Angels Amoung Us

We should read this every year at Christmas, in fact more often than that.

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was 15 and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper, I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible. Instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa returned. It was a cold clear night and there was ice in his beard.

"Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight."

I was really upset. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed.

"I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me."

The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the wagon's low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing?

Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?"

"You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked.

The Widow Jensen lived about 2 miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with 3 children, the oldest being 8. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? Yeah," I said, "Why?"

"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt."

That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smokehouse and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand.

"What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the 2 miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"

"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up."

I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the 3 of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell."

I was the youngest. My brothers and sisters had all married and moved away.

Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her 3 children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Big Boys Do Cry Part 3

I didn't get a chance to say I love you.
You were gone before we got that far.
All I know is now I really need you,
Yet when I look for you, you aren't there.

You said once that you never would forget me,
Yet how am I to know without you here?
Such emptiness! Like what I feel within me:
Neither flesh nor tears, just cold thin air.

Sometimes, alone, I feel your arms around me,
And all my need for you spills out in pain.
Jagged memories of you surround me.
I cannot think I won't see you again.

Homeless

No Christmas for my children,
No husband for my bed,
No money for tomorrow,
No place to lay my head,

No tree with mounds of presents,
No ornaments or lights,
No smiles on Christmas morning,
No feast on Christmas night,

No toys to ease the boredom
Of hours before closed doors,
No family celebrations,
No trips to crowded stores,

No fireplace, no Santa,
No games aglow with friends,
No fire but feeble fury
As Christmas slowly ends.

For me I have no pity,
My sorrow stronger proves,
Because for my sweet children
I've nothing but my love.

Avoiding TRAFFIC, The Soldier Way

While my friend and I were wandering around the "plaza" in the northernmost part of Luzon (am not allowed to mention the province, to avoid unwanted reactions), I was amazed to see a soldier riding in an improvised "scooter". I will not notice this one, if it's normal (I mean usual).

So what can you say with the pic? Like it actually. Seems low maintenance but still respectable.

50 most popular baby names of the decade (2000-2009)

	Girls' Names	Boys' Names
1	Emma	Aiden
2	Emily	Jacob
3	Madison	Ethan
4	Isabella	Matthew
5	Ava	Nicholas
6	Sophia	Jack
7	Kaitlyn	Joshua
8	Hannah	Michael
9	Hailey	Ryan
10	Olivia	Andrew
11	Sarah	Caden
12	Abigail	Tyler
13	Madeline	Dylan
14	Lily	Jaden
15	Kaylee	Zachary
16	Ella	Connor
17	Riley	Logan
18	Brianna	Caleb
19	Alyssa	Noah
20	Samantha	Alexander
21	Lauren	Jackson
22	Mia	Brayden
23	Alexis	Lucas
24	Chloe	William
25	Ashley	Nathan
26	Grace	Joseph
27	Jessica	Justin
28	Elizabeth	Daniel
29	Taylor	Benjamin
30	Makayla	Christopher
31	Makenzie	James
32	Anna	Gavin
33	Zoe	Evan
34	Kayla	Austin
35	Sydney	Cameron
36	Megan	Brandon
37	Natalie	Mason
38	Kylie	Luke
39	Rachel	Anthony
40	Avery	Christian
41	Katherine	Gabriel
42	Isabel	Owen
43	Victoria	David
44	Morgan	John
45	Kyra	Jonathan
46	Jasmine	Samuel
47	Allison	Sean
48	Savannah	Hunter
49	Julia	Elijah
50	Jordan	Thomas

Bro, Let Me Be the Bandage for Your Bleeding

Let me be the bandage for your bleeding;
Let me be the ocean for your tears.
Let me be the secret of your healing;
Let me be the song to still your fears.

Love isn't love that cannot love in darkness,
Nor is it love that turns away from pain;
Nor would I care would I not hold your sadness
And with my care your love of life sustain.

So do not think your malady a burden,
And do not think my willingness deceit.
Just let your sorrow flow into my garden,
And I will share with you the harvest sweet.

Cheating Is a Crime Against Oneself

Cheating is a crime against oneself,
Hardening the insufficient heart.
Each finds in lies an easy path to pleasure,
Abandoning the way that leads to joy.
The choice is ever open, but the gulf
Increases as the actor plays his part.
No one who cheats can cherish long his treasure,
Given what of hope lies can destroy.

*Credit: Artwork by Mark Janssen Magdirilla

Life's Ironies

A million questions I asked myself tonight. Not knowing if asking it to thyself is worth answering with every ounce of courage in your heart. Trying to seek truth in wisdom from oneself, yet rejecting acceptance from the sight.

These questions we ask ourselves over time are questions of nonsense justifications. We knew from the start we had answers to those questions that’s why we ask ourselves. The only problem or conflict would simply be accepting our own answers.

Reasons. Why do we keep reasoning when in fact our lapse in judgment got us into frisky situations with numerous damages yet push through with what we were never sure of?

Why do we keep reasoning with ourselves when we know from the start how it would end. That we know we let things happen. That we ask ourselves why it happened when we knew we let it happen. And why do we let things happen? Why do we think we lose control of the situation when in fact we were just lazy to control it?

The pain it brings. We ask why we get hurt when in fact we inflicted it on ourselves. Masochism? I doubt that. We just didn’t care about ourselves enough to actually choose not to get hurt. Not to carry the burden of the situation when we actually threw it on our backs without knowing the weight of it. Why do we actually do these to ourselves?

A million questions I ask myself. I ask myself knowing the answers but not man enough to suck up the pain. Not man enough to accept the answers to my own questions. Where is this going? I know I’m going in circles but I always tell myself I don’t know where this is going. I ask myself why I deserve to get hurt knowing I got hurt because I wasn’t sure of myself. Because I never really gave myself a chance, a chance to let myself grow in ways I knew how.

That missing piece, I’ve always known where to search for it but I never did. Instead, I searched in the wrong places. I searched for what’s missing in me, from somebody else. From other people who knew nothing about me. I searched for that missing part knowing where to look yet not searching from where I had to.

Pain. I actually have no grip in words to describe such emotion. Lies and deceit. Why do we tell ourselves we’re fine when in fact we’re not in any way near fine? Do we really have to lie even to ourselves? Do we really have to do it to ourselves to mask not being able to accept the simple truth that we are not okay? What about the times when people call us names and we get angry? Like for example, when someone calls us superficial and we get angry. Why? Why when in fact we know deep down inside that we really are?

We look at the physical aspect at first and then work our way in when it wasn’t designed that way. And that we cannot accept not even to ourselves? Why do we end up masking who we really are when in fact it’s easier to accept the reality of it.

Complicated? No. things are easy. They’re never complicated. People make it complicated. We keep sulking on the drama when there’s actually nothing to be dramatic of. We simply are addicted to the attention we get from the drama. The fuel that burns our souls in ways we couldn’t explain.

Trust. Truth about trust. Simple. We can’t give trust because we can’t even trust ourselves. Believe it or not. That’s where it starts.

Now tell me. Do these things make us stronger? Or it just makes us try to manipulate our brains into thinking we’re getting stronger when In fact we’re cowards who can’t accept ourselves.

Maybe it just boils down to where to begin accepting ourselves. The real us.

I Don't Expect You Soon to Love Me

I don't expect you soon to love me,
Nor are my own feelings clear.
Passion is the ornate entrance
To a world we crave and fear.

We cannot know where this will take us,
Nor whether we will ride for long,
But pleasure is the overture
That flows into the larger song.

So come with me with open mind
And heart, and we the time will prove
With laughter and with joy unfettered,
And, perhaps, someday with love.

Womens Questions, Mens Answers

MAN'S ANSWERS TO EVERY QUESTION A WOMAN EVER ASKS







1. WHY ARE MEN SUCH JERKS?
It's a testosterone thing. Much similar to your PMS thing, we men suffer from testosterone poisoning. Why do you think the average life span of a male is typically 10 years shorter (and it's not just from all the bitching and nagging we have to endure)? Hormone modifies behavior. We're just misunderstood.

2. WHY DO MEN ALWAYS HAVE TO OGLE AT OTHER WOMEN?
Again, this is a testosterone thing. Do you honestly think that all the testosterone just fell out of our bodies the moment we met you? Besides, women do it as well. Women are just much better at not getting caught. I'm fairly certain it's some sort of photographic memory deal. Women take one quick look and memorize it for later reference. Since men lack this ability, we try to burn it into our memory by staring as much as we can.

3. WHY DO MEN ALWAYS TOUCH THEMSELVES, ESPECIALLY IN PUBLIC?
We occasionally need to adjust our little friend and make him happy. It's much like adjusting your bra. Being in public is just an added bonus.

4. WHY DO MEN ALWAYS SAY SUCH STUPID THINGS?
We like to. It's actually a whole lot of fun to see our partner frustrated by a few simple (and well-chosen) words.

5. WHY ARE MEN SO UNCOMMUNICATIVE?
You'd learn to keep your big mouth shut too if every time you open it you get into trouble with your partner.

6. WHY DO MEN HAVE TO ACT LIKE SUCH RETARDS?
Well, we don't actually have to; we do it because we enjoy it. It's the old fashioned pride in a job well done that's missing in so much of the world nowadays.

7. WHY CAN'T MEN JUST SHARE THEIR FEELINGS?
Do we look like women to you? Why is it so hard to understand that men and women are different? How are we supposed to share how we feel when we have no idea how we feel? Unless we're experiencing some extreme emotion like rage, hatred, disgust, or a brick on our foot, we have no idea how we feel. Personally, I get a headache whenever I try to figure out how I feel.

8. WHY CAN'T MEN CUDDLE MORE (I.E. LIE DOWN AND HUG)?
Please... How many hours do you think there is in a day? We oblige you as much as we can, but who the hell (besides women) can stand lying around for hours on end?
We men... Men hunters... Need go roam... Starve in cave... Must go find wildebeest... Now sitting on our asses for hours on end on the other hand is a whole other story.

9. HOW CAN MEN SIT ON THEIR ASSES ALL DAY WITHOUT MOVING?
Men have very powerful sets of sitting muscles developed by evolution that enable us to sit for extended periods of time without getting tired. In prehistoric times, it was often necessary to sit in one spot for extended periods of time while hunting for prey. The more successful hunters were able to sit very still for very extended periods of time thereby passing on this ability to their progeny. The fidgety types were all gobbled up by saber toothed tigers etc. The end result is that almost all modern men are born with this innate ability.

10. WHY CAN'T MEN JUST SAY, "I LOVE YOU?"
Men are taught from a tender young age to be self-sufficient. To say that we love you is equivalent to saying that we need you. Most men consider that a character fault. It's not easy to admit to one's own character faults.

11. WHY DO MEN SAY "I LOVE YOU" WHEN THEY HARDLY KNOW ME?
Ho, Ho, Ho... Aren't you special? Well, some men think it's a sure-fire way to get into your pants. Surprisingly, it actually still works quite well.

12. WHY DOESN'T MY PARTNER EVER ANSWER ME?
We just simply don't have the energy to answer every single one of your questions. If we think we do not have the answer, or that you will not like the answer, we simply remain quiet and save the energy for other things.

13. WHY WON'T MEN EVER PICK UP AFTER THEMSELVES?
Why should we? It doesn't really bother us that much. Besides, we know damn well you'll pick it up.

14. WHAT'S WITH ALL THE BELCHING AND FARTING?
This usually only occurs after months of courting. It's our way to let you know that we're comfortable with you. Believe it or not, it's actually a sign of affection. Besides, holding it for extended periods of time gives us stomach cramps.

15. WHY DO MEN HATE SHOPPING?
It's an evolutionary thing. Men hunt. Women gather. We just want to go out, kill it, and bring it back. Who wants to spend hours and hours to look at things we have no intention of killing? Err... buying?

Men's 10 Commandments of dating

1. Though shalt not be a girls therapist or friend, you WONT get laid from hearing a girl talk about a jerk she's actually having sex with.

2. Thou shalt run away from thou girl who complains about an abusive childhood or abusive relationship.

3. Thou shall never talk about thy exes, unless she brings up hers, which brings us too...

4. Thou shalt never date a girl who lives in the past.

5. If thy girl doesnt eat thy salad with thy salad fork then she shalt be one who is vulgar and lacks manners.

6. Thou art men must allways get there validation from thy lives and not from the women they are seeing.

7. Art thou shalt be unphased by the rejection of thee, for it is her loss and that is one more no to an eventual "yes".

8. Though art must establish himself as thy prize, feign being gay or married if thy must, for thy women want what they can't have, but to be a funny, confident guy is thy preffered route, though fake it till you make it if thy must.

9. Thy must learn girlspeak, "busy" means "pretend to be busy" in order to be tested, and "I have a boyfriend" thou art means " I am not attracted to you" for if she did have one she wouldnt let you know if she was attracted.

10. Thou art must never solve a womens problems, or you will BE her problem, as thy women use problems to emotionally bond over, weird I know but dont solve a girls problems.

Now though art shall go forth and date, without looking like a chump!

Things to do at SM Supermalls

1. Get 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they aren't looking.

2. Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. Make a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the rest rooms.

4. Walk up to an employee and tell him/her in an official tone,
" 'Code 3' in housewares".... and see what happens.

5. Go the Service Desk and ask to put a bag of M&M's on lay away.

6. Move a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. Set up a tent in the camping department and tell other shoppers you'll invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.

8. When a clerk asks if they can help you, begin to cry and ask, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"

9. Look right into the security camera; & use it as a mirror, and pick your nose.

10. While handling guns in the hunting department, ask the clerk if he knows where the anti - depressants are.

11. Dart around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.

12. In the auto department, practice your "Madonna look" using different size funnels.

13. Hide in a clothing rack and when people browse through, say "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"

14. When an announcement comes over the loud speaker, assume the fetal position and scream..
"NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!"

15. Go into a fitting room and shut the door and wait a while; and then yell, very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!

16. Get several bouncy balls and throw them down an aisle shouting "go, pikachu, go!"

I Want You to Be Here with Me for Christmas

I want you to be here with me for Christmas,
Even if you leave your heart at home.
I know that lately my love makes you restless,
But it's too hard to spend this time alone.

My love for you is like the Christmas season:
Joyful, yet with knowledge of the end.
My need for you has neither hope nor reason:
If not a lover, please, just be a friend.

Please, just be a friend, and come to me
When all the world is bright with love and song.
You are my pillar and my fantasy,
My earth and yet the sky for which I long.

My need for you, of course, is mine, not yours,
Nor need you answer me but out of love.
This is the season when we open doors
To let in those whose need our hearts might move.

And after Christmas you may go your way
To leave me with my sadness and my dreams.
I have no right to bother you to stay,
Knowing how your heart, unaltered, leans.

I want you to be here with me for Christmas,
Even if you leave your heart at home.
What you decide, and why, is not my business,
But still for me it's hard to be alone.

I Don't Understand What Happened to Us

I don't understand what happened to us
Or why you have turned away.
Of course you are free to do as you like,
But first I have something to say.

To me it had seemed we could go on forever,
So close were our hearts, and at ease,
So much did we share, yet the words never faltered,
So I thought as time did as it pleased.

Whatever I did that has made you unhappy,
Or am that is not to your taste,
Or would be were I to return to your graces,
Or won't be if I am replaced:

I want you to know that your friendship is something
I treasure, and would not now end.
If you would be willing to turn to embrace me,
You'd find in me still a good friend.

The General (?)

Just browsing my mailbox then have seen this picture taken during the the time when we have problem with the typhoons that struck the country.

I know the picture is disgusting... lol

2009 Presedential Election

The Philippines has the most talk about politics in the world. This comes with no surprise since this is a nation where almost everyone wants to be a leader (but they themselves fails to obey).

It's heartbreaking to hear people say that they will voe because they "feel" for this aspiring preseident. While others say they will vote for the other one because he knows how hard it is to be called "just".

When I was young (not so long ago ofcourse *smile*), I have always like the atmosphere of elections. You know, everybody seems happy, or so I thought...

When are we going to choose a leader who deserve our respect? A leader who will guide us to every ladder of lives difficulties? Someone who is not greed of power.

We all want a leader not only by words but more importantly by actions. Vote wisely!

Chris Brown's New Album 'Graffiti'

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Jive Records multi-platinum recording artist Chris Brown is set to release his third album Graffiti December 8, on the heels of the successful launch of his 18-city "Fan Appreciation Tour."

The album's first single, "I Can Transform Ya" featuring Lil Wayne and producer Swizz Beatz (who also produced the track), has climbed to the Top Ten on Billboard's Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop and Rhythmic radio airplay charts. The hit single has sold over 355K combined digital and mobile units and is holding steady in the Top 10 on the iTunes music video chart. The 20-year-old, multi-entertainer's video clip for the track is in heavy rotation on MTV, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, Music Choice and was recently added to BET and FUSE.

"Crawl" Brown's second single, is receiving strong early support at the Urban Mainstream radio format and the song is expected to impact other radio formats around the album release early December. The "Crawl" video is already in heavy rotation on MTV Hits and MTV Jams, and BET.

Brown most recently performed sold-out dates on his "Fan Appreciation" tour in Dallas, Los Angeles and Houston and has received positive reviews. The Houston Chronicle declared "The dancing was expectedly slick and on point...every one of Brown's flash movements was met with screams." Dallas Morning News exclaims, "The guy sings exceptionally well and dances even better. Watching such a talented performer in an intimate setting is a thrill for any student of pop."

Track listing for Graffiti is as follows:

1. I Can Transform Ya featuring Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz (Produced by Swizz Beatz)
2. Sing Like Me (Produced by Big Makk, Keith Thomas & Big Lo)
3. Crawl (Produced by Adam Mesinger & Nasri Atweh)
4. So Cold (Produced by Polow Da Don)
5. What I Do featuring Plies (Produced by The Runners)
6. Famous Girl (Produced by Ryan Leslie)
7. Take My Time featuring Tank (Produced by Tha Bizness)
8. I.Y.A. (Produced by Free School)
9. Pass Out featuring Eva Simons (Produced by Brian Kennedy)
10. Wait featuring Trey Songz & Game (Produced by Polow Da Don)
11. Lucky Me (Produced by Jevon Hill)
12. Fallin Down (Produced by Charlie Bereal)
13. I'll Go (Produced by Brian Kennedy; Co-produced by James Fauntleroy)

There will also be a 2-disc Deluxe version of Graffiti with six additional songs:

1. GottaBe Ur Man (Produced by Polow Da Don)
2. Movie (Produced by Jevon Hill)
3. For Ur Love (Produced by Free School)
4. I Need This (Produced by "Oak")
5. I Love U (Produced by Polow Da Don)
6. Brown Skin Girl featuring Sean Paul (Produced by Scott Storch


P.S: I personally like his song "Crawl", it gives me chill everytime I listen to it. Genius!


www.chrisbrownworld.com

www.mechanicaldummy.com

www.myspace.com/chrisbrown

www.facebook.com/chrisbrown

Maguindanao Massacre

By George M. De La Cruz


MANILA -- The death toll in Maguindanao massacre is now 52 but the people, especially the media organizations, continued their crusade fighting for justice against the brutal slaying of journalists.

The Alliance of Media Advocates, an emerging association of media persons advocating for reproductive health and human development all over the country, strongly condemned in the strongest possible terms Wednesday the brutal murder of hardworking media persons in Maguindanao.

This in sympathy with the Sultan Kudarat Media Group led by its president Benjie Caballero, a relative of Buluan town Vice Mayor Ismael "Toto" Mangudadatu whose wife Genalyn "Gigi" Mangudadatu was massacred together with 51 others, including several journalists.

Caballerio is among the 87-delegate journalist in the two-day National Population Congress that capped Wednesday in Manila Hotel.

He is supposed to be in Maguindanao together with Venjie Rex Firmalino, program supervisor of dxKI, Femma Joy Dalumpines, news writer and announcer of dxGM to cover for the filing of certificate of candidacy of Mangudadatu whose wife Gigi filed for the latter's better half.

Mangudadatu is running for governor and an ally of President Arroyo. He was former town mayor, said Dalumpines, the sister of Manday Kim (Ismael), Gigi's brother-in-law.

On the other hand, Caballero writes for Midland Review and Notredame Broadsheet in Kidapawan City.

He said the vice mayor and family had been so kind with the people and well-loved by his constituents.

Tama believes the massacre of a dozen or so journalists, the worst so far in Philippine history, was an attack against freedom of expression and human rights in a democratic society.

The group called on well-meaning citizens and fellow journalists in the country to join hands in condemning the senseless, heinous and barbaric act.

Further, it strongly demanded the National Government to bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice, without fear of retreat or favor for the preservation of peace, freedom, and democracy.

Meanwhile, a resolution was passed also condemning the massacre in Maguindanao and the killing of journalists.

Resolution author Board member Patrick Lacson who chairs committee on human rights said: "My resolution will serve as a constant reminder to us Negrenses, that we remain peaceful, democratic and God fearing. May the Negrenses continue to be vigilant in defending the rights of citizens, and fight for freedom always."

Lacson scored that there is no apparent concrete government action more than 24 hours after the massacre occurred.

The massacre is unprecedented since it was the earliest election-related violence and the worst loss of lives in one day in the history of journalism, he said.

"Never in the history of journalism has the news media suffered such heavy loss of lives in one day," he stressed.

Meanwhile the province has provided transportation assistance to four of the Negrense victims' relatives who will travel to Maguindanao province Thursday.



Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on November 26, 2009.

Missing my Friends

May our friendship last forever;
May I sail upon your sea.
May we go through life together;
May there always be a "we."
May I be your endless sky;
May you breathe my gentle air.
May you never wonder why
Each time you look for me, I'm there.

May we be for each a smile
Like the warm, life-giving sun;
Yet when we're in pain awhile,
May our suffering be one.

May we share our special days,
The happiness of one for two;
And if we must go separate ways,
Let my love remain with you.

To Our Loved One Far Away

To our loved one far away,
Whose strength and years this war devours,
Whose sacrifice is also ours,
For whose return we daily pray:

Rest assured your home awaits,
Your cheering squad, your loyal fans,
The mouseketeers who share your plans,
Your dreams, your tears, your gifts, your fate.

We are the circle of your love,
The wagons 'round your willing heart
That keep despair and faith apart
And bring the muffins where you move.
There is no limit to our pride
In who you are and what you do.
All our fortunes rest with you
Across a desert bleak and wide.

Asian call center attrition high

By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:59:00 11/22/2009

Filed Under: Infotech, business process outsourcing (BPO)


MANILA, Philippines – With the growth of contact centers across Asia, particularly in the Philippines, there is a general idea that contact center agents never stay any longer than two years in their job and thus look for other opportunities.

A report by Datacraft showed that Asian contact centers have high attrition rates among other regions with contact center industries.

The study covered 554 respondents from 36 countries. The regions included in the study are Asia, America, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, United Kingdom, and Africa and the Middle East.

While the attrition rate of Asian contact centers is high at 23.3 percent, employers in this region are more expectant of this figure, stating that employment training is of such high quality that employees are more confident to look for better opportunities in other companies.

Datacraft Asia General Manager for Converged Communications and Customer Interactive Solutions Nagi Kasinadhuni told local media that contact center employees know that their industry is still in its growth spurt, thus making them realize that there could be better opportunities from other organizations.

“They are also motivated by higher salaries and that they want to maximize their learning,” Kasinadhuni said.

The Datacraft report showed that operating costs of Asian contact centers for recruitment is just 2.7 percent of their total operating budget while budget for motivational or social events is only 1.6 percent.

Asian contact centers also set aside 62.7 percent of their annual operating budget to salaries, which is still a middle ground compared to salary allocations by contact centers in other regions.

On the other hand, Kasinadhuni said that contact center employers generally accept the high attrition of employees. In fact, they note that their “return-on-investments” on contact center agents is realized in around 24 months, just about the same period when employees start leaving for greener pastures.

Kasinadhuni also noted that agent absenteeism among Asian contact centers is pegged at 12.6 percent, compared to just 21.1 percent for other regions.

Still, the Datacraft study noted that contact center operators are not as worried about attrition rate. Instead, the majority of Asian call center operators are more concerned about customer retention, quality of service, and uniformity of business processes.

Staff retention was a relatively smaller concern for these companies.

Kasinadhuni said companies would want to grow the value of their customers, to generate more revenues from interaction with them, especially as part of their plans to maximize operational budget.

When We're Together, Times Are Good

When we're together times are good,
Which makes it hard to be apart.
The more my joy when I'm with you,
The more the anguish in my heart.

Sometimes I think if we were one
There'd be a paradise unending:
No loneliness or jealous fears,
Just two unearthly passions blending.

Of course I know that's just a dream,
But dreams build homes of stone and steel.
Someday we'll buy our house of dreams,
And then our heaven will be real.

Letting Go and Moving On

when we let go, it doesn't always mean that we no longer love that person; it's just best to have your lives on separate ways.

right things done today, are best apologies for the wrongs of yesterday...

i gave you reasons to hate me. i wasn' there when you best needed me. i made myself a fool just not to outshine your ex. guess what? i had push you to the limit, yes. but seeing the two of you together again makes me happy. you belong to each other.

if only i have known all these or realized earlier, then our lives should not be as complicated as now. regrets indeed. goodluck and best wishes.

see you two, when i see you...

Weird Flirting Tricks Guys Like

The silent treatment. Keep quiet and he’ll want to be the one to spill.

A good tease. Just don’t touch on a sensitive topic. Instead, rib him in a flattering way, like poking fun at his heartthrob days in high school whenever they had soirees. He won’t be able to resist your teasing.

Competition. Challenge him to a high-stakes game of Texas Hold ‘Em Poker and he’ll suddenly be endeared by you.

How To Spot A Guy On The Rebound

He may seem like the perfect guy, but there’s a chance he’s still suffering from the backlash of a broken relationship.

• He wants an instant girlfriend. A guy who’s still pining for his last partner will often want to couple up-fast. Seems odd, but he’s driven to recreate the commitment level of the last relationship because he’s seeking comfort and wants to plug the hole she’s left in his life.
• He’s a really good listener. When a guy is curious to know all about you-and your relationship past-that’s a good thing. But when he’s not revealing anything about himself, he may not want to get into his history because his love past is a touchy topic. To figure out if he’s genuinely interested, note body language that indicates sincerity, such as a cocked head.
• He’s a little bitter. Men who aren’t quite finished with a former flame may give themselves away with a passive-aggressive compliment, like “Women are materialistic....But of course, you’re different.” When a guy has a lot of unresolved feelings from a past relationship, he can’t completely hide his anger.

10 Ways to Spot a Frenemy

1. He only tags you in his Facebook/Friendster pictures if your eyes are closed or your back is turned away from the camera.
2. When you tell him that you caught your girlfriend in bed with another man, his first question is, “Was he handsome?”
3. He barely speaks to his friends from high school and college, but his lawyer is on speed dial.
4. His new cocktail ring looks mysteriously like the one you just misplaced.
5. He invites your crush to a dinner party at his apartment, but “forgets” to tell you.
6. You dread reading him Twitter feed. No one should be subjected to a play-by-play of all of his drama.
7. His ultimate compliment is, “You remind me so much of myself.”
8. When he meets your new girl, he pulls you aside and says, “Well, she’s not my type but she seems like a good match for you.”
9. Even though you’re glammed up he tells you, “I wish I could pull off that fresh face, bed-head look as well as you.”
10. His personal blog is called “The Shit List.”

May araw din kayo! By Conrado de Quiros

Tatagalugin ko na nang makuha n’yo. Kahit na lingwaheng kanto lang ang alam kong Tagalog.

Tutal Buwan ng Wika naman ang Agosto. Baka sakali ’yung paboritong wika ni Balagtas ay makatulong sa pag-unawa n’yo dahil mukhang ’yung paboritong wika ni Shakespeare ay lampas sa IQ n’yo. Kung sa bagay, ang pinakamahirap gisingin ay ’yung nagtutulug-tulugan. Ang pinakamahirap padinggin ay ’yung nagbibingi-bingihan . Ang pinakamahirap paintindihin ay ’yung nagmamaangmaangan. Bueno, mahirap din paintindihin ’yung likas na tanga. Pero bahala na.Sabi mo, Cerge Remonde, alangan naman pakanin ng hotdog ang amo mo.

Bakit alangan? Hindi naman vegetarian ’yon. At public service nga ’yon, makakatulong dagdagan ng cholesterol at salitre ang dugong dumadaloy papuntang puso n’ya. Kung meron man s’yang dugo, kung meron man s’yang puso.Bakit alangan? Malamang di ka nagbabasa ng balita, o di lang talaga nagbabasa, kung hindi ay nalaman mo ’yung ginawa ni Barack Obama at Joe Biden nitong nakaraang Mayo. Galing silang White House patungong Virginia nang magtakam sila pareho ng hamburger. Pina detour nila ang motorcade at tumuloy sa unang hamburgerang nakita nila. Ito ang Ray’s Hell Burger, isang maliit at independienteng hamburger joint.Tumungo ang dalawa sa counter at sila mismo ang nag-order, hindi mga aides. Nagbayad sila ng cash na galing sa sariling bulsa at kagaya ng ibang customers ay pumila para sa turno nila.Ito ay presidente at bise presidente ng pinakamakapangyarih ang bansa sa buong mundo. Kung sa bagay, ’yung amo n’yo ay hindi naman talaga presidente. Di lang makita ang pagkakaiba ni Garci kay God kaya nasabing “God put me here.” Pekeng presidente, pekeng asal presidente.

Sabi mo, Anthony Golez, maliit lang ang P1 million dinner kumpara sa bilyon-bilyong pisong dinala ng amo mo sa bansa.Ay kayo lang naman ang nagsasabing may inambag ang amo n’yo na bilyong-bilyong piso sa kaban ng bayan. Ni anino noon wala kaming nakita. Ang nakita lang namin ay yung bilyon-bilyong piso—o borjer, ayon nga sa inyong dating kakosa na si Benjamin Abalos—na inaswang ng amo n’yo sa kaban ng bayan. Executive privilege daw ang hindi n’ya sagutin ito. Kailan pa naging pribilehiyo ng isang opisyal ang di managot sa taumbayan? Kailan pa naging pribilehiyo ng isang opisyal ang magnakaw?

Maliit lang pala ang P1 million, ay bakit hindi n’yo na lang ibigay sa nagugutom? O doon sa mga sundalo sa Mindanao? Tama si Archbishop Oscar Cruz. Isipin n’yo kung gaano karaming botas man lang ang mabibili ng P1 million at karagdagang P750,000 na nilamon ng amo n’yo at mga taga bitbit ng kanyang maleta sa isa pang restawran sa New York.Maliit lang pala ang P1 million (at P750,000), bakit hindi n’yo na lang ibigay doon sa pamilya ng mga sundalong namatay sa Mindanao? Magkano ’yung gusto n’yong ibigay sa bawat isa? P20,000? Sa halagang iyan 50 sundalo na ang maaabuluyan n’yo sa $20,000. Pasalu-saludo pa ’yang amo n’yo sa mga namatay na kala mo ay talagang may malasakit. Bumenta na ’yang dramang ’yan. At pasabi-sabi pa ng “Annihilate the Abus!” Di ba noon pa n’ya ’yan pinangako? Mahilig lang talagang mangako ’yang amo n’yo.

Bukod pa d’yan, saan ba nanggaling ’yung limpak-limpak na salapi ng mga kongresista na pinansisindi nila ng tabako? Di ba sa amin din? Tanong n’yo muna kung ayos lang na i-blowout namin ng wine at caviar ang amo n’yo habang kami ay nagdidildil ng asin—’yung magaspang na klase ha, ’di yung iodized. Ang tindi n’yo, mga p’re.

At ikaw naman, Romulo Macalintal, tapang ng apog mo. Maiisip mo tuloy na sundin na lang ang mungkahi ni Dick the Butcher sa “Henry VI” ni Shakespeare: “First thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” Pa ethics-ethics ka pa, pasalamat ka di nasunog ang bibig mo sa pagbigkas ng katagang ’yon.

NEXT TIME

I've let people take advantage of me & I accepted way less than I should have but I've learned from my bad choices & though there are some things I can never get back or people who will never be sorry, I'd be better next time -- I won't settle for anything less than I deserve.

Delicious Ambiguity

I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment, and making the best of it without knowing what's going to happen next...

Why is 10:10 the Default Setting for Clocks and Watches?

Reader Humaira writes: “I have always wondered why clocks, watches, and timepieces always say (roughly) 10:10 before you set the correct time. If you go into a store selling any kind of time-telling device, that is the default factory setting. Why is that?!!”

First things first, let’s get the myths out of the way. There are plenty of people out there who think that clocks in advertisements and in-store displays are set this way memorialize Abraham Lincoln/John F. Kennedy/Martin Luther King Jr. because that was the time at which they were shot or died. In reality, Lincoln was shot at 10:15 p.m., and died the next morning at 7:22 a.m., JFK was shot at 12:30 p.m. CST and was pronounced dead 1 p.m. and MLK was shot 6:01 p.m. and pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m.

Another theory has it that 10:10 was the time that an atomic bomb was dropped on either Nagasaki or Hiroshima, and the setting is in memory of the casualties. The Fat Man bomb was actually dropped on the former at 11:02 a.m. local time and the Little Boy on the latter at 8:15 a.m. local time.

The real reason for the setting? Aesthetics. The 10:10 position gives the clock or watch a number of benefits:

• The hands not overlapping, so they’re fully and clearly visible and their styling can be admired.
• The arrangement of the hands is symmetrical, which people generally find more pleasant than asymmetry, making the product more appealing to customers.
• The manufacturer’s logo, usually in the center of the face under the 12, is not only visible, but nicely framed by the hands.
• Additional elements on the face (like date windows and secondary dials), usually placed near the 3, 6, or 9, won’t be obscured.

According to the folks at Timex (who set their products at 10:09:36 exactly), the standard setting used to be 8:20, but this made the face look like it was frowning. To make the products look “happier,” the setting was flipped into a smile (occasionally, you’ll still see the 8:20 setting on some clocks or watches where the manufacturer’s logo is at bottom of the face above the 6).

IT'S NOT THAT SERIOUS

How could you tell me that you didn't love me
When you know I was just trying to play you
I played this game before
And I can't play no more
What do you take me for
It's not what you thought
So don't play games with me
'Cause I play to teach
And if you want to cheat
It won't be on me

It's not that serious
I never put that much thought into us
It wasn't that I loved you
I was the one curious so please don't try switch the game up on me

Who did you think that you were involved with
Now you should know that it ain't that serious
It should concern you that
I'm always one step ahead of you
So that should let you know that what you do
I have done before, it's nothing new
So run those games on someone who can be fooled

I can almost see pretentions coming through your eyes
In everything you do, you make it clear to me
That you're playing wrong and your game ain't strong
And in the end I know who will lose


I got two words for you: "MOVE ON"

US hails Aquino as Philippines democracy icon

Sat Aug 1, 12:02 pm ET


WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama on Friday expressed sadness at the death of former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, describing her as a historic figure who helped restore democracy to her country.

Obama "was deeply saddened" by news of Aquino's death, read a statement late Friday from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Aquino "played a crucial role in Philippines history", moving the country to democratic rule through her non-violent "People Power" movement over 20 years ago.

"Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation. On behalf of the American people, the President extends his deepest condolences to the Aquino family and the nation of the Philippines," the statement read.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hailed Aquino as an inspiration.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the Aquino family and all the people of the Philippines on the death of former president Corazon Aquino," Clinton said in a statement.

"Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president.

"She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered."

Clinton, a onetime first lady who narrowly lost a bid last year to become her Democratic Party's nomination for president, said Aquino served as an inspiration to her and her husband, former president Bill Clinton.

The country's current president, Gloria Arroyo, was in the United States on an official trip at the time of Aquino's death.

Manila is a longstanding Washington ally in Southeast Asia, and Arroyo was the region's first leader to visit the White House since Obama's January inauguration.

I WANT TO HELP YOU FLY

I want to help you fly,
But not away from me.

I want what's best for you,
But fear what that might be.

There is no paradox
More difficult than this:
That I would die for you,
Yet not give up your kiss.

So do not mind my madness;
Fly bravely, if you must:
I'll watch you, happy in your joy,
And teach my heart to trust.

6 DECEMBER 2006

When I'm not there... do you think of me? When you're sad and something's bothering you... do you wish I was there to help comfort you? When you've had a long hard day... do you smile knowing that soon you'll be seeing me, and everything will seem better, even if it's just for a moment? When you lay down at night... do you look back and cherish the new memories you've made with me? And when you get up in the morning, does everything inside of you smile, knowing that this will be another day that we'll be together? because that's how I think of you...

When I miss you, sometimes I listen to music or look at pictures of you, not to remind me of you but to make me feel as if I'm with you. It makes me forget the distance and capture you.

No matter how far you are, no matter how long I'm gone, you will always be with me. I will see you always as clear as day, for our love knows no boundaries and never will, because you see... our hearts are one, and mine is always home.

Not being able to hold you has got to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But I get to look forward to the next time you are in my arms; your smile only inches away from mine getting closer and closer until at last... our smiles meet. Something that beautiful... that's what keeps me going.

Sometimes, no matter how much faith we have, we lose people. But you never forget them. And sometimes, it's those memories that give us the strength to go on.

I've been laying here all night, listening to the rain. Talking to my heart and trying to explain. Why sometimes I catch myself wondering what might have been. Yes I do think about you, every now and then.

In this weird twisted way, I know you miss me liking you, not because I want to believe it's true, but because you'll never find someone that can put up with you like I did; you'll never find someone who will care as much as I did, because no one will waste all there love on someone like you, like I did.

I called because I wanted you to know that despite everything that' happened and all the miles between us right now, I still think about the way it was in the beginning.

This is out last goodbye... it's over, just hear this and then I'll go; you gave me more to live for then you'll ever know.

I don't miss you: I miss the person I thought you were.

I'd be happy to come back to you... except it was you that went away.

I think its time I let you go... and that is hard to do because part of me will be in love with you for the rest of my life.

Good-bye's make you think. They make you realize what you've had and what you've lost, and what you've taken for granted.

Good-bye is only truly painful if you know you'll never say hello again.

Never long for anyone from the past. There is a reason why they never made it to your future.

Goodbyes always hurt whether it's the right thing to do or not.

Distance between two hearts is not an obstacle... rather a beautiful reminder of just how strong true love can be.

Can miles truly separate you...? If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?

You know you love someone when the mere thought of losing them brings you to tears...

HOW TO AVOID MALE STEREOTYPES

There is a line between being a "man" and being a "caveman." Usually guys cross this line and begin acting in abrasive ways. The idea that a man is only a man if he is rude, domineering, or chauvinistic etc., are stereotypes that need to change. Often times guys are forced into this role by pressure to assert themselves as real men. Small changes in your life can effectively make you more attractive to others, give you a better self-image and allow people to view you in a better light as well. If you are ready to break free of some antiquated macho-role and improve your life, this How To is for you.

• Physical Appearance

1. Muscles- You do not need Rambo style muscles to be masculine, no matter what anyone says. Plenty of girls like all kinds of body types, and sometimes "Rambo" is a turn-off.
2. Exercise properly to get or maintain a healthy and fit appearance.
3. Never bulk up for someone else, especially not a current or potential lover. It's your body, you should change it only to make you happy.
4. Weight- Eat properly. Men can eat more healthy foods and it does not take away from your manliness.
5. 
   If you are eating mostly processed foods, eat fresher things instead. Your diet affects all areas of your life, the healthier a man is, the higher his stamina and better his performance mentally and physically. It doesn't hurt in the bedroom, either.

• Grooming

1. Keeping yourself groomed is an every-day thing.
2. This doesn't mean you need to spend long amounts of time in front of a mirror, possibly annoying any feminine people who share your bathroom, but spend some time on it each day.
3. Shower every day, especially after physical exertion where you sweat.
4. Do not wait too long after exertion to shower, or else the salt in your sweat dries onto clothes and your body, leaving both dirty and smelly.
5. Use a good antiperspirant/deodorant.
6. You can spray/splash-on cologne to smell good. However, cologne is no substitute for a good scrote-scrubbin'! Keep 'em clean, boys! Keep 'em clean!
7. Don't put on too much cologne if you do. Things like Axe and Tag are good examples of this. Girls do not find it attractive when they have to hold their breath.
8. Hair need not be model-perfect, just clean and neat looking. The style isn't very important, as long as you are happy with it.
9. Take care of scalp problems like dandruff as soon as you notice a problem.
10. Keep your teeth clean by brushing at least twice a day, and floss at least once. Don't just brush what you see when you smile- Brush all sides of your teeth, paying careful attention to the gum line.
11. Also brush the roof of your mouth and tongue.
12. Keep your clothes clean. Stains can be removed usually by rubbing a little laundry detergent on it before throwing it in with the rest.
13. Don't wear dirty clothes over and over again because they pass "the smell test"- you may not smell them because you are used to the smell, others can and will.
14. Holes, rips, tears, permanent stains, bleach stains, etc- Unless your clothes came that way, throw them out when they become too bad, or only wear around the house. We all have that one tattered, but really comfy shirt or jeans and that's okay, but don't wear it for a night on the town. You don't want to look like a bum.
15. Don't fake it. If something is "in style" but it isn't YOU, don't wear it! Sacrificing your personal taste for popular style is a mistake. You will look like you are trying too hard, or if you pull it off- you will project a false image of yourself. There is nothing wrong with being a jeans and T-shirt guy if you are one. Your clothes should fit your personality, never the other way around.

• Personality/Mannerisms

1. Chivalry and Manners- Don't be afraid to be polite, gracious, giving or kind. These things don't make you less of a man. There are plenty of masculine men who open doors, say thank you and give up their seats for old ladies on the subway. Potential mates will find chivalry surprising- but wholly charming and attractive and all people appreciate politeness and courtesy.
2. Confidence- Show it! People prize confidence highly, and everyone has some, even if you don't feel it all the time. Know your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Be proud of your strengths and in knowing that your weaknesses do not detract from your self worth. Show your self-assuredness in the way you walk, with good posture. Keep your head up and your eyes forward looking ahead, or making eye contact, instead of at the ground, or looking down and talking to someones nose(or worse).
3. Ego- Don't overdo it. Confidence is a very good thing. But when your self-worth gets out of hand, it can turn into cockiness and that is not good. Keep a balance grounded. Don't show off too much or seem over-confidant. People can tell the difference. It makes you look like a jerk, and nobody likes a jerk.
4. Emotions- The only man who should ever be emotionless- is a statue of one. All emotions are perfectly fine and normal to have and display. Crying, being sad, hurt or happy often does not make you feminine. The key is timing and compatibility, not the emotions themselves. It is perfectly acceptable to cry etc, around a longer-term lover. Usually, if you are open about your feelings with someone you care about, they will do the same. That leads to a deeper and more meaningful relationship. But don't turn into an overly-emotional fruitcake.
5. Be Yourself- Be who you really are inside. Things you believe, your morals, feelings and interests should never change for anyone but you. It will do you no good to meet and deal with other people behind pretenses. If you can't be 100% you 100% of the time, that's okay [in fact, it's normal]. But when appropriate, express yourself, talk about things you enjoy. You can connect more genuinely with people by being you, and they will like you for who you really are- consequently you will be able to do more things you enjoy with like-minded people.

*************************

• Tips

1. You don't have to have a "perfect" body. If your personality is bangin', and you are _healthy_ then you will attract people who like you for you- and that is better than attracting someone for bulging biceps that take constant upkeep- that you didn't really want in the first place.
2. You can eat better without changing too much. Most fast food places offer healthier choices and although they aren't the best- a McSalad beats a greasy burger. Unless you are going for major weight loss [40lbs or more], you can still drink beer and soda and enjoy a good cookout. Just lessen the amount or frequency of these not-so-good-for-yous, increase your activity and you'll be fine.
3. If you are overweight by a larger amount [40lbs or more], talk to a health professional or dietitian and determine what diet/exercise ratio would work best for your personal body chemistry and lifestyle rather than taking wonder-drugs or Seen-On-TV diet plans. You can go it alone, but I suggest staying away from most drugs and advertised diet plans since they usually do more harm than good. Lots of research online in advance can pay off later in practice.
4. Mineral crystal type a-p/deodorants work well and last a long time. You can find it in most grocery and Wal-Mart type stores- it runs high priced [$7-$10] for a-p/deodorant, but is a better deal in the long run as it does not run out for a year.
5. There are many whitening products out there for your teeth, ask a dentist which is right for you. Don't do many whitening regiments at one time- the chemicals involved can actually wear away the enamel of your teeth, making them more susceptible to pain and problems.
6. Try to wash your clothes soon after working out, or sweating hard so they don't stain. Or if that's not realistic for you, wear an undershirt to prevent getting those unattractive white sweat-stains. If you work out regularly, get a shirt specifically for that so it doesn't matter if it gets sweat stained.
7. Sometimes, earlier in relationships, some emotions may be a little overkill- You wouldn't want your date to pour out their life-sob-story over the linguine on the first day you meet, would you? Share your deeper emotions and feelings once you feel truly comfortable with the person.
8. It's not generally appropriate to talk about kinky porn at the office... But in the bedroom, you might find your interests are met with full enthusiasm- and you will be glad you were so honest... Also, it is much less stress to only have to remember things you are truly interested in. Pretending takes a lot of effort- and it's never worth it.

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• Warnings

1. If you want to gain muscle- stay away from steroids, whatever you do. Nothing good comes of them. Your muscles can explode [almost literally], it causes negative emotional and personality changes, and does nothing but bad to your sex life. Do it yourself- you'll be safer, healthier, and more proud that way.
2. Risk the temptation to use these new found mannerisms for evil... If you are a jerk who only wants to sleep with someone or get their money- there are plenty of people who are looking for that just like you. Don't fake a good personality just to get what you want from unsuspecting good people.. Not that it's harmful to -you- [your Karma maybe..] but it makes you a bad person and who wants to be a bad person, really? Promiscuity can however lead to the spread of lots of icky and very avoidable STD's. Wouldn't you rather spend your energy actually becoming a better person- rather than pretending to be one?

HOW TO BE CONFIDENT

We are all human and have flaws. Even if your physical appearance, unique personality, or social skills aren't what you wish they were, that doesn't have to stop you from being confident. You are beautiful inside and out so you should love yourself unconditionally. Here's how to believe in yourself.

• Steps

1. Make a list of special talents you have, or things you do that are good; morally or otherwise. Focusing on your attributes helps distract you from those parts of yourself that you think are flawed. It doesn't have to be a specific skill or activity either; it can be an approach or an attitude that you champion through life. Do you always stay calm, cool and collected, even in hurried situations? Are you very patient with people? Do you always see the humorous side of things? Are you always there for your friends?
2. Find your passion. Whether it's baton twirling, martial arts, classic cars, musician, or basket weaving, you will feel confident pursuing that endeavor by recognizing what you enjoy doing the most. More importantly, you'll be enjoying your progress.
3. Choose a role model, whether someone close to you, or someone famous. Think of the qualities that the role model displays, whether physical, emotional, moral, and/or spiritual. Work towards acquiring those.
4. Don't think about yourself too much. Try not to focus negatively on how you come across or how others may perceive you. Instead, focus more on making other people happy, and that will build your confidence as other people start enjoying your company.
5. Accept compliments gracefully. Don't roll your eyes and say, "Yeah, right," or shrug it off. Take it to heart and respond positively ("Thank you" and a smile works well).
6. Know that you have important things to say and do. When you feel strongly about something, speak loudly and clearly and make eye contact with people. Be yourself.
7. Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet. Don't abuse your body, don't overload it, and don't deny it any of the things it needs. At the same time, don't obsess. Buying all the moisturizers, creams and conditioners will not bring you closer to who you want to be. Those things are only band-aids and make up. Confidence comes from within. Take the time to reflect on your life and do some emotional maintenance. In order to be confident, you must and i say MUST value yourself and understand that your well-being is important.
8. Work out. Getting enough exercise can boost your confidence amazingly. Not only will it give you more energy throughout the day, but being in good physical shape will make you feel more "worthy" you could say, to talk to others be yourself.
9. Stick up for yourself. If people put you down (and not in a good-natured, joking way), then let them know that their opinion of you is not held by everyone--most of all yourself. This may, at first, be hard to do. But once you stick up for yourself a few times, your confidence builds and you get more adept at it.
10. Celebrate your individuality. If you know you've got something special or different, then embrace it; don't hide it! That's diversity! You may wish that you were taller, or shorter, skinnier, stronger, whatever the case may be. But you need to realize that, if you were like everyone else, then you wouldn't be who you are. "What am I?" you ask; the answer's easy: You're a unique individual who is capable of growing and learning.
11. Take action. It is surprising how powerful the simple step of taking an action can be. And the action you take need not be something extravagant or grand. It could be something as simple as tackling a task that you have been procrastinating, such as writing a letter or tidying up that corner of the garage that has been out of control for the last several months. It could also be something as interesting as taking a class in yoga, art, interior design, anything that interests you that you haven't done yet. Whether large or small, action brings with it exhilaration, enthusiasm, and the confidence that other things can be done as well.
12. You'll need to work on your posture. Don't slouch or slump your shoulders, nothing says "I lack confidence" more than a person who appears like they're trying to hide from the world. Make sure that your back is straight, your shoulders are square, and your chest is puffed out slightly (but stay loose, otherwise you'll appear stiff and uptight). Keep your chin up and your eyes forward rather than looking at the ground.
13. Make a conscious effort to smile often. A smile makes you appear warm, honest, friendly, and confident. You can also just relax your facial muscles entirely, which will make you appear calm and relaxed. Observe yourself in a mirror to make sure that you don't have a tense or nervous facial expression, because if you do others will believe you to be sad, angry, or uncomfortable.
14. When engaging in conversation with others, make eye contact. Gaze into the other person's eyes as you talk to make yourself seem interested, calm, and confident. Avoiding eye contact makes you appear shy and submissive, while directly staring for too long may make you appear angry or scared. So the best advice is to gaze into a person's eyes as you converse with them while occasionally shifting your gaze or looking around.
15. Shaking hands can increase your confidence . When it comes to gesturing with your hands, keeping your hands far apart and your palms open makes you appear open and honest. Pointing with your fingers and bringing your hands closer together can draw emphasis to what you are saying. Don't overuse hand gestures or you'll look nervous and unstable. Avoid wringing your hands or touching your sleeves, as these things can make you appear nervous, tense, or even dishonest. *If you're a man, have a firm handshake when shaking another man's hand. If you're shaking a woman's hand, don't grasp her hand any harder than she grasps yours.
16. Put a little strut or swagger into your walk. Move like you have a purpose, and keep your knees slightly bent to avoid appearing stiff and rigid.
17. Act confident, even if you don't truly feel it. After a while, it will come naturally, and you will feel confident in yourself! Also, learn to not care what other's think of you. If you let what people say to you bring you down, you will never be happy. Only care about how you feel about yourself, and don't always take what people say at face value, because they may be jealous of you and are intending to put you down. Don't let them stop your progress, but stand up for yourself while acting calmly!

• Tips

1. Don't compare yourself with other people. It is a wasteful pursuit, and you could be doing something better with your time and energy. Know what you, personally, want and expect from yourself, and focus on attaining those things. The things that you want and expect from yourself don't have anything to do with how you measure up to others.
2. Consider attending leadership classes. Learn to take control of things. If you are in school, then consider running for a social position, such as a president of a club. The ability to lead others and respond to others' behavior under your leadership will help to bring you self confidence.
3. Listen to your inner monologue—your inner voice. In situations where you believe you lack confidence, realize that your inner voice is telling you negative things. You need to retrain that inner voice to be positive in those situations. If you need help, find someone who can help you do that.
4. Speak positively at all times. When you hear yourself saying something negative about yourself, instantly replace it with a positive comment.
5. You have to reprogram your subconscious by repeatedly telling it how confident you are; it will believe you in time.
6. Walk 20% faster than your normal pace, stand and walk with your spine straight and hold your chin high. This physical posture will force you to think positive and be confident.
7. Only think good things about yourself, make sure you only focus on the positive things about yourself. It's really important that you don't let other people say things to you to get you down, remember everyone is different and just be happy to be you, everyone is beautiful

• Warnings

1. Don't put yourself down. Everyone is different and has a valuable contribution to make to a diverse society. You are important for the person you are.
2. Remember that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Be careful not to portray a pompous or cocky attitude.
3. A lot of the time, peer pressure is to blame for lack of confidence. Some peer pressure is good, but never give in if you feel it's wrong. Trust yourself.
4. Never let negative people,those who point out the smallest flaws in you with intention to hurt you, tell you anything. Most people do this when they think that you are better than they are.
5. Don't expect these steps to work overnight. Confidence must gradually be developed by a pattern of positive thinking and action; it can't be faked.