On the serious side...

[Borgie]

Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own affair, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of the time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perenial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of God no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

[hbt]

AMEN uncle borgie....

what can i post, you already sums things so nice and clearly.

borgie... you have a sentimental side pala... hahaha... aray ko!!! let me pick myself up from the chair J/K

[hbt]

Tips

> How many of these did you know
> about?
>
> A sealed envelope - Put in the
> freezer for a few hours, then slide a
> knife under the flap. The
> envelope can then be resealed.
> (hmmmmmm...)
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Use Empty toilet paper roll to
> store appliance cords. It keeps them
> neat and you can write on the
> roll what appliance it belongs to.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> To remove old wax from a glass
> candle holder, put it in the freezer for
> a few hours. Then take the
> candle holder out and turn it upside down.
> The
> wax will fall out.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ===
> Crayon marks on walls? This
> worked
> wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped
> in baking soda. Comes off with
> little effort (elbow grease that is!).
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Permanent marker on
> appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
> BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper
> towel.
> ============ ========= ========= =========
> Blood stains on
> clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little
> hydrogen
> peroxide on a cloth and proceed
> to wipe off every drop of blood. Works
> every time! (Now, where to put
> the body?) LOL
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> Use vertical strokes when
> washing windows outside and horizontal
> for inside windows. This way you
> can tell which side has the streaks.
> Straight vinegar will get
> outside windows really clean. Don't wash
> windows
> on a sunny day. They will dry
> too quickly and will probably streak.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Spray a bit of perfume on the
> light bulb in any room to create a lovely
> light scent in each room when
> the light is turned on.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Place fabric softener sheets in
> dresser drawers and your clothes will
> smell freshly washed for weeks
> to come. You can also do this with towels
> and linen.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
>
> Candles will last a lot longer
> if placed in the freezer for at least 3
> hours prior to
> burning.
> ============ ========= ========= =======
> to clean
> ar
> tificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add
> the
> flowers. Shake
> vigorously== ======
> To clean
> ar as the salt will absorb all the
> dust and dirt
> and leave your artificial
> flowers looking like new! Works like a
> charm!
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> to easily remove burnt on food
> from your skillet, simply add a drop or
> two of dish soap and enough
> wat Ter to cover bottom of pan, and
> bring to a boil on stove
> top.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =======
> Spray your TUPPERWARE with
> nonstick cooking spray before pouring
> in tomato based sauces and there
> won't be any stains.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> Wrap celery in aluminum foil
> when putting in the refrigerator and it will
> keep for weeks.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> When boiling corn on the cob,
> add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural
> sweetness
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Cure for headaches: Take a lime,
> cut it in half, and rub it on your
> forehead. The throbbing will go
> away.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Don't throw out all that
> leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for
> future
> use in casseroles and sauces
> ......... Left over wine? What's that?
>
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> To get rid of itch from mosquito
> bites, try applying soap on the area
> and you will experience instant
> relief.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> Ants, ants, ants everywhere ...
> Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out
> and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants end to march. See for
> yourself.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Use air-freshener to clean
> mirrors. It does a good job and better still,
> leaves a lovely smell to the
> shine.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> When you get a splinter, reach
> for the scotch tape before resorting to
> tweezers or a needle. Simply put
> the scotch tape over the splinter, and
> then pull it off. Scotch tape
> removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
> ============ ========= ========= =======
> Now look what you can do with
> Alka Seltzer..... ...
> Clean a toilet.
> Drop in two Alka Seltzer
> tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and
> flush.
> The citric acid and effervescent
> action clean vitreous China.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Clean a vase.
> To remove a stain from the
> bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with
> water and drop in two Alka Seltzer
> tablets.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= =====
> Polish jewelry.
> Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets
> into a glass of water and immerse the
> jewelry for two
> minutes.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> Clean a thermos
> bottle.
> Fill the bottle with water, drop
> in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
> for an hour (or longer, if
> necessary).
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> Unclog a drain.
> Clear the sink drain by dropping
> three Alka Seltzer tablets down the
> drain followed by a cup of
> Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
> and then run the hot
> water.
> ============ ========= ========= ========= ======
> Makes you wonder about ingesting
> Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?

[Borgie]

Enjoy the ride

The road of life is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare tire called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Almighty God, then you will make it to a place called Heaven.

Life is a journey not a destination. Enjoy the ride.

[Borgie]

Who knew this?

I would think I should have noticed the little secret on my dashboard that was staring me in the face the whole time...I didn't...and I bet you didn't either...

Have you ever borrowed a car and when arriving at the gas station wondered...mmm, which side is the gas filler cap? My normal solution was to stick my head out the window, strain my neck and look, try to see in the side mirrors or even get out of the car!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to share with you this little secret so you will no longer look like Ace Ventura on your way to the gas station or put your neck at risk of discomfort or injury.

If you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump, right? The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the gas pump, correct? If your tank is on the left, the handle will be on the left. If your tank is on the right, the handle will be on the right. It is that simple!

[Borgie]

He who knows...

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool. Shun him

He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is simple. Teach him.

He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep. Wake him.

He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise. Follow him.

[hbt]

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently
studying in the Philippines to take advantage of
our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the
same time.

This is an essay written by a Korean student i
want to share with you. (Never mind the grammar;
it's the CONTENT that counts) Maybe it is timely to
think about this in the midst of all the confusion
at present.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jae Youn Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in
the Philippines . Do you really think the corruption
is the problem of the Philippines ? I do not
think so. I strongly believe that the problem is
the lack of love for the Philippines .

Let me first talk about my country, Korea .
It might help you understand my point.
After the Korean War, South Korea was one
of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans
had to start from scratch because entire country was
destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no
natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for
Filipinos were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos.
Koreans really wanted to be well off like
Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine.
My father & brother also died because of famine.
Korean government was very corrupt and is still very
corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was
able to develop dramatically because Koreans really
did their best for the common good with their heart
burning with patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also
for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired
young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the
government to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money
from other countries, but it was not possible to get a
loan and attract a foreign investment because the
economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had
only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine
workers and nurses to Germany so that
they could send money to Korea to build a factory.
They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow
money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the
airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw
the President Park .. They asked to him, "President,
when can we be well off?" That was the only question
everyone asked to him. President Park cried with
them and promised them that Korea would be well
off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the President
of Germany got the strong impression on them
and lent money to Korea . So, President Park was
able to build many factories in Korea . He always
asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA
came back to Korea to help developing country
because they wanted their country to be well off.
Though they received very small salary, they did their
best for Korea . They always hoped that their children
would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where
poor and physically handicapped people live.. They
wanted me to understand their life and help them..
I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army..
The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we
have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my
neighborhood. Have you cried for the
Philippines ? I have cried for my country several
times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many
poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid
prison. What made me sad in the prison were the
prisoners who do not have any love for their country.
They go to mass and work for Church.. They pray
everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines . I
talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound,
and both of them said that they would leave the
Philippines right after they are released from the
prison. They said that they would start a new life in other
countries and never come back to the Philippines .

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that
we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood.
The owners of factory and company were distributed their
profit to their employees fairly so that employees could
buy what they needed and saved money for the
future and their children.

When I was in Korea , I had a very strong faith and
wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines ,
I completely lost my faith.
I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable
situations in the Philippines . Street kids always make me sad,
and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic
country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here.
People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has
been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and
saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer
than the present Philippines when they
were young.. They are so sorry that there are so
many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan,
I forced my parents to take a boat because
it would fun. However, they were not happy after
taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat
again because they were sympathized the
boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a
small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it.
But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love
for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church
since I was very young told me that if we just go to
mass without changing ourselves, we are not
Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action.
She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things
for them because all of us are same and have received a great
love from God. I want Filipinos to love their
neighborhood and country as much as they love God
so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos
should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once.
It should start from person. Love must start in everybody,
in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of
things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away
our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be
loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible.
Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and
relationships. It changes the world. Please love your
neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we
do to Him. In the Philippines , there is God for people who
are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love.
If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines .
Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country..
You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

[ldbarua]

Wow. That really points out the problem. We need to love our country.

I'd add that most pinoy lack discipline. Lack of it for me plays a major role why we have all these problems. I don't know why children go to school and still seem to lack discipline. Is it because their teachers also lack discipline?

[Borgie]

Very profound in in it's simplicity hbt. Now how do we instill that love for country in the very young? Sometimes you get to thinking: what if Jose Rizal was not executed but lived on to become president of this country after Spain was overthrowed and one of his achieved goals was imbibing that love for country to all Pinoys that would live on thru generations. Would we still be in this rut that we are in now?

[Reiji]

12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country
(This is a book written by Atty Alex Lacson)
Here is excerpts:
1) Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.
2) Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3) Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.
(Or, if you read the book, he suggests: 50-50).
4) When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country.
5) Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.
6) Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7) Support your church.
8) During elections, do your solemn duty.
9) Pay your employees well.
10) Pay your taxes.
11) Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12) Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.

[Reiji]

Wow. That really points out the problem. We need to love our country.

I'd add that most pinoy lack discipline. Lack of it for me plays a major role why we have all these problems. I don't know why children go to school and still seem to lack discipline. Is it because their teachers also lack discipline?

most of the time, its the parents...children would always try to emulate their parents.
as one commercial said before, "ang maling gawa ng magulang ay tama sa tingin ng bata" (bad things done by parents are good things in the eyes of their children).

[Borgie]

Food for thought...

What is status - keeping up with the Joneses?

"Spending money which we really do not have, to buy things which we really do not need, to impress people who we really do not like."

[rhodor]

i've seen this short film many times, i know the ending, but still it hurts inside

Chicken a la Carte
http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play...ken-a-la-Carte

[nandyg1]

whatever you guys are on .........i want some!

[Borgie]

Philippine Political Business

Three contractors are bidding to fix the leaking roof at the Malacanang Palace in Pasig, Metro Manila. An engineer, an architect, and the son of a politician.

They go with the government bureaucrat to the Palace to examine the roof.

The engineer takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. "Well", he says, "I can do the job for PHP5.1M. (PHP2.5M for materials, PHP2.5M for my team and PHP1.0T profit for me)".

The architect also does some measuring and figuring, then says, "I can do this job for PHP4.9M. (PHP2.4M for materials, PHP2.4M for my team and PHP1.0T profit for me)".

The son of the politician did not measure or figure, but leans over to the Malacanang Palace bureaucrat and whispers, "PHP6.9M."

The government bureaucrat says, "That's ridiculous! You did not even measure and compute like the other guys did. How did you come up with such a high figure?"

The son of the politician whispered, "PHP1.0M for you, PHP1.0M for me, and we hire the architect."

"Done!" exclaimed the government bureaucrat.