Green tips monthly summary - May 2009

Here are my Green Tips for the whole month of May 2009 . . .

WEEK 1:
Whenever, you are traveling abroad or within a country, try your best to lessen your air travel as much as possible because air travel highly contributes in building up greenhouse gases at the atmosphere and also it is significantly higher than that of the other vehicles.

WEEK 2:
Always invest on eco-friendly architectural designs. Eco-friendly architectural designs are describe as green and energy-saving. Green because it has an area for plants. Maximizing green area in our lots would be better. In tall buildings, it would be nice if it has rooftop gardens. For vast land areas, capitalize on beautiful fruit and ornamental trees. Energy-saving because it maximizes the use of natural light and ventilation. The lesser electrical appliances that we use, the lesser the need for producing much electrical energy, which in most cases are powered or generated by burning coals or petroleum thus, we could lessen our carbon emission. Let us all keep and improve the proper balance of greens and pollutants in our environment.

WEEK 3:
Replace all of your lights at home with CFL bulbs or Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. These light bulbs consume less energy. It is a long term investment since it is a bit more expensive than ordinary bulbs but in a long run you can save more since it consumes less energy. Less consumption of energy means becoming more eco-friendly and so let us all invest on these eco-friendly bulbs

WEEK 4:
Walk if your destination is just few blocks away. The lesser we use smoke emitting vehicles, the better it is for the environment.

So keep this tips in your mind to make our world a better place.

Five stars for the Star studded Star Trek movie.

Star Trek Cast of before and of today

Star Trek the Future Begins has been selling a lot of tickets world wide. Star Trek was a big hit in the television scene and now the television hit is shaking movie theaters with its sci-fi action movie revival, Star Trek the Future Begins. I really don’t know what Star Trek is all about but not until I was able to know a bit of it when I watched the movie revival. The T.V. series has been off the air for a long time and so a lot of the youngsters in this generation must have a very few knowledge about the show. I must say that the movie will be very entertaining and interesting to watch even if you are not knowledgeable with the show.

The film might not have the best visual effects I have seen in a movie but I must say that the story, execution and the action is superb. Star Trek was the debut movie of the star villain in Heroes namely Zachary Quinto. Sylar, Zachary’s role in Heroes, was one of my favorite villain characters because I think there wouldn’t be a Peter Petrelli or a Claire Bennet without Gabriel/Sylar.

Actually, one of the reasons why I want to watch Star Trek is that I have never seen Zachary portrayed a character other than Sylar. Zachary Quinto portrayed Spock and he is great. It must have been hard to act as a half-human and half-alien creature that is trained to have no emotions and to live in logic. Spock is such a stiff character in the sense that these characters don’t need any facial expression and movement and Zachary doing that well could just make him a perfect candidate to act as a numb robot or cyborg or probably a terminator (LOL). I guess Spock is one of the main characters in the show. Spock’s character imposed the conflict in the storyline knowing that James Tirk, the other main character acted by Chris Pine, uses his heart, mind and psychology in leading the Enterprise in contrast to Spock’s often heartless decision.

The story has a lot broke a lot of time and space continuum and so if you have a slow mind the time traveling aspects of the story might just confuse you. The story is much modernized in the sense that the movie revival is very saleable to the young ones up to the older ones and also the twist and turns are very nice.

Also, one of the things that I like about this film is its geeky appeal because there are conversations that are very technical and scientific esp. when they began talking about time and space continuum theories, war strategies and cosmology but nevertheless I must say that the way it visually goes makes it easier for these conservations to be understood But, I must emphasize that it would be great to watch a movie if you are trying to put yourself in the scene and if you actually do that in Star Trek, it could definitely drive your brain crazy esp. if the action is happening so fast.

Lastly, guys and girls, you must watch this film because you will surely enjoy. If Star Trek is a hotel, it must be a five star hotel. It is so much blasting with action and science (LOL). It is creatively done and I’ll love to watch it again with you (LOL).

An apple a day makes the doctor away

Do apples deserve to be in the proverb “An apple a day makes the doctor away”?

I believe apples do deserve to be in the proverb because it does not only taste good but it could also make you feel good.

I have what I called an apple snack diet which I believe is good for people that can’t stop themselves from eating between meals but still wants to keep themselves healthy. Apples snack diet is done by eating fresh apples as your regular snack and always take note that apples should be eaten fresh with its skin on. Apples shall be paired with tea or fresh fruit juice or just water and that would really be a refreshing healthy snack if you can’t stop yourself from eating between meals. An apple snack diet is very good for people with high blood pressure and high glycerin level in their blood. Apples are good for these people because it has high fiber content and low-glycerin level and has no fat, cholesterol and sodium (salt) thus, it could improve your blood circulation. Apples having no cholesterol and having high fiber content could help people lower down their cholesterol in their blood easily esp. if it is paired with proper exercise and supplementary meals. Apples are also good for those who want to lose weight because it has no fat and it has low-calorie content. Apples are also healthier substitutes for coffee if want to keep yourself awake. I eat apples sometimes with peanut butter but that wasn’t that healthy at all but it would taste better and I do that when I want to keep myself awake because the peanuts gives additional energy.

And so, apples could really keep you more fit and healthy and so it would better if you start to infuse this fruit into your diet as soon as possible.

Survival of the Fittest (featuring the journeys in survivor Tocantins)

James "JT" Thomas

The 18th season of survivor, survivor Tocantins, concluded last May 17, 2009(eastern date standards). The results were not so surprising. J.T. won and he winning the title, sole survivor, proved that sole survivors are really the fittest. J.T. together with Tyson, Coach and Brandon were called as the “warriors” of this season of survivor for there physical strength. Though these four men are very strong only one was able to reach the 40th / last day and thus it has also been proven that the fittest shouldn’t only be physically strong but mind manipulating and socially inclined as well. This season is as much great and exciting as the prior ones like survivor Micronesia, Gabon, Cook Islands, exile etc.

Even though J.T. wasn’t my bet, I’m still happy with the outcome for at least both of my bets were able to create a mark in the game, also J.T. and Stephen hard work deserves it and also Coach was at least eliminated before Erinn did. I always wanted those castaways that are physically or socially underdogs in the game because they never fail to amaze me on how they were able to hold on to some alliance to survive and also on how they manipulate the minds of others for their survival.


Erinn then Sierra


Erinn

Sierra

My bets are Sierra and Erinn because they were bought thought to be the weakest. I wanted Sierra to win because everyone except Brandon dislikes her from the first time they saw her and I didn’t understand why, same as how Jeff Probst was puzzled onto these people disliking Sierra. Given her scenario, Sierra decided to have an alliance with Brandon, who actually created the Exile Alliance, and from the very first day up to Brandon’s elimination, Brandon was the only ally of Sierra at Timbira. Erinn, on the other hand, has even had a worse case because even though most people in Timbira like her, she got no allies not until she was able to reach the merge. Sierra and Erinn were both lucky to reach the merge for there tribe was able to win enough immunity challenges to spare most of the Timbira.


Cast of Survivor Tocantins


The Merge Tribe (Forza)

By the time of the merge, Jalapao members namely Joe, J.T., Taj and Stephen were technically out numbered and so they are expecting themselves to be eliminated one after the other. But, some Jalapao members have there secret weapon for survival and that was the Exile Alliance. Exile alliance was created when Brandon and Taj decided to be allies in preparation for the merge so that a sudden alliance of Taj and her ally Stephen from Jalapao and Brandon with his ally Sierra from Timbira could turn tables on their advantage knowing that the Jalapao members are in trouble while Brandon and Sierra were the most likely targets of Coach’s alliance in Timbira. I was thrilled during the merge because I was expecting something surprising from the Exile alliance but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Brandon being the brain of the Exile Alliance decided to hibernate for a while knowing that they are only four and it might not work if there are a total of ten players in the game. Also, Brandon believed that the Timbira is still working as one thus he thought that the former Timbira would vote off J.T. on the first tribal council during the merge. Brandon relaxed not knowing that Coach approached J.T. for a Warrior alliance together with Debbie and Tyson and since the Jalapao members are in trouble, J.T. flip over with his Allies from Jalapao namely Taj and Stephen and they are called as the Jalapao Three. Stephen goes where ever J.T. goes and they were only loyal to each other. Taj easily flipped to Coach’s move because she and Stephen were worried due to the hibernation of the Exile Alliance. After feeling the lack of security, Taj and Stephen decided to go to Coach’s way and that is vote off Brandon. Since Coach’s alliance were expecting that Brandon might just have the hidden immunity idol in his possession and so with Stephen’s very strategic mind, they were able to create a double bladed-sword strategy that either votes off Brandon or his known ally, Sierra. Brandon and Sierra were lucky for Joe has to be eliminated due to his injury thus the tribal council was postponed for another cycle (three days). On the next cycle, Brandon started to revive the Exile Alliance and also he tried to check if Coach has been approaching anyone from Jalapao by talking to J.T and obviously he got nothing true. when they won a reward challenge. By that, J.T. suddenly realizes that the Jalapao three has the game on their hands after the broken Timbira tried to convince the Jalapao three to join one of the alliances to destroy the other. After that, J.T. and Stephen started to be the minds and dictators of the game. J.T. also began his own moves by starting it with Erinn. J.T. knowing that Erinn has no firm alliance was able to convince Erinn to be loyal to him. For the first tribal council, the Jalapao three plus Erinn decided to go for Coach’s move and the double bladed sword strategy was able to vote off Brandon after exploiting himself as an owner of a hidden immunity idol. Brandon being blind sided leaves Sierra with no allies. Sierra decided that her only hope to survive three more days is to win the immunity challenge, which she ended up to be second after Debbie stole her shot on the immunity. Coach’s plan was obviously to vote off Sierra but J.T. and Stephen decided to vote off Tyson thinking that he is threat after winning the first two immunity challenges back to back. J.T., Stephen, Taj and Sierra voted off Tyson and Sierra didn’t expect that she’ll still have three more days after not winning her only hope. After Sierra surviving, Coach tried to poison the well of Sierra in the eyes of J.T. and Stephen. Sierra on the other hand was able to know what Coach did and she tried to convince everyone to believe her by telling truth by putting Coach on a hot seat while everyone is around. The Warrior alliance then was transformed to Stephen, J.T., Coach and Debbie. Sierra was able to prove that Coach in did lied to J.T. and Stephen unfortunately her emotions scrambled and so J.T. and Stephen were annoyed. Sierra’s fate was now on the hands of J.T. and Stephen after Taj and Erinn promised not to vote her out for that tribal council. Sierra at the end of the cycle wasn’t able to outwit Coach and thus she was eliminated. On the next cycle, Debbie thinking that Coach, her last remaining assured ally, has been making bad decisions, decided to get him off from the game by convincing J.T. and Stephen to vote against Coach. Coach on the other hand is still thinking that the warrior alliance is winning over the Jalapao three plus Erinn and so he’s move is to get rid of Erinn. J.T. and Stephen were now caught between voting off Coach or Debbie after Debbie stating her case and also after Debbie creating a threatening impression onto them. At the end, Debbie’s move work against her after J.T. and Stephen decided that Jalapao three plus Erinn should vote off Debbie, thinking that she could be a very threatening strategist. When Debbie got voted off, Coach finally thought that he was alone in this game and that he was totally not in control of it but J.T. and Stephen was able to make him feel relax when they said that they saved him because Debbie tried to go against him. And so, Coach tried to make his way against Erinn. J.T. promised to Coach that he’ll be voting off Erinn but on the other Stephen was not fully convinced by Coach thinking that Erinn is a less threat than Coach. The Girls will be voting off Coach because they are so annoyed and so Stephen will be the one to decide who to remove from the game. At the end, his insecurity that he might lose it if there are more strong players in the game won over and thus Coach was voted off.


JT and Stephen creating a plan

By then, only the Jalapao three and Erinn remained and Erinn was now in the bad position since the other three were allied even before the merge. Erinn thinking that her only shot to survive up to the last day is by winning the immunity challenge, performed well at the challenge unfortunately she lost with only a second slower from winning it over J.T. Erinn then decided that she should now use her social strategies and the best way to do that is to convince J.T. and Stephen that they got more chance of winning the game with her than with Taj. It was a fight of loyalty and money and with Erinn’s manipulative strategy and also by not scrambling, she won and thus, Taj got voted off. My last favorite standing, Erinn, again have to win the last immunity challenge to be part of the final two but again she lost and so she have to do things in a hard way and since J.T. won the immunity challenge, J.T. has the control onto who he would bring with him onto the finals. It was a fight between Erinn and Stephen. Stephen’s case to J.T. is that he should bring him to the final two because he and J.T. has been the one who’s dictating how the game will go through and also he has been loyal to J.T. since the very first cycle. On the other hand, Erinn’s case was a manipulative attack telling that the only possible votes she could get are from Taj and Stephen while J.T. could get the vote from the rest of the jury thus, J.T. got a lot more chance of winning the million dollars if he’ll go with Erinn than Stephen. At the end of the day, Erinn’s fight ended. J.T. was not attracted money and chose friendship instead. Then it was down to the final two and I must that J.T. won because Stephen scrambled and suddenly changed his ego when the jury is interviewing him.

Winner or Loser; it doesn’t matter

TOP 13 doing the opening performance with the song "So What"
The Spice Girls of A.I. (LOL)

ADAM, KRIS and RYAN

the Anouncement

Last May 20, 2009(eastern date standards), David Cook handed the title of being the American Idol to Kris Allen, who is considered as an underdog/ a dark horse in the competition. The college student started his audition with a very bad impression to Simon after showing his lack of self-confidence for claiming that many other singers is better than him. But nevertheless, the potential in him motivated the judges to squeeze out all of his talent and thus he was able to grow. As a result, he was able to slowly outstand and outperform the core front runners in the crucial stages of the competition. That one step at time move of Kris Allen was able to propel him to the finale then win. Kris was able to survive the rock n’ roll night despite his underwhelming performances and there he was able to outstand a dark horse namely Allison Irahita knowing that Allison is in her zone. Kris then was able to outperform the voice master class of Danny Gokey after performing the cover version of the Fray of the song Heartless and also after doing the song Apologize. Also, it has been said that Allison fans portrayed a vital role in picking the finale contenders. Lastly, Kris was able to outperform the grandioso and performance galore Adam Lambert after defeating the bone thrilling performance of Adam of the song Mad World.

The performance finale was anti-climatic because round one has the most impact for me while Kara Dioguardi’s No Boundaries were a bit underwhelming for me. I really thought that No Boundaries isn’t one of her great songs. Having said that it is round one that has the greatest impact, the winner of that round must have attracted more of votes than the better one on the next rounds and so I think that’s one of the factors why Kris Allen was able to outshine Adam. Another factor to consider is that it has been said that the dialing power of Kris fans was supported by the social sector that is against what Adam stand for as an idol and being a fan of Adam plus knowing that factor just made feel a bit bitter of Adam losing since there were social issues that was involved in the votes even though it is just all about music preferences.


ADAM with the KISS


Nevertheless, I still have my hat off and head down to Adam because he has not only had a very unique sense of creativity but also he has a very cool personality. He faced defeat with a smile and optimism. He even said that losing might just work for him. He too is cool because he is very open onto his sexuality. He is very true to himself and with that type of personality; I think he would never have problems in his profession and in dealing with others. Lastly, I still thought that Adam knows how to own the stage more than Kris and also I still thought that the rare chance of having a Glam rocker as an idol might just not happen again.

I missed It! So Customized

I have not been updating my Blog lately because my mood was damn affected and depressed by the fact that I won’t be able to watch the concert of the David’s, which might not happen again. But here I am again, recovering my mood. But I must say that I’m not yet fully recovered in the sense that I really have to do something to compensate for what I had just missed.

Well, lately I have been thinking of what I should do to make myself feel better. Since the whole problem is all connected with my American Idol addiction, I thought that I should just invest on customized idol merchandises with designs that I could only have. I think that solution would also be in preparation for their next concert here, which I am expecting since they have been saying that Filipinos had surprised them due to our very warm reception.

Actually, I am not that disappointed at all because for at least I wasn’t able to miss any of their TV appearances and also I was able to come to David Cook’s meet and greet session at SM North EDSA. When I was in the amphitheater for David Cook’s appearance, I just felt so funny that many people still come to that meet and greet session even though there is no personal photograph taking and autograph signing allowed. In addition, David Cook will not sing and will just appear to answer some questions. I was there two hours before the appearance of David Cook and I was like already sitting on the stairs at the far end of the theater because all of the seats were already occupied. The meet and greet session gave a lot of interesting information of what David C. has been doing in Manila. It was said that he shopped around SM, specifically at ALDO shoes, before he appeared at the theater. Also, it was said that he would watch a Filipino movie after the meet and greet session. Also, the most interesting thing it has implied is that I’m so desperate because the meet and greet session only lasted for 10-15 minutes (LOL) and I like waited for 2 hours and paid 140 pesos but nevertheless for an addict that can’t watch the concert that would be very satisfying.

Lastly, the only thing I could say is that I wish that they will come back as soon as I have enough money. (LOL)

Praying For Some Gold Tickets

I’ve been a fan of American idol for as long as I can remember and it always drives me crazy every time someone from the one of the greatest shows of today’s era visits Manila. It drives me crazy because I always end up being stuck at home and just trying to imagine that I’m in the concert of my favorite idol.

I’m so unlucky because it is happening again. It is driving me crazy because two of my favorite idols are now here in manila the DAVID’S – David Archuleta & David Cook. It is just three days before their concert at the Mall of Asia and up to now, I’m still praying for some angel to give a gold ticket for at least because I would rather catch them at their mall shows or T.V. appearances than watching them through binoculars from the very back part of the concert hall. It is just so funny that I would still rather be picky despite my frustration and desperation to watch their concert.

But in case I’ll be missing their concert, I’ll be promising to myself that I’ll be watching Adam Lambert’s concert in manila if he will visit because he too is one of my favorites. Also, if I’ll miss the concert of the David’s, I’ll be also promising to myself that I won’t miss Simon Cowell’s visit here in Manila because for me, he is the greatest talent critic and also it would be a great pleasure to be able to feel his highness.

I can't make this blog longer anymore because i could feel the frustration in every single letter that i typed in. . . LOL

And so...

Lastly, if you were able to feel my frustration and misery; please, please, please give me some gold tickets for at least. =((

Brain Blast Topic "A Taste of Hollywood" - answers

Brain Blast Archive 002
TITLE: "A TASTE OF HOLLYWOOD"

If you suddenly wake up as a HOT, POPULAR and HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL Hollywood celebrity, what will you do?

Knowing that the situation is temporary and would only last until your next sleep.

I want to know what will you do.

So if you think that the brain blast topic is interesting enough to tickle your imagination and fantasies, you may share your answer here.

If you were given a chance to be a hot, popular and highly influential Hollywood celebrity, what will you do?

I got this topic from RX few weeks ago and i answered like this:

"I will immortalize my celebrity-ego by having my own wax figure version. Then I'll use my highly influential character to have my wax figure be included in a museum of Hollywood legends. then, I'll do whatever i can't do as an ordinary person"

I want to know what's in your mind so share your answer.

American Idol Season 8 Top 3: Hot, hot, hot

American Idol has been producing singing sensations like Kelly Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Katherine Mcphee, Jennifer Hudson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Carrey Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Bo Bice, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, David Cook, David Archuleta, Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Taylor Hicks and many more.

And next week, a new American idol will rise. A new singing superstar will again shine from the very popular idol franchise. But before the rise of the new idol, the top three idol contenders will still have to out perform and out shine one another for the two most coveted slots in the finale. This season of idol have a lot of potential idols in the sense that most of the finalists are qualified and deserves to win and it just so happen that they all compete in the same season.

Since the talents of the top three is already hot, hot and hot; the results of the performances this week would definitely be highly affected by the finalists’ song choice and charisma. All three, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen & Danny Gokey, have there own unique niche, strengths and style in music that would definitely be making a very interesting finale.

Kris Allen is a great balladeer and probably the most charming for most ladies. One of his memorable songs would be work hard for the money, wherein he did a very nice twist in the song. Ballads are usually boring but Kris Allen it could turn into something interesting but what worries me is that ballads are a little less powerful than the other genres and so I must say that he has to have a perfect combination of his personality, style and artistry in his coming performances so that it would connect deep through.

Danny Gokey, on the other hand, is also a great balladeer and a great country music singer as well. One of his memorable songs would be Jesus take the wheel and Hero. His best asset in singing would probably be his swagger. Classical songs become more powerful and interesting with his swagger. I think, Danny being a music teacher helped him to develop a good singing technique. Danny Gokey has been a front runner ever since and also he’s an early favorite. I must also say that he is one of the most consistent singers. Also, Danny’s perky personality definitely helps him to stay in the competition.

Lastly, Adam Lambert is obviously one of the best resident rockers that idol has ever had. He got the pipes for rock and rolls. I must say that he too is one of the most consistent singers. He too is one of the finalists that always have surprises. One of his most memorable performances is tracks of my tears and it wasn’t a rock and roll performance at all, which means that he could go from wild to mild while remaining as great as how he is. He is flexible in performances and also one of the hottest in terms of publicity and so he is the one the finalists that I’m looking forward at the finale

All three of them have a shot at the finale, so who do you think will win it?

RX 93.1 Monster Radio: non-stop radio fun and action

THe RaDio JockS


CHICO and DELAMAR (my Favorite pic)

I really do not listen that much to radio because at home, we usually don’t have batteries readied for the radio. But one day, my sister bought me a cell phone that has a built-in radio and that is the day I started listening to radio.

At first, I was actually bothered that I might not be able to find an FM radio station that would not bore me. Luckily, in the middle of my search, I found the most perfect station to match my personality and that is RX 93.1 monster radio.

I still fairly remember the first thing I have listened to in RX that made me an avid fan of it. I was in a school service and I’m trying to make myself have a boost that morning so that I would be bursting with energy. And so, I’m in the search of the most interesting station to listen to. I suddenly heard Chico and Delamar talking about the best dumb blonde moments and since I’m one of the corny kings in our batch, a best-selling funny joke would definitely boost my interest because I could use it on my advantage even though it still usually ends up corny despite the intense hilariousness of the joke. I still actually remember the joke and it goes similar to this:

There’s a dumb blonde who go on a library. She then goes to the librarian and she said, “Miss, my order is a burger and a regular fries.” The librarian then said, “This is a library.” The dumb blonde then whispered, “Miss, my order is a burger and a regular fries.” LOL

And so, that particular joke made me listen to RX again on the same radio show. Expecting that I’ll be getting a new funny thing that I could share but this time, I listened with some of my friends and I was satisfied beyond my expectations. The topic that time was gay names similar to bebe gandanghari and the funny entries that I and my friends like the most are:

Miley Bag
Michelle Obamshell
Yvonne mangmaylayanglumipad

And after that day, I formally got myself addicted to RX. After morning rush, I got addicted to All Access with jocks- Rico and Danielle- and I think that was the first days of the BRO SHOW. After All Access, I got to listen more to jumpstart with jocks- Gino and Fran. Lately, Jumpstart was so exciting because of the twitter war between Gino and Fran and Gino LOST. And so, he has to wear a dress and the consequence just happened earlier this day. And so, if you want to see Gino Quillamor in a dress, try to check out jumpstart’s multiply account but I’m not sure if it is already there. Lastly, I got to listen to Playtime with Hazel but I like it the most during Fridays because it is earlier and Danielle and radio one’s Willjay are there. Playtime is also one of my favorites because I always try to find time to be on-line at ym so that I could participate on the hot topic and most esp. on my favorite – Willjay’s little thing. I am actually wondering if Willjay is just creating all of those little things out of his mind or is just searching on some source. Those are the usual radio programs that I listen to because I rarely listen at other time slots.

Also, RX helps me fall asleep every time I have my vampire moments/sleepless nights though sometimes I get a little too excited that instead of falling asleep, it kept me awake. LOL.

Enrollment and Biostatistics (Studying Data in our lives)

I just came from a very excruciating and tiring process of an enrollment and being a first timer makes it even worse. The long time of waiting made me feel hungry and sleepy. Luckily, my patience is just long enough to survive it. But prior to hunger for food was hunger for knowledge. I was hungry for knowledge on my degree, BS Statistics, because of the mind nurturing and eye opening orientation of the school.

The school’s orientation told us everything we need to know about what our lives would be in college. It was said that life in UPD’s school of statistics would definitely be a long winding rough journey to success. It was also said that if will be able to survive, all of our hard work would definitely have well returns, for finding a job would just be as easy as picking a fruit from its tree. The facilitator even told us that most companies are even the one who hunts for us as soon as possible. By that, I just proved to myself that the rules of life would be give and take. Give your best today and you’ll take the best tomorrow.

Aside from the job opportunities, the orientation gave us knowledge onto the flexibility of the degree. It was taught that statistics has an application on any field that has data. And so, it has economic application, psychological application, business application, pharmaceutical applications etc. but what I like the most is the biological applications, which is called biostatistics. Biostatistics has the most impression in me because this solves my problem of being pressured to choose between the two things that I like, which are Biology and Statistics. Also, the orientation gave me a big relief by introducing biostatistics for I have been having second thoughts of pushing it through and biostatistics is just strong enough to motivate me to continue. The orientation just made me feel more thrilled to learn more about my degree and finally, I got a chance to have an equal dose of statistics and biology.

Biostatistics might be able to measure and analyze data and uncertainties related with living things but for sure it can never measure how much uncertainty in life these living things has. Also, I could just always say that statistics might be the smartest fortuneteller for it can still never tell what fate had stored for us next. Lastly, despite of all of this, statistics esp. biostatistics would truly be the smartest thing I could choose for myself.

The Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

If coconut is also known as the tree of life for its very numerous uses, “Sajina” in the Indian Subcontinent or “Moringa” in English is known as the nature’s medicine cabinet or the miracle vegetable for its high nutritional value. The plant is also known as horseradish tree for its distinct root taste.

The plant wasn’t a stranger for most of us, Filipinos, because it is our favorite “Malunggay”. Malunggay leaves sometimes play as spinaches in some Asian foods similarly on how malunggay fruits were used to play as asparagus substitutes. Horseradish trees loves the hot tropical climates, desserts and living rooms that’s why these trees are scattered around Tropical Far East regions mostly in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. Also, some species of the plant are found in some western regions like in Mexico. In Philippines, malunggay has a big role in most Filipino dishes esp. in our stews or “tinola’s” for its nutritional and economical advantages.

Malunggay is very economical for it doesn’t need high growth maintenance and in-depth planting skills. A malunggay can be grown by planting a cut branch. A small branch could grow as tall as 15 feet and that contains already a lot of leaves, flowers and fruits. The plant’s surviving skills even make it easier for us to find and to take care of it. Malunggay can survive and grow in drought conditions and can withstand overly acidic, salty and alkaline soil. In Philippines, malunggay trees are just found everywhere and it was so abundant that a malunggay tree even exists around the polluted conditions of the metro. Since malunggay trees are just scattered everywhere, Filipinos can always just pick the leaves, fruits and flowers directly from the malunggay trees that neighbors our houses and my mom, aunts and grandma always do that whenever the kitchen calls for it.

Aside from being economical, some researches and literatures states that most parts of the tree of malunggay are very nutritious for it contain many vitamins like vitamin C and other minerals. The flowers, which appear eight months during the year, contain calcium and potassium. The fruits and leaves of the malunggay also have potassium and calcium. Malunggay contains four times more calcium than milk, three times more potassium than bananas and four times more beta-carotene than carrots. The leaves also contain three times more iron than spinach. In addition to its nutritional benefits, both fruits and leaves contain seven times more vitamin C than oranges.

Aside from being nutritious and economical, Malunggay fruits, leaves and flowers are very flexible and tasteful ingredients. The flowers when cooked are edible and taste like mushrooms, which is nice for vegetarians for mushrooms’ taste satisfies meat cravings. The leaves and flowers could be used to make a healthy tea that is best served to pregnant and newly birth women for it helps in their lactation. Malunggay leaves could always be added in any stews and soups. Malunggay leaves are always good for our digestion and drinking fresh malunggay stock could aid constipation. For those that do not eat rice, malunggay leaves with or without other greens could be made into a pesto sauce that you could use as a pasta sauce, a sandwich spread or a dip. In Philippines, some bakeries offer breads esp. our popular breakfast bread, Pandesal, with different flavors, which includes malunggay.

Malunggay has some medicinal and external uses also. Rubbing freshly squeezed juices of malunggay leaves on back and chest could help in aiding the discomforts of high blood pressure. Juices from freshly pounded and crushed malunggay leaves could also help in healing wounds. A concoction of malunggay roots, seeds and water could be boiled then cooled for underarm odor problems. Small and freshly pounded parts of the roots could be use as a first aid for toothache by applying the pounded parts over the affected area. For sure, malunggay trees has still a lot to offer and so further researches and discoveries about this miracle vegetable could definitely be a world’s treasure. A healthy lifestyle starts from a healthy diet and the best way to start a healthy diet is to know the healthiest food around and knowing the nature’s medicine cabinet might just be a good first step.

Do you really prioritise your religion?

A picture of a Fiesta in Quiapo(located in the Philippines)

Also scenes captured from a Fiesta in Quiapo

The dedication of these Filipinos is very superficial on the pictures above and it reminds me of a text message that i received not a long time ago and here's the story:

In the middle of one of my boring vacation days, I received a very mind-opening group message in my phone. I must say that it is something that is worth digesting because I usually just read and forget group messages because sometimes it contains nothing but blubbers and senseless stuffs but “the message” belongs to the unique ones for it contains a message that inculcates in your mind.

The message goes like this:

---start---

♥♥♥

Isn’t it strange

How a 100-peso bill

Appears to be a large amount

When you donate it to church

But such a small amount

When you go shopping?

♥♥♥

Isn’t it strange

How an hour

Seems so long

When you are in church

And how short

When you are having fun?

♥♥♥

Isn’t it strange

How everyone

Wants front row tickets

On concerts and show

But they do whatever is possible

To just sit at the last row

In the church?

♥♥♥

A usual but strange reality

We say GOD is are priority

But do we prove it everyday?

♥♥♥

Hope you’ll have time

To pass this message

---end---

My brain ticked and it relayed, “I find it mind-opening and you’ll never find it that way if you are not guilty of it.”

I want to know what your mind told you after reading this message so don’t be shy to leave some comments

Brain Blast Topic "Dumb You" - answers

Brain Blast Archive 001
TITLE: "DUMB YOU"

You are working with an obviously dumb person for a required group work. The person suddenly felt so left behind and he approached you then he said:

Am I Dumb?

What will your reaction be?

Would you be doing a heart breaking move with a brain blasting action or would you have a brain freeze and will try to hit around the bush.

When an obviously dumb person asked you, " AM I DUMB ? "

How will you react?

i would probably have a mind panic if i got into that situation but my answer would probably like this:

"uhmm, Maybe, today is just not your typical lucky day but honestly, i must say that you are weak on this subject we are working at together. And so maybe you just need to practice your skills more."

Greenpeace- Inspiring Action

Earth is our most beloved planet, our haven and cradle and our life. Without Earth, we are nothing but gutted matters trying to breathe for our survival that’s why we should learn how to not abuse Earth for our mistakes will surely make us suffer. Sadly, some people still fail to motivate themselves to conserve and protect our environment. Also, some people are very inconsiderate and neglecting to our environment and I really don’t know how much and how worst the problem should be in order for these people to contribute in the protection of our environment.

We are able to cause major changes in our environment.

As of status quo, climate changes are very eminent, starting it of with very strong devastating storms and very hot and short summer. In addition, land masses are already being affected by the global warming. Land masses are getting hotter already and if we are not going to do anything, certain part of the world’s biodiversity will surely be affected and it could be irreversible and also the increase in temperature of the land masses quickens or catalyses the melting of the ice caps.

So what should we do?

We should capitalize on truly eco-friendly activities and matters. For example, we should support architectural designs that maximize the use of natural ventilation and lighting; we should learn how to travel with less carbon prints etc. There are a lot of things we still can do for our environment and it would be better to do it right now before it is too late. Also, we should not only be pushing ourselves but also others esp. our leaders because if the leaders will do something sincerely for our environment, definitely things would be easier for us.

To help you learn more on what we could do for our environment, I’ll be posting tips on how to make you more eco-friendly at the WEEKLY GREEN TIPS. In addition, there’s a video below that you could check out to inspire and motivate you.

Lastly, global warming should alarm and remind us of all of our responsibilities.

Reflecting with the popular mutants

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUTANT IN X-MEN??? If someone asked me that question, I can’t probably answer because there are so much great characters in X-MEN like Cyclops, Beast, Storm, Phoenix, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat etc. that I think each one of the characters could have there own comic line successful.

Since then, I’ve been a fan of X-MEN movies and series and I’ve never failed to watch any X-MEN movie to the point that every experience that I had with these movies has a memorable story.

The first movie of X-MEN was as thrilling as the other movies and that I was so excited to watch it. Unfortunately, I got too occupied that I wasn’t able to watch it in the theatres. I am so sad and desperate then that I tried to satisfy myself on some scene caps and advertisements and as expected, the hunger remained. Few months later, I finally got myself free of the desperation but unexpectedly, I saw the movie playing on a T.V. at the house of my relatives when I visited my cousins at Valenzuela. And so, I got the hunger back but finally, it was partially satisfied because for at least I was able to watch the half of the movie. Obviously, For an X-MEN fan, half wasn’t enough and so I stared at the VCD copy so much that I never thought that my interest on the VCD was showing so obvious but I was lucky because one my older cousins hand it to me and he said that I can have it and after that I watch it and finally, I was fully satisfied. That VCD was one of my most treasured possessions and I really don’t like to lose it unfortunately, one day my other cousins intended to borrow it and bring it to the province and that I just get it back once I have gone back there. Obviously, I didn’t agree with the transaction but unfortunately, my mother hand it over to them for I was getting a bit rude and so I ended up wishing that they will never lose or wreck it. A year later, I was able to visit my province and the first thing in my mind is to get back the VCD. And so, the moment I got there I asked for it until I found out that it was like borrowed all over the place in the barrio and was obviously lost.

X-MEN UNITED is one of my favorite because mystic was once on the good side and also General Striker is also one of my favorite characters. The scene in which the school got invaded by an army was my favorite that I was able to invent a game out of it. The “it” will act like GENERAL STRIKER and the rest as the mutants. The “it” must be able to catch all of the mutants by touching them. Once a mutant is touch he will not be able to move form his position but other mutants could help him by touching him also. The game ends once Gen. Striker was able to freeze everyone in position and once that happened everyone should sit and raise one hand with two fingers forming a “V” while shouting VIVA. The person who last sat, raised his hand and shouted viva will be the next it. Variations could be put in the game like having additional “it’s” that will act as Gen. Striker’s soldiers. For me, the game is full fun because I am the one who created it. LOL. Aside from coming up a game, X-MEN united broke my heart because a mutant died at the end of the movie, which is Jean Grey. I like sad endings except for something as favorite as this.

X-MEN the last stand is also very memorable to me because that was the movie there rogue gave up her power and I didn’t like that because her powers for me is very powerful though socially unattractive and impractical. Nevertheless, I hated the fact that she has to end up powerless. Also, Due to that twist, Mystic lost her powers and that too was heart breaking and I must say that this movie is really a movie of survival as how it was described- the last stand. And so, this is the most thrilling and heart breaking among all of the x-men movies since rogue gave up her powers, mystic lost her powers, Professor X died, Scott Summer was killed by Phoenix (Jean Grey), Jean Grey awake from death as the dangerous Phoenix, who at the end was killed by wolverine and lastly, Iceman, Shadowcat and rouge had a love triangle and I didn’t like that to happen because one of my favorite teen mutants will be ditched out from that relationship. I felt all of the battles, twists and turns so much that I felt so lucky that I was alive during the days X-MEN the last stand was shown in theatres. Though this X-MEN movie is not my favorite because of the sad endings, I still believe that it so much deserves to be the best selling x-men movie with around 100 million dollars of earning within just the first week of showing in America.

The latest movie, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE made me so anxious because of too many problems that it is facing. Starting it of with the leakages that spread through the internet though I think it wouldn’t damage their earnings that much because, when I saw it, it was not yet done and definitely that is way too underwhelming for an X-MEN fan and that definitely watching the full movie in cinemas would be the best. Another problem that they are facing is the swine flu scare because it could probably hinder the people from going to cinemas. But there’s good news! Despite all the problems they are facing, the movie was still earn a lot with almost 90 million dollars of earning within just the first week, which exceeds the amount of first week earnings of the first two X-MEN movies.

I must say that X-MEN movies has been one the most memorable part of my lives because it never fail to keep up my interest but nevertheless I just wish that movie industry would change there minds and that someone would do more X-MEN movies in the future.