A Unique Funny Moment

About two in the moring today I was in bed and watching BBC World to make me fall asleep. Unfortunately I was not able get some sleep because minutes later a fire truck was infront of my flat. They were not using their loud siren but the sound of the engine can drive anyone crazy. Thank God there was no fire in my building and the surrounding area. But I cannot understand why are they there. Since I cannot possibly drive the fire truck and men away I tried to ignore them by countinuing to watch BBC World.

Lyse Doucet was the current presenter and reported about Denmark's Crown Prince weds Australian commoner. Lyse had a guest who commented on the wedding. The lady guest told that there were at least 20 European princesses who are still single for those princes looking for brides. This guest joked to Lyse and said that Lyse can be a bride of one of Europe's princes. Lyse who sounded embarassed said to the effect that the guest cannot say what was said on BBC World. I think that dialogue was hilarious. It was totally unexpected as I can only expect that kind of interludes on US networks like CNN and NBC's Today. I wonder what Lyse really thought of that comment?

I wish I can see more of these incidents on BBC World.

Van Helsing

Van Helsing

I saw this movie last Friday. I was very dissapointed by this movie.

I really hated the CGI fight scenes.

It reminded me a lot about 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' (LXG) movie.

The movie seemed like a sequel to LXG. Van Helsing should have been part of the LXG team.

Its a 'T'

See how critics think about the movie (I'm not alone):
RottenTomatoes.com on Van Helsing
Van Helsing - Critics Reviews - Yahoo! Movies

Taking Lives

Taking Lives

Taking lives is an entertaining* suspense flick I saw about two Saturdays ago.

The movie is set in Montreal, Quebec which is a Canadian Province.

Angelina Jolie (Tomb Raider) and Ethan Hawke and mixture of competent French (or maybe Canadian actors) supporting actors.

The story is about this 'serial killer' who kills male victims and assumes or 'takes' their lives until he finds a new victim.

The 'imported' FBI profiler Illeana Scott (Jolie) is tasked to solve this crime. James Costa (Hawke) seemed to be the next target of the serial killer or is he the killer?

I must say that Jolie has done pretty good acting in this movie. My most favourite and convincing film was during the climax. Bravo, Ms. Jolie!

*The My-Life-At-Large movie rating system called 'TERM' introduced way back. T-trash; E-entertaining; R-recommended; M-Memorable

MS09.DLL error

This is a rare bug in older versions of Microsoft Word. When objects (excel tables, etc.) in your .doc file become corrupted MS Word will not open it and will announce that MS09.dll has been corrupted. Initially you will panic but the solution to recovering your important data is to open the .doc file in MS Word 2003 as it has a repair function. It will open your file like it should be.

Your Virtual Model

What if you one day try to shop on the internet for clothes? What if you don't know if the clothes that you see on the screen fit you?

I think there is a solution that I found on the Lands' End website. They have a virtual model powered my My Virtual Model Inc.

You can customise the model to your comlexion, height, hair style and many more. This virtual model can be used for you to fit clothes sold online.

Some Things I Know About Wine

-Wine grapes are actually smaller than eating or table grapes. The wine grapes are similar to blue berries in size.

-Red wine becomes red because of its contact with the skin. Juice from the wine grapes have the same colour. Its the tannins from the skin that gives colour.

-Oak barrels that are used to age wine adds flavour to the wine. A barrel can only be used for three years.

-Medium wine is more sweeter than dry wine.

-Only "sparkling wine" from France's Champagne region can label their product as Champagne.

The Good Pope

I've just finished watching the DVD "The Good Pope." It is the story of Blessed Pope John XXIII. His story was very inspiring. The Good Pope was played by Bob Hoskins. I managed to watch the movie on a faulty DVD.

The Good Pope was the one responsible for the Holy Mass to be celebrated in our native tongues through his initiation of the Second Vatican Council. Although I do not see anything evil to use Latin but we must ultimately understand what are the readings and gospel are. I guess a lot of those against the change believed that it would change the way the Mass is celebrated world wide. In my experience the format is the same every where you go except the language used and the songs.

It made me think. How in God's name can some people say such negative things against the Roman Catholics and their Church if they've got many notable people who have been role models and have changed lives for the better?

Some links:
GOOD POPE, THE - JOHN XXIII - DVD
The Holy See - The Holy Father - John XXIII

Worst Singers?

I was reading a Google News news post about a "nationwide" casting call New Zealanders to be extras at the new "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (news article). On the same website there is a link to another article about this new US TV reality show about bad singers called, "The WB's Superstar USA." It mentioned the name of William Hung an American Idol hopeful who "became" a superstar for his guts to sing. He actually cannot sing and I am not exaggerating.

William Hung reminds me of New Zealand based "singer" Wing. Critics have cautioned would be listeners to her CDs to take care of their jaws due to the none stop laughing. You must hear it for yourself to see if the critics are right. She has produced more than 7 albums.

Radiation Cancer Detection and Treatment

I was reading some news and there was a feature on Australia's relative success in the treatment of cancer. The news report cited that Australia has enough radiotherapists, diagnostic equipments and radio therapy equipment.

What sparked my interest was the mention of a special and new cancer diagnostic tool called positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan helps in the identification of cancer cells in the body. Before the patient is "scanned" inside a bagel shaped "thing" he or she is injected with a sugary substance that has a radioactive substance. Normal cells and tissues in the body absorb just the right amount of glucose (blood sugar). Cancerous cells and tissues absorb more glucose. Since the glucose has the radioactive substance the cancerous cells are more visible in the scan. It is like the cancer "glows" in the dark of normal cells.

This new procedure can identify cancer in its early stages even if there are no obvious signs such as lumps or pain.

I thought this technology is exclusive to one supplier but I was surprised that there are more than three who sell these equipment to hospitals worldwide. Although there are many suppliers of this equipment this tool is not cheap. My best guess is that this equipment may cost more than USD 1,000,000.

Links
a. Positron Emission Tomography Scanner Manufacturers and other Cancer Treatment Systems:
Elekta AB
Varian Medical Systems: Oncology Systems
Philips, Radiation Oncology Systems
Siemens Medical Systems: Nuclear Systems
GE Medical Systems
b. References:
RadiologyInfo

Holy Week

Like what I have said before during the Christmastime Holy Week is my prefered Christian celebration of all. It is more solemn and allows me to be closer to God and the Church. During Christmas it is too commercialised that one can easily lose focus on what it is about.

Welfare

Poor Enbrethiliel she is complaining about those who abuse the welfare system. She thinks this is an unfare system for the tax payers. She has good reason but again let us be reasonable. Surely there are abuses in the welfare system but I still believe that most who are in welfare benefits have genuine and honest reasons.

I asked Enbrethiliel of what her alternatives were to the current system and she said that those on welfare can ask their friends and family to help them. You see it is not easy to ask help from families and friends. Most of them have their own families to support and bills to pay (eg. mortgage). It is easier said than done. Asking from friends and family may not work in societies with weak family networks and even those societies with weak nuclear families.

If we remove some welfare benefits what would happen? On one hand people will become more independent and start to become more productive and be better members of society. On the other hand we can have people who will turn into crime for "income."

If we want to purge the system for those who use it as a piggy bank we need new measures that would ensure that ONLY those with real needs get state aid. Such measures can be maximum weeks of support and a state and privately operated employment agency wherein all those in the welfare must participate.

To Which Country Do These Flags Belong?

The first flag is for American Samoa. It is a United States territory in the South Pacific. It is not a state of the union but it is under the control of the US State Department.

The second flag is for the Vatican City. It is the smallest sovereign state in the world. It is located within Rome, Italy.

These were the two flags that I was successful to answers during an "ice breaker" last Tuesday afternoon. As a reward I was given two Milky Way bars. It was a feat as I was the only one who knew the answers to both out of a hundred people.

A Cost

I remember my friend complaining about his daughter and how much she is costing him.

He elaborated by saying how much he has spent everytime he pays for school transfer fees (she has been switching schools). He continued on how much he has to pay for new school uniforms, her new mobile phone, her clothers, her allowance and domestic airline tickets cancelled due to her ever changing mind.

In my view children are never a cost to a parent. To some extent it is a duty of the parents to spend for their children until they are ready to be independent. You just don't make babies and complain about how expensive they cost when they are growing up.

On the other hand, some children are so obnoxious they really do not care of their parents. Call it downright selfishness.

A Dream

Last Sunday I really had a weird and bad dream.

I think I was in Israel or something browsing in some of the sports clothing stores in the city centre. Suddenly, there was an explosion. It was another suicide bombing as I was told in my dream. The people in the stiore including me were panicking. We could not leave the store from the main door because the military or police may arrest us. I and a few other people were directed to leave the store through the back door.

I did not know how long we walked but it seemed that after I left the store I was in a house of some sort. I'm not sure who owns it but I was there. Inside the house was this old man (who looked like Peter O'toole) who was in the corner of the lounge who seemed to be not bothered by the recent event. There was this other long blonde haired lady who was in a sort of recliner covered in a blanket.

A few moments passed and there was another commotion from people outside the house. They say there will be another suicide bombing. There were two other people in the house who were looking outside from the main door. I said to them that I am not watching it and then BOOM and an abrupt dimming of the light from the outside. This time I began to cry. I think I said, "I can't stand this any longer, I am leaving." I went to the old guy and he did not care to look at me. The other lady in the recliner was sort of in a state of shock and her eyes were sparkling from the tears.

I think I left the house.

Then, someone called the old guy in the house. It was a Chinese military commander. The old guy informed them that the demonstrators and those against the Chinese have a meeting at a sort of a base in a cave. He said the not only the peasants are joining but the intellectuals and the businessmen are joining. The commander said that the demonstrators will not have a chance because the cave installation is actually a fortress and only one exit. When the people are inside the cave the military will close the exits and will apprehend and even punish (the most brutal meaning of the word) them and no one will escape. The old guy was in fact an informant--a spy.

Good thing I remembered this dream. Good thing I had a tape recorder with me.

On the Australian Facing Death Penalty in Singapore

I received a comment on my post regarding this Australian national facing the death penalty in Singapore due to trafficking 400 grams of heroin. He or she said that my comments were heartless and that it was just based on 500 words of news.

News Items Relating to the Issue:
Australian man facing execution in Singapore
Singapore court metes out death penalty on Australian
Australian Man Facing Death in Singapore
Death Sentence "a Challenge"

My response:

My comment was based on many news reports including those on broadcast media (ie talk back radio, radio news and television news). If the news reports were biased or in favour or against the convicted man that is not my problem.

I do have a fair share of financial problems but it did not push me to do criminal offences. Would it be right if all the criminals who were "forced" by financial problems be pardoned?

I know that my comment is heartless but unfortunately that is the law of Singapore. I understand that Singapore is a developed democracy that gives a fair trial to all the accused under their laws. This person has been given the resources and time to defend his case. In fact his case has been decided by the city state's High Court. Like what they say, "the law may be harsh but that is the law." This is at least my view and I am entitled to my own opinion.

On the other hand this man is the one paying for the crimes of the drugs supplier.

Coming from a country with a terrible drug problem I know how bad the problem is. Using a "gentle hands," "toucht feely" approach to solve the drug problem would never solve it. I still say the toughest punishment be given to all drug lords and traffickers!

I find it ironic and double standard while Australia accepted the death sentences for the Bali Bombers they are saving their nationals from facing almost the same fate in Singapore. A related article: PM weakens case for life: Democrats

Other info:
Info Facts - Heroin
DEA Briefs & Background, Drugs and Drug Abuse, Drug Descriptions, Heroin Factsheet
As a Metter of Fact... Heroin and Other Opiates
Neuroscience for Kids - Heroin

On Brown Rice

Rice, before it becomes white is brown rice (after removing the husk).

A lot of experts have been saying that brown rice is healthier than white rice.

People have always eaten brown rice until the turn of the century when someone invented a way to remove the bran. When white rice was first introduced people got sick because of of the Vitamin B1 deficiency caused by white rice. Now white rice is fortified to solve this problem.

What makes brown rice healthier? It is the the bran, the brown "coat" makes this kind of rice healthier. They say that the bran has a lot of nutrients including Vitamin B2 (helps in the processing of food), Vitamin E (Anti-oxidant) and soluble fibre (aids in the prevention of some gastro intestinal disorders and cancers). Scientists also say that brown rice has a low Glycemic Index (GI) which means that it does not immediately turn into glucose which forces the body release insulin to compensate for it. This means that it is beneficial for diabetics or are dieting. (more info on the GI website)

Not all of us can start to eat brown rice for our next meal. Brown rice is a bit rough for our palates. The best thing to engage yourself in eating brown rice is to mix some brown rice with white rice until you can eat pure brown rice.

Sources:
Brown rice (from Whole Health MD)
Why Brown Rice is Better (from Hinduism Today Magazine)
Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 (from Ask the Dietician)
Vitamin E (from Ask the Dietician)

Irritated!

I have classmates that irritate me when answering during lectures.

Recently a lady classmate was asked why is internet usage high in Scandinavia . She answered, "because people there have nothing to do?!" What kind of answer is that?! Right then and there I wanted to throw water at her. She was in third year at the university. I was expecting a decent answer like people in Scandinavia have more PCs.

More of my irritations in future posts.

Another Insight on European and Asian Development

Someone also told me that why Europeans were more successful than Asians is that they have developed a system of planning. In Europe the weather or climate has always been cold so the Europeans were able to plan ahead for agriculture. In Asia the monsoon and weather patterns have always been unpredictable that is why this person claims that Asians did not developed planning systems immediately.

Like other views this just another.

Interesting Insight on Population Control

In a recent debate for presidentiables in the Philippines, Raul Roco, a candidate was asked on his stand on the Chruch's stand on population and contraception. He said that there are many kids being born in the Philippines because the parents are poor and that making babies is their hobby because they have no jobs and no other means of entertainment (ie TVs).

Raul Roco said:
"So there must be a true pro-poor policy [on population management]," "There must be a conscious effort to be pro-poor. The poor pin their hopes on the young, and that is why we say, knowledge through education. That is the real solution."

Sancta Sanctis

In her latest post, I the so called "Ori" has been featured including our completely different views and opinions. I believe I have an answer to this. I think I am a bit pragmatic and she is idealistic. I would not elaborate until I get her blessing to tell it.

Grateful

I am greatful that "Enbrethiliel" has made some plugging of this site to her loyal readers. I must admit that I did not expect this from her. I am also thankful for those who responded to her plea.

Why People are Against Organised Religion

I have seen many blogs and heard many opinions about organised religion. Some people claim that religion is used to influence people in the wrong way. People believe that Christian or Islamic belief systems are old fashioned and cause maldevelopment. And they believe that they are the thinking people, better than those who believe in organised faith.

Why are they like this? I guess these people did not think enough. These people are blindly blaming the "big people" whenever something goes wrong and they cannot explain it correctly. It is like blaming everything to the big guy or God.

One's religion is not a reason for his or her fortune or misfortune. There are other underlying factors that would be a reason for development. It can be one's culture or personality.

I have heard one comparison saying that Protestant work ethic is better than Catholic work ethic. The same person said that this is probably the reason why Catholic nations are poorer than Protestant ones. He may be right but how can he explain the economic success of Catholic France and Italy? Paradox?

Take the issue of population control and contracepcion, "Progressives" blame the Catholic Church for high birth rates in Catholic nations (say the Philippines or Brasil) because the Church did not allow condoms, pills and abortion. How can this explain the high population growth in non-Christian Asia? My friend's lecturer had a different point of view. He said in tropical Asia a farming family needs to have many kids to help in the farm and that children were a couple's greatest riches. You simply cannot erase centuries of culture in the name of Western progress.

This are just my points of view.

Beef Broccoli



What you need:
1 standard sized head of broccoli
400 grams of stir-fry beef
1 whole onion chopped
3 tbsp of dark soy sauce
5 tbsp of oyster sauce
2 tbsp of fish sauce
ample amount of cooking oil (olive, vegetable, margarine, its up to you)
pepper to taste

How to do it:
1. Before cooking the broccoli, chop it (I only eat the dark green part on the top) and steam it so that you do not have to wait for it cook with the meat.

2. Heat the oil in the pan and add the beef. While frying you can add the soy sauce, fish sauce and oyster sauce. Wait until the beef is fully cooked.

3. Add the broccoli and stir well and wait for 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve with fresh cooked rice and enjoy.

Sorry I do not have pictures yet of the actual finished product. I'll put up one soon!!!

On Ageing

A few decades ago when the population is young (the opposite of an ageing population) we value to wisdom and help from our seniors.

Now as the population ages and as life expectancy also increases we don't care of our elders. We put them to retirement homes and wait until they die alone.

If my children would do this to me my soul will haunt them every night!

The End of Times as a Unique Selling Point Used by Evangelicals?

Disclaimer: I am not turning this blog into a Christianity or religious blog.

I have observed that a common tract of Christian Evangelical organisations is the coming End of Times or the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They give you elaborate and graphic descriptions of what would happen when such an event would happen.

Some also use this biblical prophesy to advance their political agenda. Such an agenda may me an agenda in government or a campaign against other denominations like Catholicism or other faiths like Islam or whatever. I guess its a fact that debunking other denominations is becoming an industry. In the web alone their are a lot of websites that "prove" that Catholicism is the "whore of babylon."

While not leaning in favour of any faith or denomination, I have observed that the Evangelicals are constantly using the Apocalypse tract as a way to convince people to convert. For me this seems problematic because one does not "turn a way from sin and follow the gospel" because he or she is scared of God's punishment. Change must come from within. It is a personal understanding of doing what is right is correct whether or not it merits a reward or not.

Moreover, Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (John 13:34)

What would happen if people only change for a reward?

The Chef for the Night

Yesterday, I was given another chance to use my culinary skills. My friend's daughter asked me to cook for her. I said I was cool about the task. She had minced beef (in the brink of spoilage) and chicken nibbles (about three weeks old in the freezer).

I placed the frozen chicken in the microwave for 15 minutes to defrost.

I sautéed the minced beef with onions and added some tomato paste and tomato sauce (catsup in American lingo). The meat was almost spoiled so it was tasting sour so I added fish sauce to mask the unpleasant taste. Fortunately the taste masking went good so I proceeded in adding peas and carrots. I was feeling adventurous so I added some spices like pepper, paprika and crushed chillies. Mmmm... yummy...

Back to the chicken... It was now half cooked after its long stay in the microwave. This I think cut my cooking time. I marinated it in barbecue sauce, soy sauce and other spices in the cupboard. I heated the pan and used olive oil spread to fry the chicken. The end result was a caramel coloured chicken with a sweet taste and a spicy bite. Mouth watering isn't it?

Fortunately the daughter liked my cooking. Its delightful to hear her approval to repay my efforts.

Clemency bid for Australian facing death penalty. 20/03/2004. ABC News Online

The issue:
There is this Australian national of Thai decent. He is facing the death penalty after his conviction for trafficking 400 grams of heroine. The Australian government has filed an appeal to lower or seek clemency for their citizen.

My comment:
This person is obviously guilty for this crime. Everyone who visits Singapore (or other Asian nations) knows that drugtrafficking is punishable by death so why must he be given clemency for such a crime. This guy broke the law of Singapore and must pay for it. His punishment will serve a lesson that no one is above or beyond the law. He is nothing but an embarrassment to Australia.

Does he realise the gravity of his crime? He is trafficking drugs that would destroy the lives of those who use it. How about the families of the drug users who are being torn apart by this evil addiction? Shame on him and his kind!

New Feature!!!

I've just discovered that you can add an "add comment" link in your blog. Thanks to HaloScan!

Today I cooked a delicious beef black pepper vegetable stir-fry. I used strips of beed (300 grams), frozen stir-fry vegetables and the black pepper stir in sauce. This dish was a bit hot for me. I thought what I added was black bean it turns out it was black pepper. I tasted the grains of pepper when in was in my tongue.

The lesson of this story is that you need to read the labels twice or three times so that you won't be surprised when you taste your finished product.

Google Directory - Shopping > Entertainment > Recordings > Music > Vinyl

This afternoon I went to a local record shop on the edge of the city. I was looking for Karl Jenkins CDs there and was directed by another record store to proceed there.

The store occupies the ground floor of the building. My guess it is about 800 to 1000 meters square. It does have a lot of CDs and other things like magazines, DVDs and some books.

Unfortunately I did not find the CDs that I was looking for. I realized that this store also carries a lot of vinyl records. I have thought that vinyl records ceased to exist from the early 1990s. It has a lot of old Blues, Country, Alternative and Jazz Music. They also have a lot of new records that are recent like Hip Hop albums. The newest record I saw was Nora Jones' "Feels Like Home."

The cheapest classical LPs are from $1.95 I'll see if I can buy one and find a player to play it.

THE FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER
from Marist Messenger November 2002 Issue

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The index finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, priests and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep then in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for civic leaders, for those in business, industry and administration. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They nedd your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And, lastly, comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Whis is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs would be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.


Should...

Should you find it hard to get to sleep at night, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard-of privilage.

Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months or more.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what is like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve th passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $10.00 to feed her family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new grey hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering, " what is life all about, what is my life purpose?" be thankful, there are those who didn't live long enough to get that opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of one's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember things could be worse. You could be them!!!

Should you decide to show this to a friend, you might brighten someone's day!

The Scotsman - International - Ex-nurse on trial for trying to kill sick mother

Some points:

-Is not this another sickening story of how dumb and stupid some people can be? This is a twisted view of personal freedom.

-How do we accept these kinds of killings? In the poor regions of this planet people would do anything just to reach 60!

-Does this mean that ageing and the disabled (who seem to be burdens to society and the welfare system) could be terminated just because they are useless?

-It is just horrible that the system of families is now obsolete in some rich societies.

-It is just contradictory for some developed nations to abolish the death penalty but allow abortion and euthanasia.

-What if a person is suffering clinical depression? Would the state just give this person a rope to tie himself or offer support to manage an illness?

It seems that no one is reading this blog. It is okay with me. Let's just say that this is a repertoire of what I am thinking. Someday I can look back into it to learn something about my past thoughts.

Definitely I am sad to the almost zero audience but I guess I would not be a famous diarist.

Any how, last night I cooked "angel hair" pasta as the noodles for my spaghetti. The noodles were unbelievable sticky even after olive oil was poured into it. The sauce was not fabulous it was just tuna in can and pasta sauce from a tin. I added some pesto to it and it improved the taste. This dish would be my food for the next meals.

I might be doing some shopping today in order for me to buy some chicken, pork or beek. I'm making stir-fry!

I've just work up a few hours ago. Thank God, I did because I have a lot of errands to do. I wake up really late nowadays compared to a few months ago. I seem to have a trouble sleeping because my mind I think is still on another time zone.

There are a number of people who hate the United States. I think the reason for this hatred is that they are envy of the success of the USA economically. The United States by far is still the richest nation in history. One vents its economic frustration to the richest one alive.

What is wrong if one follows mostly American things or values? During the cold war an Arab leader was asked whom they want to side with, the USA or the USSR. The guy did not answer.

Although most think the American way is to be greedy and what not America also stands for belief in God and family. I just wish the later will stay if not improve.

As one Australian put it, "We don't hate you [the Americans], We hate your leader [Bush]."

WHALE RIDER the movie

Whale Rider is another magnificent movie from New Zealand. It was based from Witi Ihimaera's novel of the same name.

Like what I've been telling friends, New Zealand may not produce hundreds of films every year they sure make award-winning movies all the time.

Questions?

Must we know its foreign or imported to know its good? Gosh some people are just dumb!

Crying Ladies

It the story of three women who became paid mourners for a Chinese funeral. The main characters are Stella, an ex-convict; Doray, a former movie extra; Choleng, a volunteer and collector for a local charity; and Wilson the eldest son of the dead man and the one arranging the funeral.

These three ladies met as Stella was asked by Wilson to mourn for his dead father. Stella needed two other companions for this "gig" so she recruited the two other ladies.

The movie although centered around the funeral it tells the stories and struggles of the characters. Stella who was making ends meet and desperately searching for a stable jobe. She was about to lose her only son to her husband who is moving permanently to another city. Doray is trying to regain her former glory as "Rhoda Rivera" the "star" who tripped while the giants in "Darna and the Giants" destroyed their village. Choleng struggles to end her affair with the husband of her friend. Wilson wondering if loving her dad is worth it while his dad destroyed their family.

In the end they all had happy endings except for Stella who was not able to keep her son.

The movie is an original idea coming from a great mind. Who would have thought that a funeral would be a delightful journey?

TERM Rating: M - Memorable

Happy Holidays!!!

I have to confess that my favorite holiday or celebration throughout the year is the Lenten Season (including Holy Week). It is the only event that I can concentrate on prayer.

I remember last year were I attended mass from Holy Tuesday until the Saturday Vigil for Easter. I felt the true meaning of the season unlike the very much materialized and commercialized Christmas and New Year.

During Lent and Holy Week you only focus on God and doing more good. During Christmas you think about food, presents, parties, endless spending, etc.

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