"Last night, i finally saw comedian/radio host Tado in person. he doesn't look real. he's got this mythical aura. i'm impressed."

Professional Heckler

— Humor blogger, LA Lakers fan, Creator of the trending "Quiztion" on Twitter

"Anong mensahe ko, hindi naman ako pulitiko?"

Ex Justice Serafin Cuevas 

—responding to the question of a reporter on his message to the public regarding the "Guilty" verdict on CJ Corona.

Decorative bird cages

Decorative bird cages are uniquely attractive items for accessorizing rooms and even outdoor spaces. Especially for bird lovers, having these not-so-typical decors can create a sense of personality and distinctiveness. They serve a variety of purposes, mostly ornamental, with some bearing tealights or serving as containers for jewelry and accessories. However, prospective buyers need to bear in mind some important pointers in choosing a decorative bird cage to get. Getting one can’t be as simple as hanging it.
 
In most cases, decorative bird cages are not intended for housing real birds. Their primary function is ornamental and they are unlikely to be installed in spots suitable for live birds. Hence, it is important to be clear with the purpose of getting one. If the goal is to use the cage for keeping live avian pets, three things should be taken into account: pet safety, durability, and ease of cleaning.
 
You certainly wouldn’t want your pet birds trapped in a poorly designed and fabricated cage that may cause accidental choking or may be too small for the birds’ comfort. Likewise, you wouldn’t want a cage that is not well-designed and strong enough to prevent the birds from escaping. Moreover, there’s the need for ease of cleaning since real birds need to eat and defecate.
 
On the other hand, for the typical for-display decorative bird cages, there are also a number of points to consider.  For one, the cages to get should match the room or spot where they are to be positioned. Acrylic and plastic decorative bird cagescan go well with modern room themes but may not be suitable if you are going for the vintage look. There should be compatibility in the designs and colors. A decorative bird cage is meant to add beauty to a space so it should complement its surroundings and not create an awkward contrast. Additionally, introducing a bird cage to a room shouldn’t compromise space. For instance, if a freestanding decorative bird cage tends to significantly limit space in a room, it would be better to go for a hanging cage or one that can be screwed onto the wall.
 
Decorative bird cages come in a variety of designs and purposes. There are those particularly created to serve as centerpieces during weddings. Some feature lights for decorative lighting. Others may incorporate chimes or bells. There are also smaller ones that may be used with other decors such as artificial flowers. It’s up to the buyer to decide on what particular design to get but the basic principles of design and color matching and compatibility should be observed. If you are unsure about your choices, asking the store attendant for some advice shouldn’t be any hassle.
 
Furthermore, durability and price also matter. Not using your decorative bird cages to house real birds does not mean you have to forgo durability. Your cages have to last long and be commensurate with the price you pay for them. Of course, you hardly get beautiful decorative bird cages from one-dollar stores. They can be quite an expenditure so they should be durable aside from being merely aesthetically pleasing. Regarding the price, it is always wise to do some research first to find the best choices. With a multitude of websites providing convenient product references, finding a piece with the desired look and best price shouldn’t be too difficult.

PH top judge adjudged guilty

In a landslide 20-3 vote, the Chief Justice of the Philippines has been convicted by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. This was after a 44-day trial that looked into the alleged unfitness of the chief magistrate to serve the top post in the Philippine Supreme Court.

The verdict was rather unexpected although many analysts have already predicted a conviction. The overwhelming lead of the votes for conviction came as a surprise especially to those who expected at least an abstention from the allies of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (the president who appointed Corona to the CJ post).

The senators were allowed to explain their votes as they voted according to alphabetical order. The common reason among those who voted for conviction was the failure of the Chief Justice to reveal his dollar and peso accounts in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities. On the other hand, those who voted for an acquittal opined that such failure does not amount to an impeachable offense.

The senators only had to vote for Article II of the filed Articles of Impeachment since a conviction in any of the articles has the same effect of removing the Chief Justice from his post. The House of Representatives (prosecutors) filed seven articles of impeachment but four of which were voluntarily dropped mid-trial by the prosecutors themselves. The remaining articles involved allegations of misdeclarations in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, partiality as a judge, and flip-flopping in judgment.

The Senate President who was also the presiding officer in the impeachment trial said that the corresponding penalty for the verdict is the removal of the Chief Justice from his post and an accompanying disqualification in government service. The Senate President also claimed that the verdict is final and immediately executory but the lead counsel for the defense of the Chief Justice argued that they still have an option to go to the Supreme Court to appeal "abuses of discretion" of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. The lead defense counsel opined that since the law is silent on whether or not the verdict is appealable and immediately executory, they can still exhaust all legal means to help the Chief Justice.

Image from spot.ph

Who is Jessica Sanchez?

Kapuso nyo...


Kabalitaan


at


Kakampi
☺

Guinea pig trivia

We welcomed a couple of fur balls into the family yesterday. They're guinea pigs, stout-bodied rodents many a student (who have Biology as their fave subject) would typically associate with laboratory experiments. They're too adorable for me to resist taking photos. Enjoy some of the snaps I got with some notes and trivia below.

Guinea pigs are not pigs, not even closely related to the swine family. They are rodents belonging to the family Caviidae under the the genus Cavia. They are also called "cavy" and their scientific name is Cavia porcellus.

Despite the name, guinea pigs did not originate from Guinea. Their origin is traced to Andes.

Scientific findings suggest that Guinea pigs did not exist in the wild. They exist in their current form and behavior as a result of domestication.

The common practice of selling guinea pigs in pairs notwithstanding, it is worth noting that in Sweden, it is illegal to sell guinea pigs not in pairs. You are prohibited by Swedish law from buying only a single guinea pig.

Some people, especially in Peru, use guinea pigs for healing. Guinea pigs may be used as talismans that are rubbed to the body of a sick person to address illnesses or to drive away evil spirits.

It is very easy to raise guinea pigs. Grass from your backyard could suffice to feed these beautiful and hardy critters. They are also quite voracious that you can even turn them into living lawnmowers by creating a specially designed cage (one that does not have a bottom) that would contain/restrain them but allow them to access grassy grounds to feed.

The United States categorizes guinea pigs as exotic animals. An American or someone who resides in Uncle Sam's territory needs to obtain a license to raise them.

The term "guinea pig" also means "test subjects" apparently due to the fact that these rodents are often used in laboratory tests.

This may sound gross but prospective guinea pig pet owners should know that these rodents may occasionally eat their own feces. This poop eating habit is considered a natural behavior so it shouldn't be a reason to be alarmed. The habit is their way of recycling fiber, nutrients, and beneficial bacteria.

Guinea pigs love hopping or bouncing around when they feel happy or excited.

Guinea pig teeth do not stop growing. If they live to be over a century old, they can end up having teeth longer than their bodies.

Morning and evening: the perfect time to "play with" or enjoy the merry sight of guinea pig pets. These adorable creatures are most active at these times.

Guinea pigs are quite noisy rodents so you should be ready for the ruckus if you intend to welcome them into your homes. Their noise is usually their boisterous way of calling for their owners to feed them.

These domesticated rodents usually conceive for a period of a little more than two months. They usually produce two to three pups.

Unlike many other rodents, guinea pigs are not good in climbing.

The appeal of guinea pigs as pets is significantly attributed to their responsiveness to their owners. They may not like being cuddled but they are most likely to accept the leaves or pellets hand-fed to them.

Because of their size, it is not a very good idea to allow guinea pigs to stay or mingle with other house pets like cats and dogs. For most canine and feline family members, guinea pigs naturally appear to be an ideal prey so they are bound to instinctively chase them.

They ain't really going...

...away from your list of most popular and favorite things to discuss after the most recent American Idol finals.

Sometimes, you just don't know how to distinguish passionate from crazy.

Enjoy the video and the funny animated images of the most talked about "highlight" of the Season 11 American Idol Finale — the inexplicably entertaining Jennifer Holiday and Jessica Sanchez duet.

(animated gfx from www.afterelton.com)

The Exorcism of Jennifer Holiday

The Jennifer Holiday and Jessica Sanchez duet on the American Idol Season 11 finale certainly made a mark. Some were amazed while others cringed but almost everyone was entertained. Take a look at some of the most memorable moments of that unforgettable duet below.

Waaaahhhh!!!!

Oh no you're no virgin!

This mic tastes weird!

So you really think you can win this?

(animated gfx from www.afterelton.com)

Brooms and height

Sweet Potato

This summer introduced or reminded me a couple of things related to the sweet potato or camote.

First, this plant we locally call tinangkong is a flowering vine. It bears conspicuous flowers. Albeit rarely, it yields sympetalous purple flowers that look just like those of its semiaquatic cousin, the tangkong or kangkong.

I think I've seen blossoming sweet potatoes many times before but it somehow still feels peculiar finding our backyard sweet potato garden in bloom. The flowers just seem out of place that I almost always feel the urge of trying to locate any nearby kangkong that might have shacked up with our sweet potatoes. It's comparable to the feeling I get when I am reminded of this fact: the camote or sweet potato tubers we buy from the market is the very same thing that grows underneath our sweet potato garden.

Also this summer, I found a group of insects I think I haven't seen in my entire life yet. The insects look like a cross between a cricket and grasshopper (photo below). They fly but are unable to sustain long-distance flight. They don't look "friendly." Many of them have made our tinangkong garden their home, hanging around the stems and petioles and chewing on a good amount of leaves we humans are supposed to be the ones consuming.

I tried holding one of them. The six-legged arthropod didn't bite but it spurted what I believe was fecal matter. I am still trying to learn about the identity of this group of insects. I am likewise in the process of deciding whether or not I should exterminate them with some insecticide or just let them go away naturally (if they ever will). Being mindful of the possible ecological consequences, I am cautious of annihilating a bunch of insects I am not well acquainted with. Well...admittedly, superstition also factors in.

Not just green tea: green coffee beans may also aid weight loss

Coffee beans that have not undergone roasting may
help in losing weight (image source: topnews.in)  

A small study presented at the May 8 national meeting of the American Chemical Society showed weight loss promise in green coffee bean extract. This introduces another cheap alternative for reducing pounds though it may literally be bitterer than the regular weight loss bitter pill.

Joe Vinson, a University of Scranton chemist, conducted the pilot study on the effectiveness of natural and uncooked/unheated coffee beans for improving weight loss success. The study involved 16 overweight young adults who undertook a "cross-over" design of testing the effects of green coffee beans. This setup makes the participants their own benchmark wherein they took, by turns, a low dose of unroasted coffee bean extract, a high dose of the coffee bean supplement, and a placebo.

The results were promising with an average of 17.5 pounds weight reduction after five months and two weeks or an overall weight loss of 10.5%. A bigger study is already being planned, calling for 44 additional participants (a total of 60).

Vinson says that the apparent reason for such weight reduction is the ability of green coffee bean extract to diminish fat and glucose absorption in the gut. It is also possible that the extract is able to reduce insulin levels to enhance metabolism. No adverse effects from the coffee extract have been observed among the study participants.

As earlier mentioned, the study is non-conclusive and it requires further investigations and a bigger participant population. Several health scientists have expressed their apprehension over the findings saying that the chemical content of coffee beans both have positive and negative results. It is up to additional studies to prove that the positive effects can outweigh the negative.

Chinese TV anchor says PH is Chinese territory‽

Albeit accidentally...so they say.


He Jia, an anchor of the state-run China Central Television (CCTV), "accidentally" claimed that the Philippines is part of Chinese territory. He said "We all know that the Philippines is China's inherent territory and the Philippines belongs to Chinese sovereignty, this is an indisputable fact."

The gaffe happened late Monday and has since become a viral video circulated on the web. The video of the said broadcast has already been removed from the CCTV website but it is still available in various websites online.

What He Jia apparently intended to say was "Huangyan Islands" instead of "The Philippines." Huangyan Islands is more popularly (internationally) known as the Scarborough Shoal and is the subject of the ongoing naval standoff between China and the Philippines.


Officials of the TV station did not give any comment on the faux pas and refused to give any clear answer on whether or not CCTV has already apologized for the mistake.


Watch the video below.

A scientific explanation on the natural tendency to brag

Ever wondered why there seems to be an innate inclination to brag‽ Science has an answer.

A study performed by Harvard University neuroscientists led to the finding that talking about oneself to other people (in person or through indirect means such as social media and blogs) triggers sensations similar to those caused by food or money. Parts of the brain associated with pleasure were found to be activated when a person talks about himself or herself (self disclosure) especially with the mention of pleasant or enviable things.

The Harvard researchers conducted laboratory tests wherein they monitored the brain activity of volunteers to determine the parts of the brain that get stimulated when a person experiences pleasure or happiness. The volunteers involved in the study were mostly Americans residing near the university. A functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner was used to monitor brain activity during the tests conducted.

The general observation derived from the tests was that there were spurts of increased activity in regions of the brain that belong to the meso-limbic dopamine system. Activity in these regions are associated with the feeling of satisfaction and gratification derived from the enjoyment of food, sex, or money.

"I thought all along Mon Tulfo was their dad! Kapatid pala."

Vampinthecity, some tweep

The hype of the supermoon

The barrage of supermoon news already appears excessive. There seems to be too much hype. The moon will be 30% brighter and slightly bigger—so what? All the credible news sources on TV and online would bear out that there's nothing really consequential about the moon reaching its perigee. Everybody's talking about it like it's some highly significant event.

Admittedly, despite the seeming balderdash, the supermoon is an event worth observing. It's like one of those things in your childhood you would love remembering or doing again. The moon's color and fullness as it rises from the horizon provide a majestic view that can catch the attention of anyone. Moreover, the myths and lore surrounding the supermoon can likewise be intriguing.

One of the myths associated with a full moon (especially with an unusually bigger and brighter one) is the alleged ability of the moon to cause insanity. There are those who somewhat invoke science in explaining the myth by saying that the gravitational pull of the moon gets stronger as it comes nearer to Earth, hence causing cerebral abnormalities. Until now, no scientific study proves that the possible rise of the gravitational pull of the moon has any significant effect on Earth other than causing a higher high tide. Gravity does not factor in but insanity is possible to occur among those who ridiculously obsess with the belief that the moon is certain to bring forth sinister consequences.

Another myth involving the supermoon is the increased instances of disasters or calamitous events. Scientific facts readily dispel this myth so there shouldn't be any reason to change your plans simply because a supermoon is looming. Again, the increase of lunar gravitational pull on Earth is too low to cause earthquakes, more lightening, tsunamis, hailstorms, or tornadoes. A big bright full moon is just too beautiful to be linked with rising incidences of calamities.

Furthermore, the association of a full moon with the increased activities of supernatural beings or forces is something that can hardly be ignored. Up to this day, many still believe that there are sinister entities that become more powerful during a full moon—most especially during a supermoon. Needless saying, scientific thinking would lead anyone to easily dismiss such association. However, the undying claims and anecdotes of many people from different parts of the world perpetuate the question and doubts on whether or not there are supernatural beings who manifestly become more active in the presence of a big bright moon.

I am in the belief that the way news are presented about the supermoon diminishes the "prestige" of the event. Observing and savoring the moon's regal and inexplicable beauty is something personal to me so having too much said and insinuated about it smacks of being reductive.

Kase kung yung Kuya ko lang one-on-one kayong dalawa baka yung puwet mo nasa bunganga mo na.

Raffy Tulfo on Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto

"Their power voltage goes up and down, it's like they're f*cking."

Teddy Boy Locsin on the problematic power supply of Visayas and Mindano

"Sige Mataba na kung Mataba...Ang Puso Ko"

Text for the ad of Sharon Cuneta's new show on TV5.

­­­     ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                         ­­                 
That line's certainly catchy. We're just wondering how that would help bring in the ratings.

"Don Ramon wanted 10 children, so I gave him 10."

Genelyn Magsaysay                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Read more about this on the May 6, 2012 edition of Sunday Inquirer Magazine.

Finally, Scarborough Shoal issue officially reaches UN

Though many are still wondering what took it so long...

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario discussed the issue of Scarborough Shoal with no less than the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The discussion was aimed at emphasizing and advancing the country's commitment to settling the conflict via a rules-based approach following recognized international laws.

The meeting was held in the New York City headquarters of the United Nations. The officials involved were unified on the idea of peaceful settlement and mediation.

The growing presence of Chinese forces and apparent ballyragging in the West Philippine Sea waters have led the Philippines to seek help from the international community despite China's call on avoiding the internationalization of the issue and despite the United States' lukewarm-to-cold expression of support to its main ally in Southeast Asia.

Needless mentioning, the Philippines is incapable of matching the military power of China, not even that of China's "renegade province"—Taiwan. China has been calling for more diplomacy on the issue although its actions have been seemingly contrary to its pronouncements.

Supermoon to brighten May 6th summer night

If the weather cooperates, the night of May 6th will be markedly brighter as the moon comes to its nearest point to Earth. Lunar illumination is expected to be unusually higher, manifesting the event dubbed as the "supermoon."

The "supermoon" marks the time when the moon reaches the perigee or the point of the lunar orbit where the moon comes closest (at 221,802 miles) to Earth. This event makes the moon look 14% bigger and approximately 30% brighter compared to when the moon is in the apogee, the point in the moon's orbit with the greatest distance from Earth.

For those anticipating the event, the differences in size and brightness could be more perceivable when viewing the moon while it is still near the horizon. Also, the magnificent pumpkin-like color only shows while the moon is still "on the rise."

No scientific evidences support claims of unusual things happening during a "supermoon." Aside from a few inches of higher high tides, the supermoon offers a majestic and safe sight. The enhanced brightness of the supermoon, however, may not be so much of a good news for those eager to view the meteor shower from Halley's Comet.

The Philippines does not need military investments...for now

A local daily recently published an article stating that the Philippines needs around four squadrons or forty-eight upgraded Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, better-armed frigates, combatant vessels, minesweepers, and up to six mini submarines to create sufficient defense against Chinese attack on Philippine waters.

This is what the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) says and I say this is not something we need at the moment. I still believe in diplomacy. I still have faith in the empathy of the international community. The money that can be spent for such defenses can be put to better use in building the Philippine economy.

Why does the Philippines need to arm itself when it is a member of the United Nations? There are international legal bodies that have legitimate authority to tackle the issue of China's ridiculous sovereignty or territorial claims. It's just ridiculous to know why the Aquino government is already thinking of arms and invoking the defense treaty with America when the situation clearly does not need any of those.

The Philippines doltishly kicked out the American presence. To call for their help now is simply pathetic. To publicly rely on weakening America's support is inexpedient. I believe—and I think many of us would agree—that America will always be on our side. The West will most likely treat communism as an antagonist so it's almost certain that they will come to our aid if China decides to shoot the first bullet.

We just have to play our cards well. We can't put our benefactors on the spot. What does the country get from an American pronouncement of support to the Philippine claim on Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands? What benefit does the Philippines obtain from provoking the Chinese through arm preparations? I say nothing but the worsening of conflicts.

Military power is not the answer. Unless we have enough military defense to station at the disputed territories and unless we can offer sufficient support or assurance to Filipinos employed by the Chinese, the best moves we can work on are diplomacy and underhanded tactics. We can't confront a giant with force. We have better chances of beating the giant by being stealthy and cunning. We can't be arrogant by boasting our alliance with a superpower like America. However, we can depend on clandestine actions in cooperation with countries that don't share China's idea of progress.

Allow me to reiterate that it's really insane talking about military upgrades when we're dealing with China. We should never give up our claim to what are rightfully ours but we should have a better plan. What we need now are close cooperation with other nations that have interests in the disputed territories, especially with those that are not in good terms with the Chinese. We can't beat them with force but there are no rules that prevent us from employing sneaky maneuvers.