register a domain name $34.51 domain registrations $31.39 servers dedicated $29.47 how to register a domain name $26.84 domaine names $26.00 register domain names $25.83 search domain name $24.75 domain register $24.25 domain registration $23.97 internet domain registration $23.58 yahoo webhosting $22.05 domain registering $21.78 counter strike dedicated servers $21.65 buy domain name $21.23 registering domain names $20.71 domain check $20.21 buy a domain name $20.12 domain search $19.83 dedicated server $19.73 managed dedicated servers $19.56 domain name registrations $19.55 eu domain registration $19.52 domain searches $19.28 domain names $19.06 domain name registration $19.01 dedicated linux hosting $18.35 available domain name $18.31 linux dedicated hosting $18.20 dedicated web hosting $18.04 hosting domain registration $17.87 dedicated windows server hosting $17.74 dedicated web hosting $17.63 hosting dedicated $17.58 dedicated hosting $17.30 managed dedicated hosting $17.30 domain name availability $16.99 ca domain name $16.64 web domain $16.58 dedicated web server $16.56 domain names canada $16.53 dedicated server hosting $16.14 dedicated hosting server $16.03 cheap domain names $16.00 register domains $15.92 dedicated windows hosting $15.90 mohaa dedicated server $15.87 inexpensive domain $15.70 domain name $15.69 dedicated server web hosting $15.44 Domain $15.38 domain name registration search $15.37 uk dedicated hosting server $15.36 unix dedicated server $15.17 cheap domain register $15.03 dedicated sql server $15.03 medifast weight loss $48.18 mesothelioma lawyers $44.45 medifast diet $36.28 mesothelioma attorneys $32.29 mesothelioma lawyers $32.26 accutane class action $30.12 viagra for women $27.71 michigan plastic surgery $24.68 medifast $24.44 mesothelioma lawyer $24.28 mesothelioma $24.03 female viagra $23.33 cosmetic surgery michigan $22.88 plastic surgery la jolla $22.87 plastic surgery la jolla $22.87 accutane lawsuit $22.42 mesothelioma attorney $22.39 mesothelioma treatments $21.84 plastic surgery cincinnati $21.12 pro active acne treatment $21.06 accutane lawsuits $20.80 plastic surgery staten island $20.25 beverly hills plastic surgery $20.14 beverly hills plastic surgery $20.14 plastic surgery staten island $20.05 cosmetic surgery los angeles $19.79 medifast inc $19.69 laser eye surgery seattle $19.37 mesothelioma texas $19.33 cancer research uk $18.19 eye surgery los angeles $18.11 malignant mesothelioma $17.95 acne complex $17.90 peritoneal mesothelioma $17.71 pro active acne $16.96 eugene realestate $27.69 realator school $15.60 find a realator $11.91 software escrow $31.24 billing software $19.35 human resources software $17.78 spy sweeper $17.21 accounting software $15.90 spyware detection $15.46 small business software $14.87 inventory management software $14.38 pestpatrol $14.24 optimization software $14.19 webroot spy sweeper $13.83 payroll software $13.73 spam software $13.49 webroot spy $13.43 spy sweeper download $13.38 software mirroring $13.12 fundraising software $12.81 software configuration management $12.53 great plains software $12.20 software distribution $12.14 web survey software $11.97 backup software $11.75 risk management software $11.63 antispam software $11.53 software management $11.32 video conferencing software $11.19 market research software $11.04 business software $10.50 spyware removal $10.49 spyware remover $10.09 spyware blocker $10.09 sprint cell phone accessories $25.44 sprint cell phone $19.99 nextel cell phone $18.86 sprint phone $12.81 matrix cell phone $12.25 cell phone sync $11.12 at&t cell phone service $11.01 international cell phone rental $10.49 rental cell phone $10.12 sprint cell phone service $10.07 singular wireless $21.81 cingular wireless $17.26 wireless crm $15.13 cordless vacuum $13.80 wireless credit card $13.62 wireless credit card machine $13.49 wireless credit card processing $12.63 att wireless service $12.39 wireless pos $12.20 cingular wireless plans $11.27 att wireless $11.17 aircard $10.92 verizon wireless com $10.18 auto insurance quote $57.18 auto quote $45.01 auto insurance quotes $39.24 nj auto insurance $36.31 auto quotes $33.13 auto insurance ontario $33.07 safe auto insurance $31.82 insurance auto florida $31.38 auto insurance $31.38 auto accident attorney $29.51 michigan auto accident $29.04 san antonio auto $27.92 new york auto insurance $27.72 austin auto $25.47 auto insurance ca $23.03 mercury insurance auto $21.03 auto nation $20.77 auto refinance $20.56 auto refinance loans $20.16 las vegas auto $18.23 philadelphia auto $17.75 auto insurance canada $17.74 auto owners insurance $17.59 denver auto $16.98 auto accident $15.15 auto comparison $15.04 auto loan rate $14.44 auto $13.40 auto glass $12.19 auto loan $11.68 auto loans online $11.50 auto loans $11.46 auto rental $11.29 new jersey auto $11.23 auto warranty $10.93 wynn casino $21.29 suncoast casino $16.58 online casinos $14.63 online gambling $14.41 online casino $12.80 wynn casino las vegas $12.61 tropicana casino $11.75 casino on line $10.87 tropicana hotel and casino $10.84 alienware $16.45 offshore gambling $15.09 gambling license $14.99 online gambling $14.41 gambling on line $10.68 wynn casino $21.29 hold everything $20.56 online casino $12.80 tropicana casino $12.27 monte carlo resort and casino $10.51 monte casino $10.25 laptop data recovery $23.60 vaio notebook $22.88 laptop pcs $18.85 computer notebooks $18.49 sony cyber shot dsc w7 digital camera $17.61 laptop computers $16.18 notebooks $13.79 rugged laptop $13.55 pc laptops $13.43 laptops $13.34 vaio laptop battery $12.56 toshiba laptop computers $12.07 macintosh laptop $12.00 laptop notebook $11.51 notebook pc $11.48 laptop mounts $11.32 notebook computers $11.31 vehicle laptop $10.32 dsc p10 digital camera $10.05 singles in las vegas $20.95 las vegas singles $19.21 albuquerque singles $12.32 pensacola singles $12.19 african american singles $11.79 american christian singles $10.60

See what I'm talking about? Those are just some. I think I will have to grab a beer first.