Well its been a long long time since I last updated my blog.

I'm back home. The first time I arrived I cannot breathe the air because it became too humid for me. Night time was so warm for me and feels like summertime or mid-day where I came from.

The legendary traffic jams are expected. The sheer number of cars in this part of the world may be equal to the number of people living there.

Although there are these inconveniences nothing beats going back.

Its been a great time for me. I've catched up with my friends.

They were actually surprised that I know many things that had happened when I came back. They said as if I did not leave at all. Thanks to the aid of modern information and communications technologies it easy to be updated.

I've just observed that a lot of time promiscuity of males or husbands are accepted. There should be zero tolerance on philandering spouses. THINK OF THE CHILDRED AND THE FAMILY!!!

About two weeks ago I had a dream.

My mom was calling me on the phone telling me to bring home cheeses as their "queso de bola" ran out.

Runaway Jury

It is the trial of the centrury. A hunderd million dollar suit is filled against the gun industry. To what extent will both sides do to win their case? What if you had a chance to buy the jury?

This amazing movie included actors such as John Cusack, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. It had twists and turns that will excite you.

This movie taught me a lot about the jury system in the United States. I did not know that both sides can choose who will be a jury.

About two Sundays ago I've seen the movie "Calendar Girls."

It was based an a true story of the 'alternative' nude calendar of the women of this small English town. The calendar was to fund a new relatives room for their local hospital in memory of Annie Clarke's husband. Instead of a usual calendar they decided to pose nude for thing. It showed their struggles, frustrations and triumph in making the calendar.

I must say that their poses for the calendar are very artistic.

It is a very heart warming and inspiring. Imagine me posing for nude ;-) (Sorry for making you lose your appetite.)

Helen Mirren played Chris Harper and Julie Walters played Annie Clarke.

I have spent one year, one day and twenty two hours in my self imposed exile. It will be over soon...

Offensive Brand

I was looking for some new fragrances and I've found out the local department store that they'll be selling FCUK® fragrances soon. (FCUK® is French Connection United Kingdom)

I searched for the website of this brand. I've found out this is an product from the French Connection Group plc in Britain. In the website it said there that it has different essences a different set for top, middle and bottom. I don't quite understand that. I think I have to wait until product launches here.

The following day I again looked for more information regarding this product. I have found out that there are a group of people who are against this brand.

According to a Christian group this brand is immoral. They say that the brand FCUK® is misleading and was meant to mean the word when C and U change places. (You know what I mean...) They say that one's brain is tricked to mean the other word. They also say the the tag line 'scent to bed' and that the marketing of this product to the youth is very immoral. This group and other like minded organizations are calling for a boycott for this product.

For more on this visit:
FCUK Fragrance
New York stores ban FCUK
Some Critics Take Issue With French Connection's Marketing
Target store chain void of common decency

(The FCUK® brand is the property of its respective owner/s.)

Intolerable Cruelty

'No pre-nup! your exposed!'

I've seen this movie last Saturday. It stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney.

It is a story of a renowned divorce lawyer who eventually fell in love with a woman who marries and divorces to get rich.

I think the characters were shallow and needed more development.

Its an E = entertaining.

In Other Stories

Two presidents visited Australia and addressed their parliament recently. The first visitor was George W. Bush of the United States and Hu Jin Tao of China.

While Mr. Bush was giving a speach to the Australian Senate two senators heckled against him. The speaker reprimanded the senators and asked him and his coleague to step out of the chamber. Bush said he likes free speach. While Bush was leaving the chamber MPs of the ruling party formed a human barrier to 'protect' him. This barrier was made to prevent the heckling senator to hand out a letter from the wife of an Australian held by American forces who is believed to be a terrorist.

The following day it was Mr. Hu's turn to address the parliament. Before the Chinese leader entered the chamber the Chinese and Tibetan dissidents who were guests in the gallery were expelled from the hall.

Sources and full information available at: Nine Network Australia's Sunday and Australia's Hu's Hu

About two or three Fridays ago I tried to watch the Rugby World Cup inaugural on television being hosted by Australia. This is a definitely a good visual spectacular after all what is an inaugural for?

I tried to watch the game it was Australia against Argentina. I lasted from the anthems until after the game has started. I really do not get this game. I know that the objective is to get the football to the other side that is all. What happens next then? How do they get points?

I can't understand why some people can be so crazy for such a game.

I still watch the telecasts but only until the national anthems.

I have just bought a second hand PDA from a local auction site. I bought it to know what owning and having one was like. Owning having one is okay its not too fancy.

What I like the most is the ability to read e-books and offline web browsing. I have been reading a daily offline version of BBC News for almost a week now. Reading news this way is like reading the newspaper without paper. Since doing it I have read more news from the BBC site than ever before.

I have started to read e-books too. There is a lot of free sources of e-books available. These free sources are not pirated ones these are classics and other works whose copyright have expired. Free e-books are available at MemoWare and Pluckerbooks

Lost!!!

Well not really lost...

Today it was hot.

While I was walking to the bus stop I saw the bus that I thought would go to the Westfield mall. I rode it and bought a day pass. After a while I realised that the bus went to a different road. I was actually going to the bay or the beach.

I am so silly. I was not thinking of what I was doing when I rode the bus.

I went down almost a section away from the last destination and I landed at the beach.

There were many people at the shore today. There were kids, more kids, teens, families, couples, etc. Wow, these people are doing some serious sun worshipping.

I did not walk around that location. I just waited for the next bus going back to the city. That was after 20 minutes.

Oh well everyone needs an unexpected detour.

The Wonders of Friendster

The wonders of modern technology. This Friendster website is a way for you to 'map' your 'connections.' I just has eight friends and now I have more than 100,000 people in my 'network.

I was surprised to find out that a former schoolmate have 'conncections' with my other friends who have not met.

Very interesting! It all relates to a book that a lecturer shared, 'The Tipping Point' where there are people who are hubs that connect other people to each other.

The Perils of Overhauling Your PC

My PC has been needing a much needed ovehaul. It has been more than a year since I last reformated my computer. It has been crashing in the last five months. The Explorer icon of my browser has been changed to my previous ISP's logo ever since and it does not look good.

Now I am downloading the files and drivers I need to make my computer work again. The zip disk drivers that I am downloading now will take another 15 minutes.

Last night I spent two hours downloading Windows updates to the OS.

Now my computer seems to be running in full capacity.

The Chilean government portal is my most favorite government portal of all.

I love the logo of Chile. It has16 cubes forming a 3D-ish diamond. This is logo on all official websites and used by its embassy.

Below is the Chilean coat of arms or its 'escudo nacional.'



Before I die I'll visit Chile. I'll go to Santiago de Chile, Valparaiso, Rapa Nui and Patagonia/Tierra del Fuego (I think this is part of Argentina).

Chile has just signed a free trade agreement with the United States. Some consider Chile as a new member of NAFTA.
Its economy has been stable compared to Argentina, Brasil and Perú.

Reflections

(currently listening to: 'When I Grow Up by Mahinarangi Tocker)

When I was younger I wanted to be a virologist/immunologist. I was inspired by my AIDS study and the movie 'Outbreak.' I reached 8th year and my adviser helped me realise that its hard to be in the medical and professional careers. She said it takes 10 years to study say medicine and 10 years to be come fully 'established.' From then on I said I want to be a businessman.

Four years ago if I've not chosen the first option it would have been my second year until my masters in economics. Then I so wanted to be an economist.

I took the different path and I'm here at the edge of the world.

Don't get me wrong. I have no regrets. I'm just wondering how my life is so different from what I have planned it to be. Like what Des'ree and my good friend Klyfe said, 'life, oh life, oh life!'

I came across a "discussion" which focused on the propagation of the English language.

The proponent said that it was a way to give the masses a key to knowledge and information. He claims that is a path for economic success.

The contradition is that in the United States of America there are still huge education and income gaps between the different races. Whites have more money and a university degree than blacks. The white and American Indian gap is even worse.

An opponent said that the local language must be propagated and that nations like Malaysia, Japan and Korea became successful while sticking to their native language.

I guess there must be balance between the two. Too much of English will make the people forget their original language and reduce it too a dialect. Too much of the native language will be a step back in integrating witht the globalized world...

At lunch time I went downtown to eat. As usual the options were either Subway or Burger King. Before I rode the escalator to go down I saw a Japanese fastfood outlet selling sushi, bento, tempura, etc. I thought it was too light and not value for money so I went down.

The queue at Subway was full and since it was just a small place by the time I paid for my food there's no place for me to sit. I moved along and went to Burger King on two buildings away.

At Burger King the queues was even longer. There were six counters and all had at least four people in line. I ordered a Whopper Jr and a sundae. Tradegy struck, my sundae fell to the floor. I was so embarassed. It was the second time I spilled or dropped something at this particular branch.

The first time I spilled my cola I did not go back for two weeks at that outlet. Aside from the spillage the sundae always touches my jacket. No wonder why sometimes the right sleve of my jacket is sticky weeks ago.

Fortunately, a friend of my cousin, who later became my friend was there eating so I joined him. We have not been in touch for about two months since we last bumped into each other at the bus.

I told him my sad story at Burger King and empathised with me.

Who unlucky can you get at times?

Daylight Savings Time has just started today. How unfortunate! The weekend is an hour shorter!

Sautéed Mung Beans

This is a very cheap recipe for those on tight budgets. Its easy to cook and is healthy.

I've cooked this just three days ago. Cooking and eating this was nostalgic.

What you need:

2 cups of mung beans soaked overnight
1-2 liters of chicken stock (depends on you on how thick the soup is)
1 chopped onion
2 cloves crushed garlic
250 grams of pan fried diced beef or pork
spinach leaves or pepper leaves
1 chopped tomato
salt, pepper to taste
oil for sautéing

Directions:

1. Sauté garlic, onions and tomato.
2. Add the mung beans.
3. Add the meat.
4. Add the stock
5. Wait for beans to soften.
6. Add the leaves.

You might noticed that this is the third time that I talked about my cooking. Its now obvious that I like to cook.

Next in my culinary agenda is Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts! Watch out for it!

Dishwashers



I must say that the best innovation that man has ever made for the kitchen after the refridgerator and stove is the dishwasher.

My goodness, no more manual washing of dishes every single night.

It is faster and no need for drying the dishes and utensils. No more scrubbing.

The only drawback is that it needs a special detergent powders or tablets and rinse aid.

On Saturday I woke-up at 1400! I cannot believe it. It was my latest time to wake-up ever! I guess its fair enough when you slept at about 0330.

After getting up from bed I immediately went to the kitchen and started to cook. I had to cook because the Scotch fillet cut pork needs to be cooked. I has been thawing in the chiller of the refridgerator for about 36 hours and is completely thawed. If I leave it there longer it will just start to rot.

What I had in mind to cook was Adobo, the so called national dish. There was a problem the meat is not diced. I thought of just coating it with thick black soya sauce and frying it but I was aiming for Adobo. It was three pieces of roughly 5 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches in size. I cut the meat into 'cubes' for lack of a better term.

I usually cook Adobo by cooking the meat with the vinegar, garlic, spices and others altogether and fry the meat afterwards. This time I fried the meat first. When the meat was cooked I added less than 0.5 cup of vinegar and a some soya sauce to make it brown a bit. I added the crushed cloves of garlic, pepper, bay leaves and sugar after.

This experiment turned out to be a great success. It was better than my previous method. I do not have to use two pans. Yummy and it was tasty.

Samoa is a group of islands in the South Pacific or Polynesia.

Samoans believe that their ancestors sailed from the East Indies, Malaya or the Philippines.

Around the early 1900s the United States and Germany claimed ownership of the Samoan Islands. Germany got Western Samoa and the US got Eastern Samoa.

After the First World War, the US maintained control of Eastern Samoa and named it American Samoa. It is an unchartered US territory which is administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of State.

The UN gave New Zealand the authority to administer Western Samoa until its independence in 1962.

My focus is on Western Samoa. It is a nation of islands. It has a population of about 170,000.

Its economy is based mostly on agricultural exports and remittances from overseas. The tourism sector is booming though.

Miscommunication

Yesterday I was suppose to attend a meeting at 1300. I went to the place where we often meet and we are not there. I sent an SMS message to the two other members. Fortunately I saw my friends and sat with them as I wait for any SMS reply. There was no reply at all until 1400.

At around 1720 I went to the bus stop to go home and I saw one member. She told me they had a meeting at the coffee shop nearby. She said she did not receive any SMS from me. How sad!

I cannot drive!

Last Tuesday I had a dream. (I was to write this last Tuesday but I just remembered it.) I was riding a car. It was dark and I was looking at a radar of some sort to guide my driving.

I was speeding. I continue to accelerate and cannot control the car to make it slow down. In the radar monitor I was almost hitting the cars. I was saying to my self, 'I cannot drive, I cannot drive!'

Last night I also saw Legally Blonde 2. Its an M = memorable.

The movie was so funny. What I like the most about the movies is that it destroys the stereotyping that blondes are brainless.

My favorite line in the movie was, 'an honest voice is louder than a crowd.'

Racism at Boston Public

Last night I saw an episode of Boston Public.

It was about a new teacher discussing 'Affirmative Action.' She asked a student about it and he said that it was wrong and had first hand experience from it because his father was laid-off due to racial quotas. He uttered some racial slurs against the African-American students. A fist fight broke out.

The white student who started the fight was asked to bring his father to the principal's office. The father was a bigot like his son. The teacher offered to tutor the student and hoped that she can change his attitude.

In the tutorial she said she understands the situation of the student. He was brought up in an environment of hatred against colored people and Jews. The kid became aggressive and said that what he believes is right and said that the U.S.A. now is being run buy 'blacks' and Jews. He physically threatened the teacher an was fortunately stopped by the principal. He was given two weeks suspension.

Later, the father of the student went to see the principal and demanded that his son be cleared of the charges and a removal of the incident in his records. The principal naturally rejected the petition. The father became angry and tried to wreck the office and assulted the principal. The principal pushed the father and slipped and his head banged on the desk.

The father went on a coma. The principal got arrested for manslaughter and could escalate into murder.

Boston Public always tells you shocking scenarios. I would not believe it if that would be true in high schools in the United States. What were the writers thinking?

Don't Go to the Hospital

I have just realized that I was better off not going to the hospital last Saturday. My friend told me that he never goes to the hospital because there is a waiting time of five hours for non emergencies. The waiting time for emergenecies takes up to an hour.

Five hours for non emergencies! Imagine that you'll be waitng for five hours just to get the important medical attention you get. Back from where I came from it only yakes less than an hour for any time of medical ailment. This is the S.O.P. for even state hospitals, I believe.

Five hours, you'll be wasting that time waiting? You're better off not going to the doctor altogether. I cannot believe this.

feijoa
[fay-YOH-ah; fay-JOH-ah]



This small, egg-shaped fruit is native to South America, though New Zealand is now a major exporter and California cultivates a small crop. It's also referred to as a pineapple guava , and is often mislabeled in produce sections as GUAVA. A thin, bright green skin surrounds the feijoa's exceedingly fragrant, cream-colored flesh that encases a jellylike center. The flavor is complex, with sweet notes of quince, pineapple and mint. New Zealand feijoas are available from spring to early summer; those from California reach the market in the fall. Choose fruit that has a rich, perfumy fragrance and gives slightly to the touch. Ripen by placing it in a paper bag with an apple for several days at room temperature. Ripe feijoas can be refrigerated 3 to 5 days. Before using, remove the slightly bitter peel. Feijoas are naturals in fruit salads, desserts and as garnishes. They contain a fair amount of vitamin C. (Epicurious.com 2003)

I never at this fruit as it is. I at it once with my yogurt. I often see these in the supermarket in the fruit and vegetable section. I never thought of trying it buy it probably because I cannot pronounce it until last May. Whenever I pass this fruit I just smell it. It has a cute smell.

The kiwi fruit.

Today for the first time I ate two whole kiwi fruit. It was so yummy. Its like nothing that I have tried before. The flesh was just right. I love the crackling sound of the seeds crushing in my mouth. The only thing I didn't like about is that it can be too messy to eat unlike apples. Its like eating mangoes.

Its not easy to buy kiwi fruits. For me the best is the soft one. The hard ones are often sour. You have to feel at least three or four kiwis to find the best one. It was $3.99 a kilo.

From the Telefonica.com website

Telefonica, S.A. is Spain's largest telecommunication's company. It is also a multinational which operates in Argentina, Brasil, Chile, El Salvador, España, Guatemala, México and Perú. This company was once a public company. It has been privatized and one now of Europe's largest communications companies. It owns Terra Lycos, one of the largest ISPs and portals today.

If I may add Spain has one of the highest rates of mobile phone charges in Western Europe. I do not know if this is true until today because the feature on Deutsch Welle TV was a year ago.

'Fairy' brand too gay for Aussie blokes

The Fairydown outdoor gear company based in New Zealand decided to change its brand name in Australia. It will change 'Fairydown' to 'Zone.' The former proved to be too 'gay' for some Australians. How can some people be close minded?

There's nothing gay about the product it just that its made from foul downs for better comfort.


As a matter of fact, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore and used the brand in their historic climb of Mt. Everest 50 years ago. (Photo from: Fairydown)

Tesco plots to make even more dough

I have tried Tesco products once and they are okay. They are not the very best but not the worst that you can possibly get. Tesco packaging is also good and it gives you a feeling that their products are not dodgy.

Their cleaning products have a slogan, 'cleans as good as the leading brand.' This is probably true because these Tesco branded products are also made by the same manufacturers of the leading brand.

Who doesn't love in-store brands? Most of them offer good value for money. I remember buying the in-store cooking oil of this supermarket and it works the same as the branded one.

Speaking of in-store brands I always buy the in-store brand toilet paper. Why spend so much on a 'quilted,' 'printed,' and/or '3-ply' toilet paper if they are used for one purpose? They're all the same! Even your toilet bowl and your septic tank would not know the difference.

Sunday Times: Jakarta to buy subs

Now when will Indonesia's northern neighbor start to purchase new naval ships too? Sigh. Not another used hardware please! They need new hardware to boost the army's morale.

Pain Update

Most of the muscle pain has subsided. Ibuprofen always works for me. A few more dosages and I think I'll be okay tomorrow.

My New Spaghetti Sauce Recipe



300 gm beef mince
325 ml can of spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup of medium salsa (the chunkier the better)
1 large can of whole button mushrooms
4 cloves of garlic crushed
1 whole onion chopped
salt and/or pepper to taste
2 tbsp of oil

1. Sauté garlic in oil and after it starts to brown add the onions.
2. Add the beef mince and wait until the mince turns brown or cooked.
3. Add the salsa and mix it with the mince.
4. Add the spaghetti sauce. Mix it well and leave it until it starts to 'boil.'
5. Add the mushrooms and wait until it 'boils' again.

Serve with cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!

Image from: http://www.rhythm4kids.org

Pain

Later this afternoon I developed a stiff neck. The right part of my neck is in pain when I move it. The pain extends to the upper right part of my back. It is like needles penetrating your body.

Because of this unfortunate ailment I decided to go the the pharmacy to buy the pain killers. While I was walking to the bus depot I have decided to just go to the hospital. I figured out that since I have medical insurance my insurance company will gladly reimburse whatever the cost of the consultation and any prescription medicine that I require. I hopped to the bus that passes the hospital. It passed by the pharmacy that I go to and it was open. It was too late for me to go down on the last stop I stopped at the last stop. So from this moment my hospital plans are over.

I went to the pharmacy and asked for a menthol cream. The shop assistant did not know what I was talking about. I even said Bengay. She did not get it I cannot believe it Bengay is sold worldwide. Oh how terrible! (That is what I don't want from shop assistants when they do not know what they are selling. I can do a better job than her and will be glad to replace her!!!) I went to the pharmacist and asked for a cream for muscle pain. He gave me this anti-inflamatory cream but it did not have menthol. I went to the shelve where he grabed the previous product and there was the menthol cream. Finally I got what I wanted. I also bought the Ibuprofen tablets.

I took two tablets of Ibuprofen at 9pm but it is still not working. I just wish when I wake up tomorrow morning I'll be fine. According to the directions if I'm still in pain after three days I must visit the doctor.

There's this guy on TV interpreting your personality on how you decorate your house. Is that possible?

I has just been an hour since I get up from bed. My left leg seemed that I had a cramp attack and my right elbow is aching. What happened to my while I was sleeping. I feel I was mugged. I think it is my bed. I so hate it. Now I have to buy Ibuprofen pills. This Ibuprofen is not an addictive painkiller.

On Monday my second hand spring mattress will arrive. I just which it will be better than mine. I bought a used one because it cost so much to buy the cheapest and newest mattress.

Back home I do not have a spring mattress. I use a foam mattress which has been good to me all my life except for this time.

I am using this blog publishing editor called W.Bloggar v3.02
It looks like Microsoft Word is easier.

Window Shopping

About three in the afternoon I went window shopping. I was looking for a mobile phone that has colored screen and has a allows me to take phots. Unfortunately it seems that this phone is so expensive and I am better off buying it back home.

Singles, Bananas & Supermarkets

There is this tale spreading in the city. This is about singles, bananas and supermarkets.

Evert Tuesdays singles they say shop at the supermarket. The way you place your bananas in your shopping basket or the trolley indicates your sexual orientation and "intentions." If you put your bananas in this way you're straight the other way you're gay. Unfortunately if you'd like to know the correct placement I cannot help you. I do not know and care to know such as thing. Who ever found this activity must be nuts!

Just let me guess... If you point the banana tips to the left it it means your gay. If you point the tips to the left you are straight. If you put the tips up you are horny. If you put the tips down you are taken. If you ate the banana inside the supermarket you are looking for trouble (with the law).

I have not seen this thing in the supermarkets that I go to. I think I have not chosen to shop on a Tuesday yet. Still I have not heard gossips or stories of how people found their boy or girlfriends or even spouses.

-NEWS FLASH-
I might move this blog to a new home or under a new name. Do not worry I will load everything that was written here. I will try some new blogging software.

Remember, how much they suffer depends on you...

Last night I read a report of the Consumer Institute about rice. It said there that cooked rice must not be kept at room temperature because it can be infected by bacteria. The best way to keep rice is to put in the fridge or keeping it warm.

The Questionaire

This afternoon I went to the bank. I went there to have a PIN incoded to my card. So I entered the premises and proceeded to the available teller on the middle. While I was there she shifted to another customer. On the desk I saw a customer service survey questionaire asking about my satisfaction. The teller went back to me sounding apologetic saying she was sorry for that. I said it was okay because it was an elder customer. I had the impression that she thought I would rate the branch low on customer service. The truth is I am giving the branch a good mark on customer service. Because I do not want to give to much worry to her I placed the questionaire on my pocket.

The only thing that I do not like with my bank is that cash deposits becomes available only until 5pm the next day.

Transportation Problem

Last night before I slept I read some letters to the editor. One letter caught my attention. This is about the changes in the bus system of the whole region. The writer claims that the fare to go to the university will rise 100% and 10-trip tickets will cease. The reason for the increase is that the varsity zone will me moved from the city center zone. Definitely I was shocked because my transport costs will rise.

I said to my self I will call the regional council and demand a clarification. If the fare increase is true I will write to the mayor, councilors, regional council and our MP and demand what the central zone include the university. I was drafting my letters to these important people in my mind as I was in my bed.

The minute I woke up and turned the electric blanket off I called the regional council right away. As usual I was passed to two people. How dumb it said in the leaflet to call this number for any questions. It turns out that this was the trunkline of the regional council. In the end the right person to answer my question was away and I left a message. Five minutes later he called me and explaind to me that the printed leaflets were confusing and that the university is part of the central zone. Whew, I was about to explode if my fear was true!

The fight is not yet over I will still write to the people to reinstate the 10-trip tickets for the central zone. And what gives me a right to do this? I pay taxes 12.5% for every thing that I buy anywhere! I get taxed for my term deposit and I contribute to the local economy!!!

This afternoon I saw Pirates of the Carribean.

The movie was too long 2:30. It had so many long sword fighting scenes. It was not much of a visual spectacle because skeleton pirates are not that new. Costumes and props were okay and true to the era. Acting wise it was okay and convincing.

T.E.R.M.* Rating:
I gave this a rating of E, enteraining. It will suit for people who want to let time pass. I won't watch it again on video.

I prefer the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen it was just right and has good visual effects. The story of heroes of Victorian literature in that movie was unique. TERM = R, recommended

*T.E.R.M. is copyright protected.

T = Trash, don't watch it. Not worth your time and money.
E = Entertaining, so so. A movie to make time pass.
R = Recommended, worth mentioning and recommending to friends and family.
M = Memorable, good enough to remember for more than a year. Worth watching on video.

You may have noticed that I have a lot of supermarket related stories here. I have a confession to make, I am a supermarket addict. No week will pass without going to the supermarket once.

I love to see what's everything that they sell. All the different kinds of teas, cereals, jams, marmalades, sauces, detergent and the deli corner. A lot of time I like to buy things that are on special. When I buy things that are discounted I feel that I have saved money. Once I counted how many hours I spent there it was a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 1:30 hours. I am definitely sick?

When I am in a new country I want to go the supermarket immediately. It is a window to the country because you can see what they are eating or what their products are.

When I'll visit North America I'll go to the largest Wal-Mart, in Britain the largest Tesco and Sainsbury's, in France the largest Carrefour.

Is there a shopaholics anonymous the SA, if ever I decide to seek treatment?
Me: Hi my name is XXXX and I am a shopaholic!
Members: Hi XXXX!

Or am I too cheap to be part of the SA? Probably the members are the signature apparel types. Will I be discriminated by the CK girls, Armani matrons or the Gucci elite?

What if I write a review on all the products that I have tried? I can make money! I can review the latest toilet bowl cleaner, dishwasher powder, cake mixes or the latest cereal. Talk about profiting from your addiction. Now if only the Herald has vacancies for my type.

I got this from the Hubbards Cereals Clipboard Number 64. This came from the cereal box.

If You Can...
If you can start the day without caffeine
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time
If you can overlook when people take things out on you
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment
If you can face the world without lies and deceit
If you can conquer tension without medical help
If you can relax without alcohol

I bought Hubbards Very Very Fruitful Flakes: A Trio of Flakes with a Variety of Real Fruit. It is 2% fat or 98% fat free ala half empty, half full.
It has 38% fruits and the rest is a medly of wheat, bran and rice flakes and almond slices. How's this for commercial endorsement?

I'm so proud of this cereal brand because its the one that I love to eat. Actually this is the second time I bought this and the first one is last January. I've tried so many kinds of cereals like muesli, corn flakes, bran, wheat biscuits, rice puffs. Sure there is the Kellogs and Nestlé ones but I like this more because it is the fruitiest.

I bought it because it was only on special.

Hubbards has another cereal brand called 'Bugs in Mud' or cocoa coated white and whole grain ricepuffs for kids. A few weeks ago I was at the breakfast cereal aisle of the supermarket. A mom asked her toddler son on what cereal he likes. She asked, 'do you want Bugs in Mud again?' He said, 'no I don't want it.' It was quite hilarious actually hearing this without knowing what the product was. Bugs in Mud anyone?

From an ad of Money Concepts Int'l, a financial advisory company:
"our advice won't cost you the Earth!"

Last Friday I've seen a documentary about Georgina Bayer, MP of the Wairarapa. Her story is inspiring and make you realise that deeds matter than one's background. Although I do not agree with some of her ideologies I respect her.

Hu, hu, hu, I want to go home now! :-(

As usual I did not win again in the latest lottery draw for 19,000,000. Still no single person won the entire money. What the Lotteries Commission decided is that those who missed one number will win the jackpot. There were about 15 winners who shared the jackpot so they had about 1.2 million each.

I am happy for them. At least 15 people are now happy. If I know someone who won this much money I hope he can share the money to me. I have observed that most lotto winners from 250,000 come from remote and poor towns. Now I'm thinking that it is a redistribution of wealth in this country. Now if I could just fly back to the ground and wake-up. I would still continue to play the lottery but not as much because the jackpot is not that big anymore.

I was watching this documentary of Sister Wendy Beckett. She's a nun that knows art. She's now taking about art and artefact collections of a Los Angles museum. You know she is a comptemplative nun or monk. If she does not have any engagements she spends all her days in prayer and meditation.

I love the deli corner at the supermarket. You can buy slices of hams and other cold cuts. My favorite there are the chicken or turkey breast, ham shavings and roast beef. I only buy these things if they are on special. [On Special = discounted]

When I was in the supermarket I was hoping I can by a wine to drink. In the end I did not. What I was realy wanting to do is to buy two cans of this pre-mix vodka drink that I tried last week. It was so delicious that is why I like it. It is soft on the uninitiated palate and the alcohol effect on the body is subtle. One of these days I'll drop by in one of the many liquor stores to buy this thing. Its really funny that I when I want to buy wine or alcohol I do not have my ID. When I have my ID I don't buy.

When I was about to leave the supermarket I saw this old cleaning lady cleaning a corner of the store. I felt so sorry for her. She is about 60 or more years old. People her age should retire and be taken cared for by their families.

I was eating a bag of what was once a 500g bag of gummy bears. Oh I so love to eat those bears. Does this make me a bear killer?

Britain's Best Buildings

I must admit that the British are good in engineering and design.

This afternoon I will have a three hour break until my next appointment.
I can't wait to get home.
I want to go home.

Last time I mentioned about a nun on TV discussing art. The nun was Sister Wendy Beckett. She is a South African born nun and went to the seminary in Britain. The latest episode of her series is her trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

In her short biography available at PBS.org Meet Sister Wendy it says there that she lives in a Carmelite monestary on a trailer and spends her day in solitude prayer. She only talks to the Mother Superior from time to time.

I'm impressed. God bless Sister Wendy.

"Mom and Dad said we're too young to handle relationships and they broke-up" -A Print Ad Copy

My missing friend has been found. His old habits got him again. When will he ever learn.

Political appointees to any government position is limited to 10 per ruling party's term. All other appointments are administered by the Comission on Appointments and by respective career advancement systems of the government agency.

Supreme Council Edict 8

Only two people are allowed to run in national and state elections or hold positions in any one time who are related upto 3rd degree of consanguinity. Penalties are the same as Edict 2.

Supreme Council Edict 7

All people in the territory aged 15 and above who desires to work or receive any form of income are required to register for a tax payers account from the inland revenue authority. Failure to do so will attract a non-declaration rate of 35.5%.

Supreme Council Edict 6

Jury trials for major offences will be introduced to metropolitan regional trial courts within 90 days and will be implemented nation wide in 2 years.

Supreme Council Edict 5

Parliamentary seats will be increased by another 25 seats for list members.

Supreme Council Edict 4

Alone again, they should have told me who is not going home so I'll be emotionally prepared. Right?!

Congratulations to the Republic of Panama for their centenary.
Comité Nacional del Centenario de la República de Panamá

The Mexican embassy envoy was amazed by the number of woman presidents and other people in government in the Philippines. Latin America had only two or three female presidents (for that entire continent) one is Violeta Barrios de Chomorro of Nicaragua and the other is Mireya Moscoso of Panama.

Visit: The Presidency of the Panamanian Republic

Only government law enforcement agencies and the army are allowed to use firearms.

All firearms held by citizens are to be confiscated immediately. Firearms retail outlets are to be closed and will be compensated for loss of livelihood. Firearms factories or ammunitions factories currently operating or will be established are allowed to continue operation if the production is for export markets only.

Firearms imports are banned. Smuggling of arms attract a $50,000 fine and 6 month jail sentence. Citizens who do not surrender firearms are to be punished by $100,000 and a 12 month jail sentence.

Supreme Council Edict 3

The link below directs you to a directory of the online personality tests.
A good one is the Lüscher color test.
Have fun!
Google Directory - Science > Social Sciences > Psychology > Personality > Tests

We can't deny the fact that the United States is a modern day empire. As witnessed by history all empires come can go. An empire can expand so much that too much expansion will bring it to its ultimate destruction or stagnation (to say the least).

Let us start with Rome. The Roman empire ruled throughout Europe and North Africa from pre-Christian era until say 1100 AD (sorry I don't remember years quite well). It was under attack by the so-called "barbaric" Germanic tribes such as the Ostrogoths and Vandals. Towards its end it split and eventually other nation states were created such as France, Spain, England and so on. The world plunged to the middle ages. Italy was yet to be unified and it was still a land of many city states.

Then the Spanish empire rose to power. It was the first to go out of Europe and establish a vast empire and the New World and some Pacific islands and the Philippines and some parts of North Africa. After a few centuries of its backward management system and corrupt government its empire crumbled. Its territories was taken over by the English and eventually declared independence. Spain began to stagnate and Spain has become much poorer than three centuries ago compared to its "rivals" Britain and France.

Portugal, the power that colonized Brazil it also suffered the faith of Spain.

Britain, once great now just the side kick of the United States. It was once the master of half of the world's lands now...you can supply the rest.

How long until the Washington Empire starts to crack? Or has its last few minutes has just started? But what now if this empire falls or stagnat? Who will take over? Who? It is still unclear.

Granted that the person has been convicted all people in public office are to be punished by immediate cancelation of citizenship and property. Relatives upto second degree of consanguinity are banned to enter public service. The ban is 10 years or an additional 10 years until the relative reach the legal age requirements for whatever position they would like to enter.

Supreme Council Edict 2

Crimes against mothers and fathers are to be punished by death.

Supreme Council Edict 1

Everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to stop littering.
Everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to care for the most insignificant of the poor.
Everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to share.
Everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to listen to other voices.
Everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to get their hands dirty.
Everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to start.

The object I most recently used again.

Kingfloss (tm)
Strong Floss
Waxed
60 Meters (65.6 Yds)
KiNGCARE Pharmaceuticals

Brands are owned by their respective copyright owners.

In the Bush City I've learned that swamps filter the water of the inland water system. If the swamp water is brownish the natural acids are working.

How much brains does it take to make an original piece of painting, novel, screenplay, musical, situation comedy or cartoon?

I have changed the template of my website for the nth time. The last one looks good but there's something wrong when the page gets loaded. Consider I thought of you readers for your viewing ease.

The biggest difference between Anglo or English language soaps and Latino soaps is that Latino soaps end while the Anglo soaps never ends.

Dictionary.com/megalomania

meg·a·lo·ma·ni·a
n.

1. A psychopathological condition characterized by delusional fantasies of wealth, power, or omnipotence.
2. An obsession with grandiose or extravagant things or actions.

"Single life looks even better."

I've seen a first part of a Hitler mini-series. My God he's pure evil. Its good that he's defeated.
Like him the problem of this world is extremists. Extreme nationalists and extreme communists.
Both of them are problems of the world and offer no real solutions for the world.

"It only takes a spark to get a fire going"

"A conductor needs turn his back to lead an orchestra into perfect harmony"

Making music for an orchestra is probably so hard. The composer needs to make the pieces for each part of the orchestra. It needs perfect timing and true harmony.

What is this rugby all about. I'd rather watch a game of football / soccer than that. That game is as weird as that American football.

We need to meet. We need to discuss this big dilema. We need to arrive into a decision. We need to stop that enemy to take advantage of what has been done before.

The way to solve the problem of your own cause is to admit your mistake and take responsibility over it.
Rectify the situation as soon as possible.
If it would take so much time and/or money to fix it do it.
You may not like it but as a mature person you must accept it and learn from it.

Another day has passed and its been an hour and twenty five minutes for this new day.

There's this nun on tv discussing art.
That's cool for a nun.

I'm alone again at the house. Good!

There's a bit of sun outside now. Good

Karl Jenkin's music is like Polynesian, Latin, African. It literaly sounds gibberish but its like a chant of some sort.

What must I write?
Today it feels cold outside. I may not leave the house until I have to.
What was Karl Jenkins thinking when he created the fabulous music of Adiemus?
There's so much music in the world people are so creative.
Every time there's something new on the radio and MTV. Amazing.