Emergency Hotlines and Relief Operations for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Let's try to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Thank you!

Reposting this from Litzie's post in Junction Avenue

Rescue Operations

1. National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120)
2. Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
3. Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
4. Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
5. Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)
6. Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
7. Quezon City Rescue (161)
8. San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
9. Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
10. Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
11. Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)

Civil Society/ Media

1. Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
2. Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)
3. Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.
4. ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)
5. Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968

All calls for help, please help us by filling out information here at the Rescue InfoHub Center.

Rubber Boat Requests, 4×4 Trucks

1. NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
2. Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue
please call emergency nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
3. You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
4. For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).

Power Supply

* Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.

Relief Aid and Donations

1. Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
2. NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.
3. Miriam Quiambao drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.
4. Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.
5. Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.
6. Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)
7. Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
8. Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy
9. Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
10. Philippine National Red Cross‘ different ways to Donate.
11. Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
12. Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)
13. Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)
14. TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN
15. Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
16. Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.
17. Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at La Salle Greenhills Gate 2 tomorrow or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.
18. Petron: You may bring your relief goods to all Petron branches.
19. LUCA stores (Rockwell, Shang-rila, Eastwood, or GA towers): Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls).
20. “LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray”: Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email at luzonrelief@gmail.com
21. MOONSHINE boutique in Rockwell also accepting relief good to help Ondoy victims in Marikina and Cainta.
22. Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute! Call for more details.
23. Manor Superclub, Eastwood City will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am.
24. Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)
25. MINISTOP IBARRA (Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc Manila) is also accepting relief goods, Food (non-perishable goods only) Clothing, Medicines, Beds, Pillows, Blankets, Emergency Supplies to help Typhoon Ondoy victims.

People Tracker (using your phones, get your friends and family to turn on their finderservice for you)

* FINDERSERVICE. For Smart, text “wis ” to 386.
* FINDERSERVICE. For Globe, text “find to 7000.

You can also donate via Paypal here.

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!!!!

Baby dancing with Beyonce's single ladies

My sister posted this link on facebook. The baby is sooooooooo cute!

A carpet cleaning saturday

Just to give you an idea, we own a 2 storey cottage house. The first floor has our living room and our kitchen. The second floor has 3 rooms (2 bedrooms + 1 room that we transformed into an office that will lead you to the deck in our backyard) + the bathroom. Then we have a basement that has 1 bedroom, the family room with the fireplace, 1 powder room, the storage and the laundry room. The living room, the bedroom in the basement and the whole 2nd floor with the exception of our office and, of course, the bathroom are covered with carpet.

Yesterday was my carpet cleaning saturday. I've been planning to do it since my last vacation in August. But we've been very busy with our kitchen renovation so we had to wait a little bit. Since my parents are coming in a week, we thought it has to be done. So, we rented the Rug Doctor cleaner.

The unit can be rented for $26.99+ tax. You need to add $3 if you want to rent the unit for the upholstery. Plus a $10 deposit, which is reimbursable upon returning. You also have the option of buying a rug doctor cleaning solution. They have a variety of products to choose from.We bought the Oxysteam carpet cleaner. As per the reviews, this solution has heat-activated oxygen boosters to grab dirt and grime and lift them out of your carpets. So it's more like a breath of fresh air, so why not? Our bill summed up to $63. I find it expensive actually, well, that's the cheapskate in me. But it's cheaper than hiring a professional to do it for you, which could go up to $90+tax per room.

Pros: It is available for rent on almost all local grocery stores in North America. Check here if it's available in your area. It's relatively cheaper than hiring a professional. The machine is not complicated to use. And if you do it properly, the result is superb. It will really speak for itself. Hands down.

Cons: Nakaka-inip. Why? because in order for you to do it properly, you have to do it slowly. REALLY SLOW. In their website they said to do it 1 foot per second. I was literally counting 1 to 3 per pull/ movement. I forgot to say that as opposed to the regular vacuum cleaner, this one has to be pulled backwards. I was in my living room at 12pm, it was 3pm already and I'm still not done in the living room. To think my living room is not even that big, so imagine! I was so close to saying, I don't want to do it anymore. Another one is you have to refill the water very often because the water goes fast.

My suggestions:

1. Do your vacuum cleaning at least once a week. But, do your carpet cleaning/shampooing at least once every 3 to 6 months.

2. It's preferable to do your carpet cleaning on summertime, when it's really hot! It's fall time now, so we're still soaking wet until today (Sunday). We have to turn on the dehumidifier, portable heating and the centralized heating to dry the carpet fast.

3. Pretreat the carpet especially the heavily stained ones, it would help to loosen the dirt easily.

4. Just devote one whole day just to do your carpet cleaning, or you'll be forced to do it fast. If you do it fast, the result is not that great compared to if you're doing it slow.


So if you're new to DIY carpet cleaning, this will be your best bet. It's really worth every penny that you're spending.

Free Fonts

I came across this website that offers free fonts and blog tutorials. I find her fonts very cute and fancy. It's different. so I thought it would be great to share it with you guys. Here's the link:

--------> KEVINANDAMANDA <------------

Card Swap

Just a quick update:

I'm pretty much done with my quickbooks task in my workplace, well, almost. I thought I was done already. But the other reconciled account that I did got messed up for whatever reasons. So either I have to smoothen it out or I have to redo it again. I'm hoping that it'll not be the latter because seriously, I'd rather kill myself.

Now, with regards to card swap. My fellow gtalker, realmofadreamer, mentioned something about card swapping, it's more of a getting to know each other kind of thing among bloggers in a form of card swapping, which is pretty interesting. I've been a girltalker for quite some time now, I've met great people there and had done businesses on some. But to get to know them well would be great too. Anyway,the mechanics for card swap:

1. Post the mechanics of the swap on your blog.
2. Send me an email at realmofadreamer [AT] gmail [dot] com with your name and address.
3. You will be assigned a swap partner on rotation.
4. On first week of each month, you will receive an email with the details of your next swap partner. Please keep all details confidential.
4. Once you received your items, post something about it on your blog.

What to send? You can send a postcard, your picture or card that you’ve made yourself. Since the main purpose of this swap is to get to know other bloggers, please don’t forget to include something about yourself in your letter.

The mechanics are also available in her blog -- > Realmofadreamer

some random thoughts before I go to work

lol I'm such a blog addict lol

anyways, yesterday i went to do my blood works in St. Mary's hospital in Cote des neiges. For the love of God, the nurse sucked the blood out of me, I mean literally, my arm is still hurting until today.

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then, I went to fairview shopping center, it's a mall here in the west island. I just looked for some stuffs in Children's Place, Gap and Old Navy, had a peek if they have a sale. Normally, they have spur of the moment sale. You've got to be really lucky to catch that sale. In Gap, there's 40% off on selected items. In Old Navy, they have a baby sale. So all baby items are either 25% off or buy 1, get 1 free. My friend wanted to know the price of some items, so I took a quick look at the price and took some pictures too, I have to update her when I come back from work. In children's place, they have 30% off on previously discounted price. I was able to get long sleeves shirts and pants for my son. It was a pretty nice buy because from the regular price of $20 to $30, I was able to get it for $6.99 and $4.99, not bad! And you will never go wrong with their clothing material. oh yeah! my son wants to be a pirate on halloween. I saw a pirate costume in children's place, but it's worth $39+, almost $40. It's too expensive! Yeah, it is expensive. Say $40, just to wear it for one day? I don't think that's reasonable, on the other hand, it's the best pirate costume that I've seen so far. I really have to give it a thought...

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Have you had any bra fitting in your life? Meaning, a professional will measure you and have you try some bras and adjust it for you. Try it. I did yesterday, and it's all worth it. I went to La Senza yesterday. I'm actually a bit shy to do it, and worst, to ask for it! But after pregnancy, weight gain, breastfeeding, I thought it's about time. So I let go of my shame and had my adjustments and bought 2 new ones.

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I think it's time to go to work... Ciao!

7 tips to prevent child abduction

As a mom, the thought of my child being taken away from me was dreadful. Unfortunately, child abduction is rampant nowadays. Day by day, a lot of cases of child abduction are in the headlines. It is very scary. Parents should take extra measures on protecting your child from this horrible event. This morning, I have received an email from Busymomtips yahoogroup, they listed 7 tips to prevent child abduction. I think posting this will be very helpful to educate ourselves.

The Pet Lure: This is one of the most effective and deadly lures where a friendly-looking stranger approaches a child and asks for assistance in finding a nonexistent lost puppy or kitten. Young children are instantly drawn into the concerned pet owner’s story and eagerly start helping by calling out the pet’s name while looking under benches and behind bushes. In the blink of an eye when they have reached the edge of the play area, they are whisked away into the woods or a nearby vehicle.

The Candy Lure: This old-fashioned trick is still being used with great success by perpetrators who offer a child a piece of candy or a shiny coin. When the child reaches out to take the prize their arm is quickly grabbed, pulling them close enough to be picked up and carried off. This can happen in less than ninety seconds.

The Assistance Lure: In this scenario, the predator may drive down a street and ask a child if they have seen their lost dog, for directions to the nearest gas station, or for other information. This lure works very much like the candy lure whereupon the child approaches the open window of the car and when they are close enough, their arm or hand is snatched and they are quickly pulled into the vehicle.


The Emergency Lure: In this type of situation a perpetrator may approach a child in a store or business while insisting there is a fire, burglary, or some other type of emergency in the building and coax the child to step outside. Once outside they can grab the child and run.

The Authority Lure: A predator may tell a child that Daddy has been in a car accident or Mommy is very sick and wants the child to come home with the nice man. Often the stranger will have an official looking badge they can flash and intimidate the child with, so let your child know that if they are ever in doubt that it’s okay to say “no,” to an authority figure. Instead they should run to a neighbor’s house or find a teacher (if they are at school) and report the incident.


The Celebrity Lure: Sometimes a perpetrator will try to coax children to come with them by using the lure of a celebrity or icon, such as Barney or Spongebob. Impress upon children that it’s not okay to go anywhere with anyone else no matter how exciting it may sound.


The Name Lure: Beware of putting your child’s name on clothing, lunch pails, or backpacks that is visible to anyone. Instead write their name on the inside of the garment or school supplies where it cannot be easily seen. This is another age-old lure where the perpetrator uses a child’s name to put them at ease and gain closer access. Ted Bundy used this trick a number of times to approach his victims with great success. Let your children know that just because someone may know their name, it doesn’t mean they can be trusted.

The daycare, where my son goes, has teamed up with Enfant-Retour Quebec. Enfant Retour Quebec was founded in 1985. It is the only non-profit organization in Quebec whose mission is to assist families in the search for the missing children and to educate the public in order to decrease the occurrence of children disappearing. SOURCE At least twice a year, the organization meets up with the parents and the daycare educators to give lectures on how to prevent child abduction. Part of the program is to set up some identification book of the child. The identification book looks like a travel passport. It contains the child's personal info (name, address, phone number), picture, thumb prints etc. This book is very handy and useful especially when you travel.You can visit their website at http://www.enfant-retourquebec.ca/index_en.php. A lot of programs has been set up all over the world to put a stop on this, there's Amber Alert, ICMEC and a lot more. Let's all be careful and be safe all the time.

By the way, I just found out that Charlene Davis, the moderator of busymomtips yahoogroup, has a blog. You can visit and follow her at BUSYMOMTIPS.

Things I wish I had known

There are times that you are looking for somebody who share the same sentiments that you have in life. There are times that you want to reach out and help somebody go through their lives. There are times that you have questions but afraid to ask for fear of being rejected or laughed at. There are times that you come to realize all the things that you wish you have known. Unfortunately, there is no handbook about life. No written guidelines. You have to deal with it whether you like it or not. You just have to learn by yourself or through other people's experiences.

Things I wish I had known is an online forum that tackles about life's lessons and experiences posted by everyday people. They have a lot of interesting topics that could help you on small decisions that you're bound to make. It's like a big handbook of non-pretentious people, like you, sharing bits and pieces of experiences, sharing tips and tricks, giving advices, or laying down the things that they wish they had known. The forum welcomes new users, but you have to be 16 yrs old and over to register.

You have your own share of regrets. You have your own share of mistakes in life. All you have to do is reach out and let somebody learn from it. Register here and post away! Connect with other people.

Now let me tell you about my own list of things I wish I had known. I've been living here in Canada for 5 years now, and recently, I got my canadian citizenship. My life from where I grew up to where I am now has changed drastically. It made me realize a lot of things and changed how I look at life itself.

Things I wish I had known:

- that being away from your family will make you stronger. When I was a kid, the thought of being away from my parents would kill me. They were like a security blanket that helps me go through everyday. Being alone here in Canada was very challenging. The place is different, the language is different, I have no friends, I have no family. Yes, my husband is here, but you know, he has a life, I cannot depend on him all the time. So I have to be on top of everything and depend on myself. And that solitude helped me become tough, to be a fighter not a quitter. I don't think I would learn how to be independent if I know my security blanket is always around me.

- that being a mom is not easy. It is, indeed, a learning process. You have to learn by experience. It has been an emotional roller coaster but I have no regrets, being a mom is the best thing that ever happened to me.

- that you can do everything as long as you have the determination to do it. When I was younger, I always question my capabilities and that's the biggest mistake that I've ever done. With the job that I have now, my boss will always give me tasks that is soooooo far away from my comfort zone. I've been to rough roads but resourcefulness coupled with strong determination I was able to do it.

- that you do not have to please everybody, because you can't. A lot of people will go out of their way just to please everybody. They always worry on what others will say. Other people run their lives. They do everything to make them happy. But come to think of it, people have different views on everything. That's why we are unique. What is right on this person's eyes might be wrong on the other. Just move on, and listen to this, some people don't even care if you're dragged into dirt, if you are in deep debt, or if you are in big trouble, they don't care. Just move on and please whatever is inside your heart and start live a life.

- that you can only strive for perfection. People who are close to me knew that I always strive for perfection on everything that I do. I could be harsh with myself if I was not able to deliver into my high standards. I get super stressed, you have no idea. Stress is not good, it's not good for your overall health and your relationship will definitely be affected. You just have to learn how to let go. I have realized that as long as you did your best, that's more than enough. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

- that change is good. We are often scared on the changes in our life. We don't know how to handle it, but remember, changes will make you a better person, you just have look at it in a positive way.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
Ashley Smith

- that life is not bad after all. Just forget all the drama that you have and try to focus on being happy to be on a right track. It is not bad. Try to look at the positive aspects in your life and throw all your negative thoughts away. God has given us a lot of things to be happy, so try to utilize it.

The four year check up and some rants

Yesterday was my annual checkup with my family doctor, who I've been seeing for five years now. When I called the office weeks before yesterday, the secretary told me that I will be seeing a resident doctor since my family doctor is on maternity leave. I said, sure, I don't mind. My family doctor was still on residency when I saw her the first time anyway. And here in quebec, it's very difficult to find a family doctor. Most of them don't accept new patients anymore. It has been a crisis for the longest time.

So I tagged my four year old son along with me to save me from another time off from work. When it comes to appointments, I'm a little bit on the organized freak side, especially when the appointment concerns my beloved kiddo. Prior to the visit, I went to Babycenter to at least know what to expect in the doctor's office. Here are the guidelines for a four year old annual checkup:

THE DOCTOR WILL...

• weigh and measure your child to make sure he's growing at a healthy rate.
  
• check his blood pressure.
• check his immunization record and give him any shots that are new or that he's missed, along with shots he needs to start school, including the DTaP, polio, MMR, and chicken pox vaccines. Depending on which state you live in, your child may also receive the hepatitis A vaccine. Also, if he's at risk for tuberculosis, the doctor will test him for it.
• do a hearing screening. Your child will put on headphones, and the doctor will ask him to respond (perhaps by raising his hand) whenever he hears a noise. The doctor will play sounds at different frequencies, from really high to really low. If your child doesn't respond well, he may be referred to an audiologist for more thorough testing to see if he has a hearing problem.
• do an eye exam to check the structure and alignment of your child's eyes, his ability to move them correctly, and for signs of congential eye conditions or other problems.
• draw blood for a lead test, if your child lives in a high-risk area for lead poisoning.
• answer any questions you have about your child's growth or development.
• talk to you about safety precautions you should take, such as having your child wear a bike helmet while riding, making sure there is a fence around your pool if you have one, and keeping guns, if you own any, in a locked cabinet separate from the ammunition.
• talk to your child about things he enjoys or ask him to sing a song, to assess his language development.
• possibly ask your child to draw a picture of a person in order to see how his mind is developing.

Source: Babycenter

There was a huge traffic before we reached the doctor's office but we still managed to come on time. Our appointment was at 9am until 10:15, 2 spots were reserved for me and my son. Anyway, we were called in at 9:30am then my "unfortunate events with this doctor" began. She was able to do at least maybe, half of the ones on the list, it's okay, well, to each his own. Through the whole checkup process, this doctor was rushing me because she said she's way behind schedule. Excuse me, I don't think it's my fault. She keeps on saying, I can't answer your questions no more because I'm so late, I'm busy, I'm working on a case blah blah blah. I was in the verge of saying, dude stop, that's not my problem! Then she became irritated when I ask something, I'm not asking what she ate that morning or something irrelevant. Of course, I'm asking some concerns that I have in mind with regards to my son. Then, she took the height of my son. She said it was 111. But what in heaven's name is 111? She said that's his height. Duh?! So I asked for interpretation in feet. You know what she said, "oh you cannot see because this one is different." But you could see it, because it can be read in ft and cm so I just looked at it myself. Then she asked if my son was having seizures, (my son was having febrile seizures on high temperatures when he was younger) I said "no but.." then she waved her hand and said "look stop! I just want to know if he has it now, I'm wayyyy behind schedule". So I shut up then moved on to the next questions that she would ask me. Then I saw on the my son's history, she wrote, no seizures. So I prompted her and said, "you wrote no seizures. He still has it from time to time". She said, "you didn't tell me! And what's the frequency (okay in my opinion, if you say frequency you have to have a basis, she wants me to give numbers just like that)". But anyway, I told her," I was telling you that but you told me to shut up". Then she asked me, "what milk does he drink". I said, " I shifted to 1% homogenized milk." Then she said, "go back to 2%, because he needs to have lots of vitamins that 2% has". I told her "my son is eating vegetables, fruits, meat, carbs and he's taking multivitamins and omega 3. I don't want him to be fat". She said, "2% is not fattening, it's the vitamins that's 2%". Obviously she doesn't know the biochemistry of homogenized milk. At that point I just want it to be over, I know that it's not going anywhere. I don't even think if she puts the correct medical result, she doesn't speak english nor french very well, so I doubt.

My husband wanted me to complain on her supervisor but I didn't want to create a scene. I don't want to have a bad impact on her career that she has not started yet. I'll just pray that in due time, she would realize that to be a doctor, you should think and act like one.

Adobong Manok

Last weekend, my brother in law showed this to me through his Iphone. I thought it was funny and was done creatively. I wouldn't want it any other way. Good job dude!

Probably most of you have watched this clip already, but for those who haven't, please feel free to watch.




Credits to SOURCE

Anyhow, the guy's name is Travis Kraft. He's an actor, model and director. You can know more about him and his works through his websites:

Travis Kraft Website
Travis' Blog
My Space
Youtube

Highlights of the MTV Awards

It's just too bad that I was not able to watch the MTV Awards last night. So I have to, at least, indulge myself with browsing online and listen to some news flash from the CNN, or watch talk shows to become up to date. Anyway the highlights..

Madonna's bittersweet speech and Janet Jackson's dance tribute to Michael Jackson

The show opened with a heartfelt speech from Madonna, who recalled a dinner date she shared with Jackson in 1991."I was hell-bent on getting him to eat french fries, drink wine and say bad words; things he never seemed to allow himself to do," Madonna remembered with a smile. "

Excerpts from the speech :

"...his music made you believe that you could fly, dare to dream..."

“I felt his pain, I know what it’s like to walk down the street and feel like the whole world is turned against you.

“I know what it’s like to feel hopeless and not able to defend yourself because the roar of the witch hunt is so loud you’re convinced your voice can never be heard except I had a childhood and was allowed to make mistakes and find my own way in the world without being in the spotlight.

"..all I could think about in that moment was I had abandoned him, that we had abandoned him, that we had allowed this magnificent creature who once set the world on fire to somehow slip through the cracks. "


“There will never be anyone like him ever again, he was a king.”


SOURCE: WALES ONLINE

Thanks to Madonna for being the voice of all MJ's fans and of all the people who loved him. Nobody can reciprocate to his music and to everything that he has done in the music industry. Long live the king!

Kanye West spoils the show at MTV awards for the wrong reasons.

I like Kanye West, I like his music, but grabbing the microphone from a winner and stealing her moment is not cool at all.

Taylor Swift was awarded for Best Female Video, while she was doing her acceptance speech, Kanye West came, grabbed the microphone and utter these words, "Yo, Taylor. I'm really happy for you; I'll let you finish. But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," while Swift appeared to be on the verge of tears. Was he on drugs or something?Then Kanye left the stage with the audience booing on him. After the show, Taylor said to the reporters "I was excited to be onstage because I just won the award. And then I was excited that Kanye West was onstage. Then, I wasn't excited anymore," she said.

SOURCE: WALES ONLINE


Poor kid!Anyway, Kanye has been known to be a sore loser, remember what he did on the MTV Europe VMA in 2006 after not winning the best video awards.

Now, a report was issued that Kanye apologizes to Taylor and her mom on his blog.




Lady Gaga's fashion statement, need I say more? She was named as Best New Artist. She actually accepted the award in that red gown in the middle. Now, that's a statement!

and her futuristic paparazzi performance

Beyonce accepting the biggest award of the night - Video of the Year

She actually invited Taylor saying, "I remember being 17 years old up for my first MTV award with Destiny's Child, and it was the most exciting moment in my life. So I'd like for Taylor to come out and have her moment." That's so nice of her to do that.


More on MTV AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS


NOTE: My POVs were written in normal font, while the ones in italics were lifted from the links posted above.

For those in canada who were not able to watch the MTV VMA Awards 2009, please tune in to MUCH. There'll be a re-run today September 14, 2009 from 2pm to 5pm ET.

Countdown to the Emmy's

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards is just around the corner. In my workplace, this is a huge deal. We have different opinions with regards to different shows. One would go gaga with nip/tuck, the other one will climb the highest mountains just to watch House MD. Okay, that was my exaggerated mind talking. Anyway, I have lifted some parts of the nominations from SOURCE and laid my own predictions and opinions for the upcoming Emmy Awards. This is actually an unforgivable result of too much tv. Pardonnez moi!

Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock • NBC
Entourage • HBO
Family Guy • FOX
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
How I Met Your Mother • CBS
The Office • NBC
Weeds • Showtime

SHOULD win? How I met your mother, the characters are generally funny, but one reason that might pull them down is that the concept itself is still raw on material.
MIGHT win? 30 rock

Outstanding Drama Series
Big Love • HBO
Breaking Bad • AMC
Damages • FX Networks
Dexter • Showtime
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
Mad Men • AMC

SHOULD win? House! YEAH!
MIGHT win? Mad men.

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program
American Idol • FOX Ryan Seacrest
Dancing With The Stars • ABC Tom Bergeron
Project Runway • Bravo Heidi Klum
Survivor • CBS Jeff Probst
The Amazing Race • CBS Phil Keoghan
Top Chef • Bravo Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio

SHOULD win? Phil Keoghan
MIGHT win? Phil Keoghan

Oreo Mini Cheesecake

Ingredients:


2 pkg. (250 g each) PHILADELPHIA Brick Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
12 OREO Cookies
3 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping


Procedure:

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended.

PLACE 1 cookie in bottom of each of 12 paper-lined muffin cups. Fill evenly with batter.

BAKE 20 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Drizzle with melted chocolate; top with small dollop of whipped topping.

Kraft Tips

How to Soften Cream Cheese
Place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 15 sec. or just until softened. Add 15 sec. for each additional package of cream cheese.

Source --> Kraft Canada


Variations:



For the frosting, instead of using whip cream, I mixed nestle cream, icing sugar and melted kisses chocolate. Superb!

Free breakfast

Every sunday morning after the 9 am mass we usually go to Dejeuner Inc to have breakfast. Dejeuner Inc is a breakfast/brunch place in the west island of montreal. They serve good omelettes, benedicts, pancakes, crepes, you know, the usual breakfast menu. The place itself is very cozy, and family oriented, the staff were nice too. I love their Greek Benedict with classic hollandaise sauce plus a free flowing coffee. Yummy!!! My son's favorite is the Minnie, which basically consists of eggs with cheese, potatoes and lots of fruits. Then my husband's fave is the western omelette with sausage links. We usually spend around $35 plus tax for the three of us. Not bad for a good meal.

This morning is absolutely special. I received a mail from them, saying that as a birthday present (I celebrated my birthday last week), I will be receiving.... a free breakfast! YES!




Guess who's having a free greek benedict on sunday? ME! lovely...

Oprah's Kickoff party

I watched the show today, I still don't know what happened here but it was amazing! Black Eyed Peas were singing I gotta feelin' at Oprah's Kickoff party today, the fans were dancing in-sync. It started with the girl in blue dancing like crazy, she was in the middle, then in the end everybody was dancing. Did they sort of uhmm ... practice? Whatever it was, It was freaking amazing! 21,000 people? awesome



By the way, Oprah is so cute! I love her!

Credits from The Oprah Winfrey Show

Ellen De Generes joins American Idol

I just saw this in Yahoo news..

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian Ellen DeGeneres, one of the top U.S. talk show hosts, was named on Wednesday as the new fourth judge on "American Idol," replacing Paula Abdul, who quit the most-watched American television show last month.

Fox television executives and the producers of the hit singing talent show had been searching for a permanent, new judge to sit in Abdul's seat when the ninth season of the show returns to TV in January 2010.

"As the new judge, Ellen will offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition," Fox said in a statement.

"American Idol" has become an audience juggernaut for News Corp's Fox network, with an average 26.3 million viewers per episode, and has grown into an estimated $1 billion-plus brand that is aired in about 100 countries.

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Christmas is just around the corner. Along with the christmas season are christmas parties. If there are christmas parties, there are potlucks. If there are pot lucks, there should be party platters. Then you'll be stuck thinking of what to bring? One food that will come to mind when you hear party platters is the ever popular Pinwheel sandwiches. On making these kind of sandwiches you can use tortilla or just compressed bread. You can play with the fillings or sauces that you want to put. It's actually very easy to make. Vraiment!

The recipe below is from Homebasics Canada. Following the recipe will be the variations that I usually make.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Ingredients

8 oz Cream Cheese (250 g)
2 Tbsp Sweet Mustard (30 ml)
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (30 ml)
4 large tortillas
8 Boston lettuce leaves
12 oz thinly sliced smoked salmon (340g)
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mustard and mayonnaise. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas. Top with smoked salmon and lettuce, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border at one edge. Sprinkle with Dill. Roll up the tortillas tightly, pressing to seal. Slice each tortilla roll into 8 to 10 slices and arrange on a platter, salmon side up. Makes about 35.


Variations:

For cream cheese, I personally use Philly light, not the cubed ones, only because I find the cubed ones very heavy on the taste.

For Mustard, I prefer Honey Dijon.

With regards to Tortillas, you can experiment on tortillas. There are a lot of different flavored tortillas in the market. Just recently I made pinwheel sandwiches using Pesto and Garlic Tortillas and Sun dried Tomato tortillas. It's colorful and nice on the platter.



On the filling, this will depend on your taste. You can put smoked salmon like the recipe suggested. Or you can use ham, bologna, tuna, chicken or whatever.

On vegetables and herbs, aside from dill and lettuce, you can always toss some cucumbers cut into strips, or avocado. It's your call, really!

So enjoy and have fun on making pinwheel sandwiches.

Caffeine Overdose

This morning before I left the house I had a large cup of coffee. My boss asked me to come 30 minutes earlier than usual because we need to do some brainstorming on one of our new machines. To thank me for coming early, she bought me a large cup of coffee. Around 10 am, I was starving. So instead of eating junk, I bought a cup of coffee. 12pm I had my lunch and I bought a coke to drink, then coffee. Then around 3pm, my co-worker bought coffee for everybody. Then around 8pm, I had coffee with my husband. Now I'm feeling a little bit dizzy and I feel like throwing up. Was it because of the caffeine overdose, who knows? But one thing is for sure.. I don't want to drink coffee anymore... well at least until tomorrow.

The Cake Boss

I'm such a huge fan of reality shows. One show that I'm crazy about is the Cake Boss. I just watched the marathon yesterday haha. It's shown on TLC every monday right after Jon and Kate Plus 8. It features the owner of Carlos Bakery, Buddy Valastro and his staff which mostly consisted of close friends and family. They're of Italian descent, I think. The show actually revolves on their life inside the bakeshop, how meticulous they are in decorating a cake and the arguments that they have.

One of the featured cakes is the Fire Truck



There was actually a real smoke coming out of the building. How cool is that?!
And part of the cake is the firetruck that has sounds and lights on it. The fire truck and the building are made of fondant.

More cool pics on this site CAKE BOSS TLC

Cake Boss is at mondays 10/9c at TLC

Increasing your link tags

I've been tagged! Just like most of us I don't know how it works, and I have no idea if I'm doing the right thing but hey, let's try!

The Rules:
1. Try to make a post just like this one and mention this process.
2. From the list of blog sites below remove the number 1 and move the rest in the list 1 step higher (i. e number 2 becomes number 1, and so on). Add your blog name in the 5th position. Don't forget to copy the links. (Here's my list-my site added in the end).


1. Moments to Remember
2. A Mom's Life and Loves
3. Simple pero Rock
4. Eternal Rambling of My Schizo Mind
5. Little Part of My World


3. List at most five of your friends blogsite here with link and inform them of this post and ask them to do the same.

Vivapinay
Ang Pinoy at Canadian
My 8105-day old brain
Moccalyn
Golden's Diary

Great time with Toopy and Binoo

Today we went to see Toopy and Binoo in St. Laurent Centre in Ottawa. The show was at 11 am, so we got up and get ready at around 7:15 in the morning so that we'll be on the road by 8am. It was a crazy 2 hour drive.

Watching the show was actually our surprise to our son. I just told him that we need to get up early to watch a show in Ottawa. When we reached the place, the posters of the two characters are all over the place. So he began to ask me if we will be watching Toopy and Binoo? I said "yes", but deep inside I got a bit disappointed. I was hoping that he wouldn't know until he sees Toopy and Binoo walking in front of him. Then he asked, "but mom, where's the TV?" AHA! so we're still on! all good all good. LOL.

Fifteen minutes before the show, there was a playtime with the hosts which I thought will be a playtime with the characters. But anyhow, the hosts were good. Hands down.





Then 11 am, Toopy and Binoo came out, the kids were mesmerized! It was so amazing how these characters can do magic to these kids.





There were giveaways after the show (a playdoh and a growth chart) plus 2 free issues of canadian family magazine. The show lasted for 30 minutes. Imagine, 2 hours drive for a 30 minute show? we're psychos! Anyway, my son had a great time, that's all that matters for now.

Long Weekend

It's holiday on monday, great! I love that. Weather forecasts that we'll have a sunny weekend, finally! Montreal people usually go up north to spend their long weekend. Normally, we would just go to centennial park to play, feed the ducks, walk around. But instead, we've decided to go to Ottawa. There are not a lot to see in Ottawa, in my opinion, but I wanted to go there because there's a free mall show in St. Laurent Center on September 5 and 6. They are featuring Toopy and Binoo.



Toopy and Binoo is a kid's television series created by Treehouse TV, Spectra Animation and Harpo Productions. Original characters were created by French Canadian author Dominique Jolin.

Toopy and Binoo is a cartoon about a mouse named Toopy and his best friend, a plush cat named Binoo. Each episode follows a playful adventure, usually created out of their imaginations. Toopy is the only character that speaks, and for the most part provides enthusiastic descriptions of their adventures. Individual segments are approximately 5 minutes in length, but are frequently grouped together as one half-hour episode, both on television and DVD releases. Another character in the show is Patchy Patch. Patchy patch is Binoo's doll. He is an old toy covered with patches. He rescues Little Bo Toopy, Mermaid Toopy and Princess Toopy in the episode Song and Dance. He also has a house inside Toopy and Binoo's blanket.
Source: Wikipedia

My son is obsessed with Toopy and Binoo. I think he considers Toopy as his canadian idol hahaha. Everytime it's shown on TV, whether it's in english or in french, he'll sing, and he's completely magnetized on the screen. I read on the website of the show organizers that the children will have a playtime with Toopy and Binoo before the show. I'm so excited for my son. I know that it's going to be a long two hours drive for a 30 minute show but who cares?! I just can't wait to see the smile and happiness in his face when he sees them in real life.

Free Rice

I came across this site and thought of sharing this to everybody.

Amuse yourselves and be smarter

visit ---> FREERICE
and together.. we're making a difference

Have you been to Vegas? Let me take you there..

Early spring of this year we went to Vegas to visit my sister. She brought us to a lot of beautiful places including las vegas premium outlet, the seafood city (it's a filipino place) etc. I posted some of the pictures that we took when we were there.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor - we actually went there just to feed the fish. It sounds boring but look closely at their size.



and look at their mouths hahahaha



Did I mention that they're hungry?



Next we went to Hoover Dam, which is basically just a huge dam. The boys loved it, I did not. It's a dam..



Then there's Bellagio..

Inside the Bellagio hotel is the conservatory and botanical gardens, that time they have a mini tulip festival but the way they arrange the lights and everything, it was amazing.



Then there's the dancing water fountain outside..







Vegas version of the Eiffel tower

at daytime



and at nighttime






we also went to Mandalay Bay Shark Reef




It's just too bad that we only spent 6 days there, but we would love to go back!

Link from Blog

I'm actually new to the world of earning from blogging, I've heard about it many many times before but never dared trying it. But now, I am so into it! I just cannot stop, especially when I click that monetize tab, i love seeing my earnings grow. Okay talk about earning from blogging, first, I've heard about Adsense, then there's pay per click, now there's link from blog. They said that this one will not only increase your traffic but will actually increase your earnings. Sounds interesting. I think this is more of pay per post on doing reviews. So, I registered myself and who knows?! will this be worth a try? I really think so. If you want to earn money on the side and would love to do some reviews, this will be your best bet. By the way, credits to my fellow girltalker Vivapinay, that's where I saw the post about Link from Blog, thanks dear for sharing this!

Amazing Videos

This is amazing! A battle between a pride of lions, a herd of buffalo, and 2 crocodiles at a watering hole in South Africa's Kruger National Park while on safari.



Disclaimer:


This video is copyrighted and cannot be used before live audiences or through any form of mass media without the express permission of Jason Schlosberg or David Budzinski. Its use via YouTube is intended for personal use only and can only be viewed on YouTube and websites using the YouTube embed code. Any other use of the video or its screen captures violate this copyright. For licensing opportunities, please visit http://www.BattleAtKruger.com.

Life's Handbook

This was an email that I received from Busymomstips. Busymomstips is a yahoo group moderated by Charlene Davis, she usually sends tips and recipes for busy moms like most of us. I thought this is actually a nice guide for everyday living.


Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray and connect with GOD.

6. Play more games. Be silly.

7. Read more books than you did in 2008.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day, totally disconnect with noise.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile and BREATHE.



Personality:


11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive, present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits, learn to say I wish I could, but I will have to say next time.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does, you only think you always have the answers.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, refer to #11.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need, things are not nearly as important as you think they are.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of His/Her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness; move forward.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating or plotting against anyone. Don't harbor hate and negativity towards others, learn to let it go.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present, stop the cycle today for a better tomorrow.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you...PERIOD! HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE, strive to make it every day.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more, learn to find joy in the everyday.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree, WE ARE NOT ALL THE SAME, DIVERSITY MAKES THIS WORLD BEAUTIFUL!

25. When you find yourself in deep water- learn to seal your lips and be silent, otherwise you may drown.



Society:

25. Call your family often, truly connect with loved ones.

26. Each day make a sincere effort to give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything, it will set you free.

28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6, they are your best Teachers.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day. Say the good things you are thinking out loud.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay deeply connected.



Life:

32. Do the right thing! You know what it is.

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful... simplify.

34. GOD heals everything.. in HIS time not yours, hand it over and move forward.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change and change will make you stronger, wiser and a better Teacher at 70.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, get dressed, show up and breathe.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Don't preach to people, they won't hear you. BE A LIVING EXAMPLE, your message will be heard loud and clear! Refer to #14.

40. Your inner most desire is always to be happy. So, be happy!!! You will live longer, better and your peers will always be by your side loving you till the end which is really just the beginning.

Dental Floss

This post is more like a continuation (well sort of) of my previous post regarding our hygienist who would throw comments on me using a spoon. Anyway, this time, it's not about a spoon, it's about a dental floss. The Ordre des dentistes du Quebec usually holds its annual convention in the month of May. This is just a nice time to chill, relax, get together, take some courses, get some freebies, etc. It's for all the dentists and its auxilliaries in Quebec. Anyway, so every convention, we always eat lunch together in Chinatown (Montreal). So after we eat, laugh, talk about somebody else (lol), as we are sipping our last drop of coffee, this hygienist (the same hygienist that I was telling you on my previous post) pulled a hair on her head, and start to floss. EEWWWW!!!! I was like," _______ what the hell are you doing?". She said, "flossing". I just felt traumatized for two seconds. Everybody at the table was just looking at her. And I can't believe how she could calmly say that "hey my hair is clean". Who says that it's clean??? The same topic was brought out again yesterday for some reasons, and she was still saying that her hair is clean. Well maybe the saying "to each his own" applies to this situation but still... eeeww!