DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OUR BATCHMATES DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS . MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL OF GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE. HAVING A PARTY, PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO INVITE US. I KNOW JOSIE WILL BE GIVEN A BIG PARTY BY HER HUSBAND PETE. IT IS HER 60TH BIRTHDAY.

THE FOLLOWING ARE OUR BATCHMATES DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS. THESE ARE THE ONLY NAMES IN MY LIST, SO IF YOUR BIRTHDAY FALLS IN DECEMBER AND YOUR NAME ARE NOT MENTIONED BELOW HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO.

LOURDES GARCIA CRUZ - DECEMBER 1

JOSEPINA JAVIER MACALUA - DECEMBER 6

CONCEPCION RIVERO LADORES - DECEMBER 9

JULITA SABINO MARIANO - DECEMBER 12

ZENAIDA MENDOZA SISON - DECEMBER 13

ROLANDO REYES - DECEMBER 23

CARMELITA CANARIA ALMAZAN - DECEMBER 26

VIOLETA FELICIANO CORDERO - DECEMBER 27

INOCENCIO SIMEON - DECEMBER 28

Nitrates in drinking water in Philippines, Thailand

Greenpeace
Thu Nov 22, 6:36 PM ET
MANILA (AFP) -

Thousands of people in rural Thailand and the Philippines face serious health problems from drinking water contaminated with nitrates, a report by the environmental group Greenpeace said Thursday.

The study released in Bangkok and Manila said intensive agricultural practices and excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers had polluted artesian wells used for drinking water.

Greenpeace said it sampled water from 30 percent of all groundwater wells from both countries and found nitrate levels above the World Health Organisation's safety limit.
The report said contamination was greatest in those areas that used large quantities of nitrogen fertilisers.

It said the greatest risk of nitrate poisoning was "blue baby syndrome", which occurs in infants given nitrate-laden water, and particularly affects babies under four months. It can cause headaches, stupor, fatigue, coma, convulsions, asphyxia and even death, the report said.
Nitrate-contaminated drinking water can also potentially lead to cancers of the digestive tract and has been associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as bladder and ovarian cancer, it added.

"Communities think that the water they drink every day is clean because physically, it doesn't smell bad or look bad. But it is actually laced with nitrates from fertilisers which people don't normally associate with pollution," Greenpeace campaigner Daniel Ocampo said in a statement.

"This report shows that unless governments implement policies to ensure the proper use and application of fertilisers in agriculture, we will lose more of our valuable water resources.
Ocampo called for fertiliser subsidies to be phased out and reduced use of the chemicals.

Happy b'day to Boy and Frank

Happy b'day Boy and Frank, May God bless you always. Many happy returns!More celebrations.

A Note of Caution Re Forwarding Emails

This is an excerpt from a forwarded message and may be worth considering:

Dear all, Please read carefully and follow instructions. I've been receiving your emails with long list of adresses (sic). Let's smarten up. You might find this useful ...

Read right down to the last one, as it makes sense !

A friend who is a computer expert received the following directly from a system administrator for a corporate system. It is an excellent message that ABSOLUTELY applies to ALL of us who send e-mails. Please read the short letter below, even if you're sure you already follow proper procedures.

Do you really know how to forward e-mails? 50% of us do; 50% DO NOT. Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? Do you hate it?

FORWARDING E-MAILS . . . .

Every time you forward an e-mail there is information left over from the people who got the message before you, namely their e-mail addresses and names get forwarded along, the list of addresses builds, and builds, and builds, and all it takes is for some poor sap to get a virus, and his or her computer can send that virus to every E-mail address that has come across his computer. Or, someone can take all of those addresses and sell them or send junk mail to them in the hopes that you will go to the site and he will make five cents for each hit. That's right, all of that inconvenience over a nickle. How do you stop it? Well, there are several easy steps. Try the following if you haven't done it before:

(1) When you forward an e-mail, DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message (at the top). That's right, DELETE them. Highlight them and delete them, backspace them, cut them, whatever it is you know how to do. It only takes a second. You MUST click the 'Forward' button first and then you will have full editing capabilities against the body and headers of the message. If you don't click on 'Forward' first, you won't be able to edit the message at all.

(2) Whenever you send an e-mail to more than one person, do NOT use the To: or Cc: fields for adding e-mail addresses. Always use the BCC:(blind carbon copy) field for listing the e-mail addresses. This is the way the people you send to will only see their own e-mail address. If you don't see your BCC option, click on where it says To: and your address list will appear. Highlight the address and choose BCC: and that's it, it's that easy. When you send to BCC: your message will automatically say 'Undisclosed Recipients in the 'TO:' field of the people who receive it.

(3) Remove any 'FW :' in the subject line. You can re-name the subject if you wish or even fix spelling.

(4) ALWAYS hit your Forward button from the actual e-mail you are reading. Ever get those e-mails that you have to open 10 pages to read the one page with the information on it? By Forwarding from the actual page you wish someone to view, you stop them from having to open many e-mails just to see what you sent.

(5) Have you ever gotten an email that is a petition? It states a position and asks you to add your name and address and to forward it to 10 or 15 people or your entire address book. The email can be forwarded on and on and can collect thousands of names and email addresses. A FACT: The completed petition is actually worth a couple of bucks to a professional spammer because of the wealth of valid names and email addresses contained therein. DO NOT put your email address on any petition. If you want to support the petition, send it as your own personal letter to the intended recipient. Your position may carry more weight as a personal letter than a laundry list of names and email address on a petition. (And don't believe the ones that say that the email is being traced, it just ain't so!)

Some of the other emails to delete and not forward are:

1. The one that says something like, 'Send this email to 10 people and you all see something great run across your screen.' Or sometimes they'll just tease you by saying 'something really cute will happen.' IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!!! (We are still seeing some of the same emails that we waited on 10 years ago!)

2. Don't let the bad luck ones scare you either, delete them, they are trash.

3. Before you forward an 'Amber Alert', or a 'Virus Alert', or some of the other emails floating around nowadays, check them out before you forward them. Most of them are junk mail that's been circling the net for YEARS! Just about everything you receive in an email that is in question can be checked out at Snopes. Just go to www.snopes.com . It's really easy to find out if it's real or not. If it's not, please don't pass it on.

So please, in the future, let's stop the junk mail and the viruses.

Recipe for a happy life.

4 cups of love
2 cups of loyalty
3 cups of forgiveness
1 cup of friendship
5 spoons of hope
2 spoons of tenderness
4 quarts of faith
1 barrel of laughter
Take love and loyalty,mix it thoroughly with faith.Blend it with tenderness,kindness and understanding.Add friendship and hope.Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Bake it in sunshine.Serve gently in generous helpings.

Happy B'day Mok!

Mok, Happy ty ninth b'day.So,tulad ka na rin namin,ty nine years old.Magpapalitson ka ba ng baka? Marami kayong baka diyan sa Australia.Enjoy your b'day with family and friends.God bless you and may you have many more to come.See you in May, God willing.

Old Age Blues

A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember.

Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. "Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?" he asks.

"Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?"

"Sure."

"Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?" she asks.

"No, I can remember it."

"Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?"

He says, "I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries."

"I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down." she says.

Irritated, he says, "I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!" Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.

She stares at the plate for a moment, then asks, "Where's my toast?"

Read on


Three old guys are out walking.

First one says, "Windy, isn't it?"

Second one says, "No, it's Thursday!"

Third one says, "So am I. Let's go get a beer."

from an e-mail fwd by Rollie

birthdayjammin'

This was during my birthday, singing old songs, mostly slow rock from the 60's, 70's 80's.

Happy birthday to Mok today. Sorry I'm a little lazy. Old age, I guess.

10 Power Foods To Beat Diabetes

By Glenn Mueller
eDiets Senior Writer

When you are trying to balance your blood sugar, it is important to eat plenty of healing foods. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how many of them you can find in the aisles of your local grocery store. The following diabetes-beating power foods were among those featured in the recent book Healing Gourmet Eat to Beat Diabetes.


1.Apples: As it turns out, an apple a day might be just the thing you need to keep the doctor away. When it comes to beating diabetes, there is nothing forbidden about this particular fruit. Since they are grown in temperate zones around the world, apples come in thousands of different varieties. But whatever type of apple you choose, you will get the maximum health benefits by including the peel in your healthy snack. Apple peels contain quercetin, a flavanoid that has been found to reduce diabetes due to its antioxidant effect.

2.Asparagus: Though it is a member of the lily family, the edible part of the asparagus plant is actually a sprout or shoot that appears underground. Asparagus is an excellent source of glutathione, an antioxidant compound that can help keep your blood sugar stable.

3.Beans: Not only are they good for the heart, but these members of the legume family also contain many different phytonutrients that can help you manage your battle against diabetes. Though dried beans are the healthiest choice, you must soak them in water for several hours before cooking.

4.Broccoli: President George Herbert Walker Bush may have banned this cruciferous vegetable from the White House menu, but broccoli is also an excellent source of quercetin. These days most broccoli is green, but purple, red, cream and brown varieties were also popular at one time.

5.Carrots: As it turns out, Bugs Bunny was smarter than you might think. His favorite snack is full of carotenoids, antioxidant compounds that can help protect the heart and balance your insulin levels.

6.Fish: Even if you’re not hooked on the taste of fish, perhaps the health benefits will help reel you in. Not only can these sea creatures help protect your heart, but the omega-3 fatty acids can also help balance your blood sugar levels.

7. Nuts: Even though they have been cultivated for more than twelve thousand years, nuts are still one of nature’s richest foods. Since they are packed with minerals and healthy fats, incorporating healthy portions of nuts into your meal plan can help protect your heart and balance your blood sugar. You’d have to be crazy not to eat them.

8. Oranges: Orange you glad that the world's most popular citrus fruit has a low rating in Glycemic Index? Oranges are also a source of many other photo nutrients that can help you fight diabetes,including flavonoida,carotenoids,terpines,pectines and gluthatione.

9. Soybeans: Oh say, can you soy? Not only are these members of the legume family a complete source of protein, but soybeans also provide phytoestrogens, isoflavones and saponins that can help balance your blood sugar.

10.Tea: Tea time may be the healthiest time of the day. Whether you have two for tea or you drink this healthy substance by yourself, tea has phytonutrients such as catechins and tannins that can help balance your blood sugar.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL BATCHMATES

Tomorrow, November 22, 2007 is a THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION here in the United States, A "BIG HLIDAY CELEBRATION." A thanksgiving for family, food, parades, football games, roast TURKEY on the table, etc.

But eventhough we are in different places of the world we have to give thanks to our Lord God for the precious gift of life, divine life and human life, for the gift of love, respect, wisdom and understanding, for the gift of the family, for our parents who are always there for us loving us and caring for us, for our children and grandchildren who give joy in our family and for the gift of precious friends. We also have to give thanks for the food we eat everyday, for our job that we are able to meet our daily needs, for protecting us from any dangers and any sickness, for strengthening us in body, soul and spirit, for the peace of mind and joy in our heart. Everyday we have to give thanks to our Lord God for giving us another day that we are still alive with good health of mind and body to praise and give HIM thanks for all the blessings around us.

On this special day, we also have to remember those who are not at home with their family especially those who are in dangerous places, our troops, and those who comfort and pray for us.

THANK YOU

Dear God:

I want to thank you for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you rith now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I AM THANKING YOU BECAUSE I AM ALIVE. I AM THAKING YOU BECAUSE I MADE IT THROGUH THE DAY'S DIFFICULTIES. I AM THANKING YOU BECAUSE I HAVE WALKED AROUND THE OBSTACLES. I AM THANKING YOU BECAUSE I HAVE THE ABILITY AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO MORE AND DO BETTER.

I'M THANKING YOU BECAUSE FATHER, YOU HAVEN'T GIVEN UP ON ME.

GOD IS JUST SO GOOD, AND HE'S GOOD ALL THE TIME.

From all batchmates here in the United States HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING to you all batchmates whereever you are.

YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S T R

My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION: During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this... STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * = Ask the individual to SMILE .
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg "It is sunny out today").
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 000 immediately!! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

….and it could be your own…..
PASS THIS ON

Source: Forwarded e-mail message

Greetings

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY ACROSS THE MILES

May your day be filled with joy on this special occasion. As we celebrate the special meal, we offer a short prayer of thanks to our Lord, the Father. We are mindful of His bounty. For all the blessings large and small, we give thanks to our heavenly Father. We are grateful for our family, our health and our friends. To the JRI Class of 1963, a special thanks for the rekindled friendship, camaraderie and memories of the reunion. Annie and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving wherever you maybe. Please continue the great work you’re doing with this medium. Be safe, be well and enjoy the holiday!

Warmest regards,

Annie and Eddie

Annie's Cuisine - 4

Veggie Stuffed Pancakes

1- 1/2 cups pancake mix (recommended: Krusteaz)

1 cup water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 pound frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup

1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese

1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 to 3/4 cups whole milk


1. In a medium bowl combine the pancake mix and water. Whisk the batter until smooth. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Make 12 pancakes about 5 1/2-inches in diameter. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add the basil, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and mascarpone cheese. Stir the mixture until well mixed.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 12-inch baking dish (or individual baking dishes). using about half the vegetable mixture fill the pancakes. Lay pancake down on a work surface, top with 2 spoonfuls of vegetable mixture, sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese. Roll up the pancake around the vegetable mixture and place in the baking dish. Continue with the remaining pancakes, placing in the baking dish in 2 rows, and using up all the shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Place the remaining vegetable mixture in a blender with 1/2 cup whole milk. Blend until smooth adding up to 1/4 cup more milk if necessary to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the center of the vegetable-stuffed pancakes in two rows. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake until the cheese is melted and the vegetables are hot, about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe courstesy of Giada De Laurentis

Sarah Brightman

Thank you for posting this You Tube by Sarah Brightman.I love it.

FRIENDS

FRIENDS ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE
THEY ACCEPT THE WAY WE ARE
THEY ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR US
AND STAND BY IN TIME OF TROUBLE
ESPECIALLY WHEN WE ARE SWINGING ON THE AIR.

OUR PARENTS, SIBLINGS, CHILDREN
AND REST OF OUR RELATIVES AND FAMILY
ARE THERE FOR US BECAUSE OF BIRTH
BUT FRIENDS WE HAVE CHOSEN
THEY ARE FOLKS OF SPECIAL WORTH

AS TIME GOES BY, WE REALIZE
OUR FRIENDS BECOME MORE DEAR TO US
WE CONSIDER THEM SPECIAL BLESSING
FROM OUR LORD UP ABOVE
SO THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF FRIENDS.

The Benefits of Laughter

By Hara Marano


So much of our attitude about life and our capacity to meet life's challenges depends on the quality of the relationships we have, especially our most intimate relationships that when they go sour, life tends to feel bleak. Because the quality of our relationships has a powerful effect on physical and mental balance, as well as our sense of satisfaction in life, it's important that we keep our relationships rewarding and fresh.

The data on divorce provide compelling evidence that we are not succeeding at all. Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce--cohabitation couplings are far likelier to end badly--and of marriages that endure, many are less than happy.
Most people know the value of a good relationship and, no matter how often they have lost at love, keep on hoping. As a result, advice on how to make relationships work fills shelves and shelves of bookstores and hours of talk-show time. Some of it is even good, the product of careful research on happy and unhappy couples.

But of all the elements that contribute to the warm atmosphere of a good relationship, there is one that seldom gets translated into advice or even therapy, yet is something that everyone desires and most people would like more of: Laughter.

It's a safe bet that most of the laughs married couples get come from TV laugh tracks, not from each other. They don't emanate from the relationship. More important, they don't feed it. And if the jokes that make the rounds by email are any gauge, often they are at the expense of it.

But homegrown laughter may be what ailing couples need most. Uniquely human, laughter is, first and foremost, a social signal--it disappears when there is no audience, which may be as small as one other person--and it binds people together. It synchronizes the brains of speaker and listener so that they are emotionally attuned.

These are the conclusions of Robert Provine, Ph.D., a neuroscientist who found that laughter is far too fragile to dissect in the laboratory. Instead, he observed thousands of incidents of laughter spontaneously occurring in everyday life, and wittily reports the results in Laughter: A Scientific Investigation (Penguin Books, 2001).

Laughter establishes--or restores--a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people, who literally take pleasure in the company of each other. For if there's one thing Dr. Provine found it's that speakers laugh even more than their listeners. Of course levity can defuse anger and anxiety, and in so doing it can pave the path to intimacy.

Most of what makes people laugh is not thigh-slapper stuff but conversational comments. "Laughter is not primarily about humor," says Dr. Provine, "but about social relationships."

Among some of his surprising findings:

• The much vaunted health benefits of laughter are probably coincidental, a consequence of it's much more important primary goal: bringing people together. In fact, the health benefits of laughter may result from the social support it stimulates.

• Laughter plays a big role in mating. Men like women who laugh heartily in their presence.

• Both sexes laugh a lot, but females laugh more--126% more than their male counterparts. Men are more laugh-getters.

• The laughter of the female is the critical index of a healthy relationship

• Laughter in relationships declines dramatically as people age.

• Like yawning, laughter is contagious; the laugher of others is irresistible.

One of the best ways to stimulate laughter--and it's probably the most ancient way--is by tickling. Tickling is inherently social; we can't tickle ourselves. We tickle to get a response. Or to entice ticklee to turn around and become tickler.

Not only do most people like tickling--ticklers as well as ticklees--most recognize it is a way to show affection. What's more, adolescents and adults prefer to be tickled by someone of the opposite sex.

Tickling is probably at the root of all play and it is inherently reciprocal, a give-and-take proposition. In other words, it exactly represents the basic rhythm of all healthy relationships. Not to mention is triggers sexual excitation in adults.

But tickling declines dramatically in middle age. People begin a gradual "tactile disengagement," reports Dr. Provine. Tickle, touch, and play, so critically intertwined, all go into retreat, although these behaviors are at the root of our emotional being.

So the next time you have an argument with your mate, don't walk out of the room and slam the door. Try tickling your partner instead. (Most ticklish areas, in descending order: underarms, waist, ribs, feet, knees, throat, neck, palms.)

It won't make problems go away. But it can set the stage for tackling them together.



( Batchmates,this is a sound reminder,laugh heartily ! )

Eight words that will improve your life

There are eight little words, in four simple phrases, that can help solve most of the interpersonal problems we encounter every day. They can end arguments, settle disputes and even bring peace. Sadly, most people are too proud to use them as often as they should, and they suffer from strife and turmoil as a result.

Two of the four phrases contain two words; two have three words. Two words are repeated. Before you read on, see if you can put these eight words together into four short phrases that can help bring an end to our conflicts with other people:

I – me – you – am – forgive – love – sorry – thank

Did you come up with the four phrases that can help bring peace? Let’s see.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). People with independent or self-reliant attitudes can find it hard to express gratitude. They do not like to acknowledge their need for help, and sometimes even resent others’ kindness toward them. Parents have often seen their little children exhibit the immature attitude, “I wanted to do it myself!” As adults, we should understand that people need each other, and we should express appreciation for others’ kindnesses. We ought to be grateful even when people care enough to correct us (Proverbs 15:5). The first phrase we should always be ready to use is: “Thank you.”

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ you do well” (James 2:8). In our “macho” Western society, it can seem a little weird or uncomfortable to tell someone other than a close family member that he or she is loved. Satan has so distorted our view of natural affection and friendship that even in many marriages today, these words are rarely expressed. Yet God commands us even to love those who may hate us. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Even when we do not speak the words, when we show through our actions that we care about another’s welfare, we are, in effect, saying: “I love you.”

Pride often stops us from expressing remorse. People do not like to admit they are wrong. But if we stubbornly deny our mistakes—and fail to apologize to those we have hurt—we will only fortify their resentment. “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). One of the best ways to “pour oil on troubled waters” is to say, sincerely: “I am sorry.”

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). When we think of ourselves as righteous, we are not considering our need to be forgiven. “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). When we stumble, it takes humility to go to those we have hurt, and ask: “Forgive me.”

Using these words, when appropriate, is a symptom of Christ living in us. “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18). We will improve our relationships when we string together—and use whenever we can—the words that form these phrases: “Thank you,” “I love you,” “I am sorry,” and “Forgive me. ”

By Don Davis -LCG

Bagama't di karapat-dapat...

To all of you, Batchmates, thanks for all the love, support and inspiring messages that you've been sending to me through our blog. Each kind word pulled me out of the doldrums to which I sank, when I failed to make Norberto's life a bit better.

I have not lost faith that something beautiful would come to his life one of these days. With JRIORIONBATCH1963 at the helm, it is NOT impossible.

With our collective prayers for him, how could we fail?

Kitchen Fire Safety

This is for those who are relegated to the kitchen as their favorite hangout.

This is very important. Remember the WET TOWEL!
A good reminder for everyone..... Watch the video and tell your whole family about it. Or better yet, send this to them. This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ... oil in a frying pan. Please read the following introduction and then watch the show .. It's a real eye-opener!! At the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10 foot pole toss water onto the grease fire. The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than the oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball Hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite. Please view this video clip:

Try this link to the kitchen oil fire... I knew you smother the fire... but I did not realize how bad you turned things with the water.. WOW...

http://www.ranaldofamily.com:80/SWF/KitchenOilFire.wmv

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BELEN

BELEN, TODAY, NOVEMBER 17, IS YOUR SPECIAL DAY. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU MORE BIRTHDAYS TO COME. I WISH YOU GOOD HEALTH, PEACE OF HEART, PEACE OF MIND AND PEACE OF SOUL AND HAPPINESS WITH YOUR FAMILY THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE.

Where is Your Heart?

It was just going to be a comment attached to Josie"s "Kumpisal" but at the last minute I felt that her post needed a more serious look-into and a more heartfelt response, if only to let her know that she did not have to bear "that" burden alone.

Her post reveals a truly compassionate spirit which is sadly lacking in today's "what-about-me, what's -in- it- for-me" world.

We all care, of course, for what and who immediately belong to us, family, possessions, and ourselves. We are mostly willing to make sacrifices for them, if need be. What is ours is ours to hold, protect and preserve.

A lot of us , however, do not see the necessity to extend this care and concern to those outside our inner circle. You have heard this before, "Charity begins at home". Sadly, many only think of "home" as their very limited, restricted, restrictive self-interest.

The act of giving has become to most people just a means to gain approval, praise, recognition, access to a collectable favour. The core of this act is nothing but the all important "self".

But occasionally, there are people who look beyond their self-populated comfort zone and try to reach out to those who are in greater need than themselves. They see needs and hear unvoiced cries for help because in their breast beats a truly generous heart. They feel unfeigned compassion. They ache for the less fortunate. They share whatever they have willingly, however meager the offering. They put themselves out to comfort, and - if an opportunity presents itself- to motivate others to do likewise. They may not always be able to do what they, with all their hearts, seek to do to alleviate others' sufferings but they can not be faulted for trying their best.

Some, like Josie, go even farther than this. They actually bear others' pain to such extent that perceived failure to do something becomes a personal defeat and manifests as a pathogenic discomfort.

JRI Orion Batch 1963 has been involved in many charitable deeds over the years. There are those whose lives are testimonies to the unstinting generosity of the Batch, however limited its resources, however many brickbats are thrown in by its critics for its efforts . As they say in the Bible, "you will always have the poor with you". But it is no excuse for not trying to do what we can to help. To have people (and, thankfully, we do have many such batchmates) like Josie in our midst and to be a part of this caring batch is a privilege.

Kumpisal

I must confess that the primary reason for my absence in our blog is the deep feeling of frustration/depression that haunted me for so many weeks. I felt so inadequate and very helpless that nothing came out of our effort to give some color to NORBERTO'S life. I never mentioned this to President-for-life Mike during our last phone conversation, nor did I write about it in my last blog and in my recent email to Pilar and Azon.

I am writing this on impulse. Got the feeling that I have to get it out of my chest somehow. WISH KO LANG didn't even acknowledge my lengthy letter about NORBERTO. I understand that only a few will merit their help. That they have to choose the most needy from all the letter-senders. It was a long wait. I waited patiently and watched every episode on tv, hoping against hope that NORBERTO'S plight would be next. But it never came.

I am at a loss on what to do next for him. What do you think?

Philippines' INDIRECT DIVORCE LAW

Batchmates, take careful note. Ask yourselves, HOW SAFE AND HOW VALID IS YOUR MARRIAGE?

Divorce in the Philippines,

By Jesus V. Quitain, Sun Star Davao, Monday, November 12,2007

ARTICLE 36 of the Family Code states "xx a marriage contracted by any party who at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifests only after its solemnization xx."

The legal term for this is "Judicial declaration of nullity of marriage." Article 36 is emphatic that the marriage where one of the spouses is psychological incapacitated is void. Normally, if a contract is void, there's nothing else to do because it is the law itself that said it is void. Therefore, since the marriage is void, because the law (Article 36) says so, that's the end of it.

However, Article 36 is not self-executing. Supposed Juan and Ana were married in 1989. Their marriage was registered in Davao City's Civil Registrar's Office. From 1989 onward, their civil status was changed from single to married. The records of their house, lot, bank deposits, savings, cars, investments, GSIS, SSS, licenses, will state regarding their civil status that they are married. The civil status of being "married" can be changed to "single by the Civil Registrar's, LTO, banks, GSIS, SSS Register of Deeds only if there is a court order. Without the court order, all records will show Juan and Ana as married to each other even if Juan is "xx psychologically incapacitated xx" and the marriage is "xx void xx." Thus, there is a need of a judicial declaration of nullity of marriage due to psychological incapacity. Article 36 is based on Canon 1095 of the Canon Law of the Catholic Church.

On Oct. 14 and 28, 1983, the Family Code Committee invited an expert on Canon Law, Jesuit Fr. Gerald Healy of the Ateneo de Manila University, to enlighten the committee about this. The premise is that while indeed both freely gave their consent when they got married in 1989, Ana did not know then of the psychological incapacity of Juan. If Ana knew in 1989 about Juan's psychological incapacity, she would not have married him. In this sense, "Ana's consent was defective hence the marriage is void. Second, Juan's psychological incapacity existed before the marriage because Juan did not tell Ana about it. Juan and Ana learned about their marital obligations/ duties during the precana/family planning seminars. Juan knew of his psychological incapacity and knew he could not fulfill his duties as a husband. One cannot offer in a contract something one does not possess and that which is lacking can only be seen in the actual relationship itself, (meaning only after the marriage is solemnized) not before.

The marriage contract is void because of the incapacity of Juan to give effect to the promises made, an incapacity that existed before the marriage.

(So batchmates, were you psychologically sound when you entered into your marriage contract? What promises that you or your partner made before marriage have you not kept? What spousal expectations have not been fulfilled? What do you think of this law?)

How indirect divorce became a law: (Next Posting

THANKS TO OUR ADMINISTRATOR

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR ADMINISTRATOR FOR POSTING A WEBSITE OF TOMORROWSWORLD. BATCHMATES HAD YOU NOTICED ON THE UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF OUR BLOG SITE "INTERESTING TO READ" "www.tomorrowsworld.org?" IF NOT, LOOK AT IT NOW. I STARTED READING DURING MY LUNCH BREAK SOME OF THE ARTICLES WRITTEN ON THAT WEBSITE AND ALL ARE VERY INTERESTING TO READ. ONCE YOU OPENED OUR BLOG SITE SEE TO IT THAT YOU WILL CLICK ON THAT TOMORROWSWORLD WEBSITE. I KNOW YOU TOO WILL FIND ALL ARTICLES ARE NICE TO READ. THANKS AGAIN TO OUR ADMINISTRATOR.

SINO BA ?

(Ang tulang ito ay galing kay Aida Mendoza Sison,ginawa niya noong siya ay nasa England pa ,hindi na post kasi naging abala siya sa paghahanda sa pag uwi at sa pag-aasikaso naman sa bahay niya noong siya ay dumating.Anim na buwan kasing walang tao kaya napakaraming bagay ang kanyang ginawa.)



Sino ba ang makapagsasabi?
Na sa Inglatera't Scotland si Aida'y mapupunta
Gayong sa biyahe,laking takot niya
Pagkat sa direksyon may kahinaan siya.

Sino ba ang maniniwala?
Na si Aida'y naglakbay mag-isa
Gayong SM lang sa Maynila
Di kayang ikutin kapag walang kasama.

Sino ba si Aida para magtaka?
Sa mga handog Niyang labis at sobra
Gayong pangako Niya sa nagtitiwala sa Kanya
Lahat ng kailangan natin ipagkakaloob Niya.

Sino ba sa atin may munting kahilingan
Na hiram na buhay nati'y Kanya pang dagdagan
Para sa REUNION 2010 muling masilayan
Ang JRI BATCH'63 na magagaling, mahuhusay.

Sino ba sa atin ang may paniniwala
Lahat ng bagay ay kaloob Niya
Ipagkatiwala lahat-lahat sa Kanya
At sigurado kang maayos ka.

Sino ba si Aida,gurong may prinsipyong sobra
Sa pag-iisa,pagtitiwala niya'y naporma
Habang buhay niyang sasambitin
Salamat!Salamat sayo!Aming Diyos Ama!!!

Happy B'day!

Happy B'day Rollie, Saan ba ang celebration?Don't forget to drink in moderation.Ang pulutan ay sa 2010 na. God bless and many happy returns!

Veterans Day - 2007

(Click on the flag)

Sunday, November 11, 2007 - A federal (US) holiday to recognize the men and women of the Armed Forces will be officially observed Monday, Nov. 12th. My friends, batchmates of 63, please join me in a brief recognition of these individuals who have served this country, and who are presently serving wherever they maybe. Domestic or foreign land, afloat at sea, up on the air, we say Thanks to All Veterans! (please click on the underlined words for the greeting card)

" No matter where you stand on the war, politics has no role when it comes to saluting these heroes. On Tuesday (Nov. 6) we saw democracy working. Tomorrow (Nov. 11), we should be grateful for those who fought and died for democracy."

Katie Couric, CBS News Notebook, Nov. 2006.

The Heart of a Woman

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his Sixth day of working overtime.

An Angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time
on this one?"

And the Lord answered and said, "Have you seen the spec sheet on
her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have
200 movable parts, all replaceable, run on black coffee and
leftovers, have a lap that can hold two children at one time
and that disappears when she stands up, have a kiss that can
cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart, and have
six pairs of hands."

The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one.
"Six pairs of hands!
No Way!" said the Angel.

The Lord replied, "Oh, it's not the hands that are the problem.
It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!
And that's just on the standard model?"

The Angel asked about the three pairs of eyes.
The Lord nodded. "Yep, one pair of eyes are to see through the
closed door as she asks her children what they are doing even
though she already knows.

Another pair in the back of her head are to see what she needs
to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third pair
are here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an
errant child and saying that she understands and loves him or
her without even saying a single word."

The Angel tried to stop the Lord. "This is too much work for
one day, wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I can't!" The Lord protested, "I am so close to finishing
this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already
heals herself when she is sick AND can feed a family on a pound
of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the shower."

The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, "But you have made
her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," The Lord agreed, "but I have
also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or
accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the Angel. The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason
and negotiate."

The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the
woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak with this
model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into
this one." "That's not a leak," The Lord objected, "That's a
tear!" "What's the tear for?" the Angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her
sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her loneliness, her grief,
and her pride."

The Angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything, for women are truly amazing."

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They carry children,
they carry hardships,
they carry burdens but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up for injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a
better solution.
They go without new shoes so their children can have them.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends
get awards.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they
are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much
they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the
world spin!

Women do more than give birth.
They bring joy and hope.
They give compassion and ideals.
Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.

Author unknown

( Dedicated to all women to remind them how wonderful they are!)

SOMETIMES

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU CRY, NO ONE SEES YOUR TEARS.

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE IN PAIN, NO ONE SEES YOUR HURT.

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE WORRIED, NO ONE SEES YOUR STREES.

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY, NO ONE SEES YOUR SMILE.

BUT FART!!! JUST ONE TIME, AND EVERY BODY KNOWS!!!

GOTCHA!!! YOU THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE HEART

JUST WANT TO MAKE YOU LAUGH IF YOU ARE BORED. HA! HA! HA!

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BELATED HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ESTRELITA (EYA)WHOSE BIRTHDAY WAS LAST WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7. WE, YOUR BATCHMATES ARE WISHING YOU GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE WITH YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU THE BEST. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGY FOR LATE GREETINGS. THERE IS A SAYING IT IS BETTER TO BE LATE THAN NEVER. HOPE TO SEE YOU IN SAN DIEGO IN MAY. REGARDS TO THE FAMILY AND TAKE CARE.

Pagbati at Paumanhin

Happy, happy birthday, to our November-born classmates: Tia Annie, Rollie, Belen, Alfredo, Anselmo, Licerio and Frank!

My apologies and belated birthday greetings to the others, whose birthday I missed during the weeks, months of my "hibernation." HULI MAN DAW AT MAGALING, NAIHAHABOL PA RIN. (actually, HULI PA RIN).

Contrary to reports, I am still alive and kicking. The reasons for my absence are too numerous to post here. I am so sorry, for causing concern to some of you. Special thanks to our very thoughtful President-for-life MIKE, for taking time out and spending precious minutes of overseas call, just to find out, kung bakit napakatahimik ko.

I should have published this piece in the blogger's comment, but, OMG, I cannot recall my password! I realize now, that, indeed, I was really "away for so long." Imagine, nalimutan ko na ang password ko! Will somebody come to my rescue, please?

If this vintage pc does not act up again, I'll try to post some articles/comments every now and then. PROMISE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIE

ANNIE, TODAY IS YOUR VERY SPECIAL DAY. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU THE BEST THAT HE WANTS YOU TO BE. MAY YOU HAVE FULL OF JOY, LOVE AND PEACE IN YOUR HEART AND STAY HEALTHY THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE. GOD BLESS.

Vicks Vaporub

VICKS VAPORUB...TRY IT, IT WORKS

"I wish I'd known this when my family was young during winter colds and coughs. I am going to try it myself. Share with young parents. Isn't life strange? When we had a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can 'taste' it. Some of us have used Vicks Vaporub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I've never heard of this. And don't laugh, it works 100% of the time although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered it) aren't sure why. To stop night time coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly. I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like acupressure. Just happened to tune in AM. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened. It was a surprise finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly. Polly tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it.

If you have grandchildren, pass it on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed by the effect ."

Any takers out there?

Philippines News Bit

US traders: Internal problems bug RP
By Tarra QuismundoInquirerLast updated 04:48am (Mla time) 11/04/2007

SEATTLE -- One of the largest business groups in the Greater Seattle area considers the Philippines to be a nation of potential, but it is hindered by internal problems...

For the rest of the report, read the comment on this item.

Cocoa and Chocolate: Sweet News

Did you know that cocoa packs a powerful antioxidant punch? Thanks to nutrient-rich cocoa beans, this plant-based food contains naturally-occurring antioxidants. The good news is that people benefit from these antioxidants when they eat plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.

Cocoa Beans are rich in flavanols:
Cocoa beans are rich in a specific type of antioxidant called flavanols. Flavanols are found in several plant foods such as apples, berries, beans, nuts, purple grapes, red wine and teas.

An interesting fact is that cocoa beans are not actually beans. They are seeds from the fruit of the (Theobroma cacao tree). The seeds (cocoa beans) are used to make cocoa and chocolate. Natural cocoa powder is made by pressing most of the cocoa butter out of the cocoa beans. Chocolate is made from the whole cocoa bean with additional cocoa butter. Natural cocoa powder and most chocolates retain flavanols at different levels. Emerging research indicates that the flavanols in cocoa and chocolate may have protective health benefits.

Cocoa Has Antioxidant Power:
Eating plenty of plant-based foods helps to reinforce our own body's defenses by offering protection against harmful molecules in the body called radicals. Chocolate and cocoa are naturally rich in antioxidants. When ranked against other antioxidant-packed foods, chocolate and cocoa can have more than 10 times the antioxidant power as other foods.

Cocoa, Flavanols and Health:
Flavanols were originally studied for their aroma and flavor contributions to foods. Today, these compounds are the focus of research related to their possible health benefits. While the initial area of interest was the antioxidant action of flavanols, emerging research suggests that the health benefits go beyond their ability to fight free radicals.

Recent findings suggest that components of cocoa and chocolate may impact the cardiovascular system, kidney function, brain health, immune system, diabetes and blood pressure. So far, researchers have reported that cocoa and chocolate have the following benefits on vascular health:
A) Help limit buildup of plaque in arteries by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol
B) Help raise HDL (good) cholesterol
C) Help blood platelets to be less "sticky" which promotes healthy blood flow
D) Reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, and
E) May also have beneficial effects on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, increasing blood flow in the brain, and keeping skin healthy.

While these studies help to support the health connection of cocoa and certain types of chcolate, more research is needed to better understand the potential benefits.

As a plant-based food and ingredient, chocolate can be part of a healthy diet when used in moderation. Chocolate can add flavor to nutritious foods such as milk that makes the food more appealing. However, keep in mind that chocolate contains fat and added sugar that provide additional calories. Enjoy chocolate-in moderation- for its distinctive flavor as well as for its potential health benefits. And, be sure to include a variety of antioxidant rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day.

From : Nutrition Fact Sheet, Hershey Centre for Health and Nutrition

Our Condolences to Edita and Romeo Almazan

Hard of Hearing

A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss. Here's what you do," said the Doctor, "Stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response." That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens." Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?" No response. So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Still no response. Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again he gets no response. So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again there is no response. So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner?" (I just love this) "Greg, for the FIFTH time, CHICKEN!"

More Updates

On Ambrosio - We have been informed that Ambrosio had suffered some illness since shortly after graduation from high school. He had never married and lived on his own until his death recently. Regrettably we do not have a photo of him to share with you

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rey Cruz, president Mike's brother who has just been elected Barangay Captain of Daang Bago. (We may be able to impose on Mike to pull some family strings to have Captain Cruz host our next big reunion. What about it Mr President?)

We also extend our commiseration to Perting Bagtas and Miling Reyes who were unsuccessful in the recent election. There is always the next time, guys. They can never put a good man down. And men do not come better than the men of Batch 1963.

The planning and preparation for the San Diego Reunion is gaining momentum. It shall be held on the 9th, 10th and 11th of May 2008. Accommodation is being sorted out with the possibility of the Navy Lodge being available. A tour of the scenic offerings of San Diego and possibly Mexico is also being planned for the enjoyment of the lucky attendees. Get your suitcases dusted off, guys. Happy days are soon here! Frank is busily coordinating the planning. Queries may be sent directly to Frank , Mike or this blog.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, TRICK OR TREAT

YEARLY WE HAVE HALLOWEEN PARTY HERE IN OUR OFFICE, FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. THERE IS A RAFFLE EVERY HOUR FOR A GIFT AND 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD PRIZE FOR THE BEST COSTUME. LAST YEAR I WAS A WITCH BUT TODAY I CHANGE MY APPEARANCE TO A CHINESE. ATTACHED IS ONE OF MY PICTURE WITH SOME OF MY OFFICEMATES. AGAIN HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL.