Nursery Rhymes – A Great Way To Learn History

Ever wonder how the nursery rhymes were made and what is the message behind each rhyme? It bothered me a lot since I've been singing Jack and Jill, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and so much more to my year old son. Mothers should be knowledgeable and should know what they sing to their kids. Nursery Rhymes are not just a bunch of words to make our children fall asleep at night, they actually teach us a bit of history.

Nursery rhymes are traditional poems and songs taught to young children. Learning different Nursery Rhymes can aid in the development of vocabulary and counting skills. Nursery Rhymes encourage children to appreciate music.

Here are some of the Most Famous Nursery Rhymes and their history:

Jack and Jill Went Up The Hill

Published in1795, the poem originated in France. Jack and Jill are said to be King Louis XVI, who lost his crown (beheaded) and his Queen Marie Antoinette who according to the poem came tumbling after. The poem was revised for it to be acceptable for children and to provide a happy ending! The beheading of the real Jack and Jill was during the Reign of Terror in 1793.

London Bridge Is Falling Down

The London Bridge is falling down Nursery rhyme is actually about a famous landmark in London. The London Bridge was originally built from wood and clay and was rebuilt with the different materials that are also mentioned in the nursery rhyme. Some of the disasters that struck the bridge were Viking invaders and fire.

Humpty Dumpty

Would you believe Humpty Dumpty was actually a large cannon? It was a war cannon used during the English Civil War. In 1648 a town called Colchester was town with a castle, numerous churches and was protected by a wall. Right across the city wall is the church of St Mary's and a large cannon, called Humpty Dumpty, was intentionally placed on the wall right beside St Mary's Church.

Rain Rain Go Away

The origin of “Rain rain go away" dates back to Queen Elizabeth I, who was one of the English Tudor monarchs. During this time, Spain and England was in constant rival. The Spanish Armada was sent to invade England but was defeated. Only 65 Spanish galleons and just 10,000 men returned to Spain. The failure was blamed not only because of how the smaller English ships fought but also by the stormy weather which scattered the Armada fleet.

These are just some of the famous Nursery Rhymes that I sing to my son. Remember, the next time you sing a lullaby or a rhyme to your kids, make sure that you tell them a little about how the rhyme got its name.

Funny Names In The Philippines

FUNNY BUSINESS NAMES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Happy Reading!!!

aristocart - a kariton of food in UP
bahay hepa – scary di ba..
bread pitt – bakery ni brad pitt?
candy rogers, kina roger's - carinderias
chicago balls - tindahan ng fish, squid,at shrimp balls

tapsiturbi - tapa sinangag turon bibingka.
Galit Galit Muna – Carinderia near Malacanang
curl up and dye – Beauty Parlor
Cooking ng Ina Mo – Karinderia
Cooking ng Ina Mo Rin – Sa tabi ng Cooking ng Ina Mo Karinderia
Caintacky Fried Chicken- in Cainta, Rizal
Alibaka- a restaurant Jaribee
Elizabeth Tailoring – (Elizabeth Tailor)Anita Bakery – (Anita Baker)
Scissors Palace- (Caesar's Palace) Parlor
The MangDonald's...and their specialty...the Big Mang!
FINK FOODLE
"McDUGO” - Isawan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOYO – name ng brand ng toyo
Petal Attraction – Flower Shop
Pansit ng taga-Malaboni – Pansit ng mga taga boni.

On Jeepney and Bus signs:
Before pay, tell where get the on before get the off (huh?)
Full string to stop driver
God knows Hudas not pay
Don't close to me, close to God (I think I got it)

On window of a restaurant in Baguio.
Wanted: Boy Waitress (Bakla?)

On a video rental shop
MASTERVISION - Bastos

Le Cheng Tea House
Alabank (rural bank of Alabang)
Anita Bakery
Babalik Karinderia
Candies Be Love?
Caintacky Fried Chicken (in Cainta, Rizal)
Cinna Von - Sinabon?
Cleopata's (bakahan and manukan)
Crispy per minute ( Crispy Pata Eatery)
Curl Up And Dye (Beauty Salon)
Doris Day and Night (24 hour eatery)
Fagoofyt
Felix the Cut (Barber Shop)
Fernando Pe's Box Office Hits (video rental shop in Busuanga, Palawan).
Goldirocks (Gravel & Sand Shop)
Leon King Video Rental
Let's Goat-Together (kambingan cum beer garden)
Maid To Order (Maids Placement Agency)
MacDonuts (Donut Shop)
Meating Place (Meat Shop)
Meatropolis (meat shop)
Memory Drug – Sa tabi ng Mercury Drug
Miki Mao (noodle eatery)
Saudia Hairlines (Beauty Salon)
Side-saki Sophisticut (unisex hair salon)
Susan's Roses (flower shop)
Sylvestre's Salon
TapSi TurBi (Tapa, Sinangag, Turon at Bibingka)
The Fried of Marikina (fried chicken shop)
The Way We Wear (Boutique)
Wrap and Roll (lumpia outlet, Quad, Makati)
BIll's Gate - a computer/cybershop
Al Khantoot - A well-known flowershop in Dubai.
Robin & Son's eatery (sa harap ng Robinsons)

Found in a building somewhere:"2ND FLR UPSTAIRS"

South Superhardware
Joey Bee
Aling Bebeng's Bulaluhan and Beauty Parlor – nakakatakot
Manny Bilyar – Bilyaran ni Manny
peter fan- electric fan repair shop
Pinoy Big Burger Jollibeer- carinderia in our town
Gym Carry - a gym somewhere
Star Wash – Star Wars?
Monay Lisa - bakery
Sam/Miguel Beerhouse
Sylvester's Salon
Meet Ur Garden
Cafe Turo
Baywash
Kosh Kosh Ayosh
Lord Of The Wings Lechon Manok
Pimp My Rice!
BARYABALLS - tindahan ng fish ball
DIANA ROSE - videokehan
SHOEperman
talk dirty to me laudry shop
there's something about laundry - There's something about mary na movie
the matrix beer house
matet beer house
kuting beer house
krispy krePe
Master Siomai... walang tuhugan

Capiz Accessories – Exotic Beauty From the Philippines

When it comes to collecting jewelries and accessories, women have different tastes. Some ladies collect diamonds, precious stones, pearls, and so much more. I however prefer accessories made from capiz shells.

I love buying earrings and bangles made from capiz shells. Why? I really don't know the answer to that or maybe because capiz shells are from the country where I was born and grew up... The Philippines. These type of jewelry is so unique, exotic, beautiful and when worn, it reveals the feminine side of the wearer.

Capiz is a name of a province and a type of shell found in the Philippines; It is also used largely in interior decorating and as gifts and accessories. Capiz is a geographical location found in the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea. The Capiz shell is the outer shell of a marine mollusk called the “Placuna Placenta” which is abundantly found the Philippine's coastal waters and is used for decorative purposes.

The Capiz shell is a semi-transparent and flat shell with a pearl like appearance. It is often used to create beautiful lampshades and other luminescent accessories such as chandeliers and candle holders due to its cool and striking appearance when light shines through. It is also used used to match many household and fashion accessories. Capiz shells are considered to be formal and elegant.

Used for interior designs, the capiz is used not only on lampshades, chandeliers and furniture, but are also decorated on walls. Numerous hotels in the Philippines feature capiz panels on the walls of their lobbies , hallways, rooms, restaurants and even in showers and bathrooms. There are some homes that uses capiz panels, but they're generally reserved for formal areas only, however, a casual look can also be attained by using capiz panels.

Capiz can also be used to accent leather handbags, shoes and watches. In the Philippines, it is only natural to find giftware and souvenirs made with capiz. Dishes made from capiz sell like hotcakes because they create an elegant, one-of-a-kind look.

Synthetic capiz shells are cheaper but it is very difficult to tell the difference from a genuine capiz shell. The use of capiz shell in fashion and decorating is unlimited. Capiz shell products gives the room an elegant or formal look and at the same time creates a pacific or coastal atmosphere. If you want to experience a Filipino ambiance or if you are visiting the Philippine Islands, make sure that you don't miss out on buying a capiz shell product.

A Veiled Pageant to Expose Nuns

My jaw dropped when I read the news this morning. There was an item about a pageant to be lunched this September; not just an ordinary pageant, it’s a Beauty contest for nuns! Questions began to flood my imaginative mind. Will they have a swimwear competition too?

Italian priest and theologian Antonio Rungi is holding a beauty pageant for nuns. The competition will be held on September through online blog. It would run online at first but he hopes that it would become a real pageant. The pageant itself will be unique. It is will be open only to nuns between 18 to 40 years of age from all over the world.

Why did he organize such pageant?

Nuns are also women. They also have the external beauty that is a gift from God. They are not just old, dull, or funeral-like people. This will be one way to show their work and image. It will make them visible to the society not just an excluded group. Rungi believes that this is one way to fight the stereotype that nuns are old.

The nuns who will join will fill out a profile, including information about their life and their work. They will also include a photograph. They have the freedom to pose with their veil or let their hair down. Is there a swimsuit competition? No. Being ugly is not a requirement for being a nun. External beauty is a gift. Rungi believes it must not be hidden. And there are nuns who are very good looking he says.

But of course no matter how hard Rev. Rungi explains his intentions, there are some people who think that this pageant is inappropriate. My opinion is that, it will do harm to their vocation. As long as they have clean fun. I agree with Rev. Rungi that this is one way to solidify their vocation. There are still people who don’t understand the life and mission of nuns. Some, there are those who take them for granted. Worst, people sometimes stereotype them as women who do nothing but pray. It takes a lot to be a nun; it is a lengthy process that requires both a “calling” to serve god and a lot of time to consider one’s decision.

Not all women can become a nun; this is an order only for those who are unmarried and sane. Some orders require nuns to be religious scholars. It is necessary for them to have a college education before joining. If a woman is really decided to pursue sisterhood she will have to live in a convent for 2 to 3 years as a novice.

By this time she will be able to contemplate if this is really her calling. If she stays, she will take temporary vows of chastity and poverty.

Becoming a nun takes determination, fervent prayers and inspiration from God. Nuns must not be taken for granted. If they are willing to do the pageant, then they should be given the freedom to do so. I think the pageant is indeed a good way to show that nuns can also have fun. Nuns can also kick ass.

Hardships

Do you know what’s it like to be a working mom? Have you asked your mother if they find it easy to work and take care of their family at the same time? Imagine having two jobs everyday! Imagine a job where you can’t sleep during the day and a job that you can’t sleep at night. Is this possible? Yes! And it’s not easy! You see, I am a call center agent… and I am a mom. Now is my story.
In 2007, I gave birth to my son. I named him Matthew which means God’s gift. He is my life, I love him very much. He is the reason why I have to overcome challenges and win life’s battle. He is the reason why I have to keep on working and earn for our keep.

Being a working mom is not easy especially if you have just given birth. A few months after Matthew was born, he developed asthma. I remember the first time he was brought to the hospital, he was just 3 months old and I was working that fateful night. I remember my husband’s call on my cell phone; just then, I could not leave the office because I had deadlines to meet. I felt so helpless and all I could do was to make sure everything was okay. I cried while I worked. The day after, I saw him asleep with all the needles buried under his tiny hands and dextrose around him and I almost fainted. It was a nightmare seeing my son in that situation. I prayed to God to heal my baby.

After that incident it was hard to leave my son at night. Eventually, I became so protective of him and it came to a point where I would not allow anybody to take care of my son but myself. I had no choice then. I cannot stop working either as I have to help my husband, who at that time was doing two jobs to support our needs. Aside from bills, food, allowances and the baby’s needs, we have to consider Matthew’s regular check ups, immunizations and hospitalizations. We had to give up anniversaries, dates, birthday gifts and personal needs. We wanted to give the best for our son.
When at work, Matthew would be left with either my dad or my husbands’ mom. There were times that I was so busy with work that I didn’t have time either to play or interact with my son. I didn’t know then how tragic it would be for me as it came to a point where my son could not recognize me anymore. He can say mama but he was not referring to me. I regretted for being to busy in my job and for depriving my son of my attention. I became a workaholic.

Now, everything has changed. I learned my lesson. When I get home, I make sure that I play or talk to him. I give him time no matter how tired I am. I bathe him, feed him, and I put him to sleep myself. I do everything a mom has to do. I do household chores during the day and report for work at night. All of these I do not because I am obliged to do so, but because I am a mother!

Confessions of an Unborn Baby

Week 1 to week 3

Hello world! My name is… Oh I forgot I don’t have a name yet. Anyway, I am born into this world because my mom and dad love each other so much and I am the product of their love. I live inside my mother’s fallopian tube but she doesn’t know it yet. In a few days my journey towards the uterus will begin. There I will start to grow. I can’t wait to grow and soon my mommy’s stomach will also get bigger.

Week 4

Hi again! It’s been awhile and I’ve already implanted myself in my mom’s uterus. I can hear and feel a thumping sound in my chest. I don’t know what it is but I am sure I am perfectly normal. I heard my mother’s voice for the first time and I heard her talking to the sound of my daddy’s voice. My mommy is very excited. She told daddy about me. He got excited to. He said they would go to a doctor to make sure I am okay. They said that they want to have a baby girl. I am so happy! They know that I am alive! And soon they will give me a name! I wonder what my parent looks like.

Week 5

I have two tiny holes on my face. I use them to look at my surrounding and it is very dark. I think they are called eyes. I kick my mom gently and tickle her using my hands and feet to let her know I am alive and happy. Every time I wake up, I yawn a lot using my mouth and lips. When I get out of here I am going to shower my mom and dad with lots of kisses. I pity my mom because she keeps on vomiting, good thing my daddy is there to help her. He brings her food regularly so that she won’t feel ill. He told my mommy that he already bought clothes for me so that I won’t feel cold when I get out of here. It’s warm and cozy in here.

Week 6

My eyelids, toes, nose and something between my legs are beginning to form. I think I am a girl; just what my mommy and daddy want! Today they gave me the name “Angel”. Oh I love it! It sounds so heavenly. I can’t wait to hug and thank my parents for bringing me into this beautiful world. Someday, I am going to be a doctor. I will work very hard and take care of my mommy and daddy. I love them so much.

Week 7

Last night my mommy can’t sleep because I kept on turning inside her stomach. Her tummy is getting bigger and bigger and there is so much space for me to move. I was actually swimming inside her belly. I had so much fun. I think I’m going to be a swimmer someday. What do you think? Oh I can’t wait to go to school and learn new things. I will make sure that my parents will be very proud of me.

Week 8

Today my mommy went to the doctor so that she can see me through a television. It was fun and I waved at her. The doctor said I am now a perfect little human complete with organs. This is good news! It means that I will soon see this beautiful world. I will be able to play and bring joy to my parents. When we arrived home, my mommy and I went to sleep. Daddy kissed mommy and said goodnight to both of us. He kisses mommy’s tummy and I could feel that he loves me so much. I Love him too.

Week 9

Last night I had a dream. It was very horrible. I dreamt that my mommy killed me. I cried. Good thing mommy loves me. She wouldn’t do that. Today we went to a different doctor and we are still waiting for mommy’s name to be called. Mommy lay down in a bed and I noticed a tube being inserted in her stomach. I don’t know what it is but it kept on poking me. It hurts! I opened my mouth so that I can scream but it won’t stop. It kept on hurting me! Why are they doing this to me! I thought they loved me. They kept on piercing my body! My strength begins to fade away. I am so helpless. It poked my tiny eyes and I cannot see anymore. Then they tried to take away my little by cutting them off. How will I be able to see your beautiful world? How will I walk? What have I done to them to let them do this to me? They are taking me away from my mommy! They are killing me. The little thumping sound in my chest begins to slow down, little by little it disappears. It’s hard to breathe. I love you mommy and daddy. Then the little thumping stopped.

A True Winner

He was called “Half-Man Half-Fish” and “The Deep Sea Frog” by his fans in the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics. He awed spectators when he broke world records and won all 8 swimming events in Beijing. All eyes were on him and the contest was between all other swimmers and Michael Phelps.
Michael Fred Phelps was born on June 30 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland. His father, Fred Phelps, works for the Maryland State Police and his mother Debbie Davisson Phelps, is presently a middle school principal. His parents got divorced in 1994. Michael has two other siblings Whitney and Hillary who were also swimmers, unfortunately Whitney got into an accident which derailed her career. Michael graduated from Towson High School in 2003 and attended college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he studies sports marketing and management. In May 2008, the 6”4, 194 lbs swimmer decided to return to Baltimore saying “I am not going to swim for anybody else” and was decided to help the North Baltimore Aquatic club go further.

Phelps as a young teenager started his training at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club under Coach Bob Bowman. His first International competition was at the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. He was only 15 at that time making him the youngest American male swimmer at an Olympic Game. He didn’t win any medal; however he finished fifth in the 200m butterfly. After 5 months thereafter, he was able to break the world record in the 200m butterfly making him the youngest man ever to break a swimming record. Then, he was able to make a name for himself. Because of his fame and outstanding success, some people labeled him as “too good to be true”. But like any other man, Phelps has his own life with his own cross to bear. The only difference is he has too much determination.

In his youth, Phelps was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD which is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder which is typically present during childhood. This is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control and distractibility. This is a chronic condition with no medical cure. However medication and therapy can treat symptoms. For his part he got engaged in swimming to put an outlet for his “extra energy”. He started swimming at the age of seven. He found a passion for swimming and at age 10 he excelled by holding a national record for his age group. In 2004, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty, was fined $250 and was made to speak to high school students about drinking and driving, and to attend A Mothers against Drunk Driving Meeting. Following the incident he realized that he had let himself and his family down.

Michael Phelps, I believe, is one guy everybody should look up to. He is doing an incredible job. Like any other man he believes has his own battle to win. He doesn’t depend on luck to win his battles. He has discipline, determination and teamwork in his system. Despite of all the fame and glory, he remains humble and does what any other 23 year old do; play hip hop music and texts his buddies. He seems too good to be true. “There are moments that I will never forget” he said in an interview. For sure, neither will the whole world.