Notes from Science Daily

Less salt, less strokes, says new research (August 11, 2011) -- A reduction of 3 grams of salt intake per day would prevent up to 8,000 stroke deaths and up to 12,000 coronary heart disease deaths per year in the UK, says new research. A similar reduction in the USA would result in up to 120,000 fewer cases of coronary heart disease, up to 66,000 strokes and up to 99,000 heart attacks annually

How estrogen could help protect women from cardiovascular disease (August 11, 2011) -- The sex hormone estrogen could help protect women from cardiovascular disease by keeping the body's immune system in check, new research has revealed. The study has shown that the female sex hormone works on white blood cells to stop them from sticking to the insides of blood vessels, a process which can lead to dangerous blockages.

Eating protein throughout the day preserves muscle and physical function in dieting postmenopausal women, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- Dieting postmenopausal women who want to avoid losing muscle as they lose fat should pay attention to a new study. Adding protein throughout the day not only holds hunger pangs at bay so that dieters lose more weight, it keeps body composition -- the amount of fat relative to muscle -- in better proportion.

Narcissism may benefit the young, researchers report; but older adults? Not so much (August 11, 2011) -- A new study suggests that some forms of narcissism are -- at least in the short term -- beneficial, helping children navigate the difficult transition to adulthood.

Paper money worldwide contains bisphenol A (August 11, 2011) -- The cash register receipts that people place near paper money in billfolds and pockets has led to a worldwide contamination of paper money with bisphenol A (BPA) -- a potentially toxic substance. The amounts of BPA on currencies are higher than in dust, but human intake from currency is at least 10 times less than that from house dust, according to a new study.

Can blaming others make people sick? (August 11, 2011) -- Constant bitterness can make a person ill, according to researchers who have examined the relationship between failure, bitterness and quality of life.

Deep oceans can mask global warming for decade-long periods (September 19, 2011) -- The planet's deep oceans at times may absorb enough heat to flatten the rate of global warming for periods of as long as a decade even in the midst of longer-term warming, according to a new analysis.

Put down that game controller: Researcher suggests video games may not boost cognition (September 19, 2011) -- Wouldn't it be nice if all those hours kids spent glued to their PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 or Nintendo DS video games actually resulted in something tangible? Better grades, perhaps? Improved concentration? Superior driving skills? Over the past decade, many studies and news media reports have suggested that action video games such as Medal of Honor or Unreal Tournament improve a variety of perceptual and cognitive abilities. But in a new paper, psychologists critically reevaluate those claims.

How excess alcohol depresses immune function (August 15, 2011) -- Alcoholism suppresses the immune system, resulting in a high risk of serious, and even life-threatening infections. A new study shows that this effect stems largely from alcohol's toxicity to immune system cells called dendritic cells. These cells play a critical role in immune function, responding to danger signals by searching for unfamiliar antigens within the body that would be coming from invading microbes, and presenting such antigens to T cells, thus activating them to seek and destroy cells containing these antigens.

Psychologists interrupt the miserable cycle of social insecurity (August 15, 2011) -- Tom likes Susan but he fears she does not like him. Expecting to be rejected, he's cold toward Susan. And guess what? She snubs him back. His prophesy is self-fulfilled, his social insecurity reinforced. The miserable cycle continues.

Conflict levels don't change much over course of marriage (August 15, 2011) -- Think about how much you fight and argue with your spouse today. A new study suggests that your current level of conflict probably won't change much for the remainder of your marriage. That may be good news for the 16 percent of couples who report little conflict or even the 60 percent who have only moderate levels of conflict. But it's not such happy news for the 22 percent of couples who say they fight and argue with each other a lot.

Schoolchildren can also learn complex subject matters on their own, researchers find (August 14, 2011) -- Self-directed learning has long been heralded as the key to successful education. Yet until now, there has been little research into this theory. Educational researchers in Germany have now shown that schoolchildren can independently develop strategies for solving complex mathematical tasks, with weaker students proving just as capable as their stronger classmates.

Biodiversity key to Earth's life-support functions in a changing world (August 14, 2011) -- The biological diversity of organisms on Earth is not just something we enjoy when taking a walk through a blossoming meadow in spring; it is also the basis for countless products and services provided by nature, including food, building materials, and medicines as well as the self-purifying qualities of water and protection against erosion. New findings indicate that much more biodiversity is necessary to keep ecosystems functioning in a world that is changing ever faster. The protection of diversity is thus a crucial factor in maintaining Earth's life-support functions.

Scientists highlight link between stress and appetite (August 13, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered a mechanism by which stress increases food drive in rats. This new discovery could provide important insight into why stress is thought to be one of the underlying contributors to obesity.

Social acceptance and rejection: The sweet and the bitter (August 13, 2011) -- For proof that rejection, exclusion, and acceptance are central to our lives, look no farther than the living room, says a psychologist. "If you turn on the television set, and watch any reality TV program, most of them are about rejection and acceptance," he says.

Research reveals genetic link to human intelligence (August 12, 2011) -- New research provides the first direct biological evidence for a genetic contribution to people's intelligence. Previous studies on twins and adopted people suggested that there is a substantial genetic contribution to thinking skills, but this new study is the first to find a genetic contribution by testing people's DNA for genetic variations.

Polar climate change may lead to ecological change (August 12, 2011) -- Ice and frozen ground at the North and South Poles are affected by climate change induced warming, but the consequences of thawing at each pole differ due to the geography and geology, according to a hydrologist.

Sense and Sensibility

Enjoyed this film too much during the weekend, what I love most is the relationship between Elinor (Sense) and Marianne (Sensibility), as sisters, and their struggles with Love and their own Natures. I have identified myself with Marianne (played by Kate Winslet - one of my favorites), who showed stubborness in her own way, melancholic and full of feelings, while Elinor kept a lot of her feelings to herself, and being responsible for her family above all. Loved the pieces played by Kate Winslet on the piano as well, and how she sang them well!

Everyone should watch this film, based on Jane Austen's novel. Thanks to my friend Roxy for sharing the film to me. :-)

Eat, Pray, Love

Liz said, "I do not need to love you to prove to you that I love myself." Bitter.. Haha.. I love this film, but Liz is too risky to do it all, only to find herself, too costly, but I guess some people really need that, to just go away from everything once in a while. I just hope the marriage didn't end too easy.

A Celebration with Butterflies & Flowers!

Spent our 5th Year Anniversary at Grand Villa Resort at Laguna. Thanks to Ms Rhea for giving us complimentary. It was a weekend of relaxation, being close to nature once again, with the butterflies, flowers, and some wild animals (hehe), and of course, with each other. Hmmmm, I am still in love with this guy each day, and every day, love deepens. There is a certain kind of feeling when you know someone so much. We have struggled through a lot already, and I know that we can get through anything together. Celebrating our 5 years together felt like entering a new phase, renewing an unwritten contract of love. :-)

One Month @ the New House

Its been more than a month - living at the new house, and I feel sleepy a lot of times. We need to wake up at 5 in the morning during work days, leave the house quarter to 6, without breakfast (which is fine with me, but sometimes Willy manages to cook his food while I still sleep in bed). With the RC service, I usually arrive at the office before 8am, then in the evening, leaving the office around 5:30 then arriving home around 8pm. Sleeping around 6-7 hours per night, this is so short for me! Haha. Well I guess, I can adapt to this soon. For weekends, I can sleep as long as I can.

BTW, announcement, my sister in law is pregnant, same with my Sophie (dog) and Sascha (cat)! All three soon-to-be mothers, in our parent's house in Aurora, and we hope to visit them soon, maybe end of August (long weekend)!

Despite the long distance traveled from house to office, 4 hours per day, it feels good that now, after 9 years of renting a place, I finally have settled into a place of 'our' own. Willy and I have plans to improve the renovated house, and I cant wait to see it finished. Our decision was right. And I do really hope that this decision will lead to some other things we have been wanting to have.

Tomorrow is our 5th Year Anniversary together. I bought a gift for him - a guitar for him to practice his skill, and teach me how to play it as well :-) ! Ah I hope we can go to Laguna tomorrow to celebrate it. For now, I am really sleepy. TGIF.

Partners for Resilience W-S

July 26-30 2011: Another learning experience for all of us! And its good to see Omer again. Pleased to meet the CARE partners, IIRR facilitators, and delegates from Netherlands. I hope I can really help Ms. Elle in whatever she needs for this project, I cannot do so much though.. But will try my best. :-)

Health Check Weekend

Woke up late last Saturday morning, had brunch with Will, then off we go to SM Fairview Medical Clinic. The doctor advised me to get a papsmear and she did it right away. Advised me to get ultrasound as well but I dont think t'was necessary.

Then in the evening, Will and I went to the place where we first spent our first dates - OFF The GRILL at Timog. Promised myself that for this night, Im gonna have my last bottle of beer and my last cigarette stick. The band played slow rnb music, with Duncan Ramos as their guest singer.. Despite the sleepiness and the slight colds and cough, which the doctor suspected is allergic rhinitis, I still managed to enjoy the night, talking with Will and reminiscing what were the first conversations that we had. :-)

Then on sunday, had a shot of Varicella Vaccine administered by a lovely Doctor in Healthway SM The Block. Dra. Lorenzo, if Im not mistaken, she even told the story of her first pregnancy where she had chickenpox while 7 months pregnant, fortunately, it didnt affect her baby.

Then off we went home to savour the last hours of the weekend, I cooked some vegetables for our dinner and watched a not-so-old film 'Point of No Return' starring Bridget Fonda. I have watched this film years ago and I always liked Bridget for her gentle rugged-feminine role as an assasin. As my colds worsened, I decided to sleep on the sofa, without the aircon that Will cannot sleep without. My god, sometimes, I feel like I wanted to smash the aircon and the fans so I wont have a problem. Haha..

Selected Quotes from Harold and Maude Movie

***Thanks to Joerg for telling me to watch this film. Weird couple though, but Maude is a revolutionary! And I do love her philosophy, minus the extreme ones though, but who cares, great ideas come from crazy thoughts.. The ones I liked most are in red.

---
Harold: What were you fighting for?
Maude: Oh, big issues. Liberty. Rights. Justice. Kings died, kingdoms fell. I don't regret the kingdoms - what sense in borders and nations and patriotism? But I miss the kings.
---
Maude: A lot of people enjoy being dead. But they are not dead, really. They're just backing away from life. *Reach* out. Take a *chance*. Get *hurt* even. But play as well as you can. Go team, go! Give me an L. Give me an I. Give me a V. Give me an E. L-I-V-E. LIVE! Otherwise, you got nothing to talk about in the locker room.
---
Harold: Maude.
Maude: Hmm?
Harold: Do you pray?
Maude: Pray? No. I communicate.
Harold: With God?
Maude: With *life*.
---
Maude: Vice, Virtue. It's best not to be too moral. You cheat yourself out of too much *life.* Aim above morality. If you apply that to life, then you're bound to live life fully.
---
Maude: Harold, *everyone* has the right to make an ass out of themselves. You just can't let the world judge you too much.
---
Harold: You hop in any car you want and just drive off?
Maude: Well, not any car - I like to keep a variety. I'm always looking for the new experience.
Harold: [smiling] Maybe. [more seriously] Nevertheless, I think you're upsetting people. I don't know if that's right.
Maude: Well, if some people get upset because they feel they have a hold on some things, I'm merely acting as a gentle reminder: here today, gone tomorrow, so don't get attached to things *now.* With *that* in mind, I'm not against collecting stuff.
---
Maude: [to a motorcycle officer] *Don't* get officious. You're not yourself when you're officious - That is the curse of a government job.
---
Maude: Consistency is not *really* a human trait.
---
Harold: So... you don't use the umbrella anymore?
[Maude does not hear him]
Harold: No more revolts?
Maude: [Maude is crying, and finally looks at Harold] Oh, yes! Every day. But I don't need a *defense* anymore. I embrace! Still fighting for the Big Issues, but now in my small, individual way.
---
Maude: I've collected quite a lot of stuff in my time. Yeah, this is all memorabilia — but it’s incidental, not integral, if you know what I mean.
---
Maude: Here we are. Oat straw tea and ginger pie. Excuse the mismatched saucers.
Harold: This is definitely a new experience for me.
Maude: Oh, wonderful. Try something new each day. After all, we're given life to find it out. It doesn't last forever.
---
Maude: Oh, that was fun. Let's play something together.
Harold: I don't play anything.
Maude: Nothing? Oh... Dear me. Everybody should be able to make some music. That's the cosmic dance.
---
Maude: What a fuss this is -- so unnecessary.
Harold: Don't die, Maude, for Christ’s sake.
Maude: Oh, Harold -- oh, don't upset yourself so.
Harold: I love you. I love you!
Maude: Oh, Harold... That's wonderful. Go and love some more.

Sex -- As We Know It -- Works!

Sex -- As We Know It -- Works! Thanks to Ever-Evolving Host-Parasite Relationships, Biologists Find

ScienceDaily (July 9, 2011) — It seems we may have parasites to thank for the existence of sex as we know it. Indiana University biologists have found that, although sexual reproduction between two individuals is costly from an evolutionary perspective, it is favored over self-fertilization in the presence of coevolving parasites. Sex allows parents to produce offspring that are more resistant to the parasites, while self-fertilization dooms populations to extinction at the hands of their biological enemies.

Come Back to Me

***This is what happens when Im alone at home on a weekend, and its raining outside (plus the PMS).. Sabi nga ni Will, at least nakapagmuni-muni ako haha.

Come Back to Me

Who can feel what I breathe inside,
When I miss you?

Who can say how you miss me
When you are far from me?

Who dares to read my mind
When I smell your clothes
Just to remember your scent
When you don’t sleep beside me?

And who knows the distance
That bothers me when you’re somewhere
Like a dust
Out of billions of specks?

Can love fly
And travel space
Back to where it belong or
Just bounces back throughout the world over?

When you come back
Does your love weigh greater
Or lesser, when you know
That we can live without each other?

Or your coming just sweeps away
All the doubts I feel
When I feel the beat of your heart
Right beside my heart?

"Surface all Desaparecidos, Stop Impunity!"

OPEN LETTER TO ALL STUDENTS

07 July 2011

 

Tomorrow is the scheduled preliminary investigation on the criminal cases against Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. et al, for the enforced disappearance of Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.

 

Prosecutors will decide if there is probable cause against Palparan and the other accused. “Probable cause” is a legal concept which refers to facts or evidence that would make a reasonable person believe that a crime or wrong doing has been committed, and by the particular persons suspected. This is significant because a warrant of arrest may be issued after determination of probable cause.

 

Over the years, we have compiled key testimonies which state that our fellow UP students Karen and Sherlyn were last seen in the custody of the military, enslaved and tortured. The Supreme Court itself affirmed the credibility of witness and military abductee Raymond Manalo. The decision last May patently ordered Palparan, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, Lt. Col. Rogelio Boac, 2Lt. Francis Mirabelle Samson, M/Sgt. Donald Caigas, and Arnel Enriquez to immediately release Karen and Sherlyn.

 

The accused are required to be present at the preliminary investigation. We know it will be a raw and unnerving time for Nanay Connie Empeno, Nanay Linda Cadapan, and the witnesses who will come face to face with the men accused of cruel human rights violations and heinous crimes. If you have time, please join the gathering outside the Department of Justice along Padre Faura, Manila at 10:00 am tomorrow, 8 July 2011 to give moral encouragement to the families and friends of Karen and Sherlyn.

 

Enforced disappearances have two main objectives: first, they silence opponents, critics, and other social agents of change; second, they also create uncertainty and fear in the wider community. By supporting the legal and political campaign against enforced disappearances, and for the prosecution of human rights violators, we create a safer, better world for all of us.

 

Surface all desaparecidos, stop impunity!

Krissy Conti, UP Student Regent

 

He Said It: I Want a Baby

One night, I arrived late, which I always do, around 9pm from work, and then I realized he just arrived as well, which I am not expecting. Usually, before, when we were still living in our old apartment, he comes home earlier than I do.

And I felt, there's something wrong, I asked him if there's something he wanted to tell me. He tried to brush away the question but I didnt yield. I figured out there's alcohol in his blood. And still he's not answering, stubbornly.

I gave up after some time. Then, going to sleep, he said, 'I'm sad, I want a baby'.

There it is, one of my greatest fears verbalized by the one I love, demanding from me something that I have been anxious ever since..

I just moved to Novaliches this week! All my things are in a mess.. It takes some time before things normalize, tapos sabay pa ng disaster and reorganization sa work, hay life!

Boracay Island Xperience

This is a blast! 2 days nga lang. And on the first day it was raining but we enjoyed the beach nevertheless. We arrived in Kalibo 18th June 2011 (Saturday), 7pm, then went directly to Caticlan via Van, trip took 1 and 1/2 hours with other passengers going to Boracay as well. Then, when we arrived at Tabon Port, it looks like a lot of passengers are stranded so we decided to check in to a lodge in Caticlan. Thats where we spent the night.

5am on Sunday 19th June, we went directly to Tabon Port to board the earliest boat going to Bora. It was a very short trip, and we arrived in Bora around 6am. A woman approached us offering help to get accommodation and we headed to Station2. After checking 5 hotels, we finally decided to check in at Sheena's Hotel - not so expensive, newly renovated room.

The whole of this first day, we took pictures, played on the white beach of Bora, checked the commercial stalls, ate sumptuous meals, swam on the ocean, experienced helmet diving, went to the other side of the island, and just be restless. On the evening, we took a short nap on the hotel, the went off to go partying at Summer Place and Epic. I liked Epic more than Summer Place. Sir Benjo joined us partying, even introduced us to the volunteers of RC of the local chapter, Board, and even the Mayor - who was at that time, celebrating his birthday at Summer Place. Thanks for the pulutan courtesy of Mayor, btw! The gay entertainers are just hilarious, the song Chikitita keeps on repeating in my head 2 days after. Hahaha! Then we enjoyed dancing and just being intoxicated at EPIC where a lot of tourists are also enjoying the great disco music. We went back to the hotel at 3am. :-)

We woke up Monday, around 9am, and headed again to the beach, this time, taking more time just sipping fruit shake while enjoying the sun and the waters, and the sand. And observing people around - Willy and I looked at every person who passed us (walking on the beach) and we would tell each other if 'Pwede' or 'Hindi Pwede'. This is naughty but we enjoyed it and honestly, there are a lot of really good looking people in this island.

We took a short walk along the stalls trying to look for souvenirs but I cant seem to find one. Finally I realized, the only thing that I want to take away from this island are sands - which is the reason why people come to Bora anyways. So I got some samples and I plan to make it into some decoration at home - that everytime I look at it, I will remember how we enjoyed our stay here.

We also visited the local chapter's office, thanks to Sir Benjo for that, I can see a very promising chapter developing in this beautiful island! Then at around 5pm, we board the boat going to Caticlan and then we took a bus going to Kalibo. we arrived around 7:30 at Kalibo and checked in at La Esperanza. Had a quick dinner at the local Food Festival happening in Kalibo, and slept soundly that night. Our flight back to Manila was 8:15am the next day.

I might not have seen Boracay at its best but I surely was never disappointed about the island's beauty.

I am tired, I need a looooong sleep until my back aches. I guess I'm starting to internalize what an NFR really means. I am motivated but Im still lazy. I need to pause and just be alone. This week, Im finally leaving Mandaluyong. :-(

If I'll be doing everyday what I just did today, Im gonna puke. I have to do things slowly but surely.

Im crazy about Mildred Pierce, because I like Kate Winslet a lot! I have followed her from Titanic, to The Life of David Gale, The Revolutionary Road, and to the Reader, and now Mildred Pierce, amazing performance!

Its Been a While

Im finally moving to Novaliches on the 24/25th of this month, I cant believe it, things have been running fast. Too many changes have happened, new arrangements in the office, new tasks I think I can live up to, RJ finally married and maybe soon will have a child despite my telling them to let me have my baby first before they have theirs! And we're both eyeing at the name 'Franco', whoever gets the first baby boy will get the name Franco - but it was me who thought about this name, as a tribute to my father and Will's mother. Its a nice name, simple but classic. I also want Simon (girl/boy) from El Filibusterismo. Or maybe Mandela for a girl.

Last Saturday, I was with Janus and her former student Mari, we were in Malate and had some fun. Im on the process of meeting up with friends again, I have been too focused on work, lovelife, family for the last five years and I just realized, I have forgotten to connect with some friends in high school, and college. I wish I can make it up to them. It has been going smooth so far. This week, I hope to meet Roxy and Loulay in Shangri-La for some French film.

Its been a while I havent written here, things that are personal to me, things that I have been contemplating by myself, sometimes sharing them to Will, some to friends. I just wanted to write. Anything, and I dont want to worry about what I say. :-)

CaLP Training 24-27 May 2011

A four-day event looking at the experiences and other possibilities of implementing Cash Transfer Programming in humanitarian work. Event participated by colleagues from ACF, Oxfam, ADRA, CRS, CFSI, IFRC, PRC and Save the Children.

My Only Brother's Big Day

May 18, 2011: It was indeed a happy occassion. Cant believe my one and only brother just got married. I hope for a future filled with lasting love for both of them and for their kids that are soon to come. :-)