Random Picks

JLo is the World's Most Beautiful Woman

2011-04-15T05:01:00.001-07:00

Actress, singer Jennifer Lopez was named "The Most Beautiful Woman" for the year 2011 by People Magazine last Wednesday.The 41 year old New York-born actress was very visible again when she was given a seat as one of the judges in the top rated talent show "American Idol".
JLo, joined former winners Hale Berry, Jennifer Garner and Beyonce Knowles to top People Magazine's annual lists of the world's most beautiful woman." It's so crazy.Rarely am I speechless, but I feel honored"

the actress told People of their accolade.I feel not worthy, you know?I feel happy and proud.Proud that I am not 25." Married to Marc Anthony a singer himself.She took time off to have her twins in 2008.
This title renew her popularity in which she said "She felt better now than what she had attained in her 20's.Known for her flowerless skin and curvy figure, she attributed looking good to her personal life.
"I have a lot of love in my life and feel lucky to be an attractive person but I've always felt the real beauty always comes from your heart."

Donaire wins bantamweight division

2011-02-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1520592&lang=eng_news&cate_img=1037.jpg&cate_rss=General

Nonito Donaire won the WBO and WBC bantamweight championships Saturday night, stopping Fernando Montiel with a left hook at 2:25 in the second round.

Donaire, a Filipino-American who made his bantamweight debut in December, controlled most of the fight against the Mexican champion. He landed a left hook that briefly stunned Montiel in the first round and came out swinging in the second round, landing a few combinations before knocking Montiel to the canvas with another left hook.

Montiel surprisingly made it back to his feet only to have the referee stop the fight moments later.

"I needed to be strong but it was the speed that was the key. He left himself open and that gave me the advantage," the new champion said. "I was surprised he got up after I landed that flush shot."

Donaire has won 25 consecutive fights, improving his record to 26-1 with 18 knockouts.

"I just came out there believing in what I had," he said. "I want to be undisputed in this weight class, if not I want to go up in weight."

Montiel dropped to 44-3-2 (34 KOs).

"I knew we both had the punching power to knock each other out," he said. "I made the first mistake and I paid for it."

In the co-main event, American Mike Jones remained undefeated with a unanimous decision against Jesus Soto Karass of Mexico in a rematch of their controversial fight last November. Jones pulled off a majority decision in that bout, which many thought could have gone either way.

Jones cut Soto Karass over both eyes in the third round Saturday on his way to a 115-113, 116-112, 117-111 victory.

On the undercard, welterweight prospect Mark Melligen earned a unanimous decision win over Gabriel Martinez and Mickey Bey and Jose Hernandez fought to a majority draw.

Yordenis Ugas and Mike Alvarado also earned victories in the preliminary fights.

7 Deseerts that are healthy and delicious and help fight fats

2011-02-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/7-desserts-fight-fat

What do Darth Vader, King Kong, and an ice cream sundae all have in common? They’re all destructive, havoc-wreaking villains. But if you look deeper, you discover that they all have a good side, as well. Kong may have made a mess of Midtown Manhattan, but his animal rage was driven by his love for Fay Ray. Sure, Lord Vader wanted to destroy the Jedi, but when push came to shove, he put Skywalker first. And, well, the same is true of the ice cream sundae sitting in your dish.

It might have a bit more sugar than your body needs (technically your body doesn’t need any sugar), but ice cream also delivers calcium, which binds to fatty acids in the digestive tract and blocks their absorption. And ½ cup gives you 17 milligrams of choline, which can lower homocysteine. What’s homocysteine? An amino acid that restricts blood flow, and by lowering it, ice cream might actually help diminish your risk of stroke and heart disease. And so it is with dessert: If you can look at your after-dinner treat as an opportunity to add something more than just calories, you’re on your way to a healthier (and more indulgent) diet.

To that end we’ve pulled together America’s best desserts—

the ones that offer something of nutritional substance, avoid the flab-inducing deluge of calories, and short you none on satisfaction.
270 calories
13 g fat (1 g saturated)
24 g sugars

On its own, the Like It Size Tart and Tangy Yogurt has a mere 140 calories, making it the ideal base for a healthy topping of your choice. Fruit works fine, but walnuts usher in fiber and healthy fats, both of which work to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range as you indulge your sweet tooth.

Not That!
Oreo Crème Ice Cream (Like It Size)
440 calories
31 g fat (14 g saturated)
38 g sugars
Best Classic Dessert
Sonic Junior Banana Split
200 calories
6 g fat (4.5 g saturated)
22 g sugars

Whoever decided that banana splits should have three scoops of ice cream obviously wasn’t worried about body fat. So let’s agree right now: The only banana split worth eating is a single-scoop banana split. Thank you, Sonic, for giving us what we want.

Not That!
Banana Cream
Pie Shake (14 oz)
408 calories
29 g fat (20 g saturated)
77 g sugars

Bonus Tip: You know what’s more threatening than dessert? The soda you drink alongside dinner. But maybe you already knew that—check out the 20 Worst Drinks in America for some truly shocking waistline offenders.
Best Dessert Parfait
Ruby Tuesday Berry Good Yogurt Parfait
162 calories
3 g fat
26 g carbohydrates

The parfait is an entirely underutilized dessert. Ideally it should be a little sweeter than a breakfast parfait (this one is), yet still offer significant hits of fresh fruit, protein, and fiber (this one does). Order this in place of Ruby’s Italian Cream Cake and consider yourself 828 calories thinner.

Not That!
Italian Cream Cake
990 calories
56 g fat
108 g carbohydrates

Best Chocolate Bar
Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate Bar, 70% Cocoa (1/3 bar, 30 g)
157 calories
12 g fat (7 g saturated)
8 g sugars

It’s time to swear off milk chocolate. The dark stuff is a far richer source of epicatechin, an antioxidant that helps blood vessels relax, and studies show it migh reduce your odds of developing diabetes. After years of taste-testing dark chocolates, Chocolove’s Strong Dark still wins out—dark enough to corral cocoa’s benefits, yet sweet enough to taste like dessert. Discover more perfect foods like this when you sign up for the Eat This, Not That! newsletter. It's completely free. And if you subscribe today, you'll also receive our most popular download ever: Shop Once, Eat for a Week!

Not That!
Hershey’s Mr. Goodbar (49 g)
250 calories
17 g fat (7 g saturated)
23 g sugars
Best Shake
Wendy’s Jr. Original Chocolate Frosty
150 calories
4 g fat (2.5 g saturated)
22 g sugars

It seems like every year Wendy’s comes out with some new, tricked-out Frosty. There are now Frosty Floats, Frosty Shakes, and Frosty-cinos, and every one is worse than the original Frosty. Stick to the classic, and make it a “junior.” Up-sizing to the small will more than double the calories in your cup. Want to see what other restaurants have transformed your favorite foods into your belly’s worst enemy? Check this out: The Craziest Food Creations of 2010.

Not That!
Oreo Twisted Frosty
440 calories
14 g fat (7 g saturated)
55 g sugars
Best Yogurt
Chobani Strawberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
140 calories
0 g fat
19 g sugars

With other flavored yogurts, “strawberry” amounts to little more than corn sweeteners and red dye, but on Chobani’s ingredient statement, fruit is second only to Greek yogurt—just as it should be. That fills your dessert out with more natural sugar and good stuff like vitamins C and A, which bolster your immune system while mopping up free radicals in your body. (While you're at it, strengthen your heart, fortify your bones, and boost your metabolism with our list of the 40 Foods with Superpowers.)

Not That!
Yoplait Original 99% Fat Free Strawberry
170 calories
1.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
27 g sugars
Best Caffeinated Dessert
P.F. Chang’s Mini Tiramisu
100 calories
11 g fat (5 g saturated)
10 g carbohydrates

Thanks to the arms race of oversized foods currently underway in America’s kitchens, proper dessert portions now come with qualifying terms like “mini.” So be it. Chang’s Tiramisu consists of multiple decadent layers, just enough to hit your sweet tooth and reward a good day of eating. Eat this instead of a slice of New York-Style Cheesecake and you’ll save 820 calories. Make a dessert swap like that three times a week and you’ll shed nearly 3 pounds every month.

Not That!
New York-Style Cheesecake
920 calories
56 g fat (36 g saturated)
92 g carbohydrates

China man eats light bulbs

2011-02-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

Wang Xianjun said he has eaten 15,000 lightbulbs in the span of 42 years.It all began when he accidentally ate fish bones when he was 12 years old and nothing happened.From that time on he started experimenting and eat unusual objects like broken glasses and says its just normal to his stomach, but he have special liking on eating electric lightbulb.

He broke it to small pieces and ate it piece by piece.He took it only at breakfast and says it is like cracklings because it's crispy.It all started with the fish bones and now it became a habit of him...

17 year old Filipina won the title of "Supermodel of the World"

2011-01-25T02:56:00.000-08:00

Danica Flores Magpantay a 17 year old Filipina was announced the winner of the prestigious title, "Supermodel of the World" in New York last Saturday.An international modeling contest established by Eileen Ford in 1980.Danica was followed by representatives from Lithuania, Poland and Estonia.
With the victory Magpantay received a $250,000 modeling contract with Ford models.She is the daughter of the supermodel of the world

Philippines 1990 winner Milagros "Lala" Flores.Danica's two runners up receives contracts of $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.
According to the website Ford Models, Supermodel of the World is the largest and the most prestigious international modeling competition. The contest showcases young fashion model entrants from over 50 countries in order to discover new talents for the fashion industry.
We, Filipinos are definitely proud and happy for Danica... :D :D

Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle (CATWoMAN)

2011-01-22T00:54:00.000-08:00

After Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry, The Princess Diaries star, Hathaway will don the leather suit as the new Catwoman in the Christopher Nolan's Batman film set to be release " The Dark Knight Rises ". She will play Selene Kyle, her public identity in the movie as the enduring love interest of Batman played again by Christian Bale.
Nolan was very thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne, as the new Catwoman.In the movie is Tom Hardy who plays the villain Bane, one of Batman's most famous and formidable adversaries in which he had also work the second time.Also in the film were Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Michael Caine as the ever supportive Alfred.

The director has confirmed that The Dark Knight Rises will conclude his Batman trilogy and his last Batman movie he will ever make.Chritian Bale also indicated that this will be his final performance as Batman.The movie will start filming April 2011.Nolan as director will also co-produce the movie alongside with Emma Thomas and Charles Roven and set to be released July 20, 2012
.

" ANNE HATHAWAY " The New Catwoman....

2011-01-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

The Sinulog Procession amidst the rain,thunder and lightning :)

2011-01-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Last January 15, 2011 we attended the annual Sinulog procession (with my daughter). It was a procession attended by hundreds, even thousands of people right before the Sinulog festival. The statues of St. Joseph, St. Mary of Guadalupe and the centuries old Sto. Niño(child Jesus) were there. It was our first time being there and it was nice amidst the crowd and rain and flood. Many devotees were there to walk the 4.5km route...

I really admire the devotees who still went and walked amidst the raining and flood, and they've been doing this for many years too. Their faith is really strong and I'm glad we were there to witness it and be a part of it. :DThe way back home was really tedious though, the flood was all over the place of colon and it was up to the knee. There was no other way to go but down the dirty waters... But after almost an hour of walking in that, we made it to a jeepney and rode home... :D Pit Senyor to everyone..

It wasn't raining yet when I took this.. :)

DOCTOR WHO LOVERS??

2010-12-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

If you are, you can watch Doctor Who online at http://www.crossingthewhoniverse.com

Victims of the judicial system of the Philippines

2010-12-15T03:55:00.000-08:00

Philippines is on the headlines news again, thanks to our slow-moving, acting in good faith and justice. Dec. 14 was truly a day to remember, when majority of the justices voted for the dismissal of the cases (massacre of the Vizconde family and rape) against the group of Hubert

Webb; stating the lack of evidence to pin the crime to them. Mr. Webb was said to be in the U.S. when the crime was committed ,they even had videos and testimonies from people whom he met in his stay in America to prove it... As they say, bad things come in threes; the accused of the Vizconde massacre were proven not guilty beyond reasonably doubt, the dismissal of the case of Katrina Halili against Hayden Kho (sex video charges), and the giving back of Imelda Marcos' mansion in Leyte(the wife of the ruthless dictator of the Philippines).
In the Vizconde case, both sides are victims of justice delayed and justice denied. What more if the aggrieved party had no money to pursue the case in court- it could have taken forever... What can you say about this? Were the decisions right or wrong?

2010-12-07T20:21:00.001-08:00

The Dash

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what’s true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

Leslie Nielsen of 'Naked Gun' dies at age 84

2010-11-28T23:38:00.000-08:00

SOURCE

Leslie Nielsen, who traded in his dramatic persona for inspired bumbling as a hapless doctor in "Airplane!" and the accident-prone detective Frank Drebin in "The Naked Gun" comedies, died on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 84.

The Canadian-born actor died from complications from pneumonia

at a hospital near his home at 5:34 p.m., surrounded by his wife, Barbaree, and friends, his agent John S. Kelly said in a statement.

"We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in 'The Naked Gun' series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60-year career in motion pictures and television," said Kelly.

Nielsen came to Hollywood in the mid-1950s after performing in 150 live television dramas in New York. With a craggily handsome face, blond hair and 6-foot-2 height, he seemed ideal for a movie leading man.

Nielsen first performed as the king of France in the Paramount operetta "The Vagabond King" with Kathryn Grayson.

The film — he called it "The Vagabond Turkey" — flopped, but MGM signed him to a seven-year contract.

His first film for that studio was auspicious — as the space ship commander in the science fiction classic "Forbidden Planet." He found his best dramatic role as the captain of an overturned ocean liner in the 1972 disaster movie, "The Poseidon Adventure."

He became known as a serious actor, although behind the camera he was a prankster. That was an aspect of his personality never exploited, however, until "Airplane!" was released in 1980 and became a huge hit.

As the doctor aboard a plane in which the pilots, and some of the passengers, become violently ill, Nielsen says they must get to a hospital right away.

"A hospital? What is it?" a flight attendant asks, inquiring about the illness.

"It's a big building with patients, but that's not important right now," Nielsen deadpans.

When he asks a passenger if he can fly the plane, the man replies, "Surely you can't be serious."

Nielsen responds: "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley."

Critics argued he was being cast against type, but Nielsen disagreed.

"I've always been cast against type before," he said, adding comedy was what he'd really always wanted to do.

It was what he would do for most of the rest of his career, appearing in such comedies as "Repossessed" (a takeoff on the demonic possession movies like "The Exorcist") and "Mr. Magoo," in which he played the title role of the good-natured bumbler.

Nielsen did play Debbie Reynolds' sweetheart in the popular "Tammy and the Bachelor," a loanout to Universal, and he became well known to baby boomers for his role as the Revolutionary War fighter Francis Marion in the Disney TV adventure series "The Swamp Fox."

Unhappy with his roles at MGM, he asked to be released from his contract. As a freelancer, he appeared in a series of undistinguished movies.

"I played a lot of leaders, autocratic sorts; perhaps it was my Canadian accent," he reasoned.

Meanwhile, he remained active in television in guest roles. He also starred in his own series, "The New Breed," "The Protectors" and "Bracken's World," but all were short-lived.

Then "Airplane!" captivated audiences and changed everything.

Producers-directors-writers Jim Abrahams, David and Jerry Zucker had hired Robert Stack, Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges and Nielsen to spoof their heroic TV images in a satire of flight-in-jeopardy movies.

After the movie's success, the filmmaking trio cast their newfound comic star as Detective Drebin in a TV series, "Police Squad," which trashed the cliches of "Dragnet" and other cop shows. Despite good reviews, NBC canceled it after only four episodes.

"It didn't belong on TV," Nielsen later commented. "It had the kind of humor you had to pay attention to."

The Zuckers and Abraham converted the series into a feature film, "The Naked Gun," with George Kennedy, O.J. Simpson and Priscilla Presley as Nielsen's co-stars. Its huge success led to sequels "The Naked Gun 2 1/2" and "The Naked Gun 33 1/3."

His later movies included "All I Want for Christmas," "Dracula: Dead and Loving It" and "Spy Hard."

Between films he often turned serious, touring with his one-man show on the life of the great defense lawyer, Clarence Darrow.

Nielsen was born Feb. 11, 1926 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

He grew up 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle at Fort Norman, where his father was an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The parents had three sons, and Nielsen once recalled, "There were 15 people in the village, including five of us. If my father arrested somebody in the winter, he'd have to wait until the thaw to turn him in."

The elder Nielsen was a troubled man who beat his wife and sons, and Leslie longed to escape. As soon as he graduated from high school at 17, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, even though he was legally deaf (he wore hearing aids most of his life.)

After the war, Nielsen worked as a disc jockey at a Calgary radio station, then studied at a Toronto radio school operated by Lorne Greene, who would go on to star on the hit TV series "Bonanza." A scholarship to the Neighborhood Playhouse brought him to New York, where he immersed himself in live television.

Nielsen also was married to: Monica Boyer, 1950-1955; Sandy Ullman, 1958-74; and Brooks Oliver, 1981-85.

Nielsen and his second wife had two daughters, Thea and Maura.

Man CUTS off arm

2010-11-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

There is no force more powerful than the will to live.

Aron Ralston left his home in Aspen, Colorado for an 8 hour, 13 mile adventure in Utah's remote Blue John Canyon... During his hike he dislodged a huge boulder in a slot canyon and it pinned his hand and forearm. After 5 days, having tried every way possible to free himself; he was out of water- then he made a decision that resonated around the world. He cut off the now dead hand and arm just below the elbow, with a dull pocket knife

for an hour, applied a tourniquet and bandage to the stump; then made his way toward the remote trail head...setting up an anchor and rappelling 60 feet along the way. He walked out, and by chance met 2 hikers who assisted him and phoned for help. He walked into the hospital emergency room.
His self rescue was an inspired act of self-preservation...Search and rescue volunteers praised Ralston's ability to keep his head and to do the unthinkable. There's even a movie inspired by his experience. [127 hours he was played by James Franco]

9 Spices for Health, Energy and Longevity!

2010-11-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Maoshing Ni [a health expert]

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/9-spices-health-energy-and-longevity

The colder weather is beckoning us back to our kitchens. Break out the spices to bring warmth, robust flavor, and a bounty of health benefits, including higher energy, increased immunity, and other life-enhancing surprises.

Considered to be dried seeds, fruit, roots or bark, spices have been valued for centuries by ancient cultures for their culinary and medicinal properties. For instance, a traditional Indian beauty trick was to spread turmeric paste on the skin to beautify it and prevent pimples. And Chinese doctors have used ginger since ancient times to cure aches and pains.

Here are some spices that you can start cooking with right away to elevate your longevity and health!

1. Garlic wards off heart disease

In addition to warding off Count Dracula, garlic, the spicy favorite in Italian fare, has been shown to improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, consuming half to one clove of garlic daily may reduce cholesterol by nearly ten percent. Your breath might suffer, but your heart will thank you. As an antibacterial, garlic is often used to treat minor infections.

2. Spotlight on cinnamon

Another ancient spice to recently come under scientific investigation is cinnamon...

In the United States, cinnamon is usually thought of as the delicious spice in apple pie filling, but in other parts of the world, especially India and Asia, cinnamon has been used as a healing herb for centuries. Research is finally catching up to the wisdom of the East; many clinical studies have linked cinnamon consumption to lowered blood sugar. Both in vitro and human studies show improvement in insulin sensitivity with cinnamon polyphenols, as well as improvement in total and LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon is also thought to detoxify the system and stimulate brain function. Its antiseptic properties give it the ability to fight bladder infection, and if taken in the first 48 hours, a cup of strong cinnamon tea might just nip a bladder infection in the bud. Keep in mind that mixed study results make it difficult to prove these benefits on paper -- but it doesn't hurt to sprinkle a teaspoon into your next bowl of oatmeal.

3. Curry for joint health

Are your aching joints not jumping for joy in these autumn days? Try sprinkling some curry on your veggie omelet. Curry, a staple spice combo in Southeast Asian cuisine, contains turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color. The active component in turmeric is called curcumin. If you are a fan of curry, you will be happy to know that this substance is associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-amyloid properties; amyloids are plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue, and are responsible for diseases like Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis. In one randomized control study 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 800 mg per day ibuprofen or 2 grams per day Curcuma domestica extract. Both groups showed improvement in pain on level walking and climbing stairs.

4. Star Anise aids digestion

As the name suggests, star anise is indeed star-shaped. Though it is not actually related to anise, star anise shares a similar licorice flavor, due to its content of anethole. Used to bring out flavor in slow-cooked meat dishes and long-simmered soups, this spice frequently makes an appearance in Indian cuisine and is an ingredient of the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cooking. Star anise has been used in a tea to remedy rheumatism, and the seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to aid digestion.

Special combinations of spices and herbs can bring you a powerful immune zoom; one that includes star anise in the mix is the 5 Elements of Health, which promotes a strong immune function and balances the energies of your whole body.

5. Cardamom improves energy

Found in curries, rice dishes, herbal teas, and breads, cardamom is the spice that gives chai tea its main flavor. In Asia, cardamom has long been valued medicinally for its ability to increase circulation and improve energy. Considered an aphrodisiac in the Middle East, cardamom may also improve digestion, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, and even help improve a bad mood.

6. Clove curbs cramping

A delicious addition to cooked fruit, roasts, sweet vegetable dishes, and teas, clove has been used since ancient times in India to improve digestive function. You may chew on some to alleviate toothaches, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

7. Cumin boosts immunity

An excellent addition to meat curries, stews, vegetables, seafood, and sauces, cumin is thought to boost the immune system and also to improve liver function, reduce flatulence, and aid in digestion.

8. Fennel Seed soothes your intestines

Often used to spice up recipes with meat, beans, or legumes, fennel helps digestion in two ways: It stimulates the production of gastric juices and also soothes the nervous system, regulating the action of the muscles that line the intestine.

9. Ginger: Remedies aches and nausea

A perfect compliment to vegetables, marinades, and sweets, ginger is also delicious in tea. Ginger may help relieve nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness.

A word of warning: always discuss with your physician before treating conditions with spices to avoid any adverse interactions; for example, because garlic and ginger possess natural blood-thinning properties, individuals about to undergo surgery and those taking blood thinners should take extra precaution.

To maintain peak flavor, use spices within six months -- but the spice police won’t come knocking at your door if you keep them longer. They like to hang out in a cool, dark place in your pantry to preserve their oils and prevent loss of pungent flavors.

You can find many more tips about life-lengthening foods in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, now available on Kindle.

I hope you can use spices to make the most of your meals and your health! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy! :D

Annabelle fumes as Heart ends contract By Marinel Cruz

2010-11-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

[Philippine Daily Inquirer]

“She’s an ingrate. She was nothing when I revived her show biz career. Now that she’s earning a lot, she has become conceited,” said a fuming Annabelle Rama of her ward, actress Heart Evangelista.
At a lunch gathering that she hosted on Thursday, Annabelle said she felt hurt and disappointed with Heart and the actress’ mother, Cecile Ongpauco.
Still binding
“I sealed the biggest contract for her with GMA 7; I helped her get the biggest projects, but she still wasn’t satisfied,” the feisty talent manager said. “When her mom got hold of the contract, which was good for three years, naduling yata sa figures. The next day, the mother told me, ‘Ayaw ko nang mag-renew... Can I just manage my daughter’s career? I need the 30-percent (commission)...’”
Annabelle added: “I don’t mind her not renewing the contract, but I hope she’s aware that she is still tied to me for a year. In all my years as a talent manager, I’ve not encountered someone like her. Malalaos din ’yan.”
Annabelle claimed that “Heart was not able to get from her former home station even one-fourth of what I helped her get from GMA 7.”
From ABS-CBN, Heart transferred to GMA 7 on April 23, 2008. Her mom and Annabelle, who acted as co-managers, were with her when she signed an exclusive contract with the Kapuso network.
The actress again signed a two-year deal with GMA 7 on July 15, 2010.
‘Not a superstar’
She added that Heart turned down the chance to join a fashion show titled “Spotlight” on Oct. 28 organized by Royale Artist Management. The event, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig, features all of Annabelle’s talents. “When she found out that she was going on the ramp with other talents, she said no. Kapag may kasama siyang pangit, nandidiri siya. It shouldn’t be that way. She’s not a superstar,” said Annabelle.
Heart reacts
The actress, in her Twitter account @heart021485, posted this response: “I will always be grateful to everyone (who) helped along the way. No need for bad words... Contracts are made to end and not renewing it is something the other party [Annabelle] is not happy (about). (My) GMA (family) has always co-managed my career and there’s nothing wrong with that... ”
In a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment through GMA 7, Cecile stressed that she had always been her daughter’s “main manager.” She also said it is her and Heart’s “decision and prerogative” not to renew the co-management contract with Annabelle.
Cecile added: “We have always been behind Heart’s decisions, projects and career moves even (after) we hired Anabelle Rama (as) co-manager. We do not wish to dignify her wrongful statements toward Heart.”

Edible Clothes: Food as fashion

2010-11-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

taken from: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/food-as-fashion-2404731/#photoViewer=1

Bread- a tasty looking yet stunning bread outfit fresh from the oven :D

Pasta- spaghetti and lasagna, oui ;D

Meat- the pencil skirt looks so much better than the meat dress Lady Gaga wore on MTV.

Artichoke Hearts- this beautiful gown took almost 6 hours to complete, attaching each leaf one by one.. but it was totally worth it

Waffles- his vest is made up of banana peels and slices of carrots while the pants are delicious waffles :D

I want what’s best for my children…don’t you?

2010-05-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Do parents really know what’s best for their children? That question just crossed my mind as I was watching a TV show where the parents were trying to separate their children and forbidding them from being friends with each other, even though they did nothing wrong…

When children are still young, we, parents can decide almost everything for them. But there comes a time when they can already decide for themselves and sometimes their decision is to disobey what we tell them to do.

I for one, as a parent only want what’s best for my daughters. But there are times when I’m not even sure what is ‘best’ for them…So I just try hard to be a good father to them and provide them with whatever they need and want.

About Me

2010-05-16T05:13:00.001-07:00

Hi, I’m a retired contractual employee since last year, of a shipping company based in Manila. The shipping industry suffered a major setback due to the global economic crisis. Since then, many employees find it hard to be hired again- because only a few slots are available, many waited for 6 months and some even almost a year to sign a contract again. I was affected too- I was one of them. So while at home, I surf the net to keep myself busy. And I find many things that interest me- one of them are blogs. I have read some of them, and I was encouraged to make my own blog…
Here, I would like to share to others- to the world, my life experiences; I’d also discuss about anything that comes to mind- anything under the sun… :)
I have been a sailor for almost 20 years. And being away from one’s family is a sacrifice one must bear to ensure a better and comfortable life for my loved ones. Before, I have earned quite enough for my family…but now that I’m jobless I’ve got to find some ways to support them- since my 2 daughters are still in school. Good thing, we still have a few savings...and my wife and I are planning to put up a small sari-sari store (a store who sells foods and other things). Before we come to that time...I'd make myself busy on blogging- I'm here to share my knowledge and experiences on everything... I hope you like it-- please do follow me...and feel free to write comments and suggestions, and I'll surely reply to them soon...Thank you...