ENGLISH

Now do you see why it's important to learn english? Hehehe.

THE NECKLACE

This made me cry. So true. Sigh....

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them... A circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh mommy please, mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading eyes of her little girl's upturned face.

"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday is only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere. Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving Daddy. And every night, when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the purple tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's Daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She's beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later, when her Daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her Daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. This is for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's Daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that He can give us beautiful treasures.

Isn't God good? Are you holding on to things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits, and activities that you have become so attached to that it seems impossible to let go? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand. but do believe this one thing...

God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

TYRONE

Erykah Badu does some mean blues. The newest song on my repertoire, "Tyrone" is one song a lotta girls can relate to, for sure. The words are hilarious but true!

STINKY LAWS

Here are some really wacky U.S. laws I read about somewhere on the net. If they're not true, please don't sue me!

* Arkansas: A man has a legal right to beat his wife, but only once a month (I hope it happens when it's "that time of the month", and then maybe he'll get a dose of his own medicine)

* L.A., California: A man can legally beat his wife with a leather strap as long as it is less than two inches wide, or she gives him permission to use a wider strap, preferably in advance (Ummm... Is BDSM big in Cali?)

* Logan County, Colorado: It is illegal for a man to kiss a woman while she is asleep (romance is dead!)

* Washington, District of Colombia: The only legally acceptable sexual position is missionary-style (Now these guys should go visit L.A.)

* Florida: Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown (How unfair! Hehe)

* Florida: Hunting and killing a deer while swimming is illegal (And I thought I could multi-task!)

* Saratoga, Florida: It is illegal to sing while wearing a bathing suit (Take it off!)

* Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: If police officers suspect a couple is having sex inside a vehicle, they must honk their horns three times and wait two minutes before being allowed to approach the scene (How nice of them to give the guy a chance not to get blue balls)

* Illinois: Women must address bachelors as master instead of mister (Ha! I'd do that only if your last name was Bates)

* Illinois: It is prohibited to drive a car without a steering wheel (Gee....)

* Kenilworth, Illinois: Roosters must be at least three hundred feet away from any residence if he wishes to crow (How do you wake up then?!)

* Urbana, Illinois: No monster may enter the corporate limits (Define "monster")

* Indiana: Bathing is prohibited during the winter (So it's illegal to be hygenic?!)

* Iowa: No kiss may last more than five minutes (More people who should go visit L.A)

* Marshalltown, Iowa: Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants (Don't paint them red then! It confuses them. They think it's an apple.)

* Natoma, Kansas: It's against the law to practice knife-throwing at men wearing striped suits (Fashion-conscious, aren't they?)

* Kentucky: Everyone must take a bath at least once a year (Now we're talking hygene!)

* Baltimore, Maryland: It is illegal to wash or scrub sinks, no matter how dirty they get (And you're supposed to clean your dishes where?)

* Halethrope, Maryland: It is illegal to kiss for more than one second (Move to Iowa!)

* Massachusetts: Taxi drivers are prohibited from making love in the front seat of their taxi during their shifts (Keep that meter running!)

* Holyoke, Massachusetts: It is unlawful to water your lawn while it is raining (And don't swim while it's raining too. You don't wanna get wet, do you?)

* Salem, Massachusetts: Even married couples are forbidden from sleeping nude in rented rooms (And how are they supposed to catch people doing this?)

* Rochester, Michigan: Anyone bathing in public must have his or her bathing suit inspected by a police officer (It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!)

* Alexandria, Minnesota: It is illegal for a husband to make love to his wife if his breath smells like garlic, onions, or sardines. The wife can, by law, force her husband to brush his teeth (But he tastes better that way!)

* Merryville, Missouri: Women are prohibited from wearing corsets because "The privilege of admiring the curvaceous, unencumbered body of a young woman should not be denied to the normal, red-blooded American male." (How artistically, articulately said!)

* Nebraska: A parent can be arrested if his child cannot hold back a burp during a church service (Yup! That kid will go straight to hell for that)

* Eureka, Nevada: Men who wear moustaches are forbidden from kissing women (Uhoh... You know how men are with their facial hair)

* New Hampshire: It is against the law to tap your feet, nod your head, or in any way keep time to the music in a tavern, restaurant, or cafe (Just make them watch the news then)

* Carmel, New York: A man cannot go outside wearing unmatching jacket and pants (It is New York, after all)

* Barber, North Carolina: Cats and dogs are not allowed to fight (Ummm... That's why they're called animals? And heck, if men can do it, why can't they?!)

* Oxford, Ohio: It is illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man's picture (Unless she's a bachelorette whose last name is Bates. These girls are to be addressed as master instead of miss)

* Clinton, Oklahoma: Masturbating while watching two people having sex in a car is forbidden (Hand me the popcorn, please)

* Oregon: A dead person cannot be required to serve on a jury (And why not?!)

* Willowdale, Oregon: No man may curse while having sex with his wife (To be safe, you should marry the Class Nerd)

* Pennsylvania: No man may purchase alcohol without written consent from his wife (Cool!)

* Danville, Pennsylvania: All fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires (Firemen are required to be psychic)

* Tennessee: It is illegal to drive a car while sleeping (Unless you're Knight Rider and you're driving Kitt)

* Texas: Criminals are required to give their victims a 24-hour notice, either verbally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed (And if they don't..?)

* Kingsville, Texas: Two pigs cannot have sex on the city's airport property (Pig orgy, anyone?)

* San Antonio, Texas: It is illegal for both sexes to flirt or respond to flirtation using the eyes and/or hands (Ummm... Tongue?)

* Utah: A husband is responsible for every criminal act committed by his wife while she is in his presence (Now you know where to take your future ex-husband, ladies!)

* Trout Creek, Utah: Pharmacists may not sell gun powder as a headache cure (Why, when it works so effectively?)

* Norfolk, Virginia: No woman may go in public without wearing a corset (But "The privilege of admiring the curvaceous, unencumbered body of a young woman should not be denied to the normal, red-blooded American male", you know)

* Washington: Having sex with a virgin is illegal under any circumstances, including the wedding night (So who do you have sex with?)

* Seattle, Washington: Goldfish can ride the buses in bowls only if they kept still (Sure hope you trained your fish well!)

* Seattle, Washington: You may not carry a concealed weapon that is longer than six feet (most of them are only six inches anyway)

* Wilbur, Washington: It is illegal to ride upon the streets on an ugly horse (How superficial! Real beauty lies within)

* Connersville, Wisconsin: No man shall shoot of a gun while his female partner is having a sexual orgasm (Ummm... Believe me, that's not a gun)

* Wyoming: Couples are banned from having sex while standing inside a store's walk-in meat freezer (How are they supposed to keep warm then?)

BE SMART

Listen up, everybody! Wahahaha!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!

Happy, happy birthday to the best mom in the world!

My mom is the kind of person you'll like the instant you meet her. She's the kind of mom that I have to share with everyone else, cos everyone just loves her! I don't know how many people there are who refer to her as their best friend, but there are lots.

It's not easy at all being away from home, from your support system, from everyone you love. But whenever I'm feeling down, chatting with mom always lifts my spirits.

This woman is the reason I survive each day away from home. She's my inspiration, my reason for living, my happiness. She has the kindest, most beautiful heart and soul in the world.

I gave her a whole lotta sh*t for years, and she never-ever gave up on me or let me down. I will not be who or where or what I am now if it wasn't for her. What she gave me, and is continually giving me, is something I have never gotten (and probably will never get) from anyone else... Unconditional love.

My biggest blessing. Happy birthday, mom! I love you!

NORTH COUNTRY

Warning to all ladies: This movie will make you cry.

The story is very emotional, as it covers something women experience all the time: Sexual harassment. As expected, they try to blame this on the women themselves, saying they were asking for it. That they were flirtatious, and even accusing them of being promiscuous wh*res who wanted the 'attention'. But fact is that this happens to all women, regardless of race, religion, character, appearance/looks, or intelligence. Another sad fact is that women usually do not complain or speak out, fearing things might get worse. And they usually do. The victim or complainant is often frowned-upon, scrutinized, judged, shunned, threatened, laughed-at, bullied, etc.

Harassment, rape, abuse (be it verbal, emotional, psychological, and/or physical)... These are not crimes of passion or seduction. These are actions which show men's lack of respect for women... And for themselves. Finding gratification in degrading or humiliating  women boosts their egos and makes them feel in-control and powerful. That is what this is all about. It is a power-trip.

This film was based on a true story. Jenson VS. Eveleth Taconite Co. was the first ever class-action sexual harassment lawsuit in the U.S.

To the ladies who stood up for women's rights... Thank you! Hats off to you!

GO, PACMAN!

Las Vegas, Nevada. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (Philippines) VS. Erik "El Terrible" Morales (Mexico).

Their first fight found Morales victorious. The second match was won by Pacquiao, giving Morales his first ever knockout loss. But the trilogy ended with the Pacman dismantling Morales, and winning by TKO, 2:57 into the 3rd round! Woohoo!

Pacquiao's next match will be against WBC World Featherweight champ Marco Antonio Barrera. Now this will be a really exciting match too, since the world champ got slaughtered by Pacquiao three years ago at the Alamodome.

We're proud of you, Pacman! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!!