Communication Breakdown

Lord God, are we talking?

It seems like it’s been a while. My voice to you feels weak. There’s no doubt about my belief, but I guess believing doesn’t count as communication. (I think I’ve assumed that it does without really thinking about it.) I can believe in my wife and not talk to her for a week. How long has it been since you heard from me – really heard from me? If I have to ask that question, it must have been a while. Somehow I’ve got you doing nothing but waiting around to hear from me while I go about my business oblivious to our lack of communication. Like I’ve got more important things to do than you do. Ouch! That sounds pretty close to blasphemy, making me wonder how often I blaspheme you with my ignorant assumptions.

Is our relationship more important to you than it is to me? If it is, I am grossly overestimating my own importance. The issue is not whether you are on my side; the question is: Am I on yours? And only I can answer that. Am I centering my life on you? The fact that the lines of communication seem rusty right now indicates there is a lot of inequity here.

What do I need to do to get back in touch? What’s that? I’m doing it right now? You just want my attention and you’ll take it any way it comes – through joy, sorrow, confession, pain, or the reestablishment of communication? That seems almost too easy. What’s that you’re saying? “Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I think I’m getting it now. No matter how far I may have strayed away, it’s always a short trip back. The breakdown in communication was only on my part, never yours. I don’t have to retrace my steps back to the last place I got off before I can hear you again, because you’ve been dogging me the whole way. As soon as I turn my heart and attention toward you, you are there to meet me because you never left.

It seems almost too good to be true. Where did I get the idea it’s supposed to be so hard?

by John Fischer

I'm Sorry ... I was wrong

For many of us 'I'm sorry' is a painful admission of a fault or imperfection. It implies that 'I was wrong', and that is the part that seems to activate our defences and keep us from speaking."

But 'I'm sorry' doesn't need to be a vindication for one side or another. It's far more effective in making things right again than in showing who was wrong. Still, the words come hard, as if saying them reveals some weakness, some vulnerability.

Just a little thought on the matter tells us the opposite is true. Being vulnerable and able to say 'I was wrong' is one of the surest signs of strength. It informs others that we are sensitive to their pain or their mood. It's far better than puttingup walls and trying to maintain the myth of being perfect. The magic words 'I'm sorry' have unlimited power to heal and restore."

Just Do It

"Life isn't about keeping score.

It's not about how many people call you and it's not about who you've dated, are dating, or haven't dated at all.

It isn't about who you've kissed, what sport you play, or which guy or girl likes you.

It's not about your shoes or your hair or the colour of your skin or where you live or go to school.

In fact, it's not about grades, money, clothes, or colleges that accept you or not.

Life isn't about if you have lots of friends, or if you are alone, and it's not about how accepted or unaccepted you are.

Life just isn't about that. But life is about who you love and who you hurt.

It's about how you feel about yourself.

It's about trust, happiness, and compassion.

It's about sticking up for your friends and replacing inner hate with love.

Life is about avoiding jealousy, overcoming ignorance, and building confidence.

It's about what you say and what you mean.

It's about seeing people for who they are and not what they have.

Most of all, it is about choosing to use your life to touch someone else's in a way that could never have been achieved otherwise.

These choices are what life's about."

-- Nike ad

10 Worst Things to Say in the Workplace

These days, your job security is unstable enough as it is. The last thing you need is to make an off-the-cuff remark that gets you fired (or shunned from the likes of your co-workers). To help keep your career on track, here are 10 things you should never say or discuss in the workplace:

1. "That's not my job."
When you boil things down, everyone does things that "aren't their job." If everyone complained that a certain task wasn't in the offer they signed, the labor force would be in more trouble than it already is. If someone asks for your help, take it as a compliment. He or she obviously values your input or thinks your skills would be good fit for the task. Not only will it help earn good office karma (you never know when you'll need help from other colleagues), but it never looks good to only do the bare minimum.

2. "I don't mind helping you with that." (With a fake smile pasted on your face.)
There's nothing worse than someone who offers to help and then complains about it later. If you take on a task with a smile but don't really want to do it, your help is as good as no help at all. When you work without enthusiasm, it's never your best effort. Plus, don't say you'll do something if you have no intention of actually completing the task or you'll earn a reputation as an unreliable person. Your colleagues are relying on you, so your decision not to follow through impacts their jobs, too.

3. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but ... "
Anytime you start a sentence with that phrase, you're asking for one thing: The recipient of your knowledge to, indeed, tell someone you said that. If it's really a secret, keep it to yourself. Whether you know someone in the office got pregnant by the mail guy or you found out what the boss makes, you're going to get credit for spreading the news. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.

4. "I haven't gotten a raise, EVER."
Since most employers base salary increase on productivity (not longevity), asking for a raise based on how long you've been with the company or how long it's been since your last one will tell your boss only that you want more money -- not that you deserve it. Instead, prove the raise is merited.

5. "I'm so ... stressed out/busy/sick of working here."
Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch. If you don't agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.

6. "I have insert weird, gross or inappropriate medical condition here ."Nobody cares about your aches and pains, the weird fungus on your foot, your infertility woes or the bad gas you got from eating Chinese food last night. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee. And to your co-workers, you seem like an attention-seeking hypochondriac.

7. "Whom did you vote for?" or "What religion are you?"
The old adage that you shouldn't discuss politics or religion is as true today as ever before. People have strong, passionate views on both topics and you may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively based on your views in a way that could impact your career.

8. "I got so trashed last night ..."
It's perfectly fine to have fun after work, but don't brag about your drunken escapades to your boss. The fact that you showed up for work despite still recovering from a massive hangover might be impressive, but it means nothing if you spend the day recounting your activities versus working. Not to mention, sharing that information makes you look unprofessional and unreliable.

9. "I don't have time for that."
In case you didn't realize, everybody's busy. If your boss asks you to do something, chances are it's not really an option. If your main concern is accomplishing the task on time, be honest and tell that to your boss. Mention how busy your schedule is but that you can accommodate the request if some other projects are rearranged. You'll show that you take each assignment seriously and only want to turn in your best work.

10. "I just bought a $1,000 watch for the boss.

"While the spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, constantly sharing how much you spent on gifts, meals or outings will only have others annoyed. Not only will it seem like you're bragging, but you don't want others speculating on the lifestyle you're living -- or if you're living beyond your salary bracket.

Life in the Gulf

Know your Customers

A disappointed salesman of Coca Cola returns from his Middle East assignment. A friend asked, "Why weren't you successful with the Arabs?" The salesman explained "When I got posted in the Middle East , I was very confident that I would make a good sales pitch as Cola is virtually unknown there. But, I had a problem I didn't know to speak Arabic. So, I planned to convey the message through three posters...

First poster: A man lying in the hot desert sand...totally exhausted and fainting.

Second poster: The man is drinking our Cola.

Third poster: Our man is now totally refreshed.

And Then these posters were pasted all over the place

"Then that should have worked!" said the friend.

"The hell it should had!? said the salesman. I didn't realize that Arabs read from right to left"

100 Best Filipino Films

This list is taken from Noel Vera's blog. Noel Vera is filipino film critic. The films are listed in alphabetical order. Click here to see more of Noel Vera's Blog.

48 Oras (48 Hours, 1950) - Gerardo de Leon's great noir, about a man who has 48 hours to find the men who wronged him, before a bullet in his chest reaches his heart.

Aliw (Pleasure, 1979) - Ishmael Bernal's caustic drama about kept mistresses.

Aliwan Paradise (Pleasure Paradise, 1993) - Mike de Leon's satire on the future of the Philippines and on Filipino game shows. Part of the omnibus film Southern Winds.

Anak Dalita (The Ruins, 1956) - Lamberto Avellana's neorealist drama about a man forced to participate in a smuggling ring, set in the postwar ruins of Manila.

Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan (The Legend of Julian Makabayan, 1979) - Celso Ad. Castillo's film about villagers retelling the story of their hero and the revolt he waged in the countryside.

Ang Magpakailanman (Eternity, 1983) - Golden Palm winner Raymond Red's masterpiece, about the surreal and at times nightmarish adventures of a young man.

Ang Maikling Buhay ng Apoy, Act 2, Scene 2: Suring at ang Kuk-ok (The Brief Life of Fire, Act 2, Scene 2: Suring and the Kuk-ok, 1997) - Auraeus Solito's magical animated short, about a young girl and her mythological friend

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros, 2005) - Auraeus Solito and writer Michiko Yamamoto's affectionate portrait of a gay boy in love with an idealistic policeman.

Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (My Father the Mother, 1978) - Dolphy gives the performance of his career in Lino Brocka's film about a gay man raising a child.

Angela Markado (1980) - Lino Brocka noir about a woman who wreaks vengeance upon her rapists.

Asedillo (1971) - Celso Ad. Castillo's gracefully proportioned action drama about a schoolteacher turned rebel leader. Cemented Filipino action star Fernando Poe Jr.'s persona as a champion of the poor and oppressed.

Babae sa Breakwater (Woman of the Breakwater, 2004) - Mario O'Hara's occasionally pungent, occasionally picaresque tale of two brothers and a young woman clinging literally to the edge of the city of Manila.

Babae sa Bubungang Lata (Woman on a Tin Roof, 1998) - Mario O'Hara's loving elegy to the glory that was once Philippine cinema, and scathing condemnation of the business it has since become.

Bagong Bayani (The Last Wish, 1995) - Tikoy Aguiluz's masterpiece, a great docudrama about Flor Contemplacion, the domestic helper executed (wrongfully, some say) by the Singaporean government for the murder of a fellow Filipina.

Bagong Hari (The New King, 1986) - Mario O'Hara's great noir epic, about an assassin hired then betrayed by his powerful political bosses.

Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? (Why is the Sky Blue? 1981) - Mario O'Hara's poignant drama about the friendship between a young woman and a retarded man.

West Side (West Side Avenue, 2001) - Lav Diaz's masterpiece, a five-hour film about an investigation into a young man's murder that gradually expands to become an investigation into the Filipino-American community.

Batch '81 (1982) - Mike de Leon's film turns the fraternity into a metaphor for the fascist Marcos regime.

Bayan Ko (My Country, 1985) - Lino Brocka's drama about labor unrest.

Bayani (Hero, 1992) - Raymond Red's beautifully photographed film about the 1898 revolution.

Bayaning Third World (Third World Hero, 2000) - Mike de Leon's brilliant Rizal film about the impossibility of making a Rizal film.

Bilanggo sa Dilim (Prisoner in the Dark, 1987) - Mike de Leon's only video feature to date, a personalized adaptation of John Fowles' chilling The Collector.

Biyaya ng Lupa (Blessings of the Land, 1959) - One of the most perfect Filipino films ever made, Manuel Silos' masterpiece about the lives of farmers and the changing of seasons, and lanzones--bushel after bushel of the ripest, juiciest, sweetest-looking lanzones you ever did see, enough to make your mouth water three times over.

Boatman (1984) - Tikoy Aguiluz's intense documentarylike drama about live sex performers.

Bona (1980) - Lino Brocka's valentine to movie love, about a young woman who chooses to become housemaid to an aspiring actor.

Broken Marriage (1983) - Ishmael Bernal's Naruselike drama about a failing marriage

Bulaklak ng City Jail (Flowers of the City Jail, 1985) - Mario O'Hara's noir melodrama about a pregnant woman in the Manila City Jail.

Burlesk Queen (Burlesque Queen, 1977) - Celso Ad. Castillo's lyrical masterpiece, ostensibly about the dying art of burlesque, but really about the beauty of all things worn-out and ravished.

City After Dark (1980) - Ishmael Bernal's masterpiece, an epic multi-narrative tale about the underbelly of Manila.

Condemned (1984) - One of the most perfect Filipino noir thrillers ever made, about a brother and sister struggling to survive on the streets of Manila.

Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino (Evolution of a Filipino Family, 2004)- Lav Diaz's 11 hour epic, about families living through recent Filipino history.

El Filibusterismo (The Filibuster, 1962) - Gerardo de Leon's masterpiece of an adaptation of Jose Rizal's gothic revenge novel.

Eskapo (Escape, 1995)- Chito Rono's thriller about the attempted escape of two political prisoners from the clutches of the Marcos regime.

Fe, Esperanza, Caridad (1975) - Omnibus film includes a wonderfully lighthearted Lamberto Avellana comedy about a young wife's domestic troubles, and a memorably lurid Gerardo de Leon melodrama about a nun seduced by Satan.

Genghis Khan (1950) - Manuel Conde's surprisingly engaging biopic of the Mongolian warrior, the first Filipino film (thanks to the support of critic James Agee) to be screened at the Venice Film Festival.

Halimaw sa Banga (Monster in a Jar, 1986) - Mario O'Hara's horror short, about an ancient evil trapped in an enormous jar. Part of the omnibus film Halimaw.

Hesus Rebolusyunaryo (Jesus the Revolutionary, 2002) - Lav Diaz's dystopian noir set five years in the future, when a man named Hesus takes on the ruling military junta.

Himala (Miracle, 1982)- Ishmael Bernal's most hallucinatory film, about a prophetess (Nora Aunor in her most famous role) in a small town devastated by drought.

Hindi Nahahati ang Langit (The Heavens Indivisible, 1985) - Mike De Leon's most commercially successful film, a surprisingly subtle adaptation of a popular komiks series about a wealthy man and his adopted sister.

Hinugot sa Langit (Snatched from Heaven, 1985) - Bernal's thoughtful take on the issue of abortion.

Ibulong Mo sa Hangin (Whisper to the Wind, 1966) - Gerardo de Leon's pulp horror masterpiece, about a proud old family afflicted with the curse of vampirism.

Ikaw ay Akin (You are Mine, 1978) - Ishmael Bernal melodrama featuring a rare co-appearance of the Philippines' two most popular actresses: Nora Aunor as a married woman and Vilma Santos as the husband's mistress.

Ina Ka ng Anak Mo (You Are the Mother of Your Child, 1979) - Lino Brocka's masterful melodrama, about a husband who falls in love with his mother-in-law.

Maicling Pelicula Nang Ysang Indio Nacional (O Ang Mahabang Kalungkutan ng Katagalugan (A Short Film About the Indo Nacional (Or: the Prolonged Sorrow of the Filipinos), 2006) - Raya Martin's lyrically silent poem about the 1896 Philippine revolt.

Init sa Magdamag (Midnight Passion, 1983) - Filmmaker Laurice Guillen and writer Racquel Villavicencio's joint masterpiece, about a woman's sensual, self-destructive urges, is perhaps the most erotic Filipino film I know--and achieves this status without even a moment of nudity.

Insiang (1976) - Brocka's masterpiece, a noir drama about a daughter raped by her mother's lover.

Itim (The Rites of May, 1975) - Mike de Leon's first feature, an atmospheric tale of revenge from beyond the grave.

Jaguar (1979) - Excellent Brocka film noir, about a young man hired to be a rich man's bodyguard (or jaguar, reverse slang for the Spanish word "guardia").

Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (Will Your Heart Beat Faster? 1980) - Mike de Leon's wittily demented musical satire about Japanese yakuza, Chinese gangsters, bohemian hedonism, and the Catholic Church.

Kasal? (Marriage? 1980) - Laurice Guillen's debut film, about a young couple about to get married.

Kastilyong Buhangin (Sand Castle, 1980) - Mario O'Hara's melodrama about an aspiring singer and her ex-convict sweetheart, an exhilarating cross between George Cukor's A Star is Born and Ringo Lam's Prison on Fire.

Kisapmata (Blink of an Eye 1981) - Mike de Leon's masterpiece, a claustrophobic yet somehow comic tale of a man who marries into a dysfunctional family.

Kundiman ng Lahi (Song of a People, 1959) - Lamberto Avellana's drama about a young woman and her troubling sensuality.

Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising (Moments in a Stolen Dream, 1977) - Mike De Leon's introverted drama about a young man who falls in love with a married woman.

Laman (Flesh, 2002) - Maryo J. Delos Reyes' gritty noir, about the triangle that develops between a man, his wife, and his best friend.

Lihim ni Madonna (Secrets of Madonna, 1997) - Celso Ad. Castillo's surreal melodrama, about a deranged woman raising a child.

Lilet (1971) - Jawdropping late-period Gerardo de Leon psychodrama, about a woman's dysfunctional relationship with her family.

Magnifico (2003) - Maryo J. Delos Reyes and writer Michiko Yamamoto's gentle comedy about an idealistic young boy and his attempts to help both friend and family.

May Nagmamahal sa Iyo (Madonna and Child, 1996) - moving Marilou Diaz-Abaya drama about a woman searching for the child she put up for adoption.

Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila in the Claws of Neon, 1975)- Brocka's best-known work, and one of the best visual portraits of Manila ever filmed

'Merika (America, 1984) - Gil Portes' drama about an immigrant (Nora Aunor), and her struggle to survive in the United States.

Mga Bilanggong Birhen (The Captive Virgins, 1977) - Mario O'Hara's flawed yet fascinating epic about the oppression of women in a patriarchal family.

Minsan Lang Sila Bata (Children Only Once, 1996) - Ditsy Carolino and Nana Buxhani's great documentary about child labor.

Misteryo sa Tuwa (Joyful Mystery, 1984) - years before "A Simple Plan," Abbo de la Cruz's fable tells of three men who find a suitcase full of money.

Moral (1982) - Arguably Marilou Diaz Abaya and Ricky Lee's finest work, a comedy about the intertwining lives of four women.

Mortal (1975) - Mario O'Hara's surreal debut film, about a man recovering from mental illness.

Nena (1995) - Ike Jarlego Jr. and writer Lualhati Bautista's noir about a nightclub waitress raped while in prison.

Noli Me Tangere (1961) - Gerardo de Leon's great adaptation of Jose Rizal's groundbreaking novel.

Oliver (1983) - Nick Deocampo's masterpiece, a documentary about a gay nightclub performer with an especially lurid "Spider-man" act.

Orapronobis (Fight for Us, 1989) - Perhaps Lino Brocka's most intense political thriller, about the radicalization of a former priest.

Pagdating sa Dulo (At the Top, 1971) - Ishmael Bernal's astonishingly assured film debut, a sophisticated satire on the film industry.

Pagputi ng Uwak, Pagitim ng Tagak (When The Crow Turns White, When the Heron Turns Black, 1978) - Celso Ad. Castillo's social-class drama about a romance between a poor boy and a rich girl, set against the Huk rebellion.

Pangarap ng Puso (Demons, 2000) - Mario O'Hara's genre-bending film about two lovers lost in a jungle of mythological, psychological, and political horrors.

Pila Balde (Fetch a Pail of Water, 1999) - Jeffrey Jeturian and writer Armando Lao's best work, a lightly humorous drama set in a squatter area.

Relasyon (The Affair, 1982) - Ishmael Bernal's kitchen-sink drama about a man and his mistress.

Rizal sa Dapitan (Rizal in Dapitan, 1997) - Tikoy Aguiluz's documentarylike film about Jose Rizal's exile to the island of Dapitan.

Sa North Diversion Road (On North Diversion Road, 2005) - Dennis Marasigan's adaptation of Tony Perez's classic play, about ten couples (nine of them married) driving up the North Diversion Highway, their widely divergent stories, their common humanity.

Salawahan (Capricious, 1979) - Ishmael Bernal's glittering sex comedy about a one-woman man and his playboy friend.

Salome (1981) - Laurice Guillen's drama about a young woman's murder of her rapist, and the contradictory stories behind the crime.

Sanda Wong (1955) - Gerardo de Leon's wonderful fantasy about the friendship between a young man and a notorious pirate.

Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (Python in the Old Dome, 1952) - Great Gerardo de Leon fantasy, about a legendary bandit and his python-guarded treasure trove.

Scorpio Nights (1985) - Peque Gallaga's masterpiece is an expression of the nihilism and despair of Filipinos during the last years of the Marcos regime, and a great film.

Segurista (Dead Sure, 1996) - Tikoy Aguilzu's well-made noir thriller, about an insurance salesgirl by day, and a "guest relations officer" by night.

Serafin Geronimo: Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (Serafin Geronimo: Criminal of Baryo Concepcion, 1998) - Lav Diaz's ambitious film debut, about a Raskolnikov-like criminal struggling with his conscience.

Sisa (1951) - Gerardo de Leon's great revisionist film about one of Jose Rizal's most memorable characters, Sisa.

Sisa (Mario O'Hara, 1998) - Mario O'Hara's wildly imaginative remake of the Gerardo de Leon classic, where Rizal falls in love with his own literary creation.

Sister Stella L. (1984) - Mike De Leon's only overtly activist film, about the emerging political conscience of a nun.

Stardoom (1971) - Great Lino Brocka melodrama from the "komiks" by Mars Ravelo, about a rising young singer and his obsessive stage mother.

Takaw Tukso (Temptation, 1986) - brilliant film from William Pascual and writer Armando Lao, about a quartet of lovers in an intensely Bergmanesque chamber drama.

Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa (Three, Two, One, 1975) - A Lino Brocka omnibus film that includes a man undergoing drug rehab, a slum girl who must choose between her American father and Filipina mother, and a lonely spinster and her sensual gardener.

Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God, 1976) - Mario O'Hara's epic tale of the love between a Filipina and a half-Japanese officer, arguably the greatest Filipino film ever made.

Temptation Island (1981) - great surreal camp romp by Joey Gosiengfiao, about beauty pageant contestants stranded on an island. Third-world Pedro Almodovar, only stranger and funnier.

Terror is a Man (1959) - Gerardo de Leon's small-scale yet intriguing take on H.G. Wells' classic The Island of Dr. Moreau.

The Moises Padilla Story (1961) - one of Gerardo de Leon's best films, about a man who dares to confront the established political order, is betrayed and destroyed.

Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (You Were Weighed and Found Wanting, 1974) - one of Lino Brocka's rare epics, a panoramic portrait of a small town.

Todo Todo Teros (2006) - John Torres moving confessional and paranoid spy drama, made completely out of snippets of poetry and found footage.

Tubog sa Ginto (Dipped in Gold, 1971) - Lino Brocka's adaptation of Mars Ravelo's "komiks" melodrama about a successful businessman trying to hide his homosexuality.

Turumba (1981) - Kidlat Tahimik's best work, about the exploitation of a small town by German investors.

Uhaw na Pag-ibig (Thirsty Love, 1983) - Vivid Mario O'Hara film noir, about a young woman turned prostitute.

Working Girls (1984)- Ishmael Bernal and writer Amado Lacuesta's biting comedy about shenanigans in a Makati City bank.

Life in the Gulf

Photography

Most people do not enjoy strangers deliberately and publicly taking their photographs without their permission and this is as true in the Gulf as anywhere else. There are Islamic dimensions to be considered as well: Islam condemns all forms of graven image and personal aggrandizement and some Muslim will claim that this restriction embraces the photography of humans. Where an important Gulf figure is clearly and publicly carrying out an official or similar duty, such as prize giving, there are no objections to photography; it may even be expected and welcome. But openly to take pictures of Arab women in the market, for example, is intrusive and lacks sensitivity and should be avoided. Photography near military installations could lead to arrest in almost all Gulf countries.

Jennifer Aniston March 2009 Calendar

Love Notes

There are times in our lives when we are swept over by our raging emotions, times when we are overwhelmed by sadness, overcome by misery, times when we feel we are loved only from the worth others can get from us and not for whom we really are. It is natural to feel this way. Sometimes we all need to be alone, to feel blue, to feel lonely, to listen to a song and cry. Then we ask ourselves, why does this song have to end? Why do we have to cry when love is taken away from us? Why does it have to hurt when we let go of someone we love? In a relationship we treasure, the hardest thing to do is saying goodbye and setting someone free. For in every last embrace, a part of us dies. Every teardrop that falls washes away our hopes. Then we are left with nothing but pain and bitter memories because we have lost love but never knew how and would probably never know why. We try to get away but every move we make somehow has its way of reminding us of the past all over again. Every turn of our head and every blink of an eye reminds us of love lost in eternity and it makes us wonder how one person can make us feel to empty, so alone, so desolate. Every song no matter how beautiful it is will have to end on its last note. Like every day has its night, all that has started will have to end in its own time. It is an inevitability that we cannot restrain, something that we cannot control and just the fact that we have to accept and live up with. Let us remember that our lives don't have to end where our heartaches begin. Somewhere, someone will come along and sing us his song of love. Someday, someone will fill of lives with joy and happiness. Somehow, we will find love again and it will wipe away our tears and bring a promise of a new life a new hope and a beautiful beginning.

-Joe D'Mango

Life in the Gulf

Restriction on Women

In the Middle East women face restriction on dress, and in Saudi Arabia in particular they also face restriction over the men who may accompany them (in a car, at a restaurant, or on a journey, for example). Only men of the immediate family are acceptable, which poses problems for expatriate women who usually only have one close male relative available. Such person is known in Arabic as a Mahram i.e. a woman's husband or any close blood relative whom she is forbidden to marry, i.e. father, brother, son etc. A woman may not appear in the company of a male whom she is, in law, permitted to marry, i.e. a male friend or colleague or, indeed, even her cousin. This restriction does not apply to a driver specifically employed as the family driver.

Somewhere I have Never Traveled

This poem by E.E. Cummings is one of the poems used in the OST of Beauty and the Beast (the TV Series).
It was read beautifully by Vincent (Ron Perlman) a mythic, noble man-beast to his Catherine (Linda Hamilton) a savvy assistant District Attorney in New York

This was interjected in its love theme The First Time I Loved Forever (lyrics below the poem). Very beautiful love song.

Somewhere i have never travelled,

gladly beyond any experience,

your eyes have their silence:

in your most frail gesture
are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as

Spring opens(touching skilfully, mysteriously) her first rose

Or if your wish be to close me,
i andmy life will shut very beautifully,
suddenly,as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;


Nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility:whose texture
compels me with the colour of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing


(I do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens;only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

by E.E. Cummings

___________________________________

The First Time I Loved Forever

Lyrics by Melanie Safka
Music by Lee Holdridge
Sung by Lisa Angelle(From "Beauty and the Beast")


With excerpts from the poem “Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, Gladly” by the American poet E.E. Cummings


Poem:

“Somewhere I have never traveled
Gladly beyond any experience
Your eyes have their silence
And your most frail gesture of things
Which enclose meBut which I cannot touch
Because they are too near.



”The first time I loved forever
Was when you whispered my name
And I knew at once you loved me
For the me of who I am


The first time I loved forever
I cast all else aside
And I bid my heart to follow
Be there no more need to hide


And if wishes and dreams
Are merely for childrenA
nd if love's a tale for fools
I'll live the dream with you


Poem:

“oh, if your words be to close meI, my life will shut, very beautifully
Suddenly, as when the heart of this flower
Imagines the snow carefully, everywhere descending”.


For all my life and forever
There's a truth I will always know
When my world divides and shatters
Your love is where I'll go

Poem:

“I do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens. Only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses.
Nobody, not even the rain has such small hands

Changes in my Life

Another one of those songs I never grew tired of listening
I even had it recorded back to back in a 60 minute cassette tape so it will be played over and over
Good thing mp3 players was invented. A truly big change in our lives hehehe
________________________________

I was not so happy being lonely
Living without you
So I prayed so hard for your loveIn my heart
I needed you


So I looked up in the sky
And I'm thinking why o why
These are all the many changes in my life


After all the caring and the laughter
No one else like you
I am not a preacher with a sermon
I'm so in love with you

'Cause to live without your love
Like the sun that shines above
Is the magic of the changes in my life


And I'll never forget your love
You and I
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain falling from the sky
You and I
These are all the many changes in my life

Listen to these words I wanna give you
On a love so true
Don't forget I love you and I need you
I'll always be with you

So I just look up in the sky
And I'm thinking why o why
These are all the many changes in my life

And I'll never forget your love
You and I
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain falling from the sky
You and I
These are all the many changes,
these are all the many changes,
These are all the many changes in my life


And I'll never forget your love
You and I
We were meant to be
Sweet as rain falling from the sky
You and I
These are all the many changes,
These are all the many changes,
These are all the many changes in my life (4x)

Life in the Gulf

As-Salaam Alaykum

As-Salaam Alaykum means Peace be upon you. If said to you, try to respond with the same words backwards: Alaykuum As Salaam which means Upon you Peace. In a social situation involving males,, shake hands, not too firmly with all nearby persons, starting with the most senior. These social signals are highly cost effective in terms of the minor effort needed in preparation. However, some fervent Muslims dislike Westerners using an Islamic greeting and caution will be needed when in such company.

Voltes V

This is one my fondest memory of my childhood. If my memory still serves me right this was shown every night before the news. Unfortunately the airing was stopped (they said because it was too violent for the kids to be watching). I was not able to know what the ending is because of this. It was however, revived and shown a few years later. It was even shown again in ABS-CBN Channel 2 but they dubbed it in Tagalog. I liked the english dubbed version much much better though.

Here is the story of the Voltes V. Enjoy!

THE STORY OF VOLTES V

Baron Hrothgar, now known as Dr. Armstrong married a woman from our planet earth. She was a professor named Mitsuyo in the Japanese series, they had 3 sons: Steve, Big Bert, and Little John. After establishing himself in the field of science, Dr. Armstrong teamed up with Dr. Smith and Commander Robinson to anticipate the coming of the Boazanians. They created a defense headquarters on a falcon-shaped island and called it Camp Big Falcon. This would become the base of their weapon of defense, a super robot called Voltes V. Then, Doctor Armstrong disappeared without a trace.

The robot was assembled from 5 vehicles, each piloted by a talented person. They are the three sons of Doctor Armstrong, plus Jamie Robinson-the daughter of Commander Robinson, and Mark Gordon.

The Boazanian army came to our planet under the command of Prince Zardos, together with his subordinates Zandra, Draco, and Zuhl. They made their headquarters (castle) in an underground cave of an uninhabited island.

During the first few battles, Mitsuyo, the mother of the three was killed. Later on, Doctor Smith was also killed while trying to save Voltes V so he was replaced by his colleague, Doctor Hook.

Behind the scenes, Doctor Armstrong was actually kidnapped by the Boazanian army, but escaped later on. He, together with Doir--his colleague who also escaped from Boazanian prison(who looked like a cross between Santa Claus and Col. Sanders of KFC), secretely built a sophisticated defense fortress deep within the Alpen Mountains. Doctor Armstrong made a gigantic space ship, Solar Bird, intended to be the partner of Camp Big Falcon. That Alpen cavern also sheltered a big colony of Boazanian non-horned slaves who managed to escape to Earth.

When Prince Zardos' beast fighters kept on losing its battles against Voltes V, General Gururu, the chief commander of Boazanian army, was sent to Earth by the Boazanian empire. After Zardos found out and destroyed the Alpen headquarters, Gururu kidnapped Armstrong and even showed Voltes the way to Zardos' castle. Gururu wanted Zardos killed. The battle between Voltes and Zardos was inevitable.

Bergan, the evil leader who replaced Zuhl, led Zardos' army to leave their base, leaving the Prince alone with the faithful Zandra and Draco.

The Voltes team caught up with Draco and asked him to surrender but he killed himself instead. Zardos wanted to fight our heroes to the death but Zandra tranquilized and took him to Boazania via an escape ship.

At this point, Bergan activated the Magmait Nuclear Bomb, which was implanted below Zardos' headquarters. This bomb had enough power to destroy the Earth. Voltes V tried carrying or destroying the huge bomb with its laser sword, all to no avail. Almost near the last minute, the Solar Bird appeared, piloted by Doir. He pulled out the bomb with the Solar Bird's claws and threw it far into space, where it exploded harmlessly.

Solar Bird then sent a special electromagnetic wave that revealed the secret of Camp Big Falcon. Camp Big Falcon was actually a gigantic space ship!

It rose to the sky and volted in with Solar Bird.

Their plan was now to take the battle to Boazania and rescue Armstrong, defeat the evil Emperor Zanbazir, and free the slaves.

As they approached Boazania, Zanbazir released his secret weapon, Sodom and Gomorrah. These were a pair of gigantic man-made satellites which could create an electric storm. This electric storm was so powerful that every object trapped in it would disintegrate. Falcon successfully escaped the storm using its Warp technology and then entered directly into the atmosphere of Boazania.

Doir immediately made contact with his fellow non-horned slaves in the dungeon, and all the slaves simultaneously rebelled against the Bourgeouis. They freed Armstrong from his cell and quickly gained victory as Voltes V stomped on the puny Boazanian defenses.

The three brothers met their father with tears of joy.

Meanwhile, Zardos ran into some of the Bourgeouis Officers trying to escape the castle. He scolded them for being such cowards.

One of them wanted to shoot Zardos but Zandra saved the Prince by striking the man with the carriage she was riding. The shot missed its target but hit Zandra instead. She died in Zardos' arms, professing her love for him.

Prince Zardos was now furious and went to the statue of Godor, the protector god of Boazania. The statue depicted a man sitting on a chair, carrying a sword in its left hand, with a flame of green fire on the palm of its right hand. Legend has it that Godor will save Boazania if there's a man who loved his country so much that he could sacrifice himself by jumping into the flame. Zardos yelled "Long live Boazan Empire!" and then jumped into the flame. But he didn't get burned! He fell into a short tunnel which led him into a control room inside the Godor statue. The Godor Statue was actually an ancient battle-robot! So Zardos took control of Godor and fought Voltes V. The fight was incredible, both robots got many slashes and damages. Finally, Voltes V sliced his Laser Sword into Godor's chest and ended the fight.

Zardos jumped out from the broken Godor and then challanged Steve to a sword duel. No one won, even with both swords broken. Zardos grabbed his knife to kill Steve but was stopped by Doctor Armstrong.

Armstrong recognized the knife as the gift he gave to Rozalia, his Boazanian wife. Zardos said that the knife was his mother’s. Armstrong was shocked and realized that Zardos was actually his own son from Rozalia, and he was the big brother of Steve. Zardos would not believe it. Armstrong, in tears, asked Zardos to look at the knife's grip, saying that it bears the symbol of Boazania's peace. With a trembling hand, Zardos looked at the grip and was shocked to find a sculpured pair of doves on it.

Suddenly there was disdaining laughter. The evil Emperor Zanbazir appeared carrying boxes of treasures blaming Zardos, saying it’s all Zardos' idea to attack the Earth. Zardos was disappointed to see Zanbazir acting like a mad man and threw the knife at him. Unfortunately Zanbazir was carrying a grenade. It exploded but Zardos spontaneously covered Steve and saved him from the explosion. The huge blast cracked the ground they were on and the brothers were separated by a large gap and fire. Steve shouted at Zardos calling him “Niisan” (big brother) and also Armstrong calling his name. Zardos looked shocked and said slowly to Armstrong, “Otoosan” (father), then the fire engulfed him. The battle was over. Armstrong was then the leader of Boazania. The Warp machine was implanted into Voltes V so it could Warp itself back to earth. Big Falcon-Solar Bird and Voltes V flew back to guard the Earth ...

13 Things Not To Share with Your Co-Workers

Because people spend more time at the office with co-workers than anywhere (or anyone) else, some workers have trouble drawing the line between business and friendship, says Susan Solovic, co-founder and CEO of SBTV.com, and author of three books, including “Reinvent Your Career: Attain the Success You Desire and Deserve.” “It’s a social environment as well as a work environment.

However, you must remember while you can be friendly and develop a good rapport, business is business and friendship is friendship.” Most workers don’t realize that what they say has as much impact on their professional images as what they wear, Lopeke says. People who say too much, about themselves or others, can be seen as incompetent, unproductive and unworthy of professional development. To avoid your next case of verbal diarrhea, here are 13 things to never share or discuss with your co-workers.

1. Salary information. What you earn is between you and Human Resources, Solovic says. Disclosure indicates you aren’t capable of keeping a confidence.

2. Medical history. “Nobody really cares about your aches and pains, your latest operation, your infertility woes or the contents of your medicine cabinet,” Lopeke says. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee.

3. Gossip. Whomever you’re gossiping with will undoubtedly tell others what you said, Solovic says. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.

4. Work complaints. Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch, Solovic warns. If you don’t agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.

5. Cost of purchases. The spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, Lopeke says, but you don’t want others speculating on the lifestyle you’re living –or if you’re living beyond your salary bracket.

6. Intimate details. Don’t share intimate details about your personal life. Co-workers can and will use the information against you, Solovic says.

7. Politics or religion. “People have strong, passionate views on both topics,” Solovic says. You may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively in a way that could impact your career.

8. Lifestyle changes. Breakups, divorces and baby-making plans should be shared only if there is a need to know, Lopeke says. Otherwise, others will speak for your capabilities, desires and limitations on availability, whether there is any truth to their assumptions or not.

9. Blogs or social networking profile. What you say in a social networking community or in your personal blog may be even more damaging than what you say in person, Solovic warns. “Comments online can be seen by multiple eyes. An outburst of anger when you are having a bad day … can blow up in your face.”

10. Negative views of colleagues. If you don’t agree with a co-worker’s lifestyle, wardrobe or professional abilities, confront that person privately or keep it to yourself, Lopeke says. The workplace is not the venue for controversy.

11. Hangovers and wild weekends. It’s perfectly fine to have fun during the weekend, but don’t talk about your wild adventures on Monday, Solovic advises. That information can make you look unprofessional and unreliable.

12. Personal problems and relationships – in and out of the office. “Failed marriages and volatile romances spell instability to an employer,” Lopeke says. Office romances lead to gossip and broken hearts, so it’s best to steer clear. “The safest way to play is to follow the rule, ‘Never get your honey where you get your money.’”

13. Off-color or racially charged comments. You can assume your co-worker wouldn’t be offended or would think something is funny, but you might be wrong, Solovic says. Never take that risk. Furthermore, even if you know for certain your colleague wouldn’t mind your comment, don’t talk about it at work. Others can easily overhear.

Blessed

When you believe, it will come!

And it did come. I am not very proud to say this, but I am a bit short change for the past few months now and although I still have the means to turn this situation around I was still hoping for a quick fix. Although I am not proud of this one attitude but hey, I don't completely depend on this quick fix thing. It is sort of like me writing a letter to "Wish ko Lang" and hoping that they pick my letter and be my genie of the lamp. But of course, writing a letter to Wish ko Lang is not one of my option for a quick fix. And even if I did write them, my letter definitely will go straight to the bin. J

Anyway, I did get lucky this week and I am very thankful.

I was a bit afraid though when it happens, because the last time I got lucky, I was hospitalized for almost a month. I was afflicted with Steven Johnson Disease which almost took my eyesight and is still bothers me once me in a while.

Maybe it was just mere coincidence. Nothing will happen this time around.

I will enjoy whatever blessings I have. Of course, every blessing should also be shared and I promise to share mine.

There is this portion on the book The Secret which states that if you see it in your mind, you're going to hold it in your hand.

You see, I did see it in my mind.

12 Steps to Improved Work Satisfaction

Because you'll be working for the greater portion of your life, it's very important that you enjoy yourself and feel fulfilled by your job. Here are 12 steps you can take to make the most of your time at work.

1. READ Read books that will enhance your skills and abilities. A single trip to the library can keep you busy for a few weeks. The more you know about your position, the better you will be. This will bring you more satisfaction.

2. LEARN ON THE WEB Search for information on the Internet about your job. You can find useful resources for nearly every subject imaginable. When you come across helpful information, print out the materials and file them in a binder or file folder created specifically for work.

3. USE WORK RESOURCES Many companies offer their own resources for education on the premises. Find out what tools your company has, and make use of them. As you become more skilled and talented you will enjoy your time at work. You will also be able to help others improve their skills.

4. WHAT ARE MANAGEMENT'S GOALS? Set up a meeting with your boss. What are his goals? What are the goals of the company? When you know what the company is trying to accomplish, you will be able to align yourself with their direction. Too often an employee only sees what is directly in front of him. This leads to misunderstandings, and conflicting goals. Talk with management to see where they stand.

5. WHAT ARE MANAGEMENT'S EXPECTATIONS? Along with their goals, what are their expectations of you and your position? You may be doing what you thought was expected, only to find that management is displeased with your work. To ensure this doesn't happen to you, find out exactly what they are thinking.

6. SET UP A FUTURE MEETING Feedback is central to workplace motivation. Schedule a future meeting with your boss to go over what you have accomplished, and where improvements can be made.

7. DISCOVER WHERE YOUR TIME GOES Time is a scarce resource. The more efficiently you use your time, the more you will accomplish at work. Keep track of where your time goes for an entire week. After a week of writing down what you do with your time, you will be amazed at where it goes.

8. CLEAN YOUR OFFICE Take time to clean your office or workspace. It is impossible to be motivated when you are surrounded by clutter. Put only what you need at that time on your desk.

9. ORGANIZE YOUR FILES Organize your files alphabetically and by category. This way, you'll be able to find and file your papers in less time.

10. SET WORK GOALSCreate work goals. What levels of success would you like to reach in your position? It doesn't matter what you do for a living, you can set goals. Set goals to do things faster, smarter, and with higher quality.

11. VIEW YOUR LIST IN THE MORNING Look at your list of work goals in the morning before you go to work. This will start you off on the right foot. You will also enter the workplace already knowing what needs to be done.

12. SHARE YOUR GOALS Talk about your goals with your family. Get excited about the changes or improvements you wish to make. This will not only interest them, but will motivate you as well.

-Jason Gracia

A Thankful Heart

When you feel the impulse to be judgmental, let that be a cue for you to first be thankful. When you discover that you're focusing on what's wrong, use that as a reminder of all the many things that are right.

Immediately upon waking each morning, think of ten things you are grateful for at the moment. As you fall asleep at the end of the day, fill your thoughts with thankfulness for the good and valuable blessings in your life.

Give the power of your thoughts to the positive influences in your world, and they will become more influential. Remind yourself often of what works well, and you'll naturally find ways to make many other things work well.

The way to enjoy success is not to study failure. The way to experience success is to extend and expand the success you already know.

Gratitude is so powerful because it makes you so powerful. Gratitude puts you in a positive frame of reference within which many more positive things can happen.

Begin each day, end each day, and live each day with a sincerely thankful heart. And as each day passes, you'll have more and more for which to be thankful.

-- Ralph Marston

A Healthy Body and A Sound Mind

Healthy body

1. You are what you eat. Studies have shown that an eating plan with low consumption levels of animal meat and fat is better for the heart. Add more fish and chicken (without the skin) rather than beef and pork to your diet.

2. Drink 8-10 glasses of clean water daily. Water is essential to maintaining regular body functions. Great for cleansing and detoxification.

3. Consume less salt, sugar and fat. The key to healthy living is moderation. So, try to hold off on that tempting eclair or that crispy pata. The food you reject might just save your life!

4. Sleep 6-8 hours a day. Natural sleep without the help of tranquilizers is best for the body. If you have trouble sleeping, you may try a cup of chamomile, peppermint or valerian root tea just before bedtime.

5. Increase our activity level. Exercise a minimum of three times a week. A brisk 30 minute early morning or late afternoon walk is great for your circulation. And when at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator.

6. Take a vitamin--mineral supplement daily. You may consider an extra dose of anti-oxidants like vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc if you are a serious health-buff.

7. Eat more yellow and green leafy vegetables and fruits daily like squash, romaine lettuce, malunggay, spinach, papaya, pineapple. Their high nutrient value has anti-cancer properties.

8. Cut down on your carbohydrate consumption especially at night. Carbo-loading at night raises your insulin levels and may turn into fat the very next day, leaving you feeling bloated.

Sound Mind

1. Practice a positive thought a day. Driving negative thoughts away is like directing traffic. Visualize yourself as a traffic cop, allowing positive thoughts to flow through your mind's skyway with ease. Block the road where negative thoughts threaten to cause a bottleneck in your mind. Your affirmation for the day: "I am the traffic cop of my mind directing only the good and beautiful to and from me all the time"

2. Meditate 3-5 minutes in the morning and the evening. Have some quiet, reflection time.

3. Listen to soothing music.

4. Begin and end your day with a smile.

5. Practice relaxed breathing. Pacing your breathing helps control your body functions better.

6. Hold your temper. Count to eleven instead of ten before getting angry.

7. Laugh. Studies have shown that laughter releases a chemical in the brain which directly affects your mood from glum to chirpy.

8. Unleash the power of touch. Touch a person today in a caring way. You will find that a loving touch can heal anyone and anything.

Trip

Trip kitang i-treat pero di kita mapilit
Sa schedule mong masikip di ako maisingit
Pagdasal mo lang na sana huwag akong mainip
Sige ka di mo matitikman halik at yakap kong mahigpit

Sabi mo sa aki'y huwag akong mainip
Huwag magmadali anumang pananabik
Pag-asa ko naman daw ay nakakahigit
Sa ibang nagnanais na puso mo'y masungkit

Hindi naman sa ako ay nagmamadali
Sadya lamang talagang nais na kitang i-treat
Sa isang trip na kailanma'y hindi mawawaglit
Sa iyong alaala tiyak na di madedelete

Kaya't kung mamarapatin iyo nang idikit
Puso ko sa puso mo oh anong lagkit
Wala nang datapwa't subalit o ngunit
Kung mahal mo ako iyo nang isambit
Sabayan mo pa ng hug at isang matamis na kiss!

Iris

You are one of the angels in this city
That heaven sent to be with me
Though the world may seem to disown you
You had open my eyes to be free
_________________________________

Verse 1

And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

Verse 2
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

Chorus
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Verse 3
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know your alive

Chorus
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Chorus
I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am

Study Tips

Set books near the front of the your shelf to allow air to circulate at the back. Remember that too much heat dries out the book and too much moisture causes mildew

Work out a step by step for each goal. Take one project at a time and complete it. Discipline yourself to the accomplishment of one task before moving on to the next.

Develop a career plan. Think about what you want to do and find out more about the kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.

A self-regulated learner or an expert student is one who uses a combination of self-control and academic learning skills to make learning easier.

Don't tell yourself or give alibis why you want to study on a later time like "Ok, I'll start "really" studying after a snack." Get busy at once and finish your studies the earliest time possible.

It's definitely much more appealing when there is someone there with us to turn studying into an interactive quiz show. Asking questions, throwing around ideas. Testing us in a friendly way to see what we remember.

Try turning your school work into song or poem. Take some basic concepts from your textbook and transform them into a goofy song, poem, or even a rap! This simple thinking exercise not only familiarizes you with key ideas in an almost fun way. It makes it easy to sing the song back to yourself while taking the actual exam. The keywords stick to you.

Repeat and review what you’ve learned as many times as you can. Apply it or use it in conversation, as continual practice is the key to remembering things in the long term.

Use technological advances to communicate faster, reduce paperwork and improve efficiency. Although the Internet enables quick and easy communication and research, it also has some features that can waste tremendous amounts of time, such as online chat rooms and aimless Web surfing.

Being prepared for class makes you more relaxed, pleases the instructor and generally ensures good overall class performance.

Highlight important point while reading your books. But instead of using a highlighting pen, try making in the margins with a pen or pencil. This will save time.

When interacting with your professor, remember that despite all of his or her knowledge, you're still dealing with a human being. Keep things on the human level and any intimidation you feel will vanish.

Review your class syllabus carefully, marking assignments and due dates in highlighter or colored pen. Jot down any extra assignments your instructor gives during class. Transfer this information onto a large home calendar.

Extracurricular activities can teach you new things, hook you up with new friends and relieve stress. Stop by the athletic department, music department and theater department, where you'll be able to participate in sports clubs, orchestras, choirs, plays and much more.

Challenge yourself by setting your own goal. For example : challenge yourself that you will not score lower than your previous exam. If you achieve this, reward yourself. Buy things or just go out and celebrate.

Your listening and note taking skill is an important element of learning success. Ask someone to read to you from a textbook while you take notes. Then go over the notes to check if the important points have been included. Practice this until you're satisfied with the result.

If you're a working student, take advantage of your maturity and work/life skills to help manage your schoolwork. Tools such as day planners and organizers can help integrate your school and work life.

To improve your spelling. Read, read, read. As with every skill and talent, practice makes better. Play spelling games such as Scrabble, crosswords or Yahtzee.

Being in school is like a business. If you want to be successful and earn a lot of money, you have to work hard and invest some capital. What you are doing now is your investment. Your success in school will greatly dictate your success in business and in life.

Use this as a motivation : Always remember that your parents are working hard to give you the best education they can. Do not disappoint them. The least you can do is to try your best.

During examinations, check your answers before turning it in. Do not change answers too quickly. Your first answer is the more reliable one unless you are absolutely sure you have made a mistake. If there is any doubt, leave your first answer.

Make reviewing fun by associating it with your favorite sport or past time. Think of the fruit it will bear and take the attitude of winning. Associate it with something that will motivate you. You will definitely succeed.

Always have a dictionary with you everytime you're reviewing your lessons. Some words which you read as part of your assignment would add much to your underatanding of the subject if you really knew their meaning.

Learn or develop a speed reading system. This will dramatically increase the coverage of your reviewing time.

Review your lessons by using questions to predict questions. When you find something you think is important, turn it into a question. This will help you remember your lessons.

Try joining study groups. This will give you a better view of how your classmates understand and review their lessons. This will also encourage you to exert more effort to perform well specially if everybody in the group is doing great.

Never review your lessons in a lying position or in your bedroom as it invites sleepiness.

Develop a schedule for your review. Fit it to your needs. Learn to measure your concentration span. If you think you can only study effectively for half an hour, then take a break or rest for awhile then continue reviewing.

One secret in learning is to have a powerful memory. Find out which kinds of ideas you remember with less difficulty than others. Research shows that each of us has not one memory power but many. Use them.

To save time and learn more during your reviews, follow these simple steps : concentrate on what you're reading ; remember as much as possible and apply or associate what is read to own experience.

The easiest way to learn your lessons is by listening. Learn to listen with a pencil in your hand. Take down notes during lectures. Practice it.

Use your common sense to determine which study habits or methods work for you. Only you can judge whether your method is effective or not.

When studying, select a place where there will be no distraction. Have everything prepared but do not clutter your table. Make sure the place is well-lighted.

Do not think that you can listen to music, watch TV or listen to people talking while studying. It cannot be done. There is no way you can mix study, relaxation and sociability at the same time. Give your full concentration when studying.

If you think your concentration span will only last for around 30 minutes, give yourself a 5 minute break and go back to your lessons.

The Holy Rosary

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead./

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Joyful Mysteries

The First Joyful Mystery
The annunciation of the angel to Mary

The angel said to Mary: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. You will conceive a son, you will give birth to him and will call him Jesus." Mary said: "Here I am, I am the handmaid of the Lord." And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
(LK 1,k 28, 31, 38; JN 1, 14)

The Second Joyful Mystery
The visit of Mary to Elizabeth

Mary, entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leapt in her womb and, full of the Holy Spirit, she said: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
(LK 1, 40-42)

The Third Joyful Mystery
The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. She brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(LK 2, 6-7)

The Fourth Joyful Mystery
The presentation of Jesus in the temple

Mary and Joseph brought their son to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel. And a sword shall pierce through your soul."
(LK 2, 22, 34-35)

The Fifth Joyful Mystery
The finding of Jesus in the temple

After three days, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple. His mother said "Son, why have you done this? Your father and I have looked for you anxiously." Jesus answered: "Why have you looked for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?"
(LK 2, 46-48)

Sorrowful Mysteries

The First Sorrowful Mystery
The agony in the garden

When he came to the mount of Olives, Jesus knelt down and prayed: "Father, if you will, take this cup from me! Nevertheless, your will be done." Being in an agony he prayed more fervently and his sweat became as great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
(LK 22, 42.44)

The Second Sorrowful Mystery
The Scourging at the pillar

Pilate said to them: "Whom do you want that I release to you; Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ?" He knew well that they had delivered Jesus up out of envy. He released Barabbas and after having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to the soldiers to be crucified.
(MK 27, 17-18.26)

The Third Sorrowful Mystery
Jesus is crowned with thorns

The soldiers led Jesus into the hall called the Praetorium and they called together the whole band. They clothed him with purple, plaited a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They began to mock him, saying: "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they smote him on the head with a reed and spat upon him.
(MK 15, 16-19)

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
Jesus carries the cross to Calvary

After having mocked Jesus, the soldiers took off the purple garment from him and put his own clothes on him, then they led him out to crucify him. They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of a skull.
(MK 15, 20.22)


The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
Jesus dies on the cross

Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved, said to his mother: "Woman, here is your son!" Then he said to the disciple: "Here is your mother!" After this, Jesus said: "I thirst". Having tasted the vinegar, he said: "It is finished!" And bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
(JN 19, 26-30)

Luminous Mysteries

The First Luminous Mystery
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

After Jesus was baptized, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly the sky opened and he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him. With that, a voice from the heavens said, "This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him."
(MT 3, 16-17)

The Second Luminous Mystery
The first of the Signs is given at the Wedding at Cana

Jesus' mother told him, "They have no more wine." His mother instructed those waiting on table, "Do whatever he tells you." "Fill those jars with water," Jesus ordered. "Now," he said, "draw some out and take it to the waiter in charge." Thus did he reveal his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (JN 2, 3, 5, 7-8, 11)

The Third Luminous Mystery
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!"
(MK 1, 14-15)

The Fourth Luminous Mystery
Transfiguration

[Jesus] took Peter, John and James, and went up onto a mountain to pray. While he was praying, his face changed in appearance and his clothes became dazzlingly white. A cloud came and overshadowed them. Then from the cloud came a voice which said, "This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him."
(LK 9, 28-29, 34-35)


The Fifth Luminous Mystery
The Institution of the Eucharist

[Jesus said,] "I myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world."
(JN 6, 51)

Glorious Mysteries

The First Glorious Mystery
The Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead

Entering the sepulcher, the women saw a young man clothed in a white garment and they were afraid. And he said to them: "Do not be afraid! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He is risen; he not here."
MK 16, 5-6)

The Second Glorious Mystery
Jesus ascends into heaven

Jesus was taken up and a cloud received him under the sight of the apostles. Two men in white apparel said to them: "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, will come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven."
(Acts 1, 9-11)

The Third Glorious Mystery
The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

The apostles continued with one accord in prayer, with some women and Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the day of Pentecost was come, suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and there appeared to them tongues of fire; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 1, 14; 2, 1-4)

The Fourth Glorious Mystery
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven

Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour, because he regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. From now on all generations will call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name."
(LK 1, 46-49)

The Fifth Glorious Mystery
Mary is crowned as Queen of heaven

The temple of God in heaven was opened and there appeared in it the ark of the covenant. There appeared a great wonder in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.
(Rev 11, 19-12, 1)


Prayer After The Rosary


Let us pray. O GOD, whose only-begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen

V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen