MikeLigalig.com

By Veronica Uy
Inquirer.net

Despite the government ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Jordan, more than 3,000 went there from January to August this year, Philippine Migrant Rights Watch said Thursday.

PMRW chairman Carmelita Nuqui, who has just arrived from Jordan, said the information was given to her by Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Julius Torres.

The more than 3,000 OFWs who went to Jordan this year are on top of the estimated 8,000 illegally staying Filipinos in the Middle East country as of December 2007.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs figures, of the 22,464 Filipinos in Jordan, 108 are permanent residents, 14,356 are temporary residents, and the rest have irregular status.

Nuqui said most of the illegal Filipino workers in Jordan were able to leave the Philippines because of the so-called “escort” system, where corrupt immigration and airport officials literally shepherd the departing OFW, allowing them to bypass regular checks.

She said the fact that Jordan also issues a visa on arrival emboldens the OFWs and their traffickers into defying the ban.

Nuqui went to Jordan last week and took a look at the state of the OFWs housed at the halfway houses for those who run away from their employers.

She said that contrary to the provisions of the law on migrant workers, most of the OFWs there are idle.

The sheltering workers are provided no activities -- livelihood and skills seminars, or even psychological therapy for those who were abused and raped -- at the halfway houses, she said.

Buwadsanga, you can also send this story through Tubag Bohol's "Send Topic" option found near the 'Print' option.

Balong,

I have reset the permission. Members can now view other people's profile.

(PLR Article) Most of us who use computers are afraid of spyware and the problems it causes. So, you learn all about spyware and the ways to protect yourself from it. How will you know whether you have complete knowledge? Well what you can do is to surf the World Wide Web for the latest on spyware and computer security.

You can test your knowledge by taking self-tests and quizzes. Companies like Microsoft are very consumer friendly and make an effort to upload tons of information on computers and software for users in search of knowledge.

According to Microsoft you can test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

1.   How will you prevent children from accidentally downloading spyware? 

The answer must be: You can prevent children from downloading spyware by giving them a limited user account.

2.   What are browser cookies?

Ans: These are created by unethical persons to track your browsing preferences for their own use, to spam your pc with advertisements and marketing ploys,  to steal personal information like bank account details, credit card numbers and so on, and to cause harm to your computer and business by stealing data/files.

3.   How can you use technology to protect your computer? 

Ans: Many giants in computer technology are offering software and hardware to prevent spyware attacks. For example Windows Defender Beta 2 is one option.

4.   What is Windows Defender?

Ans: It is an anti-spyware software that can detect spyware and warn you immediately, inform you of possible dangers and new spywares, remove spyware. It protects your PC against pop ups, slow functioning, security threats, and infections.

5.   What are common signs that show your computer is infected?

Ans: Signs are unwarranted pop ups, strange PC behavior, change in homepage settings, appearance of new tool bars not installed by you, slowing down of computer, loss of files, crashing of computer, and so on.
 
6.   What are the precautions to be taken?
Ans: Precautions are: install a fire wall, update all software, pay attention to security settings, use anti-spyware programs, use the internet safely.

7.   Is a firewall useful?

Ans: Yes, it examines all information and acts as a filter anything even faintly suspicious will not be permitted, it will create a protective cloak and prevent undesirable sources from detecting your computer on the net.

8.   How does spyware work and what protects your computer?

Ans: A spyware is a thief it can use information on you, steal files, and place undesirable material on your computer. The pc must be protected by use of firewall, anti-spyware hardware as well as software, and careful browsing as well as downloads.

9.   Where can you get protection against spyware?

Ans: There are many choices a few are: Platinum Internet security 2005, Microsoft Beta 2, Webroot Spy Sweeper, Sunbelt Counter Spy, and Spybot.

10.     Name three security measures?

Ans: One must not open e-mails with attachments from unknown sources; use a spam guard for all e-mail accounts, and avoid using messengers. 


These days knowledge is available at the click of a mouse button so update your knowledge base and keep abreast of new developments.

By remotehelpdesk1.com

There are many things that cause a computer to be sluggish from software to hardware.  It can be too small a hard drive or not enough RAM. It can be anything from BIOS and/or Operating System Settings to programs that are eating up your CPU and RAM (no matter how much you have). Or it can be your network.

Personally, I work my computer like a young mother with a house full of kids 12 to 18 hours a day. 

That mother needs to unwind at the end of the day and so does my computer and probably yours too.

Here are 9 Tips in the order they should be completed that can help keep your computer happy and working without complaining:

1.  This is so basic I shouldn't need to say it, Keep Which Ever E-Mail Program You Use Cleaned Out. I have clients who are always complaining, but who refuse to dump years and years of accumulated e-mail.

2.  Make sure you have a good anti virus program (Only one per computer please), have it up to date, and auto monitoring.

3.  Make sure you have a good anti spy ware program (Only one per computer), have it up to date, and auto monitoring.

4.  Run Disk Clean Up Daily (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Clean Up - a box opens - make sure each box is checked, click 'OK' - a box pops up - Click Yes).

5.  Delete Cookies and Cached Files Daily (Start, Control Panel -if you have not done it yet, click 'Switch To Classic View', Internet Options - a pop up box will appear - Delete Cookies, Click OK, Click Delete Files - check 'Delete All Offline Content' - Click OK, Now Set Your Clear History to no more than 7 Days - if you haven't used it for a week you probably won't miss it - Click OK)

6.  A very important step almost everyone misses:  Empty The Prefetch Folder (Start, My Computer, 'C' , Windows, Prefetch Folder, Edit, Select All, File, Delete - pop up box appears - Click Yes, Close Windows Window)

7.  Empty Recycle Bin. For the sake of brevity, I am assuming everyone knows where it is and how to empty it.

8.  Scan Hard Drive 'C' (Start, My Computer, Right Click 'C' - box opens - Click Properties at the bottom - another box opens - Click Tools,  Click Check Now, Make sure both 'Automatically fix file system errors' and 'Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors' are checked, Click Start.  Get a cup of java (oh, black, thank you) and Wait !

9.  Defrag Computer (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter - window opens - Select 'C' Drive, Click Defragment). Pop a top and Wait !

The last two steps (8 and 9) can take awhile if they have not been done recently.  I complete this entire routine on my computer just before I stop work for the day everyday and the entire sequence takes no longer than 20 minutes and often much less.

You can find more help with free download links at http://www.remotehelpdesk1.com

This story will shatter every atheist's reluctance to accept the truth that there is God.

Question of the day: Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company? Why?

Today, we're happy to announce the release of the beta version of a new
open-source browser: Google Chrome. We encourage you to download it and
give it a try.Google Chrome features a simple and intuitive user
interface and an entirely new architecture designed for speed,
security, and stability. You can find out more about other Google
Chrome features here.For publishers, you should see the ads on your
pages continue to appear as normal in Google Chrome; we built Google
Chrome so that most webmasters and site owners shouldn't have to make
changes to their sites. If your site is compatible with Safari, it
should also be compatible with Google Chrome, as they are both built
using WebKit. If you have any questions regarding compatibility with
your site, feel free to refer to our webmaster site.To learn more about
why we built Google Chrome, see our official Google blog.

Posted by Brian Rakowski - Google Chrome Product Manager

We still have a problem on PM inbox. Ako pud dili pa ka-open. Im still fixing this problem.

In the meantime, please use our TubagBohol.com email. It's easy and it has a lot of features. You can also chat through Tubag Bohol email.

Hi Mela,

To read some of the works of Boholano poets, Click this link

From Google's Development Team

Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier.

One box for everything
Type in the address bar and get suggestions for both search and web pages.

Thumbnails of your top sites
Access your favorite pages instantly with lightning speed from any new tab.

Shortcuts for your apps
Get desktop shortcuts to launch your favorite web applications.

Download from this link: http://www.google.com/chrome

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy speaks to his Class on the Problem Science has with GOD, The ALMIGHTY.

He asks one of his new Christian students to stand and . . ..

Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son ?
Student    : Yes, sir.
Professor : So you Believe in GOD ?
Student    : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD Good ?
Student    : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student    : Yes.

Professor : My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him.
                   Most of us would attempt to Help Others who are ill.
                   But GOD didn't.
                   How is this GOD Good then ? Hmm ?

( Student is silent )

Professor : You can't answer, can you ?
                   Let's start again, Young Fella.
                   Is GOD Good ?
Student    : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student    : No..
Professor : Where does Satan come from ?
Student    : From .. . . GOD . .. .
Professor : That's right.
                   Tell me son, is there evil in this World ?
Student    : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it ?
                   And GOD did make Everything. Correct ?
Student    : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil ?

( Student does not answer )

Professor : Is there Sickness ? Immorality ? Hatred ? Ugliness ?
                   All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they ?
Student    : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who Created them ?

( Student has no answer )

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you.
                   Tell me, son . . .. Have you ever Seen GOD ?
Student    : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD ?
Student    : No , sir.
Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD ?
                   Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter ?
Student    : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor : Yet you still Believe in HIM ?
Student    : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist.
                   What do you say to that, son ?
Student    : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes. Faith. And that is the Problem Science has.
Student    : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat ?
Professor : Yes.
Student    : And is there such a thing as Cold ?
Professor : Yes.
Student    : No sir. There isn't.

( The Lecture Theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events )

Student    : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold..
We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that.
There is no such thing as Cold.
Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

( There is Pin - Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )
Student    : What about Darkness, Professor ? Is there such a thing as Darkness ?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness ?
Student    : You're wrong again, sir.
Darkness is the Absence of Something.
You can have Low Light, Normal Light , Bright Light, Flashing Light . . .
But if you have No Light Constantly, you have Nothing and it's called Darkness, isn't it ?
In reality, Darkness isn't.
If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you ?

Professor : So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student    : Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is Flawed.
Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how ?
Student    : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality.
You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD.
You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought.
It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that
Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing. 
Death is Not the Opposite of Life : just the Absence of it.
Now tell me, Professor, do you Teach your Students that they Evolved from a Monkey ?
Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student    : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir ?

( The Professor shakes his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the Argument is going )

Student    : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and
                   cannot even prove that this Process is an On - Going Endeavor,
                   are you not Teaching your Opinion, sir ?
                   Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher ?

( The Class is in Uproar )

Student    : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever Seen the Professor's Brain ?

( The Class breaks out into Laughter )

Student    : Is there anyone here who has ever Heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, Touched or Smelt it ? . . .
                   No one appears to have done so.
                   So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that
                   you have No Brain, sir.
                   With all due respect, sir, how do we then Trust your Lectures, sir ?

( The Room is Silent. The Professor stares at the Student, his face unfathomable

Professor : I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student    : That is it sir . . .
                   the Link between Man & GOD is FAITH.
                   That is all that Keeps Things Moving & Alive.

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s leading airline to the ASEAN, will start operating international flights out of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga starting November 8, 2008.

Clark is the gateway for central and northern Luzon and CEB’s fourth operational hub. Book your holidays early and avail of our zero fares. We will have daily flights from Clark to Hong Kong and Singapore; four times weekly to Macau; and three times weekly to Bangkok. Cebu-Clark flights also becomes a daily operation starting October 1, 2008!

The Clark Hub seat sale STARTS NOW until September 10, 2008 and is valid for travel from November 8 to December 17, 2008. The seat sale is non-refundable.

Hurry, more than 10,000 seats have been allocated for the Clark hub seat sale!

Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com, or call (632) 70-20-888, or visit your nearest travel agent.

Love should be mutual. Maghulat nalang ang girl kanus-a mamulak ang kasing-kasing sa laki.

Wa pud ta kahibalo basin na-trauma tong laki sa kiss sa girl kay basin first kiss pa to niya.

Dili pud mo-kiss tong nga girl if she knew nga wala silay pagbati nga gitan-ogan sa usag-usa. Nag-expect na gyud pud ang babaye nga sila na kay actions speak louder than words man.

Pero mao lagi pud. We cannot read people's minds. Wa ta kabalo unsay dagan sa hunahuna sa lalaki. Basin kadtong iya inigsuon lang or inig-agaw ba kaha ug namisinterpret sa babae.

Maayo man gud ning naa gyuy kwentas klaras. Magklarohay sa usag-usa kong unsa ba gyud. Kay bisan pa man gani ang pulong nga nasulti mahatagan pa man gani ug sayop nga kahulogan, unsa na kaha ang mga pulong nga wala pa malibkas sa ngabil?

Apan ang mga mata adunay mga pulong nga ikaw ug ang babaye lang ang makasabot ug makatugkad sa mga kahulogan. Usa kini ka misteryo nga kamo lang duha ang nahibalo.

Sa dili pa ko mopaambit sa akong mga huna-huna mahitungod niining bahina, manukad sa ko. Ug sulayon ko ug koykoy ang akong mga ngilit sa akong handurawan basin aduna pa koy mapunit nga tipaka sa mga kagahapon nga mahimong tubag ning maong pangutana.

I will be back later...

A US man has surrendered to police in Washington state, after a series of shootings left six people dead.

The shootings took place at various places in the north-west of the state.

A sheriff's deputy who went to investigate an incident was one of those killed; two construction workers were found shot nearby.

Following a chase along an Interstate highway, during which a motorist was killed, a man gave himself up at a sheriff's office in Mount Vernon.

Local police say the deputy sherrif went to investigate reports of a disturbance at a local residence in Skagit County, north of Seattle.

When he didn't return and failed to answer radio calls the alarm was raised.

The deputy's body was found at the scene alongside a second victim.

Then the construction workers were found and another body was discovered on a street a short distance away.

Law enforcement officials managed to track the gunman and a high speed car chase ensued during which the suspect is reported to have been shooting wildly. - BBC News

When using an anti-virus software to scan your disk, there are files in the hard disk where your operating system resides that should be excluded from the scanning process.

Instruction:
Do not scan the following files and folders. These files are not at risk of infection. If you scan these files, serious performance problems may occur because of file locking. Where a specific set of files is identified by name, exclude only those files instead of the whole folder. Sometimes, the whole folder must be excluded. Do not exclude any one of these based on the file name extension. For example, do not exclude all files that have a .dit extension. Microsoft has no control over other files that may use the same extensions as the following files.

•   Microsoft Windows Update or Automatic Update related files
•   The Windows Update or Automatic Update database file. This file is located in the following folder:
%windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore
Exclude the Datastore.edb file.
•   The transaction log files. These files are located in the following folder:
%windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore\Logs
Exclude the following files:
•   Edb*.log

Note
The wildcard character indicates that there may be several files.
•   Res1.log
•   Res2.log
•   Edb.chk
•   Tmp.edb

Source: Microsoft

Quoteaul Hamm, Gymnast: "I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father."

Who else? This is funny, but forgivable.

This article describes how to convert a FAT16 file system or a FAT32 file system to an NTFS file system in Microsoft Windows XP. The requirements or the conditions for converting your file system are explained first to minimize problems. A troubleshooting section is provided at the end of the article in case you experience any problems while trying the conversion.
Back to the top

INTRODUCTION

Microsoft Windows XP supports the following three file systems for fixed disks:
• FAT16
• FAT32
• NTFS

We recommend that you use NTFS with Windows XP because of its advanced performance, security, and reliability features. This article describes how to convert a FAT16 volume or a FAT32 volume to NTFS.

Back to the top

Requirements
Before you start to convert a FAT volume or a FAT32 volume to NTFS, consider the following limitations and requirements: • UDF and CDFS are only used with optical media and cannot be converted to NTFS.

• FAT12 is the only format used on floppy diskettes.

• Some earlier programs that were not written for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 or for Microsoft Windows 2000 may exhibit slow performance after you convert the FAT32 file system to NTFS.
This issue does not occur on a clean partition of NTFS. 

• You can use the convert command (Convert.exe) to convert an existing FAT volume or FAT32 volume to NTFS. Because this conversion retains all your files (unlike a format operation), use Convert.exe when you want to keep existing files on your volumes intact.

• The conversion to NTFS is a one-way process. After you convert a drive or a partition to NTFS, you cannot convert it back to FAT or to FAT32. To restore the volume to the previous file system, you must reformat it as FAT or as FAT32. This action erases all existing data including your programs and personal files. In this case, you must either restore your data from a backup, or reinstall your operating system and programs.

• Convert.exe requires that you have some free space on the drive or on the partition to convert it. If Convert.exe determines that there is not sufficient free space on the volume, it does not convert the volume.

• If you run other Microsoft Windows operating systems on your computer in addition to Windows XP, note the following issues: • Only Windows 2000 and Windows XP have full access to files on an NTFS volume.

• Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4) or later can access files on an NTFS volume. However, there are some limitations with files that are stored by using features from the latest version of NTFS.

• Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition and earlier, and MS-DOS cannot access files on an NTFS volume.


How to convert a FAT volume or a FAT32 volume to NTFS
Note Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion is minimal, we recommend that you perform a backup of the data on the volume that you want to convert before you start the conversion.

To convert an existing FAT or FAT32 volume to NTFS, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the drive that you want to convert:
convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs

For example, type the following command to convert drive E to NTFS:
convert e: /fs:ntfs

Note: If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting, you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is running. When you are prompted, click YES.

3. When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:
The type of the file system is FAT.
Enter the current volume label for drive drive letter
4. When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following message at the command prompt:
Conversion complete
5. Quit the command prompt.

Troubleshooting

• When you try to convert a volume to NTFS, you receive the following error message at the command prompt:
Convert cannot gain exclusive access to the drive letter drive, so it cannot convert it now. Would you like to schedule it to be converted the next time the system restarts? <Y/N>
This issue occurs when the volume that you are trying to convert is in use, for example, if the drive that you want to convert is the same drive where Windows XP is running.

To resolve this issue, type Y at the command prompt. The volume or drive is converted to NTFS the next time that you start your computer.

• When you try to convert a volume to NTFS, you receive the following error message at the command prompt:
Convert cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Convert may run if this volume is dismounted first. ALL OPENED HANDLES TO THIS VOLUME WOULD THEN BE INVALID. Would you like to force a dismount on this volume? <Y/N>
This issue occurs when there are files that are being used on the volume that you are trying to convert. This includes files that are accessed by users over the network.

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods: • Quit all the programs that are using the files on the drive, and then type y at the command prompt to convert the drive to NTFS.
• At the command prompt, type Y.

You receive the following error message:

Convert cannot gain exclusive access to the drive letter drive, so it cannot convert it now. Would you like to schedule it to be converted the next time the system restarts? <Y/N>
Type Y at the command prompt. The volume or drive is converted to NTFS the next time that you start your computer.


REFERENCES
For more information about Convert.exe, follow these steps to view a list of command line parameters:
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type help convert, and then press ENTER.

A list of command line parameters for Convert.exe appears. For more information about how much free space is required to convert FAT to NTFS, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
156560 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/156560/) Free space required to convert FAT to NTFS

By David C. McCasland
Daily Bread

At 3:00 one August morning, I awoke to experience a total lunar eclipse. It began at the precise moment the astronomers predicted and progressed just as they said it would. In one sense, it was a natural, recurring event, but it was also a phenomenal glimpse at the power and glory of God.

As the earth’s shadow crept slowly across a bright full moon, the psalmist’s words came to mind: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Ps. 8:3-4).

Planet earth is not all about us, but by God’s design, it involves us. The psalmist marveled at the heavens, but he was more amazed that the great Creator, whose glory is above the heavens, included us in His grand plan for the ages.

To worship any part of God’s creation stops short of giving glory to the One who made it. The Bible lifts our eyes to see that all creation proclaims the glory of God, who has showered His grace and love on us through Christ.

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:1).  â€" www.rbc.org

From the Daily Bread

I do not boast that God is on my side,” wrote Abraham Lincoln. “I humbly pray that I am on God’s side.”

Lincoln’s words paraphrase the thoughts Azariah expressed to King Asa of Judah. After the Spirit of God came upon Azariah, he said, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chron. 15:2).

Throughout history, people have done despicable deeds while boldly claiming that God was on their side. But being a Christian doesn’t guarantee that God is “on our side” any more than being an ancient Israelite guaranteed that God was on theirs (Isa. 3:14-15). God is on the side of those who are on His sideâ€"who know His heart and mind and do His willâ€"not those who insist on convincing God and others that their way is right.

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord indicated that He sides with the oppressed (Isa. 58:6-7,10). For Christians, that means it is right to be on the side of those who are being wronged.

Instead of jumping into a situation with the presumption that God is on our side, we need to be certain that we are on His.  â€" Julie Ackerman Link - www.rbc.org

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered government forces to hunt down perpetrators of the bomb explosion at a bus terminal in Digos City, Davao del Sur, that killed eight people.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, in a press conference at the sidelines of the joint National Economic Development Authority-Export Development Council (NEDA-EDC)-Cabinet meeting here, said "we condemn this act, the bombing that happened. Immediately, the President instructed the police and the military to pursue whoever is liable."

"Justice has to be served to the families of the victims," she added.

The President also convened today the National Security Council (NSC) cluster of her Cabinet here.

"As of now, anything is possible. The investigation is underway. It will be part of the NSC meeting," Fajardo said.

The incident was the second bombing that hit Metro Shuttle Bus Company in Digos after one of its fleets was also bombed on July 24 where a student was killed.

The Metro Shuttle Bus with body number 209 and bearing a licensed number plate LWS 613 left Davao City at around 2:00 p.m. bound for Malita, Davao del Sur.

At around 2:45 p.m., the bus, driven by Eduardo Fernandez, made a stop over at Digos City terminal but when the passengers were about to alight from the bus, the bomb suddenly exploded.

The ceiling of the bus was torn apart while glass windows were also broken due to the impact of the explosion.

Digos City police chief, Chief Inspector Anthony Padua could not yet give categorical statement as to the kind of bomb used as well as the group responsible for the bombing.

However, authorities do not discount the possibility that this is most likely the handiwork of the Al-Khobar extortion group, which has claimed responsibility for several such incidents in the past.

At present, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mindanao placed on "maximum alert" all public places, particularly terminals, malls, markets, air and seaports to avert further attacks by terrorist group and other lawless elements. - PNA

The BBC news website looks at the problem of teenage pregnancy in the US after the revelation that the 17-year-old daughter of Alaska Governor and new Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant.

The US is said to have one of the worst annual rates of teenage pregnancies in the developed world.

According to a report by Population Action International, published at the end of last year, there were 44 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 in the US for 2000-2005.

This compares with figures in the UK - itself said to be the country with the worst teenage pregnancy rate in Europe - of 27 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19.

Put differently, America is estimated to have some 750,000 teenage pregnancies a year.  - BBC News Online

Four members of the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) has announced of rolling back the prices of their petroleum products early morning Wednesday.

Eastern Petroleum, Flying V, Unioil Philippines and Seaoil Philippines said that they will reduce by P1.00 per liter the prices of their gasoline, kerosene and diesel.

Both Eastern Petroleum, Unioil and Flying V said it will start the rollback by 12:01 a.m. of Wednesday while Seaoil said their price reduction will start at 6am that same day.

Independent oil players said the rollback is to reflect the continued “softening of the prices in the international market”.

Major oil players, namely Petron Coporation, Shell and Chevron Philippines has not made any annoucement yet of imposing rollback.

This is the fifth rollback implemented by oil companies with the latest last Thursday where they slashed their prices by P1.00 per liter.

Earlier, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said that there will be more reductions in the prices of the petroleum products as a result of the continuing drop in the world prices.

As of September 2, 2008, monitoring conducted by the Department of Energy (DoE) indicated that Dubai crude dropped by US$ 111.55 per barrel lower than the US$ 112.86 per barrel average for the month of August and the US$ 131.27 average for the month of July.

On the other hand, MOPS for unleaded gasoline as of September 2, inched to US$ 118.65 per barrel, higher than the August average of US$ 115.49 per barrel.

MOPS for diesel likewise posted drop for September with US$ 133.25 per barrel as compared to the August average of US$ 135.26 per barrel and the July average of US$ 168.01 per barrel.

As of August 29, pump prices of unleaded gasoline range between P54.50 to P58.26; kerosene at P56.36 to P59.80; diesel between P52.20 to P54.09.  PNA

By Priam F. Nepomuceno
Philippine News Agency

The Court of Appeals (CA), in a 10-page decision, reversed its decision finding the former editors and reporters of the defunct The Manila Chronicle Publishing Corporation (TMCP) guilty of libel and ordering them to pay tycoon Alfonso Yunchengo the amount of P101 million that would have a “devastating and catastrophic effect” on press freedom.

The CA's 15th Division, in a ruling penned by Associate Justice Amelita Tolentino, reversed and set aside its March 18 ruling which upheld the order of the Regional Trial Court(RTC) of Makati City issued on November 8, 2002.

In the said decision, the lower court held that Raul Valino, Neal Cruz, Ernesto Tolentino, Noel Cabrera, Thelma San Juan, Gerry Zaragoza, Donna Gatdula, Rodney Diola and Robert Coyuito (defendants-appellants) were guilty for the crime of libel and ordered them to pay Yuchengco the total amount of P101 million.

Acting on the motion for reconsideration filed by the TMCP, the CA acknowledged that it failed to consider the proposition of the defendants-appellants that the subjects of the complaint fall within the concept of privileged communication implicit in the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press.

The CA added that it disregarded the fact defendants-appellants claim that Yuchengco is currently a public official, since he has been appointed as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs with Cabinet rank on Jan. 30, 2004 up to the present.

“Although malice is the essence of the crime of libel, we find that it is absent in the case at bar. The records are bereft of proof of actual malice on the part of the defendants-appellants for the imputations made in the subject articles,” the CA said.

Yunchengco had also previously occupied other prominent positions in the government such as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Presidential Special Envoy to China, Japan, Korea, Presidential Assistance on APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Conference) Matters, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of the Philippines to the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Council of Private Sector Advisors to the Philippine Government on the Spratlys Issue.

The businessman also heads the Yuchengco Group of Companies such as the Rizal Banking Commercial Corporation (RCBC), Malayan Insurance, Great Pacific Life Assurance Company, and the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT).

He also served as the chairman of the board of directors of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).

The CA said Yuchengco should be considered a public officer and that Article 354 of the Revised Penal Code should be used as a basis in dispensing the libel case.

The said provision states that “every defamatory imputation is presumed to be malicious, even if it be true, if no good intention and justifiable motive for it is shown…”

The CA stressed that as applied to public figures complaining of libel, the provision must be construed in the light of the constitutional guarantee of free expression and upholding the standard of actual malice with the necessary implication that a statement regarding a public figure if true is not libelous.

The provision itself, the CA said, allows for such leeway, accepting as a defense “good intention and justifiable motive.”

The CA noted that the subject articles deal with the operations of corporations which are imbued with public interest considering that Benguet Corporation and Oriental Petroleum and Mineral Resources are both publicly listed corporations to which the general public, more particularly, the small investors, have a stake in the same.

It added that RCBC is also a publicly listed corporation engaged in banking, which is certainly imbued with public interest.

In its March 18 decision, the CA did not give credence to the claim of the appellants that the published articles fall under those classified as privileged communication and within the ambit of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and of the press.

The appellants also insisted that the articles should be considered as fair report and commentaries on matters of public interest.

But in March 18 ruling, the CA pointed out that there is “preponderance of evidence” showing that there is malice in the writing and publication of the libelous articles published in the said newspaper.

It said that the appellants failed to get the side of Yuchengco before publishing the subject articles.

In his complaint, Yuchengco alleged that in last quarter of 1994, the Manila Chronicle published a series of defamatory articles against him branding him as a “Marcos crony” and naming him as a “corporate raider.”

Yuchengco stated further that the articles accused him of acting as a dummy for Marcos and Romualdez clans in Benguet Corporation, which company sought to take-over the management of Oriental Petroleum Mineral Corporation.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Tuesday the death toll from fighting between government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces in Mindanao has risen to 66 with more than P190 million in damages.

In its report, the NDCC said of the 66 fatalities, 43 were from Region 10, 15 from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and eight in Region XII. Of the 66 deaths, 57 were civilians, seven were law enforcers, and two were members of the MILF.

The report also said least 78 were reported injured while two civilians remain missing to date. There were 65 civilians and 13 law enforcement operatives among the injured.

The NDCC also identified the two missing civilians as Ruben Lopez and Alexis Kidlat, both of Kolambugan town in Lanao del Norte.

The NDCC also said the fighting had affected 88,243 families or 423,772 persons. Of these, 87,378 families or 419,447 persons still need assistance.

The NDCC also reported there are now 171 houses destroyed with 33 partially damaged to transfer.

The damages were still placed to more than P190 million as of Tuesday.

The council said the total cost of assistance from government agencies and local government units and non-government organizations reached to P49,859,212.18 as of Tuesday.

The agency also facilitated the release of more than 5,000 sacks of rice which were sent to North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan and to Basilan. - PNA

By Bangkok Post Reporters

Forty-three state enterprise labour unions under control of People's Alliance for Democracy organisers have agreed to stage strikes and to selectively cut water and electricity, halt Bangkok buses and delay all Thai International Airways flights beginning on Wednesday. The aim is to help PAD to force the government out of office.

Sawit Kaewwan, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation and a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said the unions will begin by cutting water and electricity supplies to provincial police offices - and then to other selected targets.

Telephone lines to government agencies and the homes of cabinet ministers will be cut.

Flights of Thai International flights will be delayed nationwide and about 80 per cent of Bangkok buses will stop running. In a reversal of the policy, train service was restored yesterday to the Northeast and North.

A union representative told the union meeting that the 7,500 staf of the Government Savings Bank will "follow the confederation's resolution."

Mr Sawit claimed the plan to cut essential services was in response to the use of force against PAD supporters.

Fellow PAD radical Sirichai Mai-ngam, president of the labour union at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, said the announcement of the confederation was only a threat, but then immediately said it would be put into action. The moves by the PAD-friendly labour unions were intended to protect the interests of the nation and were not for the benefit of state enterprise workers.

The confederation has 43 state enterprise labour unions with more than 200,000 members, Mr Sirichai said.

"Today is our D-Day. We have given them [the government] many chances.

"If the government does not resign, we will continue our operations until it quits," Mr Sawit said.

Boonma Pongma, vice-president of the BMTA's union, said there will be only 800 free red-cream buses left to serve Bangkok commuters, or about 20% of the whole fleet.

Somsak Manop, vice-president of Thai Airways International's union, said the union will delay the arrival and departure times of THAI aircraft and will reduce the number of flights.

Thammarat Ramkwan, president of the Provincial Waterworks Authority's union, said the union will initially cut water supplies to police stations across the country.

Phien Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority's labour union, said the union was considering cutting off the power supply to help the PAD pressure the government.

By Fred Amora
Bohol Standard

This early, supporters of a gubernatorial aspirant are reportedly moving heaven and earth to convince actor-director Cesar Montano from joining the 2010 gubernatorial race.

The Boholano actor is said to be finally aiming for the Capitol’s highest post. Such reports grew louder this week saying the actor has finally decided to go for it.

A source, however, disclosed to STANDARD that a meeting with a high profile local politician turned out positive as the actor reportedly is thinking it over, after being offered the first district congressional seat instead.

In the May 2007 elections, Montano was supposed to run for governor but some persuasive reasons prevailed the actor, who in the final stretch, joined instead the Arroyo administration senatorial ticket but failing to make it to the Magic 12 after the counting.

Montano was also dubbed in 2007 as the only real threat to the none-losing political streak of incumbent Governor Erico Aumentado.

It could not, however, be confirmed if that local politician referred to is outgoing first district congressman Edgar Chatto who is touted to have gotten interest in the Capitol seat.

A close aide of Chatto who does not want to be quoted dismissed the reports as ridiculous.

“If ever Chatto decides to run for governor, he will take anybody as opponent and won’t attempt to forge a compromise agreement with them,” the trusted Chatto confidant said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcQ7TuUAfug

This video was uploaded by Nestor Daarol of DYTR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rLcFYatmr0

Trinidad video is courtesy of Nestor Daarol of DYTR, Tagbilaran.

Written by Ven Arigo

Former Rep. Eladio Jala has offered to back up ally-turned-enemy ex-Gov. Rene Relampagos should the latter run for First District congressman in 2010 instead of seeking revenge against him or his son, incumbent Third District Rep. Adam Relson Jala.

Jala did not bat an eyelash in telling the Chronicle his willingness to fund Relampagos’ campaign as the former congressman divulged his likely comeback replacing his son.

If possible, Jala would not want another Jala-Relampagos encounter for congressman in the Third District.

The former capitol chief executive bowed to Jala’s son in the 2007 Third District congressional clash, although Relampagos claimed he was cheated.

In a talk with the Chronicle, the elder Jala acknowledged the strength of his former political patron to wage a second do-or-die in the Third District.

Jala considered Relampagos his strongest opponent should the latter try again to wrest the congressional hold of the Jalas.

The incumbent congressman was declared winner over Relampagos by a slim margin of just few thousand votes in the last election.

According to yet unverified reports, there are now attempts thru informal channels to convince Relampagos not to fight either of the two Jalas in 2010.

Relampagos has been observed making “intriguing” rounds in yet selected First District areas.
He has reportedly been advised to run for congressman here and not again in Jala’s “because there is no other easy, winnable option in 2010.” 

The incumbent First District congressman, Rep. Edgar Chatto, is serving his last term and touted to be the strongest contender for governor.

Gov. Erico Aumentado’s last term will expire in 2010.  He is rumored to stage a congressional comeback in the Second District.

While baring his interest in returning to Congress, Jala did not hint his plan for his first-termer son.
The father Jala expressed confidence to win as his son did in the 2007 election, but he foresaw a restless costly fight if his foe is Relampagos.

On the other hand, the First District congressional seat is open to newcomers on account of Chatto’s last term.

The other probable bet in Chatto’s district is last-term Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera while some quarters are watching the moves of Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim. 

Herrera, also a gubernatorial hopeful, and Lim have “discreet terms” in preparation for 2010, indicated some reports which added that the vice governor may not be comfortable facing Relampagos for congressman.

Analaysts say Relampagos can dictate vote-rich Loon while Herrera may fail to muster a convincing majority count in hometown Calape, which first-term mayor defeated Herrera’s nephew, former Mayor Ernest Herrera II, in 2007.

Jala said Relampagos could rightly choose to run for congressman in the First District should he wish to be back in power.

[mp3tube]ad16cf7c5d40849d750dbea804902856[/mp3tube]

I Want To Be Where You Are by Don Moen

There are still those who strongly believe that Manny will win in this fight. One factor they cited is Oscar's age. He is no longer that strong today, they say.

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

Nestor Daarol provides this video.

I remember I escorted the GMA News Team to San Jose, Mabini for this report. I still remember the eerie feeling of seeing mourning faces plastered all over the barangay.

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

San Jose, Mabini, Bohol in 2005. Nestor Daarol provides this video.

By GIEVER GZ â€"MPIO Designate

      Ubay turns 161 years tomorrow with highlights on the roles of farmers and fisherfolks as the towns has been groomed to be the first agricultural city in the Visayas.

      Fiesta organizers adopted the entry of Dr. Maya Tumalon, PhD, Ubay school district supervisor, to be this year’s theme: “Ubay Pinangga ko, kalamboan mo, kab-oton ko”.

      It was chosen during the executive meeting.

      The celebration will showcase the products of farmers and fishery sector at he exhibit at the Ramon Magsaysay gymnasium.

      A float parade will follow after the mass at Ramon Magsaysay gym.

      Mayor Eutiquio Bernales and local officials will lead the ribbon cutting and launching of LGU-initiated programs.

      National Government agencies, non-government organizations and peoples organizations also support the events by displaying their best products.

      Months earlier, Bernales ordered Municipal Agricultural Officer Nena Alangilan to allocate vegetable seeds for free to farmers who are willing to plant and the products will be displayed in the coming foundation celebration.

      During the event, a debate on the topic, “Ubay as an agricultural city” was launched for all secondary level students in the municipality.

      Ballgames were also initiated by the Ubay sports commission new president Nonito Nambatac of the 2nd sub-engineering district based in the town.

By Sen Guingguing
Sunday Post

      A lawyer has filed an administrative complaint against a cop assigned at Corella Police Station, for grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority.

      Lawyer Albert Tinampay filed the complaint against SPO1 Victor Gastanes of the Corella Police Station before the regional office of the National Police Commission in Central Visayas on August 17, the day after a confrontation with the police officer.

      Tinampay called for the summary dismissal of Gastanes for his arrogance, abuse of authority and drunkenness.

      In his affidavit dated August 17, 2008, Tinampay narrated that at around 4pm of August 16, while he was at his office along Gallares St., Tagbilaran City, he received an information through a phone call that a cargo truck of Anita Bongalos, owner-proprietor of JJ’s Coco Lumber, was apprehended by a policeman who was in civilian clothes, wearing short pants.

      Without any ID card and even refusing to give his name, the cop apprehended Bongalos’ truck without explaining the reason, and instead ordered the driver to tell the owner of the truck to appear before him right there and then.

      So, Tinampay said, he immediately proceeded to the area, together with Bongalos and some of her workers and friends.

      Upon arriving there, approximately 3-4 kilometers from the Poblacion of Corella, Tinampay introduced himself as legal counsel of Bongalos, and inquired what was the problem.

      The policeman, already in uniform then, answered “in a very loud disrespectful manner, saying ‘Ah, attorney, daghang violation ning maong truck’ (Ah, attorney, this truck has many violations)”, according to Tinampay.

      Tinampay learned that the policeman had earlier left the area for a while, leaving an instruction to the driver to wait for him and indeed returned later, already in uniform, but with a thin overcoat that covered his nameplate, a bit awkward considering the temperature.

      Tinampay requested the policeman to lower his voice, since they were just very near each other.

      Then he asked if the cop had any search warrant. The cop said he didn’t have any.

      “I then confronted him why he refused to give his name earlier when asked by the driver, but then he denied, but since the driver of the cargo truck stood pat that the policeman refused to give his name then, that was the only time that the policeman said, ‘Mao ba to?’ (Was that so?)” Tinampay further narrated.

      The lawyer then asked for his name and the cop told him he was SPO1 Victor Gastanes of Corella Police Station.

      “He likewise asked me what my name was and I told him that I already introduced myself to him earlier but nevertheless I introduced myself again to him as Atty. Albert Tinampay. He looked a bit surprised and asked what was the spelling of Albert. I found his question quite inappropriate coming from a policeman,” Tinampay narrated.

      He said he already sensed that there was something wrong with the cop, since he saw him, according to Tinampay.

      When the lawyer asked the cop to specify the violations of the cargo truck, Gastanes was allegedly mumbling as he mentioned Certificate of Registration of the truck and the Official Receipt for the registration.

      The driver said he already presented the OR and CR to the cop earlier, and that he (Gastanes) even brought them with him when he left the area a while ago.

      Tinampay then asked the cop if he was a duly deputized policeman by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

      The lawyer said Gastanes replied that all policemen are deputized.

      So the lawyer challenged him to issue the corresponding TOP if there was any violation as he had already committed arbitrary detention, grave coercion, and caused undue delay to the cargo truck, and to the workers and those who would be collecting for the salaries and wages as it was a Saturday, the schedule for release of wages.

      However, the cop said he had no TOP.

      Tinampay also said that at that time, he smelled liquor from the cop’s breath, so he immediately confronted the cop about his being drunk and “why he should be unlawfully apprehending the cargo truck. But the cop denied.

      So the lawyer ordered his driver to proceed to Poblacion, Corella to request the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) to come over and check the cop’s alcohol-smelling breath. And told the cop that in case he would prove negative, they would go to Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Training Hospital for examination on positive alcoholic breath.

      It was at that time that the cop returned the papers and offered a handshake. But Tinampay refused to accept his hand and told him that he doesn’t shake hands with a drunk and abusive policeman as the cop refused to submit for examination for alcohol-smelling breath.

      Tinampay said he even told the cop that he would hold him liable for his actuations that afternoon before he left the area.

Sunday Post:

      Local officials here led by Mayor Alvin Uy and the general manager of BRAABO, Joel Uychico conducted a two-day training and review for all boat captains in Pamilacan Island.

      The training and review was held at the Eutiquio Cimafranca Cultural Center in this town where Municipal Councilor Carmen Gatal gave the welcome address, on behalf of Mayor Uy.

      Mayor failed to be present during the activity, as he was attending the birthday celebration of his late father, Judge Antonio Oppus-Uy.

      Diosdado Dominguez and Roland Tolentino of the Philipppine Asia handled the review on the August 29 session, while the Marina conducted the examination the next day.

      Only those who will pass the examination can obtain licenses for boat captains from Marina.

      According to Uychico, it was the first time that the training and review for boat captains were conducted outside the Marina office.

      Uychico also said it his desire for all boat captains in Pamilacan Island and in Panglao manning vessels for whale-watching to have licenses for the them to always bear in mind their mandate and responsibilities.

      This is considering that most of their clients are tourists.

      Uychico is affiliated with the Ayala Foundation Inc.

By Sunday Post

The bidding of 13 Isuzu Crosswind XL for use by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan went on smoothly last week although some quizzical eyebrows were raised when it was learned that another supplier was capable of delivering the units at P17,000 lesser.

A supplier who refused to be identified intimated to the Post that had he been allowed to participate in the bidding, his quotation was only P783,000 for the same unit as specified in the Invitation to Bid by the Bids and Awards Committee.

This means that any private buyer from the local Isuzu dealer here will only pay the amount of P783,000.This was confirmed by a private Isuzu buyer who refused to be identified for fear of being dragged into the fracas.

When the local supplier was asked why he was not able to participate in the bidding although he had already prepared his quotation indicating the bid amount of P783,000, he said he  was reportedly prevailed upon by Isuzu-Mandaue. This is the same company that emerged as the lone bidder after the local supplier backed off upon its representation.

With this development, some concerned taxpayers lamented that if it was the case, then it appeared as if the winner was the highest bidder. It is mandated in the procurement of government supplies and or contracts that the winner  is always  the lowest bidder.

The same concerned taxpayers believed that if only the local supplier was awarded the contract to supply the motor vehicle requirement of the SP, it would have been to the advantage of the local economy taking into account the money in circulation.

Part of the  total purchase prize of P10.8 million representing the profit margin  of the supplier  for the 13 units of Izusu Crosswind XL should have circulated in Bohol if  only the lowest bidder was allowed to participate in the bid.

The purchase of the vehicles for SP members raised a howl of protest from various sectors when it came at a time when  Boholanos were inundated by the deluge of rising prices of basic commodities.

The SP members, however, particularly V-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, although sensitive to critical remarks, went ahead with the plan to buy the vehicles justifying that it was long overdue. The vice governor said the old vehicles used by SP members are already dilapidated and maintaining them has become more expensive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l1BxL1TqD0

Nestor Daarol of DYTR provides this video for Tubag Bohol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2oLxHJ_wjE

This video is courtesy of Nestor Daarol.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Boholanos are alarmed as the province topped in Central Visayas in the incidence of dog bites and in deaths caused by rabies.

The region itself consistently ranks in the top 5 nationwide, confirmed Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Liza Lapiz on Thursday during this month's edition of "Alarma", a monthly forum of the Bohol Tri-Media Association which was hosted by Dao Diamond Bed and Breakfast.

In 2007, there were 2,669 cases of dog bites with 10 deaths.

This, despite a provincial ordinance adopted last year for the mandatory registration and vaccination of dogs.

Provincial legal officer Atty. Handel Lagunay during the same forum said corresponding municipal ordinances have also been adopted since 2007 when the high number of dog bite cases alarmed health authorities here.

According to Lapiz, a campaign educating dog owners of responsible pet ownership and seizing stray dogs still needs the support of local government units.

The provincial veterinarian attributes the high incidence of dog bites to the unabated breeding of canines and irresponsible pet owners.

By Sunday Post

      A Boholano was confirmed to have been among the fatalities in the C-130 Hercules cargo plane crash in Davao Gulf Monday night last week.

      The victim was technical Sergeant Constancio Enrique Lobregas, a native of Poblacion, San Miguel.

      He was among the crew of the C-130 that carried the 43rd Infantry Battalion from Bohol to Lanao del Norte.

      He stayed with the plane that headed Iloilo to get some Presidential guards, but  crashed on the seawaters off Samal Island.

      Lobregas’ Boholano roots was confirmed by 220 airlift wing Col. Rolando Hautea Jr. and San Miguel Mayor Claudio Bonior.

      Lobregas had served the Philippine Airforce for 21 years as flight engineer.

      The search and rescue operation continues to find the bodies of the pilot, the co-pilot and seven other crew.

      As reported in Cebu papers, the United States had sent a ship to help in the search and retrieval operation for the ill-fated C-130 cargo plane.

      As he welcomed the development, Capt. Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, commander of Task Force C-130 Hercules, said the survey ship of the US troops would be of big help in confirming the exact location of the crash site estimated at about 2.5 kilometers from barangay Bucana, Davao City.

      Gonzales said they could only say that what they saw was just the suspected crash site.

      The Air Force was able to borrow an echo-sounder on Friday from “San Andres Fishing, a fishing company based in General Santos City, to help in retrieval operations”, the Cebu papers reported.

      All the search and rescue teams from the task force could only do as of Friday was recover metal fragments, human body parts, tattered fabric and documents from the ill-fated aircraft that carried 11 passengers including two pilots.

      Gonzales said they exerted their best effort but the lack of sophisticated equipment has been hampering retrieval operations.

      He is also calling on any organization that can lend them a side (-scan) sonar that could help a lot in the retrieval operations.

      Investigators, on the other hand, already accepted that no one on board the cargo plane survived the crash, as reported in Cebu papers.

      Maj. Armand Rico, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao command based in Davao City, said there were actually 11 people on board the C-130, in correction to previous report that said there were nine.

      The two other persons were from the Army’s Scout Rangers, identified as Cpl. Bernie Sabangan and Master Sgt. Remegio Lebres.

      They were among the 80 scout rangers the plane picked up from Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and brought to Davao City.

      They remained in the plane until the trip to Iloilo City to pick up members of the Presidential Security Group before heading to Manila.

      Their mission was to look after the Scout Rangers’ radio equipment on the return trip to Manila, according to Air Force operations chief and crash investigator Col. Roy Deveraturda. (with reports from Sen Guingguing)

By Veronica Uy
Inquirer.net

Thirty-five percent of HIV and AIDS cases in the Philippines are from overseas Filipino workers, Senator Pia Cayetano said in a statement Saturday.

"Around 35 percent of our HIV cases have been traced to returning OFWs. Unfortunately, some of them come home bringing in not only their hard-earned dollars, but also the HIV they acquire from having unprotected sex abroad,” said the chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography.

Cayetano said the rising number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the country should be a cause for concern for the Arroyo government.

"It should serve as a wake-up call. The government should ditch its one-track mind policy of promoting natural family planning methods only, in favor of a program that would address the population problem as well as the spread of sexually transmitted diseases," she said.

Cayetano said that the Department of Health should not only focus on controlling the spread of documented local HIV/AIDS cases, but also how to prevent cases of HIV infection being caused by returning OFWs.

By Reuters

Diamonds really are forever.

Algordanza, a small company based in the mountainous southeast of Switzerland, uses the ashes of dead people to make diamonds as a permanent memento for their nearest and dearest.

And with prices starting at less than 5,000 euros ($7,488), the jewels are not solely the preserve of the jetset.

"Some people find it helpful to go to the cemetery and grieve, and they leave their grief in the cemetery," said Algordanza Chairman Veit Brimer. "There are some people who, for whatever reason, do not want to have this farewell.

"Astonishingly these are mainly Christian people. They say: 'Why should I say goodbye? I'll see my husband in 15 years in heaven anyway,'" Brimer said in his office overlooking the town of Chur and its surrounding steep mountains.

The technology for making artificial diamonds was first pioneered by General Electric in the 1950s, and mirrors nature by subjecting carbon to huge pressure and temperature.

Algordanza -- which means "remembrance" in the local language Romansch, spoken in some parts of the Swiss canton of Grisons -- is one of a handful of companies offering artificial diamonds that have sprung up as the technology has improved.

U.S.-based LifeGem and Britain's Phoenix Diamonds, for example, also offer diamonds made from hair, which contains more carbon than ashes meaning a gem can be created from the hair of a living person, or from someone who has been buried rather than cremated. LifeGem even offers diamonds made from dead pets.

"Some people find it is a great honor and remembrance," said Laura Simanton at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "The technology is certainly getting better."

By Jewel M Reyes
ABS CBN Zamboanga

A fisherman was killed while his companion was injured after their banca was struck by lightning late Friday afternoon in waters off Sibiling Island near Basilan province.

Adolfo Mahari who survived the incident said they were fishing when a white strip of light struck their boat.

He said he noticed his cousin, Muin Asaari, 54 years old of Barangay Labuan in Zamboanga City, suddenly collapsed towards him.

Mahari said Asaari's body turned hard and that was when he noticed the fisherman was dead.

He said they did not suffer burn injuries, but described that it was as if they was a hot wind after the lightning struck.

Mahari said the weather was bad before the incident, but it improved after the lightning struck.

The victim's body were given Muslim funeral rites, before his internment in Barangay Labuan.

Mahari said he will still go back to the sea since fishing is their only means of living.

World Boxing Council lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao plans to retire in 2009.

After his fight against Mexican-American Oscar de la Hoya on December 6, Pacquiao said he plans to have just two more fights before hanging his gloves in 2009.

Pacquiao could earn a whopping $15 million from his mega-fight with de la Hoya, analysts said.

Pacquiao told ABS-CBN News that his mother Dionisia and his relatives have long wished his retirement, and he thinks it is time to heed their advice.

"Definitely, late this year, gusto na kong pagretirin ng magulang ko. At tama, dahil mahirap ang trabaho ko, so naintindihan ko naman sila," said Pacquiao.

But the Filipino boxing hero, however, said he will have two more fights after his match with De la Hoya.

When asked if he will again try politics after retirement, Pacquiao refused to comment.

Speculations are rife about Pacquiao’s political ambitions as some quarters said his plan to run as congressman of Sarangani is the main reason why he is contemplating about retirement.

The next elections are scheduled in May 2010.

In May 2007, Pacuiao lost to Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in the first district of South Cotabato. Source: ABS CBN

Every cat is proud of his or her friendly feline.  Cats make perfect subjects in which to photograph.  You can catch your cat and a variety of interesting and fun poses when you know how to take pictures of your cat. If you are interested in photographing your cat, here are some tips to help you get the best shots.

Catch your Cat Napping
Nothing looks quite as relaxing as a cat taking a nap. Cats do sleep a lot, so if you take a picture of your cat napping, you have plenty of opportunity.  The best time to take a picture of your cat is to catch it when it is asleep.  You can take close-ups of your cat either as it sleeps, or gently wake your cat up for a relaxed look. For a nice shot of your cat, try gently rubbing your cat’s belly right when you want to snap a picture. This will encourage your cat to roll over on its back.

Natural Sunlight
When you think of a sleeping cat, where do most cats enjoy sleeping? You can usually find a cat napping in the sun. If you have a window that gets full or filtered sunlight during the day, then try to open the curtains or blinds to encourage cap napping. As soon as you see your cat sit in the sun, try to take a few pictures. When the sunlight is good, try a few shots without using your flash. This will give your picture a nice natural glowing effect. In addition, natural light often works best anyway because if you use a bright flash, your cat will usually close his or her eyes or the eyes could end up looking red.

Forget Posing and Planning
Cats are much for posing. You cannot really ask that a cat stay and sit. When you take pictures of your cat, you should always have your camera on hand for candid shots. Look at your cat during the day and determine your cat’s schedule and favorite places. Work around your cat and you will get better pictures.  Try to be spontaneous, and above all stay patient. It may take several tries to get a couple of great shots, but posing your cat rarely works.

I have tried to get my three cats to pose and let me take a picture, but even though they sleep together, play together, they cannot stand or in this sit next to each without someone starting something. If I had three people to help and set back out of the picture, it might work. As you can see, cat’s needs to do what cats do and take your pictures that way.

Get Help
Another good tip for taking pictures of your cat is to get help. You can get great pictures of playful cats and kittens by having someone help you wiggle a string, the throw a ball or call the cat’s name. It is very difficult to try to play with your cat and take pictures at the same time. Your pictures will turn out much better if you get someone to help you. In addition, if you are trying to get a picture of your cat looking directly at your camera, have someone stand above you can call the cat's name, or make a noise that will prompt the cat to look directly above your head.

If you are a patient and willing, you can get some excellent shots of your cat. Cats are so fun to take pictures of because you never know what they will do. Keep your camera handy and ready to go as soon as your cat springs into action. Cat’s normal activity seems to make us smile and laugh, their antics always may wonderful pictures. Pictures of kittens playing from birth on also make for some great pictures. If you have the camera, you will never miss the perfect picture.

- Public Label Article

By Rod Chaytor

Police entered the burnt-out home of a missing millionaire Christopher Foster for the first time today.

Mr Foster, his wife Jill and 15-year-old daughter Kirstie have not been seen since their country estate was gutted by a suspected arson attack shortly before 5am on Tuesday.

Police searched parts of Osbaston House in Maesbrook, near Oswestry, Shropshire, today but there was no sign of the family, who are feared to have died in the blaze.

It has emerged that Mr Foster had huge £2 million debts and was about to lose his dream mansion before it burnt to the ground.

The 50-year-old, who police fear may have killed his wife and teenage daughter then torched the £1.2million house, owed more than £1million to creditors of his failed firm and £800,000 in tax.

West Mercia Police Superintendent Gary Higgins said: "We have completed a cursory search of the annexe part of the main building, which is relatively intact following the fire.



To read the full story, click here

By Barry Mcguigan
Mirror UK

There is something about the December showdown between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao that sits uneasily with me.

I'm all for novelty, but it is a bit rich for De La Hoya to line up against an opponent who is essentially three weight divisions below him.

Antonio Margarito, Paul Williams, Miguel Cotto at welterweight or Sergio Mora at light middle are all more credible opponents. De La Hoya has not fought at 147lbs since 2001. Pacquiao has fought at 135lbs only once, last time out beating David Diaz for his world lightweight crown.

The question therefore is can Pacquiao carry the weight of a jump up two divisions? I believe that he is just not big enough, despite looking spectacular in his one outing at lightweight.

He is so much smaller than De La Hoya, who will come into the fight a stone heavier than he is at the weigh-in 30 hours before hand, effectively a middleweight.

This is classic big man versus little man stuff.

Striking evidence has been found for the enigmatic "stuff" called dark matter which makes up 23% of the Universe, yet is invisible to our eyes.

The results come from astronomical observations of a titanic collision between two clusters of galaxies 5.7 billion light-years away.

Astronomers detected the dark matter because it separated from the normal matter during the cosmic smash-up.

The research team are to publish their findings in the Astrophysical Journal.

They used the Hubble and Chandra space telescopes to study the object MACSJ0025.4-1222 - formed after an incredibly energetic collision between two large galaxy clusters.

Each of these large clusters contains about a quadrillion times the mass of our Sun. | Read more Here

Nietes made short work of Eddy Castro of Nicaragua after sending the smaller Nicaraguan in the first round and finished him at 2:49 in the 2nd round with a picture perfect right straight that sent Castro crushing to the canvas. Nietes successfully retained his WBO minifly crown.

Photo and text by PhilBoxing

The era of the American Internet is ending.

Invented by American computer scientists during the 1970s, the Internet has been embraced around the globe. During the network’s first three decades, most Internet traffic flowed through the United States. In many cases, data sent between two locations within a given country also passed through the United States.

Engineers who help run the Internet said that it would have been impossible for the United States to maintain its hegemony over the long run because of the very nature of the Internet; it has no central point of control.

Click Here to read the full article

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing

Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista is back on track after he impressively demoslished his Mexican rival KO artist Eden Marquez in the 2nd round before a delighted packed audience at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel & Casino here tonight to successfully defend his WBO Superbantam Intercontinental title.

Not having seen any of his opponent's previous fights, Bautista wisely studied his opponent's moves in the first round choosing to defend instead of attacking immediately. In the second round however, Bautista unleashed combinations after combinations as he caught Marquez early in the round to score a knockdown.

Marquez was able to beat the referee's count but Bautista immediately put pressure on Marquez hitting Marquez with solid combinations afterwards. Referee Bruce McTavish stopped the contest as Marquez was driven in the corner unable to defend himself. Time was 1:08 of the second round.

This is one of the biggest questions hanging in the heads of boxing analysts. What do you think? Can Manny do it?

An analysis of new census figures has shown that Australia is suffering from an unprecedented "man drought".

The statistics have revealed that there are almost 100,000 more females than males in Australia.

The problem is worse in the coastal cities, where women have moved seeking better jobs and lifestyles, while many men have gone overseas.

Thirty years ago Australia was with flush with men thanks to immigration policies that favoured males.

That position has been reversed because thousands of Australian men in their 20s and early 30s have gone overseas either to travel or to work.

It has caused a gender imbalance that is having far-reaching implications.

Town and country

Major cities in Australia now have concentrated groups of unattached women, along with dwindling numbers of the opposite sex.

Demographer Bernard Salt says the exodus of young men to foreign countries is leaving its mark.

"If you go into the United Arab Emirates census you'll find there is around 12,000 Australians living in Dubai, mostly male, mostly in the 25 to 34-year age group. Source: BBC News

A leading suspect wanted over the Philippines' worst militant attack has been arrested in Bahrain and returned to Manila, officials have said.

Ruben Pestano Lavilla Jr, 35, is wanted for alleged involvement in the bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that led to 116 deaths in a subsequent fire.

He was the "brains" behind an Islamic group allied to two al-Qaeda affiliated organisations, Manila officials say.

They say he was detected after document checks by Manila's embassy in Bahrain.

The arrest had not been made public while Philippine officials prepared deportation papers.

'Fled' country

Marcelino Libanan, head of the immigration commission, told Reuters news agency that Mr Lavilla was checked after trying to get a bank loan and had been working as an interpreter at the Philippine embassy.

However, Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor told the AP agency that the arrest came after Mr Lavilla submitted documents for a job at the embassy.

Mr Lavilla is alleged to have fled the Philippines a month after the ferry attack.

He is accused of being the mastermind behind the Rajah Solaiman Movement, blamed for several bomb attacks in Manila in 2004 and 2005.

The movement is said to be linked to the Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf Muslim militant groups, based in the southern Philippines.

Mr Blancaflor said: "If you are a terrorist, wherever you are, wherever you hide, the law will catch up with you - that's the most important thing here."

The ferry blaze was South East Asia's second-worst militant attack after the 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia, that killed 202 people.

The 10,000-tonne Superferry 14 was heading for Bacolod in the central Philippines when it caught fire on 27 February 2004.  BBC Online

Hello Kyle,

Hope you'd drop by here and read our warmest greetings. Happy birthday my little brother. God bless you always.

Best regards to your Dad and Mom.

By Cebu Daily News

A war of words erupted yesterday during the final press conference for this Saturday's “WBO Night of Champions” card at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

WBO Intercontinental superbantam champion Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista and Mexican challenger Eden Marquez exchanged sharp looks and even sharper words when called at the center of the presidential table for a staredown for the media.

Bautista will defend his title in a 12-round war against the Sonora, Mexico native Marquez, who was accompanied to the Philippines by manager Fernando Dominguez and trainer Edmundo Gaitan.

“I came here with just one mission in mind: to win the title. I trained two months for this fight, and Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista will feel the power. I thank ALA Promotions for this opportunity to fight in the Philippines,” Marquez said via translation by manager Dominguez, before showing off his well-chiseled body before the press.

Bautista appeared calm all throughout the press conference, and vowed to give it his all before Marquez can wrest the title.

“You have to kill me first before you get this title. I will meet you tomorrow, and be sure to be ready because I am,” said the Bohol-raised Bautista in Cebuano.

Oscar De La Hoya is four inches taller than our boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. De La Hoya is 6-inch longer of arm's reach compared to Pacquaio.

Who's your bet? Who will survive in the first round? Will Manny Pacquiao last until twelve rounds?

By Marc Anthony Reyes
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Manny Pacquiao calls it the “biggest fight of my life.” And because it is such, it will entail the longest preparation by the Filipino ring icon.

Pacquiao will fly to his trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in Los Angeles on Sept. 12 to kick off a 10-week training program for the bout against Oscar de la Hoya on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegasâ€"a match that, this early, has been penciled as the world’s next “super fight.”

“This is my greatest challenge,” said Pacquiao at a teleconference Friday, formally announcing the projected $100-million fight. “When I take that walk to the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of the Philippinesâ€"the entire countryâ€"on my shoulders.”

De la Hoya, who has spent most of his career hunting downâ€"and often beatingâ€"the sport’s biggest names, will also put in a lot of work to prepare against Pacquiao.

“I have to find a way to increase my speed,” De la Hoya said. “We’re three months away, and we have to figure out quick how we’re going to neutralize him. It’s going to be an explosive fight. We’re going to fight in the center of the ring.”

$30-million share

“I have no intention of taking it easy in the gym because this will be the fastest, strongest southpaw I’ve ever faced.”

Pacquiao stands to earn anywhere between $15 to 30 million from his cut of the pay-per-view pie. That, plus a guaranteed purse still being negotiated, will make the match the biggest ever for the reigning WBC lightweight champion.

“I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give everything I have,” added Pacquiao, 29. “I am faster and stronger than him and I’m also younger. He’s bigger in height but I feel I’m stronger and it’s going to be a great fight.”

Known for his relentless boxing style, the current pound-for-pound champion has a string of famed Mexican victims under his belt, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Eric Morales.

Two commercial aircraft, one Russian and the other American, were one minute away from a mid-air, head-on collision near Puerto Rico, but maneuvered in time to avert catastrophe, a US official said Friday.

A Delta Boeing B737-800 and a Transaero Boeing B747-400, registered in Russia, were travelling toward one another on Thursday at the exact same altitude of 10,058 meters (33,000 feet), Peter Knudson of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said.

The two aircraft "came within zero feet vertical and one minute lateral separation at an altitude of 33,000 feet," Knudson said.

"The Transaero 747 descended 200-300 feet (60 to 90 meters) after receiving an alert from its Traffic Collision Avoidance System," he said.

He did not say how many passengers were aboard the two airplanes.

The near miss occurred at approximately 6:37 p.m. (2237 GMT) Thursday over the Atlantic Ocean, 288 kilometers (179 miles) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Fifteen minutes of lateral separation between planes is required in that area, Knudson said.

Delta Flight 485 was en route from New York's Kennedy Airport to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The NTSB did not indicate the route of the Transaero jet but gave the flight number as 554. - Agence France Presse

As the nation’s second most deadly disease, cancer brings with it several risk factors. Therefore, it’s logical that we take a good look at the foods we’re eating, and start introducing nutrient-rich foods that are known to help reduce the cancer risk.  A diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, including juices made from 100 percent fruit juice, can make a big difference in your cancer risk.

Foods rich in phytochemicals which are found in beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are strong choices. So are dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce, and collard greens, which are packed with fiber, lutein, and carotenoids - all cancer-fighting substances. Focus on choosing foods that have abundant amounts of vitamins C, E, and A, all antioxidants themselves. These help protect you from cancer by preventing the growth of free radicals in your body.

Tomatoes are an awesome cancer-fighting superfood. Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the antioxidant phytochemical that also helps prevent heart disease, but they're a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, all which do battle against cancer-causing free radicals.  Add them to your salad or use as a topping on your homemade pizza. They’re also a great way of adding some zest to your favorite sandwich.

Watermelon is also stuffed full of antioxidants, and includes about 80 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a great source of vitamin A, or beta carotene. And like tomatoes, it also contains lycopene.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer. Plus cabbage is rich in fiber and has almost 50 percent of daily requirement of vitamin C, making it a well-rounded superfood with cancer-fighting power. Carrots are also a wonderful source of fiber and beta carotene, and they have about three times the daily requirement of vitamin A.

Did you know that one-quarter cup of kidney beans has the same amount of fiber and protein as two ounces of red meat? Whole wheat pasta is also a good source of fiber, and broccoli will tip the daily scales for your daily vitamin A and C needs. Toss them all together with your favorite low-fat Italian dressing for a simple dinner of cancer-fighting proportions.

Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. They’re quick and simple finger food, and easily be added to your favorite whole grain cereal oatmeal, or low-fat yogurt. (Public Article)

We’ve all learned through the years that a well-balanced diet is healthy for our body and critical for optimal health and performance.  Our hair is no different.  A mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and iron are all required for healthy, strong hair. 

Good hair nutrition begins with getting enough protein, which is the building block of your hair. Then you need complex carbohydrates to help assemble the proteins for hair growth. Other important vitamins and minerals include B complex, which is associated with energy production and building good hair and skin issues, folic acid, B12, and zinc.

Hair follicles can have low energy levels just like we do.  Therefore, it’s very important that you eat a high protein food at the start of each day.  Consider the following food choices for breakfast and the other daily meals in order to give you hair the healthiest opportunity to grow and thrive.

If you don't have high cholesterol, try eating red meat twice per week.  It has the protein your hair needs, but also is full of B vitamins, iron and zinc, which are all important for healthy hair.  Bacon is another great choice as it’s also full of B vitamins, zinc and protein, but since it’s also high calorie, it’s not the best choice if you’re also trying to lose weight.

Eggs and egg whites are another great protein option, especially for vegetarians or those who cannot eat red meat or bacon due to dietary restrictions.  Salmon is another great protein choice, and works great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  You’ll find it’s also full of B vitamins, including B12, and other vitamins and minerals. 

Just be sure to keep in mind that you should also have complex carbohydrates, which feed you energy over a longer period of time than refined carbohydrates, with your protein source at meals. Brown short-grain rice is an ideal form. It's also a good source of B vitamins and some fiber. Whole grain choices complement your protein consumption by helping organize the proteins for the hair to utilize for optimal growth and health.  (Public Label Article)

Every month it’s the same thing.  You’re bloated, tired, cranky, fighting cravings, and trying to get rid of headaches.  You wish you could be like your friend or your sister, who seems to just breeze right through her cycle with little or no problem. Take a look at your diet and see if these superfoods are a part of it.  If they’re not, they can easily become a part of a well-balanced healthy diet that might just make your cycles to come simple to manage.

Bananas have long been well known as nature’s ‘perfect food.’ They’re loaded with potassium, zinc, iron, folic acid, calcium, B6 and soluble fiber. They’re good for digestion, menstrual difficulties and essential for athletes because they can quickly replace what your body loses during your cycle or when you’re exercising frequently. And, if you suffer from diarrhea during your monthly cycle, they are the idea treatment when eaten in conjunction with apples, rice and dry toast â€" more commonly known as the BRAT treatment.

Bee pollen has been popularized by famous athletes who take it regularly for strength and endurance. It has been used successfully to treat a variety of ailments including allergies, asthma, menstrual irregularities, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, low energy, cancer, rheumatism, arthritis and toxic conditions. It can, however, provoke allergic reactions in those who are taking it for the first time, so it’s important to start with small amounts and slowly build up to a teaspoon or so per day.  Bee pollen can be taken in powder, capsule or tablet formâ€"or in raw unprocessed honey mixed with cereal or spread on toast.

Make sure you’re getting plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet. Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, soy foods are great choices.  Try teaming these with citrus foods containing vitamin C, which will promote iron absorption.  Steer clear of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or salty foods, and as always, make sure you choose unsaturated fats.  These will only exacerbate that bloated feeling you suffer through each month.  (Public Label Article)

Menopause is a tough transition for many women.  It usually begins to occur in late middle age when the efficiency of the ovaries begins to decline.  Problems associated with the related estrogen deficiency that occur may include arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, decreased skin elasticity and changes in the sympathetic nervous system that result in “hot flashes.”  However, by including the following superfoods in your everyday diet, symptoms can be alleviated, memory power maintained, and osteoporosis prevented. 

Tofu is an excellent protein alternative for meat and it can be very helpful in lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease.  Tofu and other soy products may also help lessen the side effects of menopause, such as hot flashes. 

Recent studies have shown that fiber can help reduce your risk of colon and other types of cancer, as well as diverticulosis.  Women need approximately 30 grams of fiber each day.  Navy beans come in at 19 grams, so they’re a wonderful choice.  Use them in your chili or soups, or try them for a nutritious side dish instead of the usual pasta or rice.       

As we grow older, we may find that our memory begins to slip a bit, and we find ourselves forgetting things.  By eating blueberries, we might actually be able to curb that short-term memory loss.  Toss them on top of some plain yogurt for a great breakfast or snack choice.  Yogurt, which is loaded with calcium, can help prevent osteoporosis.  As an added bonus, it can help strengthen your immunity and support your weight loss efforts.  Choose yogurts that contain high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which can also help prevent yeast and urinary tract infections.   

Avocados are high in antioxidants such as vitamin E, which is important element to protecting both your vision and skin.  They also contain monosaturated fats, which have been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin, which can suffer when a woman goes through menopause.  Chunk up a nice ripe avocado for a delicious guacamole dip, or even try them on your sandwich with a tomato. 

Try also to avoid drinking a large amount of caffeinated drinks each day, and boost your body’s vitamin C absorption by teaming an orange with an iron-rich food like whole-grain oatmeal. (Public Label Article)

There are many underlying physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. Reduced blood flows to the penis and nerve damage are two of the most common physical causes. Underlying conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include vascular disease, diabetes, drugs, hormone disorders, neurological disorders, pelvic trauma, surgery, radiation therapy, a venous leak or psychological conditions. 

A lack of zinc can interfere with the maturation of the reproductive organs, as well as interfere with reproductive functions and processes. It can contribute to impotence. Chronic diarrhea, poor appetite, and thus significant weight loss of the unhealthy and undesirable sort, hair loss, and the slow healing of wounds are all associated with zinc deficiencies. So, too, are open sores on the skin and in the mouth, strange tastes in the mouth, and inefficient or reduced mental functioning, especially cognitive processes.  So be sure to include lots of zinc-rich foods in your diet, including red meat, fortified cereals, oysters, almonds, peanuts, chickpeas, soy foods, and dairy products.

Zinc is vital to many internal processes and supports immune function, reproduction, and the nervous system.

It’s also imperative to include other vitamins and minerals in your diet, as they may also help improve erectile dysfunction. Be sure to eat whole, fresh, unrefined, and unprocessed foods. Include fruits (lots of richly pigmented berries to support vascular integrity), vegetables, whole grains, soy, beans, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, and mackerel. Avoid sugar, dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk foods, and caffeine.

If you’ve found in the past that you’re sensitive to certain kinds of foods, eliminate them from your diet, as it could be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction.  Also be sure to drink plenty of water.  A good rule of thumb is to drink 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz of water daily). Try to avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can have a negative impact on erectile function.

Erectile dysfunction may be chronic or recurring, or it may occur as a single isolated incident. In the past, it was assumed that impotence was primarily a psychological problem, but many therapists and physicians today believe the majority of all cases of impotence have some physical basis. (Public Label Article)

At the Black Hat computer security conference in Las Vegas next week, researchers will demonstrate software they've developed that could steal online credentials from users of popular Web sites such as Facebook, eBay and Google.

The attack relies on a new type of hybrid file that looks like different things to different programs. By placing these files on Web sites that allow users to upload their own images, the researchers can circumvent security systems and take over the accounts of Web surfers who use these sites.

"We've been able to come up with a Java applet that for all intents and purposes is an image," said John Heasman, vice president of research at NGS Software.

They call this type of file a GIFAR, a contraction of GIF (graphics interchange format) and JAR (Java Archive), the two file-types that are mixed. At Black Hat, the researchers will show attendees how to create the GIFAR while omitting a few key details to prevent it from being used immediately in any widespread attack.

To the Web server, the file looks exactly like a .gif file, however a browser's Java virtual machine will open it up as a Java Archive file and then run it as an applet. That gives the attacker an opportunity to run Java code in the victim's browser. For its part, the browser treats this malicious applet as though it were written by the Web site's developers.

Here's how an attack would work: The bad guys would create a profile on one of these popular Web sites -- Facebook for example -- and upload their GIFAR as an image on the site. Then they'd trick the victim into visiting a malicious Web site, which would tell the victim's browser to go open the GIFAR. At that point, the applet would run in the browser, giving the bad guys access to the victim's Facebook account.

The attack could work on any site that allows users to upload files, potentially even on Web sites that are used to upload banking card photos or even Amazon.com, they say.

Because GIFARs are opened by Java, they can be opened in many types of browsers.

There is one catch, however. The victim would have to be logged into the Web site that is hosting the image for the attack to work. "The attack is going to work best wherever you leave yourself logged in for long periods of time," Heasman said.

There are a couple of ways that the GIFAR attack could be thwarted. Web sites could beef up their filtering tools so that they could spot the hybrid files. Alternatively, Sun could tighten up the Java runtime environment to prevent this from happening. The researchers expect Sun to come up with a fix not long after its Black Hat talk.

But researchers say that while a Java fix may disable this one attack vector, the problem of malicious content being placed on legitimate Web applications is a much larger and thornier issue. "There will be other ways to do this, with other technologies," said GIFAR developer Nathan McFeters, a researcher with Ernst & Young's Advanced Security Center. Source: networkworld.com

Problems with slow download connection? Use DAP (Download Accelerator Plus). DAP gives 400% download connection more than the normal download speed.

The free DAP version is more than enough for common users. There are 160 Million People currently using DAP. Reasons:

    *  The fastest possible download speeds
    * A simple and familiar interface
    * Expansion for smooth video viewing
    * Quick upload and large file transfer

To start using DAP and integrate it with Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, or Safari browsers, download this Israel-based free software at www.speedbit.com.

Sis Aya, if anti-virus can't kick the Trojan out, download the trial version of Trojan Hunter at www.trojanhunter.com. After installation, run a scan in your computer.

The Mumbai City Council has acquired a new weapon to combat the increasingly putrid stench emanating from two of the city's biggest rubbish dumps: 42,000 litres of deodorant.

Sanil Supreme, a sweet-smelling herbal spray, will be squirted each day in an attempt to neutralise the increasingly offensive odour of the massive Deonar and Mulund landfill sites after a decree from Ahmad Karim, the head of the city's solid-waste management division, The Australian reports.

He hopes that this fresh tactic will deliver some much-needed olfactory relief for the 400,000 people who live near the tips.

The Deonar dump covers more than 120ha. Locals filed a petition with the High Court complaining that the stink was intolerable.

The dump was first used by the British in 1927. A growing mountain of untreated garbage has festered there since.

"The foul smell at the two sites is unbearable," Mr Karim said.

The city council was also growing increasingly concerned about the risk of disease.

"We were fumigating with ordinary chemical but Sanil Supreme will help to reduce the smell while controlling the breeding of pathogens," he said. Source: News Com

A 33-year-old Swedish woman has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for the aggravated rape of a 60-year-old woman in her home.

The woman, together with her brother, subjected the 60-year-old woman to a humiliating and extended aggravated rape in her home in Haparanda in northern Sweden.

The court of appeal for Upper Norrland cut the penalty imposed by Haparanda district court which had in June sentenced the woman to six years in prison.

The court confirmed the district court conviction of the woman for aggravated rape, robbery and unlawful detention.

The 33-year-old woman and her brother paid a visit to the 60-year-old woman in January. The woman was familiar to her victim as she had previously had a relationship with her son. source: Sweden's the Local

A Question Asked to Billy Graham

Question: My wife is totally disabled because of a massive stroke and probably won’t ever get better. Now some of my friends are telling me I’m crazy not to find a mistress. How can I explain to them that God wants me to be faithful to her as long as she lives, without sounding like I’m strange? â€" J.H.

Answer: No matter what they think of you, you are doing the right thing in God’s eyes and I commend you for it. When you were married, you and your wife made a vow before God to be faithful to each other “in sickness and in health ... as long as we both shall live” (or words to that effect). God takes that vow very seriously, and so should you.

After all, what if your situation were reversed â€" that is, what if you were the one who had suffered a health crisis and become disabled, and she was the healthy one? How would you feel if you learned somehow that she had decided to break her marriage vows by becoming involved with another man? I suspect it would be very painful for you â€" and it should be. Jesus said that once a man and a woman take their marriage vows, “they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6).

Don’t let your friends sway you, and don’t be guided by their limited views. Be guided instead by God and His will â€" for His will is perfect, and it is always best for us. Perhaps your example will cause your friends to examine their own lives more closely, and help them face their own need of Christ.

Your path isn’t easy â€" but “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call (877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:www. billygraham.org.

by Marjon Rostami
Arizona Republic

A 26-year-old Chandler man was arrested Sunday after police say he tore up his wife's new bra during an argument over his in-laws.

Carlos Salazar called police to his residence on East El Pardo Court in Chandler to settle a verbal dispute with his wife's family, according to a police report. Salazar wanted his wife's family to leave and his wife did not want her family to leave.

Salazar announced he was angry, went upstairs and tore up his wife's new bra valued at $28, according to the report. He then called his wife upstairs to show her the bra in pieces.

Salazar was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

Food poisoning is an all-encompassing term involving the consumption of contaminated food, stomach flu, stress, drug interactions, nutrient deficiencies or their excess.  It can come on rather suddenly after eating; diarrhea or vomiting can begin 30 minutes to one hour after eating foods that are chemically poisonous; within one to 12 hours with bacterial poisoning, and 12 to 48 hours with viral or salmonella poisoning.

Food poisoning can be serious and a medical professional should be contacted especially if it is accompanied by a difficulty in swallowing, speaking or breathing; if there is a fever of 100 degrees F; if the person can't even hold down liquids; if there is severe diarrhea of more than two days.

The best remedy is to curtail eating until all the symptoms have subsided and the toxins have had the chance to exit your system. Drink plenty of fluids - vitamin C and blackberry and peppermint teas can be taken then to strengthen the stomach, along with yogurt that contains acidophilus to recolonize the lost flora in the bowel. Diluted sweetened drinks can also be consumed to replace the body’s lost fluid and electrolytes, and the BRAT diet (bananas, apples, rice and toast) can also be helpful in getting the toxins cleared from the body.

As a precaution against food poisoning, great care should be taken when preparing foods.   Avoid over-handling foods, and when in doubt, throw it out â€" don’t take a risk with leftovers if you’re just not sure how long they’ve been in your refrigerator.

Mint, lemon, raspberry, chamomile or teas might also be helpful in easing the stomach pain associated with food poisoning or stomach cramping.  Ginger tea is also good for settling an unsettled stomach, and promotes good digestion. Try to get plenty of rest as food poisoning can be an exhausting and nutrient-depleting chore for your body.  Once you’re feeling better, be sure to eat a well-balanced healthy diet that includes foods rich in iron, zinc, vitamin C to help your body get back to its old self again. (Public Label Article)

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in your life.  It can also be very taxing and exhausting for your body, mind and spirit at times.  But by nourishing your body with these great superfoods, you’ll be energized, strong, and sharp, and ready to welcome your pending bundle of joy healthy and happy.

Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, thiamine, and niacin. Make a big batch of beans when you have time and freeze them in small containers. Be careful with canned varieties, as they’re usually higher in sodium and their nutritional value is a bit lower since they’re processed using high temperatures. Soybeans provide more protein than any other bean or legume, making them a staple either the vegan or non-vegan. Soybeans are rich in many nutrients, including calcium and iron.

Include plenty of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, and oats as they’re a great source of fiber, minerals, protein and B complex vitamins.  Buy the least processed grain types you can find, since many of the commercially prepared grains have had the nutritional and beneficial germ and bran removed. 

Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, watercress, and spinach are especially important while pregnant or lactating because they supply so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Dark leafy green vegetables also are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein which protect against many forms of cancer. 

Vegetables from the cabbage family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are wonderful sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They are also rich in phytochemicals that have anticancer properties.  Dark green leafy vegetables and cabbage family vegetables provide important nutrients that help to promote a plentiful milk supply for your baby.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Be sure to eat flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain and nervous system development as well as your own health. Nuts and seeds can be eaten raw or toasted, and work great in a salad made of dark leafy green vegetables.

Lastly, it’s important to drink plenty of water, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest during this time.  A well-hydrated, well-rested body recovers more quickly, and ready to take on the challenges that life with a newborn baby brings with it. (Public Label Article)

Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, but this gives little indication of the misery and pain this condition can cause. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States and Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness and tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sinuses down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat.

However, by introducing a few of the superfoods from certain vitamin groups, we can lessen our chances of becoming afflicted with this painful and bothersome malady.

Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system.

The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and folic acid (B9), and are essential for a healthy nervous system, processing carbohydrates for energy, and the creation of red blood cells. Organ meats, beans, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, potatoes, salmon, bananas, and spinach are only a few of the many food members of the vitamin B group with high levels of this group of nutrients.

Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals are common food sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has also been shown to play a positive role in immune function.

Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or a hot cup of water can soothe inflamed sinus cavities. Another treatment is saline nasal spray, which can be purchased in a pharmacy. A hot water bottle; hot, wet compresses; or an electric heating pad applied over the inflamed area also can be comforting.

A person susceptible to sinus disorders, particularly one who also is allergic, should avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. Inflammation in the nose caused by allergies predisposes a patient to a strong reaction to all irritants. Drinking alcohol also causes the nasal-sinus membranes to swell. Try to avoid dairy products, as they stimulate your body to produce more mucous. (Public Label Article)

It’s been said we are what we eat, and that sentiment definitely holds true when it comes to our skin.  It’s our body’s biggest organ, and it deserves all the nutritional TLC we can give it. So take a look at what you’ve been feeding yourself, and therefore feeding your skin. 

One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A, and probably one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt is not only high in vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the "live" bacteria that is good for intestinal health. Turns out, it may also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion.  Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.

It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. The benefits of these foods for healthy skin are plentiful. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells, so there is less chance for damage.  This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer.  Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red, and pinto beans, prunes, and pecans.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential to your skin. Include salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed.  EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through.
We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall.  Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil.  We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn to foods like Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient.  Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any, damage.

Choosing the whole grain versions of complex carbohydrates can have a significant effect on insulin levels. Processed and refined sugars can cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin break outs.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the membrane of the cell. It may even help prevent or reduce skin cancer risks. 

Water plays such an important role in your overall health, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well.  Well-hydrated skin is healthy and young-looking.  It also helps move the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to do damage. (Public Label Article)

The main indications of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), on the other hand, are overall general physical and mental weariness. There are many different causes of tiredness. Just because you’re frequently tired doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got CFS. The condition must persist for more than six consecutive months and include other symptoms such as memory loss, sore throat, headaches and muscle/joint pain without swelling or redness.

Though there are several potential causes for CFS, the main reason for all fatigue is poor nutrition. Other causes could be faulty digestion, food allergies, obesity, sleep problems, tension or depression. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are also contributing factors.

The main indications are physical and mental weariness. It can be so severe that people are unable to participate fully in normal, everyday activities. Even getting plenty of rest doesn’t seem to make any difference for most sufferers. But, with basic lifestyle changes and a diet rich in whole food nutrients, almost anyone can help prevent or even reverse these symptoms.

You can switch to a more wholesome diet that consists mainly of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all full of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system. Zinc does the same.  Red meat, fortified cereals, peanuts and dairy products are all good food sources of zinc.

And, for protein, focus on fish high in omega-3 oils and lean poultry, since they are loaded with essential fatty acids (EFAs) which help improve circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell flexibility and function. It’s imperative to get EFAs from your dietary choices, as the body cannot manufacture them.  EFA deficiencies are linked to diminished mental capacities and immune function. 

Other things that will help include decreasing stress and getting plenty of good quality rest and regular moderate exercise. Drink lots of pure, clean water, and avoid sweets, caffeine, sodas, processed and salty foods.  Set obtainable goals and think positively. (Public Label Article)

Many people think popping a multi-vitamin supplement to get their nutrients is just as good as what comes from real foods. They don’t realize that it is far better to get vitamins and minerals from natural foods and juices. Our bodies utilize the vitamins and minerals from real foods more efficiently. 

And most people find it much easier to select a variety of whole foods they enjoy eating instead of trying to make heads or tails of the entire selection of vitamin and mineral supplements that are available. And any of us who’ve swallowed a multi-vitamin or a mineral supplement can say without a doubt that the taste leaves a lot to be desired
Supplements are also difficult for our bodies to break down and use, making it difficult to get the full punch from the vitamins and minerals they contain.

Conversely, by consuming plenty of nutrient-dense food to get the equivalent means the nutrients are going to be easier for the body to process and utilize, and less likely to be wasted.  We are also processing nutrients throughout the course of the day when we obtain them from food, instead of just getting them from the ‘one a day’ approach.
Many of the supplements available today use fillers and binders to hold them together, plus coatings on the tablets themselves. These are products the body does not need and will not use. Some people find they are allergic to the dyes and fillers used in vitamin pills. However, the body uses the fiber that binds fruits and vegetables.

Often the “skin” of a vegetable, like the potato, is the most nutritious part. In addition, sometimes the vitamin and mineral supplements can upset our stomachs, making taking them even more difficult the next day.  In many cases, combining supplements can counteract their effectiveness and can produce stomach upset when dealing with the taste and smell of some supplements. On the other hand, a variety of fruits and vegetables enhance the flavor of a nutritious meal and their fiber aids digestion.

If you’re looking to lose weight, eating fresh food is vital to a weight loss plan. Also, eating fresh fruits and vegetables help hair, skin and teeth stay attractive and healthy. And when you think about it, fruits and vegetables are the original ‘to go’ food. It’s simple to grab for an orange, apple, banana, grapes, or quickly toss a few vegetables together for a salad to take to work.
So when you’re looking for well-balanced, healthy, reliable nutrition, don’t reach for the bottle. Reach for the food! (Public Label Article)

Cirrhosis refers to the replacement of damaged liver cells by fibrous scar tissue which disrupts the liver's important functions. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of excessive alcohol intake (most common), common viral hepatitis, obstruction of the bile ducts, and exposure to certain drugs or toxic substances.

People with cirrhosis often experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, giving them an emaciated appearance. Diet alone does not contribute to the development of this liver disease. People who are well nourished, for example, but drink large amounts of alcohol, are also susceptible to alcoholic disease.

Adults with cirrhosis require a balanced diet rich in protein to allow the liver cells to regenerate. However, too much protein will result in an increased amount of ammonia in the blood; too little protein can reduce healing of the liver. Doctors must carefully prescribe the correct amount of protein for a person with cirrhosis.

In addition to protein, a balanced diet with adequate calories, fats, and carbohydrates can actually help the damaged liver to regenerate new liver cells. In fact, in some liver diseases, nutrition becomes an essential form of treatment.

Grains and legumes are great protein sources for those who suffer from cirrhosis. Red meat should be avoided since the liver is not working to its optimal capacity and most likely will have trouble processing fats.  Nuts, seeds, and soy products are also good sources of low-fat protein.
Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain breads and pastas should be part of a healthy balanced diet, as they are all whole grain carbohydrates that provide a steady supply of energy, important for your body’s ability to heal. 

Cereals, breads, potatoes and legumes are great sources for the B-complex vitamins, which bolster metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, promote cell growth and division â€" including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia.  Together, they also help combat the symptoms and causes of stress, which is important to keep in check when you’re nursing your body back to health.

Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach, are all great sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system.  It’s imperative to stay as healthy as possible during the healing process, so your body can focus on liver repair.

Coupled with plenty of rest and lots of fresh water to help flush the toxins from your system, a well-balanced nutrition plan and a healthy, proactive relationship with your healthcare provider should put you well on the road to recovery. (Public Label Article)

Wow. What a beautiful piece of God's creation. Glad to see you here Ate Litz. This is your own Edelweiss Land...

Thanks Belle for posting the pictures. A truly beautiful Switzerland.

When the rancher found the dog, it was still alive, but the said German shepard was already skin and bone since she did not eat anything while watching over her master's dead body for 6 weeks.

Dogs are loyal friends. Praise God who created dogs.

Self-checkout systems in UK supermarkets are being targeted by hi-tech criminals with stolen credit card details.

A BBC investigation has unearthed a plan hatching online to loot US bank accounts via the checkout systems.

Fake credit cards loaded with details from the accounts will be used to get cash or buy high value goods.

The supermarkets targeted said there was little chance the fraudsters would make significant gains with their plan.

With the help of computer security experts the BBC found a discussion on a card fraud website in which hi-tech thieves debated the best way to strip money from the US accounts.

The thieves claim to have comprehensive details of US credit and debit cards passed to them from an American gang who tapped phone lines between cash machines and banks.

The gang plans to copy card details onto the magnetic stripes of fake cards and then use them in UK stores. In the discussion on the card site those co-ordinating the fraud say they are seeking places to "cash out", meaning strip funds from the bank accounts using fake cards. source: BBC News

Microsoft Wednesday released the second beta of Internet Explorer 8 and introduced new features focused on privacy, including one users are referring to as "porn mode."

The final release of IE 8 is expected to come at year-end, although Microsoft has not set an official date.

With Beta 2, Microsoft is introducing InPrivate Browsing, which ensures users don't leave any trace of the sites they have been visiting. Some are referring to the feature as "porn mode," given that it most likely would be used to hide tracks to such sites.

InPrivate Browsing opens up a separate window; when closed, it deletes records of cookies, passwords, search queries, temporary Internet files, form data and words typed into the address bar.

Microsoft also has added a feature that lets users selectively delete their browsing history instead of having to clear out the History file altogether, which is how IE 7 works. With the new feature, users can save cookies for sites that are listed as Favorites while deleting cookies for all other sites in the History list.

IE 8 also includes InPrivate Blocking, which prevents Web sites and content providers from sharing information. The intent is to thwart advertising networks that build user profiles based on a user's browsing history across multiple sites.

Microsoft is introducing IE 8 just after rival Mozilla introduced Firefox 3.0 and at a time when that open source browser's market share is up to 19% and IE has fallen from 79% to 73%.

The trend toward software-as-service is rekindling the browser wars and driving Microsoft to step up innovation around IE.

Microsoft said earlier this year that IE 8 would include new "slipstreaming" capabilities that will make it easier for the browser to be tied to Vista so the two can be deployed in tandem.

The company also is updating the IE Application Compatibility Toolkit and the IE Administration Kit, and said it will use Group Policy settings to aid in application compatibility and add enhancements to help recover faster from crashes The intent is to make it easier for administrators to add IE to their operating system image.

Other new features include SmartScreen Filter, which enhances IE 7's anti-phishing tools with malware-blocking capabilities. source: NetworkWorld

An estimated 63.1 million U.S. households are now doing their banking online according to a survey from CheckFree.

Security concerns about online banking decreased from 17 percent in 2007 to 13 percent in the latest survey. Overall, online security was third among barriers to online banking this year compared to its number-one spot in 2007.

An estimated 31 million households use online banking Web sites to pay bills, 47.9 million households use biller Web sites and 16 million use both online banking and biller sites to receive and pay bills. About 63.1 million households pay at least one bill online in an average month, an increase from 61 million in 2007. These households collectively paid 934 million bills in a typical month.

Internet using households pay an average of 11 bills per month. Online bill payments at bank and biller Web sites made up 42 percent of total monthly payment, followed by 31 percent of bills paid by check.

Fifty-one percent of survey respondents said the environment was a reason they chose to pay bills online. Saving time and gaining control over their finances were benefits cited by 44 percent of respondents.

Other reasons for paying bills online included reducing clutter, saving gas, and not having to buy stamps.

"As more consumers gain experience and become more comfortable using the Internet, their confidence in online security grows and we see an increase in the adoption of online banking and bill payment services," said Todd Lesher, division president, CheckFree electronic Banking Services, now part of Fiserv.

source: WebProNews

Virtual worlds are playgrounds not just for people who want some online fantasy role-playing, but for cybercriminals who are looking for places to launder money and steal data, according to a new white paper from McAfee (PDF).

The in-game economies of virtual worlds are being hijacked by criminals who attempt to hide their profits through the exchange of virtual currencies, Dr. Igor Muttik, a senior architect at McAfee's Avert Labs says in a white paper entitled "Securing Virtual Worlds Against Real Attacks--The Challenges of Online Game Development."

"Typically, when a gaming account is compromised, attackers will convert the objects they steal into virtual currency--and then convert the virtual currency into real money," the white paper says.

Scammers also are increasingly attracted to virtual worlds, where they have numerous ways of trying to steal private data for fraud. For instance, sloppy scripting in some online games allows viruses to auto-execute and propagate. There are also phishing attempts and messaging spam luring members to malicious sites for "free" games.

Also increasing in number and frequency are data-stealing Trojans that use keystroke loggers and other software to record IDs and passwords, mouse movements, and even screenshots, the report says.

And that's not all; there have been other threats in the virtual worlds. A virtual illness wiped out entire servers of users in World of Warcraft in 2005 when a design flaw allowed the disease to spread throughout low level players. Meanwhile, user-created code caused a virtual terrorist attack in Second Life, according to the report. source: CNET News

Someone forwarded me this email. It's worth reflecting.

If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion? Read the next question before looking at the response for this one.

Question 2:

It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts.
Here are the facts about the three candidates. Who would you vote for?

Candidate A

Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologist He's had two mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B

He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C

He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife. Which of these candidates would be our choice?

Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt .
Candidate B is Winston Churchill .
Candidate C is Adolph Hitler.

And, by the way, on your answer to the abortion question:

If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven.

Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1678205/real_or_fake/

The capability of video editing software today

This makes me smile. No offense to the Ilocanos. What does it take to be an Ilocano?

A German shepard that was reported lost in June has actually been guarding her owner's body for six weeks since the man took his own life.

"Cash" the dog was found alive on Sunday, next to the body of her master, Jake Baysinger, 25, a resident of La Salle.

Baysinger was reported as missing and suicidal in late June.The dog disappeared at the same time.

A rancher spotted the dog Sunday on the Pawnee National Grassland. After a search, Baysinger's body and a gun were found nearby. It's believed Baysinger took his own life.Officials said there was evidence the dog ate mice and rabbits to stay alive.The dog is thin and dehydrated, but vets said she is OK.Investigators said the dog probably protected her master's body by keeping coyotes away. source: All Voices

Bloomberg News made a mistake. It published a prepared obituary news on Steve Jobs, who has been battling pancreatic cancer.

To read the entire full text of the news, click here

Aya, as much as possible, never buy an Anti-virus solution because some of the best anti-virus tools are FREE. Free anti-virus tools are AVG and Avast.

I highly recommend AVG. Download it from here: http://free.avg.com

By the way, you cannot run two anti-virus softwares in your computer at the same time. You must uninstall the other one when you install a new one.

Bata pa ko, memorize na ni nako nga kanta kay mao lagi to kadlawon pa, abri na sa transistor radio nga de batereya nga naay picture ni Sharon ug Gabby. Kadto nga radyo gift ni Papa sa akong birthday.

Sauna alas kwatro pa sa kadlawon, momata na mi kay layo pa ang eskwela. Ug kada kadlawon mao ni ang mga kanta nga itukar sa radyo. This is one of my father's favorite songs.

Thanks, insurectus, for posting the link of the full article. It appears that Pacquiao will be an underdog in this fight. By built, De La Hoya is significantly bigger and taller than Manny.

New Zealand: Wellington College has been given $1.5 million by the 92 year old fiance of a young man killed during World War 11. It’s the largest single gift the College has ever received.

The story of this remarkable tribute is about to be published in the school’s magazine, the Lampstand, and was announced this week to the school’s donors.  The gift is from 92 year old Aucklander, Violet Elizabeth Dunn, whose fiance, Tom Paul, was at the school from 1931 to 1935.  He was killed  in England in 1944 when his damaged bomber crashed while attempting to return to base.

After Tom’s death Violet never married and carried his memory through her life.

She met Wellingtonian Tom Paul on Takapuna Beach in 1934 and they fell in love and were planning to marry.  Tom enlisted in the Territorials and then the RNZAF as a trainee pilot.  By late 1941 he was in England, flying Wellington and Lancaster bombers on night raids over Europe.

He was injured in May 1942 after flying numerous bombing raids.  On his recovery he served as a combat and flying instructor to young pilots, including many from New Zealand.  He was 26 when he died on 4 January 1944 when his damaged bomber crashed into a forest.  He is buried in England.

Violet was a dental nurse, who has fond memories of Wellington where she trained, and after the war visited England.  She found shards of metal from the plane buried in the soil.  She has given these jagged shards to Wellington College, along with his medals and school uniform.

To read more of this story, click here