Braveheart!

I don't want to hear anything from him. I don't want to answer his calls or his text messages. I don't have any obligation to him. I've treated him good enough. I've help him in any way I can. I've supported him in everything he does. But what did I get? He doesn't treat me right. All I want is a little respect but I think that he doesn't know how to give it to me. I had enough! I just can't figure it out why is he like that to me? If he is my friend, why is he treating me like this? He gives me bad remarks. He is so rough and harsh to me. But with his other friends, he is Mr. Nice. But to me he is not. I don't understand.

Maybe I'm too nice to him that is why he abuses me. I don't know. I don't want to think about it so much. I am glad that I had a brave heart today. I hang up on him on the phone. That's just right for him. He was so arrogant and boastful and had a loud voice.

If he wants to say sorry then he should also shout it out loud so that all of his friends could hear him. I want him to do that! If he can't do it, then I have to end our friendship! That's my deal.

Baby, Don't You Break My Heart Slow - Vonda Shepard

I like the way you wanted me
Every night for so long baby
I like the way you needed me
Every time things got rocky

I was believing in you
Am I mistaken do you say,
Do you say what you mean
I want our love to last forever

(chorus)

But Id rather you be mean than love and lie
Id rather hear the truth and have to say goodbye
Id rather take a blow at least then I would know
But baby dont you break my heart slow

I like the way youd hold me
Every night for so long baby
And I like the way youd say my name
In the middle of the night
While you were sleeping

I was believing in you
Was I mistaken
Do you mean, mean what you say
When you say our love could last forever

(chorus)

Well Id rather you be mean than love and lie
Id rather hear the truth and have to say goodbye
Id rather take a blow at least then I would know
But baby dont you break my heart slow

(bridge)

Youe would run around and lead me on forever
While I wait at home thinking that were together
I wanted our love to last forever

(chorus)

Well Id rather you be mean than love and lie
Id rather hear the truth and have to say goodbye
Id rather take a blow at least then I would know
But baby dont you break my heart slow

(chorus)


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Stupid me!

I'm so ashame of myself! What I said yesterday was something so stupid. It's something that I should have not uttered. It reflected that I see myself less. I'm ugly. I'm not worthy to be love. But it's true. I see myself just like that. I always feel second best. I always give way to others. And it's okay for me to get hurt. I have lots of inhibitions of what people might say to me. What if I'll hurt other people if I will follow my heart?

But now I've realized that I should give myself a chance to be happy. To follow my heart without thinking too much. Thinking too much! That's me when it comes to love. (sigh!) I have to loosen up. If ever I might hurt people along the way, I don't intend to. I want to be free this time. I want to be happy and not worry too much! I'm focus on that now. I am tired of always getting worried! I'm slowly getting there. Acceptance of this all is my first step to recovery! ha ha

Mr. Bean is coming to town. I don't know how to face him but I know I will face him. ha ha no choice! We will see each other eye to eye! Good luck to me! He is coming so soonnnnnnnn!!!!!!!

Smudgeproof Mascara!

I've always wanted to buy Maybelline mascara. It was on sale, so I finally decided to got one. he he On its label, it says it is 100% smudge proof, full length, 12 hours wear, and washes off easily. It was recommended to me by my friend. She was using it and it looks good on her. Her eyelashes were really short but when she applied the mascara, it surely lengthens and it curls. Wow, magic!

I chose the dark brown color. I have yet to try it but I can't wait. he he I was a little bit guilty of buying it because me and my friends had an agreement that we should start saving and spend less. (sigh!) That is why I don't like going to the malls nowadays because I'm really an impulsive buyer. I can't resist. The temptations are too strong for me. ha ha Anyways, I will start saving again tomorrow. And that's a promise to myself.

It's still the Kadayawan festival here but I've decided to stay at home to avoid temptations. he he Tomorrow, it would be back to work. I will use my new mascara. I hope that it would look good to me too. =)

White Horse Lyrics - Taylor Swift

Say you're sorry
That face of an angel comes out
Just when you need it to
As I pace back and forth all this time
'Cause
I honestly believed in you
Holdin' on,
The days drag on
Stupid girl
I should've known, I should've known

That I'm not a princess
This ain't a fairytale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet
Lead her up the stairwell
This ain't Hollywood,
This is a small town
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now its too late for you and your White Horse,
To come around.

Maybe I was naïve,
Got lost in your eyes
I never really had a chance.
My mistake I didnt know to be in love
you had to fight to have the upper hand.
I had so many dreams about you and me
Happy endings;
Now I know

I'm not a princess
This ain't a fairytale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet
Lead her up the stairwell
This ain't Hollywood,
This is a small town
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down.
Now its too late for you and your White Horse,
To come around.

And there you are on your knees
Begging for forgiveness,
Begging for me
Just like I always wanted,
But I'm so sorry

Cause Im not your princess
This aint a fairytale
Im gonna find someone, Some day
Who might actually treat me well.
This is a big world,
That was a small town
There in my rearview mirror,
Disappearing now.
And it's too late for you and your White Horse,
Now its too late for you and your White Horse
To catch me now.

Oh whoa whoa whoa-oh
Try and catch me now
Whoa-Oh
It's too late
To catch me now.


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Birthday Bash!

I attended my Goddaughter's 2nd birthday. The party just started when I arrived. The children were having parlor games. I've met my co-Godparents. They were so nice to me. I felt left out at first because my batch mates didn't arrive. But I was not left out at all. They included me in their group and with their conversations. I have known that they are very hardworking. And I was really inspired by them. I want to be hardworking too from now on. All I ever think of nowadays is about my love-life. I have to set it aside because I don't have any control on it. I have to stop thinking about it. I'll just have to surrender it to the Lord. He is in control. He will take care of it. For now, I have to earn more and more money. I'm too lazy compared to them. That's why they are driving beautiful cars now. The fruit of their labor. And me, I just hitch! ha ha We have a car but i don't know how to drive! (sigh!) So i have to earn more and save so I can enroll in a driving school.

My co-Godparent also work in a bank. And she will help me out in opening an account in their bank. She gave me her cellphone number. All I have to do is to text her and ask for her assistance. I guess this is it. Everything's falling into place. I was thinking of opening an account to their bank before I even met her. And I believe that it will happen soon. I am so happy!

Attending parties and meeting new people surely help build new connections. I was hesitant at first to attend. I felt sleepy and wanted to go home early. But, I was glad I did not missed it! I have new friends now!

LOVE STORY Lyrics - Taylor Swift

We were both young when I first saw you
I close my eyes
And the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On a balcony in summer air

See the lights
See the party, the ball gowns
I see you make your way through the crowd
And say hello, little did I know

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you please don't go, and I said

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes

So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes
Escape this town for a little while

'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
But you were everything to me
I was begging you please don't go and I said

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes

Romeo save me, they try to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story baby just say yes
Oh oh

I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you is fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town, and I said

Romeo save me I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you but you never come
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring

And said, marry me Juliet
You'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
It's a love story baby just say yes

Oh, oh, oh, oh
'Cause we were both young when I first saw you


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Sony PSP 3000 (black)

The good: Light, slim enclosure; screen offers better color reproduction than that of earlier PSP models; improved AV output for video and game playback on TVs; built-in Skype with onboard microphone; retains all of the impressive media and online features of earlier PSP models; deep lineup of great game titles that offer better graphics than Nintendo DS games.

The bad: Despite improvements, problems and annoyances remain: screen exhibits noticeable jaggies and scanlines during high-motion video and gaming sequences; UMD load times still poky compared with DS games; screen isn't glare-free, and is still a magnet for fingerprints; Web browser and data input can be cumbersome; no built-in storage; subtle redesign missed the opportunity to add even more features.

The bottom line: While there's probably not enough to get owners of previous the PSP to upgrade, newcomers will find the PSP 3000 to be a solid portable gaming and multimedia device.

Specifications: Product Description: Sony PSP 3000 - Handheld game system ; Form Factor: Handheld ; Media Type: UMD (Universal Media Disc)


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Love, Rosie - Cecelia Ahern

I would like to share my recent novel reading. Here's the excerpt:

Rosie and Alex are destined for each other, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, they are separated as teenagers when Alex and his family relocate from Dublin to Boston. Like two ships always passing in the night, Rosie and Alex stay friends, and though years pass, the two remain firmly attached via E-mails and letters. Heartbroken, they learn to live without each other. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel of several missed opportunities, Rosie and Alex learn that fate isn't done with them quite yet.

~ o ~ o~ o ~ o ~

My review:

It's been awhile since I've read a novel. Love, Rosie is a beautiful novel full of exciting events and adventure. I can't barely stop myself from reading. But as I continue reading it, I got somewhat irked, not much happy of their progress. It seems that this does not happen in real life. Or if ever this happens, it is really a rare love story. To waste so much time. That they should have been together long ago. The excitement of it all was lost. Even if they end up together in the end but still they were already old. I don't want it to happen to me. My motto is "It's now or never". If you don't want me now, i will not wait for you anymore! I will find someone who will love and want me now. If you can't fix your mind now then that's your problem anymore.

Happy Kadayawan!

We are celebrating our Kadayawan Festival here in Davao. We celebrate it yearly. The festival honors Davao's artistic, cultural, and historical heritage. The festivities are highlighted with floral floats, street-dancing competitions and exhibits that showcases our island's tourism products and services. It's a sort of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of fruits and flowers. We have durian, Lanzones, Marang and a lot more fruits. We also have beautiful orchids all over Davao.

And to top it all, we don't have work! Yippee!! It's a rest day for me. he he I don't know maybe later in the day we will go to the downtown area and see what's happening. There's a lot of sale too in the malls. I bought a curtain that was 50% off 2 days ago. I love it! My mom place the new curtain in my bedroom. It's beautiful. I also changed my bed linens just this morning. This is the time i can clean up my room.

I'm not in my proper mind set since last night. I am hang. I can't concentrate on anything. This happens every time i received a phone call from Mr. Bean. I've melted. He has a different impact on me. I am lost all over again. It's like I'm under his spell. I don't know if he is aware of it. I can sense that he is sad too. Maybe he is, maybe he is not. I don't know much! (sigh) So last night, i just slept my sadness away. I am still not okay up to now but at least i can rest.

I also received a sad news yesterday that US will not be okay until 2015. My hopes in dreams of going there is crashed. I don't know what tomorrow brings but i hope it would get better. Maybe I'll find another country where i can work. I have to get moving and find a greener pasture the soonest possible time to save us out of this crisis!

My other friend is going out of the country again. She really has a good soul. She gave me a bag before. And she asked me again if i would like her to buy something for me. I said that i like another bag. But this time, I'll gonna pay her. She said she would look for a sale. he he

I don't know what I'm feeling right now. It's all mixed emotions. But i think that whatever sadness, loneliness or frustrations that i feel right now will all come to pass. I just keep on praying!

Fatty Foods Affect Memory and Exercise

Eating fatty food appears to take an almost immediate toll on both short-term memory and exercise performance, according to new research on rats and people.

Other studies have suggested that long-term consumption of a high-fat diet is associated with weight gain, heart disease and declines in cognitive function. But the new research shows how indulging in fatty foods over the course of a few days can affect the brain and body long before the extra pounds show up.

To determine the effect of a fatty diet on memory and muscle performance, researchers studied 32 rats that were fed low-fat rat chow and trained for two months to complete a challenging maze. The maze included eight different paths that ended with a treat of sweetened condensed milk. The goal was for the rat to find each treat without doubling back into a corridor where it had already been. The maze was wiped down with alcohol, so the rat had to rely on memory rather than sense of smell.

All of the rats studied had mastered the maze, finding at least six or seven of the eight treats before making a mistake. Some rats even found all eight on the first try.

Then half the rats were switched to high-fat rat chow (comprised of 55 percent fat), while the remaining rats stayed on their regular chow (which had 7.5 percent fat). After four days, the rats eating the fatty chow began to falter on the maze test — all of them did worse than when they were on their regular chow. On average, the rats on the fatty diet found only five treats before making a mistake. The rats who stayed with their regular food continued the same high level of performance on the maze, finding six or more treats before making a mistake.

Half of the rats had also been trained to run on a treadmill. After only a few days on the high-fat diet, the rats performed 30 percent worse on the treadmill. After five days of testing, the treadmill performance of the rats eating fatty foods had declined by half. The study results appear in The Faseb Journal, which is the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

“We expected to see changes, but maybe not so dramatic and not in such a short space of time,’’ said Andrew Murray, the study’s lead author and a lecturer in physiology at Cambridge University in Britain. “It was really striking how quickly these effects happened.’’

Although the human data aren’t yet published, the researchers have also performed similar studies of high-fat diets in healthy young men who then performed exercise and cognitive tests. Dr. Murray said he is still reviewing the data, but the short-term effect of a fatty diet on humans appears to be similar to that found in the rat studies.

It’s not clear why fatty foods would cause a short-term decline in cognitive function. One theory is that a high-fat diet can trigger insulin resistance, which means the body becomes less efficient at using the glucose, or blood sugar, so important to brain function.

Fatty foods appear to have a short-term effect on exercise performance because the body reacts to high fat content in the blood by releasing certain proteins that essentially make the metabolism less efficient. “It’s thought to be a protective mechanism to get rid of excess fat,’’ Dr. Murray said. “But it was making muscles less efficient at using oxygen and fuel to make the energy needed to run.’’

The findings are particularly relevant to people who may not worry about binging on fatty foods because they exercise regularly.

“Exercise is a good way of burning it off, because you’re burning the calories off,’’ Dr. Murray said. “But in terms of actually trying to put in a good time if you’re running, it will limit your performance.’’

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Asian Sesame Noodles

Serves: 4

Yields: 4 main-dish servings

Total Time: 30 min



Ingredients:

• 8 ounce(s) soba noodles
• 1 bag(s) (10-ounce) shredded (matchstick) carrots
• 8 ounce(s) snow peas, strings removed
• 1 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil
• 1 pound(s) chicken-breast tenders, each cut lengthwise in half
• 1 tablespoon(s) grated peeled fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoon(s) reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon(s) Asian sesame oil

Directions

1. Heat covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Add soba noodles and cook as label directs, adding shredded carrots 4 minutes and snow peas 2 minutes before noodles are done.
2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat vegetable oil on medium 1 minute. Add chicken, ginger, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, stirring to coat. Cook about 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink throughout, stirring often. Remove from heat.
3. Drain noodles and vegetables; add them to chicken in skillet along with sesame oil and remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Toss ingredients gently to combine.

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Hopeless Romantic No More!

I've met a new friend. He said that i am a hopeless romantic! That no one could change my mind. I'm fixed already because I am in love with someone. Maybe I am! I am in love with someone who doesn't love me back. Someone who just sees me as a friend. I was waiting for him in vain. I revolved my world around him. And that's the truth. I have to face this sad truth. I guess my new friend is right. If he really wants me or love me, he should have had me. I think that he really just sees me as a friend. No more no less! I'm so stupid! I think it's time for me to move on and move forward. Or else I'm gonna be stuck with no one. And I'm gonna grow old alone. I don't want that. I should try and open my heart and mind to other people who could be "the one" for me. Somebody who could give me the love that I really deserve and be happy.

I am not getting any younger anymore! I have to do this for myself or else time will pass me by. I guess somebody needs to slap me on my face about that so i can wake up and face the reality. I can do it. I believe i can. I deserve real love!

I would still keep the friendship and accept that it would be just that. He is not my prince that I thought he was. I was deeply asleep for the past 2 years. Waiting for him would only be a waste of time. There would be no justice to it. Enough of my craziness! I feel good now..

Maximize Your Lashes

These days, there are tons of mascaras that promise you super long lashes, separation and thickness. Unfortunately, these products don’t work for most of the time. That’s why you need to adopt a good technique to get the most out of your lashes and maximize them to the fullest. So here is how to get the most out of your lashes:

Step 1: Use an eyelash curler to curl the base of your lashes first. Hold for 15 seconds. If you find that your lashes don’t curl as easily, heat your eyelashes curler with a blowdrier for a few seconds and try again.

Step 2: After you’ve curled the base, use your lash curler at the halfway point of your lashes. Hold for another 15 seconds.

Step 3: The final step involves curling your lashes at the tips to get the maximum lash curl. Hold for 15 seconds yet again and release.

Swipe on a lenghening mascara such as Lise Watier 24hrs Glam Mascara or Maybelline Stiletto.

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Lipstick Tricks!

Lipstick can be a hard thing to choose from. There are always so many colours, so many shades, and so many brands. On top of that, they’re expensive and can wreak havoc in our wallets. Here are so simple tips and tricks when it comes to lipstick.

First and foremost, preserve your lipstick. If it’s a hot, humid day, don’t leave your lipstick in your purse. Instead, store it in the fridge while you’re home. It will last longer, and will be much healthier for your lips.

For a perfect pout, don’t forget to line your lips with a nude lip liner. Make sure that your lip liner is never too obvious, which can be very tacky. This will give your lips a little definition and make them appear fuller.

When you’re short on blush, use your lipstick. Dab a little onto your cheek bones and rub it gently until only a soft blush appears. It really works wonders.

Don’t waste your lipstick. When they’re almost done, scoop out anything left in the bottom and combine all the shades together in a palette. The colour will be amazing, and who knows, maybe you’ll even invent something.

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3 Tricks to Getting Gorgeous Eyebrows

Going to get your eyebrows done on a regular basis can empty out your wallet pretty fast, but if you know how to do them right, why spend a fortune and get them done by someone else? Here’s how you can do your own eyebrows in just a few simple steps. No money, no fuss, no pain!

Step 1

Start by brushing your brows upwards using a brow brush. Then snip off the long ends of any hairs that might stick out using a pair of brow scissors and continue brushing downwards. Doing this will ensure that you trim off the bulk of the hair, plus will reveal your natural brow shape.

Step 2

Hold a pencil parallel to the side of the bridge of your nose: that’s where the inner edge of your brow should start. To determine the highest point of your arch, place the pencil parallel to the outside corner of your iris. To find out where your brows should end, just hold the pencil diagonally from your nostril to the outside corner of your eye. You can also just look in the mirror and find the highest point of your brow. From there, you can tweeze right underneath the high point to maximize the arch.

Step 3

Using a brow pencil, mark the spots you just found and begin tweezing accordingly. Be sure to remove no more than 2 rows of hair so your brows still maintain a natural shape and look. You may need to remove just a few hairs from the top of the brows to make them look neat and shaped.

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Early Bird!

I arrived early at work today. Wow! It feels good. I don't have to rush or run so i will not be late. Usually i am a late comer. We are only allowed to be late three times in a month and I've used it all so I can't be late until the end of the month. That's hard for me! Or else i will receive a memo or get suspended! Waking early is tough so it is a big challenge for me. And our house is far away from where i work. The traffic will also be heavy if i leave our place pass 7am. So i have to leave our house before 7am. Good luck to me!

Arriving at work ahead of time have a lot of advantages. I can walk slowly. I have time to chat with my office mates. I also still have enough time to fix my hair and retouch my make-up. I don't have to run so it saves me a lot of energy. But the bad side is i haven't eaten my breakfast yet. It's okay. I have my break time.

O-oh the bell just ring! I need to go to my clinic now. It's time to work. Speaking of breakfast, my office mate Jolly gave me a Goldilocks Floppy mamon. She is really one great of a friend. She's living our company soon. I'll gonna miss her. But we can always see each other outside. Still, i'll gonna miss her. She is my buddy here. Although we have some arguments but it's part of friendship right? It makes us grow closer. I love you Jol. Gotta go to my clinic now! "Early bird catches worm"!

In love!

It's hard to keep a feeling that's inside me for the longest time. (sigh!) I want to shout to the whole world that i love him! I can't even tell my friends about it because from the start they don't like him. It's like I'm the only one sticking to him all this time. After all the heartaches I've experienced with him, still every time he comes back and say sorry, I allow him to enter once again into my life. Some of my friends think I'm stupid. That my feelings is not reciprocated. I don't know! I just feel that he has a good soul and needs a chance.

I'm happy that I've met a new friend in Gaye! She understands what I'm feeling! I want to be free and be happy on what I feel inside my heart. I want to enjoy this feeling! Love should make us happy and not sad right? I don't want to worry too much on what others may say. I appreciate their concerns about me. I know that they don't want me to get hurt. If this love will not have a happy ending at least I've given myself a chance to love someone.

He may not be the ideal guy for me. I don't like some of his traits. He irritates me. He annoys me. But he has his way of making me happy. I'm happy with him! No other guy has given me the kind of attention and care that he has given me. I don't know what tomorrow brings but for now i want to cherish this feeling. He may not know what i really feel for him because I don't have the intentions of telling him but at least I would stop denying it to myself! I am in love!

8 Best Foods for Fitness

Fitness foods that help burn fat, build muscle and boost your cardiovascular health.

It's true: Spinach is muscle fuel. But not because it instantly turns you lean and sexy. Researchers from Rutgers University found that a compound in the leafy green increases protein synthesis by 120 percent, helping your muscle tissue to repair itself faster after you work out. The problem, however, is that you’d have to eat Popeye-sized quantities to experiences dramatic results (we’re talking almost 2 pounds of the iron-packed veggies a day). The good news is that spinach isn’t the only food that can help you to look and feel better than ever—even when you're not exercising.

The right fitness foods help burn fat, build muscle, and even boost your cardiovascular health. Ready to eat your way to better results? These 8 great foods and drinks are guaranteed to make any type of exercise you do more effective—long after you’ve broken a sweat.

EAT THIS!

Pineapple and papaya

Good for: Muscle recovery

Both of these tropical fruits are loaded with bromelain and papain, enzymes that not only help break down proteins for digestion but also have anti-inflammatory properties to speed up your post-workout recovery.

Salmon

Good for: Cardiovascular fitness

Australian researchers found that cyclists who took fish oil for 8 weeks had lower heart rates and consumed less oxygen during intense bicycling than a control group did. The fatty acids in fish oil need to become incorporated into muscle and heart cells to have an effect, and that takes weeks of consumption—so either take fish oil pills each day, or try to eat fish rich in fatty acids multiple times a week to see similar results.

PB&J or pasta with meat sauce

Good for: Muscle building and repair

The perfect post-weight training repast has about 400 calories, with 20 to 30 grams of protein (to build new muscle) and 50 to 65 grams of carbohydrates (to repair old muscle). Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a small bowl of pasta with meat sauce fits that formula.

Pork tenderloin

Good for: Waist-trimming

Lean meats are a great low-calorie source of protein, and scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, found that eating more protein may reduce the fat around your midsection. People who ate 20 more grams of protein every day than the group average had 6 percent lower waist-to-hip ratios.

DRINK THAT!

Coffee

Good for: Pain relief

University of Georgia scientists revealed that taking a caffeine supplement (equal to two cups of coffee) after exercise reduces muscle soreness more than pain relievers can. Caffeine blocks a chemical that activates pain receptors.

Cold water

Good for: Endurance

Drinking cold water before and during exercise can help improve your endurance. In a British study, cyclists who drank about 30 ounces of a chilled drink in the half hour before riding in a hot, humid environment—and smaller amounts as they rode—were able to bike 23 percent longer than riders who downed lukewarm liquids. Drinking cold water may be the most direct way to reduce core body temperature, so it takes you longer to heat up and slow down.

8 ounces of chocolate milk

Good for: Hydration

The best sports drink may come from a cow. British researchers found that milk does a better job than water or sports drinks at rehydrating the body after exercise. Why? To begin with, milk has more electrolytes and potassium. The addition of chocolate gives milk the perfect balance of carbs, protein, and fat for speedy muscle recovery.

Green tea

Good for: Muscle recovery

Brazilian scientists found that participants who consumed three cups of green tea every day for a week had fewer markers of the cell damage caused by resistance to exercise. So drinking a few cups every day may help your muscles recover faster after an intense workout.


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The Perfect Diet

Eating the right mix of meat and veggies may be the key to running — and living — well

Many runners follow one of two food philosophies. You're either a carnivore who has meatballs with your pasta, or you're vegetarian, filling up on tofu stir-frys. But in recent years there's been growing interest in a nutrition trend that allows you to have the best of both worlds. Nutritionists like Dawn Jackson Blatner, R. D., believe a "flexitarian" diet is about striking the ideal balance: Namely, making plant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes) the mainstay of our meals, while still eating animal protein — just less of it. Not going completely vegetarian means you still get beneficial nutrients in red meat and poultry (iron, zinc, protein, B vitamins) and fish (omega- 3 fatty acids). But by eating less of them, you take in less of the unhealthy stuff , like saturated fat and cholesterol. "Meat can be a nutritious part of the diet," says Blatner, author of The Flexitarian Diet. "But limiting the amount we eat is important for health and disease prevention." Studies show eating a plant-based diet can decrease the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And research finds that semi-vegetarians have a lower BMI than their carnivorous counterparts. "Athletes can benefit from eating this way," says Lauren Antonucci, R. D., owner of Nutrition Energy in Manhattan, "especially if they want to lose weight." Just ask runner Mark Bittman, author of How to Cook Everything. Two years ago he cut back on meat, an experience he wrote about in Food Matters. Within a few months, his cholesterol and blood sugar decreased, he lost 35 pounds, and his running improved. "My knees started working again," he says, "and I felt lighter on my runs." So how can other runners adopt a similar philosophy? The trick isn't to swear off steaks forever. Just start with a few simple strategies. Flex tip: Renovate your plate If you make meat the focus of your plate, you probably don't get enough plant antioxidants, which help cells heal from stress caused by exercise, says Blatner. She suggests runners divide the calories in each meal into 50 percent vegetables, 25 percent protein, and 25 percent whole grains. Antonucci recommends eating a mix of starchy, carb-rich vegetables, such as peas and corn, and nonstarchy ones, like broccoli and mushrooms, which are lower in carbs but nutrient-packed. Try it: skip the tuna steak and have tuna in your pasta sauce. Make beef stew with less meat and more grains and veggies. Flex tip: Start small "This isn't a lifestyle overhaul," says Blatner. Start with one vegetarian meal a day, or have two meatless days a week and build to five. Studies have found that people who make small diet tweaks lose and keep off more weight than those who make large changes. "If you eat one less cheeseburger a week and replace it with rice and beans," says Bittman, "you haven't altered your diet much." But it adds up. Bittman estimates he eats one-third less meat now than he used to. Try it: Sub out turkey in favor of hummus in your sandwich. Cook up a stir-fry using equal parts tofu and shrimp. Flex tip: Redefine protein Runners often think that getting enough protein requires eating a lot of meat. But one four-ounce chicken breast packs 28 grams of protein — one third of a runner's daily needs. So by eating some meat along with protein-rich legumes, beans, and nuts, runners can easily get enough of the muscle-building nutrient — not to mention take in less fat and more antioxidants. And by not eliminating meat entirely, you still get nutrients like zinc and iron, which are key for performance. Try it: Toss black beans and lentils in beef tacos; add almonds and walnuts to a chicken Caesar salad. Slowly up the beans, lentils, and nuts, and reduce the meat. Flex tip: Eat creatively Limiting yourself to a lifetime of soy patties would get boring fast. Experiment with new foods to make your diet more interesting. Try one or two new foods a week, says Antonucci. Trade white rice for more flavorful whole grains like quinoa, bulgur, or wheat berries, which offer more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than refined grains. Try less familiar fruits and veggies, focusing on what's freshest; since each contains different vitamins and antioxidants, sampling a variety ensures you'll capture a wide range of nutrients. Try it: Flavor new foods with familiar seasonings: Stir olive oil and garlic into quinoa; saute leafy greens like Swiss chard and top with a squeeze of lemon. Flex tip: Enjoy the meat you eat As athletes, we sometimes forget that food is more than fuel for our runs. "Remember that one of the great joys of eating with people is the social and emotional nourishment," says Blatner. Many runners have bonded over a breakfast of pancakes and sausage following a morning run, or celebrated a great race finish with friends and a steak dinner — and there's no reason to stop. Following a flexitarian diet is all about being flexible, so you don't need to feel guilty about enjoying meat. Try it: After a meat-heavy meal, simply adjust your diet over the next few days. Have a few completely vegetarian meals, or a big salad before lunch and dinner.


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Caesar Salad

We've given high-calorie Caesar a healthy makeover. We coated the croutons with cooking spray instead of olive oil, then replaced egg yolk with light mayonnaise to keep the classic dressing’s creamy texture — without the classic guilt.

Serves: 6

Yields: 6 first-course servings

Total Time: 25 min

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Oven Temp: 400

Ingredients:

• 4 ounce(s) Italian bread
• 1 clove(s) garlic, cut in half
• Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
• 1/4 cup(s) light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup(s) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon(s) anchovy paste
• Coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 package(s) (18-ounce) hearts of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

---

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut bread into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Rub bread slices, on both sides, with cut sides of garlic. Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes; place in jelly-roll pan. Spray bread liberally with cooking spray. Bake 10 minutes or until golden-brown and crisp. Cool croutons in pan.
3. Meanwhile, in large salad bowl, with wire whisk, mix together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, anchovy paste, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
4. Add lettuce and croutons to dressing in bowl; toss to coat.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories	140
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	7mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrate	13g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	--
Protein	4g
Calcium	--

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Pistachio and Tart Cherry Chocolate Bark

Make sure to note on the gift tag to keep this tart and nutty chocolate bark refrigerated until ready to enjoy, but not longer than one month for best flavor.

Yields: 2 1/2 pounds

Total Time: 23 min

Ingredients:

• 1 pound(s) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 8 ounce(s) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 12 ounce(s) pistachio nuts, shells removed (1 1/2 cups), toasted
• 8 ounce(s) (1 1/2 cups) dried tart cherries
• 
  

---

Directions

1. Place semisweet chocolate in microwave-safe 8-cup measuring cup or large bowl. Place white chocolate in microwave-safe 2-cup measuring cup or medium bowl. Heat semisweet chocolate in microwave, covered with waxed paper, on High 2 to 3 minutes or until almost melted, stirring once. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth. Heat white chocolate in microwave, covered with waxed paper, on High 1 to 2 minutes or until almost melted, stirring once. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth.
2. Stir 1 cup pistachios and 1 cup cherries into semisweet chocolate. On large cookie sheet, spread chocolate mixture to about 1/4-inch thickness. Spoon dollops of white chocolate onto semisweet-chocolate mixture. With tip of knife, swirl chocolates together for marbled look. Sprinkle with remaining pistachios and cherries.
3. Refrigerate bark 1 hour or until firm. Break bark into pieces. Store in tightly sealed container in refrigerator up to 1 month. Pack in decorative boxes lined with waxed tissue paper or colored cellophane for gift giving.

   Nutritional information is based on 1 ounce.

Nutritional Information(per serving)

Calories	125
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	2mg
Sodium	5mg
Total Carbohydrate	15g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	--
Protein	2g
Calcium	--

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Dark Chocolate For Me..

I just bought a dark chocolate Toblerone for me to uplift my spirit. It's good for the heart too. It may fight off heart attack. I don't know, i always get into my Emo(emotional) mode every now and then even with the company of my friends. I'm with Mar and Azie right now at Caffe V, our favorite hang-out nowadays where we can surf the Net using our laptops for free. We just order some food and then we can stay here forever. Just kidding! We can stay until their closing time. That's more than enough. Still, my low spirit hits me. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm going crazy I think! ha ha. I've learned that chocolates are good to eat if you're sad. It works for me every time.

I also bought Goya chocolates for my nieces. I'm sure they would be happy and delighted to receive it. I love them so much. They are my little angels. They make me happy. They make my mom and dad happy too. The smile on their faces gives me a certain glow all the time.

I'm going to eat my choco now. Want some?

Face Powders I've Tried..

I've tried different face powders. I am a Nichido face powder girl before. Their face powder is nice. Affordable too. I've used it for a long time. Then a friend of mine gave me a face powder from Taiwan. It was his gift to me when he went there for a vacation. It was also good. The texture of the face powder was smooth. It lasted for about a year to me. It smells good too. Right now, I am using the Maybelline Face Powder. It was recommended by Tew and i like it. It's true to its word. It has lasting oil control and has silky smooth texture. It has SPF 18. And it is affordable too. Although its content would not last that long, it is still worth the price. It gives my face a certain glow and a smooth even skin tone. I think i would stick to it for a longer time..

"HEALTHY HEART"

A friend of mine just sent me a forwarded message this morning. I want to share it with you. It is about "Healthy Heart". It means HEAL-THY-HEART. Allow God to heal our hearts from past wounds, insults, pains and grudges. Isn't it wonderful? Only God can heal us physically and emotionally. We should remember that God is good all the time. He is the great healer. He comforts us all the time. He is always in control.

As individuals, we have to have a forgiving heart. It is only when we forgive that we set ourselves free from heartaches and pain. And makes us feel better. Whoever hurts us will not be able to hurt us again. If we continue to keep grudges and pains in our heart, the person who said bad things on us will continue to affect us. It is not good for our health especially to our heart.

Life is short. We should live it well and be happy. Forgive and forget! Let go and let God!

Food for today...

I'm starving right now. I haven't eaten breakfast yet. My head is spinning. I wan't to eat bread with ham and cheese. My friend here beside me is playing psp. We talked about our card readings yesterday. When you say future. What does it really means to say? Is that really very much far away??? How long will i wait for it. I get a headache just thinking about it. Anyways, i have to eat something cause i feel really dizzy now. I'll be back.... I'm back! Well, i've changed my mind. I have eaten bread with ham and cheese instead. hee hee

For lunch.. Hmmm let me see what do i want?? I think i'm going to eat at the fast food or i'm going to eat at Mc Donalds. I love their chicken, french fries, and mcflurry. Am i going to have lunch alone again? I don't know, maybe i can get a friend to accompany me today. My friend who used to have lunch with me is in a faraway place now. I miss his company. I think that he is right, he is the only one who really acompanies me most of the time. But i guess some good things never last. Even though we fight a lot but still we have so many things in common. One thing is we love eating out and the other one is we love watching romantic movies. Hee hee He is my only Emo guy friend. ha ha Then after lunch i'm going to meet up with my girl friends. We are going to visit the Pink Sister. Give thanks and pray. And have coffee after. And blog blog blog.

For dinner.. It's the birthday of my neighbor and friend Tew. Happy Birthday Tew! She is treating me out tonight with the rest of her invited friends. So, i just don't know where we will be going. Maybe we will going to eat pizza or pasta and drink some beer or wine. But it would be a great night. It's been awhile since i went out again. I'm excited about it. Party time!

Its Not Just Sushi

From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Campus Chronicles

BY: By Perri Nemiroff

Follow your passion, and success will follow you.
~Arthur Buddhold

Journalism--yes, in order to be a journalist you need to be able to write, but in order to be a broadcast journalist, you need to have some skills using the video camera as well. At my college, if your GPA is high enough you can opt to pursue a professional certificate through the university's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. All of the classes are non-credit and students participate in the program as an elective course of study. Being that I was studying broadcast journalism, I decided to get a certificate in digital filmmaking. I took some classes about lighting, sound and even interviewing, but the one that I learned the most from was most certainly a class called Digital Video Production I.

The class was held one day a week for eight hours each day over the summer. By the end of the class you were supposed to have finished your own short film. My professor began discussing potential topics we could pursue. He suggested doing something that had a personal meaning, but that would also appeal to a wider audience. I didn't even listen to the rest of the lecture because I knew exactly what my video was going to be about: sushi. I love sushi. Most people love sushi. I couldn't go wrong.

About a year before, I had given the Sushi Challenge at a local Japanese restaurant a shot. In order to complete the challenge, you have to eat thirty-two pieces of sushi (for a woman) or fifty-two pieces of sushi (for a man) in twenty minutes. Every time a contestant completes the challenge, the amount is raised by one. Considering I don't eat raw fish, doing the entire challenge with tomago (egg) and shrimp made it a little difficult and I lost by four pieces. As it turned out, the two worst parts about losing were paying for your sushi and leaving with a bit of a stomachache. I still thought it was worth it.

Soon after the professor approved my topic, The Sushi Challenge went into production. I found my actors, my equipment, and got the okay from the restaurant owner. In order to be able to film the entire thing by myself and still capture every moment and angle, I decided to have one of the actors fake the challenge. Basically, I paid for fifty-two pieces of sushi, had him pretend to stuff his face, and got myself dinner at the same time. I brought back my footage and spent the last month of class editing my material. On the last day of class I showed everyone my film. Their reaction astounded me. Not only were my production skills praised by the professor, but everyone in the class genuinely enjoyed my short.

I couldn't just let the film die with the class, so I decided to submit it to a few student filmmaking websites. On a whim, I also sent a copy to the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. To my surprise, not only did I receive a call from a festival representative to tell me my film had been chosen, but I was also contacted by Yahoo.com. Someone at the website had seen my video on another website and wanted to feature it on their homepage for twenty-four hours. The Sushi Challenge went up and the phone calls started to pour in. I spoke to people I hadn't spoken to since my first years in high school. People I barely even knew sent me messages on Facebook just to tell me how much they enjoyed it. After the twenty-four-hour time period was up, over half a million people had seen my film. Their reactions were rather overwhelming.

The excitement didn't end there. November 11th rolled around--the day my film was being screened at the film festival. I was especially excited because my film was being shown in a theater that I often visit to see big, box office films. I arrived at the theater accompanied by my parents. Not only did my cousins come, as well as some close family friends, but a significant number of my sorority sisters too! You know that clichéd warm and fuzzy feeling that everyone talks about, but you don't think it's real? Well, it is. My film was screened and the reaction was more than anything I could have dreamed. I made people smile. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

I've since graduated from college, but have still left a legacy as the creator of The Sushi Challenge. And I'll never forget about the sushi craze I created.

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Fave Restau...

I ate dinner at Lachi's today with Jolly and Gaye. It's one of our favorite restaurants. They have delicious foods and cakes. I really like their tocino and Laing. There's plenty of food to choose from. So yummy! Their cakes are also delicious too. They have Macadamia, Blueberry cheesecake and so much more. We have to reserve a table beforehand because the place is always full. Gaye had tarot cards so while waiting for our orders, she read my cards. My cards are wonderful. It says that i'll gonna be wealthy and a proposal is around the corner! Wow, so exciting! Thanks Gaye!I have so many memories at Lachi's! So much fun and laughter too. We always have a full stomach after eating. So we walk a mile after so the food will be fully digested. hee hee

You can visit and try it. It is located at Marfori Street, Davao City.

To do lists...

1. I need to buy an Umbrella. It is sad that i just lost one and i have to buy another one. I need it for sun protection. Also, rainy season is here so i better have an umbrella soon.

2. Practice Driving. My driving practice was postponed for the nth time. I practiced only once and that was it. My first teacher resigned because of her busy schedule. Now, my father who finally agreed to teach me is sick so he can't teach me. I hope and pray that he gets well very soon.

3. Cut my hair. I need a haircut.

4. Renew my passport.

5. Watch my favorite movies. First on my watch list is the Sassy Girl Korean or English version.

6. Read a new book. I borrowed a book from Gay. She'll bring it tomorrow. I can't wait to read it. It's a love story. he he

7. Get a boyfriend. I'm bored and i think one of the reasons for this is i don't have a love life! Maybe my world will be colorful and life would be more exciting and fun if i could get one. I just wonder where in the world i could find him?? I want him to be with me everyday of my life.

Oh well that's it for now. I hope i can accomplish these tasks.

A pimple on my face..

I have one big pimple on my face. And i think it is a month long now that it is staying on my face. Oh no! Usually, i have a pimple every time i have a menstruation and it just passes by and be gone after my menstruation. But this time, it is different. It stayed very long. And it is quite big and bright red. (sigh!) What should i do about this? I'm not used to it. It's not good in the picture too. lol

Anyways, I think it is still there because i am in love! ha ha Maybe i am, maybe I'm not! But i think there's no connection to it. I am not eating chocolates either. They say it causes pimples. Oh well, I think it is because i am sleeping late nowadays or because of my make-up. I better sleep early tonight and keep my face clean always. Maybe tomorrow the pimple on my face will be gone. I just hope so...

So i better keep going. I have to prepare my work clothes for tomorrow. I haven't eaten my dinner so i better eat now. Good night!

Farming..

I am hooked in a new exciting game on the Net. It is the FarmVille!! I am enjoying and having fun farming. haha Right now, i am waiting for my seeds to be fully grown before i can harvest it. It is about 54% grown. Then, I'm going to buy some more seeds in the market so i can plant once again. So while waiting, i am writing a blog sharing my new found adventure. haha

I am still a neophyte in farming. I don't have neighbors yet. Looking forward to have one. I am still studying ways where i can earn more money so i can buy more seeds and other items needed and useful to my farm. Someday, i want to have a real farm. it would be nice to plant real seeds, plant trees that bear real fruits. That would be real cool and exciting. Maybe when i have more savings and enough money i would invest on lands where i can do farming. That would be a good investment.

Farming gives me a different high. It makes me feel good that after i plant and nurture a seed, it would grow big. It also taught me to be patient and wait for it to be fully grown before i can harvest, then sell it and earn money. Wow, amazing! Even if it is just a game, i have learned many things out of of it. Try it! Have fun and enjoy it. I think it is harvest time...

Powder Makeup

It is very important that when you apply your makeup, you don’t miss some important things that are crucial to the makeup application. For instance, you wouldn’t leave the house with your eyes all done, but without applying your mascara, would you?

This is why, most people forget that after applying your concealer, or cover-up, you should also use some kind of a powderto give your face a nice, smooth, matte finish. It also keeps your foundation in place, and leaves your face shine free.

Loose powder is best for oily skin as it doesn’t cling to your face that much. It also helps to keep your makeup in place, and doesn’t leave your face oily.

Pressed powder is best for touch ups during the day. If you have oily skin, try to steer away from the pressed powder as it can make it oilier. If you have dry, or normal skin, pressed powder is great because it also adds a little bit of moisture to your skin.

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How to Wear Skinny Jeans..

Skinny, 80s style jeans have made a huge comeback like no other trend out there. They’ve been on the scene for almost 2 years now, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be going away anytime soon. Some people love skinny jeans, while others can’t stand the thought. The truth is, skinny jeans can look great, but only if you know how to wear them.

Most people like wearing skinny jeans with flats, but unfortunately, it doesn’t look good on everyone. Why? Skinny jeans don’t help your figure; especially if you’re short, or a little curvier. Skinny jeans look amazing on tall and lean figures, and that’s the truth. If you’re tall and lean, go ahead wear them with flats as they won’t shorten
you or make you look stocky. Not all fashion trends look great on everyone.

That being said, even if you are short, you can still pull off a pair of skinny jeans, but make sure you have a little bit of heel. Skinny jeans tend to shorten you, so wear them with a pair of hot pumps, the combination is
just to die for!

Either way, just because skinny jeans are hot right now, does not mean you have to wear them! If they don’t look good on you, there is no point in putting yourself in something that doesn’t make you feel comfortable.

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Different Ways to Wear Leggings

If you’re one of the millions of people out there that is gaga over leggings, you’re in luck because this season they’re hotter than ever and they pretty much go with anything. Not only that, but they also come in tons of different colors and fabrics.

Wear Leggings With a Micromini

If you have a micromini that you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing by itself, leggings are the perfect way to go. Go for bold colors or stick to black - whichever suits you best. If you want to look slimmer, stick to darker colors!

Wear Leggings During Your Workout

There are leggings out there that will actually make you look thinner (think of control-top pantyhose) - there are leggings that do just that. Wear those babies during your workout, or when you’re feeling bloated.

Wear Leggings to Show Off Your Assets

If you’re on the shorter side, stay away from cropped leggings as they will make you look shorter. If you’re heavier on the bottom, choose black leggings paired with a bright top which will attract the attention to your face instead of your bottom area.

Wear Leggings to Impress

These days, you can get fancy, lacy leggings that you can wear to a more sophisticated event. Buy a pair with lace detail and pair with a short dress/skirt or jersey for a chic look. You may need to add a waist belt to balance off the look. Don’t forget the heels!

Wear Leggings to Look Edgy

You’ve probably seen the leggings with the zipper detail at the bottom in stores by now. These will give you an edge without having to try too hard. Wear them with flats during the day and with heels at night.

Wear Leggings to Show Off Your Shoes

Need I say more? Leggings are the perfect item for you to wear when you’ve got a pair of shoes you really want people to notice.

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Jackson's Toxicology Report Shows More Than One Drug

August 07, 2009 by:Bridget Daly

New developments in the case of Michael Jackson’s toxicology report. According to multiple law enforcement sources, Propofol wasn’t the only drug found in Michael Jackson’s system at the time of his death.

TMZ is reporting that alprazolam, which is better known as Xanax, was also found. This drug is commonly used to treat patients with anxiety.

But it’s still believed that Propofol, according to a source, the "front and center in terms of why [Jackson] died."

In related news, if it is eventually concluded that drugs were in fact the cause of Michael’s death, it may mean bad news for AEG as drugs were not covered in the life insurance policy. They took out a $17.5 million life insurance policy with Lloyd’s of London on Michael Jackson for his London comeback.

According to a new report released by the LA Times, the policy would only be paid out if Jackson's death was proved to be accidental and occurred after the completion of a second physical.

Michael only went through one physical prior to the concerts; not two. The policy reads: "This insurance does not cover any loss indirectly arising out of, contributed to, by or resulting from...the illegal possession or illicit taking of drugs and their effects.”

Louise Shield, Lloyd’s head of communications, said in a statement, "I can't comment on this at all. I haven't seen a copy of this policy, and even if I had, I couldn't comment because it is confidential."

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Angelina Jolie Reportedly on a Liquid Diet

March 24, 2009

by:

Bridget Daly

Angelina Jolie has sparked some new fear after looking even thinner than usual on the set of her new movie, Salt.

According to the UK Sun, Angie's dropped 21 pounds in just 21 days. That's a pound a day people! Talk about unhealthy!

A source said: “She does all her own stunts but we worry she could injure herself due to the weight loss.”

The diet, which, encourages practitioners to stick only to lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, is reportedly leaving the actress exhausted. Well 21 days without eating will do that to ya!

And this isn't any old role for Angelina. In Salt, she plays a Russian spy and is reportedly doing all of her own stunts. Doing stunts on no food will not do a body good!

While The Sun claims she's lost 21 pounds, another source says it's only around 8 pounds. The source tells Britain’s Grazia magazine that Angelina started her detox three days before last month’s Oscars and is already battling weakness and fatigue.

Another source told , “She has been trying to go for the full 21 days, but it’s tough. She's lost around eight pounds, but is now introducing a couple of small meals in between shakes as she was starting to feel weak.”

They also say Brad is reportedly so fed up with her new diet he stormed out of their rented Long Island mansion last week. Well, we're all for detoxes, but Angie is one woman who doesn't need it! She looks fabulous! And she should be concentrating on her film role and not her weight!

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The World's Most Powerful Celebrities

Edited by Matthew Miller, Dorothy Pomerantz and Lacey Rose,

Angelina Jolie dethrones Oprah Winfrey to top this year's Celebrity 100.

She's rich. She's talented. She's beautiful. And now Angelina Jolie is the most powerful celebrity in the world.

Thanks to the release of several blockbuster movies and an endless sea of media buzz, Jolie has dethroned Oprah Winfrey to top this year's Celebrity 100 list, Forbes' annual ranking of the world's ultra famous.

Jolie raked in $27 million in the past 12 months thanks to a movie schedule that included Kung Fu Panda, Wanted and the not-yet-released spy thriller Salt. Even more impressive: The publicity she garnered following the birth of her twins, as well as the consistent headlines she grabs for her philanthropic efforts and her relationship with actor Brad Pitt, who ranks No. 9 on the list.

Winfrey drops to No. 2 on the list. The media maven has pocketed $275 million in the last year, making her the list's top earner. Though viewership for her daily chat fest, The Oprah Winfrey Show, continues to erode, her earnings remain unchanged from a year ago. In addition to Winfrey's monthly magazine, she has a three-year, $55 million deal with XM Satellite Radio. Early next year, the self-made billionaire will roll out the lifestyle-themed Oprah Winfrey Network in partnership with Discovery Communications.

In a year filled with humbling bank failures and violent stock market swings, the earning power of the 2009 Celebrity 100 remained remarkably resilient. The cumulative earnings of the 2009 list totaled $4.1 billion, up slightly from last year's $4 billion haul.

The primary reason celebrities are still making big money: Many stars are locked into long-term performance and endorsement contracts. If the economy does not improve, expect the downturn to catch up to the A-list next year (see "The Future Of Fame").

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10 Healthy Fast Food Choices to Fuel Your Vacation Travel

Written by Beth Sumrell Ehrensberger, MPH, RD

(HealthCastle.com) You're in a hurry and you're hungry. Add to that the fact that you're traveling and there are only fast food restaurants for miles, and you can be in for mealtime trouble. If you were at home with more time and options, your best bet would be to pass on the fast food and brown bag your meal. Even if you dig through the greasy fare on the drive-thru menu to find the few selections that keep calories and fat within reason, fast food - even healthy fast food - still has more sodium than you need. But if you are faced with fast food or no food, use our guide to select a better-for-you healthy fast food meal, each with 400 calories or less.

Healthy Fast Food Starts

1. McDonald's Egg McMuffin:
   Not only does this sandwich make easy work of on-the-go dining, it makes a filling breakfast with 18 grams of hunger-curbing protein. Just be sure to stop at the sandwich; adding hash browns will tack on an extra 150 calories and 9 grams of fat. Instead, order a small OJ.


2. Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal:
   Even the lower fat versions of the coffee cakes and muffins at Starbucks can deliver over 300 empty calories. Avert your eyes from the pastry case and choose a hot cup of whole grain perfection instead. Bonus of choosing the oatmeal: you can select your choice of oatmeal toppings: brown sugar, dried fruit, or nuts.

Healthy Fast Food Mid-Day Meals

1. Subway "6 Grams of Fat or Less Menu" Sandwiches:
   Choose from an entire mini-menu of tempting sandwiches, like Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki. But take care to stick to the "6 grams of fat" sandwich formula - adding sauces, mayo, oil, or cheese will ratchet up the calories and fat. If you're looking for extras, load your sandwich with the variety of fresh veggie toppings..


2. Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad:
   When you're traveling it can be hard to find vegetables, but a big salad from Wendy's can ensure you're not homesick for greens. As is the case with most fast food salads, it's important to use as little of the dressing packet as you can, and pass up the extras - in this case, the crispy noodles and almonds.


3. McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt Parfait:
   If you're looking for a light, vegetarian lunch or snack, a calcium-loaded yogurt can fit the bill. Pair it with a Caesar salad dressed with the low fat balsamic vinaigrette instead of the regular Caesar dressing, and you'll have a healthy meal.


4. KFC Tender Roast Sandwich:
   You can choose to have your sandwich with or without sauce. If you go sauce-less you'll bank 100 calories and 11 grams of fat (Starbucks Light Frappucino later?), but if you do add the sauce, you'll still enjoy lunch for 400 calories.

Healthy Fast Food Dinners

1. KFC Grilled Chicken:
   Despite the name, not everything at KFC is fried. If you go with a grilled chicken breast, you'll still have enough calories left over to add some fiber to your meal, like a serving of three bean salad and a small ear of corn on the cob.


2. McDonald's Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich:
   As long as you skip the mayo on your sandwich, you can slip in below 400 calories. If you're willing to invest a few more calories, you can add a side salad dressed with half a packet of low fat balsamic vinaigrette.


3. McDonald's Hamburger:
   If you're really hankering for a hamburger, McDonald's is the place to give in, since the beef patty in a plain hamburger is small. But pass on the usual side of fries and order a side salad instead.


4. Pizza Hut Thin 'N Crispy Veggie Lover's Pizza:
   If only pizza will do, make sure you order a thin crust, skip the meats and extra cheese ,and load up on veggies - and stop at 2 slices.

Happy Trip! =)


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