I Love/Hate America

HONESTLY, DO YOU REALLY LIKE TWITTERING (OR TWITTING)?

I had been into Twitter since last year and I only have 466 followers to date. Today, I am still wondering how other people could gain 10,000 followers. Did they pay that tool which gets you followers for a fee? Or did they go to each user's page and follow everyone on their follower lists?

I still do not understand this Twitter thing. Although I have read numerous articles raving about the wonderful things Twitter has done to their business or blog, I still don't get it. It seems Twitter is a hodgepodge of all sorts of people, of all sorts of purposes, with all sorts of information that no one wants to really know about. 

One blogger who runs a moneymaking blog swore that he gets traffic from Twitter. Well, it's no puzzle because he follows more than 19,000 people and has almost 23,000 followers. Well, he better has to get followers and traffic because blogging is the only source of income he ever has. I have nothing against Twitter. Its creator was brilliant enough to transform SMS to the web. But it has a lot of limitations. I do not even think it's micro-blogging. How could you blog with only 140 characters allowed? What do they micro-blog about? Most users are just like "shouting and yelling" to everybody yet at no one in particular, and it's like nobody ever listens to them.   And the worst thing is, most users just twit stuff that no one cares about. Who cares about what you have for dinner? Or how nice and hot your coffee is? Isn't coffee supposed to be nice and hot? Who cares if you have to pick up your kids after blogging? Or who gives a damn that you feel lousy and cranky today? Maybe each thought that comes into mind is fascinating and ought to be shared. to everybody. These are strangers, people. Unless you follow only people you know and only people who know you follow you, then that might be interesting or "news."  And truthfully, how much of these information could anyone really absorb?

The co-founder of Twitter, Evan Williams said that Twitter is not a social network, but an information network, " What we have to do is deliver to people the best and freshest most relevant information network. It tells people what they care about as it is happening in the world." However, most users make Twitter like a "channel with a microphone" screaming to everybody whatever they want to say and whatever their thoughts are, which they think are so important that others care about are fascinated about.

Honestly, I don't like Twitter. I just follow whose blog I like to read or those who regularly reads my blog. I don't follow PR agencies, copywriting professionals, fitness experts, internet marketing businesses, work-at-home hocus-focus websites, porn stars, celebrities, and bloggers who write non-English blogs (except Filipino ). At the end of each month, I unfollow people. Those who have not followed me for 2 months and still are actively engaged Twittering, I unfollow them. I used the FriendorFollow.com to determine who are those users I follow who don't follow me back, so I can unfollow them. In the same manner, people unfollow me probably because I don't twit that much or I just Twit my blog updates or other significant online articles. Or because I twit repeatedly the same thing over and over again.

If you're asking why I'm into Twitter even if  I don't  fancy  it, it is because every blogger I know has a Twitter account. My blog platform, Typepad has this cool feature that automatically shares my blog post to Twitter each time I publish it. (Typepad aslo shares it with your Facebook and FriendFeed accounts). How could I not use it when it's available, right? I also would still like to believe that it can generate traffic to my blog, even if I still don't see massive results from Twitter. I also go to Twitter to see what my network is Twittering all about and I only read twits that are relevant and not those which are like a chronicle of their minute-by-minute mundane world.

There are so many testimonials about the power of Twitter. But unless I see its results manifested in my life, then surely I would believe that. Meanwhile, I will keep on twittering (or is it Twitting?)

Honestly, do you really  like Twittering?

CEILING FANS FOR A SALON

In my previous posts, I have dished about my cousin's new spa biz. it  Recently, it was formally opened and launched to the public for  serious business.  The spa is absolutely looking great with plush interiors reminiscent of the French Provincial style. My cousin hired a good interior designer to make sure the spa is homey, inviting and serene-like to anyone who comes inside.

PHOTO BLANKET

Right now, I am making my Christmas list. There are only 48 days before Christmas. I've been wracking my head about what to give to my mother-in-law. Usually, I get stumped when it comes what to give her. You see, she has fine and elegant taste. But on a tight budget, my husband and I could not afford to buy designer brand goods or high-end products that are  priced way above our means. However, I got this idea online. I found out that a Photo Blanket  is usually appreciated and well-received by anyone regardless of taste.

I'd submit a photo of her and her cat, and the photo will be replicated onto a blanket , warm enough to snuggle during the cold season. Oh, I love this idea. I must hurry up now and look for those nice photos of my mom-in-law and her cat. I'm absolutely sure she would love this unique Christmas gift.

WHY PACMAN IS ADORABLE

I confess I am not a fan of Manny Pacquiao. Just because I do not like to watch violent sports such as boxing. But as a Filipino, I cannot help but take pride of this man whose diminutive  frame, and lack of academic education had propelled his own country to make a mark in the international scene.

Last November 4, he guested in the American TV talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" where he talked about his dog, his kids, his movie and his forthcoming fight on November 14. When you watch this clip, you would  be amused at his candor whenever he answers Jimmy's questions. Despite his poor English, he did pretty well on making his points come across. His sincerity is what makes him so adorable, and the humility he showed is exemplary, "Actually he,(Cotto) is the  champion of this fight and I'm just the challenger." 

And I remember after winning the fight against Hatton last May, Manny said  "I'm just doing my job."

This is probably why Manny succeeds in knocking every opponent down---his genuineness, his humility, hard work and determination are the qualities of every true winner. 

Watch this clip, I assure you, it's delightful. Be sure to watch the two (2) parts.

PART 1

PART 2

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THE IMPORTANCE OF WEB DIRECTORIES

If you are a blogger or a website owner/author, chances are, you want your blog to gain presence among millions of websites online. Search engines do help when you properly apply popular keywords in your site which in turn elevates page ranking. But most of the time, a user wants to search for something based on category, and that is why website directories are more useful. Search engines and web directories are related. However, search engines have automated spiders crawling the content of your website, while web directories do not. Instead,  search engines crawl upon links listed on those high -ranking websites and thus increases your site's visibility. When your blog or website is listed in a high-ranking web directory, you'd be amazed it leads to great results. By linking to a high-PR web directory, your site will have a high probability to increase its page rank.

TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP

Probably, everyone of us knows what tipping is. Tipping  or granting gratuity for services rendered by workers who are "trained" and "conditioned" to sweet-talk with an almost Tupperware-plastic smile-and-grin at their customers while mumbling expletives at their customer's backs. It is also is practiced almost all developed and developing countries in the world.

In the Philippines, tipping is accepted although not a general rule because as a poor, starving nation, people are penny-pinching, and trying to get exactly back  the amount of money they actually own is the norm. In Japan, tipping is non-existent, and is considered impolite.

But in America, tipping is similar to an "unspoken, unwritten law" but everybody practices it like if you break the rules, you'd be penalized in a detention cell for a day  to a  year in prison. So, every American tips. No matter how crappy the job is, every American customer should tip. From the hairdresser, hair shampooer, waiter/food server, bartender, doorman, driver, or practically anyone who keeps flashing  that signature, almost obnoxious, toothy smile even if there's nothing to smile about. Or to anyone who just keeps asking  you , " How are you today?" Worse, you still have extend that extra bucks even if they simper, smirk, scowl or sulk.

I usually tip if I am paying. But because I usually patronize Filipino business establishments around in Queens in New York City, I did not have to be conscious about my tipping habits. I tipped whatever amount I wanted to. When my husband and I started dating, he usually paid through a debit card including tips. Hence, we never met any trouble with the workers-for-tips. Always conscious about the exact amount of tips, my husband keeps it straight. If he likes the way you handle and treat his needs, he can be more than  big-hearted.

So used to this lifestyle in America, I never had a trouble with tipping except for one time. A hairstylist at Creative Haircuts around here in our area in New Haven, yelled at me when I asked her to blowdry my hair. It was a day before Christmas and I was feeling a little bit generous but because of her snippy behavior, I did not give a tip. I did not care whether she'd bitched about it because by nature, she was one. Good thing, she did not run after me.  I never went back to that hair salon again. However, I got around to think about it myself. Why should I tip if I do not like the service or if it's a lackluster, so-so "performance?" I learned that it's just the way it is. And nobody complains around here.

Until one day, my friend from Dubai who's well-travelled (because of her previous job's perks) visited  the world's greatest city--New York City. She and her husband had experience "the New York City tipping law," which apparently threw her off. After dining in a posh Manhattan restaurant,  the waiter chased the couple outside on the street just to tell them they still owe the waitstaff a dollar for gratuity. Of course, whilst in the sidewalk , in downpour, the hubby fumbled through his pocket and handed the $1.00 to the waiter who obviously was panting from his frantic sprint to catch the couple in the street for his meager buck. My friend, in shock, could not believe it happened.

Of course, she does not understand it.  Europeans are not familiar with the custom of tipping in the U.S.  Her lifestyle, attitude, and taste are European. And the restaurant staff does not embrace European's manner of tipping. The incident  had surely upset her. In Europe, tipping is not obligatory, nor mandatory. They tip just because they want to, not because they must. My friend told me this story, growing a scorn on the "greatest city in the world." I've also learned that New York City service workers hate the Europeans when they tip because they tip from anywhere to $0 to $3 regardless of the total amount of the bill.

Another incident occurred when my visiting friends from Los Angeles visited New York City. The couple and I were in downtown Manhattan's Chinatown shopping when we stopped for early dinner at a Chinese (of course) restaurant. When we finished, my friend paid. I footed the tip, but not enough so we all stood up  from our seats fishing through our pockets and purses for a few more one dollar bills for the tip. But before we could find any coins or a dollar, the waiter neared us and said, "You've got to give us more tip. You see, the total is $23.00 , 15 % should be the tip. The tip should be $3.45." I was so flustered with embarrassment. My friend said, "Of course we know. We're not finished yet. And we're not leaving either. We are still searching for more money to give you."

The nerves of these people! I could  just grit my teeth. At that moment, I wanted to take back the money. I was disgusted. My friend's experience with the sprinting waiter  was horrifying. And ours was also the same thing.

For those of you who are not familiar with U.S. tipping rates, the waitstaff or foodservers are usually tipped from 15 % to 20  % off the total amount of the bill. So does the bartender. Also, a limo driver, colorist and hairstylist expects that 15% to 20% gratuity money they all think they deserve. Because of the high percentage of tipping for the waitstaff and foodservers, most restaurant owners pay them low wages or even below the minimum. This is probably why the paranoia gets them because if they don't have the exact amount of  tip,  then they would really  have a terribly bad day.

Being in the U.S. for so long, I have been accustomed to this nationally-sanctioned "etiquette." Personally, I think this practice does not achieve anything but the tolerance of "bad service" and instead rears a greedy purpose in "service-oriented" entities.  I strongly opine that those countries like Japan have a better service than those countries who support tipping. What if  you are unsatisfied with the rendition of the job that he's supposed to do? Will you have to tip the right amount exacted by "law" even if you feel he's undeserving of such gratuities?  Yes, here in America. However, no matter how displeased you are with the service, in the exception of a real terrible one, you are OBLIGATED to tip.

How about you, do you think it's fair to tip these  service employees when other types of workers  also toil hard as much as they do without expecting a tip? Do you tip? Do you tip the exact rate of the total bill? Do you, at times, feel you should not tip or should tip less,  to somebody' service because his "performance" wasn't that competent and gratifying enough? In the place where do you come from, what's the law in tipping, if there's any? Have you encountered such occasions where you were overtly asked for tips?

AN AUCTION SITE BETTER THAN E-BAY

Years ago, I tried that E-bay thingie. You know, just for curiosity sake as I had heard a lot about it. They said that they snagged great deals of used, slightly used and even brand-new items and goods. My husband also tried it. I thought it was good but what I did not like is that I had to wait for a couple of days to find out if my bid had won. Other disadvantages of buying from Ebay is the high rate of fraud and scams. Many Ebay buyers had ranted about how they were phished and scammed by unscrupulous sellers. This is because Ebay, by its nature is a very large, international marketplace which is a tempting site for frauds to prey on consumers.

But I found another alternative. It is a unique auction site that sells brand new (not used and not slightly-used) products for buyers and consumers to bid at less than a day. or only for a day. The remarkable difference of this auction site from any other, is that the prices are so incredibly low. What makes it so unique is that the  products are auctioned in different time frames. There is the speed auction where the countdown is significantly shorter. The winner of the bid at the 0 dollar-auction wins the product without paying a single cent on it and shipping cost is free. The 20-second auction is where the auction starts at 20 seconds and with every bid placed, the countdown increases by 20 seconds. Similarly, the 15-second auction operates in the same manner with 15 seconds added to each bid placed. Also, a 10-second auction takes place while a fixed price auction allows the winning bidder to pay the price suggested in the heading.  This really sounds cool and way much better than Ebay.

DAYS OF THE DEAD

(When making a negative comment, if you ever have, please do read the whole post before doing so)

As  Christians (but not Catholic), we do not celebrate Halloween in our family or household . Although this day is attributed to catering fun  and pleasure to kids, its origins are deeply rooted in paganism, practice of witchcraft and sorcery, and closely connected with the worship of the Enemy of the World (Satan). It is a holiday that mostly glorifies the "dark things of the world" rather than the Light of the World (Jesus Christ).

However, America celebrates this ancient holiday still, and with its popularity, the reality of occultism, witchcraft, neo-paganism, spiritism and satanism are all associated with Halloween. In fact, witches celebrate Halloween as much as your little ones dressed up in their terrifying costumes. Horror movies and gruesome murder movie scenes are Halloween fares in the entertainment world.  This holiday was not recognized in America until in the 1800's when a large wave of immigrants from the Celtic areas of Europe brought their Halloween practices with them. The Celts are heathen tribesmen from Ireland, Scotland, France and other parts of Western Europe.

In the ancient days, the Celts believed that during October 31 when summer ends , the spirits and ghosts of the dead visit the land of the living looking for human bodies to inhabit. To confuse  and scare the spirits and ghosts away, the pagans dressed up in costumes and  paraded around the streets making loud noises. They also set bonfires to frighten evil spirits and leave food outside their doors to ghosts and demons so they would not harm the living inside their houses. During this time, the celebration of Samhain  marks the transition from  its summer goddess to the horned god of the winter solstice, from the lighter half of the year to the "darker half of the year"  which is the Celtic New Year.   Samhain is the name of their "god of death", and on that day, Samhain permits the dead souls to visit the living ones.  Thus, skulls, cemeteries, skeletons, corpses  and other ghoulish images were used to symbolize death.  Also the Druids, the priests of the Celtics, offered human sacrifices to Samhain. Because of the various practices of witchcraft, sorcery and occultism, during this day,  Halloween is deemed objectionable for a Christian to celebrate.

No matter how commercialized Halloween is and being perceived as a "holiday for kids to play dress-up", Halloween has almost completely pagan roots. But as Christians, we do have a choice to celebrate or not to celebrate Halloween. The Bible does not have any scriptural pronouncement against Halloween. But God is against evil and witchcraft practices;

"You shall not let a witch live." Exodus 22:18

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or cast spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.." Deuteronomy 18:10-12

"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them..." Leviticus 19:31

"I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut off from his people" Leviticus 20:6

In Acts 8:9-24, the story of Simon reveals that Christianity and sorcery cannot mix, and the account of Elymas the Sorcerer in Acts 13:6-11 tells us that sorcery is violently opposed to Christianity.

Now the question is, is there anything evil in dressing up, going door-to-door asking for candy and sweets? No, there is nothing. As long as you make sure your children do not participate in activities that involve the darker aspects of Halloween, and their costume,  attitude and behavior all reflect a redeemed life, then there's really nothing wrong in celebrating this day that is currently geared for kids. Though the Roman Catholic Church sees a Christian connection with Halloween, some fundamentalist churches view negativity in Halloween. There are also a number of  Christian denominations holding that the tradition does not carry "satanic influences" and poses no threat to children's spiritual growth. Yet some Christians discourage even the donning of costumes and trick-or-treating.

Nevertheless, some Christians celebrate it instead  by holding a "harvest party" without the innocuous costumes. Some hand out candies and chocolate treats to church members and their children with messages from the Bible. 

What matters most is that we, Christians, don't let our convictions about a holiday sever relationships with people. Neither we can use our freedom to make others stumble in their faith.

"Accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters." Romans 14:1

Anyway, let me remind you that  Halloween was like, something new to me when I first set foot here in America. You see, in the Philippines where I originally hail from ,  Halloween is not a holiday. Instead, All Souls Day and All Saints Day are commemorated on November 1st and November 2nd, after Halloween. When I was doing this research about Halloween, I was surprised that there are distinctive similarities of these holidays---the common factor is spirits of the dead.

Originally introduced by the Spaniards who colonized and ruled the Philippines in the 15th century, All Saints (or Todos Los Santos ) and All Souls Day are celebrated in the Catholic-dominated Philippine islands. When the Romans invaded the British empire, including the whole of Ireland and Scotland, the Catholic Church took over the Samhain celebration starting on the eve of November 1 which the pagans call "All Hallows Day." But "All Hallows Day" was never considered a Christian holiday. Instead, the Catholic Church honor the souls of the saints during this day. November 2 was also ascribed by the Catholic Church to be the "feast of all souls" to honor and pay respect to the dead whose souls are still in a state of limbo  (in purgatory) before going to either heaven or hell. This is specific to the Roman Catholic Church who believes that there exists the souls of the departed faithful who have not yet been purified nor have reached heaven.

In the Philippines, All Saints Day or "Araw ng Namayapa" (Day of the Deceased), usually starts on the eve of October 31st when the families of the dead clean, repaint or repair tombstones,  adorn them with flowers, lit up candles, put up tents over the tomb markers or tombstones and set food. Most families spend an overnight stay, camping and sleeping at the tents they pitched around their dead's tombstones. The observance prevails until November 2 which is "All Soul's Day" . The Philippine government declares these days as national holidays giving all Filipinos the privilege to observe them.

But instead as a solemn homage to the dear departed, the holiday intended for the souls is apparently a joyous celebration for Filipinos with a party-like atmosphere in cemeteries. Pop music, food stalls, and commercial booths teem around the cemeteries capitalizing on the profit potentials of the holiday. These rituals are odd to other Christian nations but, to Filipinos the merriment of these holidays are "in celebration with the dead" believing that this holiday can lift the spirits of their  burdens of losing a loved one. Filipinos are generally happy people who want to remember their exultant moments with their dead relatives when they were alive rather than observing these holidays soberly and pensively.

Now that I'm here in America, I do not look forward to this holiday anymore. Besides , being a Christian, I don't believe in the Catholic tenet of purgatory . These holidays for saints and the deceased are not parts of the American culture and tradition. What I do  instead is offer a special prayer for my late father and  deceased grandparents. 

What about your stand on Halloween? Do you celebrate it? Do you believe it has strong dark and evil practices? Do you believe in purgatory? Do you think the Filipinos way of joyously celebrating All Saints and All Souls Days contradict the purposes of paying respect to the departed souls?

CHEAP HOTEL RATES

Yesterday, one of my Facebook friends, posted new photos of her recent trip to Paris, Zurich and Barcelona. The photos captured her spending cherished moments with her husband. The couple always take frequent travels around the world and the great thing about their journeys is that they're mostly spontaneous.

A WINTER BOOTIE CALL

Last week, the weather was dreadful, more like frightful. A sudden deluge of rain, thunderstorm and hail bombarded the northeast. Temperatures were also dipping to the 30's that called for everyone to grab their pouffy winter down jackets. I could not believe it myself that I have to turn up the heat to high because  as early as last week for days because the weather was icky, yucky, and crappy. It was more like January in October. I wanted to go home.

You know, most of my  regular readers here  know that I absolutely detest the winter season. Coming from the 7,100 tropical islands of the Philippines where the weather is summer all year round, I'm still not used to the chill here in this side of America.  It's only October and fall had just started less than a month ago, and things had already started to be bitterly cold. When cold days overwhelm me, I always go down in the dumps. I yearn to go home to my warm motherland.

But instead of booking a flight back to my country, I hit Walmart to buy a new pair bootie slippers. My feet get cold first sending me chills all over my nerves and muscles. That is why I make sure my feet are always covered all day and all night. Then we have to stock up lip balms/moisturizers. My favorite is  the eco-friendly Burt's Bees. I also have to double up the gobs of  hand cream. I used Avon last winter, but this time, I am going to try the one I got as a gift from purchase of Yves Rocher products.  The freezing temps cause my hands to get really dry. My husband bought two Snuggies which we love. A Snuggie is a fleece throw with sleeves that allow your hands free to do anything. We also took out the electric blanket. At night, we don't turn the heat on, but instead bundle up with our electric blanket that we got for $60 last year. It definitely reduced our heating bills in the winter. Also, my husband and I applied plastic film  on to our windows to block any gaps causing cold air to seep indoors. This technique has been helpful to us in saving electricity by avoiding usage of the heater all day.

Socks with Toes

Our ever reliable electric blanket

 

Plastic for windows

 

My Snuggie

Slipper booties from Walmart

Connecticut's electricity cost is the highest in continental USA. Another reason for us to get out of this cold, rich state. Don't ask me how much we pay because I don't even want to tell you. It's ridiculously expensive. 

Anyway, an online buddy, PJ of PJ's Prose had sent me a nice gift---an early Christmas gift perhaps? She sent me a sample of her homemade body lotion and facial scrub. I was thrilled. She concocted this lotion and facial scrub herself at the comfort of her home. I tried the lotion and gee, it was good. It did not leave a greasy feeling and it made my skin really soft and silky. I'm very picky about exfoliating my face with scrubs because some products have harsh granules or grains that do more harm than good to the skin. I only use Aveeno Daily Radiance Exfoliating Facial Scrub. But I tried PJ's facial scrub anyway, and I was surprised it was gentle enough to use.  Plus of course, the scrub was made from natural ingredients, as well as the lotion.

 

PJ's lotion and facial scrub samples

Well then, right now, I am bracing myself for the comeback of subzero temps  in the next few weeks.  I know I will hate it, but that's what I have to live with. Things may be uncomfortable and I may never like it. However, each season brings is a hope. Just like life, there's a season that is always temporary and fleeting. The most important thing, there is always a promise that all of us pass through each season. As God created seasons to teach us  the promise of His faithfulness, He also teaches us that His faithfulness and our perseverance guarantees that life will not overcome us, but we will overcome it.

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WHAT I HATE IN MY COUNTRY IS WHAT I LOVE IN AMERICA

TO IMAGINE VACATION

This year's summer passed by quickly. In the wink of an eye, it sped and ended. Autumn came last month, but instead of 3 months of enjoying the coolness as it preludes to winter, winter came unexpectedly. Last week, the northeast of America felt a sudden drop of temperatures which makes October more like January. Instead of enjoying fall, we found ourselves griping about the sudden drop of temperatures, along with the deluge of rain, thunderstorm, and hail. Days like these make me depressed and sullen. At the same time, this yucky weather makes me crave for a vacation somewhere in a tropical islands. How I wish it's back to summer.

HOW TO SPOT A FILIPINO ACCORDING TO MY AMERICAN HUSBAND

Before I got married to my American darling, I asked him if he ever dated an Asian. He said he did briefly date a Chinese woman who was born and raised in New York. She was  not  only America-nized, but a natural born American. I asked  him also if he had been around with Filipinos before. He told me that there was no occasion or chance  he could remember.

Lately, I am blown by surprise when I discovered that  he could decipher a Filipino everywhere----in the mall, on the streets, and on TV. He said it's easy. I guess taking him to every Filipino gathering I know and sometimes being the only American made him observe us with all our idiosyncrasies.  According to him, the  only difficult part to discern Filipinos is when Filipino musical artists sing----he said he could hardly distinguish an accent. Well, just like British musicians, they sing with an indiscernible British twang. 

Although this topic is covered by  some bloggers, I was most inspired by this "How to Spot a Filipino" article in  a discussion forum.  But here on my post, I would only cover what my husband find awesomely amusing. With almost 6 years of marriage, and a year of dating, my husband is becoming really good in detecting a Filipino in more ways than I know.

Here is his list (I used "he" as a general pronoun. All underlined texts are links to my previous posts that discuss these topics wholly.)

1) When he says the word "already"  multiple times in one sentence ---example, " I already booked him already,sir for tomorrow, already." Already is only used when the action happens too soon before it should happen as in  "He already left (Because he should not leave yet at this time).

2) When he points with his lips instead of his hands or fingers.

3) When he/she looks Asian  with a Spanish last name.

4) When he says "wid" instead of "with" or "dat" instead of "that", "brader" instead of "brother,", "mader" instead of "mother," and so on.

I was guilty of such, but I successfully erased that habit of pronouncing the "th" as "d." 

5)When she (particularly a Filipino woman) is  terribly afraid of the sun.

6) When she  uses an umbrella when she's out in the sun.

7) When he constantly offers food to everyone.

8) When he eats with a spoon and a fork.

9) When he says he takes a bath when he means a shower.

10) When he says "Sige" frequently when he talks with his fellow countrymen.

11) When he says "she" for "he" or "he" for "she"  and so on. (Filipino pronouns do not convey any gender. Filipino pronouns are "unisex" such as Siya, or Kanya are not indicative of the person's sex.)

12) When he loves to sing karaoke (videoke).

13) When he wears a different pair of slippers for "inside" the house, and a different pair of slippers  for "outside" the house.

14) When he brings lunch to work or school consisting of rice and another dish all placed  in one container.

15) When he calls everybody Tito or Tita to people who are unrelated to him.

16) When his car has either a rosary hanging overt the windshield or a sticker of  a Philippine flag .

17) When he says "I don't like you" when he's mad at you or upset at something you did.

18) When his middle name is his mother's maiden name.

19) When he writes each and every name from his birth certificate on every written form or document.

20)When he just smiles when you greet him with "Hi, how are you ?"

Have you spotted a Filipino today?

A smiling Filipino boy . Photo courtesy of my good friend, Jojie Alcantara.

PLAY FREE BINGO ONLINE

In cyberspace, online games thrive. Mostly geared for men, teenagers and tweens, these game sites are everywhere. Many are absolutely hooked into this kind of recreation that made gaming sites are so popular. One of the games that is catching  up a fever is online bingo.

Online bingo is very fun to play not only because it provides hours of amusement but also it offers cash prizes to the winners. One gaming site that allows participants to play free bingo,  also gives instant prizes. More than an online bingo site, it is actually an online community with so much fun activities. Such an enjoyable place to hang around for ladies ---play free bingo, win instant prizes, chat, along with multiple games, progressive jackpots, online magazine, blog, and so much more.

TAKE AN "AMERICAN RIDE" WITH ME AND TOBY KEITH

Country singer Toby Keith croons this sarcasm-infused video of America's status quo. Watch and listen to the lyrics. "That's us, That's right, Gotta love this American ride!"

Below the video, I supplied the complete lyrics.

Toby Keith - American Ride

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Winter gettin' colder, summer gettin' warmer
Tidal wave comin' cross the Mexican border
Why buy a gallon, its cheaper by the barrel
Just don't be busted singin' Christmas carols

That's us, That's right
Gotta love this American ride
Both ends of the ozone burnin'
Funny how the world keeps turnin'
Look ma, no hands
I love this American ride
Gotta love this American ride

Momma gets her rocks off watchin' Desperate Housewives
Daddy works his can off payin' for the good life
Kids on the YouTube learnin' how to be cool
Livin' in a cruel world, pays to be a mean girl

That's us, That's right
Gotta love this American ride
Both ends of the ozone burnin'
Funny how the world keeps turnin'
Look ma, no hands
I love this American ride
Gotta love this American ride

Poor little infamous America's town
She gained five pounds and lost her crown
Quick fix plastic surgical antidote
Got herself a record, can't even sing a note

Plasma gettin' bigger, Jesus gettin' smaller
Spill a cup of coffee, make a million dollars
Customs caught a thug with an aerosol can
If the shoe don't fit, the fit's gonna hit the shan

That's us, That's right
Gotta love this American ride
Both ends of the ozone burnin'
Funny how the world keeps turnin'
Hot dog, Hot damn
I love this American ride
Gotta love this American ride
Oh yeah,

na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na........... nanananananana

So what do you think? Does this song literally capture what America today is? Yes ? Or no?

FIX YOUR CREDIT AND MORE

It's been a known fact that a lot of Americans today suffer from credit card debt. In such an unstable economy, where a bleak financial future looms over us, most of us are struggling with our finances. Worse, many people face such a heavy problem of meeting their own household needs as well as paying their credit card debt.

A few years ago, my husband's low credit score had caused  a stressful time for him. He could not obtain a home loan in preparation for our marriage. When I came to his life, I immediately helped him do the task to repair credit. We sat down together, made a budget, and called for help. The help that we got successfully put us back on the right financial track. When I had trouble in paying my credit card a long time ago, I sought help from repair credit firms to help me fix my credit. So, I know how it felt to be in such dire straits that I urged my husband that we seek assistance.

OUTDOOR GEAR SALES

Reading a lot of materials about saving and discount shopping, I try to put all the information and techniques to use for myself. I'm a sucker for discounts. As much as possible, I don't buy regular price but instead the lowest price I could ever find. Usually, I discover sales and discount coupons from browsing online. I also use price comparison sites to look for those deals.

Usually, at this time summer gear such as  for  outdoor  activities are sold at give-away prices.  I am thinking of buying frisbees for my nephews and gifting my brothers with target-shooting equipment.  I also looked for  outdoor furniture that are great on decks, patios and garden lawns.  I'm envisioning my dream house with a big patio overlooking a sea. There also backpacks that are on sale online. There are so many backpacks available online at very low prices such as leather backpacks, themed backpacks, and wheeled backpacks.

SUNDAY BLAH-BLAHS

It is Sunday today. Normally, we go to church. But my husband got home at six this morning after last night's gig at faraway Albany in New York. I also woke up so  late  at 10:56 because I could not sleep last night. Our church's last service is at 11:00 this morning.  Usually , we're only 10 minutes late if we are late for church. But this time, we both could not make it.

Whenever I can't go to church, I spend about an hour reading my devotionals and listening to praise music while I meditate. But it is really different being in church, fellowshipping with one another, hearing God's Word through our pastor. That's why I'm always excited going to our church. Being there is different from praying  and reading my Bible alone at home. The devotional's scripture for today is summed up in a post in my Praise blog, entitled. "God Loves Us , He Really Does." Actually I just copied it to share it with others. Take a look at it.

Anyway, trees are starting to turn yellow, orange, and in a myriad of colors as a prelude to the most dreaded season of the year---winter.  Currently, the weather is still ambivalent being warm in some days , and cold in other days. However, we all know this is not going to be forever because inevitably,  the bitterness of the next season is to come.

With the  season changing, I have recently snagged a part-time job in  New York. I go to work every Friday for a whole day or even sometimes,  extending to half a day of Saturday. I don't earn that much, about $15.00/hr. ,  but it's great rather than sitting on my ass all week long, trying to figure out whether to blog about this or not, or whether there's a paid review opportunity available for me that is offering more than $9.00 per review.  (I don't do paid reviews of less than $9).

Sometimes, I find myself absolutely tired of blogging. I might go back to working full-time when there's a good job that I'm willing to slave for where my skills are put into good use, and compensated accordingly. When I started blogging, I thought this is an awesome thing to do. But in the long run,  blogging sapped my energy, my optimism,  and  replaced it with pessimism. I am becoming exhausted of blogging not only because of the criticisms, but because of the stress  caused by other "bloggers"  who want to let other bloggers know of  what should you do or what you should not do about your blog.  Like for instance, there's this blog post I read that says "How much is the value of your blog?" recommending his readers to have their blogs evaluated their net worth. Who the hell cares about how much your blog is? Am I trying to sell my blog? And if I want to, who will ever buy it? Some individual who's like me with the same experience and attitude I have here in America? Let us count those people...hmmm. The valuation site that he referred was  inaccurate , reading my stats and PR with erroneous information. I don't know why he recommended that site when it does not give you correct information.

In the meantime, Entrecard, the so-acclaimed  "free advertising network" is now displaying their own ads as part of their beta for their controversial paid ad advertising. Their new system, which I think defeated their purposes of "free advertising" that resulted to a lot of disgruntled members, who left Entrecard. Still, a vast amount of members are contemplating whether to abandon Entrecard or not. Personally, I do not like how the system works. I tried suggesting some ideas to them but I guess, who is "me" to take them seriously. Entrecard ignored everybody, pushing their "profiteering schemes" much to the dismay of the members who are Entrecard's own lifeblood.  The customer support is worse. Very condescending. That is why I am thinking of leaving. But sometimes, I do think of the traffic it gets although the bounce rate it rakes up is so high. 

But because I am  extremely pooped about blogging, I really don't know. I am just continuing this blog because I do make money here. If I stop blogging, this blog would be mostly paid posts. But I don't want it that way. That is why I still continue to write that MIGHT amuse you or inform you  or provoke you. So, I really don't know where this blog goes. As I've said before , Google might rank ,it PR 0  again and that would probably be the death of this blog. Besides, only a few of my friends really stop by to comment unlike before. People only just drop their Entrecard like hit-and-run. But in the meantime, I am staying still.  I positioned my Entrecard widget way down below in my sidebar because I don't like Entrecard's  fugly advertising widget.

I might go back to working full-time. After the holidays, early next year, I am going to seek full-time employment. I thought blogging was fun, but I am wrong.

OBTAINING A U.S. VISA

America is known as the land of the free, and mostly recognized as the land of opportunities. Even with the downturn of the economy, people from all over the world come to America, either to sight-see, study, do business or work. That's why every year, a great number of people from different countries seek assistance in obtaining a visa US.

The requirements for acquiring a US visa can be daunting and a big task for so many. Aside from that, there are so many complex processes that can cause more stress than anyone could ever expect. When I heard that a former classmate of mine expressing her intention to apply for a US visa so she can visit her sick cousin based in Texas, I told her about Global Visas which I found online. As I've perused its site, I am convinced that this would help her attain what my ex-classmate want. It is a world leading authority on immigration and visas for both corporate organizations and private individuals. It fully assists applicants even on UK, Canada and Australia visas.

SUPERNANNY: A RESCUE TO PARENTS BREEDING BRATS?

Supernanny is one of my favorite reality TV shows that is shown, usually in marathons , on Style Network. It is centered on a British nanny who attempts to restore peace, happiness, love and discipline to chaotic, dysfunctional, and burnt-out stress-filled families whose children's misbehavior is enough to cause a freakish nightmare.

Originally programmed at ABC, and a spin-off from "Nanny 911", Supernanny does not usually go around the realm of British families, but mostly  American families whose lives are disrupted by their inabilities to function fully well and enjoy their children as they are supposed to. The English nanny is Jo Frost, whose 25 years experience  of childsitting have given her  reliable, proven, no-nonsense, honest approach to instilling discipline and supervision of  children . She goes around on a  black London taxi,  knocking on American families' doors, with her laptop  instead of an umbrella.

I used to wonder why it's a British nanny recuperating American families  in this reality-bites TV fare.  Then I learned that British nannies are the best caregivers in the world, according to industry experts urging a lot of American families to seek British super-help. But in another research, most nannies hired in America are underpaid. If mothers claim to have 3 jobs because they are "at-home-mothers" and they're worth over a $100,000 salary, why do most nannies in America earn less than $25,000? Looking after the welfare of another one's children, taking them to school, fetching them, cooking for them, feeding them, assisting in their homework, picking up after their mess, doing their laundry, cleaning, vacuuming, reading them books, playing with them, taking them to playdates, and making sure they're not scratched, teaching them what is right and wrong, hugging them when they need it the most ---are they of less of value than what their own mothers seek to be merited for?

Going back to Supernanny, the nanny-cam which is usually utilized for eavesdropping babysitters  on the job, but on this show it is turning the other tide. The nanny-cam in Supernanny gives viewers glimpses of how terrible and embarrassing parents transform their children into potential monstrosities. It also gives us a montage of how some American parents shamefully breed brats. Scenes of relentless , unabated tantrums, crude  and boorish retorts, unfounded snippiness, physical attacks between the kids and against their parents, atrocious  whines, panic attacks among kids---are shown with parents screaming and yelling, allowing themselves to be punching bags, ignoring their children, criticizing their physical appearance,  spending more time on the PC and on the phone, degrading their own spawns, giving up control over their little monsters, over-indulging them as if the kids are their masters, trying to be the "friend" instead of the parent, among other things. Jo, the Supernanny, on the other hand, dishes advice only after she unapologetically tells what the parents are doing wrong. Most oftentimes, the parents break down to tears in their frustation to bring peace and harmony in their lives.

What I could see, Supernanny is not what it seems to be---focusing on instilling discipline to kids. Instead, behind those abominable little imps, are parents who are to blame. Supernanny is a nanny to parents, (not to the children)---helping parents to gain control over their children, and curing parents of their dangerous methods of parenting. It is obvious that the whole being of an offspring stems from how the progenitor leads them. Basically, what is viewed here on Supernanny US broadcast, is simply put, that "the kids grow up the way they were reared by their parents." In essence, misbehavior and lack of discipline in children reflect the parents' ability to raise them.

Most episodes are intriguingly absorbing, or heart-tugging. But all episodes just point out one theme---that all unhappy families have wild out-of-control kids whose parents have no clue on how to put reins on them.

Although spiced up like a tabloid, with its worst transgressions and ugliest real-life scenes, it "suggests how bad American kids can be "(according to NY Times), all because of their parents. However, they all imply that Supernanny does not tend to the kids as nannies should, but tend to the parents in how they should act and behave around their children.  Otherwise, if not revived, restored and rescued, the parents and their children will inevitably have miserable  lives. 

How about you, if you are a parent, do you think you can manage your children? Are your kids out-of-control? Do you have a parenting advice? Do you watch Supernanny? If you are not a parent, what do you think should be your best approach to disciplining a kid? Do you think parents are to blame for their children's attitude and behavior?

CHECK OUT RELATED POSTS:

WORLD'S SCARIEST KIDS

WHEN AMERICAN KIDS ATTACK THEIR CAREGIVERS

CALL MY NAME AND I WON'T BE THERE

WHEN AMERICANS GO TO SCHOOL

I'M SENDING YOU TO THE PHILIPPINES

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