Poverty: A Disease That Prevails Even Abroad

Poverty is like a bad, scary movie. It doesn't seem real, not until it happens to you. Poverty in Third World developing countries is widespread and opens your eyes to reality. Street children and homeless people are increasing in number day by day. We catch a glimpse of almost naked children plying the streets for food and for shelter.

Sometimes they even resort to drastic means to satiate their hunger pangs. Child prostitution and sex slavery are usually caused because of poverty. But do we truly care? We read about them, sometimes watch these stories on TV; but does the story make the front pages? Do we do anything to help these people?

How many of us would stop by and help a person in dire need? How many of us would even dare to help one of these unlucky people or feel it was our business to do so?

We drive in our air-conditioned cars and close our windows so we would not be bothered by what is happening outside our safe cocoon. We pretend not to notice anything amiss when we happen to pass by a crawling, hungry child.

We watch in horror as children recount what horrible things they had to go through to be able to feed their hungry siblings, but we never do anything that would, in one way or another, help these miserable lot.


For those residing in more developed countries: have you ever donated to charity any amount to show your support? Have you, at any point in your life, given something from your heart to needy and indigent people?

This need not be material. You can share your time, your knowledge or your sympathetic ear; or are you one of those who shrug their shoulders and say, "Who cares?" and go on their daily, merry way?

It is this apathy which causes poverty to be "not-news worthy" on the agenda of news "makers".

It does not bother you because it does not concern you. You can't understand because you haven't experienced waking up in the morning with a gnawing, hungry stomach. Poverty will be important news to you, only when you'll find yourself among these indigent people someday.

Then - it will be real for you.

You must remember that life is like a wheel. Sometimes you'll be up and sometimes you'll be down. Why wait for poverty to become your own important news story? Be generous to help while you have the means. Help alleviate poverty by contributing in your own little way and by showing the news media that this is an issue important enough to address.

Your contribution maybe in kind or in whatever form you can afford, as long as it's heartily given. You need not be rich to do this: old clothing could help the homeless woman across the street; contribute to help feed the poor; or better yet, help all those whom you can recommend for a decent job. Teach a man how to fish and you would have helped him for the rest of his life.

Poverty should always be an important news story to you and to the society we live in. Be concerned and make this your headline news. Don't wait for it to be knocking at your doorstep before you decide to help. As the cliche goes: "Ensuring the welfare of others is ensuring your welfare as well." When society accepts this fact, perhaps the poverty problem will be given due attention by the media.

Photo by Ahron de Leeuw

Abroad: Wakeboarding as an Exciting Hobby

Learning a new sport is never easy, but once you've got the hang of it, then everything would be a breeze.



Wakeboarding is a worthwhile sports that you could get into. It could build your stamina, strengthen your muscles and would keep you physically fit.

It is also an outdoor activity that you would definitely enjoy.

But what is wakeboarding?

Wakeboarding is like surfing, in that it uses a rope and a board to ride over the waters. The difference is that a boat tugs the wakeboarder along the water.

So what are the things that you should consider before you start wakeboarding?

The gear to use

Buy your own gear that fits you and that you're comfortable with. If you are really interested in this sport then you have to buy a board that could last longer.

Bindings (used in attaching yourself to the wakeboard boat) should also be selected wisely. Just like your board, they should be the tested brands. A shorter rope is advisable for beginners. Don't go for cheap and untried brands. You can actually save money by buying a set of gears that could last for years than buying cheap ones every 3 to 6 months.

The wakeboard boat

You should only buy the boat when you're absolutely sure that wakeboarding is for you. If not, then you can always find a ride. Investing in something that you would just do for a few months is not practical.

You should surf the internet for good buys. You could also look around for a second hand but durable boats.

Learning the ropes

With the right gear you are ready to start your wakeboarding experience.

Have a positive mind set. You are willing to learn wakeboarding because you're interested in it. You want to enjoy the activity.


Be sure to remember important tips like: have the correct stance. If you're a skateboarder then it would be easier for you to find that proper stance left foot or right foot forward? Balancing is a skill and could be acquired, just be patient and keep trying.

Your bindings should not make you feel uncomfortable. Allow your instructor to show you how to hold the ropes correctly. The bindings should be angled correctly. This maybe from 0 to 30 degrees depending on your stance.

The crouching position is best used at the start and then slowly shift to the standing position as you achieve equilibrium in your balance.

Practice makes perfect! As you are more exposed to wakeboarding , you'll gain more expertise in the activity. Remember to enjoy the experience!

Photo 1 by over_kind_man

Do You Think Your Blog Is Influential?- A Contest at Earthlingorgeous

Let's help Earthlingorgeous discover emerging influential blogs by recommending at least 5 blogs to complete her list to the ongoing Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs contest.

Here are my original choices as submitted in my first post, and I will be adapting them too in my list for earthlingorgeous' contest.

Earthlingorgeous will award great prizes to winners in her contest.

1. The Struggling Blogger

This blog is owned by Roy dela Cruz, a loving father cum doting mother to his 3 children. I always call him, the "indomitable" blogger because of what he writes and how he writes his articles. There's a certain, wanton angst in his undaunted words. But mind you, he's not only that - he has a sweet side too - he's a poet and a short story writer. Now, can you beat that? A Jekyll and Hide? lol. Just kidding , Roy. I know you've got the bird's eye view of this man. If not, then visit his 13 blogs -yes 13!-( the others are multiply accounts), and you'll surely comprehend the conundrum of this man behind these blogs.

Here are his informative and well written blogs:

• Be Inspired Now!
• Etsetera! Etsetera!
• Kapampangan Blog
• Letters To Mama
• Money OnLine
• more than just copy-paste
• REFLECTIONS
• Roysville dot Com
• Short Stories Blog
• Subukan Taya Ing Kapampangan!
• Sugar Coated World
• The Gospel Of Roy
• The House Of Puroy
• The House Of Puroy Enterprises
• The Struggling Blogger dot Com

I am a witness also, to how his blogs grew slowly but steadily into popular blogs in the blogosphere. He has now an increased readership and is fast becoming a blog to beat; hence this endorsement. Way to go, Roy!

2. Zorlone

Dr. Lorenzo Bernardino known in the blogging world simply as Zorlone is now considered one of the top ranking blogs in the creative writing division of Entrecard.

He says : "I am a specialist in Internal Medicine.
This blog will be dedicated to my other passion, writing. Starting a practice in medicine sure gave me a lot of time to write. While waiting for patients to come, I found myself typing articles for helium and for this blog."

And true enough, he is not only a competent doctor but a superb poet and a short story writer as well. He has already won writing contests sponsored by other blogs and writes for two great sites - Helium and Triond where his articles are excellently ranked .

I have seen how his blog grew from one reader -that's me - to a well read blog in just a matter of months.

His blog is only 4 months old but he has 41 followers to date, and his posts are very well commented on. I have now to wait in line to be able to comment... lol... I could only have one appropriate word for this occurrence - a "Phenomenal" event!

I have no qualms in recommending ZORLONE as one of the Top 10 emerging influential blogs.

3. Writing to Exhale

I chanced upon Jan's blog when I was reading Roy's comments. Jan has this certain jocularity and profoundness rarely seen in writers. I came out laughing - but more informed - from his post: Sex Taught Me All the Things I Need to Know About Blogging.

Sometimes he gets more than a dozen comments in his posts. There is a certain "charisma" that a reader can't ignore.

He writes with flair and aplomb and I admire him for such boldness. The blogosphere needs writers like Jan - not fearful to express their - sometimes - scathing and atypical thoughts.
Informative articles about diverse topics ranging from blog contests to The Lost Art of Being Silly, and many more extraordinary posts are featured in his blog.

His blog deserves a vote for this contest.

To Jan -Kudos to you!

4. LifeLots

IRENE is the author of LIFELOTS, an upcoming blog which inspires and motivates its readers to live life to the fullest.

At her young age (19 yrs), Irene speaks with so much wisdom and a startling conviction about vital topics that only adults are supposed to know of.

She says: "No regrets, just lessons learned..."

With her jovial disposition and unfaltering optimism, she is a blogger worth visiting. Don't just drop and run though, for there is so much wisdom you can glean from her posts.

HERE'S ONE ARTICLE I STRONGLY RECOMMEND FOR YOU TO PONDER ON. It is entitled: Interpret tough experience as an exercise in compassion.
This is only one of the various topics in her inspiring collection.

Hop over her site and peruse her posts and you'll understand what I mean.

Irene, keep holding a torch for those wayward souls who have given in to apathy and indifference. The blogosphere needs you!

5. Father Blogger Dot Com

Angel Cuala is the formidable man behind this blog.

Like most fathers, he writes passionately about his family and how to be a successful family man both emotionally and financially as well.

He has that unfaltering faith in God that makes him meet the challenges that life has to offer. read his post about family : "Battered Wives: Not Just a Problem of Physical Abuse" and "Blogging Tips".

You should visit his blog and learn from his first hand experiences.

He says : "Being a former street child who was raised without a mother, my advocacy now is to help all families to stay together and be happy. This is very far from what I used to do, but this is very close to my heart."

This blogger who has triumphantly hurdled numerous "trials" that life assailed him with, deserves a vote from everyone!

Keep going Angel, we'll always be praying for you.

6. Dear Bloggery

I just had the pleasure of "meeting" Snow from Roy's post and I am delighted to see how lovely she is...lol.... But there is more behind those sparkling eyes, the lady has a lot inside her dura matter .

I visited her blog and she has a lot to offer with regards to being updated with current events, local news and many more interesting stories.

Snow has this to say for herself: "I am currently working in a multinational firm but loves to write about anything under the sun. I also like a lot of stuffs but digs on reading, web surfing, travelling, shopping and writing as my major hobbies."

She is fast gaining friends in the blogging world and is starting to exert some influence which would soon be felt by many bloggers, for sure. Right on, and keep writing Snow!

7. Life of a Teenage Writer

Izzy Daniels is the author of this blog.

"I've picked up a love for writing, and enjoy other activities, such as telling jokes, and break dancing," he says.

His posts like, "5 Things you should learn before starting a blog" and other articles about blogging and writing are worth a read.

They are informative and rich with good insights.

He writes for Triond.com and is into a variety of genre: creative writing - "The Admiration of a Good Friend", novels - "A Letter From Tobias Zeling" and poetry- "Hole" .

If you need help, Izzy is one generous blogger who is willing to spend time just to give a hand to a fellow blogger.

Thanks Izzy, the blogosphere needs more bloggers like you and you deserve a vote for the Ten Most Influential Blogs for 2009!

8. I Love-Hate America

This blog is authored by BING.

She is a highly spirited woman who can be generous and sweet, but who would speak out her mind with candor about issues she feels strongly about.

Her blog is fast emerging into a blog which could serve as the popular "voice" of Filipino immigrants in America.

I copied this verbatim from her "About Me" page: "Married to an American man whose of Irish and French-Canadian descent, and spends most of my time at home, managing the household, working as administrative support for my husband's musical career, copywriting, blogging and networking online."

Just like what her blog's name indicates, she blogs mainly on topics that deal with the negative and positive aspects of being an immigrant in the the US of A.

Visit her blog to know why she deserves to be voted as one of these influential blogs.

9. Tales From the Mom Side

I consider this list incomplete without a blog that represents the hardworking Moms (HWOMs) out there. One such blog is Tales from the Mom Side.

This blog is authored by Dee who writes about Love and Relationships, Money Matters, Parenting , Reading and Writing, Giveaways, and many more topics that only a mother could expertly discuss.

We watch the same genre of movies : "Mamma Mia, North & South, Pride and Prejudice (BBC Version) The Duchess, The Notebook" ( I cried a river in this movie, did you cry too Dee?)

The lady is not only a doting and loving mother but (I believe)is also a successful career woman. I am certain she deserves a vote from this blog. Good luck, Dee!

10. SEOWRIGHT.COM

This newly created blog is owned by Kevin Paquet, a 17 yr-old student from Davao City. Kevin co-authors Pinoy Teens - which is ranked 11th, nationwide, among thousands of blogs in the Top Pinoy Blogs.
Isn't that quite a feat? (mine is only no. 432...something). To list more of his superb credentials, here's an excerpt from a post written by his blogging buddies:

Start of excerpt:

"...The Digital Filipino Club event when you came home with bright eyes saying “bes, we’re the tenth hottest blogs among the new blogs for 2008“? Or the Mindanao Bloggers Summit, the WordCamps that you have attended in Davao City and Saint Benilde; Manila? Still it seemed to be “nothing” really special to him..."

End of excerpt.

The ultimate award of becoming one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs, would be the crowning glory to his blogging career.

I tip my hat off to these young bloggers. Although they still have a long way to go to improve, I could not ignore their unyielding angst to be recognized by other bloggers. This admirable attitude made me vote for him.

How to Get News and Entertainment From Local and International Programs

Having a local and international array of TV programs is often not available from common TV providers. You may either have the local only and no international access, or you may have a limited international access.


Having both therefore, is the dream of all TV enthusiasts. Converting your TV into Direct TV would solve this problem.

You could call 800-378-931 to avail of handsome packages , including special offers and TV resources.

Directv could also give you more specific options which could be made available from them, like sports, DVR, movies, local listings and international programs abroad.


This would not only give you a maximized utilization of the use of your TV but also a truly enriching experience.

People in the entertainment and news industry are also aware of this; that is why they have made television even broader with a connection from different states like Direct TV Houston TX.

With the global expansion of networking and the internet, Direct TV, would provide you with several options that you could choose from.

You can select programs that would suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Direct TV could serve as your essential link to news and entertainment here and abroad.

Buying Gold, Made Easy

I remember my mother, years before, in her quest for gold. She and some business partners would organize a gold hunting party into places where it was supposed to be buried. The Yamashita's treasures from world war 2 were still believed to be hidden deep in the mountains of the country. There was then a frenzy search for gold.

But why are people so keen in wanting to possess gold. This is because, gold is a more tangible way of having something of value in your hands. Money is generated from the gold reserves a country has. The amount of gold bullion is one of the basis of the country's economy.

Nowadays, you could buy gold bullion, gold nuggets or any gold related products online; so buy now, it is one way of ensuring the stability of your future!

How Biodiversity in Australia Was Affected by European Settlement

European settlement had affected adversely the biodiversity in Australia. This is because the event introduced foreign animals and human technology that had caused a disturbance in the previously existing eco-system's symbiotic relationship with its biota.


But first, what is biodiversity? How could settlement affect this?
Biodiversity is defined as the harmonious existence of various living things: flora and fauna, with their diverse environment and ecosystem.


Australia has been famous all over the world for its unique and awesome biodiversity, ranging from the numbat, scientific name, Myermecobius fasciatus, a carnivore (only found in Australia), to the still undiscovered lurking microscopic entity which maybe found in Australia's murky swamps.


The existence of pure nature which has been unaltered and undisturbed had made the propagation of the uncommon, wild plants and animals undeterred.


With the coming of European settlers however, this balance was disturbed. This is because the settlers brought with them the trimmings of technology and development which introduced a new disturbing factor to the ecosystem and the biota that lived in it.


According to Biodiversity Hot Spots, "A major threat for the native fauna has been the introduction of invasive alien species like foxes and cats."


The organic fertilizers and the agricultural products utilized by the settlers had gradually affected the environment.


The greenhouse effect, the sudden changes in climate and the clearing also of large areas of the country to accommodate houses for the settlers, had driven away the natural animal inhabitants and prevented the further propagation of some fauna and the extinction of rare species of animals.


It is the responsibility, not only of Australia but all countries to preserve and maintain this wonderful biodiversity in the country.


Knowledgeable people recognize the fact that sustaining and conserving this biodiversity would ensure that the balance of the eco system is maintained and consequently the continued existence of different species.


Isolating and allowing only one species to live (even if it is the human species) would eventually be detrimental to the ecosystem balance and would lead to extinction of the human species.


There is no solution however, to the growing population of the world but to clear and occupy these lands; however, proper stewardship of the biota around the settlement should be well preserved to, at least, minimize the negative effects it would have on the existing biodiversity.


For settlers and would be settlers, being the foremost country with a unique biodiversity, Australia should be treated as a settlement area with this special, significant consideration in mind.



All photos courtesy of Photoeverywhere.co.uk

This article has been published at Helium.com

Online Shopping for Comfortable and Durable Footwear

A Durable and comfortable footwear is one item I usually find difficult to shop for. I am flat-footed that’s why. I oftentimes scour shoe stores to look for some suitable shoes for me but oftentimes, I go home exhausted and no purchase, to complement my effort.

I am amazed at how technology nowadays facilitates everything from cooking food, to washing clothes and dishes. Technology did not only pervade the household but also the world of shopping. I appreciate this as it would greatly solve my problem.

I can now shop online for my footwear, with as little effort as possible.

No sweat!

I can choose from a variety of shoe types like running shoes, biker shoes, golf shoes, wedding shoes and many more.

Socks and stockings could also be selected from the large assortment available.

Aside from the assurance that the product is durable, I can also save time and effort; no more stressful time in the counter, where I have to wait in line, and my muscles and feet would not be aching anymore after the "task".

I can stay in the comforts of my room and browse to my heart’s content all the products available. Thank God, for online shopping!