Living in the City

Filipino workers who dream of one day saying Oui, mademoiselle, Oui mossieur, or those ima gining to drink that uppity and classy Bordeaux wines, or perhaps saliva ting on escargot as in French haute cuis ine--- time to make a landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport. And start brushing up on your French. Because Paris h ere we come. Whopee! How you say? French Ambassador to the Philippin es confirmed that France is easing up their immigration rules to accommodate more Filip ino IT and nursing professionals. It’s been quite a process but finally signing of the formal agreement will happen this year between count ry representatives. Fact is, Filipino professionals are known to be on e of the most outstanding workers worldwide. Be it an IT line of work, engineering, acc ountancy, customer service, the fine arts, health care I must say we are among the best. And what country wouldn’t want such type of workers? Fra nce is a country where the words, liberty, eq...

Marikina recently launched access to its online city ordinances to provide residents like myself delivery of basic government services right to my doorstep. Through the 'Virtual Ordinance Library', Marikina is really up to its promise of providing only the best in public governance. I have not really tried these services but I am confident that it works. I asked around. I have friends in Calumpang. Take note, since last year, Marikina , established City Hall a Wi-fi spot. This I have to try personally. One of these days I will bring our laptop and see if I could do some blogging there. Maybe I can teach some matured citizens how to blog. Why not? Additionally, the City also installed personal computers with Internet connections in barangay halls and health centers. I wonder exactly how many barangays were able to take advantage? See the full story here . And what's more, the City government, through its Management Information System (MIS) also launched the first Marikina ...

After I resigned from my corporate job, I was forced to take on the management of our family’s business. It was a business held by my Mom as a sort of a hobby. She wasn’t really much in a beauty kind of endeavor. She was really more of a restaurant operator. . . but after having been in the food business for more than 25 years and only after contracting glaucoma, she decided to go easy and instead venture to a beauty salon business. Which wasn’t too taxing. Having said that, let me state, she started the business good and she passed it on to me, better than ever. Reluctantly, oookeyyy? When I assumed management my first question was, are we going to maintain salon operations like it was just a hobby as usual, or were we going full blast and offer the works, so to speak? And what new equipment did we need? Did we need business loans ? Business was actually doing well, considered ‘hot’, even. The customers are all over because my Mom had great PR, public relations, you see. She als...

I think lack of understanding about personal finances is a large source of family problems now a days. Very few people are willing to openly talk about their finances or debts. This, I think lead to financial illiteracy, big time. I realize t his as I was making a research on the different styles of personal financial management. What stucked like a sore thumb to me, was a site called Debtors Anonymous (DA). DA works in much the same way as Alcoholics Anonymous, dealing with people who are essentially compulsive debtors and helping them get over their “addiction”. DA helps debt addicts recover from this malady called overspending. Compulsive spending - is it an illness? I need not talk about its psychological implications here, a professional counsellor would be required to do that. One thing sure though, it needs to be addressed. If you believe you know someone close who is in this difficult life situation, I am sure you will recognize the following lifestyle or pr...

What does it take to save enough money for something? After years of frugal living, you believe that you finally have what it takes to buy your much coveted home. You now have some savings. You are about to take the home acquisition plunge. The prospect of owning your first home is within reach. But what kind of a home would you want and where shall it be located? Decisions, decisions. Additionally, other significant items must be studied like affordability, is it of fair market value, what methods of acquisition are available, would it be cash or cash plus mortgage payments, what are the down payment options, interest rates, property taxes, etc. Is this what the Brits need to evaluate at this point? If you have saved enough and find yourself much like the rest of UK residents, who according to a study spent a “combined £1.9 billion” for luxury items instead of going into the housing market, then what gives? Unconfirmed apprehensions draw people away from their o...

My high school classmate was back recently from the United States . She invited me for chit chat the other week. We were so pleased to see each other, both saying that not much really changed except for some grey hair and additional pounds on her end and less on mine. She's been a U.S. resident for almost 10 years now. Between sip s of our favorite coffee drinks, she announced that she and the husband was planning to move back to the country. She's been displaying the symptoms of a hypertensive and would not want to exacerbate the condition. One reason she says, is her home mortgage. The possibility of a foreclosure seems inevitable. At this point, her initial happy aura slowly turned to gloom. Two to three years ago she was on a roll. She was heavy into investments, buying a new car even when the old ones were still usable, buying a new home, travels, signing up with 2-3 credit card companies. Only because her co-teachers in a California middle school were doing it. Sudde...

And how are the Americans doing about this thing called recycling ? Here are some of the possible answers: 1. 650 pounds of paper are used annually. If successfully recycled, 100 million tons of wood would b e saved every year. 2. 80% of what’s thrown away in American households are recyclable. 3. 2.5 MILLION plastic bottles are used every hour and not recycled. 4. enormous numbers of glass bottles and jars are thrown every day enough to fill a building like Sears Towers in Chicago . Think - all these jars are recyclable. 5. over 1,000,000 sea creatures are lost yearly due to plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean. Think Great Pacific Garbage Patch . It's twice the size of Texas and is floating somewhere between San Francisco and Hawaii . It's also 80 percent plastic, and weighs 3.5 million tons. Whoa! 6. recycling one ton or about 2,000 pounds of paper can save 17 trees, 2 barrels of oil which is enough to run the average car for 1,26...

Protect Mother Earth through recycling. Here's what they are doing in some parts of the world. 1. In the Bay Area of San Francisco a concept called 'waste-to-energy' is in place in which garbage and other non-recyclable materials are burned in especially designed incinerators while the heat produced runs the steam turbine in an electric power plant. Is the city doing it right? Read their story here . 2. In Ontario Canada residents are recycling 38% of their waste considered far from its 2008 target of 60%. What they have is the landfill system. In Toronto and Hamilton and regions like York and Durham , they have curbside pickup programs. In Nova Scotia , the province “put deposits on virtually every beverage container; required businesses and industry to follow the same recycling rules as residents, offered cash incentives to municipalities to increase recycling – and banned organics from landfills.” Soon, they say “a ban on organic waste in landfills”...

Every year we witness this on a Good Friday to commemorate Christ's Crucifixion and Death... acts of penance from penietents. Is there more to it? And on to Easter Sunday... Back to the usual... I wish it was more meaningful for most. (Christ in US Must Be Alive Again)

Wow it is Holy Week once more. It is supposed to be a Catholic ritual ideally spent for introspection if you will or reflection... to sort out the whys and wherefores of our lives. That is the tradition. I think only the old do this these days. The young? Well, their all hied off at some travel spot. Worry-free and carefree. How time flies. It is Maundy Thursday today in the Philippines. No traffic. Yey! The city is quiet. Finally, the roads can take a respite at least for the next 2 days. They need a break too, I surmise. As usual families who cannot afford to go out of town trips just rented tons of DVD tapes ready for the weekend viewing. The budget conscious lot paid their way to Boracay and similar spots , through cheap air fares like those offered by Sea Air. But the news last night said a couple of flights were canceled. I don't exactly know how many but definitely there were cancellations. What a boomer! For the rest of us, and I don't know about you, I am takin...

Not for any particular reason, just now, I did a search of 'Ibanag in the City' on Google. Among other things I found that my blog has been indexed? Why do I sound like I was complaining? I am not sure. But it seems that this blog directory called blogged.com is using my blog for a certain purpose. First, viewers were being asked to rate my blog; second if the viewer happens to be the owner, a claim must be made but not after they ask you to sign in asking for email ads and all. WTF. Sorry. I smell something unusual here. Am I right in thinking that this is a phishing expedition? Whoa! It really is not clearly visible if you look at this print screen I took because the usually bmpeed print screens I have already converted to jpg. I don't need the extra load in my blog. Suffice it to say I am witnessing first hand the unsavory side of the web. Am I correct in assuming this? I need to know :-)

I realized how much information I lack about trying to increase my blogs' page ranks. That is not to say I am getting obsessive about it. But the idea that there's practically no one out there that I could get interested to read what I say no matter how mundane :-) is making me depressed. The fact is maybe I don't know how to do it! I have driven my blogs practically by gut feel. Reading others, joining blog communities, engaging others through comments I think that must amount to something. I have been blogging regularly since September 2007, but published my very first blog in January 2006. It was a project I started and wanted to see through no matter what. Sheer determination. That, I can do it despite nearing senior citizenship is really a plus if you ask me. In fact, I was even able to teach someone how to do it. And guess what? His page ranking today is much, much better than mine. I must admit he writes and researches his posts very well. Truly origina...

Although it was a very close fight, both Pacquiao and Barerra gave their best. But only one boxer can win. Some quarters are saying that hadn't Manny floored Barerra a couple of times, he could have lost the fight. Still, others believe that another re-match is in order because Manny was ahead by just 1 point. Looked like the unfinished business remains unfinished? Whatever it is, Manny remains the winner. No one can take that away from him for now.

Nanotechnology Defined but wait there are Conflicting Definitions: "Unfortunately, conflicting definitions of nanotechnology and blurry distinctions between significantly different fields have complicated the effort to understand the differences and develop sensible, effective policy. The risks of today's nanoscale technologies (nanoparticle toxicity, etc.) cannot be treated the same as the risks of longer-term molecular manufacturing (economic disruption, unstable arms race, etc.). It is a mistake to put them together in one basket for policy consideration—each is important to address, but they offer different problems and will require different solutions . As used today, the term nanotechnology usually refers to a broad collection of mostly disconnected fields. Essentially, anything sufficiently small and interesting can be called nanotechnology. Much of it is harmless. For the rest, much of the harm is of familiar and limited quality. But as we will see, molecular ma...

Below you will find an article which gives out tips on surviving a recession. Whether you are in the U.S. or somewhere else, recession or recession like existence is palpable and is almost with us if not already there. I must confess, since three years ago, I have been on my own “personal recession”. Coping with semi-retirement because of an illness was something I had to deal with, mostly on my own. Friends and former co-workers were busy, my family had their own individual concerns. Being alone helped me once again test my mettle against this temporary financial setback. Wherever and whenever applicable, I had the chance to use in more ways than one, the tips similar to those offered by the author. The fact is, my situation is a work in progress :-) Tips for surviving a recession By : Kathleen Pender Face it. The odds of a recession have grown. That's why the Fed slashed interest rates this week and why President Bush and Congress are eager to get checks into t...

Back when I was still traversing the corporate jungle, money issues were a daily common occurence. Issues like I need a new this, I’ve got to have a new that. Things I needed like a new formal attire, because of the job; sudden turn of events that required money, like losing my mobile phone, or losing cash to thieves. Or maybe, the children immediately needing things in school that were not part of the monthly budget. All these conditions certainly required funding. I realized at that point, that being employed didn’t mean freedom from debt at all. Being employed served as a financial crutch, more than anything else. In fact, employment sort of emboldened workers like myself to have more conviction about so many things, like acquiring things for the children or for the home, or taking a much needed vacation and how about this -- taking out a payday loan . After all, there’s the salary and the bonus to cover those unexpected purchases or expenses. The fact is, concern...

Politics of Cause versus the need of the majority: which should be prioritized? The Taliban's war on mobile phones Civilians angered at insurgent attacks on the phone networks that provide them with a lifeline, writes IWPR. By Matiullah Minapal and Zainullah Stanekzai in Helmand, and Hafizullah Gardesh in Kabul for IWPR (10/03/08) The Taliban are flexing their muscles again in southern Afghanistan, attacking what is undoubtedly the most dynamic sector of the economy - mobile phone companies. Over the past week, four transmission masts belonging to different phone companies have been destroyed – two from the country's largest service provider, Roshan, one belonging to its close competitor the Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC) and one owned by the relative newcomer Areeba. The attacks have taken place in Kandahar and Helmand provinces, where the Taliban have their stronghold and hold down large swathes of the countryside. But in targeting mobile networ...

“ Monogamy is the custom or condition of having only one mate in a relationship, thus forming a couple. The word monogamy comes from the Greek word monos, which means one or alone, and the Greek word gamos, which means marriage or union. Serial monogamy is having no more than one sexual partner at a time but allows for multiple partners in a lifetime. In western culture serial monogamy is common with individuals before they start a family, due to divorce rates”. A few insects, a few fish, a lot of birds, and a few mammals are socially monogamous. These species did not inherit social monogamy from a common ancestor. Instead, social monogamy has evolved independently in different species. On the Other Hand, in Ghana , research reveals a surprising risk factor for extinction: monogamy. Large mammals that live in pairs or have small harems are far more likely to die out than those with big harems. "In avoiding extinction, it pays to be promiscuous," says Justin ...

Relationships are a crucial part of a fulfilling life. Personal relations in the real world are often complicated and being in an on and off toxic relationship for a time, have driven a sizeable number of people -- men and women to give up on developing real world romance. It is in the real world where pain caused by separation and abuse from users, takers, liars, or just plain manipulators can be doubly hurtful and damaging. Is this why people look to the internet as a place to find romantic fulfillment, for a change? However, is it safe to assume that the virtual world is free from the same kind of integrity-challenged individuals? Aren’t there web scoundrels also out there, perverted and easy to escape real world responsibilities in exchange for momentary occasions of online flirtation and excitement? Online citizens beware. If you are in the market for an online relationship it pays to be wary and careful of people you meet on many social networking or chat s...

Local firm is first in the UK with laptops for under £100 By Pat Smith A TOWN computer firm has gone global after it announced the production of the UK 's first-ever lap-tops for under £100. Elonex, based at Sherwood Business Park , unveiled the £99 Elonex One at the NEC's Education Show last week. Since then staff have been inundated with calls from all over the world clamouring to place orders. Aimed primarily at the education sector, The One is an ultra-portable lap-top with a seven inch screen that gives wireless access to Internet, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, and MP3s. Managing director, Nick Smith, said: "The vision of The One project is for every child in the UK to have their own lap-top. With computing playing such a huge part of modern day life, it is essential to familiarise children with ICT from an early age and to show them the vast range of tools and resources available to them." The sturdy lap-tops in bright pink,...

What companies typically need a business mortgage? If your company is along the property development, manufacturing or service related business, like bed and breakfast, pubs, restaurants, you are most likely a candidate for a business mortgage. Expansion is a must for growth. But expansion requires additional money. If your business have sound sales and financial performance, it can certainly use additional capital. This is to further enhance competitiveness. But why take risks? Why not? In the interest of the company’s stakeholders, business must be driven by calculated, but sound business decisions. Today, there is a considerable number of business mortgage companies that can help business managers arrange the perfect mortgage requirement that is fit to achieve maximum business potential. From negotiating better terms, to obtaining the most equitable interest rates, there are organizations out there that can help you run your business better. So you can rel...

Top 10 1.Perez Hilton Mario Lavandeira Age: 29 What: Celebrity gossip blogger http://perezhilton.com/ Hollywood stars fear the wrath of Perez Hilton, a controversial gossip blogger with a poison "pen." Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, styles himself as "The Queen of Mean" and has earned a rabid following, thanks to his sense of humor, snarky voice and irreverent habits--like doodling rude captions on paparazzi photos. His blog is hugely popular, despite recent missteps, including erroneously reporting the death of Fidel Castro. And Perez is increasingly becoming a TV star, with gigs including guest-hosting The View, appearing as a contestant on MTV's Celebrity Rap Superstar and hosting his own series of specials, What Perez Sez, on VH1. 2. Michael Arrington Age: 37 What: Tech blogger http://www.techcrunch.com/ Who do savvy investors and tech-business cognoscenti turn to for help finding the next big thing? Michael ...

From a PRESS RELEASE of the Insurance Information Institute Hit-and-Run Accidents Can Hit Insured Drivers by Surprise Basic Insurance Coverage May Not Be Sufficient to Cover Expenses That Become the Insured Victim’s Responsibility INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE Contact: Press Offices New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580 March 2008, Washington, DC – Even though the total number of non-fatal crashes declined steadily from 6.3 million to 5.9 million from 2003 to 2006, the ratio of hit-and-run accidents remained unchanged, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)(1). During that four-year period, one of every 8 accidents nationwide was a hit-and-run. But there were significant regional variations. For example, with more than one million hit-and-run crashes, the South had nearly three times as many hit-and-run incidents as the Northeast (366,000) and nearly twice as many as the West (650,000), despite California having one of t...

My life totally change when I got ill and was forced to resign from a full-time job. The pay was good but very stressful. I thought, yah, right. Now I can take a break. And what a break it was. My big hospital doctor and my family physician (FP) both discouraged me from leaving my job. Both were worried that since I was quite ill, the more I needed to work. What or who is going to answer my medical bills? If someone depends on you financially, the likelihood is that you need insurance. Whether it is health, life or business insurance it is a financial resource. Having left my regular employee arrangement, I managed to convince my bosses that they continue paying for my health insurance benefit in exchange for part time work. Reduced work load gave me time that I needed to attend to my illness. And it took a year before I completed all the necessary tests to give a conclusive medical prognosis. Thanks to my health care insurance I didn’t have to worry about payin...

I have alway s dreamed of owning a farm. Especially when I became ill that I wanted to move from the city to somewhere far but not too far, cold and surrounded by verdant scenery where the breeze can almost heal your tired mind and your tired body. How good is it to picture yourself growing your vegetables, and a couple of fruit trees with a small pond of fresh fish ready to be grilled. (poor fish). Kidding aside, doesn’t this ambiance smell of nothing but clean and healthy living? My aunt told me five years ago that she and her husband were able to acquire a 500 sq meter farm lot from Lipa City in Batangas. She was encouraging me to get my own and in fact said this was one of the best investments I could make if only to prepare for retirement. It is affordable she added. I could only sigh. Two of my children were still in college at that time. Everything was reserved for their education. As my aunt mentioned, the developer encouraged them to plant fruit trees as soon as it was possi...

Mobile Phones are king as far as our market is concerned. Everyone, from the house help to the busy top executive wants to have the best looking and the latest model of cell phones. Mine, is an old and dilapidated Sony Ericsson T610. It is still very much usable, with camera and all but, here’s my problem: batteries are no longer available, except perhaps those that are factory refurbished. Sigh But for my own and for the rest of mobile phone new model followers here’s some interesting info: 1. A Japanese carrier, Softbank has launched a first-of-its-kind mobile phone, dubbed 815T PB. Developed by Toshiba, this special handset is different from the rest of the mobile phones in the world as it looks like a humanoid robot. Robot-liked phone comes in two different versions, namely Silver X07 and the Black X01. It features Buddy Talk that helps the 815T PB to express and display a variety of expressions that includes smile, anger, wink and many more. With this function, th...

Introducing one more potentially great contest to join. It seems the Whopee will never stop coming. Here's the text of the INVITE. Cheers! "I feel like being nice. That happens often. It’s the reason I ran contests. However, I think it’s more fun to do it at a random time and for random reasons and even have random ways of picking who gets it. So today is my first Random Rewards post. These can happen just about anytime. Here are some reasons they may happen: I had a good day. I made some extra money. Someone made a really good comment on my site. Someone Stumbled a post of mine and the traffic was craaazy! Someone said something nice to someone else. Someone dropped their Entrecard on my blog at just the right moment of my happiness. Someone subscribed to my feed by e-mail. A butterfly landed on my nose. Those are some of the reasons. Now what are some of the things I’ll do because of those reasons? Send you money through PayPal. Send you EntreCredits through Entrecard. In...