education for all - anytime, anywhere

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Are you planning to go back to school? What's stopping you? Are you worried about the tuition fee? Maybe you're a stay-at-home mom and you don't want to leave your kids for a few hours with a nanny? An Online degree at Ashworth College is the solution to all your worries.

Ashworth College is committed to teaching specialized knowledge and skills to people of all ages and backgrounds in the most convenient way possible. The school's study programs are challenging yet easy to follow and accessible from anywhere. With Ashworth College, you'll gain the tools to move ahead in your career, qualify for a promotion, pursue an enjoyable hobby and be a success in the working world. Ashworth College puts you in control of your education with self-guided independent study that's flexible, affordable and fun.

Research shows that tuition fee at Ashworth College is 50% less than the average accredited online school. The tuition fee already includes all books and course materials. The school also offers zero-interest financing plus a low monthly payment plan that can run as low as a couple of large pizzas! Because of that huge discount and great financing you will surely graduate without student loan debt. Tranferees can also transfer up to 75% of credits earned at other schools.

The school's FasTrack" Learning System lets a student balance work, family and leisure activities while getting a good education. It's perfect for people who don't want to waste time rushing to classes or worrying about deadlines.

Visit the website of Ashworth College now and check out the 100+ nationally accredited career diplomas, Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree and Certificate programs for today's hottest and most popular careers.

picky eater's pick of the month

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...or maybe just for this week (?).

There are days when I am so frustrated that I just want to pull all my hair out. RJ is a very picky eater and it's very difficult to plan our meals because of that. If I can only have my way, I will cook vegetables for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between. RJ's favorite line these days, "I hate vegetables! Yuck!"

Thank God that he doesn't hate fruits. And at the moment Taho.

Tahô is a Philippine snack food made of fresh soft/silken tofu, arnibal (brown sugar and vanilla syrup), and pearl sago (similar to pearl tapioca). This staple comfort food is a signature sweet and can be found all over the country. The Indonesian and Malaysian equivalent of this dish is Tahu.

I found this video tutorial on how to make homemade taho. It's so easy.

Ingredients:

22 ounces extra soft tofu
1 ¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup uncooked tapioca pearls
4 ½ cups water

Procedure:

1. Pour 4 cups of water in a cooking pot and bring to a boil.
2. Put-in the tapioca pearls and cook for 40 minutes in medium heat.
3. Add ¼ cup brown sugar and mix well.
4. Turn off the heat and let the tapioca pearls sit on the cooking pot until room temperature is achieved. Set aside.
5. Heat a saucepan then pour-in ½ cup of water.
6. Put-in 1 cup of brown sugar once the water starts to boil. Mix well and simmer for 1 minute. Set aside.
7. Transfer the extra soft tofu in a glass or mug then heat in a microwave oven for a minute.
8. Top the extra soft tofu with the cooked tapioca pearls and sweet syrup.
9. Serve warm. Share and Enjoy!

Thank you to Panlasang Pinoy for the recipe. I am now a big fan!

spelling bee champion

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I am watching right now the rerun of Scripps National Spelling Bee 2010 Championship round. Anamika Veeramani won with the word Stromuhr. The prizes she got were not that bad for a 14 year old to receive. 

bright beginnings for a bright future

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PBM Products began distribution of Bright Beginnings, the first sensibly priced, DHA/ARA-enriched national brand of infant formula, September of 2003.

Bright Beginnings with the Lipids DHA & ARA:

• 
  
  Provides nutrients in levels recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the largest organization of pediatricians dedicated to the health and well-being of infants and children.
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  Provides nucleotides in levels like breast milk to bolster immunity
• 
  
  Contains a vegetarian blend of fats similar to breast milk to aid in absorption of important minerals like calcium
• 
  
  Has more of the easily-digested protein whey, like breast milk

Bright Beginnings has recently introduced two new formulas. The Bright Beginnings Milk Based Formula and Bright Beginnings Organic Formula. These new Bright Beginnings baby formula provides the nutrients your baby needs at prices that your family will appreciate.

The Bright Beginnings Milk Based Formula with DHA is designed like breast milk to satisfy the unique nutritional needs of growing infants. DHA and ARA occur naturally in mother's milk and belong to a class of nutrients called lipids, or fats. Lipids are an essential part of a healthy diet because they are important structural components of vital organs, particularly an infant's brain and eyes.

The Bright Beginnings Organic Formula is made in Vermont and certified organic in accordance with USDA regulations. Bright Beginnings Organic Formula is produced WITHOUT potentialy harmful pesticides, added growth hormones and antibiotics. Bright Beginnings Organic Formula provides the benefits of the lipids DHA and ARA, nutrients naturally found in breast milk essential for babies' mental and visual development.

too much milk may be the culprit

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RJ experienced an unbearable tummy ache, for the nth time, two months back. I had to rush him to his Gastroenterologist's clinic because he was vomitting the whole morning already. The clinic was an hour's away from the house. We we're inside the doctor's office for only 5minutes! Yup, it's constipation once again. I had to stock the fridge with lots of Gatorade (he was losing a lot of fluid from vomitting), prune juice (fiber rich fruit juice), fruits and vegetables.

I am getting worried again because of RJ's irregular bathroom habit. He does eat fruits but doesn't want the "yucky" vegetables. He eats prunes daily to add more fiber in his diet.

I think I may know the culprit now. It's the milk. He uses milk for his cereals every single morning. He has milk for recess. And at night, he sometimes asks for milk and oreo. 

Although many parents understand the role that too much cow's milk, a diet low in fiber and not drinking enough fluids have in contributing to constipation, they may have other children with the same diet who aren't constipated. Part of the reason for this may be in your child's specific dietary needs. While he may drink an average amount of milk that isn't constipating for most children, it may be 'too much' for him. source: about.com

I will cut back on his milk intake. Will just replace it with other fluids like fresh fruit juices. I hope this helps him with his don't-wanna-poop moments.

looking for a gift? try Friendgiftr

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Are you looking for a gift? Look no more. At FriendGiftr, finding a gift for your family, friends or acquaintances is like a walk in the park.

Friendgiftr was founded in October 2008 by Rob Carpenter as the first e-commerce 2.0 company to commercialize social media and mobile phones by introducing real, purchasable brand name company products to multiple social networking sites and smart phones.

Their first product, the largest collection of the top virtual and physical retail and restaurant gift cards online, are available for purchase on friendgiftr.com, Facebook, MySpace, iGoogle, Bebo, and Ning. They will also be expanding onto iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Palm, Nokia, and other mobile platforms soon. Simply put, Friendgiftr lets you shop pretty much anywhere through the world's first ever virtual network of linked commercial applications.

Users are now able to buy and send real digital and/or physical gift cards to friends, family, and associates for the holidays, birthdays, other special occasions, or anytime. Buyers can select from over 120 of their favorite retail and restaurant gift cards to buy $10, $20, $25, $35, $50, $75, and $100 gift cards. But what’s really special about Friendgiftr is that end receivers are empowered to get what they really want –they can exchange the gift card given to them from their friends or family for any of the 120 merchants Friendgiftr offers for no additional cost and without the buyer knowing. They can also split the gift card across multiple merchants, enabling the ultimate user choice and control.

By the way, just in case you want to say Hi! to the staff, their office is located on Hollywood & Vine in the beautiful Taft Building, the former home of Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, and the Academy Awards.

i want to watch "the last airbender"

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I have been a fan of the Nickelodeon show "Avatar: The Last Airbender". My son watches it all the time and I got interested why my sisters also like it. I wasn't able to watch the last few episodes though.

I want to watch the movie but RJ doesn't want to watch it. Also, I have been reading bad reviews about it.

I'll just watch the trailer for the meantime. Until I find someone who is willing to watch this movie with me in the cinema.

do you want a free weekend stay at hampton hotel?

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You could win an entire hotel for a weekend! Yes, an entire hotel with 100 rooms for two nights! Unbelievable? That was my thought exactly the first time I heard of the giveaway. But now, I'm a believer. This summer Hampton is offering a great way for you to reconnect with your friends.

Hampton hotel has over 1,600 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, in a single room or suite, one will enjoy all of the extras Hampton has to offer. They're part of what makes staying at a Hampton a very special value.

As a proud member of the Hilton family of hotels, a visitor can earn Hilton HHonors® hotel points and airline miles for a stay. Hampton Inn guests also enjoy a variety of complimentary services including the On the House hot breakfast with delicious offerings, On the Run Breakfast Bag (Monday-Friday), high-speed Internet access in all rooms, wireless Internet access in the lobby and meeting rooms, 24 hour coffee in the lobby, local calls, and an in-room movie channel.

Hampton's friendly service and complimentary amenities are all backed by the hotels 100% Hampton Guarantee. If a guest is not 100% satisfied, Hapton doen's expect any payment. That's their promise and your guarantee. That's 100% Hampton.™

There are two ways to join the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes. One, you can simply fill out the entry form. So simple, right? Another way is to use a promotional code. When you book a room online, enter promo code "FRIEND" in Promotion/Offer Code section on the reservation page to be automatically entered in the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes.

The prizes are:

Grand Prize - Entire hotel for a weekend (100 rooms for 2 nights)

100 First Prizes - Weekend stays given away daily for the winner and three of their friends.

What are you waiting for? Join now!

layout 911!

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Can anybody please point me in the right direction? I have been trying to change my layout for the longest time already. I want a layout that is "clean". No contrasting colors, don't need a blog that has ROYGBIV colors. I need one that has a professional look.

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

debating the future of energy

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E.ON is one of the UK’s leading power and gas companies – generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas – and is part of the E.ON group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies. We employ around 17,000 people in the UK and around 93,000 worldwide. E. ON is one of the leading green generators in the UK, with 20 wind farms located from Cornwall to Northern Ireland. The company own and operate one of the UK’s largest dedicated biomass power stations at Lockerbie.

E. ON's Changing Energy strategy is driving efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to energy challenges. The company is aiming to transform every aspect of energy: how they make it, how it's used, and society's understanding of it. To achieve this, E.ON identified their Responsibilities to provide direction for their actions and to demonstrate their responsible approach to how they do business.

E.ON Talking Energy Live is a series of roadshows in the West Midlands, UK. The shows give local people the chance to talk about the energy issues that matter to them. The future of energy is going to be about doing things differently and we can make a difference together. If we all use less, we'll save energy, money and carbon emissions. Browse the website and you will learn about the affordable, reliable and lower carbon energy.

Explore the videos here to find out how E. ON is helping you get energy fit.

rainy season = dengue

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Dengue fever (pronounced UK: /ˈdɛŋɡeɪ/, US: /ˈdɛŋɡiː/) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are acute infectious diseases manifested initially with fever which occur in the tropics, can be life-threatening, and is also known as breakbone fever or dandy fever.

Transmission

Aedes aegypti, the transmitter of the disease, is a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.

Signs and Symptoms

The disease manifests as fever of sudden onset associated with headache, muscle and joint pains (myalgias and arthralgias—severe pain that gives it the nickname break-bone fever or bonecrusher disease), and rash.[8] The classic dengue rash is a generalised maculopapular rash with islands of sparing. A hemorrhagic rash of characteristically bright red pinpoint spots, known as petechiae can occur later during the illness and is associated with thrombocytopenia. It usually appears first on the lower limbs and the chest; in some patients, it spreads to cover most of the body. There may also be gastritis with some combination of associated abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some cases develop much milder symptoms which can be misdiagnosed as influenza or other viral infection when no rash is present. Travelers from tropical areas may pass on dengue inadvertently, having not been properly diagnosed at the height of their illness.

Patients can pass on the infection only via Aedes mosquitoes or (much more unusually) blood products and only while they are still febrile. The classic dengue fever lasts about two to seven days, with a smaller peak of fever at the trailing end of the disease (the so-called "biphasic pattern"). Clinically, the platelet count will drop until after the patient's temperature is normal. Cases of DHF also show higher fever, variable hemorrhagic phenomena, thrombocytopenia, and hemoconcentration. A small proportion of cases lead to dengue shock syndrome (DSS) which has a high mortality rate.

Prevention and Control

Cover water drums and water pails at all times to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Replace water in flower vases once a week.
Clean all water containers once a week. Scrub the sides well to remove eggs of mosquitoes sticking to the sides.
Clean gutters of leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect as breeding places of mosquitoes.
Old tires used as roof support should be punctured or cut to avoid accumulation of water.
Collect and dispose all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water.

sources: DOH
             Wikipedia

kid-friendly tortillas?

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Yes, there is a kid-friendly tortilla. It goes by the name Mission Flour Tortillas. Why is it kid-friendly? We all know that kids nowadays are very picky eaters. Your picky eater will never be a picky eater again with Mission Flour Tortillas. Because there are different varieties of tortilla to choose from, different delectable dishes appropriate for your picky eater's taste buds can be created. And they can help in preparing the dishes because Mission Flour Tortillas are available in small (6"), medium (8") and large (10”) sizes. Even your toddler's hand can handle a small round tortilla.

Mission Flour Tortillas contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving and are cholesterol free. So eating this everyday will not make your kid a rolly-polly.

Mission Foods is kicking off the summer with the Mission Menus Challenge.
Beginning June 28, 2010, Chef Sara Moulton will encourage consumers to submit their budget-friendly recipes to Mission at www.MissionMenusChallenge.com for a chance to compete in a cook-off in Los Angeles and win a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover as well as a host of weekly prizes. The grand prize winner will win round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to the Mission Menus Challenge Cook-off on September 10, 2010 at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles.

All recipes must include Mission Flour Tortillas. Originality is a must. And it must be able to feed a family of five for $10 or less. This challenge will run until August 9th. So hurry, you still have the chance to submit your recipe online.

domains for only $2.99

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Get your domain for just $2.99 at Namecheap! And for a limited time offer, it comes with a free WhoisGuard subscription. WhoisGuard privacy protection allows you to keep your information private as it should be.

Cool right! You get a new domain with a very useful freebie!

do you know what a vacheval is?

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Shot in 1963, this is previously unseen report footage from Belgique Television. Up until recently, it has previously gone unseen. It tells the story of a strange animal called a Vacheval. Vache is french for “Cow”. Cheval is french for “Horse”. The Vacheval, which was reared on a farm just outside Leuven in Belgium, is a cross between a horse and a cow in an attempt to create CO2 reducing transport system.

It looks like a small horse with two horns on its head (somewhat like a unicorn) with a body that looks more like a cow. It is very popular today with UK environmentalists due to its CO2 reducing transportation and that it could be the answer to future environmental issues facing man-kind.


Alain du Monde, an eco extraordinaire who worked for Belgique Television at that time, recalls the Vacheval; “The Vacheval were magnifique, they were not only eco but they were chic too, those behind the Vacheval were clearly visionary in recognising the future environmental issues facing man-kind” he says.
 
These animals were treated with respect, being educated and groomed before the animal rights activists got involved.

Although the Vacheval proved to be very useful to our environment, no one knows whether they actually exist today. There are rumours they all now live on a special retreat in the Alps, whilst some say they fled Europe in search of work. With little records of their existence, who knows what actually happened to the Vacheval?

despicable me!

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RJ is so excited to watch this movie. And so are my younger sisters, who are now in their 20's. I am not that excited though.

But since me and my son are always together, and me being a movie addict, I don't have any choice but to watch this movie. Steve Carell plays an animated super-villain named Gru, a guy who would blow up a balloon animal just so he could pop it in a little kid’s face.

Enjoy the trailer!

my son will need this a few years from now

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I had my fair share of acne and blemishes when I was in my teens. Because of this, my son may also have those ugly bumps on his face a few years from now. Good thing a cosmetic concealer stick for men was developed 4 years ago.

The Men Pen is a men's concealer product specifically designed to conceal specific areas like acne, moles, scars, dark circles, blemishes, or just rough spots! You'll love the self confidence you get from The Men Pen! This is the same mens makeup that male actors, models, and businessmen use in their everyday life. The Men Pen comes in 17 colors so there's a match for everyone.

The Men Pen can be used daily but typically is used for dress to impress occasions such as business meetings, or nightlife where your image is critical. This mens cosmetics are made to help guys improve their confidence, look better, and especially for specific times, prom, meetings, clubbing, etc. You can't risk a big event and a nice big zit on your face.

Other uses of this concealer are: hair fill in by using a dark color to fill spots, smooth facial skin and reduce roughness, covering tattoo's in the workplace and removing dark circles from under eyes.

the most unprofessional people in this country

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... the maids!

I recently hired a maid, after 9 years of not having one. I don't really need one actually, I am a certified multi-tasking-mama. But because I wanted to concentrate on blogging, heck I have been missing lots of opportunities and tasks, I decided to give it a try. Although deep in my heart I know that this is going to be the worst decision that I will make this year.

Everything went smoothly the first week. Who wouldn't love a job that only requires 2 hours of work? RJ doesn't have school yet, at that time, so I just asked her to clean the house and she's free to go afterwards. Did I mention she's a stay-out maid?

When school started already, I told her to just be in the house at 9 AM. She has two kids and as a mom myself I know that she wants to bring her kids to school herself. She was always late.

I have to pick up my son everyday from school. She has the house all to herself from 1:45 PM until 5:00 PM. When I open the front door at 5:00 PM, that is also her cue to wake up from her deep sleep. She sleeps the whole time I am out of the house.

To cut the long story short, she didn't report to work since yesterday. When I tried calling her, she turned off her phone. She still owe me money. I gave her an advance salary. Stupid me. She said she doesn't have money to buy school materials for her kids.

I will never, ever get a maid! They are all liars.

Well, this is going to be me for the next century. I get to exercise (mopping the floor, doing the laundry, etc). And I will have peace of mind.

are you looking for the best webhost?

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I have been blogging for more than a year already. I recently bought a new domain and currently looking for a webhost provider. I want to put my blogging to the next level by getting a webhost provider. I reached this decision because the features of a free blogging service are somewhat limited.

I basically need a web host that is reliable, affordable and has good technical support. When I searched online, the results page showed hundreds of domain web hosting providers. How will I be able to compare all the providers based on my requirements? I am so confused on what to choose. So, dear friends in the blogosphere, I am asking for your help. Can you please recommend a web budget host provider?

Who is your web host provider right now? What made you decide to choose that web host provider? Are you satisfied with their service? Is your web host reliable and affordable? What about the customer hotline and technical support, are they accommodating?

Through your webhosting reviews and ratings, I will then be able to compare the services and features offered by your suggested web hosting services. Hoping to collate the information that I need before I ran out of space with the free blogging service that I am currently using.

Thank you in advance to your recommendations.

rj's experience at the inauguration of PNoy

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RJ's Ninong gave him this invitation last night. Oh yes, RJ was so disappointed. Who wouldn't be? He won't be able to wear Barong and hobnob with the newly elected officials of the Philippine government and yes with the celebrities. No, that's actually not the reason. He's not happy with the seats they were given because only the people in the "Barong" wing gets to be called VIP's. And yes they also get free food!

Blame your Dad, he asked for tickets just last week. Yes, his Ninong was in the we-have-free-food seat.

Anyway, he still opted to attend the inauguration. And as usual, he and his Dad were late! They arrived at 9:45 am. They didn't find their seats. And when I called, RJ was complaining, "It's so hot here!". With the freebie umbrella that you got, it's still hot? 

I didn't go with them. I decided to wait for them at Harrison Plaza where the car was parked.

They were supposed to attend the street party at 6 PM but decided not to because of the following:

• 
  
  Didn't find their seats because the organizer allowed people without invites to go in. So unorganized!
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  Dad almost broke his back because he had to carry RJ (on his back while standing on a chair), so RJ can see the stage.
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  Broke the freebie yellow umbrella, good thing I just made them bring one - I still have the other one!
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  They had to walk from Quirino Grandstand to Taft Avenue to get a taxi.
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  No taxi at Taft Avenue, rode a jeepney to Century Park Hotel.
• 
  
  Ate lunch at 3PM already.

Here's the one and only picture RJ captured with my camera. Who is that guy anyway? "I don't need to take pictures, Mama. I have it all stored in my mind".

He gave me these petals, how sweet! There were helicopters dropping confetti and he tried to get some so he can have a "pasalubong" for me!