CRISSAMIEL

Deep Thoughts...

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Sun, 01 May 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I was thinking though that I should utilize my time doing something. I am not a writer or even a blogger yet right now this is something I could do just to make use of my time. Besides, I was thinking that I am fond of doing my own journal – yeah, I once did create one but didn’t pursue it. A journal can be of help especially when you got no one to share your thoughts with. I might as well use my blog too for this. Right now here in a room, in the middle of early morning, I am still awake. Don’t feel sleepy at all. I am in front of my laptop – well, writing down all the things that are on my mind right now. With the help of melodies it will be good to patch up those ideas coming out from my mind. Geez, am I this kind of person now? Oh bother, I really feel very empty inside. With all the happenings in my life this past days, weeks, and even months I really don’t know if I can be happy.

Oh yeah, I am so alone and right now my comfort zone is the four corners of this room, a laptop and a microsoft word in front of me. Funny though but it seems that this is the only friend I got at this moment. Honestly, my life seems worthless. Yes, it is. I can feel it right now. Thinking about me in the past and comparing it to the present, it is really worthless. I am not really a good person as others think. Living in this world I don’t know if how I can bear it. You see, I have no one around to console me when I am sad or even there’s no shoulder to cry onto. I am one of those unlucky person here is this world. Oh bother, how unfortunate of me living now and feeling helpless. They say I am lucky. Yeah, I am maybe lucky in some aspects like having the basic need (shelter, food, clothings) for sustaining a life but aside from that, I am NOBODY. I am like an empty shell surrounded with full of lies. I am not worthy to be called as a daughter or a child. I can’t even return a favor from the person whom gave her own life for me. I am worthless that I can’t do what I need to do. Being in this world isn’t that easy at all, you got to strive for the best, compete if you must. But what do it has become of me now. I really don’t know. I even don’t make a living so how could I be called as living independently. I still ask help from my mom. Yeah right, my fate lies to be in this way though. I don’t know but when a mother tells her child that she’s already tired of taking care of you, it really means a heartbreaking thing to accept. Yes, I was badly hurt when my mom told me that. “I am tired of you!” and it still clings onto my mind. Whenever I see her, those words are coming back. Aside from that, I got no freedom at all. I can’t do what I want since I have no right to do it. I just ended up having an argument with her if I do what I want to do to the point that those unkind words will come back and will pop out of my mind again. I have no job and even someone whom would love me. It’s funny though, but at this age I really can’t think of what to do with my life. Even if I let myself be numb, still I can’t hide the fact that I am nobody and totally hurt inside.

I am one of those unlucky since I was born to be this way. I was born without a golden spoon on my mouth; experienced losing almost 5 lives (funny I am like a cat with 9 lives or somehow let’s say a gumiho – nine tailed fox…hahahaha); has survived operations and even diseases yet not happy at all. I also experienced falling in love and ended being dumped at all. I wasn’t able to have someone whom would stay till the end instead just let go of me and see me get hurt. And right now even a stable job is no match for me. From having a broken family, to not having a stable job and even ended up without someone to love me for who and what I really am -- I am really that kind of unfortunate. This is really now my destiny – having a life full of emptiness within me and just ended up getting hurt by those people around me whether it’s someone I learned to entrust my life with or with those people whom happens to be my family. I was raised for the sake of I guess nothing (how pitiful of me right now). I can’t even raise a living on my own and just keeps on having debts to my mom. I can’t even make her happy for the truth is I’m still deeply hurt by her. Whenever I see her wounding words just keeps on emerging out of my mind leaving my heart totally in pain. It’s like the pain I’ve got way back a year ago. I thought I could continue being happy but it’s a mistake though that somehow I want to make it disappear. But right now there isn’t anything I can do to make it disappear. I want to do what I wanted to do and yet I just ended getting more hurtful words as a source of inspiration. I wanted to be happy, be with someone that would make me happy and yet ended up being alone and in pain. All I wanted turned out to be not the way I wanted it to be. I am hopeless now; I can’t even make my own money. Aish! Such a waste!

A person like me whom is unfortunate with the life that I am having right now is I guess I can say the most precious thing that I can treasure now and accept wholeheartedly. One can never turn back the time and even if one wants to, it’s no use at all.

ChurpChurp Philippines | Newest Social Media Community

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:40:00 +0000

I just joined ph.churpchurp.com, the newest social media community. Tweet ka lang kita na! Astig! #phchurpchurp

High School Acquaintances Reunited

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:44:00 +0000

Today is one of the get together bonding of some of my high school classmates here in Nature’s Discovery Camp, Tagaytay City. The temperature here is around 20 degrees Celsius feels like you’re in Baguio City. I now am starting to have a cold. It’s a nice place to hold a bonfire experience just like camping. I am happy and sad for some of my classmates didn’t even bother to make a one day sacrifice just to be within this kind of celebration. There are different reasons why they didn’t make it here; one would be out of budget. The other might be because of attending to their personal needs (i.e. boyfriend/girlfriend or career). Some quite complicated though. But even there are reasons why some didn’t make it still the event happened. Some of my classmates have already found their special someone and some still remains to be SINGLE at all (that includes ME). Funny though but there is a right time for love to come.

I can say that after so many years of not seeing each other, life did really change. As a matter of fact, some have their own fate – career, love life, and even hobbies. They are more mature now and of course full of experience. Experience makes a person neither strong nor open minded to the things around him. But what’s happier with this occasion is the bonding and stories that each of the participants imparts upon to. No matter what the distance might be still the memories lives on. We can’t bring back the past especially those happy thoughts but we can add another memory in the story of our lives.

This is my first time to attend a get together and I’m happy for it. Though, money isn’t good at this moment (not to mention no work) still I am proud for I can say – “Yes, I did make it! I did see them.” Money isn’t that important (just a little...hahaha) as long as you can see each and everyone’s laughter and hear their stories. You can witness the happiness from their faces and of course those characteristics that you once new way back high school life. You can see how they change – looks, body built-in and most of all the impressions you once got for a person. You now can tell that they are still the person whom became a part of your sanity. You can now tell who’s the one whom you can depend unto and the one whom would leave you hanging in the air. Memories are always there and will keep on growing as time goes by but wherever we might be it will remain a memory that lasts a lifetime.

I admit I sense some jealousy creeping into me when I see them already happy with their career and with of course their personal lives. I can’t help it though but I believe there is enough time for each person. It might be their time and not mine yet. Still, hoping is what matters most. I know that time will come when I could be lucky just like them too. Lucky in everything – personal life, career, and who knows even having someone whom would care enough for me till the end. The one whom I could call as “mine” and whom would stay by my side. Who knows that person is just around.

But the merriment must go on. And this is the time for each and everyone to add another memory in their book of journey in this beautiful place called Earth.

Work E-mail Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 06:17:00 +0000

As I was surfing via net, a post in Yahoo News & Opinion category caught my attention. It brings about common work e-mail mistakes that most of us rely on as a form of communication. Neither we’re just at home nor at work, e-mail is indeed a helpful communication that we should make use of properly. Below are some of the worst e-mail mistakes that employees make and how to avoid them.

1. Sending before you mean to. Enter the recipient’s e-mail address only when your e-mail is ready to be sent. This helps reduce the risk of an embarrassing misfire, such as sending an important e-mail to the wrong person or e-mailing a half-written note.
2. Forgetting the attachment. If your e-mail includes an attachment, upload the file to the e-mail before composing it.
3. Expecting an instant response. Don’t send an e-mail and show up at the recipient’s desk 30 seconds later asking if they’ve received it. They did, and they’ll answer at their convenience. That’s the point of e-mail.
4. Forwarding useless e-mails. I’ve never seen a single e-mail forward at work that was beneficial. Whether it’s a silly joke or a heartwarming charity, there’s never a time to share an e-mail forward using your work e-mail.
5. Not reviewing all new messages before replying. When you return to the office after a week or more away, review all new e-mails before firing off responses. It might be hard to accept, but odds are, things did march on without you.
6. Omitting recipients when you “reply all.” Unless there’s an important reason to omit someone, don’t arbitrarily leave people off the response if they were included on the original message.
7. Including your e-mail signature again and again. Nor do you need to include it at the end of an e-mail you send to your long-time co-worker who sits six feet away. If you have your e-mail program set to automatically generate a signature with each new message, take a second to delete it when communicating with someone who knows who you are.
8. Composing the note too quickly. Don’t be careless; write every e-mail as if it will be read at Saint Peter’s Square during the blessing of a new Pope.
9. Violating your company’s e-mail policy. Many companies have aggressive spam filters in place that monitor “blue” language. From that famous four-letter word to simple terms, such as “job search,” don’t end up tripping the system by letting your guard down.
10. Failing to include basic greetings. Simple pleasantries do the trick. Say “hi” at the start of the message and “thanks” at the end.
11. E-mailing when you’re angry. Don’t do it. Ever. Recall buttons are far from a perfect science, and sending a business e-mail tainted by emotion is often a catastrophic mistake.
12. Underestimating the importance of the subject line. The subject line is your headline. Make it interesting, and you’ll increase the odds of getting the recipient’s attention. Our inboxes are cluttered; you need to be creative and direct to help the recipient cut through the noise.
13. Using incorrect subject lines. Change the subject line if you’re changing the topic of conversation.
14. Sending the wrong attachment. If you double-check an attachment immediately before sending and decide that you need to make changes, don’t forget to update the source file.
15. Not putting an e-mail in context. Even if you were talking to someone an hour ago about something, remind them in the e-mail why you’re writing.
16. Using BCC too often. Use BCC (blind carbon copy) sparingly. Even though it’s supposed to be a secret, it rarely is. Burn someone once, and they’ll never trust you again. Likewise, forwarding e-mail is a great way to destroy your credibility.
17. Relying too much on e-mail. News flash! No one is sitting around staring at their inbox waiting for your e-mail. If something is urgent, use another means of communication.
18. Hitting “reply all” unintentionally. This is a biggie. And it’s not just embarrassing; depending on what you wrote in that e-mail, it can ruin your relationship with a co-worker or even your boss.

Reasonably appealing and surely it will serve as a guide for each one of us in order to avoid the e-mail mistakes.

10 Ways to look younger on a budget

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:32:00 +0000

Just because the economy is unpredictable, it doesn’t mean you need to forgo any part of your beauty routine (let’s face it—when you look good, you feel good, period). The trick is to make no- or low-cost moves that deliver maximum impact. From hiding dark circles to boosting hair's shine, here are experts' top tips for trimming costs—and a few years, to boot!

1. Pump Up Hair's Volume

Switch to mousse

It costs the same as other styling products, but because it contains resins that lightly coat strands to add thickness and lift hair at the root, mousse delivers far more oomph, says Renee Cohen, senior stylist at Serge Normant at the John Frieda Salon in New York City.

Dry hair upside down

To build volume when you blow-dry, work a palm full of mousse from your roots through to the ends, then flip your head over and dry your hair away from the scalp. "Hair should be barely damp before you flip it back up and style it," she says.

Brush in fullness

Using a round brush to style hair builds in more volume. Pick a medium brush (for longer hair) or small (for shorter)—the full circle of bristles will give roots a lift as you blow-dry, brushing in the opposite direction the hair is going to lie. Hook the brush under a 2-inch section of hair at the root, and lift as you roll it through to the ends, all the while following the brush with the dryer. Keep the nozzle above your brush and pointed down to increase shine.

Save money with DIY haircolor

2. Restore Your Locks' Luster

Give yourself a weekly hot-oil treatment

Save a bundle by substituting jojoba oil (find it in natural food stores for about $10) for pricier hair-repair products. "Jojoba has a fine molecular structure that allows it to enter and fill the hair shaft, making it a perfect choice for conditioning," says Paul Labrecque, owner of the New York City–based Paul Labrecque Salon. Spread the oil liberally through dry hair, put on a plastic shower cap, then cover with a hot towel for 30 minutes. Wash it out thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and trap added moisture. "When the hair shaft is infused with oil, the cuticle lies flatter, so your hair looks smoother and shinier," he explains.

Keep a cool head

Heat opens hair's protective outer layer, damaging strands and creating frizz. "Frequently cooling the hair while styling helps keep your cuticle flat," says Labrecque. If your dryer has a cool-shot button, use it to deliver a blast of cold air after drying each individual section. (This also helps lock in your new style.) If it doesn't, he suggests holding your style in place with your brush for about 30 seconds to let hair cool off.

3. Reduce Redness

Get milk

Soak a clean washcloth in cold milk and place it over your face for 10 minutes. "Milk contains proteins, fat, amino acids, and vitamin A—all of which reduce redness and calm irritated skin," says David Bank, MD, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, NY. Bonus: The lactic acid in milk exfoliates, so skin looks soft and glowing.

5 rules for your best skin ever

4. Banish Brown Spots

Camouflage with care

First, dab concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation onto the spot. Use a concealer brush—it'll give more precise coverage than your finger. Follow with a dot of foundation that exactly matches your skin tone. "The concealer lightens the spot, and the foundation helps blend it seamlessly," says New York City–based makeup artist Jessica Liebeskind.

5. Get a Healthy Glow

Replace your makeup wisely

"Switching from powder formulas to creamier ones gives your skin a soft reflective sheen," says Kimara Ahnert, a makeup artist in New York City. Cheeks tend to be drier than your T-zone, so as soon as you use up your powder blush, buy a light liquid or cream formula that imparts a youthful glow instead of leaving skin dull and matte.

4 steps to perfect face powder

6. Plump Thin Lips

Think pink

"Dark or bright colors call attention to the size of your lips, emphasizing thinness and fine lines around your mouth," says Liebeskind. Instead, choose a lipstick that mimics the color of your lips when you were younger.

Define your lips

After applying lipstick, line just at the outer edge of the natural border of your mouth with a pencil in a shade that exactly matches your lipstick. Don't try to draw on a bigger pout—it'll only look fake.

7. Brighten Your Smile

Mix your own whitener

Brushing with a paste made of baking soda and water a few times a month removes superficial staining and whitens teeth by a shade or two. "The graininess neutralizes stains and polishes teeth but isn't abrasive enough to wear down your enamel," says Jennifer Jablow, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City.

Keep teeth whiter, longer

To sidestep stains when drinking red wine, chase your vino with a handful of crunchy raw vegetables. "They have a brushing action that can rub away newly setting stains," says Jablow.

Choose the right lipstick shade

"Colors with blue undertones make teeth appear brighter," explains Liebeskind. To figure out which of your lipsticks fit the bill, she recommends lining up three or four shades—in comparison to each other, it will be more obvious which are blue-based and which have yellow or gold undertones that bring out the yellow in teeth.

Surprising habits that protect and beautify your teeth

8. Minimize Undereye Circles

Be generous with your concealer

"The biggest mistake women make is using too little concealer," says Liebeskind. Start by putting on eye cream—concealer can settle into fine lines of all skin types, especially drier complexions. Then apply a generous layer of concealer from the inner corner of the eye around to the outer corner with a concealer brush. Pat and press the product into the skin to blend. If there's still any darkness visible, apply a second layer. Set the concealer with a dusting of face powder that matches your foundation.

Caffeinate your eyes

Tea bags can perk up tired-looking eyes. "The caffeine helps shrink the underlying dark blood vessels and forces out some of the liquid that creates puffiness," explains Ava Shamban, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. Soak tea bags in hot water for a minute before plunging them into ice water for a few seconds. Lie down and apply them directly to your eyes for 15 minutes.

9. Smooth Imperfections

Keep makeup outside the lines

To be sure there's no excess makeup to settle into—and emphasize—the fine lines around your eyes and mouth, Ahnert suggests using a dry makeup sponge to gently smooth and blend makeup after applying it. Don't wipe, though, or you'll rub it off.

The truth about instant wrinkle smoothers and fillers

10. Give Eyes a Lift

Curl lashes correctly

When lashes are clean and dry (wet ones won't hold a curl), position the curler at the root of lashes and give three firm, gentle pumps. Release and repeat. "Holding it steady doesn't create a natural-looking, fluid curl," says Liebeskind.

Create a long-lasting curl

Heat your curler with your blow-dryer for 15 seconds first. "The warmth holds the bend better," says NYC-based makeup artist Mally Roncal.

More Ways to Look and Feel Good from Prevention

4 Look-Younger Hair Cuts

6 Easy-to-Use Sunscreens

13 Products Docs Say Are Worth It

Multitasking Make-Up That Does More

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/10-ways-to-look-younger-on-a-budget-1126895/

World's Billionaires 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:14:00 +0000

For this year, the world has a new richest man and it is no other than Carlos Slim Helu. His fortune swelled to an estimated $53.5 billion up $18.5 billion in 12 months. He is now ahead of Bill Gates, Microsoft (MSFT) cofounder.

If you want to know more about the top 20 billionaires in the world for this year (2010) read it here: http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/109029/worlds-billionaires-2010

Hold On

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:48:00 +0000

Until now, things are not the same anymore. Everything changes - for the worst or for the better? I can't help but ask myself why? Queries linger on my mind. Until when do I'm into this stage of life?. But who knows, someone knows the answer. I got a 'thinking it through' task for this day...WHAT (or WHO) am I looking to for happiness? Is this wise? Or do I need to make some changes? How may I be content? This questions are now part of my mind...seeking for answers which I don't know where to look for. Thinking it through as what these implies, I really don't know.

I need to continue holding on, holding on to life's promises. Even though life is full of pain and things happen unexpectedly. Yes, things do happen unexpectedly. You don't know until when you're gonna be happy. Just like our mood - happy, gloomy, sad, angry. Different feelings which are to express what we feel inside. Life thus, is complicated. I guess.?. It may be simple yet complicated. Living in this world doesn't implies that for the rest of your lives you will be happy. Somehow, when you're in a state of happiness, loneliness creeps into your life changing whatever happy moments you've got into sad one.

Just as the song goes:

I've been there a thousand times,
I've felt the rain like a thousand knives.
And it hurts,
I know it hurts!
I've been there like a fighter plane,
Tryin' fly my way through a hurricane.
And it's hard,
I know it's hard!

Don't be afraid,
You'll make it through,
Just call out to me and I'll come running to you!

Hold on, hold on!
When the current pulls you under,
And your heart beats like thunder.
Just give me your hand,
And hold on, hold on!
Until the storm is over,
And I'll be fighting for you.
Just give me your hand and,
Hold on!

I'll give you hope, I'll give you faith!
And if it's dark, I'll light the way,
For you, for you!
By your side, until the end,
Until you're standing tall again!
I'm here, I'll always be here.
And if the tide, sweeps you out to sea,
When your strength is gone, and it's hard to believe!

Hold on, hold on!
When the current pulls you under,
And your heart beats like thunder!
Just give me your hand,
And hold on, hold on!
Until the storm is over.
And I'll be fighting for you,
Just give me your hand!

Ooooo so...
Hold on, hold on!
When the current pulls you under,
And your heart beats like thunder!
Just give me your hand.
And hold on, hold on!
Until the storm is over,
And I'll be fighting for you!
Just give me your hand,
And hold on, hold on!

When life gets tough, we just need to hold on. Hold onto the very end. Somehow, life promises a better one. Be positive that's all I can say. The right time will come when we are happy. Who knows I will be happy too.

Feather Dancing Kittens

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:32:00 +0000

I would like to share this funny video I've seen while browsing over the net...it's really kinda cute - the kittens, of course. Especially the small one. I mean the 4th kitten over the last place...hahaha...
Just try clicking this feather dancing kittens to see the funny movie I'm telling you all about.

Enjoy!!!

'Avatar' says farewell at No. 1

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:16:00 +0000

----Hey guys, for the love of avatar movie & for those whom are the fans of this amazing one..it is a sad state though that it is now saying farewell at No.1 spot. Well, don't worry surely this movie inspires everyone - kids, couples & even families out there. So, hope the movie director would create another movie like this...I just hope there would be a continuation of this movie - Part 2 of course...;)---->

Hanging on for what will be its farewell round atop of the foreign circuit, 20th Century Fox's "Avatar" on the weekend made it 11 straight stanzas in the No. 1 spot by grossing $36.1 million from 6,535 screens in 70 markets.

Total foreign take by director James Cameron's 3D blockbuster now stands at $1.844 billion -- thus surpassing the $1.843-billion worldwide boxoffice total rolled up by the director's 1997 former record holder, "Titanic." "Avatar's" worldwide cume is $2.550 billion. To date, its foreign gross is more than two-and-a-half times its domestic cume of $707 million.

The biggest "Avatar" market on the weekend was Japan, where the weekend take was $4 million from 514 locations for a Japan cume of $140 million. Top market overall remains France where the Cameron epic has grossed a total of $169 million thus far.

"Avatar's " foreign reign will be usurped by the opening this week of Disney's "Alice in Wonderland," director Tim Burton's 3D re-imagining of Lewis Carroll's classic, starring Johnny Depp, in 41 foreign markets representing about 60% of the total offshore marketplace.

Italy and Sweden kick off on Wednesday, followed by openings in 26 additional territories on Thursday including Australia, German-speaking Europe, Korea and Russia. On Friday, "Alice" will set down in 13 more markets including Mexico, Poland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Handled overseas by Paramount in all markets except Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Russia, director Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island" grossed $19 million from 20 territories on the weekend for an early foreign cume of $34 million. It is tied for the No. 2 spot on the weekend.

France led the way with No. 1 bow of $6.8 million from 522 venues, making "Shutter Island's" opening surge the biggest ever in the market for a Scorsese title. No. 1 openings were also recorded in Belgium, Portugal and Taiwan, plus a No. 1 second-weekend holdover in Spain. In Germany, the drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio about a prisoner disappearance at a remote insane asylum opened No. 2 via Concorde with $3.7 million drawn from 472 screens.

Also grossing $19 million on the weekend -- and also tied for No. 2 -- was Fox's adventure fantasy "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief," which played 6,350 screens in 65 territories for a foreign cume to date of $95.4 million. Japan led the way with a No. 2 opening with $4.1 million secured from 561 locations.

Garnering $3.4 million in its Russia opening at 440 screens was Universal's classic horror update "The Wolfman," which grabbed an estimated $10.8 million overall on the weekend from 5,302 venues in 57 territories. Foreign cume for the Benicio Del Toro-Anthony Hopkins-Emily Blunt vehicle stands at $63.3 million with five more markets to play including Japan on April 22. It ranks No. 3 on the weekend.

A close No. 4 is Warner Bros. romantic comedy "Valentine's Day," which seduced an estimated $10.4 million from about 4,400 screens in 58 markets. International cume stands at $87.4 million.

Finishing fifth was Disney's "The Princess and the Frog," which grossed $7.7 million from 3,203 screens in 36 territories for a foreign cume to date of $143 million. In France the hand-drawn animation title wound the weekend No. 2 with $2.7 million drawn from 700 locations for a France cume of $27 million.

Buoyed by openings in a dozen markets including Spain and Korea, DreamWorks/Paramount's "The Lovely Bones" garnered $6.3 million on the weekend from a total of 3,328 screens in 34 territories. Foreign cume to date is $35 million. Director Peter Jackson's fantasy thriller finished No. 3 in its second U.K. weekend with $1.9 million generated from 428 sites for a market cume of $6 million.

Warner's "Sherlock Homes" upped its foreign cume to $273.7 million thanks to a $5.8 million weekend at 3,000 sites in 42 markets. Same distributor's "Invictus" from director Clint Eastwood drew $5.6 million from 2,600 screens in 34 markets for a foreign cume to date of $71.1 million.

"The Blind Side," the surprise hit drama starring Oscar nominee Sandra Bullock as a mentor to a football payer, finally arrived overseas at 319 screens in six markets for a weekend take of $3 million. (Foreign cume stands at $3.8 million.) A No. 1 Australia bow generated $2.5 million from 221 sites.

Paramount's "The Crazies," a remake of director George Romero's 1973 horror cult favorite, premiered No. 2 in the U.K. by generating $1.9 million from 345 sites. Opening No. 18 in the U.K. was Sony's release of the CBS Films co-production, "Extraordinary Measures," a medical drama with Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser. Premier weekend came up with $215,000 from 258 screens.

"It's Complicated," Universal's romantic comedy starring Meryl Streep, pushed its foreign cume within earshot of the $100-million mark ($90.2 million) thanks to a $3.6 million weekend at 1,600 screens in 41 territories. A No. 3 Brazil opening generated an estimated $1 million from 168 sites.

Sony's durable family-oriented title, "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," which has been playing the foreign circuit since Sept. 16, drew another $2.6 million on the weekend from 1,350 screens in 20 markets for an overseas cume of $112.5 million.

Also coming in with a $2.6 million weekend from 1,682 situations in 52 markets was director Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney, which has grossed a total of $68.5 million thus far overseas.

Opening No. 1 in Italy was Filmauro's "Genitori & Figli: Agitare bene prima dell'uso," director Giovannie Veronesi's comedy about generational frictions between parents and offspring. Debut stanza at 397 spots produced an estimated $2.2 million, putting it solidly ahead of Warner's "Invictus" and Fox's "Avatar," the market's respective No. 2 and No. 3 titles.

A local-language newcomer in France was EuropaCorp. Distribution's "Coursier" ("Motorcycle Courier"), director Herve Renoh's comedy about a hard-pressed deliveryman and his girlfriend. Opener at 250 screens generated an estimated $1.1 million and a No. 9 ranking. Third in the market in its second round was "Le Mac" ("The Pimp"), a comedy from director Pascal Bourdiaux, which drew an estimated $2.6 million from 465 locations for a France-only cume of $7.5 million.

Other international cumes: Fox's "My Name Is Khan," $29 million; Focus Features/Universal's "A Serious Man," $19 million; Sony's "Did You Hear About the Morgans?," $48.8 million; Fox's "Hot Summer Days," $16.3 million; Lionsgate's "Brothers," estimated $9.4 million; Universal's "Couples Retreat," $61.2 million; Lionsgate's "The Spy Next Door," estimated $13.7; Fox's "Fantastic Mr. Fox," $22.8 million; Showbox's "The Secret Reunion," estimated $25 million in South Korea only ; Sony's "Friendship!," $14.5 million in Germany and Austria only; Lionsgate's "Daybreakers," estimated $11.7 million; and Fox's "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," $219 million.

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/usmovies.thehollywoodreporter.com/avatar-says-farewell-no-1

10 Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:58:00 +0000

Hey fellas! Guess what, I find this write up interesting...and take note it would be helpful especially for those whom have difficulties in saving money...so enjoy & hope some (not all, of course) of these tips will help to trick yourself into saving and be financially fit...

Follow These Tips to Spend Less and Pocket the Money You Save

If cheap is chic, then saving is suddenly sexy. America Saves Week (February 21-28) takes on new meaning when the U.S. savings rate, which had dipped into negative territory, headed up to 4.6% last year. The savings rate could climb as high as 6.5%, according to Allianz Group Economic Research.

You know you're on to something when investing icons such as Burton Malkiel and Charles Ellis jump on the bandwagon. Malkiel and Ellis are authors of a nifty little book called The Elements of Investing. The book is just 154 pages long, including glossary, and its investing advice can be summed up in four words: "Keep it simple, sweetheart," a strategy I wholeheartedly endorse.

But, say Malkiel and Ellis, "it all starts with saving." Who would have imagined that this legendary Wall Street duo would be advising readers to buy next year's Christmas cards on December 26 or rent a movie instead of going out? People at all income levels tell me that they have trouble putting money aside because they're living paycheck to paycheck. But I'm convinced that saving is a classic case of mind over money. Here are ten surefire ways to trick yourself into spending less and saving more:

1. Know your plastic personality. Disciplined credit-card holders can earn rewards points by using their cards for all their purchases and paying the bills in full each month. Consumers with less self-control may want to use debit cards to make sure that they don't spend more than they have. In either case, your monthly statement provides a handy record of areas where you're leaking cash.

2. Don't trust yourself to pay yourself first. Instead, have someone else do it for you. Sign up for your employer's retirement plan. Set up an automatic deposit with your bank to seed your emergency fund. Even Uncle Sam will jump-start your retirement savings by automatically depositing your tax refund in an IRA. And you'll never miss money you don't see.

3. Do what my son Peter does: Deposit your paycheck and other money to your savings account instead of checking. You're much less likely to spend the money if you have to transfer it from savings. "That really hurts," says Peter.

4. Instead of hitting the cash-back button for $35 every time you go to the drugstore or supermarket, limit yourself to one ATM withdrawal per week and make your money last.

5. When you make a credit-card purchase, record it immediately in your checking-account register. You won't be surprised when the credit-card bill arrives, and you will have enough money to pay it in full.

6. When you subtract a check from your account, round up the amount to the next dollar. That way, you'll always have a slush fund. Your bank may even do this for you. Sounds like small potatoes, but even if it's only $100 every couple of months, that's still money in the bank.

7. Toss your spare change into a fun savings bank or glass jar -- anything that will catch your eye and your quarters. I know one person who accumulates $900 to $1,000 a year this way and uses the money to buy holiday gifts.

8. Bag the savings from brown-bag lunches. Each time you bring your lunch to work or pass up the temptation to buy a latte, take the money you would have spent and put it in your cash jar. It's an immediate reward for your self-discipline.

9. Pay yourself after you've paid off a debt. Once you finish paying off a loan or credit-card balance, keep writing the check but send it directly to a savings or investment account.

10. Can't decide between two items in a store? Give yourself a cooling-off period. Chances are you won't go back.

Remember, if money is power, then saving money is empowering. It gives you financial security and the freedom to make choices. Every once in a while I tap my own slush fund to send my three grown children checks to treat themselves to dinner. They appreciate the gesture and I have fun making it.

http://customsites.yahoo.com/financiallyfit/finance/article-108899-4254-1-10-ways-to-trick-yourself-into-saving?ywaad=ad0035

Superfoods for Incredible Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:37:00 +0000

I’m convinced that if I could bottle the feeling of a good-hair day, its success would rival that of the iPhone. Call me superficial, but when my hair is smooth, shiny and full, I tend to feel a wee bit better about, well, everything. Unfortunately, I’m all thumbs with the blow-dryer, and my rush to walk the dog, work out and get to the office leaves me little time to play around with the latest styling products. So I was thrilled to learn that I can make my hair look better on a daily basis simply by eating certain foods. Feast for better hair? Even I, styling challenged though I am, can handle that! For more bounce, strength and shine, I’ve been mindful to have my fill of the key nutrients below. Put them on your plate, too, for heavenly hair, and a healthy body, too!

Iron
Iron helps bolster hair growth. Find it in meat, shellfish, fortified grains and leafy greens.

Protein
Protein is the building block of every strand, but it can be high in fat. To keep your saturated fat intake low, opt for lean cuts of meat, mix light meat with dark, or choose seafood.

Biotin, B6 and B12
Biotin, B6 and B12 promote new growth within the follicles. Good sources include whole-grain breads, oatmeal, skim milk, lowfat cheese, eggs, salmon, nuts and nut butters.

Zinc
Zinc strengthens natural oils that coat the hair shaft, creating shine. Feast on meat, nuts, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and yogurt.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps promote cell renewal in the scalp. Get your fill in the form of brightly colored fruits and veggies. Strawberries and kiwis are surprising super sources, as are raspberries, mangoes, oranges and red bell peppers.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also a hair helper; look for it in apples, apricots and sweet potatoes.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in herbs, dark chocolate and fresh berries promote a healthy scalp by sparking cell turnover.

Want easy ways to weave these superfoods into your diet? Follow this sample menu by Lona Sandon, R.D., a spokeswoman in Dallas for the American Dietetic Association.

Breakfast:
Make your first meal rich in biotin and protein, hair’s primary components.
• Option 1: Whole-grain tortilla [BIOTIN] with 1 slice lowfat cheese [BIOTIN]; 2 scrambled eggs [BIOTIN]; 3 slices mango
• Option 2: 1 cup oatmeal [BIOTIN] with skim milk [BIOTIN] and a small handful of walnuts [BIOTIN] and dried apricots; 1/2 grapefruit

Lunch:
Munch on foods containing growth-promoting iron midday.
• Option 1: 3 oz roast beef [IRON] or turkey [IRON] on whole-wheat toast [IRON] with 1 slice lowfat cheese and 1/2 avocado (instead of mayo)
• Option 2: 3 oz grilled chicken breast; small baked sweet potato; salad of 4 cups romaine [IRON], 1/2 cup each red bell pepper and chickpeas; 1 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice to taste

Snack:
Antioxidant-rich bites between meals make for a healthy scalp.
• Option 1: 1/2 cup unsalted edamame [ANTIOXIDANTS] sprinkled with chili powder
• Option 2: 1 oz dark chocolate [ANTIOXIDANTS]; 1/2 cup raspberries [ANTIOXIDANTS AND BIOTIN]

Dinner:
Protein for your final meal boosts hair and your energy levels.
• Option 1: 2 1/2 cups veggie chili consisting of 1/2 cup each red kidney beans [PROTEIN], carrots, potato, peas [PROTEIN] and tomatoes
• Option 2: 6 oz grilled wild salmon [PROTEIN AND BIOTIN] or steak [PROTEIN]; a salad of 4 cups spinach, 1/2 cup orange slices, 1 oz goat cheese, a handful each of pumpkin seeds and raisins; 1 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice to taste

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/15872/superfoods-for-incredible-hair/

The Emptiness Within Me

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:22:00 +0000

In doubt...thinking...memories...that's all I'm into right now while I'm putting into words all that is on my mind at this very moment. I'm back here again at the office from treating myself - a movie. What is that movie that I did watch? Well, it's no other than the so called NINJA ASSASSIN (did I spelled the word "assassin" right?). Correct me if I'm wrong okay...haha...Well, there's not much for me to do than to treat myself all alone. It's my break from work actually and there's not much to do than to stay all day at the boarding house - sleeping, eating, sitting, etc. my life is purely like a routine right now. I don't know if what I'm really up to. It's not like before...things did really changed. I really don't have any clue at all. I have no one to share what's bothering into me right now. I'm all alone. Yes, all alone. I'm far from my mom, cousins. But I still do have my brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, my brothers and sisters. But they too are far from me to reach up to. I'm lucky though, for I got to know them but still right now there's still something missing into my life. Something really missing.

Have you ever come to the point that you feel there's something missing within you? There's what you call as an 'emptiness' within yourself. That somehow, something or maybe someone is missing in your life. Yes, someone maybe is missing in my life right now. I never felt so empty like this before. It's like you're in a room and all you can see is the four corners of the wall. Nothing more, nothing else. Is what am I into a sort of sentiments? Am I too sentimental??? Well, I guess so and I guess not at all.

I want to be happy...but I really don't know where, when, and how would I be happy. There's bounty blessings coming into my life but then still not enough for me to feel the happiness that I'm longing for. I wish there's someone whom could ease the emptiness within me. I longed for someone to care for me - someone whom would fight until the very end. Life is a matter of choice as other people can define. But did I really ever make the right choice - being the person I am right now???

I am strong. Yes, strong on the outside but weak on the inside. The reason why I am into doubt at this very moment is maybe after what happened to me last year. I was in great happiness thinking that I really did found the right person whom I can share my whole life with. My life focuses on that person alone and yes, things are on the right track. We are meant to be, I can say. We are indeed the right match. Plans are already made. The only thing needs to be done is the accomplishment of that plan. But...life is full of twist and turns. You might be happy today but tomorrow you are not. To make it short - that someone is out of my life anymore. I don't know if there would ever be a time that still we are meant to be. And now, the emptiness is getting much more worst than before. The feeling is too strong for me to resist. Some say "moved on", "that someone isn't worth it!", "he's not worth of your love", "forget it", "you can find other better than him for sure", etc. Yes, easy to say but know what it's really hard to do. How I wish it's like just a piece of cake wherein after you chew it, goes on to your stomach and then out of your body. But it isn't...isn't that easy at all.

Until when would I be on this state of mind? Until when would I feel the emptiness that you know that person is the only one whom could fill the gap to. I need to be strong...yes, for other people. But to tell you honestly, it might forever be this way. God knows what I am into. God can see into me the emptiness I'm feeling right now. I just hope that sooner or later God will answer my prayers. Somehow I just really hope that God can release me from the emptiness that I'm into.....

Moving On Again....

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Moving on again...
Why do people tend to fall in love and end up crying? Aren't they lucky enough to find that special someone whom they can share their ups and downs for the rest of their lives? Could anyone tell how many percent (%) does people fall in love and get hurt in the end?..
It's hard when you thought that you've finally found someone whom you can depend on but in the end, that person isn't really worth it of your love. Loving someone for the sake of one's happiness isn't enough though, even if you ended up trying your best to make the relationship lasts long. Yes, again and again, moving on is not enough. It will took days, weeks, months and even years before we can say we totally have moved on. We can be strong in front of other people showing that we did let go of the past, but deep inside we know that it isn't the real feeling we have.
Life without that someone isn't complete. There are instances wherein you want to be all alone, lock yourself up to your room and even don't want to go out of your house. There are times wherein you don't want to mingle with others especially when you find them all happy telling you stories about their man. You can't help but cry until you feel there's no more tears to fall down. You can't help but to look pathetic and helpless. Don't want to eat nor dress up yourself. This are just the things you really end up yourself when you are hurt.
But then...
Moving on again and again is the only way you can set yourself free from pain..free from the burden inside. Just think of the happy thoughts (memories) that you've got when you're still on the first stage - not even knowing that someone yet. It isn't easy at all but then you can try. Letting go and willing to accept the fact that he's not meant for you anymore will make you feel at ease. Just believe that everything happens for a reason. This might not be the love story for you but God knows if you're ready for commitment He will surely give you the right man at the right circumstances. And you can have your love story that is far from what you've imagined.
Let God take control of you. Prayer is the thing you can do to ease the pain. Lay it all to Him for He knows what's best for you. Just go on, pursue your dreams. Who knows if both of you really meant to be - time will lead him back to you...time will lead him back to me...

Jesus Our Discipler Church 4th Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:40:00 +0000

Last Sunday (November 08, 2009) was our 4th Church Anniversary. I can't believe it, I made it to the anniversary...hehehe...but of course, I have fun out there. You can truly feel the presence of our Lord and you can really say that "I AM TRULY BLESSED".

People do really have different beliefs and opinions when it comes to religion. But for me it is simply believing in ONLY ONE. And you know who's that ONLY ONE I'm referring to. Please do not mistaken this post as to offend you. This is to only share to others what we did in our 4th church anniversary.

So, enjoy and I hope you too feel something within you - the so called 'longing'.

Evaluation Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:54:00 +0000

This is our EVALUATION Day at work. Of course, my evaluation day too. Members are being evaluated by our Senior Team Leader and Me - by my Members. This is to know if we are capable of being promoted for a higher position or not. This means too an appropriate of benefits being garnered by the members. Well, good luck for all of us and hope there would be a good news for everybody.

Saying Goodbye Again...

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:55:00 +0000

It was a rainy Saturday night. The night I would never forget. Rain is pouring down and so my heart is aching. It is hard to say goodbye to the one you whom you've learned to love. There was pain in my heart at that time that I want to break down. All I could do is cry and cry until no more tears came out from my eyes. It leaves me breathless in the midst of a rainy night. Yes, a rainy night that I would never ever forget. But what must I do? I could no longer bring him back to my life. He did want to go and so I let him go. Even if it will surely torn my whole life down.
But one thing I would never regret - the day I've given him my heart. The love and the trust I've given him is all that matters. Seeing him happy is what I want for him to be. Even deep down inside me it is like bushes of thorns meddling my heart. How I wish I could turn back the time - time wherein he has still captures my heart. It was the most happiest day of our lives, wherein we share the ups and downs of our relationship. But what must I do if he wants me no more. I can't blame him anymore. And I want to tell him this:
Thank you for the memories you've given me. The happiness and sadness we both shared through the years. I know I can never bring you back but still I'm longing for that single time to be with you for the last time. Even if it is a one rainy night. Just give me that one rainy night to be with you and tell you how much I really love you and how much I'm gonna miss you for the rest of my life.
One rainy night - hoping to be with you and say "I love you, GOODBYE"...

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:41:00 +0000

As I was browsing along my facebook account, I came up to one of the post done by a group called 'Definitely Filipino'. It was about the petition to oust Willie Revillame. It stated there

"To Whom It May Concern:
I am an avid viewer of ABS CBN and I am very well up-to-date regarding their shows. Without any doubt, I am a Kapamilya. However, last August 03, 2009, an incident happened when Wowowee Host Willie Revillame blurted out comments when a video of Pres. Cory's cortege appeared on the screen.

While a contestant was dancing for the talent portion, a snippet of Pres. Cory Aquino's cortege was shown on the screen. But Willie did not cut short the dancing portion. Instead, he let the contestant finish her routine. After that, he blurted out comments regarding the video of Pre. Cory's cortege. He said:

"Kung ganyan, pakita na lang natin 'yan. Kasi nagsasaya kami dito, tapos... Masakit sa akin 'yan, e. Nagsasalita ako dito... 'yan, please. Sana maintindihan n'yo. Nagsasaya kami dito, papakita n'yo sa amin yun ang... di ba? Hindi tama, e. Okey? Hindi ba?"

"Pangit! Hindi ho maganda sa atin. Nagsasalita, ipinapakita yung kabaong ni Tita Cory, hindi ba? Papano kami makapagsasaya, nahihirapan kami? I'm sorry ho, ha. Pero ako, totoo ako, e. 'Wag n'yo akong pagagalitan, kasi totoo ang gusto kong malaman...

"Pagkatapos ng show, ipakita n'yo ang gusto n'yong palabas. Kasi itong Wowowee, gusto ko... Hindi ba, at alam din ni Tita Cory 'yan dahil napasaya rin siya ng show na ito na laging masaya dito, ok?"

Some may argue that Willie's intention was good, but I rather find these statements rude and arrogant. Wowowee and Revillame is known by millions of Filipino viewers and the show is even watched across several countries through TFC. To react in such way is downright arrogant and disrespectful to the former President Corzaon Aquino. I know that it was a bad taste for ABS-CBN to show a snippet of the funeral on Wowowee, but it was worst for Revillame to react that way.

Willie have chosen to let the contestant dance instead of cutting short her act and give way to the coverage of the cortege. Willie have chosen to blurt out his rude comments ON-AIR instead of Off-cam. In short, Willie have chosen to have fun instead of giving way to the funeral of Pres. Corazon Aquino. So they'd rather have fun instead of pay our respects to our democracy icon? That was not a good example to our youth today.

Was it really hard for him to be humble and human? I believe that this is not the first time that he aired his views and rather arrogant comments On-air. He embarasses his staff, makes fun of the contestants, and arrogantly act on TV almost everyday. Pres. Aquino taught us humility, and Revillame is showing us the exact opposite: arrogance.

This time, Willie's statement should be condemed not only by the public, but by the management of ABS-CBN as well. It also creates a public outrage in the internet forums, chatting boards, and online-newspapers. Majority have negative reactions and have condemned Willie Revillame's brutal statements.

With this, I am calling the attention of the management of ABS-CBN to stop the â€œarrogant actâ€ of Willie Revillame on National TV program and reprimand him because of his actions. Willie Revillame had been very disrespectful to the Pres. Cory Aquino's cortege, Filipinos icon of democracy. It was also worst for your company that your own employee criticize you on national television instead on off the air conversations.

I am calling the attention of the MTRCB to be more vigilant, so that this lowest form of personal attack by a tv showbiz talk show host, for her/his personal agenda, will not happen again

I am calling the PANA to stop supporting Wowowee until they axe or reprimand Willie Revillame due to his actions. With him as one of the hosts, your product does not project a positive image to the public.

The public and TFC subscribers deserve better programming, and we deserve better than the likes of Willie Revillame. "

Well, for me, I think it is a sort of arrogance after all. We should pay respect especially to a democracy icon. We should take into consideration the feelings of other people. Yes, Wowowee is a noontime show that offers fun and happiness to the viewers, but at this very moment they should consider what is around them. We lost a good leader and in order to show respect to the family who are in dearly mourning state, paying attention to the tribute is indeed a sign of appreciation for them.

Respect and sincerity is needed for a better understanding.

To sign for the petition, read here:http://www.petitiononline.com/badwilly/petition.html

Our THEME DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:23:00 +0000

Last Saturday was our "Black Saturday Mask Parade". Why is it called 'Black Saturday Mask Parade'? It was for the reason that all the morning shifters including me would wear something black. I mean all in black with mask on each and everyone's face. The one with the most beautiful mask outfit would be the winner and the reward would be a free lunch...yummy! The rest would vote for the best and that includes me in the top five (5). Night shifters are different from us (morning shifters). They have their own theme day.

So, here's the CANDIDATES from the Black Saturday Mask Parade Theme Day:

Joy Diaz

Ronalyn Robel

Danilyn Luna

Maria Cristina G. Pinto

Marnellie Gallego

The Trios

a.k.a
Irly Balcueva
Lovely Raña
Miko Perlora

It is fun and everyone really enjoyed the THEME DAY.

So, watch out for the next theme day...what would it be???

Missing You......

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:32:00 +0000

It's already been weeks...three weeks for the taking...that I haven't heard of even a simple 'hi' nor 'hello' from my guy. The last conversation we have was when it was a 'free call', as I can still remember. The 'free call' by SMART network. All you have to do in order to avail for such call is dial a certain number and then that's it. But after that call, here comes the empytiness in me. I am sad, yes of course so sad. He never even bother to know what's happening to me. We are distant apart. Far from each other. I can say miles, miles apart. But long distance affair is not that bad right? I don't have any idea neither a single clue on what's happening to him out there. It makes me lose hope that this relationship would no longer fluorish to the way we want it to be. Relationship without communication is useless. Somehow, I believe in long distance relationship that would last. But how would it last if there's no communication in both side. I really do missed him a lot and how I wish I could make him stay with me. But is it just for a simple wish? Everytime my phone beeps and I found out that it's not from him, I feel so empty inside. I wanna cry. I can no longer bear the emptiness and longingness for him.
Oh bother! Where is he right now? What is he doing? Who is with him? I really don't know the answers. I'm so lonely and in doubt. Can he still remember me? Can he make it up to me? What if for the whole month I don't even get a single message? What would I do?
He's all I ever wanted. I don't know if I can take it if I found out something. I just hope that I am wrong with what I am thinking. Without him is like a thorn in a bush. No one dares to touch it, afraid to get a wound and bleed.
Where are you now? Where?...

How Lucky Could I be?..

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Do you ever find yourself being too lucky each day? Can you be called a 'lucky one' if you know, you want to have it all but you just simply can't have it? Life is a matter of give and take, I guess. But as for a girl like me, I don't know if I'm suited enough to be a part of those whom being called 'lucky one'...

How lucky could I be to have...

a FAMILY and yet broken;
a GUY whom I longed to be mine but never shows he cares;
a WORK but with very little amount I get and always not on time;
FRIENDS to accompany but don't know who are real;
PLANS for the future but turned out to be only a plan and never meant for real;
and CHANCES for survival but never knows the real mission in life.

Is this the real thought of being a 'lucky one'. Well, maybe yes and maybe no. But as time goes by this is what I discover. Real happiness isn't yet here for me but somehow I'm longing for it. Only time can tell if I could be a part of those lucky ones. Somehow, let me find that single fortune in my life that would ever make my whole life complete. As for you, how do you consider yourself a lucky one?

A Special World

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:37:00 +0000

This is a
special world for you and me
A special kind of bond one cannot see
It enfolds us up in its cocoon
And holds us sternly in its womb.

Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it grasps us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.

And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong.

ELISA: A Means of Detection

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:43:00 +0000

ELISA is a medical jargon that is confusing especially to those people who are not medical practitioners. What is the phrase all about? What does it signifies? ELISA is a primary tool of clinical immunology which is used as a preliminary screen for HIV detection. HIV or human immunodeficiency virus causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) which is a disease that makes it difficult for the body to fight off infectious diseases. HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluid of someone who is infected with the virus. Thus, HIV ELISA which is also called as HIV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is the appropriate test to determine if an individual is positive for a selected pathogen. The test is performed in a 8 cm x 12 cm plastic plate which contains an 8 x 12 matrix of 96 wells, each of which are about 1 cm high and 0.7 cm in diameter.

Because ELISA can be performed to weigh up the presence of antigen or even the presence of antibody in a sample, it has also found applications in the food industry in distinguishing potential food allergens such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts, milk, and eggs. Not only that, ELISA can be used in toxicology as a quick presumptive screen for certain classes of drugs.

Because EIA or Enzyme Immunoassay test is used to distinguish and calculate specific antigen-eliciting molecules involved in biological processes, it can be used too on most types of biological samples such as that of plasma, urine, serum and cell extracts. In the assay, a plate is coated with a most important antibody, which recognizes the antigen of the target molecule and bonds with it. The antigen-antibody complex is recognized by a minor antibody that is joined to an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction mixture, deferring a specific color. By measuring the optical density of this color, the occurrence and number of a specific molecule can be determined; the density of color is proportional to the advancement of the reaction or disease being tested.

If an ELISA test is used for drug screening at workplace, a cut-off concentration, 50 ng/mL, is ascertained, and a sample will be prepared which contains the average application of analyte. Unknowns that generate a signal that is stronger than the known sample are "positive". Those that generate weaker signal are "negative”. Also, ELISA test is done for increasing community consciousness of any disease, promoting recognition of its warning signs to seek treatment and further more to provide information with regards to the accessibility of appropriate professional services locally and farther afield.

I AM FREE.!.

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:32:00 +0000

The time has come...
I finally made up my mind...
I have moved on...
the agony & pain is gone...
I'm free!

yes, I AM FREE!!!

Free as the clouds above the sky...
free as a bird soaring up high...
free as the waves on the ocean...
free as the sounds on the hills...
and free as the rain pouring from the sky...
yes, this is it...
I did surpass it...I did overcome it......

but WHY.?.

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:51:00 +0000

i was wondering...
WHY.?.
i did my part...my share...
i did my best...
but in the end i was beaten...
i was a loser...
i exert all the effort...
just to show them that i can...
i CAN do whatever...
i CAN be as competitive as is...
but WHY.?.
haven't they even see my existence...
i was part of it too...
but in the end, WHY did they let it happen to me...
i don't deserve it...
i work hard for it...
sacrificed for it...
put my life into risk...
just for the sake of them...
but WHY.?.
in the end...
all i get was NOTHING.!.
a shame on me, or a shame on them.!.
i trust them...
i was loyal to them...
and somehow, they didn't even appreciate it...
they don't even care...
WHY.?.

If Only You Knew...

noreply@blogger.com (Tin) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:27:00 +0000

If only you knew,
how my heart overflows with love for you.
If only you could see
the way you fill my hopes and dreams.
You're the owner of my heart,
the ruler supreme.
Even in the dark of night,
I've only to think about you
to feel your loving light
and from this world I drift
feeling as if
I'll never touch the ground again...
If only you knew.

If only you could guess
how I hear your voice when others speak;
for you hold the key to my happiness,
and it's always you my soul seeks.
If only you could feel,
how your very presence
has the power to heal,
all the wounds inside me.
You've made me abandon
the pain of yesterday,
and you've shown me
that the past can no longer
stand in the way
of what I hope to achieve...
If only you knew.

If only you could realize
the way you've shown me
that it's better to give
than to take,
and whatever I do,
I do for your sake.
I'm willing to give you my all
and expect nothing in return.
But, oh how I yearn
for you...
if only you knew.