Bringing Back The 60s Sound

Taking guitar playing to the next level entails getting a foot pedal. There are different kinds of foot pedals that give different kinds of effects, however, the effect of having a reverb foot pedals is simply stunning.

A reverb foot pedal makes it sound like playing in a large church, stadium or hall. If you feel that this is an essential piece of equipment for you, choosing the right kind of foot pedal is must. We must always go with the best out there and what else would you go for? Nothing else but boss fender reverb pedal. This compact guitar effect pedal gives that timeless tube driven reverb sound that provides that great musical boost for any time of music genre.

Keep The Cash Flowing With Qmee

Everyone wants to earn a little extra spending cash, however, our present lives have us tied down to our full time job, our household tasks and the responsibility of raising kids. That alone makes it close to impossible to find a second job as a source of income.

Luckily, there are other alternative ways to earn cash on the side. Blogging, for one is a great way to go, however, in order for you to drive traffic to your blog will also entail hard work. For me, I have made blogging a source of additional income. Its fun because I earn while doing what I love - writing. I also do paid surveys, and in exchange of my opinion as a consumer, I get to receive vouchers and gift cheques so it is still okay, at least I have grocery shopping money.

For those who do not have the benefit of free time, there is a new way to earn extra cash without putting in so much effort. Have you heard of Qmee?

Qmee is a free browser app that you can easily install into any major browser that gives you cash rewards for clicking results that you would otherwise click anyways for no reward. Now how does that work? Simple. Once you have Qmee installed in your browser and you use your favorite sites to search for something on the web, Qmee will show relevant results on the left side of your screen with cash rewards attached to them. You can opt to click on your original searched item or click on Qmee's results and collect your reward! All your earnings are kept in a "piggy bank" which you can empty out at any time into your paypal account. You can also opt to donate your earnings to charity.

It is a great way to earn and help others as well. Hurry over to Qmee and get started! 

Happy earning!

Once A Thomasian, Always a Thomasian

I get emotional every graduation season. 

I am a proud Thomasian. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic University in Asia. This is the same university where my parents met. Dad was a student in the College of Medicine, Mama was enrolled in the College of Commerce. Most of my aunts and uncles are Thomasians too. My sister graduated here with an degree in Economics. My daughter followed the same path and earned her Economics degree in 2007. My son opted out, not of his choice but because he was sidetracked by all his extra-curricular activities which took up most of his study time. He vows to come back and earn a master's degree.

There are many challenges to face attending classes at the University of Santo Tomas. The long commute, the flooding during rainy season, the commitment to learn and to be an embodiment of the Christian faith. Nevertheless, no matter how long ago it was since you've last been at the UST, the phrase, "Once a Thomasian, Always a Thomasian," stays with you forever. A visit to the campus gives you unexplainable joy. Memories of being a shy 16 year old college freshman comes alive. You would really want to retrace the steps you took everyday to get from the España gate to your building. You'd want to see the classrooms where you had your gym classes and kneel down in prayer inside the Santissimo Rosario church. The last time I visited the university, I peered through the wire fences of the botanical garden, where me and my friends spent hours trying to classify the different kinds of leaves and insects. I wanted to go up the 5th floor of the main building where the Anatomy and Chemistry laboratories were, however, the entrance says "Students and Professors only."

My only regret, is not attending the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony. I felt it was not yet the end of my academic journey, since I was going to enroll in the College of Medicine in the following school year. I told my parents that I am happy to have earned my Bachelor's degree, but will only attend the graduation ceremony when I earn my degree for Doctor of Medicine.

Sadly, I did not graduate from the College of Medicine. I have written about this before, and I will write about it again. I am content with what I have achieved in life and if I could go back in time, I would probably choose to finish my studies in Medicine, provided that it will be the only thing I would change in the past. I would have wanted to experience the passage through the Arch of the Centuries, the lighting of the candles, and the tearful good-byes to classmates.

Since we can not go back in time, I relive the joy every time I see videos of the Baccalaureate Mass in the University of Santo Tomas. I see myself in those smiling faces, I remember the "uniform signing," I remember the feeling of happiness upon seeing my name in the Official List of Candidates for Graduation.  What a great time that was.

I am sharing with you the video of the 2015 Baccalaureate Mass held in the University of Santo Tomas. Witness the hope and joy in the eyes of these youth. So heartwarming.

Congratulations to the graduates and a big pat on the back for the parents who stood behind and fueled the dreams of their sons and daughters. Mabuhay po kayo!

DHgate's Daily Deals Is The Real Deal

A month ago, I could hardly contain my excitement upon discovering a great e-commerce website called DHgate.com. I was amazed at the numerous categories of goods they offer for sale! The website is so user-friendly. Simply type in the search bar the item you are interested in and it will give you hundreds of options to choose from.

 DHgate.com caters to both individual and businesses, offering high quality goods at wholesale prices. It does not stop there. Most items offer free shipping, and if you purchase by volume, you'd get even more discounts. I love the fact that they offer per volume purchases, because this would foster small business enterprises. If you however, do not have that business streak in you, DHgate.com can be the go-to-place for shopping with family and friends. Buy in bulk and share with friends and family or re-sell and start you own business. 

One more great feature of DHgate.com is its Daily Deals. Simply hover and click "Daily Deals" in the Navigation bar and it takes you to the page where you can find great discounts on items that you would surely love. You can save up to 90%, however, you have to hurry because these items go really fast!

As a special bonus, DHgate.com offers a special $50 coupon for new customers who will spend $200 or more on their first order, valid through May 31st, 2015. 

At DHgate.com, every body is a winner!

My Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished ~ A Poor Man's Bucket List

I have been having lots of thoughts about growing old, looking back on what I have accomplished and on what I have missed. I read somewhere that if you visualize your goals every day, you will someday achieve them. Years ago, I watched that movie, "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It was a good movie, except I did not like the part that both of them were dying.

It is a nice thing to do, to list all those things you would want to accomplish before you get old (or die, as in the movie), however, in this day and age, when money is tight, I guess only millionaires would qualify to make bucket lists.

So I decided to not make a bucket list. I will make a "Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished." It will be my version of a poor-man's bucket list. It is free to dream, so here I go!

My Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished

In the evening of my life...

• I wish to reside in a simple but sturdy house near a beach. I love the sun, sand and sea and I absolutely adore the sunset.
• I wish to be an accomplished writer
• I wish to be able to live comfortably until it is time to go
• I wish to grow old watching sunsets with my hubby, with our very own "his and hers" walking canes.
• I wish to see my children all financially stable and successful. I would love to have lots of grandchildren too.
• I wish to have my own Ford F150 Raptor before I am too old to drive.
• I wish to visit Batanes, Palawan, Sagada, and Camiguin.
• I wish, (if my finances would cover it) to spend a year vacationing in Europe and the United States.

These are only 8 wishes, but who knows? I may add more to my wish list depending on how my life evolves. It has been a wild ride, this journey called life, but I'm pretty sure I'll keep truckin,' keep loving, keep living. It is a legacy I can be proud to call mine. 

Live simply, stay happy, fight for what you feel is right, share the love, and never forget to thank God for all He has given you.

Good-bye Pen and Paper! Hello Xiaomi Mi Fitness Wristband!

Keeping track of your daily activities and sleep patterns can help us to plan a more effective exercise regimen. Accomplishing this task is no longer difficult with fitness wristbands, specially the new Xiaomi Mi wristbands available at DHgate.com.

These wristbands are waterproof and a single charge can last up to 30 days. Great for monitoring activities like walking, jogging or running. It also keeps track of sleep patterns and doubles as a vibrating alarm giving us a more subtle way to wake up.  Its state of the art Bluetooth 4.0 technology and accelerometer allows compatibility with MIUI Android 4.4 and higher. All these great features are contained in a small alloy body measuring only 34x14x9 millimeters!

Another cool feature is that we can purchase different colors of the wristband and slip the small alloy device into the rubber wristband of our choice. Great for people who love color-coordinating their attires.

The Xiaomi Mi wristband is among the thousands of cool products we can find at DHgate.com. They offer goods at wholesale prices and usually free shipping too. If you are in search of any item, whether clothes, accessories, electronics, household products, appliances or what-nots, check out their user-friendly website. This is one great online marketplace that you would definitely keep coming back to.

Parenting Styles: Which Of These Do You Practice?

Raising children can drive parents nuts. From infancy to school age, parents have to deal with the sleepless nights, the illnesses, cuts and scrapes, and issues with their school. When your kids get into that "awkward age," to have to face the emotional roller coaster brought about by their hormonal surge, endless talks about "the birds and the bees," their choice of friends, the mess they make.

It is not easy being a parent. That’s something we can definitely be sure about. In fact, sometimes it can be such a struggle that you may have spent time online reading Eva Carlston Academy reviews and those of similar establishments while considering sending your teen away to be educated. Most of us would just sigh and say, "Is this what my parents went through when they were raising me?" I must admit, I did say that phrase to myself many, many times in the past. We only want the best for our children and we strive to raise them the way they should be - a loving, responsible adult.

Studies in Psychology acknowledges different parenting styles. According to WebMd, there are three basic parenting styles - Authoritarian, Permissive and Authoritative.  

Photolink

Authoritarian Parenting is focused on obedience. Some people would regard this parenting style as a strict, "its that way because I said so," type. Children raised in this kind of parenting are focused, organized and goal-driven. The setback is that the children are usually withdrawn and lack the skill of deciding for themselves.

Permissive Parenting is when parents impose only a few rules for their children to follow, and an occasional behavior correction because they are afraid to upset their children. This style could be the result of one or both parents having an unhappy childhood. For them, they want to make sure that their own children would not have to "suffer" the same fate as them. Children raised in a permissive parenting household are extroverts.  They may have some issues though with following rules, (because they are not used to it) and may have the tendency to grow up to be manipulative adults.

Authoritative Parenting is a mixture of Authoritarian and Permissive Parenting styles. There is a lot of care and affection, however, children are expected to follow the rules and limitations set by their parents. Families who practice authoritative parenting apply a sort of "reward system" where additional privileges are provided when good behavior or academic goals are met. However, this "reward system" may confuse a growing child by having the mindset, "I will do good today so I can ask for a new bag." This may drive consistency down the drain unless parents nip it in the bud. Children raised in this environment are more happy, responsible and open to speak their minds. Parents have to be careful though, to stick to the limitations they have set for their children, because deviating from the rules will cause confusion and resentment.

Kendra Cherry, a psychology expert, wrote about a fourth parenting style, called Uninvolved Parenting. Children raised in households where their parents are "uninvolved" crave attention. Although the parents make sure the basic needs of the child are met, there is little communication and interaction between parent and child. Kendra writes, "An uninvolved parenting style is characterized by few demands, low responsiveness and little communication."

I was a single mother raising three children all on my own, until eight years ago, when I met a responsible man who my children now look up to as their dad. I would admit, I am 60% permissive and 40% authoritative. My children are now grown and the life lessons from our unhappy relationship with their biological father has made them learn to value the love and sacrifice that I have given them. 

We have to admit, there is no perfect parenting style. It is always a little of each. Whatever manner or style we raise our children, it is always for their best interest. Smother them with love and attention, but do not spare the rod. Put them on the right path and reap the rewards of having happy, caring, and responsible children.

It All Starts With A Good Mouthpiece

I love listening to jazz and classical music. It relaxes me and takes me to a place in my mind where everything is calm and perfect. Wind instruments and the violin are my favorite jazz and classical music instruments. Most modern day artists are saxophonists, however, we must not forget the beautiful sound a clarinet makes.

Did you know that aside from the precise finger work needed to play beautiful music on the clarinet, the mouthpiece also plays an important part in the quality of sound that is produced? It is true! An enthusiast can very well distinguish the kind of mouthpiece used on a clarinet by simply listening to the strength, focus and timbre of the sound.

If you are a clarinetist, or you know of someone who is, or simply one who appreciates music, a great mouthpiece guide will help you to choose what to use for the sound and type of music you would want to create and hear. Today's world is full of crazy, loud music and I, for one, would really appreciate budding artists in the field of jazz and classical music.

Still at a loss of what a clarinet is? Watch this video of an artist playing Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee."

Responsible Gaming and No Deposit Bonus Codes

Playing online casino games on occasion can be fun. When you find yourself with nothing worthwhile to do or read online, wouldn't it be nice to relax and try your luck with casino games? 

Of course, the next roadblock will be the need for cash. Here's where the good news comes in. Experience the thrill and fun of playing your favorite casino games with no deposit bonus! Yes, you read it right. Now you can interact with worldwide players on various online casino sites and get a chance to win real money.

At www.nodepositbonus.codes, you can choose to play with numerous online casinos and not worry about a cash outlay. This is a new site with free casino bonuses. It is updated daily with over fifty (50) new no deposit bonus codes that you can readily avail of.

So when you find yourself in a situation where you have some free time to spare and have nothing else to do, head on over to the site and who knows? You may be the next big winner!

As a wise reminder to everyone, it is always best to practice moderation and responsible gaming.

That Fault Line Beneath You: To Panic or To Prepare?

With all the strong earthquakes plaguing Nepal, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to worry about a similar scenario happening in the country.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region dotted with active volcanoes and numerous fault lines, therefore, every Filipino has had the experience of at least one major volcanic eruption and earthquakes in their entire lifetime.

Lately, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) released the "Valley Fault System Atlas," an informative collection of maps depicting the exact location of the two segments of this active fault line. 

The West Valley Fault line is 100 kilometers long, traversing the Greater Metro Manila Area's cities of Quezon, Pasig, Marikina, Makati, Taguig and Muntinlupa; and portions of the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite. Movement along this fault line may generate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

The East Valley Fault is a lot shorter, 10 kilometers in length, and traversing the municipalities of Montalban and San Mateo in Rizal Province. Activity along this fault line may generate a magnitude 6.2 earthquake.

According to the government agency, PHILVOLCS, the Valley Fault System is "ripe for movement" as studies have shown that the fault line shows activity every 400 to 600 years. The last time activity was recorded 357 years ago, in 1658.

Metro Manila is where close to 12 million people live, work and study. The seat of government, commercial districts, residential high rises and countless schools, colleges and universities are concentrated in this area. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake will definitely bring the entire nation to a standstill.

It is a fact that we have no control over the forces of nature, however, what we should have done in the past was better urban planning. Since that cannot be undone at the present time, the best we can do is to prepare for the worst and pray. This is going to be a lot easier to do if you already have a faith of course, and you might be looking at Living Church of God reviews with this in mind as we speak. The important thing however is just to find the worship that works for you, that you can turn to in exactly these kinds of situations. Pray incessantly.

If you have relatives and friends living in the Metro and would like to find out if their residence or place of work is near or directly above the fault line, click on the links below to find out.

http://www.geoportal.gov.ph/viewer/

http://www.scribd.com/doc/265843406/The-Valley-Fault-System-Atlas#scribd

I appreciate this on-going awareness campaign of the PHILVOLCS. I personally believe that this was done not to create paranoia or fear. It is to educate us about the probability of an earthquake and what we can do to survive it.

Keep Calm, Prepare, and Pray.