Yogurt

"Wheat and barley and flour and roasted grain and bread beans and lentils and parched grain, the honey and butter and sheep and curds of cattle they brought foward for David and the people that were with him to eat." 2 Samuel 17:28-29

Since the earliest days of the Israelites, sour or curdled milk(or curds) was mixed with honey, flavored with dates, raisins, grapes or other fruits or nuts. Those curds, many Bible scholars believe, were what we now call Yougart.

Tradition says an angel promised Abraham that he would live a long life if he ate the biblical version of yogurt. He lived to 175 years old. Today, in parts of Turkey, Armenia and some of the more remote regions of Caucasus Mountains, there is an unusually high number of of very old people. Men and women in these areas often live well beyond 100 years while maintaining healthy,active lifestyles. The reason experts say, is a diet that includes plenty of yogurt, similar to the diet which Mediterranean people have been enjoying for thousands of years.

The longevity theory has never been tested on humans. However, when scientists with the United States Department of Agriculture were researching the effects of yogurt on salmonella infections in mice, they discovered one astonishing side effect: the mice that were fed yogurt did more than beat the infection-they lived much longer than those that were not given yogurt. Yogurt is highly regarded all around the world as a super source of bone-building calcium. It may prevent colds and allergic reactions, fight cancer and strengthen the body's immune system.. It also lowers bad cholesterol levels, prevents dangerous intestinal infections, improves bowel finction and blocks ulcers.

Several years ago, when infants in a New York City hospital came down with severe diarrhea, doctors prescribed up to half a cup of ordinary yogurt as treatment. Amazingly, the recovery rate was twice as fast as with the standard anti-diarrheal drug.

TIP: To get the greatest health benefits out of your yogurt, make sure its ingredients contain "live active cultures." If it does't say so on the label, it may not be the real yogurt.

The pasteurization process can destroy those active cultures that are necessary for yogurt to do its work.


Source: Healing Foods from the Bible
Author: Bernard Ward

Annie's Cuisine - 3

Mini Chocolate Éclairs

Pastry


1 cup water
1 stick margarine or butter
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
4 eggs

Filling:

3 cups milk
3/4-cup sugar
1/2-teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla



Icing:


2 (1-ounce) squares chocolate
2 cups sugar
1-cup whipping cream



Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat water and margarine or butter to boiling point. Add flour and stir constantly until mixture is smooth and forms a ball when tested in cold water. Remove from heat and let cool. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time. Drop dough from teaspoon to form small éclairs onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until light brown. Set aside to cool.

Prepare filling by combining milk, sugar, salt and flour; cook slowly until thickens. Add 3 beaten eggs and continue to cook until mixture is even thicker. Remove from heat, cool and add vanilla.
With a serrated knife, slice pastry puffs lengthwise, but not all the way through. Pipe custard mixture into the center. Melt chocolate for icing, add sugar and cream. Cook over medium heat until soft ball stage. Let cool and beat until smooth.

Ice tops of the éclairs.

Have fun creating it. Share it with your loved ones after lunch or dinner.

BEGIN AGAIN

Excerpts from Bob Perks article
published in Beliefnet


To begin again means that you won't give up.
To begin again means you're trying.
You can either start over and live your life
Or spend the rest of your life slowly dying.

It is never the falling that makes us fail.
It is never the pain or the crying.
You can never fail in life, my friend,
Unless you give up trying.



Today, more and more people are facing some seemingly insurmountable challenges in their lives. A few have lost their jobs and some have failed marriages. All too many have health issues or are battling cancer.

It is desperation that causes them to turn to some people they trust for advice But it is difficult, to say the least, to offer words of hope when all they feel is hopelessness. They expect answers, some magic waving of a wand, or a roadmap to get them back on their feet again.

Bob Perks admitted that he often struggled with what to say when people ask him what to do. Mostly because he had faced many of the same challenges in his own life, and remembered how empty he felt after someone cheerfully offered words like, "Keep your chin up!" "Things will get better!" "Hang in there!" "It's always darkest...," etc.


So, what is his advice? Just these two powerful words,BEGIN AGAIN

It almost sounds too simple. But it is indeed the answer.

All life challenges bring about an ending--and the chance for a beginning. A job loss presents an opportunity to start over somewhere else and maybe even in another career.

A failed marriage does not mean you are through loving or being loved. It means there are others just like you needing to be loved. Find them.

A life-threatening disease does not mean giving up. It means starting a new path to recovery and discovering within yourself the ability to fight back and win.

And if you are a person of faith, even death does not mean it's over. It means "to begin again."


I find this piece inspiring so I am sharing this to all.

Reporting from the Home Country

Hi, there, Guys! Guess who I met on Tuesday night at Max's in Balanga, Bataan. Shown above are Siony and her two very good looking children, both of whom are still unattached. The night before, it was Licerio who greeted us at the Ninoy Aquino Int'l Airport. It is indeed a small world as far as Batch 63 is concerned. Hope you are all doing well.

HEART ATTACKS AND DRINKING WARM WATER

MANY OF YOU MIGHT ALREADY BE AWARE OF THIS INFORAMTION, BUT THIS IS WORTH READING. IT JUST MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE.

This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about heart attacks. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and leads to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note a bout heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common ymptons. 60% of people who have a heart attach while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the bettwer chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this send to 10 people you can be sure that we will save at least one life. Send this to a friend and save a life. Let us be true friend.

THIS ARTICLE FROM ENIT.WORDDPRESS.COM/2007/03/04

HEALING FOODS FROM THE BIBLE

this is the book written by bernard Ward. According to him this book is offered as reference volume only, not a medical manual. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice from our physician. The following are some of the healing foods that you will read in this book: Onions, Garlic, Yogurt, Wine Grapes, Fish,Apples, and Milk. I will relate to you the value of Onions first, and the other will be later on.

ONIONS: "We remember fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic." From the bible; Numbers 11:5

Like its cousin garlic, the onion is noted as a cure-all. And the high regard in which it is held by folks healers dates back just as long, perhaps 6,000 years or more. There is, in fact, only one reference to the onion in the entire bible, but we thnk that is quite enough to merit mention because that single reference so clearly emphasizes just how important this food was in the lives of the people of the time. Whoever wrote that passage included the onion in some pretty good company. Each one of the foods named in that verse is among the most potent of the healing foods that are to be found in nature.

Onions were considered such an important source of energy and endurance, wrote Herodotus, the Greek historian, that the Egyptian pharoahs spent nine tones of gold - a fortune by the standared of any age - for onions to feed the slaves and laborers (many of them Israelites) who built the pyramids. Whether or not it was an acquire taste history doesn't say but certainly the Jews took a distinct fondness for the onion when they followed Moses into the wilderness. So at least 3,000 years before the birth of Christ, onions were treasured both as food and for their therapeutic value, particualrly for the treatment of kidney and bladder problems.

That staunch belief in onions as good folk medicine continued down through the Middle Ages all the way to the present day. They have been used externally as an antiseptic and a pain reliver and taken internally as a tonic to soothe intestinal gas pains and to alleviate the symptoms of hypertension, high blood sugar and elevared cholesterol.

In some countries of the Balkans, Bulgaria is particualrly noted in literature - people atribute their long life to a diet that includes high concentrations of onions and yogurt. It is said that folk remedies in many other cultures called for the juice of an onion (along with syrup made from honey) to treat coughs, colds and asthma attacks. A tonic of onions soaked in gin or a smilar distilled spirit was prescribed for kidney stones and to eliminate excessive fluids, sometimes referred to as dropsy. Modern herbalists even today recommend an onion syrup as an expectorant. Onions are also believe to diuretic and to reduce high blood pressure.

George Washington is quoted as once saying: My own remedy is always to eat, just before I step into bed, a hot roasted onion, if I have a cold."

Protection of the heart: countless research projects have now clearly demonstrated that, among other things, onions have a propound effect on blood cholesterol by raising the "good" HDLs and lowering the "bad LDLs. Dr. Victor Gurewich, a professor of medicin at Tufts University, has made a careful study of Cardiovascular disease and simply advises: "Eat Onions"

The terapeutic components in onions also slow blood clotting in addition to regulating blood sugar, breaking up bronchial congestion, and accoridng to some promising new research preventing cancer.

In the case of onions as an antibiotic, for example, countless armies that marched back and forth across the tapestry of history swore by the onion as a battlefield balm for wounds. But it wasn't until the 19th century that this folk remedy was really put to the test in the laboraty, when the remarkable French chemist, Louis Pasteur, proved that the onion was antibacterial Onion are effctive against dangerous bacteria including the deadly E. Coli and salmonella. Onions also possess a strong antibiotic that kills a variety of bacteria responsible for illnesses ranging from diarrhea to tuberculosis.

The people of the Bible were among the first to treat colds and similar ailments with onions. Now 21st century technology is confirming that many of those age-old fold remedies are grounded in solid scientific fact.

REQUESTED BY MIKE CRUZ TO PUBLISH as he failed to do so.

From Nelia's Book of Jokes:

Getting older has its drawbacks, but I guess there aren't too many good alternatives to getting older. Whenever you see a gathering of seniors, it is an even bet they are talking about everything that is wrong with them. You know, the usual, memory, urinary problems, knees, eyesight, etc., etc. Well, I am a senior and I absolutely refuse to discuss these issues with everyone else. If I have a problem, I find a solution. It is not always the solution that I like, but I handle it the best way I know and I don't discuss it with every person I see on the street that is past 62. No sir.... With this in mind, I bought myself a new scooter. I wanted something that was easy on gas and could zip me to the store and about town.

This seems to meet my EVERY need.

I love it!

my keepsake

Can you recognize who they are ?

Top ten reasons why beer is good for your health.Warning:moderation is key here.

Everyone is looking for a reason to drink beer.It turns out that a lot of people are.So here are 10 great reasons to drink more beer.not only that ,but they are all true.Beer really is good for your health,so drink up.(Michael Hall,02-05-2007). 1.Beer reduces stress. Alcohol in general has been shown to reduce stress.This one is obvious,and may be the best reason why beer is good for your health. 2.Beer is good for the heart. A study was conducted from 1982-1996 on the elderly.It was found that those who drank at least 1.5 per day had a 20-50 percent less chance of having heart failure. 3. Beer improves blood circulation. Beer increases your good cholesterol or HDL(High Density Lipoprotein)cholesterol,so it reduces blood's tendency to clot. 4. Beer is full of fiver.The fiber comes from the cell walls of the malted barley.A liter of beer can have as much as 60% of your daily recommended fiber.The extra fiber will keep you regular and can also lower the risk of heart disease. 5. Beer as a multi-vitamin. Beer is a significant source of magnesium,potassium,phosphorus,biotin,folate,vit.B6 and B12. 6. Beer can prevent strokes. A study published in stroke magazine in 2001 showed that alcohol drinkers have fewer strokes,bec. it thins the blood,it increases the circulation in the brain,thereby protecting from silent strokes which are caused by tiny blood clots. 7. Beer keeps your brain young. A large study,published in the Dec. 2001 issue of alcoholism:Clinical and Experimental Research,was conducted on elderly Italian men and women.It showed that moderate drinkers had a 40% lower risk of mental impairment. 8. Beer is good for your liver. Alcohol expands the small blood vessels in the liver. This is from Beer Net Publication,April 2001 Biological Institute. 9. Beer cures insomnia. Lactoflavin and nicotinic acid,both present in beer,can promise sleep.Also hops are a natural sedative. 10. Beer fends off gallstones. According to Prof. Oliver James at the University of Newcastle,beer protects against gallstones and kidney stones. References: RealBeer's "Good news,and bad" on Beer Health. All about Beer's "Beer and your Health". Essortment's"Health Benefits of Beer?" Drayman's"13 Reasons to Drink Beer". In addition: Beer in cooking is deeply rooted in Western Europe.It is incomparable as a cooking tool.With it's unique flavors and versatilities is it unmatched.Due to the fact that alcohol has a much lower boiling temp. than water.it evaporates quickly while cooking your recipe and thereby only leaves the characteristic taste of beer. Some ways to use beer for cooking are as follows: Marinades for beef-both tenderizes and adds flavor. Used as a substitute for water in diff. soups and stocks. Used in batters for fried foods. Added in gravies to spice up the taste.Used as a steaming base for steaming foods.(sausages,sheelfish,clams,etc.) Just remember when cooking with beer,keep your beer's primary taste in mind.Malty beers add a sweet/nutty taste while hop lagers can add a bitter/herbal flavor. Now after reading all these "good stuff" on beer,this isn't to say that ypu should go out and get "boozed up" because it's good for you.Obviously the key,as was mentioned earlier,is moderation.Drinking in excess of these guidelines has been associated with an increased risk of several serious health ailments,such as cancer,high blood pressure,and liver disease.Be warned that drinking over moderation can lead to liver damage,dangers of drunk driving,and damage to fetuses of pregnant women who are drinking. The health risks of beer: Ever heard of the 'beer belly?" In German study,Gerard Klose said dangers begin to emerge in men measuring more than 94 cms. around the middle,and become really risky at a girth of 102 cms.Too much fat,he said makes diabetis,certain forms of cancer and heart disease a distinct possibility. It's no secret that high levels of fat accumulated on the body is unhealthy and cause serious illness over time.An article in the London Times reports that fat that collects around the internal organs to form the typically male beer belly will also find it's way into the blood stream and in turn,raise your cholestero levels.This leads to heart and vascular disease and strokes. Moderation is key here,as in all things.Beer is a wholesome drink that is made from natural ingredients,but like anything that is overused or overly consumed into the body,it too can cause damage and become dangerous for us.For moderate drinkers,beer can be nutritious. Beer ,if drank in moderation,softens the temper,cheers the spirit,and promotes health. Thomas Jefferson. And that was the result of my research on drinking beer which I promised earlier.Sorry this is too long.

Bye For Now

The New Generation Pinoy?

Click on this site and see the new generation Pinoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQAGh3JViyI

FRIDAY

HURRAY! IT IS FRIDAY AGAIN. THE DAY OF A WEEK I LIKE MOST AS IT IS NEAR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR RELAXATION, AWAY FROM MY OFFICE COMPUTER AND BE WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN WHO ARE BOTH PRECIOUS TO ME. BUT MOST OF ALL THESE DAYS FOR OUR WORSHIP TO OUR LORD GOD. TO THANK FOR ALL THE GRACES WE RECEIVED FOR THE PAST DAYS AND WILL BE RECEIVING IN THE FUTURE. FOR ALL OF YOU BATCHMATES HAVE A NICE WEEK-END, ENJOY AND RELAX.

Ten Foods that Boost Brainpower

This is an excerpt from an article written by Hara Estroff Marano on ediets.










Since all of us in our batch are now very wary of the foods we eat to stay healthy and add years to our life and increase our brainpower.....this is worth reading.


CROSSWORD PUZZLES alone won't save our brain and protect it from aging,right foods will.Some foods protect the brain's delicate nerve cells and blood vessels from the damage that accompanies aging.These foods are also good for the heart,as both the brain and the heart rely on steady oxygen supply.

CHEW on these 10 foods:


1. Blueberries...........the sweet wild ones are bursting with anti- oxidants which mop up free radicals.

2. Dark Leafy Greens .. contain folate and B12 which break down chemicals
with toxic effect on arterial walls.

3. Salmons and Sardines...Fatty fish are full of nueroprotective omega-3
acids.Higher levels of omega 3 in the blood with seratonin
has a mood-enhancing brain chemical.

4. Spinach........ slows down cognitive deficits and age related problems
in the central nervous system since it is full of
antioxidant power.

5. Red Wine or Grape
Juice..........drinking red wine in moderation increases longevity.But
since alcohol slows down the brains ability to function
properly ,grape juice maybe a smarter choice.

6. Whole Grains
and Brown Rice....switch to brown rice to improve your intake of
nutrients.It is filled with magnesium and vitamins.

7. Hot Cocoa.......warm up with hot cocoa to help your brain.The anti-
oxidants protect brain cells from oxidative stress that
may lead to Alzheimers and other disorders.

8. Nuts; Walnuts
and Almonds ....rich in antioxidants that lower blood cholesterol
levels.They don't contribute to weight gains and walnuts
are rich in Omega 3 .

9. Olive oil......contains potent antioxidants valled polyphenols that
reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.The exrta
virgin variety is best.


10.Garlic........this pungent herb fends off aging via its antioxidant
properties.It also contains anti bacterial and anti viral
compounds that help shake off stress-induced colds and
infections .Raw, crushed garlic is best.


Ready to sink your teeth into a new lifestyle ? Start it Now !!

Our Mad Mad World

Russia Tests Powerful Vacuum Bomb
Wednesday Sep 12 07:14 AEST

Russia says it has tested the world's most powerful vacuum bomb.

"Test results of the new airborne weapon have shown that its efficiency and power is commensurate with a nuclear weapon," Alexander Rukshin, deputy head of Russia's armed force chief of staff, told Russia's ORT First Channel television.

"You will now see it in action,the bomb which has no match in the world is being tested at a military site," the report said. It showed a Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber dropping the bomb over a testing ground. A large explosion followed.

A vacuum bomb, or fuel-air explosive, causes widespread devastation. A typical bomb of that type is dropped or fired, the first explosive charge bursts open the container at a predetermined height and disperses the fuel in a cloud that mixes with oxygen. A second charge ignites the cloud, which can engulf objects or buildings.

Health News

Study finds spinach, eggs ward off cause of blindness Mon Sep 10, 7:28 PM ET
CHICAGO (Reuters (excerpts)

- Two nutrients found in eggs, spinach and other leafy green vegetables offer some protection against the most common cause of blindness among the elderly, researchers said on Monday.

Age-related macular degeneration affects 1.2 million Americans, mostly after age 65, and the irreversible condition gets gradually worse, robbing victims of the center of their vision. Many people may be susceptible due to genetic factors, while smoking is known to heighten the risk.

The two nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, are both carotenoids -- compounds that give many fruits and vegetables a yellow color. They help ward off the condition, apparently by allowing the eyes to filter harmful short-wavelength light and by curtailing other damaging effects to the macula, or the center of the eye's retina, the researchers said.

The 6-year study asked about the dietary habits of 4,519 people aged 60 to 80 when enrolled.
Those in the top fifth of dietary consumption of foods containing the two nutrients had 35 percent less chance of developing the condition compared to those in the lowest fifth of consumption.

Foods considered good sources of the nutrients include eggs, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.

LIFE GOES ON



(EXCERPTS FROM CBS/AP NEWS SEPT. 12, 2007)

US LIFE EXPECTANCY RISES TO 78:

According to US Census Bureau report, an American baby born today can expect to live just under 78 years of age. This was reported as the longest life expectancy in US history. But the report also indicated that at least 40 other countries live longer. A tiny country in Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, called Andorra has the longest life expectancy at 83.5 years. Japan, Macau, San Marino and Singapore ranked second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.


FAST FACT: Life expectancy for women continues to be five years LONGER than for men! (Gee, wonder why?)


News correspondent Dean Reynolds reports” while American lives longer, they are also working longer. He added that almost a quarter of people ages 65 – 74 years old now are still on the job, or looking for one”

More related topics about life expectancy.

FUNNY DREAMS

Thinking of you bathmates, calling and receiving calls from some of you, sending and receiving e-mails from those I have e-mail address, daily reading of write-ups in our blog site, excitement in the coming min-reunion in San Diego and preparation of Reunion of the Decade in 2010 are some of the reasons why I have many dreams about you btachmates since our grand reunion on May 9, 2007. Three of them are as follows:

I have a funny dreams last night. I dreamed that Corazon visited me here in Baltimore with a seven year old son. She is going to attend my first time wedding. Her son asked for some bread. Good I had some in my bag. She said one loaf of bread cost hundred dollars in Australia. I told her it only cost seventy dollars here in our place. Funny is that the cost of bread is so expensive. Funny is that Corazon had 7 year old son and funny is that at my age I will be getting married for the first time.

My other funny dream was last week the night after I talked to mike on the phone. We batchmates are scheduled to have seminar in Sydney Australia to be conducted by Corazon. Those who arrived were Mike, Annie, Anselmo, Rollie, Alfredo, Luz, Julie, Fely, Emma, Josie, Lourdes, Editha, Frank and me. At the time of the seminar I noticed that so many of our batchmates were not around so I asked where are they. Funny is that Alfredo said "O.k. please wait I will be going back to the Philippines and I will pick them up." Also funny is that it was held in Sydney Australia and Ruben Baluyot was not present.

This is another funny dream. In my dream Belen is my daughter. We are going to visit Eddie and Annie in New Jersey as Noning and Juanito came to visit them. I was very eager to come and see Noning as I want my daughter Belen to talk to him as a friend. Siguro kasi lagi kong naiisip na sana noong grand reunion natin kinausap ni Belen si Noning para wala ang hiya sa bawat isa. Funny is that Belen is my daughter.

Batchmates I know each one of you also have dreams since our grand reuinion. "Don't deny) Will you please share those dreams to us. Let us continue posting in our blog site so it will keeps on going. Please accept invitation of our administrator so you can post.

News Flash!

Former Philippine leader Estrada Gets Life for Corruption

Posted: 12 September 2007 0929 hrs

MANILA - Former Philippine president and movie star Joseph Estrada was found guilty of massive corruption on Wednesday and ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison.

I DREAMED ABOUT US.

I think i enjoy reading our blog so much that last night i dreamed about the whole class 1963.We were riding a bus on an excursion.All the girls were sitting at the front and the guys at the back.Everybody was so happy exchanging jokes,singing,etc. as if we were in high school.I really enjoyed those days.I remember sleeping at Jossie's house the night before the excursion.Her mom would prepare food for us like sandwiches so we have food for the trip. Then in my dream I said that I wanted to eat itlog na maalat with kamatis.I don't know why I said that.The next morning when I came home one of our guy classmates sent me a whole breakfast tray full of itlog na maalat,kamatis,tinapa and fried rice,ang sarap naman nuon. I wish it was real.Sayang panaginip lang pala.Anyway even in my dreams I enjoy being with you guys.

A Laugh A Day

Misis: Hindi ko na kaya 'to! Araw-araw na lang tayong nag-aaway Mabuti pa, umalis na ako sa bahay na 'to!

Mister: Ako rin, sawang-sawa na! Away rito, away roon! Mabuti pa siguro, sumama na ako sa 'yo!

From: Pilipinas the Right Connection

Health News Headlines

WHO warns over complacency on bird flu
by Park Chan-Kyong Mon Sep 10, 3:53 AM ET

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea (AFP) - The World Health Organisation warned Monday against complacency in the fight against bird flu, saying another human influenza pandemic is inevitable sooner or later.


Indonesia reports 85th bird flu death
Thu Sep 6, 2:31 PM ET

JAKARTA (AFP) - A 33-year-old Indonesian man from Sumatra island died of bird flu on Thursday, bringing the death toll in the world's worst-affected nation to 85 and the global toll to 200, health officials said.

Russia finds H5N1 bird flu virus at chicken farm
Tue Sep 4, 12:09 PM ET

MOSCOW (AFP) - A strain of the H5N1 bird flu virus that is dangerous for humans has surfaced at chicken farm in southern Russia, the veterinary service said on Tuesday.


U.S. not ready for bird flu, other disasters: reports
By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor Mon Sep 10, 5:18 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An incident in which a tuberculosis-infected man walked past U.S. border controls in May shows how poorly the country is defended against importing infectious diseases, according to a report released on Monday.

New Yorkers Try Facial Yoga to Reduce Wrinkles

By Christine Kearney

(excerpts)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Botox and plastic surgery may promise to reduce wrinkles and worry lines, but some New Yorkers are turning to facial yoga to achieve a youthful appearance

… yoga instructor Annelise Hagen teaches several facial exercises designed to stretch and tone facial muscles... including "The Lion," showing the tongue hanging out and eyes rolled up ... for 60 seconds. … other exercises include "Satchmo," in which the cheeks are blown out Louis Armstrong-style, and "Marilyn," in which glamorous kisses are blown to strengthen mouth muscles for full and firm lips. "It uses the same principles of exercise you would use for any other parts of your body," Hagen said. "Facial muscles also become more toned, so it is a natural way of getting a lift."

Hagen recently released a book, "The Yoga Face: Eliminate Wrinkles with the Ultimate Natural Facelift." She said she developed a workshop using facial yoga because women wanted to look their best, "but they weren't really thinking about how to exercise their facial muscles."

She said facial muscles become weak and flabby and need regular workouts and circulation to reduce wrinkles.

Come on, ladies. We have 2 years to work on those muscles. Miracles still happen.

Mahusay Ba Ang Memorya Mo?

Mayroong gusto ang lahat ng tao, gusto niyang marinig na siya'y tinatawag sa kanyang pangalan. Para sa isang tao, ang pinakamasarap na marinig ay ang "sound" ng kanyang sariling pangalan. Naalaala ko tuloy ang magandang katotohanan sa buhay ni Jim Farley ng Estados Unidos ng America. Nang mapag-usapan ang tungkol sa tagumpay ni Jim Farley, ganito ang sabi ng isang sikat na peryodista at author: "I understand you can call ten thousand people by their first names." "No you are wrong ," said Jim Farley, "I call fifty thousand people by their first name."

Ang kahusayang iyon ni Jim Farley ay nakatulong nang malaki sa pagluluklok kay Franklin D. Roosevelt sa White House, sa America when he managed Roosevelt's campaign in 1932. In the Philippines, one of the politicians na mayroong ganoong katangian tulad nang kay Jim Farley ay si Presidente Ramon Magsaysay. Kung minsan ay mahirap tandaan ang ngalan ng isang tao. lalo na kung iyon ay mahirap bigkasin. At kung talagang mahirap ispelingin at mahirap memoryahin umiimbeto na lang ng isang palayaw para sa kanyang pangalan, at iyon na lang ang kanilang itinatawag sa nabanggit na tao.

May isang tao na ang pangalan ay Nicodemus Papadoulos. Dahil napakahirap tandaan ang kanyang pangalan, ang tawag na lang sa kanya'y Nick. Subalit may isang businessman , si Sid Levy na tinandaang mabuti ang pangalang iyon. At nang tumawag si Levy sa telepono, ganito ang kanyang sinabi: "Good afternoon, Mr. Nicodemus Papadoulos." Ang naging katuguna'y saglit na katahimikan. Ang narinig lamang ay ang gapang ng buntunghininga sa kawad ng koryente. At saka pa lamang ang boses mula sa kabilang dulo ng kawad. "Mr. Levy, in all the fifteen years I have been in this country, nobody has ever made the efforts to call me by my right name." Tuwang-tuwa si Nicodemus Papadoulos sapagkat sa kaunaunahang pagkakataon, mula nang manirahan siya sa bansang iyon sa loob ng 15 taon, ay may tumawag sa kanya sa kanyang buong pangalan.

Halimbawang may isang retrato. Marami kayo na nakaretrato roon, iyon ay isang group picture. Kapag ipinakita sa iyo ang retratong iyon, sino ang una mong hahanapin at titingnan? Natural ang sarili muna, bago ang iba. Kung papaanong napakasarap marinig ang sariling pangalan, gayundin napakasarap makita ang sariling larawan.


Source: Inspirasyon
Author: Rev. Fr. Rodolfo C. Cruz

Pilar V C - "In My Corner"

At school I hated Literature as we were asked to stand in front and recite a poem and everybody would be looking at me. I liked Trigonometry but most of all I loved Recess, a chance to be away from our teachers and avoid recitation.

My earliest memory is the joy I felt when I stood up on the stage to receive a medal for my daughter when she graduated in grade seven at O.B. Montessori, Greenhills, in Philippines; in high school here in Maryland and most of all when she graduated magna cum laude in College also here in Maryland.

When I was a child I wanted to travel around the world to see the beauty of God's creations.

If I wasn’t me I’d like to be an Astronaut to experience the feeling inside a spacecraft and to travel beyond the earth's atmosphere.


My worst habit is going shopping for clothes with matching bag and shoes.

I’m my best at working in a quiet place. I work professionally and I am so organized. I am also good at helping others when they request me to do something for them and I am so happy when I have done what they request.

The best lesson my parents taught me is to be humble and to love others the way I love myself but most of all to love God above all things and to be thankful for the gift of life.


Five famous people (living or dead) I would like to have met are our Lord Jesus Christ when he became man to experience all His miracles; the Blessed Virgin Mary as she was the closest person to our Lord Jesus Christ; St. Therese the Little Flower of Jesus who at her early age showed her love and devotion to our Lord God until her death at the age of 24; Pope John Paul, II as he was also devoted to our Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Maria Teresa for her love of the poorest of the poor.

I don’t like gossiping about bad things done by others behind their back.


My happiest moment was when I, together with my husband and children, travelled to U.S. to join permanently my mother and all my brothers and sisters and their family here in Baltimore, Maryland.


My secret skill (that is now no longer a secret) is that I can do hair cut kaya lang "uka-uka" (new style) hahahahaha!. Do you want a try a new look?


Friends say I am lovely, trustworthy, can be relied on, pious, a true friend, etc.


I’m very bad at the kitchen. I am not good at cooking, but I know how to cook rice and to fry scramble egg, bacon, fish as long as it is fried.


My biggest regret was when I was not able to get a U.S. visa to attend the funeral of my brother whom I was not able to see since he left to U.S.


The hardest thing I have ever done was when I was 35 years old and I was learning how to drive then and I tried to drive without my husband on my side as he was on his job and I had to take my son to his piano lesson. I drove from our house inside Tahanan Village out to Sucat Road, Paranaque, a busy street with too many jeepneys and cars. I took off my shoes to feel the brake and gasoline pedals. My knee really shook then and every time I recall that occasion my blood pressure shoots up as my son who was only 5 years old then was my passenger.


My greatest fear is that if I get too sick, I'd be lying on my bed unable to stand up to do the things I love like going out with my family, playing with my grandchildren, cleaning my house and going shopping. But I am leaving up to the Lord this fear of mine and I ask our Lord God to keep me healthy in mind and body and give me a peaceful death when the time comes.


I often wonder what is life after death.

Hang over Rankings

This piece is for the batch '63 boys...noon !! Just to sive a name for the feelings you had then when you were so happy drinking beer and wine.Identify which you have often experienced.I am sharing this blog to you all.







1 Star Hangover


No pain. No real feeling of illness. Your sleep last
night was a mere disco nap which is giving you a whole
lot of misplaced energy. Be glad that you are able
to function relatively well. However, you are still
parched. You can drink 10 bottles of water and
still feel this way. Even vegetarians are craving
a Cheeseburger and a side of fries.


2 Star Hangover

Slight headache. Don't feel sick, but something is definitely
amiss. You may look okay but you have the attention span and
mental capacity of a stapler. The coffee you chug to try and
remain focused is only exacerbating your rumbling gut, which
is craving a full English breakfast. Last night has wreaked
havoc on your bowels and even though you have a nice demeanor
about the office, you are costing your employer valuable money
because all you really can handle is aimlessly surfing the net
and writing junk e-mails.




3 Star Hangover
Definite headache. Stomach feels crappy. You are definitely a
pace cadet and so not productive. Anytime a girl walks by you
gag because her perfume reminds you of the random gin shots
you did with your alcoholic friends after the bouncer kicked you
out at 1:45 a.m. Life would be better right now if you were in
your bed with a dozen donuts and a liter of coke. You've had 4 cups of coffee,
a gallon of water, 2 Sausage Rolls and a liter of diet coke
- yet you haven't peed once.




4 Star Hangover
Your head is throbbing and you can't speak too quickly or else
you might honk. You have lost the will to live. Your boss has
already lambasted you for being late and has given you a
lecture for reeking of booze. You wore nice clothes, but that
can't hide the fact that you missed an oh-so crucial spot
shaving, (girls, it looks like you put your make-up on while riding
the bumper cars), your teeth have sweaters, your eyes look like
one big vein and your hair style makes you look like a reject
from the class picture of Moss side secondary school circa
1976. You would give a weeks pay for one the following:
1. Home time,
2. A duvet and somewhere to be alone, or
3. A time machine so you could go back and
NOT have gone out the night before.


5 Star Hangover
(aka Dante's 4th Circle of Hell)
You have a second heartbeat in your head which is actually scaring the employee who sits next to you. Death seems pretty good right now. You can't focus as your eyes are scrunched up against the overpowering glare from your computer screen Rancid vodka vapour is seeping out of every pore, staining your shirt and making you dizzy. You still have toothpaste crust in the corners of your mouth, at least you think it's toothpaste crust. You don't give a damn either way. Your body has lost the ability to generate saliva and your tongue is suffocating you. You'd cry but that would take the last of the moisture left in your body. Talking is not an option. Your boss doesn't even get mad at you and your co-workers think that your dog just died because you look so pathetic. You should have called in sick because all you can manage to do is breathe....very gently.

Reunion of the Decade

Thank you Corazon for your nice idea that our next reunion should be a Reunion of the Decade which will be held on the third week of Jan., 2010 which was published two weeks ago by orionjri. The title of our next reunion should be like that because we have held already our grand reunion last May 9, 2007. Our grand reunion was really very successful and we could not deny the happiness that overflows in our heart and once in a while eh bumabalik pa rin sa ating alaala ang masasayang tagpo
na naganap in our grand reunion. For those who attened only in Dela Fuentes Farm and Crown Royale
maaaring "bitin" ika nga tulad ng mga nanggaling sa Manila at ayon na rin sa sinabi ni Boy Evangelista but for those who always attended the meetings and gatherings which was posted in detail by Kumareng Emma in the blog hindi na marahil "bitin", like for example the gathering at Kumareng Nelia's residence with 42 members were present at masasayang naghapunan sa tatlong mahabang papag sa ibabaw ng dahon ng saging. Naging mahigpit tuloy ang bigkis ng pagsasama the family of JRI ORION BATCH 1963 because of that grand reunion.

On the last part of an article of Kumareng Emma regarding our grand reunion there was a big question mark; "Ganito pa rin kaya tayo sa Jan., 2010." Maaaring mas masaya pa ang ating Reunion of the Decade according to Josie because we have enough time to prepare for it. And one thing more we will be having additional balikbayans to attend. We were able to contact already the following batchmates who failed to attend our last grand reunion: Ruben Gomez, Lourdes Garcia Cruz, Manny Rivera(Manuel Baluyot), Lolita Zulueta Alfonso, Renato Matic, Elenita(Luna)Mariano, and Estrella Baluyot Isidro and Zenaida Mendoza Sison and Severina Perez who are still in UK and Chicago respectively for their tour.

On the part of the balikbayans we have agreed that our contribution should be $300 which is divided as follows: Dec.,2007, $100--Dec.,2008, $100--and Dec.,2009, $100. And Kumareng Nelia if I am not mistaken have a pledge of 1 litson. On the part of the locals it is still purely voluntary. According to Pareng Rollie they were only few when they tackled regarding the contribution and for those who can afford can contibute P100. a month yong iba naman eh kung magkano lang ang kaya nila hindi natin sila inoobliga for P100. a month. Like what I have said the contribution for the locals is purely voluntary. We, the balikbayans don't want that the contribution be the barrier para hindi makasama ang iba. The most important thing eh we all be there in the reunion of the decade. Pareng Rollie and Pareng Fredo, you take care of the locals to attend 100% and we will take care of the balikbayans. God bless the members of Jri Orion Batch 1963.

Julie Santos - "In My Corner"

At school I…teach whatever needs to be learned by my pupils.

My earliest memory is….simple and beautiful

When I was a child I wanted to be… a teacher, a good one.

If I wasn’t me I’d like to be…expressive of my love and feelings.

My worst habit is …dependence.

I’m my best at…appreciating gifts and efforts.

The best lesson my parents taught me …for GOD all things are possible.

Five famous people (living or dead) I would like to have met…John F. Kennedy Princess Diana , Princess Grace of Monaco ,

I don’t like talking about…death.

My happiest moment was…a wish fulfilled.

My secret skill (that is now no longer a secret) is…the art of forgetting.

Friends say I am…level headed.

I’m very bad at…putting off what must be done.

My biggest regret was…those embarrassing moments in my life.

The hardest thing I have ever done was…healing my grief when my Mom died.

My greatest fear is…”will I be prepared when my last moment come”

I often wonder…if I am filling the world with love.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS and Batch Personalities for September 2007

WE, ORIONJRI BATCH 1963 WOULD LIKE TO GREET OUR BATCH MATES SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE BIRTHDAYS TO COME. MAY OUR LORD GOD BLESS YOU THE BEST ESPECIALLY OF GOOD HEALTH OF MIND AND BODY FULL OF JOY, PEACE AND LOVE IN YOUR HEART.

ROSA VILLEGAS BARBOSA BALMACEDA - SEPTEMBER 4

OFELIA ANGELES CALIMBAS - SEPTEMBER 6

ALFREDO GABRIEL - SEPTEMBER 9

RAMON LACSON - SEPTEMBER 16