Tale Spinner

Virgin Coconut Oil Health Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:32:00 -0700

{EAV_BLOG_VER:e8827be57898c6c5}It took me supreme effort not to undertake on a verbal discourse with tour guide who was criticizing my beloved cocos nuciferus, the scientific name of coconut. He avowed, with disgust on his face, to my tour mate, how detrimental coconut is for eating than dates, which was prevalent in Israel when I was on a trip. I guess what he meant was the cooking oil not the coconut itself.

Without a doubt, cooking oil, coconut as base ingredient, is less healthful to use because of the chemical mixed with it and the treatment process it went through. For example, aniline found in coconut oil is one key chemical ingredients used in making bomb and is a carcinogen. How is it used in our cooking oil? Aniline is used principally to bind the chemicals that make up the cooking oil. Yet, there is healthier option that is also derived from coconut-the virgin coconut oil. It is beneficial because it didn’t go through a chemical and high treatment. The coconut meat is shredded, then cold-pressed using coconut water to produce the whitish milk once it is done it is made to “sit” for an hour until water and the oil separates. For this reason, the word virgin was concocted of how it is extracted.

What are health benefits of virgin coconut oil? It is said that the virgin coconut oil when daily consumed can eradicate virus and bacteria on human like influenza, herpes, different skin diseases and even HIV. The truth that the fat derived from coconut is now used commercially in baby formulas, mixed with IV fluids and sports drinks (to heighten energy and improve athletic performance). In addition, it is now being promoted as an option supplement in killing cancer cells. For the beauty conscious, ingesting virgin coconut oil as a drink can slow down signs of aging. Lastly, virgin coconut oil can help people who want to lose weight.

It is suggested for someone who wants to drink virgin coconut oil as a therapeutic alternative; the dosage would be 3-4 tablespoon a day. The lauric acid in the virgin coconut oil can improve the immune system for your body to fight for its disease or health problems.

Some people who are saying against the use of coconut oil are lead astray into thinking that coconut oil as being unhealthy can now rest their hatchet for the 90% saturated fats, unsaturated fatty acids –the monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in virgin coconut oil is good for the health. The saturated fat found in coconut oil is lauric acid, to repeat, can enhance the immune system. The Linoleic Acid can to lower bad cholesterol especially helpful to patients with diabetes for it normalizes glucose production of the body. On the other hand, Oleic Acid is an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body.

As for my tour guide, I just expected that he should have peruse articles about coconut before he blurts things against coconut for he is not doing justice to the coconut that does not deserve an unsavory reputation.

The Maid of the Mist

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 21:53:00 -0700

There is nothing more poetic an experience as the “Maid of the Mist” ferries through the midst of mists of water spawned by the cascading waters of the Niagara Falls. The tourists are not only treated with novel experience of crossing the vast expanse of the river but also the overwhelming power and sound of the falling waters.

Legend has it that a maid plunged into her death at the falls as a sacrifice to appease the angry gods, the Thunder God Hinum and his two sons, who the villagers thought to have brought misfortunes to the Indians. However, as the maiden fell to her death, the Thunder God Hinum caught her and let her live with them. Not forgetting the reason of her sacrifice she asked the gods to let her resurface as form of a mist to warn her people that a big snake is the one who is poisoning the people to die and eat their dead bodies. As a result, the villagers were to kill the evil snake, but before succumbing to death the snake slithered at the base of the waterfalls and died, its body decayed forming a curve shape as it can be seen now, which is also the main attraction in the course of the river tour-the Horseshoe Falls. Today, “Maid of the Mist” is no longer a legendary maid but ferries that bring tourists to see the waterfalls at the Niagara River. We can only surmise that ferries names are inspired by the legend of a sacrificing maiden.

It was Christian Dow in 1807 that had speculated the possibility of crossing the river below the falls as he saw ducks swam across the river. Eleven years later, in 1809 that William Forsyth realized Dow’s speculation by constructing ladders to the site in the hope of operating a ferry service. However, it wasn't as smooth as planned for there were some parties who would want to have the same business as William Forsyth wanted. In May 1846, a big, odd looking 100-ton ferry boat made her first appearance at the River manned by Captains Filkins and George Synes, operating at the south Railway Bridge. When the suspension bridge was completed at the Falls View in 1848, it was considered rather fancy to ride in a ferry than using the bridge that took people across the Niagara Gorge. Seeing the death of ferry servicing, Niagara Falls Ferry Association took a significant step in keeping the industry afloat by using the “Maid of the Mist” as a boat that will take trips past to the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls or the Canadian Falls. In the year 1854, marked an important milestone for a new “Maid of the Mist” boat was launched. The passengers of this new ferry were given caps and oil-skinned coats to keep them dry. In 1860, among its famous passengers was Prince Albert Edwards, Prince of Wales who was on a Canada tour. However, in 1860 with the onset of Civil War, financial difficulties and not so rosy patronization of the ferry boat, the “Maid of the Mist” I was sold to a Montreal firm. It took several years before the ferry was resurrected from the depths of Hades when another suspension bridge in Niagara Gorge was built. It was this time that tourists came back to bosoms of the “Maid of the Mist”. The sudden influx of tourists made R.F Carter and Frank Le Blond of the Village of Clifton to invest in the construction of the new “Maid of the Mist II”, this time a steamboat ferry unlike the first one, which was a single-stack steamer. Unfortunately, in April 22, 1955 the draughts burned. Like phoenixes, two came alive; this time made of steal and diesel powered engines with both accommodating 101 passengers. The 66 ft Maid of the Mist I ferried tourist from 1955 and retired in 1990 while the twin boat Maid of the Mist II glory days was from 1956 until 1983. Since the Niagara River has become a “must do” itinerary for both locals and foreigners alike, five more maidens were built excluding the small tugboat called “The Little Maid".

The “Maid of the Mist” vessels were not only for tourists’ enjoyment but also an instrument in rescuing a seven-year old boy, Roger Woodward, who plunged over Horseshoe Falls in July 9, 1960 with nothing but life jacket on. It was the Maid of the Mist II that took on the role of the rescue. Upon her retirement, the maid continued her human charity work by being a missionary boat in the Amazon River in Brazil.

For over 150 years, the maidens, has earned the reputation as being one famous ferries that take tourists to the main attraction of the cruise, the basin of the Horseshoe Falls where people are made to experience the powerful intensity of water falling that produces mists and foams. The half an hour Niagara Falls tour starts at the calm area near the Rainbrow Bridge, then sail through the American and Bridal Veils Falls and of course lastly the Horseshoe Falls basin. The tour can either start from the Canadian or American side of the river. One shouldn’t forget to bring passport for one will need it when crossing the borders coming from either both countries. As for the price of the tour and the schedule it varies also depending on which country you start the tour from. The tour schedule is not daily, for reference there are wealth of sites to be researched and viewed online.

The Niagara Falls with its waterfalls has attracted people for its expanse and obvious prestige however; one cannot enjoy it without being in the midst of her powerful girth if not aboard the “Maid of the Mist”. Like the maid who rescued her people from death, she promised life to her people who will sail through the river with safety and enjoyment.

Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Autism

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:40:00 -0800

my twin nephews

When my twin nephews were born prematurely, they were not only tiny and wrinkly, but were yellow like pale squashes. Since born premature, it was understandable that they would yellow, even normal delivered infants are tinged with yellow because of bilirubin-a yellowish pigment found in bile, produced by the liver.

Normally, infant has little ability to break the bilirubin in his/her body. As a result, an infant is born yellow , to help newly born infant break bilirubin, he/she should be exposed to sunlight, which was being done to my nephews. Because of the fragility of their health, the doctor had to confine the boys in the hospital for two weeks. Series of injections and phototherapy were a daily happenings. Phototherapy is just a direct exposure to sunlight for 5-10 minutes. After the therapy, the twins were further exposed to heat in a incubator like box with just a fluorescent lamp to keep their body warm to further stimulate their livers to become stronger.

Typically, by 1-3 days old an infant is capable of breaking his own bilirubin, however there are some cases where some infants have a hard time breaking it , it is manifested by a jaundice color of their skin. An infant liver does not have the full capacity to break the yellowish substances found in Red Blood Cells (RBC) which he/she is born with. Upon birth an infant is born with an excess of RBC from the mother, who were the one breaking the bilirubin for them through her liver. If it isn’t monitored and left untreated infants will suffer anemia, neonatal jaundice, chronic liver disease and some studies suggest could be a factor in causing Spectrum Autism among children.

Being Special Education teacher, a child with autism is one of the disorders that I have a hard time teaching even the most basic things like communicating with them for they have their "own" world. One of the researches I had while studying Special Education was the Vitamin D. The studies suggest that the lack of Vitamin D is one of the causes of Autism specially among children of colored skin (the black people). When an exodus of Africans started migrating voluntarily or forcibly who migrated to the western countries like Denmark, U.S. and etc. had triggered a disorder in their genes like Autism. What the study showed are high percentage cases of black people with autism especially those who were born during winter. However, genes anomaly plays a big factor being with Autism. Based on the Cornell University study said that the ” "research is sufficiently suggestive of an environmental trigger for autism associated with precipitation, of which vitamin D deficiency is one possibility," says study co-author Michael Waldman, a professor of management and economics at Cornell's Johnson Graduate School of Management. Furthering the theory of the possibility that deficiency of Vit D could be the culprit of Autism.

We may not think too much of Vit D however, it is one of the important vitamin for the development of the brain. When blood has high presence of bilirubin it could affect our brain in the way that is debilitating especially to infants who are still physcially developing.

As for the twins, thank God, they don’t have neonatal complications. In fact, they are the most active children we I’ve seen, however, if the doctors have been negligent it could have devastating effects to them- health and neurological wise. It is important that baby screening are done to make sure that your baby doesn’t have any telltale signs of a disorder or disability. If there’s any immediate therapies and interventions are to be undertaken.

Tiger Woods and his Minions!

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:47:00 -0800

Yes, I heard he was fined for his breach of the code conduct by the golfing association- his offense spitting while putting his way to the tournament in Dubai. In fairness to Tiger Woods his spitting, based on the video I saw, was unconsciously done with no malice or whatsoever, however, to the Tournament Director, it was an appalling gesture as if he was making a mockery out of the game. Really now!? I am sure that when he did the spitting, mocking wasn’t part of his agenda. Frustration was, winning was. Spitting was just a release of tension. Am I right Tiger?

I admit it made me winced with distaste to see Tiger Woods spitting his birdie off (no pun intended). But unlike the Golf Tournament Director who was less forgiving as to extort money for his (Tiger Woods) spit, I for one is more generous in understanding Mr. Woods. I mean why make mountains of molehills? If I may surmise, it is the first time he had done that. I am sure that had he been conscious of his actuations he could have not done that, he could have swallowed his stale saliva and spare him another bad image and prevent the stiff upper lip golfing association big guns from going amok. Poor Tiger Woods!

One time, while I was riding a jeepney, one passenger sitting in front of me, spitted like crazy that his saliva almost hit me by a hair. I was disgusted by him that I shot him my most evil look that he had no choice but to look away. If he just heard my profanities in my mind, he could have had died that instant. I am quite sure some of the passengers who saw the spitting also shared my sentiments. It was really disgusting.

So what instances are spitting permissible? Well, if someone hits you in the face and as a consequence lacerated the inside of your mouth and bleeding commenced, you spit the blood with saliva right? It would be gross to swallow it. Like my lady friend who tripped flat on her high heels and her lips got broken when it hit the ground. Shunning all the grace and poise that was her trademark, she was spitting blood on the side of the street, while I felt miserable for not being able to catch her fall on time. How about if you choke while eating? You spit the food right especially when gobble a whole roasted pig? Did you know that there spitting is applauded by the Guinness Books of Records? The cherry pit spitting, what people would do was to eject the pit with great speed and to shoot it to a great distance- the record distance? 95 feet and 6.5 inches. Wow! Power! There’s more this one is morbidly fascinating, involving the dead-spitting dead crickets. If I were you, I opt for the cherries. The “sport” was developed by the ingenious entomologist Tom Turpin at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN in the US. For 20 seconds the participants spit frozen and then thawed crickets in rapid fire succession while keeping in mind that the lifeless insects should remain intact-six legs, four wings, and two antenna, before it is counted as an entry. That strict a contest!? I just hope no hapless crickets were murdered. The world record was 32 feet and 1 inch? That Dan Capps, must have the esophagus like a bazooka. Compared to the two sports mentioned this one beats them all in terms of hygiene and smell-the Kudu Dung Spitting. Sounds appetizing? For Shaun van Rensburg, it was, for he holds the world record of spitting a dung to a distance of 15.56 meters. By the way, Kudu is a type of Antelope that expel hard pellets of dung which was used in the contest.

Spitting also transcends what was mentioned beforehand is also used by the albularyo or shaman as part of a ritual to fight off or ward off the curse of an engkanto or environmental spirits. Like my Aunt who had medically unexplained boils all over her body. The laboratory tests revealed nothing gravely significant; desperate for cure we summoned an albularyo to treat her. One of the rituals he did was to spit repeatedly on my Aunt’s head, the crown part. Repugnant and yet it cured my Aunt.

from http://www.aar-crm.com/Contact.html

In the past, there is what they call spittoon, a receptacle made for spitting. In the Western Europe, during the Middle Ages it was considered ill-mannered to swallow the saliva so people would spit anywhere and no one make ugly and disgusted faces. for it was just a normal thing. However, time and tides change for in the early 1700’s spitting should be done in concealment. By 1859, spitting in public had become vulgar and distasteful, an act that warrants gossip and reprimand. It was in this era that spittoons were made to address the need to spit in public, which the society at that time accepted. With the onset of influenza epidemic of 1918, the use of spittoon has since disappeared saved from the justices of the Supreme Court of the United States who are provided with their own personal cuspidor (spittoon).

I admit I had my share of spitting in public, I have done it conspicuously as to spit in trashcans, bushes, and canals and I made sure it was done in the most decent, acceptable and concealed way. What is most unacceptable is the habitual spitting done anywhere and everywhere, truly contemptible, needless to say unhygienic for you can be spreading your disease. As for Tiger Woods, I pity the guy for being the subject of such scrutiny, he had apologized and the golf tournament director should do the same and not blow Tiger's malfeasance out of proportion. Next time Tiger Woods bring tissue or a spittoon during your game, it will save you money and prejudice. Cut the guy some slack, okay?

Pearly Shell from the Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:01:00 -0800

A jeepney

Yesterday, I was sitting in front seat of a jeepney. Early morning lethargy, was kind of egging to go home after spending a night witha friend. This was the rare time when I would like to enjoy a music in a jeepney beats the conundrum of my unappetizing day, otherwise in normal self, I would be reprimanding and threatening to report the driver to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the stereo in the jeepney is illegal, music is illegal inside the jeepney why? noise pollution. And I did reported some plate numbers to the authority. Let's just say I was mellow and enjoyed a music in the jeepney.

Mellow it was, on the radio are old songs from the 50's and 60's, an era of the type of music that I can't well relate to- melody and lyrics wise. I was about complain when I saw the young driver with a grin on his face, obviously enjoying the music and singing the song being played on the radio "Pearly Shell" it stopped me on my tracks and it got me thinking "Who am I to deprive him of his obvious enjoyment to the song?". As I was mulling, he turned to me smiling and said " Ok ang sounds sa una noh? Walay syagit-syagit (Old songs are okay right? No shouting)" Obviously, referring to rock music which involves throat blasting and vein protruding singing, and to be courteous I replied " Lagi (yeah)". And the driver added " Sus, kanang kantaha, pearly shell, gisayaw namu na atung grade 6 ko (Did you know that I danced Pearly shell when I was in grade 6)" Laughingly I replied again " Mao ba? (Really?)" I could not agree more for I had my fair share of dancing when I was in grade school.

How I hate dancing in front of the crowd. Ironic, for when I was still young around 4-6 years old my grandparents, aunts and uncle and relatives used to make me dance and then reward me with money. Until I got over it , realizing that that dancing wasn't the most manly thing to do and I did look stupid. The realization killed the dance in me. To be forced to dance with hundreds of children in school and do it in front of hundreds of spectators? Made me seething mad. As a sign of rebellion to an utter injustice, I escape. I devised a plan to make sure that I was always at the end of the line for an easy escape despite dancing being part of the grade of a subject. I never told my parents especially mother that there will be a field demonstration so that she will not buy me a costume. I mean as a child understand already that extra expense for a costume is a burden to her for she will have to borrow money and I hate that to happen. As a result of my refusal to dance in field demonstration, I was reprimanded by my teacher and threatened to be given a failing mark in one of my subjects. Since, I wasn't the model pupil scolding was one daily life servings to me which in time I have learned to let it pass to the other ear.

When I graduated in elementary I thought the nightmare (dancing) will be all behind me. Wrong! High school was even worst, this time no escaping for we are guarded by the teachers, principal and teacher ass kissers-the class beadles. We are made to dance weird dance steps to a song of Abuchiki, Tease me and all complete with full regalia of shiny and funny costumes. Worst, we are made to wear lipsticks, they said to look good in-front of the spectators. The grrrr moment where my anger was already skyrocketing to the heavens, but I have to keep it under control for I have no choice for the costumes were fitted and made and the payment being added to the tuition. When school foundation ensues, that was when I felt like my stomach would turn sour for sure a dance performance will be undertaken. It was a 4-year torture that I have to endure. Ughhh...

Then college came. Nightmare was not over dancing was again part of the curriculum- the all hellfire and damnation Physical Education. This was, I considered the push comes to shove scenario. Physical Education (PE) 1 when I was browsing the prospectus was capital G-Y-M-N-A-S-T-I-C-S. What?! Too much for me to take nevertheless like an obedient student I enrolled it. First things I was made to do was to split, balance the beam and dance gymnastics style, things to do which certainly made me decide to drop PE 1. It was in 3rd year in college that re-enrolled PE 1 because I had no choice even if I stomp and grumble my arse out I will not be able to graduate without passing PE. So accepting defeat, I enrolled in a Saturday class PE schedule. My bad, I was the only male in the class. Since it was 1st year class, the males have the compulsory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). I have to swallow my dignity and pride and do it. My only consolation was that I was surrounded by female but my teacher, damn that teacher, would call me out "lolo" or old man for I wasn't flexible to split and graceful enough to dance. The "B" grade I got wasn't bad considering it was pain for me. I always knew that PE 2 will dance, so skipped it, I enrolled right away to PE 4 for it was volleyball and then PE 3-badminton. It was on my last semester in college right, last hitch to getting my Business Management degree that I swallowed my pride (no choice) and gathered enough courage to submit myself to PE 2. Physical Education 2 is dancing folk, modern, jazz, and any other forms of dance. There I was dancing, learning tinikling, itik-itik, folk dance and even modern dance, all of dances my teacher assigned to the class, I did it with resentment and trepidation. If it's not a crime to kill my teacher or burn the school down I could have done it. Our final test was big event or program called the PE Night where all PE 2 students will have to perform a dance production. It was one big school event where university students look forward to watching. PE night came and there I was in full costume, our production number was tribal dance of some obscure Baguio tribe. Believe me when I say how I fervently prayed hoping that my classmates in Business Management and friends will not see me or identify me at that event. Unfortunately, they saw me, you know the scenario, I was a subject of juvenile ridicule. I have no choice but to laugh my way out the "situation".

Music does brings you back to memory lane where events and circumstances associated with it will either make you cringed with embarrassment or smile with joy. With the driver's case, I can surmise during that time he must had felt or did what I did before during dance presentation but now it makes him smile of the time when he danced "Pearly Shell from the Ocean"( not the correct title, I know). He must had felt utterly stupid dancing during his grade school days but now it is one of the sources of his happy memories. As for me, I admit I can now smile of the dancing moments I had but to do it again? I don't think so. I have top protect my stiff upper lip image where dancing is a thing beneath me. I really don't want to break my respectable exterior.Exaggeration much!

Jeepney in full regalia of accessories

Facial Bliss!

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:35:00 -0800

If my memory serve's me right, my last trip to the facial spa was last year around September. Since, I scrub my face and neck using Apricot Scrub from St Ive's I surmise that it was good enough, saves me money. But then, I kind of missed the pampering at the spa. So the other day, I treated myself to facial and indeed it was a bliss.

I started having my face taken care of by a facial 3 years ago, probably because I felt that face was clogged up with dirt, white and black heads and of course vanity. The first experience I had was rather tiny bit painful when the the esthetician (the one who does the facial cleansing) was pricking my face like crazy, like she was exorcising something. It got me thinking that was my face really the dirty? Then she showed me the black and white heads to me and believe me it was gross- it was quite an accumulation. If I can remember I paid around 300 pesos ( 7 U.S. dollars) and then they got expensive and so I looked for a more inexpensive spa luckily I found one that only does 250 pesos(6 U.S. dollars) facial . From that day on I never transferred to another spa for the services were great, even better than the expensive ones where prices can range from 350- 1,000 pesos (8-25 U.S. dollars). What I like about the spa I am patronizing now is they not only clean my face of dirt (some spa doesn't offer pricking for 250 pesos) but also the extra service of a head, neck and back massage. For only 250 pesos this is already quite a bargain.

To those who doesn't know what happens in deep facial cleansing. Firstly, the esthetician exfoliate the face with use of abrasive or grainy substance usually in form a apricot scrub. Secondly, vacuum the face for the deep layer dirt to surface and steam the face for the pores to open for like 5-10 minutes. Thirdly, prick the face for white and black heads, this is my fave part where I can deeply slumber (snoring included).Fourthly, apply a mask. Fifthly, apply cream. Lastly, laser treat the face for the micro abrasion caused by the scrub and close the pores and iron the face with cold rolling metal to even out the bumps on the face. Although, not offered from other spas, the last activity-the head, neck, back massage.

There are a lot deep facial treatments available depending on how deep is your pocket, the one that I have is the traditional facial which doesn't cost much. There is the Microdermabrasion; most famous of this is the Diamond Peel. A procedure in which diamond dust is applied to the skin and vacuumed away, thereby exfoliating the skin for dead cells and remove fine lines and wrinkles. The Photo Facial, this procedure uses the light to stimulate the collagen underneath skin, treat various skin conditions such as acne breakout, broken capillaries, dark spots and etc. It has two procedures the LED (Ligt-emitting diode) and IPL (intense pulse light).What LED does is gentle treatment on the skin where in a narrow spectrum of light is applied to stimulate the collagen for that younger and plumber look and kill that bacteria that causes acne. On the other hand, the IPL is rather wee bit painful (depending on the pain tolerance of a person), the treatment , to reiterate, is ideal for people who has brown or black spots, with broken capillaries or facial redness, and kill bacteria residing on the dermis that causes pimple and acne break out.

After a dose of facial cleansing, my face feels light and fresh. I feel like renewed person-confident and happy. Although, a person can live with out it nevertheless, the quality time I can give myself is worth more than the 250 pesos plus 100 pesos tip that I shell out. If makes me happy happy? Why not submit myself to the esthetician mercy who will do magic on my face and my soul.

Sources:

1. http://www.ehow.com/way_5516948_diamond-peel-treatment.html

2. http://spas.about.com/od/massage/a/whatisafacial.htm

3. picture from http://www.cosmedixmd.com/services/peels/jessners.aspx

Smoke to Death

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Tue, 8 Feb 2011 01:22:00 -0800

Kid smoking

I remembered when I was still a kid of I think 5 or 6, my uncles used to let me buy them their nicotine sticks (we do retail here in the Philippines even cigarettes) along with it is the cardinal rule that one stick had to be lightened. To make the embers at the end alive one had to make to suck the cigarette in small itsy bitsy fashion just enough to make it look like it wasn't sucked otherwise scolding from the uncles or the elder would ensue. For a child such incident was confusing nevertheless, it was a common practice during my childhood. Eventually me and cousins experimented on smoking. Fearing retribution from adults, we would roll newspaper as big as a cigarette and lit the end and we sucked and puffed away like crazy despite the crazy coughing and choking from the strong old newspaper smoke. Despite our crime, it was a rule that one shouldn't caught smoking for it could be used as a blackmail during times of war with my cousins. Children indeed can be viciously appalling.

It wasn't until I was 17 years old that I really started smoking professionally. Professionally, I mean seen smoking in public. At that time, my friends couldn't help commenting that I shouldn't be smoking for itdoesn't suit because according to them I look like an angel....awww..so sweet of them. I guess, peer pressure and wanting to be "in" a group where some of the members smoke got me started smoking. Yes, when I was 17, when I saw people in the campus smoking, it seemed to be a coolest thing in the world and I felt an envy. It was, in my thinking that smoking is a rite of passage to manhood. I started out with one stick, I never crave but when friends would offer me a stick I never refused. I became a serious smoker when I joined an organization in college that involves writing and overnights in college. Smoking were one of the things that kept me alive aside form coffee during overnights and intense writing. After college, I worked in an big supermarket where the pressure was so great that the only refuge I had was smoking during my break time. My average was 5 sticks a day. May quite tame compared to one-pack smoker a day but in my case quite a sum already. I guess, I was just following in the footsteps of my mother and father who were a couple of habitual smokers. Common scenario I surmise , nonetheless it is my own rule that I shouldn't be smoking. Being the eldest I still have to project a certain sense of decorum towards my younger siblings.

It was when I was involved in a serious December love affair that I decided to quit smoking as my new year's resolution. Quite a resolve I had. I did quit smoking right then and there. Just like any withdrawal against addiction-I was irritable and started eating to my gusto. I admit, I didn't totally quit, there are times when I was so full after binging that I smoke just to get rid of that puking moments or when I was depress I smoke a stick or two. Eventually, I stopped thinking about smoking and for the last 4 years I smoke only 1 stick a year, only during circumstances that is gravely depressing and when my stomach is overstuffed with food. I remembered December last year when I puffed a stick that after enjoying it, I got sick. My back was hurting and develop runny nose and cough. I was so sick that I finally decided that smoking was no longer my cup of tea.

I could not stress enough the boon of smoking cigarette. In the Philippines alone 250 people die everyday of smoking related illnesses, roughly about 90,000 deaths a year. What is alarming is that smokers are getting younger and younger each day. Just like the other day, I saw a 5 year-old street child smoking like an adult. It was a sight that shocked me but then what is there to be surprised when smoking does not discriminate between poor and rich, children and adults alike.

Smoking does have its share of benefits. It is a stimulant. Once one smokes, the nicotine will pass into the bloodstream and then goes to the brain where it stimulate "feel good" chemicals. As a result, our body naturally will constantly crave for that kind of "zone" despite the surgeons warning about the effects of smoking. Still people are addicted to it despite the high possibility of having emphysema, cancer and other illnesses associated with smoking. Smoking is one addiction that is transparently permitted in the society. It is quite common to see people smoking on the streets, restaurants, house, bars name all the venues you can think of smoking is always the main act.

Good thing that government in the US has increased tobacco tax making smoking expensive. I just hope that Philippines will follow suit. Probably, in my opinion, one of the most effective way to eliminate smoking is to make a law that prohibits smoking. I know it is an wishful thinking- big tobacco company can subvert the law and government but if its the health of the population is at stake, why not make cigarette smoking along with drugs a crime that warrants jail time. Come to think of it, the government is being feed and kept alive by the taxpayers money not the tobacco companies, so why not amend a law against smoking.

I guess, I just lucky to have escaped the deadly snares of smoking. Will I puff a smoke again? I don't think so, the sickness i feel afterward is more than enough make me puke thinking about smoking. How to quit smoking? well it is all about discipline and will power.

Apricot Seed: The Cure for Cancer?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 02:27:00 -0800

As part of our leadership training with AIM Global-a Multi-Level Marketing company; we agreed that we must have a weekly meeting to monitor our progress. We usually share our WINS during the week and basically give each a pat on the back. One by one we are made to talk about our individual marketing presentation, drill, grill and discussions. Then out of the blue one of my colleagues just blurted out about B17, a vitamin that is believed to cure cancer. Cure for cancer? That stopped in my tracks and already highly tickled by this wonder cure.

I know me, I am a supplement enthusiast which was the real reason why I invested in this health supplement company. Right after going home I immediately researched on Vitamin B17. Indeed, the controversy surrounding the Vit B17 went beyond mere disclaimer of its use but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) releasing a propaganda against the use of B17. What's the fuss about B17? Vitamin B17 or Amygdalin can be found in almost every fruit we eat but Apricot beats them all for having the highest content of B17, it is said that it is cure for cancer. Now that is monumental! So monumental that it sent one man into maximum security prison in Westchester County which houses the most dangerous criminals in the US. His crime? Raking thousands of dollars from selling of Apricot seeds and liquid extract from apricot seeds called Laetrile or Amygdalin over the internet. In 2003, Jason Vale was sentenced up to 20 years. When Jason was 18 he was diagnosed with cancer, after surgery and sessions of chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer went into remission. Sadly after a year, his cancer came back and this time it affected his kidney, out of desperation he sought a more different approach to curing his terminal disease; eating the pits of the apricots and peaches seeds. After 10 months of eating the seeds his cancer disappeared. Because of his miraculous recovery from the terminal case of cancer Jason has started selling Apricot seeds and the injectible laetrile. However, there was a hitch, the FDA banned the use of laetrile and raw apricot seeds for "The FDA takes seriously its responsibility to protect patients from unproven products being peddled on the internet by modern day snake oil salesmen such as the defendant in this case. There is no scientific evidence that Laetrile offers anything but false hope to cancer patients." stated by the FDA Commissioner McCLELLAN. By this rule, Jason's business is illegal and indeed he was sent to languish in prison with the most amiable(pun intended) criminals.

So why is the FDA so allergic with B17 in apricot seeds or laetrile(the extract from the seed)? The agency believe that it is poisonous because of its cyanide content. Apricot seeds does contain cyanide but it is cyanide radical (CN) which needs H to be poisonous according to Dr. Manuel D. Navarro, a nutritional oncologist. He further explained that "The molecule of Vitamin B17 is in itself not poisonous until it is hydrolyzed or split by an enzyme called Beta glucosidase or glucuronidase (B.G). when B17 is injected into a cancerous patient, the B.G. around the cancer cells splits the B17 and the HCN produced diffuses into the cancer cells poisoning them, while the normal cells nearby are not poisoned due to the presence of an enzyme, rhodanese, - not found in the cancer cells. The rhodanese adds an Atom of Sulfur to the CN to form SCN, a very mild hypotensive." An outstanding claim that left people with cancer desperate for cure excited.

The threat, however if people with cancer resort to natural alternative cure then the big pharmaceutical companies that are making chemotherapy drugs and cancer research will lose 200 billion dollars worth of revenue. If you are in business, it is but normal to eliminate any possible threats any way possible even to the extend of subverting the law. If the government will allow the use of Amygdalin then imagine the money being lost to them (pharmaceutical companies) to mere apricot seeds. Simply a big slap on the pharmaceuticals companies faces who have been trying to improve chemotherapy drugs but only has 50-70% effectiveness and efficacy.

I understand why the government have to protect its people from taking any medicine or natural cure that does not guarantee of cure, nonetheless, it the prerogative of the patient with cancer to resort to something natural when all else failed. It is said that people who received chemotherapy sometimes accelerated the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may kill cancer cells but also kill healthy cells that could combat those wayward cells. Jason's mistake however is by saying that Laetrile or Amygdalin is the "cure" which can set a dangerous message to desperate people with cancer especially that the United States listed Amygdalin or the trade name Laetrile being is illegal. As for the pharmaceutical companies and the doctors of medicine, anything that is an alternative cure like herbal or natural is treated with cold shoulder if not given a healthy does of skepticism because it was not there orientation.

If I were a one of the cancer patients I would resort to anything like gobbling up tons of apricots seeds and to hell I care. It is my body and it is mine to however I do with it. When push comes to shove when chemotherapy does not assure me of guaranteed 100% cure of cancer, then why not resort to herbal medicine. I am not saying that I will not take pharmaceutical medicines but I would pair it with natural supplements that can boost my immune system. In the published issue of The Mayo Clinic to the American Journal of America Medical Association in February 23, 1981 said that B17 is safe to be taken orally. In their 36 years of studies, they have yet to report people who had toxic reaction of it. That was light years ago, based on my research there hasn't been any cases yet of people dying from eating too much apricot seeds or injecting down laetrile. Ironic, how these people from medicine and science advocate healthy living and lifestyle and yet distance themselves from an alternative "cure" for cancer, in this case, apricot seed or laetrile. This is one prime example of an all natural possible cure for cancer that can save lives and make people healthy and yet doctors will no support. I think it is time for these pharmaceutical companies and most especially the FDA to be unselfish and open the venue to further study of B17 and even allow patent to it for public awareness, consumption and "cure".

Sources:

http://www.apricotsfromgod.info/jvale/

http://www.maycozapper.org/dr.htm

My Fashionable Military Boots, Bow!

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:33:00 -0800

my look. pix from fashionbeans.com

I am a huge fan of www.fashionbean.com, a site for men's style guide and tips. As a self confessed metrosexual this site has been my fashion bible on how to dress up based on my personality and style. This where I get my idea of the latest fashion for men.

I don't know if I will take it as a compliment or insult when my teacher in Special Education said to the whole class "Oh the Fashionista just arrived!", when I showed up in to class late wearing a long sleeve blue pastel checkered long sleeve, Guess Pants and Italian leather thong. I knew that he meant well but he doesn't have to announce it to the whole class, I don't want further bloat my ego. Kidding. One more incident when a close friend introduced me to her new boyfriend as the the vainest among our "barkada" or peer. That left my mouth hanging open, I had to close it and smile and extended my hand for a shake. Again I know that she was just excited to see me and to introduce her boyfriend to us, but for her to describe me to her new beau speaks a lot on how they talk about my back of me having a vanity kit which obviously was the origin of the word "vain" being attached to my name. That hurts a bit but I took it with grace and aplomb even though I have a great personality and character which was rather overlooked.

Just the other day, I called up my friend to go with me to the mall to buy something and to window shop, he agreed with excitement. Thirty minutes later, I arrived to his house wearing the usual shorts, denim long sleeves and my Aldo Boulden Military boots that I literally saw on face his excitement dissipating. He must have thought what spectacle I am, I don't care as long as I am happy with what I was wearing. The wait for the taxi was indeed a the longest silence we had, to dispel it, I bravely asked " Do you like my attire?" and sheepishly answered " I look like your bodyguard!" noticing his short, t-shirt and Delhomme Aldo sneaker which was according to him, he was under-dressed and I answered " Really!?" with my face contorting with irritation I added " Do you want me to go home and change to my pajamas?" and that jolted him out of his stupor, whatever it was. Great timing it was for when we arrived at the mall there was fashion show, my friend upon seeing said jokingly " I didn't know you are going to a fashion show?" I could have punched his face for that comment but I just laugh it off.

In a small city like Cagayan de Oro, one can seldom see people go out and be fashionable especially men. The common attire is slippers, shorts or jeans, t-shirt. There are however brave souls who really go out wearing long sleeves, jeans and the sneakers; that's how far fashion here can go. No one really go out and make a shocking statement that is high fashion in nature not even women who get away with wearing out the normal.

Personally, grooming and dressing up well speaks volume of one's personality. That is what I realized a long time ago and I just followed that epiphany for myself. It is a crime to go out of the house looking like hag. We are in the age where television and the internet has made fashion really accessible. We only have to study and adapt what is appropriate to one's age and personality when dressing. Notice that we are drawn to people who looks well fashionably and physically and that we all wish that we are like them, but it was just an interest and not a commitment for we remain in the status quo looking like everybody else. I think that now is right time to dress up before it is too late when wearing spaghetti straps (for women) and skinny jeans complete with blings (for men) is no longer an option.

As I was studying Special Education, one fact that I learned was that dressing and grooming is very important to be a teacher. Students especially pre-preschoolers irrevocably trust a teacher that is well groomed and well dressed. Knowing this only reinforced my belief that I am indeed on the right track.

As expected, I did get a lot of gawks and stares from people for I was the alien from outer space. They were seizing me up, I was tempted to give them dagger looks instead I put on a the " I don't care" veneer for I am not apt to use my Aikido skills on them. Kidding. Yeah, I felt like different and I like it. I took it as a positive thing that maybe those people who were staring at me was wishing that they are in my military boots.

As I get older, I have come to realize also that the present me was what I was dreaming of since I was the lanky and awkward college student who wears hand me downs from cousins, with only two pairs of jeans and well-worn sneakers with holes in it. It is such a huge compliment when friends from high school and college would comment " You look handsome now and young!" and I fend off false humility and flash on my megawatt smile and "Thanks!" Great moments indeed.

Me, wearing that Military boots only shows that I have come along way with my confidence!Bow!

When Death Becomes a Livelihood

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 04:11:00 -0800

It has been a week since old woman died and still a public viewing is still being held.

It is not uncommon for Filipinos to hold a public viewing of the death for more than week especially if the reason is for he important members to arrive from far away places. It is customary for us Filipinos to take into consideration the wishes of the person before his or her death even to the extent that we vicariously thought of what must have that dead person would do or say when he or she was still alive.

As a fervent respect to our dearly beloved who passed away. We follow certain customs and superstitions. Like for as long as the dead is not buried yet no one should take a bath in the house where viewing is held otherwise it would be a bad omen. Any visitors should not bid goodbye to the host when visiting the dead. This is one perfect situation where one can go without being treated like a pariah for bad manners. Never to talk bad against the one who is in the coffin no matter how bad she or he was for he or she who died cannot defend himself or herself. A big butterfly in the house especially during public viewing is believed to contain the dead man’s soul and should be treated with utter care or fear (goosebumps included). One should not clean the house for it is bad luck to do so. The coffin should be carried out of house, funeral parlor and church head first to prevent the the soul from coming back. Always change clothes immediately at home after visiting the dead to get rid of any misfortunes and illnesses that must had attached with the dead. Vigil should be held overnight in the entire duration of the wake for if everyone fell asleep the dead will rise. Scary indeed. One important ritual that all should do after burying the dead is to create a smoke out of grasses and everyone should pass by the smoking grass to get rid of the bad omen and illnesses or sickness. Most importantly, a prayer novena should be undertaken for 40 days since death. Like Jesus who had gone to heaven after 40 days.

We follow certain customs, believe some superstitions and undertake rituals because we love and respect our dead. We may be in the age where reason and logic is given more emphasis and yet our mores when it comes to our dead are followed without question. Our being family oriented people make us readily accept what was the customs and traditions since time immemorial.

Such is my deep understanding and acceptance of our death rituals and belief that it irks me when people disrespect a dead. It had been a week since I saw a public viewing in the small chapel and until today it has not been buried. Every afternoon as a pass by that small chapel I see the whole neighborhood of that small community gathering outside the chapel like flies. They came in, if I may speculate, not to vigil but to gamble. I understand that playing card with small money involved is normal, this is for people to keep awake during an overnight vigil. But for some people like the ones I saw in that small chapel was an exception to the rule of decency especially when there are some people conducting a dead prayer to be gambling with no care as to take a respite.This is not the worst I’ve seen nonetheless it touches a chord. I have seen news on television of gambling lords and people being arrested for buying dead bodies and install them make it look like there is wake when in fact those bodies are just used as props to run a gambling den.

Such display of disrespect for the dead only show how people can transcend basic moral values that bind us as decent people. All the superstitions, rituals and customs in relation to our dead is what keep us in balance and intact as a unique race for it goes beyond reason and when some people disrupt this, it skews that balance.

Just what I had seen in that public viewing at the chapel left a bitter taste in my mouth for they could have just stop for a few minutes in their gambling activity to involve themselves in novena prayer, but they were unmindful of it. Not only they have disrespected the dead but the our faith as well. It is a pity that the venue used to earn a living has involved even those who already rested in peace.

Fish Oil, Vit B Complex and the 5K Run

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:23:00 -0800

In my 3 years membership with my gym, I never participated in any sports events or any activities that have for its anniversary. Last November, with the goading from the manager and the staff for me to join in at least the 5K Fun Run I finally acquiesced with great hesitation. Call me anti-social but I never had an intention to wake up 5:30 in my morning for the run especially with the list people who will run are not friends or some I have not seen working out. One major the reason why I am not into running and jogging is not that I don't have a choice my body type does not bode well with too much cardio activities for I get too skinny. To make my the run bearable, I dragged along a friend who is also a member of the gym. He had no choice but to run with me for I have him at a gun point. Kidding. I just paid for his registration so he has no excuse not to participate.

The night before the run, I was still mauling the idea of participating. Probably, out of respect to the people who encouraged me and the spirit of camaraderie I dragged my butt out of the bed at 5:30 in the morning for the 6 AM run. I arrived at the gym still half awake and to see the poster boy of the gym and the everyday jogger as one of the participants made me even realize the folly of my action and made me want to go back home and crawl back to bed. Seeing how happy the manager and the staff to see me I was even more compelled to run. No excuse to escape for I am already deep in the mud. Like a blur, I found myself and my friend on the street running on tandem while some participants passed by us with so much vigor and zest. Feeling those aura from them it made me even more insecure however, in the deepest recesses of my mind it gave me the grit and determination to finish at least the race. Then realization sets in for not even on my 1st kilometer that I was already getting out of breath , thinking that I wouldn't be able to finish the race. At that moment, I was already tempted to hail a jeep and hop in and go back to the gym and wait for the sweaty and huffing runners to arrive Nevertheless, my determined self won over and I started making the goals that I have to finish the race no matter what, sustain my breath for 4 more kilometers..uggh! and finish the damn race for myself and to the spirit of camaraderie. On the 2nd kilometer, I was already complaining to my friend who was still beside me running that I felt my legs are getting itchy, it was probably a physiological reaction to the sudden activity of running. My optimism was still high when we were passing by runners who were so enthused on the first leg nevertheless, the poster boy, the everyday jogger and one boy were still ahead of us as expected. On the 3rd leg, we outran the everyday jogger and then the "one" boy who stopped running and started walking much to our delight. What a sudden twist of fate. The 4th kilometer of the race, I was still sustaining my breath, my pace and my determination. Then on the last leg, I was seeing that the poster boy is getting nearer and nearer from my vantage point, huffing with breath I blurted out " I gonna outrun that biatchh!" Jesting but that's what I said minus the "B" word and my friend answered " Let's! Let's volt in!" and we increased our momentum. Like Voltes V, me and my friend started out racing each other while keeping in mind that we have to kill the poster boy with our speed and we did. But, I was faster and so I finished first and second was my friend and came in third was the poster boy. I can only speculate but it was bit slap on his face when he was supposed lead the pack for he himself is a marathon enthusiast.

As I've said I don't jog or run but still I was able to finish and even won the race. Where that power came from? Determination? I believe it is one the factors but my biggest suspicions and attributions to my winning the race is the Fish Oil and the Vitamin B Complex that I took the night before the race.

What are the health benefits of Fish Oil (GNC) and Vit B Complex? This is the nitty gritty part of my blog. It is said that fish oil promotes good blood circulation for it stops plaques and other bad cholesterol lumps from building up in one's arteries. Plaque's are obstruction of the arterial walls made up by Lp(a) cholesterol, tryglicerides- the fat formed by the body and Low density lipoprotein (LDL)or bad cholesterol.Daily intake of Fish oil that is made up of Omega 3 fatty acids breaks up the plaques formed on the arteries and bring these garbage to the stomach to be expelled. That is why the good cholesterol or the High density lipoprotein (HDL) found in Fish Oil's Omega 3 fatty acid helps clear up any clotting on the arteries thereby incidents of blood pressure does not happen.

It is also believed that Omega 3 fatty acids which contain Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is very useful for pregnant women for the it improves memory, recall, reasoning and focus of the baby while still in the womb. I guess Einstein babies are not impossible after all with Omega 3. Great hopes can be expected by the older people who are candidates of Alzheimer's Disease or already have it for it helps break the plaques or proteins formed in the brain that are responsible for the disease. Omega 3 fatty acids also helps in stabilizing and improved the disposition of people suffering from bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, dysgraxia, dyslexia and other disorders. How does it work? The brain is made up 60% fat with the aid of Omega 3 fatty acids it keeps the brain to function well. One of the reasons why Fish Oil is one of my constant daily supplement because it keeps depression, anxiety, sadness and other emotional and mental problems at bay. A research conducted at the University of Sheffield and other research studies found that supplement of Omega 3 fish oil alleviate the symptoms of psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression.

That is not all! My daily intake of Fish Oil also keeps my skin and hair healthy. It is also said that is good for preventing acne for it helps regulate androgen responsible for this occurrence on the surface of the skin. To boast further the health benefits of fish oil. It can also can slow down macular degeneration or the muscles of the eye, help delay weight loss of cancer patients and fertility by enhancing the quality of the sperm. By means of keeping the sperm cells protected from peroxidative attacks once it is released in the female's genital tract thereby increasing the chances of conception.
Daily health supplement of Fish oil also helps in controlling one's weight as an effect it keeps the weight down thereby lessening the pressure in the joints of the legs otherwise arthritis and other ailments due to inflamed joints that could occur if one does not maintain an one's ideal weight.

What about Vitamin B Complex, what are its health benefits? Again a the nitty gritty portion of my blog. Vitamin B complex as the word complex suggest is made of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2( Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 ( Panthothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxineand and Pyridoxamine), B7 (Biotin), B9 also Vitamin M and Vitamin B-c (Folic acid) and B 12 (Cyanocobalamin). Whew! Indeed a lot in small tablet. Basically, Vit B Complex provides us the energy that we need for daily physical functions. It is vital for good metabolism, repair of the nerves of the nervous system and good maintenance of vital organs like eyes, muscles, skin and hair. It is interesting to know that our body is not capable of manufacturing Vit B Complex. So how do we get it from? We can get it from fish and meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetable. A rundown of each of this B Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - is an antioxidant that protects the body from degenerative disease caused by smoking, aging, alcohol and smoking. It also enhances the brain activities, blood circulation and formation.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)- helps in blood production and growth, treat cataracts, metabolize carbohydrates , fats and proteins to be used as body energy and eliminate dandruff.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)- improves memory and and blood circulation.

Vitamin B5 (Panthothenic Acid) enhances stamina, prevents anemia, produce adrenal hormones and anti bodies. Just like Vit B2 it also metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein for energy and also helpful in treating anxiety and depression.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)-it helps in the production of anti bodies, immune system, normal brain function. As such, it also an anti cancer agent and also prevents arteriosclerosis-a disease characterized by hardening of the arteries. It is used as a treatment for arthritis, asthma and allergies.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)- for good hair and skin, promotes healthy sweat glands, bone marrow, nervous system and metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)-helps produce red blood cells, makes DNA for babies in the fetus and prevent birth defects.

Vitamin B 12 (Methylcobalamin)- helps prevent Parkinson's disease or slow down it down if one has it already. It also help produce red blood cells to prevent anemia and good for the cardiovascular system.

How much eating of those things can we say that we have our daily dose of Vit B Complex? But with a the pill form we are assured of the exact content of the Vit B Complex. However, good vitamin as it may it should be taken with the advise from the physician for it is counter indicative of maintenance medicine and can cause problems with people with ulcers and liver problems, breastfeeding women and diabetic.

Knowing this consideration of Vit B Complex, I guess I have not erred in taking Fish Oil and Vit B Complex at once. Any contra indications that Vit B Complex has is offset by the Fish Oil. It is safe to say that my taking the Vitamin B Complex and Fish Oil the night before my race helped me in giving me the energy and oxygen that I need in that fun run. Otherwise, if it hadn't for that supplements I could have resembled like dying vegetable at the 1st kilometer. I attribute my winning the race to the help of those supplements.

Now I have become a legend at the gym- the dark horse who outraced the poster boy who they have the highest hope to win. Legend I was because I don't jog or run but I won the race all because of my determination, fish oil and vitamin B complex. The sweet taste of victory.

Sources:

1. Journal of Affective Disorder Vol. 48(2-3);149-55

2. http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-fish/health-benefits-of-fish-oil.html

3. http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Vitamin_B_Complex__Health_benefits_a398.html

4. http://www.ehow.com/facts_4829872_benefits-taking-vitamin-b-complex.html

A Song For Mama

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:14:00 -0800

The title does ring a bell. I borrowed the title from a song released by Boyz II Men hundred years ago. Kidding. I always love the song " A song for Mama", in fact it is one songs that will never be removed from my Ipod. Cheesy as it may sound "Mama" by the Spice Girls is another song that will I will never tire singing. Obviously, It would always remind me of my mother who struggled to raise the 8 of us. I remembered my mother would beg, borrow and plead money from my Aunts, Uncles and friends in order for her serve us food that we need to survive while our father shamelessly laze around. Going to school was hard, but me and my siblings took it on stride for we know that our struggles will come to an end. One time our youngest sister got so sick, that she my mother have to plead for the doctor to save her despite not having the down payment to the hospital. Another, was when she had a miscarriage that she literally got up the hospital bed to the social service welfare to ask for help when she didn't have the money to pay for the hospital while our father was drinking somewhere living like a bachelor. Another was when the twins was born , my mother, have no choice but to give the girl twin to her brother for adoption knowing that she might not be able to give her the life that she wanted. Those were just few of the many painful memories that motivated us to finish school and end our poverty.

It is not surprising that whenever I hear songs dedicated to mother would always make me emotional. I still cannot believe how she single handedly struggled through humiliation, pride and pain to feed us. That amazing feat is very hard to understand until now. So when I hear songs about Mama makes me teary eyed and I am not ashamed to admit it. As I was browsing the net for a mama song by Boyz II Men when I chanced up a video that really made me cry a bucket. It is a poem originally written in Tagalog by Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles, a priest who wrote the poem dedicated to the mothers of the world.

It is poem that made me realize how important my mother to me and my siblings. Without her, I don't know how I would live for her deeds was an inspiration to live life how my mother lived it. Despite the struggles and odds she was able to raise us.

Death of Mayang

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:02:00 -0800

Mayang was 3-year old girl. She was a daughter of our house help of 3 years. I remembered her to be a normal kid with thin hair, a drool dripping off her mouth and a baby dress that was a little bit unkempt.

While Marites does our laundry, Mayang would sit in front of her while munching on some food that my mother would routinely give her- a chocolate, candy, lollipop, biscuit and etc. Out of curiosity, one time I asked Marites why Mayang cannot sever herself from her skirt? Her answer was " Kuya mag hilaka kung biya-an naku." meaning she would bawl over when Marites would leave her. Since, there are a twins in the house, my nephews, who were of the same age with her, my mother would carry Mayang to let her play with them. The few attempts of play with the twins were a failure for she would get scared with the boys (twins) and cry her heart out. One time, Kuya, the oldest twin, smacked her, probably out of irritation of her incessant crying.w Eventually, the she got used to seeing the boys that little by little she mastered enough courage to start playing with the toys of the boys and actually interact with them. But it wasn't as smooth with the twins either for they would band together and gang up on her. Definitely, children especially kids of the age of 2 are going through a phase where jealousy and territorial feeling reign supreme in their emotions and thoughts. As Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Theory would explain, the twins are in their Autonomy/Shame and Doubt stage where another stranger, not a part of the immediate family, is viewed as a threat of the attention they get form adults. So, with this in mind I understand the twins behavior toward Mayang.

One should wonder where is Marites husband? By the way, Marites and her husband belong in tribal community in Gingoog. Well, he was a drunkard who doesn't earn a living to support the family. Sometimes, it is hard to understand the tribal tradition and customs of a role of man to his family. Could it be that women in that tribal community, works the most while the boys lounge around? Or that the man only role is to work a little and expects to be serviced by the women? I can only speculate. No matter what the custom is, it is still not right to drink your day away while Marites works to feed the family and even extended family of her husband. Since, the husband was irresponsible, Marites doesn't trust to leave Mayang to him for in his drinking stupor, he might hurt her which, sadly I heard that he did. He once toss Mayang out of window of their cardboard of a shack house. Poor child! We even played the devils advocate in advising Marites to hide the money that we pay her, when confided that Jomar, the husband, was stealing money from her to buy hard liquor. Eventually, Marites got fed up that she decided to stop doing our laundry to teach or inspire her husband to work. With her decision, we are left with no choice but to let her go.

Definitely, hunger was one motivation for one to start working which Jomar exactly did. He worked as construction worker and the family was able to eat 3 times a day. However, it was short lived for Jomar contacted a bug laziness that resorted the family ask for food from the neighborhood, including us. No matter, how much we hate to give but we cannot turn blind eye to their situation. Probably, out malnutrition and no proper care, Mayang got sick, she suffered a bad case of diarrhea that left her weak with dehydration, she was about 1 and 6 months at that time. Thankfully, she pulled through and lived. However, that wasn't the only sickness she experienced. When she was 2 years old, she suffered a respiratory problem that again almost killed her. From my mother's account, Mayang turned blue and had convulsion, the family had no recourse but to bring her to the Provincial Hospital, however Marites have to bring her home for it was useless to stay admitted in the hospital when they can't buy all the medicine prescribed by the doctor. Resilient she was, Mayang won over that illness and live albeit looking skin and bones. That incident made Marites decide to come back to us and work.

Marites after Mayang's death scare went back working with us. Again, the same cycle happened Jomar got tired working that he decided to bring his family home to Gingoog in their tribal community. As much as we don't want Marites to go we gave her our blessings. The family sold their cardboard of a house and Marites collected her pay with an extra from us with Mayang and her brother in tow they went home. We never heard from them. Until, the other day when I went home from a workout, my mother said to me " Look who is washing our clothes?" and I answered " Who?" and when I checked it was Marites. I asked " Naa lagi ka Tes? (Why are you here Tes?)", with curiosity she answered, " Kuha-on lang namu anfg mga sinina na nabilin namu Kuya (We just came back to get our clothes that we left behind Kuya.)"Then my mother sadly told me " Namatay na baya si Mayang ( Mayang died)" and I blurted out in disbelief " Ngano man?( What? Why?) " and my mother answered me " Namatay sa suka ug kalibang (She died of diarrhea)? and turned to Marites " Tes, ngano wala man ninyo gidala sa hospital?! (Why didn't you bring her to the hospital!?) she said while still dripping wet from washing " Layo man gud Kuya (We are far Kuya ( from the hospital) " and that stopped me dead in my tracks.

I may not be reconcile her answer but I cannot discount circumstances of their inability to bring Mayang to the hospital. Pity is what I felt, I gave money to Marites for I knew that getting their clothes was just an underlying reason.

I retrospect, I felt sad for the little girl who I had seen growing up who could have been a person fated for greatness, but the circumstances that brought to her death made a stop to it. Can I blame the parents? I did but given their situation all I can do was to resign to the reality that some people because of their economic state can be helpless as to stop the death of their daughter. There's no going back time, all I can do is pray for her soul and that she can find peace where when she was alive her life was full of sickness, hunger and trials.

It May Work or Not: Perfect White

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:04:00 -0800

Beaming with excitement over the anti-aging pill and their other amazing products, I signed up with AIM Global- a legitimate Multi Level Marketing Company for me to enjoy the retail 25% discount of all their products and the health and economic benefits it could give me. As soon as I paid my membership with them, I started selling my products one the firsts that I sold was the Perfect White, an skin whitening and Anti aging product. I know that it works for me, I still doesn't know that it would work with others. Despite, the doubt, I kept my optimism high hoping that the product could provide the promises it boasted of - the "botox" effect on the skin and making the skin fairer.

True enough the two persons I sold the product with discounting me, said that it works and very happy with it for they see results that after a few days of usage. They felt the tightening of the their skin and pores on the face closing up. A good testimony that further gained me more confidence with the product.

So what are ingredients of Perfect White? It has L-Cysteine Peptide that is 3-5 times more potent than glutathione that was extracted from the yeast. L-Cysteine Peptide acts an agent that will synthesize the natural glutathione that a human body has. The Apple Polyphenol found to be 2-6 times more powerful than Vit C also acts as anti oxidant that will prevent tissue damage such as wrinkles in the face by strengthening the muscle thereby giving the skin the "botox" effect. That is not all, the Grape Seed Extract as one of the main ingredients will, also act as a powerful anti oxidant. Scientific claims state that it is 20 times more potent than Vit C and 50 times potent than Vit E , compounds that slow down aging. Aside from that, the extract also improves joint flexibility, vision and strengthening the veins and capillaries for better circulation. The Procyanidins present in grape seeds are known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-allergic activities in the body. As it is an anti oxidant agent it will also prevent cancer and other tumor from forming. The astaxanthin in Perfect White acts natural sunscreen that will shield our skin from ultra-violet damage.

Having those ingredients in bottle of Perfect White, it is no wonder that it will work. We are in the age where our environment is slowly deteriorating, our diet laced with preservatives and chemicals that further damage our body immune system and the air that we breathe is full of free radicals that will age us fast . Despite this harsh change, we are blessed by nature on how to protect ourselves through her flora. Now it is for us to decide how to harness those benefits to our health protection.

I am so Happy I am Fat

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:55:00 -0800

Although, I would be a bit happy if I can gain a few pounds of muscle not fat of my 5'10 height and 140 lbs weight frame but to some people at gym, they went overboard about aiming for 180-200 pounds of blabber. Wow! I never knew that getting fat is making a comeback. Since when did getting heavy with fat has become an "in" thing. Just this morning I was performing my Press down exercise without gusto when this guy suddenly burst my bubble and exclaimed out happily to the whole world shouting " Ticz, I am already 188 lbs, 12 more to go! Wohoo!" and Ticz, our gym instructor answered " Yehey! Way to go 12 more pounds!" and in my mind I was saying "Way to go fatso, I am happy for you! You belly looks a globe! Ewww!" Joking no offense to the fats in the world. May your weight carry to the top of the Mt. Olympus.

I don't know what is happening with my body that when I stop lifting weight, I shrink. My weight when I stopped working out was around 147 lbs and when I came back 1 month after I lost the 7 pounds which bother's me a lot. All my life, until 5 years ago my weight was 112-117 lbs. I was way so skinny no matter how much I indiscreetly eat my metabolism doesn't cut me some slack to get fat. Believe me, before I had dreamed and wished of having those fat belly. Every time I see people with big belly, I envy them . What else can skinny guy could do but to get fat. Until 5 years ago, with persistence and drive I started eating my way to 155 lbs. I should be celebrating my new found when a classmate commented right on my face " You look skinny and yet you have a big belly." She was rather harsh on my new found happiness. By the way, I may had gained weight but I still look skinny because I have small frame body structure. That comment shook me up my reverie and started seeing myself in mirror of how unsightly to see my hanging belly. I took that as a motivation me to enroll in the gym and start lifting.

Because of my concern over my sudden loss of weight, I consulted the gym instructor on how to gain muscle and weight? That question of mine, opened the floodgate of muscle and strength training. He was medically explaining to me about how much food I should eat, supplements to take, workout programs to do and many others that I was totally lost in his fitness blabber. Then I asked " What I am going to do first if I want to have 150 lbs weight and attain that Zanjoe Marudo( A Filipino model/ actor)? " Simply he answered me back with nonchalance " Get FAT until your 180 lbs" and I frighteningly blurted out " What?!" he said " No joke. You have to get fat". Who is he kidding? Me? After all the sweat and effort I invested into maintaining my flat belly I have to get fat. To ease me out of my fear of getting heavy he scientifically explained to me the logic behind why I have to gain weight to 180 lbs.

Getting FAT he meant that I eat mountain of food- great serving of rice during mealtime and snacks consisting of carbohydrates that I can lay my hands on until I reach my goal of 180 lbs. When I reach that peak that is the time I am going to go on a diet and exercise like death to define my body like Zanjoe. Although, Zanjoe's body "cut" is to be envied for, I still found myself grumbling for with my weight now see the definition of my abs which I freakishly worked out for months and from what I can see from the mirrors in the gym and at home I don't really look that skeletal, do I? Seriously, I don't look unhealthy just that the rate of my weight loss is alarming for me. Why not consult a doctor? Well, I a phobiea with doctors and anything that smells like hospital.

His explanation was that one has to get fat in order to get ripped. How? That FAT is going to give the body the energy after a serious workout. Meaning, the protein that one consumed from food and supplements will repair muscle that was damaged from working out instead of converting it to energy for the body. If one does not have fat to provide energy the tendency of the body is to use muscle protein to compensate for it . So if your are thin and works our real hard you will end up like shrinking violet.

That conversation was 4 days ago and I am still contemplating doing his advise. I really hate to see my abs disappear because I wanted a body like the actor. Is it worth the pain if not the pleasure of eating if I look in the mirror I see my ballooning face and body or see my belly sticking out of my shirt? Is it really worth the risk? I guess, the one thing I am doing now of all the things that he advised is to scratch out my cardiology exercise.

Multi Level Marketing Won Me Over

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:01:00 -0800

I had viewed networking with deep skepticism. I have been invited with a few companies that specializes on networking and I totally fell asleep as some speakers ply me with astrological millions of money on my face. Thank God, I followed my instincts for not committing into their schemes for I know it was scam. Proven I was right, years after networking companies were on the headlines being investigated and taken to the courts for not actually selling the products that they offer but making money out of recruiting people for distributorship which was considered pyramid scheme. I am not saying that all networking company was stinking bad , there are some legal companies who deals with honesty and integrity but for me it wasn't my cup of tea or coffee.

Until recently, my sister convinced me to buy a product and I was intrigued. Out of vanity, I purchased a anti aging pill which they assured to really work. That was enough for me to believe, I entitled to be gullible, can't I? I bought a bottle of Perfect White. To salve my fangs of guilt, I bought my mother a box of C 24/7, a mega supplement or nutritional which is made by Nature's Way. Convinced I was, the products does work. That ended my reservation to register to AIM Global, a Multi-Level Marketing company.

Why did I let go of my skepticism? The primary reason was products used and it worked for me. I believe that I can identify with the company and can actually sell the products they are offering. Second, it will give me a chance to put into practice my selling skill which I dreamt of fulfilling. Thirdly, I don t have spend a lot of money to buy their kit. In business point of view, it is like buying a franchise without the fee and royalties. I can do business my own without a boss to bark orders to me and I don't have to pay a rent, salary and other expenses that goes with a business. Lastly, the company have good running system and trainings that I can exploit or make use which I believe will enrich and enhance my entrepreneurial self.

Multi Level Marketing (MLM) is business strategy in which a registered person with the company invites a potential distributor to be part of the business to either sell the product or recruit others. This new distributor will be part of the recruiter's (the upline) as a down line and as the system would suggest this will eventually become a web of downlines and uplines. People in the network can and will generate income based from direct selling of the products and recruitment. Because of the pyramid scheme that was blown out as an illegal activity, MLM has been unfairly associated with it.

So what won me over AIM Global? Simply, because they good products which I can assuredly sell with no apprehension it will not work. As any legal requirement, the new distributor have to "invest" 75% to make it legitimate. With AIM Global, for the 7,980 that I invested, I get 6000 pesos worth of products and the rest as insurance, medical check up and a 50% of an affiliate school that I or the one I waived right of discount my privilege might want to enroll. One of the privileges that AIM Global also offers is the 25% lifetime discount in all product that if I sell I will get a 25% net revenue and there is no maintaining amount or purchase to be considered " activated" membership. That for me is great convincing factor that led me to register with the company.

Although, I cannot discount the fact that I still have reservations about joining nevertheless, by their products my fears are offset. All I have to do is just enjoy my retailing and make income from it.

My 5th pair of Havaianas

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:28:00 -0800

I don't know but at one point Filipinos had gone gaga over a pair of Havaianas I, for one was no exception. If I can remember it right, 4 years ago, a friend of mine gushing over Havaianas that when we go the mall he was wishing that there's a store that sells the Made in Brazil rubber flip flops and I was like treating him mockingly for such display of shallowness. I guess the heaven must have heard his prayer for after a few months a store opened and tons of Havaianas in all various sizes and style with corresponding prices started selling like hotcakes . Anywhere, you go, a lot of people were wearing Havaianas. It was a phenomenon, out of curiosity, I asked my friend, how much was a pair? He answered, with deference to the slipper " 600-1,000 pesos" his answer literally choked me and I loudly uttered "What for a pair of bloody rubber slippers? I mean, how crazy could one be to buy a pair with that steep price tag? It was simply not practical. I could buy 6 pairs of Spartan slippers and be happy with it- it is still durably rubber isn't it?

Like a bug, it was contagious, after a few sleepless nights and careful thought I bought my first pair of Havaianas. Yes, I admit defeat to my vain self. I guess, I understood the craze for in the store are walls with pictures of celebrities and royalties wearing pairs of Havaianas. Believe me when I say that tell or present a picture of a product being used by famous people especially foreign celebrities to a Filipino and he or she will surely patronize it, shun the price. I again is not exception to the rule, what can I do it is embedded in my genes that products that are expensive and made outside the country are far superior quality than Philippine made (not entirely true) . My first pair was a size 9, yellow and green Hava (shortened name of Havaianas slipper with blatant " Brazil"print on it. I felt, I belong to club of Hava wearers who could identify themselves with the rich and famous even with just on the level one rubber item. Kidding.

Not all can afford to buy a pair. Philippines is a third world country with a monthly average salary of 6,000 plus pesos which 60 % of it is spent of food, for one to buy a pair of Hava is downright intelligent ironically speaking. However, even if it is the case, people are still buying it. One time when I passed by the store in the mall, the hair on nape stood up and goosebumps all over my body for I saw a long queue of people with possessed look on their eyes, clinched jaw and mouths salivating like rabid dogs outside the Spruce , a that sell Hava, looking like they ready for a kill. Jesting!

What does one get from buying a pair of Havaianas? One, for its durability. I for one can attest to it, the first pair I purchased lasted for a year. Two, for its cushion, I mean the softness of the rubber feels good to the feet. Three, its product style, and design that every time you visit a Hava store, there always a new one that one would like to own. Fourth, the shape of the slipper will retain its shape. Lastly, its acceptance to be worn with anything even with formal wear.

What are the disadvantages of wearing flipflops? First, was "overpronation" meaning flipflops does not have the kind of support like shoes does and as a result it could lead to pain in the heel, arch, toes and forefoot of the foot. Second is tendinitis, it is the over use of tendons. Third, it can cause flat fleet. Lastly, ankle sprain when you cannot hold your feet right when you trip. You still want to use slippers? I do. I admit I experience some of those foot problems I mentioned but still minor.

The second pair of Havaianas I bought was the Cartunistas Edition which I like because of the cartoons drawn on my slipper which I find real cute. Over time with use the caricature got erased nevertheless, it retained its original shape. How did I broke it? it suffered the same fate with 1st pair, the strap got severed. I managed to salvage by sewing itbut it was uncomfortable to wear around for it might dissociate itself when I am in the mall. Get the picture? It would most embarrassing. The third one was rather simple and yet it was gold in color. Again, its straps were broken when I got stuck on mud hole one rainy night. You know when you drive your feet deep in the mud , the mud will suck it hard. Fourth pair, I opted for a simpler design, an all black Hava. What happened to it? Douglas, our dog gnawed it. The fourth pair was when I raised my hands and said " I have enough!" No more Havaianas for me.

For awhile, I switched to Rider sandals and slippers it is also made from Brazil. Brazil does makes good rubber slippers. I was quite happy with the pair I bought but some designs sucks. The one I bought for my brother sadly lasted for a month.

Then last month, I bought my 5th pair of Havainas. It is simple black in color with yellow lettering on the straps pair. Looks like I ate my own words when I declared "no more" Havaianas for me. Ironically, also bought my niece and nephews pairs for Christmas and on their birthdays. I am a kind of person, who would always like to wear slippers or thong sandals that is why I cannot distant myself from buying a pair of Havaianas. Why not other brands? I think I am happy with Havaianas, I mean like the habit of just slipping my feet on a pair of flipflops when I go out. Even when I am all dressed up I still look decent and fashionable with just Havaianas under my feet.

The Fountain of Youth: L-Cysteine Peptide

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:00:00 -0800

Out with the old, in with the new! I declare and claim, with vigor, this new mantra of mine.

I would not deny that I am vain. I constantly search for products for my over all health. I take supplements like fish oil and vitamin B complex for my skin and mind. I take amino acid to feed my muscles and if that is not enough I drink Virgin Coconut Oil to prevent myself from illnesses. I am a drug addict! As I jokingly announce. Before, I forgot I even followed the bandwagon of Glutathione pill popper. Not that I wanted to have a whiter skin, I am quite happy with my natural tan, but because I wanted supple and moisturized feel of my skin. On top of that, I use only Ivory soap for I like the result it has on my skin and for my daily face cream? I patronize Olay Moisturizing Lotion for its non-greasy formula that I like very much. You might be wondering why I use females products well men's beauty line doesn't work for me.

All in the name of keeping myself young, I can say that I was already contended with my beauty regimen until my sister introduced me to a anti-aging pill. At first I was skeptical, it is hard to break old habits, finally I gave in to her sales talk with her friend who was the one selling it. I bought my first bottle for 1,400 pesos, quite expensive but I gave it a try just in case it works, if not? That money will be written off as an expense of my idiocy. Charge to experience as some would say. Yes! Life is a gamble. That same day I took my first pill, as way to test its efficacy, I did not drink any of my pills and did not applied any beauty products on my face. On the first day, I did not feel any changes.Hmmmm...suspicious. Second day, I felt a change in my skin on my face, it feels soft and moisturized. On the my fourth day, my sister and her friend who told me that my face is looking red with health. I mean, unbelievable how the anti-aging pill works that fast? After, more than a month of using it, I can now feel a stretch of my skin. The pores in my face has gotten smaller, the skin my neck and chest is looking tight which before an eyesore to my sight and even the blemishes in my face looks fading in color. Lastly, acne and pimples has greatly decreased. My friend who were skeptical at first finally admitted that there is an improvement in my face, she said" there's a certain glow". So what is the product?

The product is called Perfect White exclusively distributed by AIM Global. It's main ingredient is L-Cysteine Peptide which is 3-5 times more potent than Glutathione and a great anti-aging agent. To give one's skin a rosy healthy glow, they infused the pill with Astaxanthin which is responsible for their pink or reddish color of some sea water creatures like lobster, salmon, shrimp and crab. Moreover, it also protects the skin and eyes from UV A and B damage by quenching its oxygen. Perfect White, also has Apple Polyphenols which prevent skin wrinkling. Lastly, Grape Seed Extracts that is 20 times more powerful than Vit C and 50 times more potent than Vit E. The Grape Seed Extracts acts a scavenger of free radicals that causes aging. In addition, it also protects the skin from the damaging UV radiation from the sun.

For me this is a perfect product to take than glutathione for does more than making my skin supple and soft to the touch but also the "botox" effect it makes by stretching my skin. I can attest that it works and i felt the changes already with my use of my first bottle. I believe that I have found my fountain of youth.

L-cysteine Peptide is the new Glutathione!

The Bravery of Shadow

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Sun, 9 Jan 2011 22:50:00 -0800

Shadow was an askal. Askal is short term for "asong kalye" aso in Filipino's name for dog while kalye means street, so askal is shortened name for As( aso) Kal (kalye) meaning a street dog or stray dog. It was a colloquial name for a breed of dog whose origin came from a mongrel that litters the streets in the Philippines. An askal can be combination of street dog to street dog or street dog with a purebred. Askal is a kind of canine breed treated if not considered the lowest of its Canidae(dog) family, not entirely my opinion. Its origin can be never be ascertained.

It was my sister who brought him home one night. He was given to her by her co-worker whose dog bore lots of pups since we need a guard dog, my sister took the mutt in. My sister, like the snap of a finger, named him Shadow for he will be our shadow in the house guarding it from thieves and burglars. Shadow was certainly a great addition to our family that upon his arrival a banner was made for him that says "Welcome home Shadow, May your life with us be bark-full, bite-full and alert!" Just kidding, If I remember correctly, we were happy to welcome the cute mutt however, his first nights with us were a nightmare for his incessant yelps, whimpering and crying irritated us so much that we all ended up not having enough sleep for days. I think when he was brought to us, he was still 3 weeks old , basically still a baby, who still needs his mother's nips and milk. We were pessimistic for we were predicting that he would not live a week considering his cries were getting weaker and weaker since we has brought home. Baby Shadow cries were fading like a dust giving into night and death was already waiting with great anticipation. But we never stopped serving him milk to his plate for him to lick off. Thankfully, he survived that plateau stage, a physiological stage of no development, which was crucial for he either die or live. He pulled through that stage and upon our nursing he got stronger, ready to take on the world with kennel fierceness.

I don't know but dog has this protective instinct to their master and territory. Shadow was no exception for he was protective to us and when a another askal from our neighbor will go sniffing their way to our property or human comes for a visit would bark angrily and his eyes will go glassy with a kill. I guess it was loudly telling them that our property is his, no one messes with it or he would bite off 2 kilos of meat off your back. His growing from baby to adulthood was without grave incidents. One time, when Shadow, MaiMai came to visit Aring, our adopted child, she was bitten when she just went prancing inside our fence. Thank God, Shadow after observing him 5 days, if gets weak or gone crazy , he acted normal so meaning he had no rabies. Well, MaiMai wasn't the only victim of his biting, Aloy, Aring's brother was also one of the statistics. I guess Shadow had a hots for Aloy for he would always irritate the dog by throwing stones at him, tease him and scare him. As a means of retaliation, Shadow settled the score by driving his sharp teeth into his legs. Another, is our neighbor, who would stone and bat him with a tree stick that resulted to his limping for days matched with an open wound from being stoned. No matter , how much we would like to bring our neighbor to the barangay court we can't for we don't have a indicting evidence against him. Again, Shadow, like a shadow with a vengeance, had bitten him in the arm. The incident was later called "quits" for he treated our dog with cruelty, I guess he knows what he had done to the hapless dog and he brought it upon himself. If we can only read Shadow's expression, we are sure that there is this smug look upon his face.

Although, I pictured Shadow as a fierce and insane dog. We was actually, very gentle and thoughtful. Why? Like any other dog, when we came home from somewhere, he would get so excited. We would bark with zestful excitement upon seeing us, wag his tail and he would turn circles like crazy which very cute at times annoying for he would jump on us and soil our clothes. A simple "chee!" and he would stop and go meek. As always, we never pampered him like some people but we were never cruel to him. What we eat is what he eats. Sometimes, we bathed him which would drive him crazy that we eventually stopped it. As he was not on a leash, he is free to roam around the place, getting into fights with other dogs in the neighborhood, eating dead frogs, scavenging the trash or garbage and breeding other females dogs. One time, when our neighbor's Japanese Spitz got out of the their gated property, Shadow wasted no time humping her. If they had an offspring? I guess none.

Shadow

Shadow's intense nature had eventually earned him the refutation of being the leader among the askals. His refutation even grown like an urban legend in our place, people were wary to pass by our house for a barbaric dog will bite them. Parents would warn their children to tread carefully with Shadow. No drunkards would attempt to snare him for their pulutan( a food served with a alcoholic drink) for his menacing stature. Our house or the place within our property's vicinity was treated with dread with police cordon around it. Shadow definitely live to our expectation and purpose and more.

One of the behavior of dogs, Shadow was no exception, was to tail their master. He would excitedly, accompany us when we walk to the highway for a commute. There are times when he would cross the highway, see us hop into a jeep and that's the time he would go running home. Sometimes, a simple "uli!" meaning go home was enough for him go prancing back home but sometimes not. Until one night, that was Sunday, my sister, the one who brought him home, went out to go to a Mass celebration, when Shadow tailed her to the highway. She frighteningly, shooed him away, she was fearing that a vehicle will ran him down. After a few attempts, she managed to shoo him which gave her a sigh of relief. She recounted that, she saw Shadow, when crossing the highway seems to have a know how. on how to do it. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, when Shadow was not fast enough to run for safety to a speeding taxi which hit him on the head. She said that she heard a loud bang and a unforgettable whimper from a dog who was obviously in great pain. The taxi just went on speeding and the next time she saw was Shadow running, from what she can guess, home. She thought that Shadow will be okay and she went her way to church. But she was wrong for we just found Shadow lifeless in our backyard. It was my mother who found her first and the next thing scene was commotion that woke my sister who told us that the dog was hit by a taxi.

Shadow died of internal hemorrhage of March 2006. If I can fit in my foot in his shoes it really must had been painful and a slow death. I can just imagine the excruciating pain and can't do anything to alleviate it. It must be very very hard to be a dog, when the means of communication is bark or growl, humans cannot acutely guess for what they means. For Shadow to go come running to a distant home and die must have been a painful ordeal. It was amazing how brave he was in his pain that he can still go home to the house where he was loyal with. From what my mother and my siblings story, they never heard him cry. They just wondered why there was no familiar bark. Upon seeing his dead body, we immediately, dug a grave for him.

I never really bothered Shadow. I mean, I always tell people in the house to feed him. never to forget to feed him or he might go loony with starvation but to touch him or cuddle him? Nary. The longest conversation I had with him was "stop" when he goes carting off the other pair of the slipper or chew on plastics in our garbage or yell at out" of the house when he is smelling like death when he feasted on frogs. But when he died I cried! As in cry an honest cry of sadness and pity to a dog who had served us greatly and the way he died was a true tearjerker. A brave dog indeed he was. He is surely missed.

The Tale of Gam Gam: The English Mutt

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Fri, 7 Jan 2011 23:29:00 -0800

On the grounds of Divine Mercy, El Salvador

Who am I to discount the wild tale of the feat of tiny street urchin that my brother picked and brought home one rainy night? What I'm about to tell is a story of one tiny creature who pulled a stunt of bravery. An inspirational story from rags to riches.

Out of compassion, my brother brought home this little mutt that looks scraggy and sick. For days, after bringing him home, my brother and father was troubled for 2 days the dog was not eating; not the dog food, the fish, the viand with rice.I mean Nada. What he would do was just to sniff the food and leave like a haughty stiff upper lip Brit (no pun intended). Probably one of the reasons, was his name GamGam, which was definitely not his name, felt foreign to him. By the way, GamGam is just a male derivative from a female dog 's name- MagMag , a terrier poodle my brother used to have . Since the small canine wasn't eating what they did was not to serve food in his feeding plate for days . His only sustenance was just water .Like a defeated soldier, he raised his white flag and surrendered to his appetite after 2 days of fasting. Like beggar who had not eaten for months he has no choice but eat what was being served-a fistful serving of vegetable and rice. Of course, the drama didn't end there for the English mutt with brown orange hair made a paw declaration that he is going vegetarian. Where on earth can one find a vegan dog? Well, Gam Gam was(past tense). Since then he doesn't eat anything other than vegetable and rice.

Shaking after a swim from the sea

Because, he origin was unknown, my brother brought him to the veterinary clinic for a check up, vaccination and to ask the vet the certainty of his canine breed. The vet said that he has the royal blood of poodle and aztec's warrior blood of Chihuahua. Certainly, one will never know of what breed combination GamGam came from. For all I know he could be a cross breed between a Siberian Husky and a Mini pinscher.Kidding aside, obviously the elsewhere original owner of GamGam who holds the sacred knowledge of the genealogy of Gam Gam-the Vegan Dog from UK.

The residence of GamGam before

Months have past since GamGam was taken in and he has become forlorn for no one can intermittently let him out of the house for the day. He was left alone in his own devices in the apartment- no toys, no playmates, nothing else to do but eat and sleep. Like any other proper English man, he would take his bowel respites outside the house. When no one was around in the loft? GamGam would bear the pain and need to discharge until my brother and farther would arrive and let him out for the day. I guess, with great concern , my brother decided to bring him home (we rents a pad with my father ) for us to take care of. Pity to the small snooty dog, his transfer to our residence was not all that he hoped for, for he was made to live outside the house. For the reason that there are premature twin babies at home and with a dog inside, they might get asthma attacks from its hair. Hesitantly. we installed a small dog house for him made up of plywood, which we later added a second floor as our dirty kitchen. Imagine the scenario while we cook with firewood a small dog was sleeping and resting below. Although, he was left to fend for himself with bigger aggressive dogs, foreign food and the sun and the rain he took his station with admirable intestinal fortitude. He seems to be happy but getting scrappier and scrappier that his hair got grossly matted and revoltingly entangled to look at. I guess, no one would attempt to steal or pick up a dirty dog that could be a host of the millions of lice bloated of blood. He had befriended Shadow our fierce guard dog and from I can see they make an odd couple indeed. For example Shadow had this scary growl and dangerous barks that one would skitter for safety while GamGam has this little yelps that one would want to pet and cuddle him.

GamGam riding the bus

I don't know but we are wary of dogs. Especially, the dogs we always have are guard dogs who doesn't hesitate to bark and bite stranger who happens get inside our fence even with a hair or skin. Unlike some people, we aren't as, lovable and touchy with dogs. We just feed them and on rare occasions we bathe them. We bathe GamGam but we never groom him as to even slide a comb in his dreadlocks of a hair. How far can he get clean? A bathe using human shampoo and detergent bar.

Months since he was transferred, the Brit diminutive canine had become a pitiful sight. Out of deference, I decided to bring him to my friend for an adoption, our agreement was just to give us an offspring/s he might have and of course proper care. I mean, I took the initiative for I saw the condition that he live at home. We can't provide him the proper care that a breed of his kind needs. If heavy rain and wind will ensue he will definitely would get wet inside his tiny and humble abode con dirty kitchen . If flood would strike our place he literally have to swim for his life. That's no way for a nasal accent Brit to live and he will eventually die. A breed of his kind deserves a honorable death from a lifetime of good life.

My work(haircut style) of GamGam

Before his adoption, I took the courage to clean GamGam . Once and for all he deserves a day in a spa, my own brand of spa treatment. Armed with a detergent soap and a pair of scissors, and steel shield I picked the Vegan Dog, my bad he was no longer vegan at this time, and placed him in basin with water and bathed. While still wet I frighteningly, I don't want to be bitten, I began cutting his plastered hair. Good news! no lices. However, I have tell you, with great regret, that it wasn't without blood, for at times I would cut through his pink skin and all he can do was just whimper and cry but still bravely hold himself straight albeit shaking with fear and cold- he does not bite and ran. His steadfast resolve against pain was admirable( I suspected an Irish or Viking blood in him). By the time, I was finished with him, he ended up looking like a work of art, except that artist does not have talent and taste, he was an unsightly specimen. Nevertheless, one can clearly see his prominent his adorable and uniquely pink snout and the cute way he looks at you-that intense and intelligent look, that belie an incorrigible innocence.

Sunday, if I can remember, the day that I finally brought him to my friend and his family. Instantly, my friend's mother fell in love with GamGam. How can she not? He was without props under his belt, he really capitalized on his big doe eyes, ribs poking out, uneven hair cut and this " pity me" act that instantly mesmerizes his unsuspecting victims. They feed, groomed and brought him to veterinary clinic for further vaccination. Another opinion was again spun for when the doctor was asked of GamGam's breed, the lady animal doctor she said it is poodle and something. They also asked for his age, the vet said "more than one year" based from the number of canine teeth that had grown. Indeed, his age and breed still remains a mystery even to this day for no one could tell with certainty. While we respect the vet's guess we still have to do some research on the net of his kind(breed) the best we can come up was his lineage leans toward Bichon Frise or Maltese plus another breed.

The Brit dog at work

Months after his adoption one can tell that his stature had improved but he still remain wary of being touched, since he was not used to being petted. GamGam post no problem to them since he is meek and used to being himself lying under small coffee table in the house. His temperament as always reserved, is not does not get overly excited like some dogs for you seldom hear him bark or see him run wildly around the house or gnaw on things. He was still picky with food (he likes chicken now)and continued to be guarded with people. Indeed a true blue British.

It's been more than a year since I brought him to my friend's family and GamGam has become an integral part of their family. He is enjoying the comforts of good grooming, shelter, care, love and affection that is fitting for an English gentleman.

close up shot

Courtesan at the Airport

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Tue, 4 Jan 2011 20:38:00 -0800

It was either I spend the money or change the bills into my country's currency? I opted for the 1st choice, spend it.

I already checked in my baggage and had 2 hours to kill in the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Armed with unspent 2,500 Bhatt I explored the shops in the terminal for some buy. Shopping can be overwhelming when shops of all sorts gives you this come hither looks and sexily bidding you to sample her wares. Beauty and health products, shoe, watches and accessories, designer clothing lines, perfumeries, food and restaurants and souvenir shops can unhand even the most steadfast of a person. I, for one, in the steadfast examination, is barely passing. But with just 2,500 bhatt, that watch I was eyeing was out of question ,it was 5,000 plus bhatt. So, I persevered until I accidentally ran into woman in sexy lingerie with smell so good like cinnamon and vanilla. Wow! it must be my lucky day. A modern day courtesan!

Like lovelorn puppy, I subjected myself to her feminine wiles and boy it was so good that it sent me to edge - nirvana(as Buddha would define it). I was in the utter taste of pleasure of sniffing and touching and sniffing and petting. Then I heard her little seductive voice like whisper to my ears-teasing and tickling me with excitement. Like courtesan she was, she sexily batted her eyes and out in luscious red lips are words that I could not forget " What do you want sir?" running her finger to arms, that pulled me even deeper under her spell her and sent shivers to my spine. Daintily I felt her hands into my pant's and shelled out 1,600 Bhatt out from my pocket and said " Thank you Sir." with the hint of delightful smile-sexy and innocent. As a parting gift she gave me a 100 ml bottle of CKIN2U by Calvin Klein.

With sound of cash register still ringing in my ears, the I moment stepped out of the bordello of fragrances, I felt a sudden pang of guilt. To salve it? I bought my niece a Walt Disney watch and my mother a tiger eye bracelet. I tell you, it made me feel better.

How to describe the smell? I personally don't like heavy musky smell, that would send me or other people reeling with disgust. My leanings for scents goes toward citrus and lemons which I get from this bottle. A spritz of CKIN2U I and my spirits is uplifted by the hint of smell of pomelo leaves. Throw in the frosted tangelo, Cacao bean, Jamaican pepper, shiso leaves, white musk, white cedar and “ultra-vetiver that's takes me to a place where courtesan once plied with me her charms. Ambrosia!

Confessions of a Metrosexual

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Mon, 3 Jan 2011 22:43:00 -0800

I, of legal age and sound mind, hereby confess that I am Metrosexual.

I confess to going to spa salon for my monthly facials.

I confess that I can't sleep without washing my face and apply moisturizer.

I confess that I take food supplements for my skin, my sanity and health

I confess that I buy imported products for my hair.

I confess that I maintain a hairstylist to fashion my hair the way I want.

I confess that I buy rather expensive shirts or any other forms of clothing.

I confess that I own designer perfumes and colognes.

I confess that my accessories should have known brand name labeled to it.

I confess that I go the gym 5 times a week.

I confess to periodically browse on fashion on-line magazine for the latest trend.

I confess I have vanity kit in my bag.

I confess that I enjoy going to museum or anything cultural in nature.

I confess that I don't confess my age.

Yeah, shoot me but I like the good and finer things in life. I have to make this clear thought that I don't daintily dab my face with powder and foundation, I moisturize.unlike some guys in the gym. Do I look my age? Believe me when I say that I have been telling people I am 23 years old for like ages and they still believe me no second thoughts. All this in the name of vanity. Yes, I am vain but it is not without careful thought and consideration. I don't sacrifice my money for food and other necessities for vanity. I might look good but I pocket has only have 5 cents in it what's the point? I mean what is the crime in wanting my skin to supple and healthy looking? Or about having my hairstylist change my hair style for like 2 times year? Or going to the gym 5 times week in order to confident and have good self worth and esteem? Or my obsession with anything leather that I literally salivate when I see a leather shoes, bags and accessories? Or buying this products that promotes good health and anti-aging? Is it crime when I want in life is to look good and be pleasant to look at.

It was in the year 1994 that the word Metrosexual was formally coined if not by Mark Simpson in his article " Here Come the Mirror Man" which basically shed light to a man who veered away from the norm to macho man who is practical and has little need for mirror other than use it to see himself when combing and shaving. I think 1994, was a glorious year for men for he has found an excuse or honesty to announce to the world his love for arts, culture, fashion and most importantly shopping which otherwise viewed in the past as homosexuality. Metrosexual man has been an existence since thousand years ago when would build bathhouses, massages and all in the name of pleasure. Not to the mention , the century where Kings and Princes-es don on glittering outfit complete with white powder on their and wigs just to look good downright uncomfortable. Men in past go through to such pain, spend human heads and money all in the name of vanity.

Today, there are articles and books published about the subject one the book Michael Flocker " The Metrosexual Guide to Style: A Handbook for the Modern Man" which basically teaches a man to refine himself in the society. I believe that this a good book to have since we are in an era where cavalier attitude is deeply frowned upon. In other words, this book encourages men to be comfortable with his feminine side. Yeah, I know that sounds so gay to some but it is just simply to understand better the opposite sex and empathize with them. No crying is involve of course unless necessary.

So what do I get from my being vain? Well, I once called a fashionista. A comment I took in stride and confidence. Shhhhh... but I people has been brazen as to say in my face that skin healthily shinny and good. To a quite few who had the pleasure of caressing my skin and say that my skin is silky and smooth. For my age? Those are good compliments that I welcome with open arms. When some people ask me what I am taking for my skin? My answer would always be Fish oil and Vit B Complex and gym. But now I am using an anti-aging product sold by AIM Global (http://www.allianceinmotion.com/philippines/) my skin feels rejuvenated and tighter. Let's us be all honest who doesn't want to look and feel good? Who doesn't like not to look their age and look younger for say 10 years? Who doesn't like to be given an attention to the sea of people around us? And lastly, who doesn't like to be healthy- no illness or ailments? If I know one who answers "no" to not look good? I gonna hang myself.Lastly, I declare that.....

I am may be Metrosexual but I am no Narcissist.

My first order

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Sun, 2 Jan 2011 22:14:00 -0800

I joined the networking company because primarily I believe in their products and I am personally a user. I attended their talk first and I was convinced. I realized that I could capitalize by making it a business of what I am using and the other products that the AIM Global has to offer. Since a user, I could add my personal testimonies when selling. True enough, when I showed my brochure con kit to someone, she instantly got excited and order my first product-the White Light Sublingual Glutathione Spray.

What is unique about this product is its efficacy and innovation. Being the only spray glutathione in the market it is far more effective than any glutathione products. Why? once it is sprayed under the tongue it comes directly comes into contact with the saliva enzymes and instantly enters the bloodstream unlike the tablet counterparts that has to go through a hostile environment in the stomach which could lead to degraded substance. One can be assured that 2,500 mg of glutathione and 1,000 mg of Vitamin C contained in the bottle of White Light Glutathione Sp[ray will be fully benefited by the body.

We all know that glutathione cleanses the liver of toxins and free radicals that fast tracks aging and bore cancer cells. We have natural glutathione in our body but is it not enough to combat bad elements that will destroy our health. Cleansing the body is primarily what glutathione does to our body to reiterate it is but we can't generate enough so what does ingesting glutathione do is to supply our body, particularly the liver with substance with extra ammunition against these toxins and free radicals. Not only does it cleanses our body but also affects the pigmentation of the skin to be more lighter and supple. Some would call it side effects of glutathione.

With continued spritz use of White Light Glutathione Spray one can achieve healthy and whiter skin in just 2-3 months. With its mint flavor this product also helps in a good oral hygiene for fresher breath.

Rebirth

noreply@blogger.com (The Tale Spinner) — Sat, 1 Jan 2011 21:31:00 -0800

With just one click and I deleted all that I posted last year. What made me do it? Well, I have a change of heart and change of priorities into doing this blog. Yes, I would like to earn! A slice of that profit pie, but I also like to blog on subjects that I would make an impact or that would interest my readers(if there are any). Meaning, I will be more specific as to what niche or nature I would like to write about.

I have asked myself of what I am would be my interests and the articles that I will be blabbering about? It will be coffee, travel, photography, do-it yourself write up, politics, business ventures and etc that would take my fancy and sure my readers, if there are any, can relate with.So that is it....