Slamming Down Pick-Up Lines

Some guys can be so lame when picking up a girl that they have to
resort to tacky approaches. Here are some ways of letting them know
being original and true to themselves would be much better.

Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?
Nope, but I see hell isn't as hot as I expected.

Are you a surgeon? Cause you've just took my heart away!
No, but I wish I were so I can give you a brain.

Have I seen you before? Oh yeah it was in the dictionary under the
word Kablam!!
And I have seen you too -- under the word Loser.

My pick-up line was published on the Internet... Would you like to hear it?
Oh? Was that the one with the porn video?

Hey gorgeous the power company is looking for you, you're so electrifying.
Oh? Mind if I zap you away?

Excuse me, but I think I dropped something!!! My jaw!!
Nah, I think the jaw just couldn't stand the lameness of the rest of you.

Bond. James Bond
(this is actually witty... I won't slam this one...yet)

I'm new in town, could I have directions to your house.
Wait right here. (Get your phone and dial 911) Hello? I'd like to
report a lost patient of the Institute for Mental health.

If you were a new hamburger at McDonald's, you would be McGorgeous.
And you'd be McLame.

There must be something wrong with my eyes, I can't take them off you.
Lemme get my knife and carve them off then.

Was your father a thief? 'Cause someone stole the stars from the sky
and put them in your eyes.
Nope, he's Hannibal Lecter.

Do you have a map? I just keep on getting lost in your eyes.
Don't look now but you're on the train tracks. Honk, honk.

You: Can I borrow a quarter?
She: why? ( if she says sure or something else get her to ask you why)
You: so I can call my mom and tell her I just met the girl of my
dreams. (have something quick to say
afterwards)
She: Believe me, it's a nightmare.

I can't wait until tomorrow.
She replies, why not.
You say, because you look better everyday.
She replies, it's time for that court order then. Five hundred feet
instead of fifty would be just fine.

Are you tired? Cause you've been running through my mind all day!
Why don't you run along before I start trampling you then.

If I could rearrange the alphabet I'd put U and I together!
OH, if I could re-arrange it, U would be preceding D-I-E.

I must be in heaven because I've seen an angel.
Angel of Death, dear.

Be unique and different; say yes.
Be original and heed my warning: Go away.

If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I'd be walking in my
garden forever.
And you'd be bleeding with the thorns.

I'm sorry, were you talking to me? No? Oh well then, please start.
No thank you.

You look so good, when I saw you I almost had a hard attack.
Nah, it's not your time yet.

Excuse me, do you have a band-aid? I scraped my knee when I fell for you.
Do I look like the paramedics to you?

I'm not drunk, I'm just intoxicated by you.
Don't worry, I'll as Bub the bouncer to drive you home.

I'm feeling a little off today. Would you mind turning me on?
Would you mind turning away instead?

As she's leaving....Hey aren't you forgetting something?
She: What?
Me!
She: Oh a lost puppy! Waiter, could you call the pound please?

Damn, I thought "very-fine" only came in a bottle!
And I thought "very dumb" only came with report cards.

Didn't I used to always pull on your ponytail in grammar school?
You went to an exclusive school for girls?

Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?
Why don't you try walking away instead?

Do you have the time?
[Gives the time]
No, the time to write down my number?
Oh, I'm sorry but I only have time to get away from you.

Do you mind if I stare at you up close instead of from across the room?
Yes.

Does your boyfriend know where you are?
No, but I know he's still locked up.

Excuse me, do you think you might possibly have a mutual friend who
could introduce us.
Nah, I have good taste in friends and they're loyal to me.

Excuse me, I'm looking for a friend...do you want to be my friend?
Only if you liked Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.

Hi there! Do you want to see something really swell? Hi!
Oh, now, can you roll over and play dead?

Hi, are you here to meet a nice man or will I do?
Mwahahahahahahah!

Hi, how are you? Hi, I just wanted to give you the satisfaction of
turning me down; go
ahead say no.
Thank you.

Hi, I'm a fashion photographer. Would you like to be in my next photo shoot?
Can I bring my weapons? I like the way the chainsaw makes spatters.

Hi, my name is {name}, how do you like me so far?
(This is actually good.)

I have had a really bad day and it always makes me feel better to see
a pretty girl smile.
So, would you smile for me?
(Give a perfunctory Smile) Now, can you go away?

I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away!
Why don't we see what happens when they take you away.

I just wanted to show this rose how incredibly beautiful you are!!
Oh you talk to plants. Do you talk to the walls too?

I seemed to have lost my way, would you mind taking me with you.
Yes, I'd mind.

I'm the kind of man who deserves to have women I don't deserve.
Poor woman.

Is there an airport nearby or is that just my heart taking off?
Nope, it's mine trying to get away from you.

Oh my sweet darling! For a moment, I thought I had died and gone to
heaven. Now I see that I am very much alive, and heaven has been
brought to me.
Well then, sorry to disappoint you but your hell is about to start.

Overheard in our computer lab: Just because your computers are
incompatible, doesn't mean we are.
Oh yes, it does.

Pardon me miss, I seem to have lost my phone number, could I borrow
yours?
Nope. Cheapskate.

Say, did we go to different schools together?
Say, can we just stay apart?

Was you father an alien? Because there's nothing else like you on
earth!
Cause you'd find me in hell and in your nightmares.

Were you just smiling at me from across the room, or do I have my
contacts in wrong?
Oh I was smiling at that yummy girl beside you.

What's a nice girl like you doing talking to a loser like me?
Trying to end the conversation swiftly.

You are the only reason why I came in here alone.
Good, I wouldn't want witnesses either. You want the gun or a knife?

You see my friend over there? (Point to friend who sheepishly waves
from afar) He wants to know if you think I'm cute.
Tell him I don't.

Ladlad Partylist

I have huge respect for the organizers of Ladlad, starting with their
books. The homophobes out there are missing a lot in not liking
these people. They are fun, witty and they generally have good taste
on the good life.

So here is my way of supporting them. Read on.

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


Dear Friends Far and Near,

I am inviting you to donate a work or attend and buy something at the Ang
Ladlad auction of paintings, sculptures, books, prints, photographs,
dresses, art items, gift certificates and professional services. The
auction will be held at the National Museum on September 30, Saturday, 5-8
p.m. It is organized by John Silva for Ang Ladlad, and hosted by Boy
Abunda.

Ang Ladlad is a national organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender Filipinos. We need funds for our projects, as well as for the
possibility of our running for party-list elections on May 14, 2007. Our
platform includes support for the Anti-Discrimination Bill, support for
the anti-Vagrancy Bill, support for LGBT-related and LGBT-friendly
businesses, setting up of microfinance and livelihood projects for poor
and disabled LGBT and setting up of centers for old and neglected LGBT as
well as young people above 18 driven out of their homes. These centers,
which will be set up in the major cities, also include counseling, legal,
and information counters.

Together, let us offer hope and healing to a neglected and marginalized
group of Filipinos. And together, let us all make history. We also promise
to improve the fashion sense in Congress -- as well as raise the quality
of grammar used in the debates. Go, girls!

Maraming salamat po,

Danton Remoto
Chairman, Ang Ladlad
Columnist, Lifestyle, Philippine Star
Associate Professor of English, Ateneo de Manila University


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Rhymes for Peace II: A Celebration for the UN’s International Day of Peace

Start:	Sep 15, '06 8:00p
Location:	Our Father’s Coffee, Taft Avenue cor. Gil Puyat LRT station (also near Buendia Taft)

Performances by:

Kadangyan – World Music
Lakbay Lahi – World Music
Unitiima – World Music
Hiraya – World Music
Good Leaf – Reggae Dub
CollieHerb – Reggae
NailPolish – Ska
The Popoieros - Poi / Fire Dancers

Gates at P120 with one free beer

“Come and celebrate a night of Peace, tracing Roots and Good Music”

LEAD SLINGER CHALLENGE

Start:	Oct 21, '06
Location:	UP Bahay ng Alumni

This came from a friend of mine. Methinks it's the visual artists' time to have fun.

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

Hey, everyone! Jonas here.

IAS Manila will be holding a contest to be held at the upcoming KOMIKON at the UP Bahay ng Alumni this October 21, 2006 in cooperation with the ARTIST DEN. It’s called the LEAD SLINGER CHALLENGE. In a nutshell, it’s like American Idol only we’re featuring visual artists.

I’m running a web campaign to generate some buzz for this and hopefully excitement for the event itself. Attached is a web banner and a teaser and I would greatly appreciate it if you can post it in your Blog, DevArt, or website.

We’ll be releasing more information, teasers, and videos in the days to come and I hope you’ll continue to support us in promoting the contest. Also, tell all your friends about the contest. Cash prize and more at stake.

Thanks, guys and see you all the KOMIKON!

JONAS DIEGO

4th Annual MANILA COMICS CREATION SEMINAR

Start:	Oct 14, '06 10:00a
End:	Oct 15, '06 7:30p
Location:	SM Megamall, Megatradehall, Conference Hall Function B

Join the biggest comic book creation seminar of the summer!

Glass House grand guru David Campiti and a host of GHG talents, in association with Studio Sakka,

presents

4th Annual MANILA COMICS CREATION SEMINAR

2-day seminar workshop

Learn various advanced techniques and practical details for a profitable career in comic book and newspaper strip creation from comic book professional writer/agent David Campiti; artists lecturing at the Seminar will include Rainier Beredo, Jinky Coronado, Tina Francisco, Jeffrey Huet, Jonathan Lau, Carlo Pagulayan, Wilson Tortosa, and others, including some special guests.

October 14-15, 2006
10:00am-7:30pm
SM Megamall, Megatradehall, Conference Hall
Function B


Limited Capacity Only!

So hurry up and sign up now!
P1000 per ticket. Good for 2 days with free meal and drinks, free drawing supplies, limited ashcan memorabilia and lots of giveaways. Personal one-on-one portfolio review by the professionals.

For more details: Pls. call our office (02) 365-2974
or mobile number, 09198436312 and look for Michelle Calanog

Send us email of your inquiries and ticket reservation
at azrael@gmail.com or Michelle@glasshousegraphics.com

Official Website Visit www.glasshousegraphics.com



Tickets are now available in


COMIC ALLEY
MEGAMALL
Lower Grnd Flr., Bldg A
Mandaluyong City


VTOYZ HOBBYSHOP
#80 Blue Lane, 3rd Floor Shoppesville,
Greenhills, San Juan.


Limited Slots Only! So hurry up and buy your ticket now!

CLICK below TO ORDER TICKET AND DELIVERED IT TO YOUR HOME
http://manilacomicsseminar.googlepag...ntact_blog.htm



event website - http://manilacomicsseminar.blogspot.com/

Cold Remedies

Not a month after my bout with the flu (after several years at that), here I
am battling yet another common malady -- the Common Colds.

So, being bored to death not doing anything substantial at the office on my
last week of work here, I decided to look for ways of soothing myself. Lo
and behold: a website that gave me shortcuts that i can take from the house
without having to resort to pills and drugs.

I'm a staunch anti-drug campaigner, literally. But I do take 'em "drugs"
when the good ole doc says I need to but I grumble just the same.

Anyway, here are some pretty good home remedies from the website
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/cold-remedies.shtml... duh...:

Old Time Cold RemediesBy Sharon Stajda - Sep 4, 2006
This article has been viewed 142 times.

A hundred years ago herbs were not only used in cooking, but were the basic
ingredient in most health remedies used to treat common aliments. The herb
were planted in the spring and dried in the fall, to be handy for the up
coming year. Perhaps using home remedies was found to be the more prudent
way to treat illness, than a costly trip to the doctor. Home remedies were
used to treat illnesses such as colds, stomach aches, muscle pain, and more.

Most home remedies included medicinal herbs. The herbs were combined into
concoctions, and by trail and error remedies were developed. The Tried and
true remedies were used and shared with family, and friends. Many of these
old remedies have survived, and are still used today. The common cold was
one such illness that was frequently treated with a variety of old home
remedies.

Below are some old tried and true remedies to aid with comforting the common
cold.

1. To help sooth a sore throat: Sage mixed with a bit of Alum 1/2 tea dried
Sage, a pinch of Alum mixed in a warm 6 oz glass of water. Gargle several
times every few hours.

2. Mix 2 tab. Molasses into a cup of chamomile tea. This drink can be given
at night to sooth one off to sleep with a sweet tea. The chamomile is also
soothing on the stomach, and aids to promote sleep.

3. Sassafras tea is also great it aid in diminishing fever, and soothing
ones throat.

4. Cold Eeze Lozenges. These are an all natural lozenges that are made with
Zinc. Studies show the zinc will help reduce the length and severity of a
cold. These wonderful lozenges can be purchased at most drug stores or
health food stores.

4. Homemade chicken soup. Helps with congestion, and is thought to be an all
around good cold remedy.

5. The wonderful Hot Toddy. Mix piping hot water to a cup, 1/2 shot of
whiskey, and 1 tea spoon lemon juice, 1 tea spoon honey, mix well. The
Alcohol has an anti-inflammatory effect on mucous membranes. Also said to
reduce fever, and relieve muscle aches.

6. Garlic and warm milk. 1 good size glove of garlic crushed and mixed in 1
cup of warm milk. This concoction is said to shorten the duration of a cold.
An active compound in garlic, allicin, is known to be a good decongestant.
Garlic is also known to have potent antioxidant properties, so it couldn't
hurt.

7. Vitamin C. Eat foods that are high in vitamin C. Studies show taking
vitamin C will shorten the length of a cold.

8. Echinacea, the Chinese have been using Echinacea for centuries for its
strong antibiotic properties. World Health Organization also supports use of
Echinacea for use to shorten the common cold.

9. Cough syrup can be made very easily in your own kitchen. Slowly boil a
lemon with its skin on for about 8 minutes. Cut the lemon in two parts and
squeeze the juice with the use of a squeezer. Add the lemon juice to a
glass. Mix in two tablespoonfuls of glycerin, (purchase glycerin at your
local drug store or health food store.). Stir lemon juice and glycerin
together. Add 1 tablespoonful of honey. This cough syrup will real ease a
sore throat.

9. Feed a cold; starve a fever. There is a theory that eating less during a
cold may shorten the duration of the cold. However, nutritionists strongly
disagree with this theory, because the body that is stricken with a cold
needs more nutrients, to aid in fighting off illness.

10. Breathe steam. Steam does help liquefy and loosens mucus. This mucus
helps clear airways, and can decrease nasal congestion.

11. The Old fashioned mustard plaster helps relieve chest congestion. To
prepare 1 tablespoon dry mustard, 1/4 cup flour lukewarm water. Sift
together mustard and flour in a bowl. Slowly add just enough water to make a
paste. Spread the plaster on a piece of muslin that is big enough to cover
the chest. Cover with another piece of muslin. Like a sandwich, put over
chest. Check chest in 5 minutes for any signs of allergic reaction. Remove
if skin is showing hives or deep redness. Skin will be a little pink. Leave
on 1/2 hour; remove plaster with tepid water.

Titik Pilipino.com Album Review

http://www.titikpilipino.com/album/reviews.php?albumid=537
This is a sample review I've written for TitikPilipino.com. I have tons of other reviews on the site so feel free to look around. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief of the website and all the written stuff there go through me just to make sure they're understandable and in line with the thrust of the website.

Feature Article: Net-Gen Dads

Title: NetGen Dads
Article for The Web Magazine
Published in The Web Magazine, May-June 2000 issue


The net has redefined parenting. Besides cellphones, pagers and the good old telephones, parents can chat with their children online from their offices, email reminders or use a mialing list to get in touch with grown-up children.

No many mothers are technology-friendly unlike the dads who love tinkering with gadgets and new toys. So it is not very surprising that Dads got to the web first. And there are several kinds of this new species of Net Generation Dads:


Doting Dads

New dads are those who invest in brand new digital cameras to take every single "milestone" of a newborn baby's life-- birth, first smile, first giggle, first grip, first feeding bottle, first anything-- especially if the child is first-born.

As a new dad once said: "My baby must think his dad is a black box with one big circle in the middle and the word 'Nikon' stamped on his forehead."

And it does not stop there.

In front of the computer, this Doting Dad will learn HTML or will discover such programs as HotDog, DreamWeaver, FrontPage and Netscape. Then the pictures get processed (enhanced, revised, etc.) for posting on the net.

One would be surprised at the resroucefulness of these dads in finding the ideal site for hosting their pages.


Dads by Remote

Some dads have kids who are too grown up already to be doted on. And these are the decidedly busy ones.

Fathering has never been more convenient with cellphones, pagers and, of course, chats. Children can call in or send a message anytime and they can receive the same anytime
also.

Plus, there are mailing lists for married children, especially those abroad. There are quite a few lists I know that cater to just one family where anyone can post a message to
update everyone else about what's happening in their part of the world. Thanks to E-groups, there are added facilities that can be used-- common folders for photos and an archive.

Gone are the expenses of long distance phone calls with the Dial Pad and Internet Phones. Want to see them in motion? Try .avi files.

And all these can be saved and "burned-in" to CDs for distribution to relatives and friends.


Parenting at this age of technology is becoming more and more complex. The speed of communications has made it easier to get in touch but, at the same time, it also puts more pressure on the parent to be in touch with the technological advances and their children at the same time.

I wonder how it will be when my own baby is bigger...

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

Feature Article: Meet Jane, Porn Site Surfer

Title: Meet Jane, Porn Site Surfer
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana
Published in The Web Magazine, May 2001, p. 44


Picture the Dalagang Pilipina-- songs, poetry and dance have
been dedicated to the beauty, piety and grace of the woman.

On the other hand, there is the stereotypical man-- lustful,
physically more able, the "haligi ng tahanan".

Close your eyes and turn away now because your Dalagang
Pilipina is changing. You think only men enjoy the carnal
pleasures in the interactive media called the internet?

Fine, not many women have actually ventured to admit this
nor do most women even dare whisper the possibility. While
she is still coming out of her shell, there is still that part of
her that has been feeling about.

Meet Jane (not her real name). She says she reserves the right
to keep her age as a mysterious 30-something. She is an
I.T. professional and a graduate of a respected University.

"I visit a lot sites on the Internet because I learn more. I find
that I have more opportunities for me now because of the
online network I have established." Jane says.

On visiting porn sites, Jane had a a mouthful (pun intended):

TWP: Do you visit porn sites?

J: Porn? Sure!

TWP: Why?

J: Why not? (smiles)

TWP: (flustered) I mean, what do you get out of it?

J: Oh! Well, you know. It's partly educational.

TWP: Really?

J: Really! I've visited hard core sites and wondered what
makes them tick. Then I see that... well, the girls
can be quite pretty too. (pause) You think I'm lesbian,
don't you?

TWP: Are you?

J: I don't think so. I still prefer males as bed partners.

TWP: But you like looking at naked women...

J: And naked men, and the entire human body. The human
body is a work of art. And there is something to seeing a
naked woman feel so confident about her body so much
that she shows it to the world... literally.

TWP: So, it's not really the carnal pleasures you're after?

J: I won't say that. I think it's sexy. It actually turns me on
to see a woman's body. Then I look for my man and attack!
(laughter)

TWP: Yipes! Ok, ok... it actually excites you. How?

J: It's like an inspiration, you know. I see her and I start thinking
if I can do what she's doing and if it will drive my man crazy.

TWP: And...?

J: It actually works... most of the time.

TWP: When doesn't it work?

J: When he's not into it. Sometimes, he doesn't like what we
see.

TWP: He surfs with you?

J: Yeah! It's a shared experience. I like it like that, you know.
He doesn't have to hide his desires from me and we learn at the
same time. I also get to see first hand what makes him go to
those sites.

TWP: And what have you found so far?

J: Men are visual creatures. They like smooth skin, supple curves
and a woman who can make them feel different.

TWP: How do you make him different?

J: Oh gee... what I meant was -- a woman who can make him feel
things he does not usually feel.

TWP: Which are...?

J: I don't know how it is with other women but for me, this shared
experience is one of those things. How many women do you
know actually participate in those male adventures?

TWP: True.

J: And it doesn't stop on the porn sites. We also enjoy watching
x-rated videos together. We sometimes try out what they do.
(pauses... laughs) It was funny at the start, you know. He was
so surprised that I was so game about it.

TWP: How did he find out?

J: Actually, I caught him surfing one time. He didn't know I was
right behind him already and enjoying the view. When he
clicked one of the windows close, I protested and said I wasn't
finished with it yet. He was surprised, of course. He literally
jumped on his seat because he didn't know I was there in the
first place. (laughs)

TWP: Then?

J: He asked me how long I had been there and then when he was
more or less settled, he asked me if I minded that he was doing
that. And I said no.

TWP: That's it? It's so anti-climactic...

J: (laughs) Not really... When he was asking me, he already had
an idea that I didn't mind so his hands were already starting to
travel all over me. (pauses) Are you going to quote everything I
say here?

TWP: Probably.

J: Ok... Won't you get censored or something?

TWP: It really depends on what you say...

J: I better be careful then...

TWP: We could also try to be creative about it.

J: Hmmm. (smiles) We could do that. (grins)

TWP: So what happened next?

J: Next thing we knew, we were all over each other right
there by the computer table. That was something!

TWP: That good huh?

J: And it was a precedent. The next time he surfed, he
took me beside him and asked me what I wanted to see.
You know, I had not been a regular at porn sites before
then. I mean, people would forward URLs to me and I'd
check them out and say, "ok, nice boobs, cute butt" then
click off the window. I didn't search for those sites before
I found out that we could share it.

TWP: You mean, it was actually him that introduced you to the
wonderful world of porn sites?

J: You could say that. He showed me the sites he liked and,
soon after that, I was looking for other sites to show him.

TWP: Do you have sites you like that he doesn't?

J: We both like the sites but there are preferences. He prefers
the all out, all open type of sites. I go for artistic presentation.
Have you seen our wallpaper? I chose that one.

TWP: Oh, ok. If he hadn't lead you into getting interested in those
sites, would you get interested in them just the same?

J: I probably would. Come to think of it, I would have found them
after a while.

TWP: How come?

J: Well, I had been interested before. This interest was already
building when I started having relationships. I guess it just
got nudged with him.

TWP: Do you surf for sites for women as well?

J: Yeah! Of course! But only when I'm alone. He gets
a little insecure about the pictures I see. I guess men
really do care about their own endowments as compared
to other men.

TWP: Does he know that you go to these sites?

J: He does but we don't talk about it so much.

TWP: Why do you go to these sites?

J: To appreciate the male body. I like a well-sculpted body
and the way men handle themselves. Visually speaking,
their pleasing to the eyes. But it's a different story about
the body I like feeling.

TWP: How different?

J: I like them soft. I don't like too much hardened muscles or
too many corners. There is nothing like a soft cushion when
you lean on his chest or those warm arms around you.

TWP: When you go to the sites, do you get excited?

J: Not really. They're just nice to look at.

TWP: Do you think the sites project women (or men) as sex objects?

J: Partly, yes. Sometimes, I wonder why these women just
spread their legs so readily. Then I asked him about it and
he said it's because they find that they get more attention
that way. You've got to be an exhibitionist to understand it.
I shrugged at it. I'm more of a voyeur than an exhibitionist.

TWP: What do you mean?

J: I like seeing others get down and go wild. I like hearing them
enjoy each other. But I am not sure if I'll ever participate.

TWP: Have you been invited to Swinger parties?

J: Yes.

TWP: Have you gone to any?

J: No.

TWP: Why?

J: I don't like the idea of sharing my man. I love him. I
enjoy making love to him and ogling at other lovers with
him but I think I'm going to get jealous if I see him going
wild with another woman.

TWP: And you don't get jealous when he openly appreciate other
women's endowments?

J: No. Well, I used to, but then I got to thinking and realized
that, at the end of the day, he comes home to me and he gets
wild with me, that he goes crazy because it's me making
love to him.

TWP: Do you think other women surf porn sites too?

J: I think so. But our society is too far conservative to let them
admit it. I shared chat sessions with other Filipinas and we
openly flirt with men in the chat rooms. We form tag-teams
and pick on a guy. When we don't find a suitable guy, we
end up chit-chatting there and they tell me about the sites
they've found. They have lead me to some sites that we
enjoy now.

TWP: Do you know these other women personally?

J: We met online and we have been chatting a lot. I've met some
in person and some are really good friends now, because we
share things in common and understand each other.

TWP: Do you think they will agree to an interview too?

J: I'll ask them but I don't think so. Your topic is controversial
and these are closet-porn-site-surfers. They surf but their
husbands don't know it. I'm lucky, you know.

TWP: Why do they surf?

J: The few I've asked before say that they're just curious. Some
say they get tips on how to perform better.

TWP: Have you encountered lesbian and gays?

J: Lots of them. The lesbians have tried to hit on me but I
would always dodge them. I really can't imagine myself
with another woman.

TWP: How about gays?

J: They're my yakking partners in the chatrooms along with
other straight women who enjoy their company. Those guys
are really something. They really think they're women.
(pauses with a smile) You know, the idea may seem funny
but, somehow, sometime later, you feel for them and then
you start to understand their frustration. At least, you know
they live with it and deal with it.

TWP: Would they agree to an interview also?

J: You know that's the funny part. I don't think so.

TWP: Why funny?

J: I used to think that these gays were all exhibitionists. When
I met some of them and befriended them, they turned out
to be just like us. Some could be hiding in closets. Some
are aloof. Some are just lonely. And they can be quite shy
too.

TWP: That's a new concept for me too.

J: Yeah. I used to think that they are all screaming fags but
I found out that they're just like anyone of us.

TWP: Any tips for other "enthusiasts"?

J: Just enjoy them, sister! I don't see anything wrong with the
naked body. I hope, one day, all this malice would just
disappear and we can all appreciate what the body is
really like.

Dark Voices

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

a voice in the dark
resonating hopes and visions
a hand touching yet not touching
feeling everything
feeling nothing
a word on my eyes
expressing phantom feelings
a heart pounding yet not thumping
beating for everything
beating for nothing
a hope in my head
playing games on my mind
a word spoken yet never spoken
expressing everything
expressing nothing

dark voices

Thundercloud Rose

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

Thundercloud Rose

a light of crimson spectacle
breaking fire in the bud
shadowed by the gray receptacle
of what turns soil to mud

enevloped by the clouds of you
hearing your musical thunder
in deep-kept promises of youth
still hidden way, way under

a kiss of your lightning
sends shivers down my spine
to everyone else i was unknowing
just you and I, I yours and you mine

a moment of forever
witnessed by your petals undry
sealing away layers upon layer
the unforgettable you and i

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

for those moments in tagaytay sometime ago
shrouded by the rainclouds
warmed by your jacket
clothed by your arms
a kiss for luck
for us
for you and i

Short Story: Winds

Winds
By Ginnie Faustino-Galgana

Manong sat there quietly watching her. She is but a child, innocent and playful. She loves music, just like her mother. And her voice could whisper like the wind or sound off in a hale, just like her mother.

Too bad, Yoko has never met her mother. She has been with Manong since she was a baby. Manong’s wife, Ate Ming, does seem to want to be anywhere around her. Ate Ming kept on telling Manong, “I’m telling you, that girl will be the death of you and I won’t stand for it!”

What was her mother like? Yoko often wondered.

“Sirocco.” Manong called her by her full name. Yoko flinched. At seven years old, her classmates would tease her about her name for it sounded like “Sira ako” (I am nuts).

“Manong naman,” Yoko said with that tone that told Manong she minds it.

“Ok, Yoko. Come here, child. I need to tell you something.” Manong acquiesced. Yoko climbed onto Manong’s lap. Manong could only smile at the child’s sweetness.

“What is it Manong?” Yoko’s eyes were questioning, curious and bright. Manong was suddenly awashed with emotions remembering how Yoko’s mother looked exactly like that, he had to pause before starting.

It was about nine years before that Manong was a very eligible bachelor and the toast of the town. Women adored him and gifts from mothers came in the name of their daughters hoping to gain favor and interest.

Manong wasn’t rich. His family lived off the land though they knew how to hunt in the forest as well. Manong’s mother taught him how to respect the forest and to take only what he needed, nothing more. Manong’s father farmed but was the best marksman in the village. They were respected and it was good that Manong had the looks that people called “artistahin” (handsome as an actor).

As a young boy, Manong had always been called Manong for he was always the leader among his peers. When Manong said no one was to go into the forest, no boy would go into the forest. When Manong said they were to swim in the forest spring, all the boys and girls will go swim in the forest spring. Such was Manong’s influence and he kept it until nine years ago.

No one had understood Manong’s relationship with the forest creatures. All they knew was that he was kept safe in the forest while others had to fear for their lives. Even if he went alone into the forest, he would come back unscathed and with a bounty of fruits and a good-sized prize animal.

No one knew they were gifts from Mariang Sinuluan, the protector of the forest. No one knew that Manong played with Maria’s daughter by a doomed mortal, Isabel. And absolutely no one knew that Manong had fallen in love with Isabel. He had been spending more time with them since his parents died one after the other of sickness the year before.

Unfortunately, Isabel had been betrothed to Habagat, the wind-master, from birth as a pact between the forest and the winds.

Isabel belonged to Habagat and all the forest creatures knew. Manong knew too. But his love for Isabel grew just the same.

One day when Manong was paying homage to Mariang Sinuluan, Habagat’s sister, the young Amihan, flew in. Immediately, she and Manong took a liking to each other. Over the next couple of weeks, Amihan would stay with Isabel and Manong during their walks and talks in the forest. When Isabel was with Habagat, the jealous Manong would settle with Amihan, and eben gave her a pet name, Mingming. Soon enough, Manong confided in Amihan his feelings for Isabel. It broke young Amihan’s heart for she had fallen in love with Manong.

Manong, in an effort to gain Isabel’s attention, started getting more and more of the villagers to pay homage to Mariang Sinuluan. As more people knew Maria and Isabel, more people asked for special favors from them. Soon, Isabel didn’t have much time to spend with Habagat.

In the meantime, Manong gained even more popularity in the village. He grew arrogant and boasted of the favors he could get from the forest. As more women swooned over him, Manong started believing that he could actually get in between Isabel and Habagat and be the one Isabel marries. Amihan told him otherwise. But Manong was undaunted.

In a show of force, Manong boasted that he could cut down the oldest tree in the forest and not gain the ire of its protectors. The villagers believed him and made plans to make a church with the wood he would cut down.

This did not sit well with Maria. She then sent Isabel to talk Manong out of it or suffer the consequences of his actions. While walking in the woods, Manong thought Isabel had finally come for him. Instead of letting her talk, Manong took Isabel into a cave and forced himself on her. In the depths of the cave, no one heard the cries of Isabel and no one could come to her rescue.

Feeling reinvigorated by his conquest, Manong went out of the cave and proceeded to cut down the tree. It took him a while before he could make it fall, but when it did, it sounded like thunder had hit the ground.

At this sound, the villagers rejoiced and went to Manong and the tree. At this sound, Mariang Sinuluan let out a cry and rushed to the site.

Red in fury, Mariang Sinuluan demanded to know where Isabel was. Manong proudly proclaimed that Isabel was his already and that Habagat should give up pursuing her. In her rage, Mariang Sinuluan struck down Manong, breaking his left leg.

As he fell, a big gust of blinding wind came and carried before them the disheveled and weeping Isabel. As the wind died, Habagat was cradling her. Maria went to her daughter and asked who did it to her, but when she touched Isabel’s stomach, she withdrew it with a jolt. It had life inside.

Slowly, Maria stood up and faced the villagers and said, “You have taken far too much from the forest. How can you let this violation happen?!” she shouted as she glared at them.

“Know this then, “ Maria continued, “no one can anymore lay claim to the bounty of this woods. No one can hunt or forage without risk to his life. And no one, from now on, will be able to call on me, my family and our folk!”

Thus Mariang Sinuluan cursed the village.

She then turned to Manong and said, “You betrayed me. You shamed my daughter. You laid waste the trust we had given you all because of your pride! You will bear this shame yourself and everyone will know the curse you had brought upon your own people. You will grow old faster than anyone else. By the time your child reaches the age of 7 years, she will be taken from you for you will be too old to care for her and you will never see her again.

A softer wind flew in then Amihan stood in their midst with tears in her eyes and pleaded, “If it will be alright with you, I would like to stay and care for Manong. He can’t live alone with only one leg. Please Apo Maria.”

Seeing the sincerity of Amihan, and the genuine love she had for the young man, Mariang Sinuluan allowed it with a warning, “You may live with this cursed man, aware of his curse, but your affinity to such a curse puts you in the same situation. His child will be your bane. Your love is for him and the child is not yours and will remind you of his arrogance and affection for another.”

Mariang Sinuluan banished them from the forest from then on. Not even Amihan could go see her beloved brother as he cared for the pregnant Isabel. Amihan gave up her power over the breeze and took on the life of a mortal, becoming a wife to the cursed Manong.

A year later, the mortal Ming found a basket at the foot of their door. It had a baby girl inside. In a flash, she remembered the events of the year before and her heart broke once more. Without taking counsel with Manong, Ming named the girl Sirocco—a foreign wind that gusts in the desert.

oOo

Mother Nature called back The Croc Hunter

I'm an environmentalist at heart. And yesterday I came home with sad news
for the conservationist commnity. Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, is
dead.

In respect to the tragedy, Animal Planet has held off showing his show for
the time being. At www.crocodilehunter.com, they posted this simple
message:

Media statement – 4 September 2006
Steve Irwin

At 11am today, 4 September 2006, Steve Irwin was fatally wounded by a
stingray barb to his heart while filming a sequence on Batt Reef off Port
Douglas for a new TV series.

Emergency services were called from Cairns Rescue Base and met Croc One,
Steve’s rescue vessel, at Low Isle on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Croc One crew performed constant CPR during the thirty-minute dash to
Low Isle, but Steve was pronounced deceased at 12 noon by Queensland
Ambulance Services personnel.

His producer and closest friend, John Stainton said on Croc One today,
“The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist
and one of the proudest dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best
and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Steve would have
said, ‘Crocs Rule!’”

The family wishes to advise that all donations go to Wildlife Warriors
Worldwide

donations@wildlifewarriors.org.au
Phone: +61 7 5436 2026


In one of his broadcasts, Steve had said "But I put my life on the line to
save animals." Indeed, he did. And he will be missed terribly.

Now his legacy is expected to be continued by his wife Terri, who in all
these years supported the whacky and dangerous antics of the insatiable
Steve, and their 8-year old daughter Bindi Sue Irwin who once admonished
visitors to the Australia Zoo to follow the rules because it's HER zoo.

All I can say is: Thanks, Steve. If crocs could talk, I'm sure they'd be
saying, "Steve rules!"


=)K

Lake House

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romance

Man, talk about sappy!

Ok, so the story was developed really well. I'm a sucker for time-related lovestories (Somewhere In Time, Griffin and Sabine, Time and Again, etc.) and I appreciate the desperation of the theme.

Spoiler warning.... don't proceed if still want to watch the movie.

I knew from the moment he did not make it to their date that he was the guy who died in her arms at the plaza. It was sooooo obvious. Had they gone on to let her deal with that and just take care of their lake house, the story would have ended beautifully...

But nooooooo... they had to give him a way to cheat death so they can "live happily ever after...." blah blah blah blah

On the up-side:

I was totally taken by their dance and make-out scene. I knew it was him when she and Morgan were talking about "that guy" but I still let myself get carried away by the moment-- him wanting to touch her but hesitating; her giving him an opening with the dance; the slow dance with him wanting and just wanting; then her sensing... until the moment came and then they kiss... oh be still, my heart!

That was one beautiful scene.

But still the cheat-death concept was totally bad for the movie.

Now I have to watch Somewhere In Time again just to cleanse this movie off my system!