Living in the City

I noticed that our kalamansi, and chili plants have insects that resemble waxy and fiber-like appearance on top of the leaves. I found out that these insects are called mealy bugs and that they suck the juices of house-plants and subtropical trees. In our case, they are actively gnawing at the juices of our kalamansi and chili plants to the point of drying out and dropping many of the plant leaves. Arrgghh. "Mealyb ug females feed on plant sap, normally in roots or other crevices. They attach themselves to the plant and secrete a powdery wax layer (th erefore the name mealy bug) used for protection while they suck the plant juices. The males on the other hand, are short-lived as they do not feed at all as adults and only live to fertilize the females. Male citrus mealy bugs fly to the females and resemble fluffy gnats". Mealy bugs are considered "serious" plant pests in the presence of their allies - the ants. "Ants protect them from predators and parasites. ...

I got this from my email and for the sake of a few laughs, a smile perhaps or maybe a snicker, I am repeating it here. Cheers! Marriage (Part I ) Typical macho man married typical good-looking lady, and after the wedding, he laid down the following rules: 'I'll be home when I want, if I want and at what time I want -- and I don't expect any hassle from you. I expect a great dinner to be on the table unless I tell you that I won't be home for dinner. I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing, and card-playing when I want with my old buddies, and don't you give me a hard time about it. Those are my rules. Any comments?' His new bride said: 'No, that's fine with me. Just understand that there will be sex here at seven o'clock every night...whether you're here or not.' (DARN SHE'S GOOD!) ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* Marriage (Part II) Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary! The h...

Concern for the environment had always been instilled in our children since they were old enough to talk. This is one reason why our eldest daughter took up B.S. Biology. Somewhere along the way, her focus shifted to children, taking courses that would later qualify her to teach kindergarten and take her all the way to Jakarta to handle kids of ex-patriates in an international school. Thirty one years old, single, and idealistic as ever, she told us that she didn’t shift her focus; but redirected her efforts to teach younger kids, since they are more receptive to learning – more so about environmental protection. Yesterday being Earth Day, she called us from Singapore where she is staying currently to remind us of certain actions and activities to promote Earth Day. I was concerned about the cost of the call to her budget, but she told me the prepaid phone card she obtained has a very generous offer that would really allow for meaningful conversations with family – at a very afford...

A wee bit of an avocado plant to a now grown one:-) right in the middle of our backyard. My humble contribution to earth day is attested by these photos of fruit trees as we ll as plants I was able to grow in our backyard, s tar ting almo st six years ago. There's the jackfruit tree, photo of which is at the left above this l ine. Then the next is my favorite forget-me not flower plant. Makes me feel like a real mother plant Mom whenever I prune her unwieldy leaves. Then there's our squash plant, where we are now able to harvest its flowers playing its nutritious role everytime we prepare our green salad recipe. Then at the corner of the yard, two other avocado plants, now also fully grown but taller than what we have in the middle of the yard. It feels lovely to see them plants grow each day, pruning and watering them just like you 'do' for a child. Happy Earth Day! Better Late than never. Cheers!

"It is estimated that there are over 70,000,000 blogs in the blogosphere. There is a current experiment to see how fast can a million blogs register at a certain site. The name of the experiment is Million Blog List - A blogosphere experiment. Get your blogs listed. Take a poll and guess how long it will take for the million blogs to get listed". I'm # 816 on the list Go!

My friend and I planned on putting up "The Buteyko Knowledge Channel". This was what I initially provided as research for the project: The Planned Mission To be the authority portal for buteyko knowledge and information To provide an environment for global advocates and collaborators in the promotion of quality buteyko products and services The Keys to Success - the following will play a significant role in determining the success of the Buteyko Knowledge Channel 1. Effectively segment the online market of the buteyko practice through branding 2. Successfully position ourselves as the authority portal on buteyko through superior content 3. Communicate the differentiation and quality of offering through proven methods of web marketing 4. Develop a repeat business base of loyal clients through superior online experience both for the customers and partners What The Buteyko Channel would Be: 1. a B2C Business to Consumer Portal partners are Buteyko websi...

My cousin who’s a nurse, working on a foreign and European traveling luxury liner for over five years now is excited about the idea of buying her first real estate property here in the Metro. Initially, three years ago, she’s had the chance to buy her 2 hectare farm land in the province. The land is now fully paid and her cash crops are earning her well, thank you. Her plan is to buy a condominium property as soon as possible. She was able to inspect and evaluate the unit the last time she was here while on her annual vacation. She loved the property’s location and “looks like” she “could afford it”. It’s a good investment to prepare for her “daughter’s schooling accommodations when the time comes”. According to her, her current financial picture is: she has enough money in savings and time deposits. She also has a life insurance which is on its fifth year of payments. Her available cash is more than enough to buy the property in cash, plus the rest of the processing and incidental f...