BABU

Babu Sassi, a fearless young man from southern India is the cult hero of Dubai ’s army of construction workers.Known as the “Indian on the top of the world”, Babu is the crane operator at the world’s tallest building , the 819-meter Burj Dubai.

His office, the cramped crane cab perched on top of the Burj, is also his home. Apparently it takes too long to come down to the ground each day to make it worthwhile. When the building is completed, its elevators will be the world’s fastest.

Stories about his daily dalliance with death are discussed in revered terms by Dubai ’s workers. Some say he has been up there for more than a year, others whisper that he’s paid 30,000 dirhams ($8,168) a month compared with the average wage of 800 dirhams a month. All agree he’s worth it.

Personal Safety

Most of staying out of harm’s way comes down to using common sense: Lock your house and car, know who to call when you need help, and be prepared for emergencies. Easier said than done! We often postpone doing what we know we should, or let common-sense safety precautions slide entirely, in the haste and distractions of daily life. These lists will tell you what you need to do and what you should have on hand to prevent—or deal with—emergencies, so you can be calm and efficient when it really matters.

How to Avoid Being a Victim

Next to common sense, your best personal safety tool just might be your “uncommon sense,” your intuition. Take yourself seriously if you sense danger or have a bad feeling about a person or situation. Do not be embarrassed or afraid to offend: Get away immediately. The National Crime Prevention Council suggests these ways to keep yourself safe wherever you are.

AT HOME

1. Don’t hide house keys in planters, mailboxes, under doormats, or in other common (and obvious) places.
2. Don’t put your name or address on your keys. Losing them irretrievably is much better than giving a criminal the key to your house and car.
3. Don’t open the front door without finding out who it is. Verify the identification of service personnel, even if you are expecting them.
4. Don’t rely on door chains. They can easily be kicked in or otherwise broken.
5. Never give personal information to unknown or “wrong number” callers. This includes your phone number, social security number, credit card number, and address.
6. Don’t reply to harassing phone calls. Hang up immediately.

IN PUBLIC

1. Stay alert to your surroundings. Take note of who is behind and ahead of you. Use your peripheral vision to keep track of anyone gaining on you.
2. Get away. Don’t second-guess your instincts just to avoid embarrassment or give someone the benefit of the doubt. If you think you’re being followed, cross the street if possible and go to a well-lit place where there are other people.
3. Carry a shrill whistle and don’t be embarrassed to use it if you suspect you may be in danger.
4. Always walk as if you know exactly where you are going. Stand up straight and make brief, self-confident eye contact with people around you. Police believe that rapists and muggers target victims who appear vulnerable, weak, easily intimidated, or who seem to be daydreaming. Conduct yourself accordingly!
5. Hold on to your valuables. Women should carry their purses close to the body. Men should carry wallets in inside coat pockets, not pants pockets.
6. Don’t look like an easy target. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and wearing obviously expensive jewelry. Handle your money and credit cards carefully; try not to display them while making transactions.
7. Plan the safest route when walking—day or night. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, deserted streets, and construction sites.
8. Lighten your load. Avoid walking with a large load of packages or grocery bags. They slow you down and make it difficult to react quickly.
9. On public transportation:

• Avoid sitting near doors and exits. You are more vulnerable to being robbed or attacked by a criminal on foot.
• Be aware of who gets off a bus or train with you. If you think you’re being followed, walk directly to an area with other people and good lighting.
10. In an elevator:

• Take a quick look before getting in an elevator. If someone suspicious is on board, or gets on with you, back out and wait for another car.
• Stand near the elevator controls.
• If you are attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

IN THE CAR

1. Lock your door and keep the windows rolled up. Always lock the doors when you park your car, no matter where you are or how brief a time you’ll be away.
2. Look around. Check the front and back seats and floors of your car before getting in.
3. Keep your car well maintained and the gas tank at least half full. This will lessen the chance of your being vulnerable on the highway.
4. If your car does break down, put up the hood and lock your doors and windows. Set out flares if you have them and use your cell phone to call for assistance. If a stranger stops to help and you don’t have a phone with you, roll the window down an inch or so and ask him to call police or a tow truck. (See chapter 18, “What to Carry in Your Car”).
5. Don’t drive home if you’re being followed. Go to a police station or a well-lit service station where you can use the phone. Never get out of your car unless you’re positive you can get inside safely.
6. Don’t pull over if someone tries to force you off the road. Get a description of the vehicle and write down the license number. Drive immediately to a police station or any open business and report the incident to the police.
7. Don’t stop if a passing motorist indicates something is wrong with your vehicle. Drive to a well-lit area with people around before stopping to check your car.
8. Don’t stop in an isolated area to help someone who appears to have a disabled vehicle. Drive to a phone and call for help instead.
9. Don’t stop for flashing headlights or another signal from another car unless you see the blue or red lights of a police vehicle.
10. Put your purse on the floor of the car while you’re driving. Leaving it conspicuously on the passenger seat could tempt a thief to break in and grab it.
11. Never pick up hitchhikers. Need it be said?

IF YOU ARE ATTACKED
1. Staying calm is your best defense because you’ll be better able to judge the situation and consider your options.
2. If the attacker is unarmed—and if you sense you could get away—fight back. But not getting injured is your first priority. If the attacker has a weapon, don’t take the risk of resisting.
3. If your life is threatened, do anything you can to hurt your attacker and get away. Concentrate your attack at the eyes and groin. If you’re holding your keys, jam them right into the eyes if you can. Don’t wait to check the effect, run away as fast as you can.
4. You may be able to avert an attack by behaving bizarrely. Experts suggest acting crazy, picking your nose, throwing up—whatever comes into your head.

If Your Wallet Is Stolen . . .

When your wallet is stolen, you have two major issues to deal with. They are (to paraphrase the old Jack Benny joke) your money and your life. A thief with your driver’s license and credit cards can use the contents of your wallet to obtain a new set of identification documents in your name—making your funds and your credit line completely accessible. Following the steps in this checklist will help ensure that your identity as well as your money and credit are protected.

1. Report the crime to the police right away and get a copy of the police report. You may be asked for it later by your credit card companies, your insurance company, your bank, or other agencies to verify the crime.
2. Call each credit card company to report the theft right away. If you’re away from home, ask a family member, neighbor, or house sitter to pull your master list of credit card numbers and other relevant information from your files to make sure you cancel every card. (See chapter 2, “Records and Documents You Need at Home.”)
3. Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian (formerly TRW), 800-682-7654; Trans Union, 800-916-8800; Equifax, 800-685-1111. This alerts them to halt any credit checks that could be the result of a thief shopping in your name.
4. If your checkbook or ATM card was taken, call your bank immediately and stop payment on outstanding checks that don’t sound familiar. Request new bank accounts, a new ATM card, and a new PIN.
5. If you have a safe deposit box at the bank, call that department to report the theft.
6. Notify the passport office to watch for anyone using your identification to obtain a fraudulent passport.
7. Inform your local and long distance telephone carriers and your utility companies that someone might try to open service in your name.
8. If your keys have also been stolen, change all the locks on your home and car.
9. After the theft:

• Monitor your credit card and bank statements carefully for charges that occurred after the theft and that might have slipped past officials at these agencies.

• Order your credit report from all three agencies (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax) at least quarterly, to catch possible fraudulent use of your credit.

Today is Earth Day April 22 2009

But Why?

The common refrain in comments about Boyle: I watched her over and over, and I cried and cried. "Every time I watched it, I felt emotional," says Julie Carrigan, 47, a mother of five in Hemet, Calif.

But why?

• It's the vindication. "When they were making fun of her, I was getting annoyed," Carrigan says. "And inside I'm thinking, 'I hope she blows them away.' I was so happy when she just let them have it."

• It's the surprise. "If you have expectations of someone, you need to be prepared to be surprised by them," says Paul Potts, the chunky former cellphone salesman who was the Susan Boyle of Britain's Got Talent in 2007 and has since sold millions of records as an opera-and-standards singer. His second album, Passione, arrives in the USA May 5. "It's part of human nature to make judgments based on first impressions, but sometimes we allow ourselves to be misguided by first impressions."

• It's the guilt. Why the surprise? There's no correlation between appearance and talent, says Scott Grantham, 35, a financial analyst in Atlanta. "If she didn't look the way she did, would there be the same reaction? I don't think so," he says. "We make snap judgments based on appearance, and when we see those judgments were premature, we overcompensate by going so far in the other direction."

• It's the shame. Boyle forced people to recognize how often they dismiss or ignore people because of their looks. "Is Susan Boyle ugly? Or are we?" asked essayist Tanya Gold in Britain's The Guardian.

• It's the psychology. "There's an emotional state called elevation, characterized by a warm, glowing feeling, that we get when someone transcends our expectations," says Lynn Johnson, a psychologist in Salt Lake City. Boyle is "an elevator — we want to believe in something higher, that there's meaning in life and that the ugly duckling can become the beautiful swan."

• It's the hope. "She has truly touched my heart and soul and lifted my spirits," says Anne Jolley of San Jose, who describes herself as 47, unemployed, frumpy and "disheartened, disenfranchised, disillusioned and dis-just-about-everything-else in these bleak times." The messages of Boyle, she says, are that "there is hope still in this world; that dreams really can come true; that cynical people can be turned around; that maybe my best years are not behind me after all."

• It's the distraction. With everything going on in the world, "our economy in the tank, my husband and I worried that we will lose our jobs — this was a feel-good/underdog story, and I ate it up," says Lisa Sweetnich, 40, a CPA in Massillon, Ohio.

• It's empowerment. "What are we all crying about?" asked writer Letty Cottin Pogrebin, founding editor of Ms. magazine, in her Huffington Post blog. "Partly, I think it's that a woman closing in on 50 had the courage to compete with the kids — and blew them out of the water."

• It's the authenticity. Unlike most of the contestants on, say, American Idol, Boyle clearly has not been groomed to be a pop star, so she is perceived as the real deal, says Ken Tucker, editor at large of Entertainment Weekly. "People want their idols to be authentic."

• It's the spiritual solace. "We're responding to someone who does not have the packaging expected of us, especially women, and in that moment of recognition, people got in touch with something so soulful and spiritual," says Laurie Sue Brockway, inspiration and family editor of Beliefnet.com. "People felt blessed by that."

For many, it all comes down to ancient wisdom. Rahn Hasbargen, an accountant in St. Paul, cites John 7:24: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

"Never has that verse been explained more dramatically than in the case of Susan Boyle," Hasbargen says.

Kindness Pays

Do you notice if you smile at someone, most likely they will smile back at you? If you pat someone on the back to as if to say 'hey buddy', you will get many pats on your back too? This is a reciprocal world. You get what you give out. And as they say… Love begets Love, Hate begets Hate.

So if you want the world to treat you better, treat it better first. Say more thank yous, more good mornings, pardon me(s), and I'm sorrys. Pay back what you owe, open more doors for others, and help more old people cross the street. More importantly, always be polite, never hurt others, and always tell the truth. These are basic principles that never go out of style.You can avoid much disaster by following the Golden Rule.

I remember one night, I was sitting at an outdoor McDonald's in Singapore's Orchard Road. When I hear the smack of a tray hitting the ground. Six metres away, two large-sized Caucasian men, corner a shorter, stout Hawaiian man. All three men are in their late 20's. It seems like they failed to give way to one another at the door, so they bumped and the tray fell. I hear some insults, and they start to push each other. I count the pushes, 1.. 2.. 3.. and then they had a scuffle. Somehow, the Hawaiian man manages to grab hold of one Caucasian man's neck, and swing him head first into the marble edge of the building! His forehead splits open, and the gash starts spurting blood. The other Caucasian man says, "Stop! Stop! Why are you trying to kill us, man?"

I can't believe all this started over failing to give way at the door, and not apologizing for the mistake. Instead, they chose to push and intimidate each other into a fight. So you see, whatever you give out, will come back to you, ten times stronger. "You push me, I'll push you harder. You punch me, I'll knock you out." These men let their egos get in the way of a peaceful resolution. They could have simply apologized and offered to pay for each other's meal.

As you know, this is not a rare case. Often, just staring at someone can start a fight. Or pushing someone out of a queue. Or snatching someone else's parking space. Or tailgating. Or flashing your car's high beam out of irritation. It's sad when we let our anger get the better of us. As they say in Buddhist philosophy, anger is a form of hell. So is greed, envy, lust, and hate. All poison the heart and mind. Disrupting the inner peace that would make your life wonderful. So before you take an action you might regret, ask yourself, "Is this what I would like to bring into my life?" The moment you perform that action, you are giving permission for the Universe to take the effect, multiply it by ten, and return it to you.

50 Habits of Naturally Thin People

Morning Makeover

1. Wake-up workout

When your eyes open, sit up slowly without using your hands. With legs straight out, lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in your back and hamstrings. Hold; out in front of you, keeping it extended. With upper body straight, hold for a few seconds and move it to the side; hold and extend it behind you. Do five to ten times on each leg. Tones outer thighs, hip flexors and quadriceps. Burns 10 then, using your abs, lower yourself flat. Rest and repeat two more times. Strengthens core. Burns 10

2. Go for the grains

Not ready for Twigs & Rocks cereal? Sprinkle on a few tablespoons of wheat germ or oat bran. Work up to 3.4 cup of low-sugar whole-grain cereal with at least three grams of fiber per serving, and you’ll pass on that Danish. Saves 100

3. Add some protein

The more you eat earlier on, the less you eat as the day wears on, research has shown. So after your cereal, add a hard-boiled egg or a part-skim mozzarella cheese stick to keep you feeling full—and away from that pre-lunch brownie. Saves 200 (or more)

4. Balance booster

While you brush your teeth, alternate standing on one leg as you switch mouth quadrants (every 30 seconds). Balancing develops your core muscles and may even be good for your brain. Burns 10

5. Be a ballerina

As your coffee drips, stand sideways, put one hand on the counter, and lift the outside leg straight

6. Coffee saver

Instead of pouring that 1.3 cup of half-and-half (a whopping 105 calories!) into your mug, replace it with the same amount of 2% milk. Saves 60

7. Better your bagel

You can walk 10,000 steps to justify your 500calorie bagel with cream cheese, or try this: low-fat spreadable cheese like Laughing Cow Light on an English muffin. Saves 300

Nine-to-Five Fixes

8. Tone in traffic

Use the time spent bumper-to-bumper to develop your buns of steel: Squeeze your derrière each time you tap the brake, holding for 10 seconds. Shoot for 10 to 15 squeezes a trip. Burns 10

9. Snack smarter

Portion out the day’s snacks into pint-size zip bags, or buy single-serving portions. For example, four regular Oreos have 200 calories versus the 100-calorie snack bag version. Go for the lower fat chips: a Lay’s Light bag has only 75 calories, while the regular has 150. Saves 175 (over two snacks)

10. Casual day payoff

You will blast more calories during the day wearing comfy clothes like jeans or khakis, sport shirts and soft-soled shoes than donning constricting suits, skirts and heels. Why? Because you walk more, a study found. Now you just have to convince the boss. Burns 25

11. You know squat!

At your desk chair, pretend you’re going to sit but don’t—stop and come back up without using your arms. Always start squats by lowering your hips, not bending knees forward, and keeping your weight on your heels. Repeat the motion throughout the day (even at the potty!) for 15 to 20 total. Strengthens quadriceps. Burns 15

12. Switch your soda
Your body doesn’t register calories from liquids the same way it does those from foods, so you won’t get those “stop eating” signals to help you compensate for the overload later on. Change from two glasses of regular soda or fruit juice to diet soda or a flavored seltzer. Saves 300

13. Talk it UP
Every time you grab the phone, stand up and pace around. Heavy people sit on average two and a half hours more per day than thin people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Burns 50 or more

14. At lunch, pick a pita
Use one mini whole-wheat pita instead of the usual two slices of white or refined wheat bread for your sandwich. Saves 70

15. Get face time
We use e-mail so much we’ve forgotten what our co-workers look like. Pick a colleague or two who sits farthest from you and deliver 10 of those daily messages in person. And go out of your way: Hit a bathroom or a copier on another floor—and take the stairs, of course. Burns 100

16. Firm as you file
Pause from your papers with a few wall push-ups. Place hands wide at shoulder height against the wall. Take a couple of steps back so your body is at a slight angle and your weight is on your toes, and do three sets of 10 push-ups. Strengthens chest and triceps. (For more desk exercises, go to changeone.com/workout.) Burns 10

17. An apple (or more) a day
They’re packed with fiber and water, so your stom-ach will want less. Plus, studies out of Washington State and Brazil have shown that people who eat at least three apples or pears a day lose weight. Try two small apples and two fewer large cookies. Saves 100 LOSE WEIGHT FOREVER

18. Try a simple chair workout
• Dips: If your chair has wheels, brace it against something. Facing forward, place palms on the front edge of the seat with knees bent at a right angle. Lower butt toward the floor; raise and repeat for two sets of 10. Tones triceps. Burns 10

• Lifts: Seated in a chair with your back straight and your feet on the floor, squeeze knees together and gently bring them toward your chest. Do two sets of ten. Strengthens abdominals. Burns 10

Around Town

19. Carry some weight
When you’re grocery shopping or running errands, wear a backpack with a 5- or 10-pound bag of sugar inside to increase resistance and burn more calories. Add purchases to your load as it becomes easier. Burns 20 (for an hour of errands)

20. Tweak your treat
Instead of a large caffè latte and a chocolate cream-cheese muffin, get a small nonfat latte and a small low-fat raisin or carrot muffin. Saves 340

21. Pump at the pump
Instead of fuming over gas prices, think about firming your calves: With one hand on your car, stand on the balls of your feet and slowly rise up and down for as long as it
takes your tank to fill—for an SUV that might be 50 raises! Burns 10

22. Do the pizza pat
Blot your slice with a napkin to cut anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon of grease—and calories. Saves 50-100

23. Shop till the pounds drop
At the mall, try on at least ten outfits, both pants and shirts. No need to buy! Burns 60

24. Eat like a kid
You don’t have to give up that quick lunch if you order smaller portions: Instead of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries, opt for the cheeseburger Happy Meal. You can even play with the toy. Saves 390

25. Recharge yourself
Anytime you’re waiting in line, stand evenly on both feet, clasp hands behind your back and squeeze shoulder blades together to open your chest, an energizing yoga-based move that stimulates the nervous system. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds while slowly breathing in and out, taking longer on the inhale. Burns 5

On the Home Front

26. Jog for junk mail
Turn clutter into a challenge: For every piece of junk mail you pull from the mailbox each day, do one lap around your house or building, or up and down a flight of stairs. Burns 35-140

27. Use better butter
No, you don’t have to give up the real deal—instead of a tablespoon of stick butter, use a tablespoon of whipped and cut half the calories. Saves 30

28. Step on it
Before you lug those backpacks upstairs, stop and stand on the bottom step for these calf toners. Hold the banister with one hand. Bend your right leg and place the toes of your left foot on the edge of the step. Let your heel drop down, press into the ball of your left foot and rise to your toes. Pause; repeat with each foot for 8 to 12 reps. Burns 10

29. Start with soup
Order a clear soup instead of a salad soaked with two tablespoons full-fat ranch and you can save twice the calories. Plus you’ll feel fuller, so you’ll eat less when the entrée comes. Saves 100

30. Play footsie
After dinner, while you’re still sitting at the table, extend your right leg out and slowly bend it up and down, squeezing and holding in the up position for at least five seconds. Repeat on each leg five times. Sculpts quadriceps. Burns 10

31. Make perfect pasta

Substitute whole-grain pasta for semolina and you’ll be satisfied with a smaller portion (1.5 ounces instead of 2). Saves 50 Or use the same amount of oat-bran pasta. Saves 90

32. Climb up!

Taking the stairs for a total of just two minutes, five days a week, gives you the same calorie-burning results as a 20 minute walk. Burns 100-140

33. Fill up with fruit
Like pie? Here’s how you can cave to the craving: Sprinkle fresh fruit—some cut-up apple, pear or a handful of cherries—with some Splenda or Equal, cover and nuke for a minute or so. Tastes just like pie filling. Saves 275

34. Have your cake
Pick up an angel food cake for dessert. It’s packed with air and has fewer than half the calories of, say, pound cake. Saves 70

It’sWorkingforMe!

35. Ease into evening
Sitting with feet uncrossed, grab your wrist and raise your hands above your head to lengthen the spine. Take a deep breath in as you reach and hold the position, breathing slowly in and out for 20 seconds, taking longer on the exhale. Instant relaxation. Burns 5

36. Get your chocolate fix
Instead of a candy bar, try a sugar-free, reduced-calorie Jell-O chocolate pudding snack with a squirt of nonfat whipped cream topping. Eat it with a baby spoon to savor it longer. Saves 185

37. Crunch for your clicker
The average half-hour TV show has eight minutes of commercials. Make reaching for the remote control worth it: Place it out of reach on the coffee table or, if you’re lying down, on the opposite arm of the couch. Every time an ad comes on and you reach for the remote, crunch until the show comes back on; you should reach 100-150 or so. Tones abs. Burns 24

38. Lift those hips
Before you tuck yourself in, lie on your back on the floor with your legs up on the edge of the bed or a chair. Slowly bend your knees, lifting your hips off the floor. Hold for five seconds, relax and repeat 10 to 12 times. Firms up hamstrings and core. Burns 10

The Weekend

39. Sing a song
Spend Sun-day morning belting it out in the church choir. Burns 70 per service

40. Make it bacon
At the diner, order three slices of crisp bacon instead of two sausage links, and pat off the extra grease. Saves 90

41. Move it, Soccer Parents!
After every quarter of the game, get up from the bleachers and take a lap around the gym or field. Four or five times around a typical one is about a mile. Burns 75

42. Movie time
Most people eat 45% more popcorn from large-size containers, so make sure you get only a small and skip the butter, which adds more calories than the popcorn itself. Bring your own seasoned salt or Parmesan cheese for more flavor. Saves 350

43. Orient yourself
At Chinese restaurants, be sure to avoid anything named General Tso or Crispy, which means fried. Eat only the filling of the egg roll and not the shell. Saves 400-500

44. Catch this!
Spend a half-hour tossing a ball or Frisbee with your kid. Burns 90

45. Cut the cheese
Order your pizza with half the cheese or even cheese-less, and then sprinkle with a few tablespoons of Parmesan. Saves 100

46. Have a hot dog!
Pile on the pickles, onions and sauer-kraut—these fiber-packed condiments will fill you up and prevent you from eating a second dog. Skip the cheese and chili. Saves 250

47. Think about your drink
Consider beer or wine instead of a frozen drink: A glass of regular beer has 140 calories and a serving of wine has 126 calories, while a strawberry daiquiri has about 300 and a margarita 340. Saves 150-200

48. Fix your fries
Rather than asking for medium fries, get an order of onion rings (8 to 9 rings). Saves 60

49. Scream for sorbet
Indulge in chocolate sorbet instead of chocolate ice cream. Saves 125

50. Make whoopee
Instead of a bowl of ice cream as a bedtime snack, have a robust tussle with your spouse. Burns 300

SOURCES: Jay Ashmore, PhD; Fabio Comana; Mara
Carrico; John de Castro, PhD; Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD;
Donald Hensrud, MD; James Hill, PhD; Bruce Nadler, MD;
Michael Ozner, MD; Mare Petras; Barry Popkin, PhD;
Barbara Rolls, PhD; Brian Wansink, PhD

For more weight-loss tips—and to share your own—go to rd.com/weightlosstips.

Okra

A guy has been suffering from constipation for the past 20 years and recently from acid reflux. He didn't realize that the treatment could be so simple -- OKRA! He started eating okra within the last 2 months and since then have never taken medication again. All he did was consume 6 pieces of OKRA everyday. He's now regular and his blood sugar has dropped from 135 to 98, with his cholesterol and acid reflux also under control.

Here are some facts on okra (from the research of Ms. Sylvia Zook, PH.D (nutrition), University of Illinois.

"Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The other half is insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colo-rectal cancer.

Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid is also present in a half cup of cooked okra.

Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid.

Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)

* Calories = 25
* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
* Protein = 1.5 grams
* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
* Vita! min A = 460 IU
* Vitamin C = 13 mg
* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
* Calcium = 50 mg
* Iron = 0.4 mg
* Potassium = 256 mg
* Magnesium = 46 mg

These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and if you are on a medically-restricted diet please consult your physician and/or dietician. Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very kindly provided the following thought-provoking comments on the many benefits of this versatile vegetable. They are well worth reading

1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar as it curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

2. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. But it doesn't stop there...

3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all disease begins in the colon. The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in stools, helps prevent constipation.

Fiber in general is helpful for this but okra is one of the best, along with ground flax seed and psyllium. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic many people abhor. In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable not only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which cause numerous health problems, if not evacuated, but also assures their easy passage from the the body.

The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming (except for the many who greatly enjoy eating it), has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most.

4. Further contributing to the health of the intestinal tract, okra fiber (as well as flax and psyllium) has no equal among fibers for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics).

5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly steamed. Some eat it raw.

I Dreamed A Dream

I dreamed a dream in time gone by

When hope was high,
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid
When dreams were made and used,
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung,
No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hopes apart
As they turn your dreams to shame.

And still I dream he'll come to me
And we will live our lives together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seems
Now life has killedThe dream I dreamed.

Susan Boyle New You Tube Sensation

After Charice, there is a new internet You Tube Sensation in the name of Susan Boyle.

Watch the Video below to know why. Real Beauty is really skin deep. Extraordinary and Suprising!

Lost Generation

The 'poem' is meant to be read from the last line up or the reverse, whichever is your inclination.

"Lost Generation"
by Jonathan Reed"

I am part of a lost generation
and I refuse to believe that
I can change the world
I realize this may be a shock but
“Happiness comes from within.”
is a lie, and
“Money will make me happy.
”So in 30 years I will tell my children
they are not the most important thing in my life
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
work
is more important than
family
I tell you this
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
but this will not be true in my era
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
30 years from now,
I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making
In the future
Environmental destruction will be the norm
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this earth
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope."

Steven Johnson Syndrome

I am a survivor of Steven Johnson Syndrome or in a more common description, an allergic reaction to a certain drugs or medication.

It started with just a simple red and itchy patches on my arms and thighs. I thought it was because of what I ate or because of the weather so I ignore it.

Before this happened, I was prescribed with a medicine which contains sulfa (which are highly linked to SJS). The doctor ask me if I have any allergy to any type of medication. I told him no because I do not have any history of any allergic reaction.

I believe the doctor should have tested first the medicine before prescribing it to me. Unfortunately, he did not so I ended up taking it as prescribed (3 times a day for about 7 days). If I am not mistaken, it was on the 5th day that I started having the itchy spell.

I started feeling weak to a point of not completing my usual 4km jog (after 500m I stopped and walked instead).

The next day I attended a seminar and I can barely concentrate because the itchiness was getting unbearable. My eyes started getting very red and I was having a hard time chewing and swallowing any kind of food.

I was not able to attend the 2nd day of the seminar because the next day my condition worsen and I was brought to the nearest hospital. The doctor (not the same doctor who gave me the sulfa drug), first diagnosis was it was chicken pox, prescribed another medicine and sent me back home.

The next day, my condition became worst and I was brought back to the hospital and after some test the doctor declared that I have Steven Johnson Syndrome. They asked me what medication I was taking before I went to their hospital. I showed them the meds prescribed to me by the doctor of the other hospital and they told me that it was that meds that caused my SJS.

I was admitted in the hospital. The first few days was really hard. The red patches came out all over my body (except my face). My eyes was swollen and my vision started to get blurry. My mouth and throat were also swollen inside and cannot eat.

I was hospitalized for almost a month (25 days to be exact). I actually feel better after a couple of days but the rashes all over my body were just starting to come out and it should be healed before I can go back home.

My main concern during those times was my eyes because the doctor told me that in most cases patients go blind and I do not want that to happen.

It was a struggle until now. My eyes gets dry and irritated easily causing itchiness and blurriness. The marks on my skin are still there, luckily not on my face and not very evident as before.

My only regret is that I did not have any pictures of me during my stay in the hospital :-)

Below are some important facts about Steven Johnson Syndrome.

What is SJS (Steven-Johnson Syndrome)?

A fatal allergic reaction to drugs and microorganisms. Drugs that are linked to SJS are: Dicloflex, fluconazole,[5] valdecoxib, penicillins, barbiturates, sulfas, phenytoin, lamotrigine, nevirapine, Ibuprofen, ethosuximide, carbamazepine (Wikipedia), and anticonvulsants.


We can never say though that only these drugs can cause SJS. Since this ailment solely depends on the immunologic reaction of the body to substances introduced which are foreign to it, any medicine could cause SJS.

SJS can be caused by infections, usually following viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, influenza, mumps, cat-scratch fever, histoplasmosis, Epstein-Barr virus, or similar (Wikipedia).

When can we say it is SJS?


When one person develops the following:

Early symptoms are deep red patches on the head area, which are hot to touch. IT could be on the face, on the neck, or back of the neck (so it is important to be aware of any unusual rash). Swollen eye bags, almost like a black eye, fever, weakness, malaise.

In advance stage, the whole body is covered with rash that looks like the patient bathe with a very hot water; this includes the scalp, palms and soles of the feet. The insides of the mouth, ears, for females, their genitals are as well covered with a rash. There is also blistering, and the skins sloughs off (characteristics of a burned skin).

What to do?

At the early sign of a rash, stop at once the medicine the patient is taking.

An immediate hospitalization is required because time is very crucial for this ailment. If possible, inform the admission personnel that it is a possible SJS since not all doctors and medical workers know about this condition.


To ease the discomfort of the patient, aloe vera could be used, (I used Forever Living products for my daughter before). Not only does it soothe the lesions, it also heals it that scarring is minimized. Intake is also helpful as it aides in the fast recovery of the patient. Make sure though that you are using Food and Drugs Authority approved products.


This is a fatal allergy condition. And it is not rare as many physicians claim. The sister of my friend died of SJS. The patient that was in the same room as that of my daughter months before she was hospitalized died of SJS too! Every one is at risk, and any medicine/drug can cause it. So we should be aware!

Benefits of LCD

Brightness

Brightness in LCD and Plasma screens is expressed as candelas per square meter (cd/m2). The brightness of plasmas is approximately to 100 cd/m2. LCD TVs however typically have a brightness rating of 500 cd/m2. This means that more the brightness more the clarity in the picture quality.

Resolution

LCD TV delivers exceptionally sharp images. The 2 mega pixel Full HD (1920 x 1080) and 1 mega pixel WxGA (1366x768) resolution panels, guarantees the sharpest visuals even in small screen sizes.

No Reflection

Because plasma Tvs employ phosphors for imaging, they are susceptible to glare from indoor and outdoor light. LCD Tvs don't have this problem, they create images by shuttering light through tiny color filters and generally handle annoying reflections from open windows or nearby lights with no difficulty.

No Burn In

Burn in is what happens when an image stays on a plasma screen for an extended period of time. LCDs are not at all susceptible to burm in while Plasma Tvs are vulnerable.


Lifespan

Typical plasma TVs have a lifespan of 20 yeqars of usage if you have the set on for 4 hours. The lifespan of an LCD TV is typically about 40 years running 4 hours daily.

Power conversion

Because the crystals in LCD TVs do not produce light the technology is labeled as "non-emissive" which means it does not give off radiation like the CRT. Cold cathode light sources, like fluorescent tubes which use only a little power, are used to illuminate the image. LCDs also use less power than plasma televisions, because plasma requires powering hundreds of electrodes to stimulate the phosphors.

Lightweight

Plasma displays are fairly heavy and may need additional support to be mounted onto a wall. LCD TVs weigh less than comparably sized plasma TVs.

Life in the Gulf

New guidelines on teaching material
By Mohammed Al-Enizi

Saudi Gazette

DAMMAM – The Ministry of Education has ordered the erasing of images of pigs and musical instruments from English language teaching materials in privately-owned schools, along with the omission of everything that does not conform to Islamic teachings.

The ministry has also said that permission will be given to use books other than official ministry books only after being informed of the school’s study plan and the stage of education for which the materials will be used.

The Director General of Education at National and International Schools at the ministry, Khalid Bin Saeed Al-Suheim, has asked all regional directors of education to comply fully with the ministry’s request.
_________________________________________________

Banning pictures of pigs, I can understand, but musical instrument I don't get.

Maybe they think that if children see pictures of pigs they will begin to have hungers pangs to eat pork :-)

Like what I read in The Alchemist "It's not what enters a men's mouth that is evil, it is what comes out of their mouth that is".

Unfortunately stories like this gives a bad impression that all Saudis easily gets angry or violated at the mere site or mention of pigs or any musical instrument.

But of course, most Saudis are not like that in reality.

Life in the Gulf

Saudi Aramco has delayed plans to build extra capacity at its Ras Tanura refinery

Saudi Aramco has delayed plans to build extra capacity at its Ras Tanura refinery to increase output by 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), industry sources said yesterday.

The US $8 billion (SAR 30 billion) project is one of five planned in the kingdom to boost domestic refinery capacity by 1.7 million bpd to a total of 3.8 million bpd. Aramco has already delayed two of those projects as it looks to drive down costs.

"Aramco has sent out an official letter to potential bidders saying the project was deferred," one industry source told Reuters.

A source from another company planning to bid for construction contracts for the Ras Tanura expansion project said it had also received notification of the delay.

An Aramco spokesman declined to comment. Last year the company said the refinery would start production at the end of 2012.

Aramco gave no reason for the delay to the Ras Tanura refinery expansion in the letter to potential bidders, nor a new timeline, the sources said.

Potential bidders had expected to receive invitations to bid for the refinery’s construction packages in May.

The expansion was broken down into five packages: a crude unit and a vacuum distillation unit, a diesel hydrotreater, a continuous catalyst regenerator, a sulphur recovery unit and for utilities and tanks.

The refinery's expansion is to help meet both rising domestic demand and to supply feedstock to a giant petrochemical joint venture between Dow Chemical Company and Aramco to be built nearby.

That plant, expected to cost more than $20 billion, would be one of the largest single petrochemical plants to be built in the world.

A third source yesterday told Reuters that the petrochemical project had also been delayed. Completion of preliminary design and engineering for the petrochemical plant would take until the first or second quarter of 2010, from the initial target of end 2009.

Aramco has delayed two other 400,000 bpd refinery projects at Jubail and Yanbu as it wants contractors to revise prices to reflect the slump in the cost of raw materials since the global economic slowdown took hold.

Why Arroyo Frequent Dubai?

The story below was taken from Ellen Tordesillas Blog here: http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=5033

Even if this is true, GMA will surely find a way to get away with it. She and her allies had already mastered this art. Kung yun ngang may malakas nang ebidensya (Hello Garci, ZTE NBN, etc) natakasan niya (well at least for now habang Presidente pa siya), ito pa kaya?

Do not lose HOPE.

_______________________________________________________

Gloria Arroyo is becoming a frequent visitor of Dubai in recent months, especially since the financial crisis in the United States that hit hard her family’s favorite investment firms, Lehman Brothers and Merryl Lynch.

Serge Remonde’s spin is that Arroyo is on a two-day visit to Dubai to “ seek more job employment for the country’s expatriate workers.” What has become of her labor officials that taxpayers are subsidizing with billion of pesos in salaries and allowances?

After fleeing Thailand’s protesters, Malacañang said Arroyo went to Dubai accompanied by “ Press Secretary Serge Remonde, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, among other Cabinet members, and some congressmen.”How many is “some congressmen”, Malacañang didn’t say. As usual, they waste precious taxpayers money and hide it from the people.

Remonde’s press release said Arroyo “was last here (Dubai)on Jan. 27-28, 2008”. False. Arroyo was in Dubai Jan. 31, 2009, a little over two months ago, enroute to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. There could have been other previous stopovers in Dubai on her way to other parts of the Middle East.

Arroyo’s frequent visits to Dubai, the financial hub in the Middle East and South Asia, have been noticed by some people in the financial sector. It’s not just mere coincidence, one investment consultant I talked with said that these visits are happening after unconfirmed reports that the Arroyo’s lost some $500 million in investments made with Lehman Brothers and Merryl Lynch, which made Arroyo go back and forth to the U.S at the slightest excuse following the financial crisis last year. (Her stalking President Obama is another matter.)

The Dubai visits are also happening following the story about the turning back of the chartered Philippine Airlines, which was to bring Arroyo and her party to Peru for the leaders’ meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation via San Francisco, and landing in Osaka, Japan last November 2008.

It was written about that while up in the air, a U.S embassy official alerted a justice undersecretary that an investigation being conducted on the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the other financial firms in the U.S showed some accounts owned by Mike Arroyo. The rumor was that Arroyo would be invited for questioning.

That’s the reason why the plane had to turn back and had Mike Arroyo disembark before it entered the U.S. Malacañang’s official explanation was diarrhea. Arroyo’s lawyer, Ruy Rondain, belied the rumors.

Another unusual thing is Mike Arroyo’s non-attendance of Manny Pacquiao’s fights in the U.S. when before he was a fixture in the audience.

A foreign affairs source called our attention to something strange in the visits of Arroyo to Davos last February when she made a brief stopover in Dubai. From Switzerland, she proceeded to Bahrain and Milan. Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo was not part of the official party.

Romulo, the source said, made a last minute application to the WEF. From Davos, Romulo came home and was not with Arroyo in her meetings in Bahrain and Milan. Romulo was back here in the Philippines when he was informed that Arroyo had decided to go to Washington D.C to try (but failed) to have a picture taken with Obama in a national prayer breakfast.

What were those meetings with foreign officials or private persons that didn’t need the foreign secretary’s presence? Could it have something to do with personal finances?

Presidential flights gets special treatment in immigration and customs. It’s the easiest way to bring out something you would like to be out -of- reach by persons who might be in power just in case her plans of clinging to power beyond 2010 doesn’t materialize.

That would be Plan B, C or D because it looks like the Arroyos do not have the numbers for Plan A, that is charter change, despite the House of Representatives traditionally in their pockets the past eight years. Also despite Mikey Arroyo, son of Gloria and Mike, personally gathering the signatures even enlisting the help of Joe de Venecia, whom they pushed out of the Speaker’s chair.

A source in the office of House Speaker Prospero Nograles said Danding Cojuangco’s Nationalist People’s Coalition, the Liberal Party and the Nacionalista Party are not signing on in the resolution of Camarines Sur Rep Luis Villafuerte calling for a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution even without the participation of the Senate.

The NPC , LP and NP are part of Arroyo’s grand alliance in the Lower House. Their non-cooperation is a sign of Gloria Arroyo’s lame duck status. It gives Arroyo a glimpse of how they would regard her once she is out of power.

Time to stash the loot in a safer location.

Just for Laughs

1. When I was born, I was given a choice - A big dick or a good memory. I don't remember, what I chose.

2. A birth certificate is an apology letter from the condom factory.

3. A wife is a sex object. Every time you ask for sex, she objects.

4. Impotence: Nature's way of saying "No hard feelings..."

5. There are only two four letter words that are offensive to men -"don't" and "stop", unless they are used together.

6. Panties: Not the best thing on earth, but next to best thing on earth.

7. There are three stages of sex in a man's life: Tri Weekly, Try Weekly, and Try Weakly.

8. Virginity can be cured.

9. Virginity is not dignity, it's lack of opportunity.

10. Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand.

11. I tried phone sex once, but the holes in the dialer were too small.

12. Marriage is the only war where you get to sleep with the enemy.

13. Q: What's an Australian kiss?

A: The same thing as a French kiss, only down under.

14. A couple just married were happy with the whole thing. He was happy with the hole and she was happy with the thing.

15. Q: What are the three biggest tragedies in a mans life?

A: Life sucks, job sucks, and the wife doesn't.

16. Q: Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact?

A: Breasts don't have eyes.

17. Despite the old saying, "Don't take your troubles to bed", many men still sleep with their wives.

Kaleidoscope World

So many faces, so many races

Different voices, different choices
Some are mad, while others laugh
Some live alone with no better half
Others grieve while others curse
And others mourn behind a big black hearse


Some are pure and some half-bred
Some are sober and some are wasted
Some are rich because of fate and
Some are poor with no food on their plate

Some stand out while others blend
Some are fat and stout while some are thin

Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most


Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope

Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world


Some are great and some are few
Others lie while some tell the truth
Some say poems and some do sing
Others sing through their guitar strings


Some know it all while some act dumb
Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum
Some can swim while some will sink
And some will find their minds and think
Others walk while others run
You can't talk peace and have a gun


Some are hurt and start to cry
Don't ask me how don't ask me why
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most


Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world


Kaleidoscope world
In this kaleidoscope world


- Francis M

Simplify

Stress is one of the deadliest curses of the modern age. The most dreaded diseases that afflict man like chronic nervous tension, heart trouble, and cancer have been found to be stress-related.

Stress is caused by leading a fast, complicated, and nerve-wracking lifestyle. We constantly find that there is neither enough time nor resources to do the things we want or need to do, leaving us feeling agitated, harassed, frantic, and continually on edge. To be able to cope with the growing complexity and pressures of life that confront us daily, we need to de-stress by slowing down and voluntarily simplifying our lives.

Voluntary life simplification is not about being miserable, poor or deprived. It is about knowing your true values, goals, and priorities so you can focus on them, and discard all the other matters that just add tension and confusion to your existence. Don't let stress wear you down. Discover through thoughtful analysis of your values, lifestyle, and goals what is "enough" or just "perfectly right" for you.

With voluntary life simplification, you can save your health and sanity, and maximize your capacity to savor and enjoy life.

1. Take a vow of voluntary life simplicity

Take a pen and a sheet of paper and write down the things that complicate, harass, and bring tension into your life. Come up with creative ideas to counter these for a less stressful and more meaningful life.

2. Slow down

If you constantly find yourself racing against the clock, take a deep breath and calm down. You must learn to simplify your day-to-day schedule and live a more balanced, deliberate, and purposeful life. Most important of all, learn to say no to people and activities that you can do well without.

3. De-clutter

Most of us have an excessive preoccupation with "things" and having or collecting them. Control your compulsive consumer habits or shopping/buying addiction and minimize your material possessions. Life will be so much easier when you travel light.

4. Detoxify

As a result of watching too many commercials coupled with our excessive obsession to stay young, beautiful, and healthy, most of us take too much vitamins, use too much shampoos and detergents, apply too much makeup and beauty products, etc. Detoxify your body inside out; let it breathe freely, and nurture itself naturally.

5. De-tech

Technological advancements sometimes prove to complicate our lives rather than bring convenience. No, you don't have to ditch your cell phone, e-mail or voice mail; stay connected but not too connected that you end up stressed and harassed. Turn off your cell phone once in a while (and have refreshing, momentary peace), and watch less TV (it is a time thief!).

6. Practice time management

We all have the same 24 hours in one day yet some people are more productive with their time than others. Their secret? They know how to manage and use their time wisely. Make a daily to-do list of your activities, prioritize them, and stick to your schedule.

7. Downsize your career ambitions

If your career seems to endanger your physical, emotional, and mental sanity, re-plan and downsize it. Our obsession to be ahead in the rat race often leads to disturbing anxieties, frustrations and, ultimately, diseases. Be realistic about your career and business goals, and save your life.

8. Delegate

Face it, you cannot do everything yourself; delegate chores at home and at the office. Ask for help; get a secretary or assistant, employ a cleaning lady once a week, have your clothes laundered. The time you will save will be priceless if used to devote to things that mean so much to you like spending quality time with your kids, or learning life-improvement skills in schools and seminars.

9. Give up unnecessary things and activities

By force of habit or what we conveniently term "sentimental reasons," we tend to hang on to things and activities that no longer serve a purpose in our lives. Ask, "Is this thing relevant and does it serve a purpose at this stage of my life?" If the answer is no, discard it.

10. Get out of debt

People who stay in debt are faced by the continuous nuisance of receiving and dealing with threatening collection notices. Being in debt puts you under intense stress; settle your debts right away or do it gradually but diligently if you cannot pay upfront. Avoid the temptation of further buying on credit.

11. Say goodbye to negative or toxic people

Simplifying your life may mean getting rid of some people, too. Be selective with friends and social circles you join. Make sure you build relationships with good, sincere, loving, supportive, and nurturing people. Avoid negative or toxic people; they can dampen your enthusiasm and drain your energy.

12. Avoid information overload

In this day and age of worldwide information technology, we are all bound to be saturated with info and ideas that may not be relevant or useful in our lives. Choose and filter the amount and quality of information you expose yourself to. Being flooded with stimuli can overwhelm and confuse you, and can be an enormous source of stress.

13. Spring clean

Spring cleaning doesn't just involve cleaning up your home and work spaces and editing your accumulation of trinkets and junk. It also entails spiritual cleansing and renewal. This may mean settling unresolved issues with relatives and loved ones, and even social and professional associates. Go to a gym for an energizing workout or a spa once in a while for a relaxing body massage.

14. Go back to nature living

Connect yourself with the earth more, and live off the land. Grow your own organic vegetables and fruits, opt to use natural products (not synthetic), and choose to eat unprocessed foods. You are a child of the earth and your health as well as the earth's beauty, safety, and well-being depends on you.

15. Live in the moment

Learn to relax and take your time, and preoccupy yourself with the present. Don't agonize over the past because it's gone and don't be anxious over the future because it is still to come. Learn to relish the now, and take time to pause and feel the fresh wind.

Most of all, try never to worry.

Self Appraisal

A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone. He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phone and proceeded to punch in seven digits.

The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation: The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn? The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn.""Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now." replied boy. The woman responded that she was very satisfied with the person who was presently cutting her lawn.

The little boy found more perseverance and offered, "Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of Palm beach, Florida." Again the woman answered in the negative.With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.

The store-owner, who was listening to all, walked over to the boy and said, "Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."The little boy replied, "No thanks, I was just checking my performance with the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to!"

Slumdogs and Millionaires

BBC's Ben Anderson took a journey to Dubai reported a great taboo in that very sand pit. He took a great risk of delivering an undercover report on the dire conditions of migrant laborers. Perhaps his documentary was inspired from the movie Slumdog Millionare, hence it was titled as Slumdogs and Millionaires.

Read more here:
http://johnonymous.blogspot.com/2009/04/dubais-slumdogs-and-millionaires.html

Self Stirring Mug

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day can relate to the frustration of getting to the last drop and finding all of the delicious chocolate sitting in a saturated clump on the bottom of their mug. Or maybe you prefer a cup of hot tea with honey and haven't quite figured out how to get the honey sufficiently mixed.

The Self-Stirring Mug is the solution to all of your hot beverage predicaments. This handy table-top gadget is great for preventing chocolate build-up at the end of your hot chocolate or for keeping sugar or honey dispersed in your coffee or tea.

The Self-Stirring Mug contains a very small propeller at the bottom that will spin at 3,000 rpms by simply touching the handle. You can keep your drink well-mixed and not have to hassle with stirrers or dirty spoons littering you desk top. Anytime the taste your drink seems diluted, simply give the touch and the mug will stir it up again.

The Self-Stirring mug also includes with a lid so you won't find your beverage swirling out the sides. The lid also keeps your hot drink from cooling off to quickly, and when you need a coaster, simply pop the lid off and place it under the mug. Made of lightweight injection-molded plastic inside a layer of stainless steel, the Self-Stirring mug would make a great gift for anyone in your home or office.

iKaraoke for iPod

Everyone loves karaoke, well maybe not everyone.

But with this cool gadget you’ll be able sing along to your favorite tunes without having to worry about the pressure of the crowd. iKaraoke is an amazing accessory for your iPod that will give you the chance to be the lead singer in all of your favorite music.

All you need to do is hook your iPod up to your stereo system using the line-in cable attached. Then with the flip of a button the iKaraoke silences the frequency that contains the lead vocals of any song, leaving only the background music for you to sing along.

Or connect iKaraoke to your home or auto stereo through your stereo's Auxiliary Audio In (sometimes called Line In). Use iKaraoke's mic to start, stop, skip and repeat the music, control volume. It's your tunes as only you can sing them.

The iKaraoke also includes a slender microphone to sing into so you feel just like a star. And if you feel like you’re not ready to sing the entire song alone you can press a button and the lead vocals will drop back in.

The iKaraoke also allows you to pause and scan forward and backward.So whether you love rap, rock, 80’s or oldies, you can sing whatever you want whenever you want with this fun and innovative iPod gadget.

Hot New Movie Releases April 2009 to 2012

April 2009

The Hannah Montana Movie - 05/01/2009

Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) hits the big screen.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - 05/01/2009

Leading up to the events of "X-Men," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.

Star Trek - 05/08/2009

From director J.J. Abrams ("Mission: Impossible III," "Lost" and "Alias") and screenwriters Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman ("Transformers," "MI: III") comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, "Star Trek," featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before.

Angels & Demons - 05/19/2009

"The Da Vinci Code" was Dan Brown's second novel centering on Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor who's an expert in religious symbols. In the sequel, the Museum of Natural History is closed down for upgrading and the exhibits are put into storage at the Federal Archives in Washington, D.C. Amy Adams will play an undetermined historical figure who has a crush on security guard Larry (Stiller).

Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins - 05/22/2009

"Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" will reinvent the cyborg saga with a storyline to be told over a three-movie span. The film is set in the future, in a full-scale war between Skynet and humankind.

JUNE 2009

The Year One - 06/05/2009

Jack Black will star in "The Year One," a comedy produced by "Knocked Up" director Judd Apatow. It's a look at the early history of civilization using Genesis, the first book of the Bible, as kind of an emotional psycho-social template.

The A-Team - 06/12/2009

The series, which ran from 1983-87 and starred George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz, followed an unofficial team of Vietnam vets who will stop at nothing to get the bad guys. Sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit, these four commandos escaped from a maximum-security stockade and now survive in the Los Angeles underground as soldiers of fortune. The new version will be updated from the Vietnam era and reflect contemporary issues and politics. Stephen J. Cannell, who created the show, will produce the movie with Spike Seldin. Mark Silvestri will executive produce.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 06/19/2009

Movie based on the video game - set in medieval Persia, Earth's mightiest and most mysterious kingdom, where a king and his son defeat the powerful Maharajah and kidnap his daughter, looting his palace of priceless treasure, including an extravagant hourglass, and a mysterious dagger.

Transformers 2 - 06/26/2009

Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots return for the live-action follow up to Michael Bay's 2007 blockbuster "Transformers."

JULY 2009

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - 07/01/2009

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," to be fully produced in 3-D, is the latest installment to the hit "Ice Age" franchise, which has grossed more than $1.2 billion around the world.

2012 (Roland Emmerich) - 07/10/2009

Story blends the idea of the Mayan calendar, which predicts the world ending in 2012, with natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, typhoons and glaciers plaguing the planet and a large cast of characters dealing with the mayhem.

Land of the Lost - 07/17/2009

Based on the 1974-77 television series of the same name. The movie revolves around a disgraced paleontologist, his assistant and a macho tour guide who find themselves in a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey people and reptilian Sleestaks. (Starring Will Ferrell)

AUGUST 2009

G.I. Joe - 08/07/2009

The movie will be a modern telling of the "G.I. Joe vs. Cobra" storyline and its compelling characters that Hasbro created 25 years ago. The premise of this fantasy is the story of the G.I. Joe team, led by Duke, and their "fight for freedom wherever there is trouble" against the evil Cobra Commander and his Cobra force.

Rob Zombie's Tyrannosaurus Rex - 08/28/2009

Rob Zombie says his new movie has nothing to do with dinosaurs.

SEPTEMBER 2009

NO RELEASES

OCTOBER 2009

NO RELEASES

NOVEMBER 2009

A Christmas Carol - 11/06/2009

Jim Carrey will play Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future in "A Christmas Carol," an adaptation of the Charles Dickens tale that Robert Zemeckis wrote and will direct for Walt Disney Pictures.

Nottingham - 11/06/2009

A love triangle forms between the legendary do-gooder Robin Hood, his Maid Marion and the archer's arch nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham. Crowe stars as the Sheriff of Nottingham in a scenario that sees him more noble lawman than an evil king's right-hand man and facing off with a more shadier Robin Hood in the Sherwood Forest.

DECEMBER 2009

Avatar - 12/18/2009

"Avatar" tells the story of an ex-Marine, thrust unwillingly into an effort to settle and exploit an exotic planet rich in bio-diversity, who eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival.

The Princess and the Frog - 12/25/2009

A musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans, "The Princess and the Frog" marks Disney's return to the timeless art form of traditional animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin," with Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman to tell the most beautiful love story ever told... with frogs, voodoo, and a singing alligator.

To Be Announced - 2009

These movies are rumored to be released sometime in 2009 and may or may not come

Battle Angel - Summer 2009

"Battle Angel" is based on the Japanese Manga series of graphic novels by Yukito Kishiro. The movie combines the first three books, Ido, Alita, and Hugo. Set in the 26th century, the story takes place 300 years after a societal collapse caused by a major war.

Superman: Man of Steel - Summer 2009

A sequel to the summer 2006 action-adventure. Bryan Singer returns to direct with Brandon Routh again playing Clark Kent/Superman.

AstroBoy - TBA 2009

Set in futuristic Metro City, "AstroBoy" is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man's expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance, experiencing betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had rejected him. Based on the iconic character created by the "god of manga," Japan's Osamu Tezuka.

The Brazilian Job - TBA 2009

Charlie Croker and his fellow crew of expert thieves head to Rio de Janeiro to pull off another heist in this follow up to The Italian Job (2003).

Halo - TBA 2009 (Possibly Canceled...)

After they crash-land on an artificial ring-world called "Halo", a navy captain, his surviving marines, and a chemically-and-surgically-enhanced super soldier named John-117 "Master Chief" must find out what the Covenant, the genocidal alien race they are at war with, are looking for on the ring. However, Halo holds more secrets than either side imagined.

Jurassic Park IV - TBA 2009

Because this project is categorized as being in production, the data is subject to change; some data could be removed completely.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! - TBA 2009

"Believe It or Not!" picks up with Ripley at the time when he gained celebrity status through a "Believe It or Not!" column that chronicled his search for the greatest oddities in the world. Along the way, he starts to respect his unusual human discoveries as more than mere conquests to be documented.

Spy Hunter - TBA 2009

Based on Midway Games' popular arcade game of the 1980s, "Spy Hunter" will see Johnson attached to star as Alec Sects, a former F-15 pilot employed by International Espionage Services as a member of the Spy-Hunter team.

Thundercats - TBA 2009

"Thundercats" revolves around a group of humanoid cats (with feline names like Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro and Cheetara) who must flee their planet of Thundera after it's destroyed. Once crash-landing on another planet, Third Earth, they must thwart Mumm-Ra, an evil sorcerer, bent on killing them off.

Warcraft - TBA 2009

Big screen adaptation of popular fantasy video game franchise "Warcraft." The movie will be live-action with a yet to be determined level of CG environments and effects. The story would take place about a year before the events in "World of Warcraft" take place. The film will be told from the Alliance perspective.

2010

The 2010 movies will not be seperated by month, because of how few have been announced yet.

Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil - 01/15/2010

"Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil" will find teen Red Riding Hood who will be training in a distant land with a mysterious, covert group called the Sister Hoods. When Red and the Wolf get called upon by Nick Flippers the head of the Happily Ever After Agency over to investigate the disappearance of Hansel and Grendel.

Alice in Wonderland - 03/05/2010

Based on the Lewis Carroll classic "Alice in Wonderland," which will combine performance-capture imagery, currently seen in "Beowulf," with live-action footage. Disney released their classic animated version in 1951.

Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 - 03/19/2010

David Seville and chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, return in the sequel to lay waste to Seville's surroundings and sing in three-part harmony.

Iron Man 2 - 04/30/2010

Now that Tony Stark has gone public with his alter-ego "Iron Man" - there is no telling what evil force will come forward to battle the invincible "Iron Man!"

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 05/07/2010

Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

Shrek Goes Forth - 05/21/2010

The fourth chapter in the further adventures of Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona.

Thor - 06/04/2010

Adaptation of the comic book franchise that launched in 1962. Thor is a blonde-tressed, hammer-wielding hero who's sent to Earth to protect mankind.

Toy Story 3 - 06/18/2010

The creators of the beloved "Toy Story" films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in "Toy Story 3."

M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender - 07/02/2010

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film is set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Water, Earth, Air and Fire. The Fire Nation is waging a ruthless, oppressive war against the other three nations. The film's hero, the reluctant young Aang, is the "Last Airbender" -- the Avatar who, according to prophecy, has the ability to manipulate all of the elements and bring all the nations together. Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara and her bull-headed brother Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world.

MasterMind - 11/05/2010

The DreamWorks Animation film is a satirical send-up of the superhero genre, built around the story of a super villain who must find a new motivation after accidentally killing his archrival, Uberman, in the opening scene of the movie.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I - 11/19/2010

"Deathly Hallows," which will be split into two movies, features the adventures of the series' protagonist Harry Potter as he attempts to bring an end to his nemesis, Lord Voldemort.

Rapunzel - December 2010

In this new telling of the classic fairy tale, "Rapunzel," audiences will be transported to a stunning CG fantasy world complete with the iconic tower, an evil witch, a gallant hero and, of course, the mysterious girl with the long golden tresses. Expect adventure, heart, humor, and hair... lots of hair, when Rapunzel unleashes her locks in theaters for the 2010 holiday.

The Hobbit - TBA 2010

The two "Hobbit" films – "The Hobbit" and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of "The Hobbit" release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011. Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on "The Hobbit."

2011

The 2011 movies will not be seperated by month, because of how few have been announced

The First Avenger: Captain America - 05/06/2011

The introduction and origin of Steve Rogers, a soldier given a serum that turns him into the super-soldier Captain America!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II - May 2011

"Deathly Hallows," which will be split into two movies, features the adventures of the series' protagonist Harry Potter as he attempts to bring an end to his nemesis, Lord Voldemort.

The Avengers - July 2011

Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and other heroes come together to form Marvel's first supergroup, The Avengers!

2012

Cars 2 - 05/06/2012

All the world's a racetrack as racing superstar Lightning McQueen zooms back into action, with his best friend Mater in tow, to take on the globe's fastest and finest in this thrilling high-octane new installment of the "Cars" saga. Mater and McQueen will need their passports as they find themselves in a new world of intrigue, thrills and fast-paced comedic escapades around the globe.

The Hobbit Sequel - December 2012

The two "Hobbit" films – "The Hobbit" and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of "The Hobbit" release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011. Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on "The Hobbit."

How to Handle Negative Thoughts and Fears

Because of the global recession, a lot of people may be laid off.

We didn't have many job leads and our motivation was at an all-time low. We felt that there was nothing more frightening than being at an uncertain job market.

Panic and fear quickly took over; where would we go from go from there?

How would we pay our bills?

How would we cope with uncertainty?

Our mind were plagued with self-doubting, self-defeating thoughts and we began to spiral out of control, right into a dangerous state of anxiety that threatened to paralyze us into stagnant ground forever.

As we began to realize what a toll our predicament was leaving us in, it became clear to us that we needed to take action and do something to get ourselves out of the hole we were in.

Once we sat down and began to reflect on things, working through the paralyzing fear and the negativity that came along with the devastation of losing our dream job and having to start over from the beginning, everything started to make sense and we are on a roll!

Sometimes it takes a moment of crisis to help us refocus our thoughts and energies into what we want our professional and personal goals to be and what we need to accomplish.

The following points will help us focus and concentrate on the positive rather than dwell on the negative, motivating us to move forward into action rather than leaving us stuck in a rut.

Reading through them should help us gain some perspectives into our particular situation:

Allow yourself to be upset and grieve if things have gone wrong

Sometimes you suffer from start-up inertia because you have to make a new start and you're stubbornly holding on to the way things were. It is perfectly normal to feel panicked, upset, angry, sad, even outraged; you wouldn't be human if you didn't feel that way. Take some time to get in touch with those feelings. The night this person got laid off he went home, Fell into bed and literally could not move for 45 minutes. Then he got up, took a bath, changed into some comfortable clothes, and then he spent some time sitting in front of the television watching his favorite show.

Give your mind and body time to settle into the initial shock of change, whatever it may be. But focus primarily on how you feel and let those feelings out.

Take a DEEP BREATH!

Your mind deserves it, your body deserves it, your lungs deserve it. Taking deep breaths improves circulation, calms anxiety and helps you focus. Once you're done moping, take a deep breath and start to move.

Organize your home, organize your life

Is your house a mess? What about your room or your home office? Can you not see yourself going through the piles of papers on top of your desk? Have you looked at your bills lately and seen what you have? If you haven't done any of these things, now is the time to do it. There is nothing more stressful when we are in a state of panic than a living space that has no room for us to live in it. So tackle the mess; wash those clothes, clean out that pantry, throw out the clutter, get those bills out of the way. You'll be surprised how much more motivated you will be when you surround yourself with cleanliness and order.

Surround yourself with positive people

Now would be a good time to reconnect with friends that you haven't spoken to in a while, or even with the friends that you talked to just yesterday, those friends that always have an encouraging word, who are helpful and positive. Do yourself a favor and avoid people who are always down in the dumps, or who always have something negative to say.

However:

Don't confuse negativity with constructive criticism

Some friends may seem like they're helping but they're just feeding the cynicism. Conversely, friends that may appear to be negative are actually offering ways to help by sharing your experiences and showing you a better way to focus. Listen to the people that are there for you, take what you can use, and dismiss those things that you don't want to use or that you can't use. Don't allow yourself to be brought down by it. Take charge of your life again.

Have someone objective to talk to

When possible, sometimes having an objective third party to talk to and run ideas by can be tremendously helpful. In some cases, a therapist can be of vital importance in your growth process towards finding yourself and focusing on your career and life goals. They can provide you with a perspective that is sound, rational and unbiased, while still keeping your best interests in mind.

Keep a journal of your progress

Write your ideas and your thoughts down and read over them the day after. You will gain some valuable perspective and insight into your own growth and where you are at.

Get out of the house!

Take your laptop or notebook to the local coffee shop or park, somewhere with some interaction and get out into the world! This will give you a chance to get out of the house and possibly meet some people, network and create some opportunities towards accomplishing your goals.

Actively look for opportunities to do the things that you love most and turn them into opportunities for you

Do you enjoy attending art shows? Love doing volunteer work? Do you like playing with friends or going to the library or attending meetings? These are all things that would not only satisfy the craving for you to do something that you enjoy, but it would also present you with opportunities to network, meet people that could help you get ahead, and spend time taking care of yourself and your mental and emotional health.

Finally, SMILE and BELIEVE!

Easier said than done. Believe me, nothing about our friend's situation warranted a smile and some faith. But had he not kept himself smiling, it would have been so much harder to be positive and pull out of that state of anxiety. Believe in yourself and the things that you have accomplished and remember that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to do. So dress up, get your smile and go out into the world!

Taking heed of these valuable insights will help you create and maintain a positive energy source in your life and keep inertia at bay. You will feel better, be more motivated and definitely more at peace.

All it takes is for you to make that first move. Don't let panic paralyze you into inertia. Anything is possible; it's up to you to make it happen!!!

Charice - Fingerprint

First Single from Charice's 1st International Album due to be released very soon :-)

We Pray

Global survey recently shows that Filipinos ranked second for people who pray everyday.

Only 3% never prays.

Which percentage do you belong? :-)

Bar Topnotcher

Stories like the one below never fails to make me teary eye. It is very inspiring to read stories of people who strive and work hard even if theirs is a hard life.


Hopefully, she will live up to her promise not be like the Others. :-)


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Bar topnotcher didn’t think she would pass
by Jeannette Andrade Philippine Daily Inquirer April 04, 2009

Judy Lardizabal was so afraid she would flunk the bar exams that she stayed home after taking off early from work lest she flood her office with tears of frustration.

But her name was not only on the list, she placed first in the exams and even ended up as the first graduate from San Sebastian Recoletos College of Law to top the bar.

Lardizabal, 28, a technical assistant at the National Irrigation Administration, told the Inquirer that she never really thought she would pass the exams so she did not even want to see the list of passers.

“I did not want to see the list because I was afraid that when I looked under L, Lardizabal would not be in it,” she laughingly recalled.

She confided that she was actually more afraid of letting down people who prayed for her and put so much confidence in her abilities through the years if she flunked.

“While I was waiting for the results, I was really already thinking that if I did not pass I would have to repeat it and earn money for tuition and other expenses for my review. I was just more worried of what effect my flunking would have on the people who have expected so much from me,” Lardizabal said.

She smiled remembering that as early as her third year in law school at San Sebastian, a professor predicted she would top the bar.

Lardizabal showed the Inquirer a Remedial Law midterm examination she had taken during her 3rd year for the second semester of school year 2006 to 2007, where she scored 99 because the professor believed “there is no such thing as a 100 score.”

Law school dean Willard B. Reano had written in the back of the cover page: “No mistake? You’ll top the bar! Work… work-read… Never stop!!! Excellent.”

That remark proved prophetic.

She smiled in recollection that her professor during the review on the law on taxation left her hiding her blush and ducking in her seat each time she would be called the “wonder girl who would top the bar” after she aced a pre-bar test on the subject.

On Friday, hours before the list of bar passers was to be released by the Supreme Court, she admitted that she had left early from work because she did not want to find out through the Internet that her name was not on the list.

“I would only flood the office with tears if I flunked,” she laughed, adding that she also did not want to return to her hometown in Imus, Cavite because she might catch the result while in transit and did not want to start crying and howling inside a passenger bus.

She was at her house in Quezon City when she received a text message at around 8:30 p.m. from a former classmate.

“Judy number 1 ka,” it said.

“I thought it was a joke. I even asked the friend who sent me the message if it was because it was the only text I received that said I topped the bar. The others just congratulated me and said I passed,” Lardizabal pointed out, adding that it was enough for her to know that she had made the list of new lawyers.

A call on her mobile phone from a colleague confirmed that she had topped the bar, something she had never expected.

“I was only praying I would pass. I never anticipated I would make it among the top notchers, much more that I would place No. 1,” she said.

Her mother, Rebecca, was crying and gushing how proud she was after Lardizabal broke the news to her family in Imus over the phone.

“My family is not that well-off. My mother runs a mini grocery at a marketplace. My father (Deodato) is a tricycle driver. After I graduated from UP (University of the Philippines), they helped me with my tuition and I had to work more so I could enroll at law school,” she told the Inquirer.

Judy is the middle child in a brood of three. She recalled that her desire to be a lawyer came only while she was doing her on-the-job training for her undergraduate course in social work at UP.

“We helped non-government organizations in cases of battered and abused women. We handled the psycho-social aspect of the cases and had to turn the victims over to lawyers for the legal aspect,” Lardizabal said.

She thought then that her capacity to help the women was so limited that she figured, “Why not go into law?”

It was the first time that she decided she wanted to become a lawyer.

Lardizabal revealed that she was not so much into cramming.

Asked how she prepared to take on the bar exams, she said, “I started preparing since my first day in law school. In those four years, it was all preparation for the bar. The five months of review was purely a refresher.”

She added that the run-up to the examinations was a lot of putting more time to bone up on subjects she knew she was not doing very well at.

After the bar examinations, the long wait for the results left her weeks of sleepless nights and nightmares she flunked.

There were also dreams she passed.

“I was close then to making a tally of which kind of dream was more frequent to predict if I made it or not,” the bar topnotcher laughed.

Ironically she had her only relaxed sleep on the eve of the release of the exam results.

Lardizabal said that she frequented the St. Joseph Parish on Aurora Boulevard and attended Mass as often as she could, thinking that after the exams, “everything was in God’s hands.”

She recalled that she even made a deal with God that if she passed, “Magiging mabait naman ako na abogado. Hindi ako magiging katulad ng iba (I will be a good lawyer; I will not be like others).”

“I guess, He took my word for it and maybe I can help more people this way,” Lardizabal said.