For the love of History and General Information

As I mentioned before I love history, general information and international affairs and because of that I was able to join and represent CARAGA Region for the 20th National Super Quiz Bee Grand Finals the 20th National Super Quiz Bee Grand Finals at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City. As far as I can remember, Santo Tomas University bagged the first prize and the University of Mindanao, the second. I think we're all 14 contestants, 2 of those are females. I rank 6th and brought home the trophy Best in National Costume and gift products from Clear and Clean. It was one of the memorable events in my life.

Once in a while I'll search the web for new information and I stumbled upon a photo of boot-shaped glass named as a german beer boot. The Beer Boot is a uniquely German invention. In Deutschland they are called Bierstiefel and these boots are popular with tourists in Bavaria and Munich in particular. Beer boots became increasingly popular after being featured in the last beer drinking contest in the movie BeerFest. Since then, beer boots are popular on college campuses throughout the USA. More beer boots are importing and sold in the USA than in Europe and some of the glasswerks have trouble satisfying the American demand.

Do you own one? I think I couldn't own one because I don't drink beer . Isn't it great to learn one new thing everyday? I think once in a while I will share with you what I have learned. Posting them here helps me keeping track of what I've learned so far.

Whaddya think?

Giving Virtual Easter Baskets for a Cause

Willa, Marce Seiko, Marce Kikamz tagged me with Hershey’s Better Basket Blog Hop. Here’s what to do:

* Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.

* Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.

* Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
* Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
* * Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this Better Basket Blog Hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
* Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).

* Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation.

I think the Marce Club has been tagged already so no need to tag them again. I'm tagging ACmomCee and Gagay.

The History of the Easter Basket

The tradition of a bountiful Easter basket goes back a long way before our modern consumer driven version. Spring has always been seen as a time of rebirth and blessing and the fertility godddess Eostre (or Oestre) was sometimes depicted carrying a basket of eggs. It was traditional to take baskets of early seedlings to temples to increase the chance of a good harvest.

This ancient custom is reflected in the Catholic tradition of taking the Easter food to mass to be blessed.

The Easter basket was especially popular in the countries of central and Eastern Europe. It appears to have been brought to the USA in the 18th century by the same German settlers who introduced the Easter bunny.

In earlier times when Easter bonnets were at their most popular it was common for the bonnet to be used in place of a basket.

What do teachers make?

with my M.4 (equivalent to 4th year high school) students
in year 2006 at Maha Panya School

A friend of mine sent a nice article through email. I would love to share this with you and to all the TEACHERS out there:

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Barbara . Be honest. What do you make?"
Barbara, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents CAN'T make them sit for 5 without an iPod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding ISN'T EVERYTHING. I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life

( Barbara paused one last time and then continued.) Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make Mr. CEO? His jaw dropped, he went silent.

What a profound answer! I'm proud to be a teacher...once again.

applying for a credit card

I had a good chat with my co-teacher about the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards. I deemed it necessary for us to acquire our own credit card mainly for booking our flights online and for emergencies . The idea of purchasing products or services whenever and wherever I want, without ready cash and paying for them at a later date sounds tempting too.

Anyway, I inquire at Bangkok Bank the qualifications and the required document for a credit card application.

Qualifications:
First, you must be at least 20 years of age and have an average monthly income of at least 20,000 Bt. You can combine your salary with other regular earnings such as bonus, commission and overtime pay. You may qualify for all types of Bangkok Bank Gold Cards, If you have an average monthly income of 25,000Bt. We also evaluate criteria such as your credit history when considering credit card applications.

I think I'm qualified.

Maybe next week, I'll apply in person at any Bangkok Bank Branch and bring the following documents:

1. Passport and work permit as an expatriate.
2. Proof of my income such as: a payroll slip, a letter certifying my income, a tax withholding slip, or the latest receipt of my annual personal income tax.
3. A copy of my savings or fixed account statement for the past six months from a bank or financial institution.
4. Monthly statements from my current credit cards, if any, for the past three months.

A friend told me that it will take me no more than 15 working days to get my card. If my application will be approved I can can pick up my card at the Bangkok Bank branch nearest us.

I believe that credit cards could be considered the best friends as long as they are used in a right manner and the payments are made on time without getting in debt.