ALWAYS LEARNING THE HARD WAY... - britney spears

Britney Spears' father testified for nearly 90 minutes Monday about why he felt a long-term restraining order should be issued against three people, including the singer's former manager and an ex-boyfriend.

Jamie Spears was the first witness to testify in the restraining order case, and it did little to establish direct contact between Osama "Sam" Lutfi and his daughter since a conservatorship was established a year ago.

Calling Lutfi a "predator" and repeating an allegation that he ground medication into his daughter's food, Jamie Spears said he thought his daughter's one-time friend and manager was a danger to the family.

But he acknowledged under questioning by Lutfi's lawyer that he was not aware of any conversations between his daughter and Lutfi. And the only evidence of communication between the two was a recent call Britney Spears made to Lutfi.

Lutfi's attorney, Bryan Freedman, said the hearing "couldn't have gone any better."

He said Jamie Spears' testimony did not demonstrate why a restraining order is necessary.

Jamie Spears said he did not know if the pair talked then or since. He said Lutfi had called Spears on other phones and tried to relay a "Merry Christmas" message through the singer's hairdresser and get her to call him.

He said the call from his daughter to Lutfi was found on a prepaid cell phone that his security detail confiscated from the singer last month. The phone listed the phone numbers of Adnan Ghalib, a paparazzo who once dated the singer, and Lutfi.

Jamie Spears testified his daughter told him the phone was given to her at a hotel by someone who said it was from Lutfi and Ghalib. The singer has a cell phone, but her father said he controls her access to it.

Ghalib did not appear during Monday's hearing and was not represented by a lawyer. Jamie Spears repeatedly referred to him as "Adan" during his testimony.

"A restraining order is for severe harassing conduct that causes substantial emotional distress," Freedman said, adding that Spears' testimony "doesn't remotely come close to that."

Jamie Spears' testimony was just one part of the case that he and his lawyers could bring to justify the restraining order.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Aviva K. Bobb allowed him to testify Monday because he will be traveling later in the week, but delayed ruling on the restraining orders until at least Wednesday.

She extended a temporary restraining order against Lutfi, Ghalib and attorney Jon Eardley until Wednesday.

Jamie Spears' attorneys contend the trio attempted to sabotage the conservatorship in recent months and sought to replace Spears' court-appointed attorney, Samuel Ingham.

Eardley's lawyer, Roger Diamond, argued Monday that his client should be dismissed because he had no contact with Spears since early last year. He filed a motion and appeal to remove the conservatorship case to federal court, an effort that was rejected.

Lutfi, Ghalib and Britney Spears did not appear during Monday's hearing.

In his testimony, Jamie Spears said he refused to meet with Lutfi last month. He and Lutfi released a joint statement last summer that indicated they agreed not to extend a temporary restraining order that was issued when the conservatorship was established.

"We asked him to go away," Jamie Spears said Monday. "He agreed to go away. I just want the man to go away."

Harry Potter Sets a Release Date for Deathly Hallows

We finally have an official release date: Warner Bros will release Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I on November 19th 2010. That means there will be exactly two years without a Harry Potter movie. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hits theaters later this year on November 21st.


This came from a combination of me looking for a particular movie poster to use as a source pic for something else and a post by sbeegee where she put speech bubbles on one of the 7th book covers and mentioned that she was going to watch Gone With the Wind. Talk about random, huh?

Sources: Movie posters for Gone With the Wind and An Affair to Remember, the book covers for Deathly Hallows, Equus Daniel (this particular shot of him for the 3rd time), and random Emma pic.

WILL OPRAH WINFREY ADOPT CHARICE PEMPENGCO???

Nobody expected that after Leah Salonga, a young girl would again penetrate the international entertainment scene and make Philippines really proud of her achievements. Nagpapatunay rin sa tagumpay na tinatamasa ngayon ni Charice na kung hindi ka man sinuwerteng maging grand champion sa isang contest ay mayroon pa rin namang mas malaking mga bagay na nakatadhana na mangyari sa iyo.

Sa pictorial ng 2nd album niya under Star Records, ipinahayag ni Charice sa PEP na hanggang ngayon ay di pa rin siya makapaniwala sa mga magagandang nangyayari ngayon sa kanyang career at buhay.

“Nagugulat nga ako, almost one year lang, last year lang ako na-discovered. Nag-start ako kay Ms. Ellen [Degeneres] last 2007, ‘tapos nagbigyan ng break nina Ms. Oprah [Winfrey] and David Foster. Last year, marami talagang nangyari. Sana this year, sa mga nakikita kong balita ngayon sa States, sa mga predictions nila na lagi akong kasama, sana magkatotoo yun. Sana nga, sa tulong ng mga taong nasa likod ko, sana lahat mangyari yun,” ani Charice.

BEING IN TOP THREE. Kamakailan ay kumanta si Charice sa isang party ng Sony Pictures. Kumpirmado na ring kakanta din siya sa after party ng Oscar’s Awards Night at isa rin si Charice sa tatlong newcomers na hinulaan ng Fox News who will make it big this 2009.

“Kumanta ako sa birthday ng isa sa mga director ng Sony Pictures, si Mr. Steve Dish, actually di ko sure yung surname niya. In-invite po niya ako dun. Ang format ng birthday niya ay mula ’50s, yung mga usong kanta nung ’50s at mga usong kanta ngayon. Ako yung in-invite niya to sing his favorite songs.

“Sa Oscar’s naman, magpe-perform ako sa post-party nila. Kasama ko si Mr. David Foster, marinig ko lang ang Oscar’s kinikilabutan na ako. Masaya ako kasi parang nag-i-start na ako na makilala talaga ng mga tao.

“Sa Fox News naman, napanood ko na nag-predict sila ng shining stars this 2009. Natuwa ako kasi kasama ako sa top three, no. 1 is Robert Pattinson of Twilight, no.2 is Kate Winslet, ‘tapos no. 3 ako. Iba yung feeling, ang sarap, so, sana magkatotoo. Tuwang-tuwa ako habang pinapanood ko, ‘Have you heard the name Charice Pempengco of the Philippines ?’ Nakakataba ng puso.”

Despite of Charice’s busy schedule, di pa rin niya kinalilimutan ang kanyang mother studio, ang ABS CBN at Star Records.

“Siyempre naman, kahit two days lang ako dito, umuwi ako dito para sa mga commitments ko sa kanila. Ngayon may pictorial ako for my second album in Star Records, bale 2nd album ko ito sa kanila for Mother’s Day so sana suportahan nila gaya ng una kong album. Magkakaroon din ako ng major concert, so, sana abangan nila.”

OPRAH RUMORS. May bali-balita noon na si Oprah Winfrey daw ang tumatayong manager ni Charice sa States, bagay na agad ay nilinaw sa amin ng batang singer. Binigyang-linaw din niya ang balita na ia-adopt daw siya ng sikat na sikat na TV host.

“Ang manager ko ay yung manager ni Andrea Bocelli. Si Ms. Oprah ang nagmo-monitor ng career ko, siya yung nagsasabi kung ano ang dapat kong gawin, kung ano ang ayaw niya, siya yung nagmo-monitor. Kumbaga siya yung tumutulong, siya yung nagsasabi kay Sir David Foster kung ano ang mga dapat kong gawin sa career ko.”

As for the rumor na ia-adopt na siya ni Oprah…

“Hindi naman totoo ‘yan, natutuwa lang si Ms. Oprah sa akin pero wala naman akong nabalitaan na ganun. Ang alam ko na nagdyo-joke ng ganyan ay si Sir David Foster. May limang daughters siya, niloloko niya na ako raw ang pang-anim. Si Ms. Oprah naman talaga, tumutulong siya sa mga bata kaya minsan naiisip nila na ‘Baka ia-adopt na nito si Charice.’ Kung mangyayari yun, dapat kasama ang mommy pati kapatid ko.”

FRUITS OF HER LABOR. Sa ganda ng tinatakbo ng career ni Charice, nabibili na niya ang mga gusto niya.

“Nakabili na ako ng [Ford] Expedition and sana makabili pa ako ng isang sasakyan. Kabibili ko lang ng isang apartment, isa ibibigay ko sa Lola ko, yung isa sa amin and the rest ipapa-rent ko. Sa Laguna yun sa Cabuyao, feeling ko kasi sinuwerte ako sa Laguna, ayokong talikuran kung saan ako nagmula. Gusto ko ring makabili ng sariling bahay para sa mama ko.”

Nagpahayag din ng pasasalamat si Charice sa mga taong sumusuporta sa kanya lalo na sa mga kababayan nating na nagsasabing proud sila as Filipinos dahil sa achievements ni Charice ngayon.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanilang lahat. Pag napapanood ko ang sarili ko sa YouTube ‘tapos binabasa ko yung mga comments, malimit nababasa ko dun talagang mga Filipino na susuporta raw sila at ‘pag nagka-album daw ako, bibili raw sila ng 10 copies. Nakakatuwa na makatanggap ka ng ganung mga komento galing sa kanila.”

INTERNATIONAL ALBUM. Natutuwa rin si Charice sa nakalinyang international album na gagawin niya.

“Happy yung feeling pero sa project na ito, masasabi ko na isa ito sa pinakamahirap na gagawin ko, kasi bukod sa debut album ko ito, whole world po ito ibebenta. Mamimili na kami ng ng mga songs, pag nakapili na kami, diretso na kami sa recording. Umabot lang po ito ng gold, okey na sa akin, masayang-masaya na ako dun.”

Smartphone from Nokia E71 - I'D KILL FOR THIS!!!! jejejeje....

The latest Smartphone from Nokia E71 is finally out in the US electronic market. Earlier it was available in Chicago only, but now users from anywhere in US can get it.

E71 is a smart phone, so it has all the qualities of a smartphone like a digital camera, a music player, internet accessing device, store house for data and navigation system all together.

The phone is equipped with full QWERTY keyboard, quad-band GSM and dual-band HSDPA connectivity (850 / 1900 MHz for the US version), Wi-Fi, built-in GPS, Nokia Maps, a QVGA TFT display with 16 million colors, full HTML browser, advanced email capabilities, Push to Talk, Office applications, a 3.2 Megapixel camera with auto focus, flash and video recording, Music and Video players, FM radio and Symbian 9.2 S60 3rd Edition.

According to the market reviewer, this phone is going to be the professionals businessmen and youngsters first choice for it’s extra ordinary features, stylish looks and feel. Any user can own this smartphone just by paying $500.

NOVEMBER 2008 - NURSING BOARD EXAMS RESULT - Congratz to our new NURSES!!!

Top 10 Passers (November 2008 Nursing Board Topnotchers)

1) Jovie Ann Alawas Decoyna, Baguio Central University, 89.00%
2) John Patrick Morales Dimarucot , Central Luzon Doctor's Hospital Educational Institute, 88.40%
3) Gian Karlo Timog Cusi, Baguio Central University 88%;
Erycar Del Mundo Manaois-Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 88%
4) Florina Conde Corpuz, Saint Dominic Savio College 87.60%;
Angelica Aubrey Pantig Morla, Far Eastern University Manila 87.60%;
Jamie Anne Tolentino Tinio, Angeles University Foundation 87.60%
5) Roberto Madrona Asuncion, Arellano University, Pasay City, 87.40;
Irisa Kriya Turaja Biag, San Pedro College, Davao City, 87.40;
Miguela Macuto Gabisan, Cebu Normal University, 87.40%;
Edita Te Lim-Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc, 87.40%;
Rosario Lei Mosqueda Pasimio, Xavier University, 87.40%;
Elaine Grace Esperancilla Praile Saint Paul University, Iloilo 87.40%;
Catherine Duran Reyes, Our Lady of Fatima College QC, 87.40%
6) Geronimo Carillo Burce Jr., Mabini College, 87.20%;
Joanna Mae Francisco Evangelista, San Beda College, 87.20%;
Christopher Alvarez Irorita, San Pedro College, Davao City, 87.20%,
Paul Delfin Reyes Jamero, Father Saturnino Urios University (Urios College), 87.20%;
Hazel Joy Amarillo Jimenez, University of Batangas, 87.20%;
Ma. Concepcion Ashley Delizo Mapagu, Saint Louis University, 87.20%;
Maria Cecilia Castillo Navata, Canossa College, 87.20%;
Francis Ian Sabanal Pascual, Universidad de Zamboanga (ZAEC), 87.20%;
George Garcia Vega Jr., University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao, 87.20%
7)Katrina Andrea Pagdanganan Arceo, Nueva Ecija College, 87.00%;
Rose Jean Dumaboc Capidlac, Silliman University, 87.00;
Carla Mae Tenorio Cuisia, Silliman University, 87.00;
Mary Ann Alvarez Garing, Lyceum of Batangas, 87.00;
Ma. Joya Jimenea Genzola, Colegio de San Agustin, Bacolod City, 87.00%;
Rose Anne Miranda Mungcal, Angeles University Foundation, 87.00%;
Pretzel Estremos Vicencio, (Butuan Doctors College (Butuan Dr. HSP. Sch. of Nursing), 87.00%;
Faye Stephanie Yao Yu, Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation, 87.00%
8) Lylani Mutya Balote, University of Makati, 86.80;
Jamaicca Rabulan Banting, Davao Doctors College, Inc., 86.80%;
Garey Jay Avelino Delfin, Iloilo Doctors? College, 86.80%;
Josephine Celoso Elvas, 86.80%;
Vanito Diocson Ilanga Jr., Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution, 86.80%;
Maria Edna Charise Godoy Java, Misamis University, Ozamiz City, 86.80%;
Hannah Lee Alde Padilla, University of San Agustin, 86.80%;
Bryan Morella Peralta, Univesity of Makati, 86.80%;
Robinson Uy Kaw Sing, Iloilo Doctors? College, 86.80%
9) Maria Jurem Quilar Alcarde, Central Philippine University, 86.60%;
Ruel Bobadilla Arzadon, Saint Louis University, 86.60%;
Karina Genciane Banayat, Our Lady of Fatima College, Quezon City, 86.60%;
Ryan Daniel Rivera Dablo, University of San Carlos, 86.60%;
Matthew Wayne Real Chang, Silliman University, 86.60%;
Fritzie Quiatzon Dela Raga, Fellowhip Baptist College, 86.60%;
Hiromi Balaguer Fernandez, Saint Paul University, Iloilo, 86.60%;
Josephine Franz Pagulayan Gammad, Saint Paul University, Tuguegarao, 86.60%;
Paul Fabian Robosa Gumabao, Arellano University, Manila, 86.60%;
Maila Carl Majam Morantte, Colegio De Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation Inc., 86.60%;
Michael Dorothy Frances Gaer Montojo, Ateneo de Davao University, 86.60%;
Cindy Mae Alvarez Na񯺬 Ateneo de Zamboanga, 86.60%;
Glenda Mae Macapal Oma񡬠Riverside College, 86.60%;
Rhea Jhoy Padinay Pantaleon, Saint Louis University, 86.60%;
Rolly Mendoza Policarpio, Angeles University Foundation, 86.60%;
Arlette Castillo Quinan, University of St. Louis, Tuguegarao, 86.60%;
Crystal Mae Abejuela Sabela, Xavier University, 86.60%;
Katrina Isabel Hugo Santos, Philippine Women?s University, Quezon City, 86.60%;
Shiella Marie Gamboa Simplina, Saint Louis University, 86.60%
10) James Altura Baguio, Saint Mary?s University, 86.40%;
Miljoyce Daligdig Cabat, Lyceum Northwestern, 86.40%;
Sarah Mae Clemente Capulong, Angeles University Foundation, 86.40%;
Johcy Angeleme Fausto De La Fuente, Central Philippine University, 86.40;
Renante Lazarte Dig-Aoan, Baguio Central University, 86.40%;
Jake Desor Diputado, Silliman University, 86.40%;
Marjory Boquia Emperio, Misamis University , Ozamiz City, 86.40%,
Marissa Raposas Ferrer, Lyceum Northwestern, 86.40%;
Erika Bautista Galang, Central Luzon Doctor?s Hospital Educational Institute, 86.40%;
Francis Gerwin Uy Jalipa, San Pedro College, Davao City, 86.40%;
Angela Gilda Baltazar Mencias, Unciano Colleges & General Hospital, Manila, 86.40%;
Carina Yabut Pacete, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela, 86.40%;
Joy Jenelynn Chua Tan, University of Sto. Tomas, 86.40%;
Francis Dollente Villanueva, Saint Paul University, Tuguegarao, 86.40%

coNGRAtzzzzz!!!!! ( <--- see the entire result here!!!)

TODAY IS FEB 20, MY BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY!!!

KUYA TATA, It is what I fondly call him but it's different when he's not around, I call him LAGUM. Lagum is a visayan word which basically entails anything that is black,dark or the likes of it.

During our childhood days we don't get along that often. Most usually, I get more of his knuckles... and the rest is a "tom and jerry like" running and banging around the house. But those where our childhood days, today he's stii the black lagum I used to know but a better version though. No more running, no more teasing around.... only REDHORSE REDHORSE REDHORSE... jejeje

HAPPY BIRTHDAY bro!

CHARICE PEMPENGCO - a small girl making a big leap!

Charice Pempengco was relatively unknown outside of the Philippines before FalseVoice of YouTube started posting her videos on his channel which then earned her an invitation to record some songs in Sweden in June 2007 and eventually a guest appearance on a talent show in Korea called “Star King” in October of the same year. Since then, a lot of YouTubers uploaded her performance on that show. In late November Ellen DeGeneres saw the clip and featured it on her show and then personally called Charice to invite her to perform on her show.

Charice's immigration attorney, Michael Gurfinkel, and her United States Attorney, Ed Shapiro, from Grubman, Indursky and Shire, as well as many others had to work very hard to acquire her visa on such short notice, but they made it happen and Charice appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and for the first time on American Television on 12/19/07.

Charice appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Monday - May 12, 2008. The episode was entitled "World's Smartest Kids" and featured 10 gifted children in their specific field. Charice was the only guest who sang. Charice sang Whitney Houston's - "I Have Nothing".

She dazzled the audience, and Oprah as well with her jaw dropping powerful voice! After the performance Charice was honored with yet another prolonged standing ovation from the audience, as Oprah looked in almost disbelief of Charice's incredible performance. Oprah embraced Charice with hugs and showered her with compliments, at the same time Charice was a bit overwhelmed and got a little teary eyed.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND: Huge gamma-ray blast spotted 12.2 bln light-years from earth

The US space agency's Fermi telescope has detected a massive explosion in space which scientists say is the biggest gamma-ray burst ever detected, a report published Thursday in Science Express said.

The spectacular blast, which occurred in September in the Carina constellation, produced energies ranging from 3,000 to more than five billion times that of visible light, astrophysicists said.

"Visible light has an energy range of between two and three electron volts and these were in the millions to billions of electron volts," astrophysicist Frank Reddy of US space agency NASA told AFP.

"If you think about it in terms of energy, X-rays are more energetic because they penetrate matter. These things don't stop for anything -- they just bore through and that's why we can see them from enormous distances," Reddy said.

A team led by Jochen Greiner of Germany's Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics determined that the huge gamma-ray burst occurred 12.2 billion light years away.

SNEAK PIX on the OSCARS...

a sneak on the OSCARs.....

"Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew" - newest hit in the US!

American Idol judge Randy Jackson is searching to find the most talented hip hop dance crew in America.



The television personality's new MTV reality show will be entitled "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew" is a live weekly competition that will center on finding the top hip hop dance crews from around the country, who will audition for their "one shot" to come to Los Angeles to compete for dance supremacy, a cash prize and touring contract.



Each dance crew will consist of five to seven members.



Live auditions, will begin December 4, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.



Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew is scheduled to air in January 2008 on the MTV Network.

RETROGRESSION - July visa bulletin update!

The Department of State was forced to retract the first announcement due to the unprecedented use of about 60,000 employment visa numbers even before the update took effect. The visa limit for the fiscal year 2007 has been made available for the employment based category, and will open again in October for the fiscal year 2008.

Since the visa numbers were allocated and made available in July for the fiscal year 2007, it is advised that anyone who is scheduled for a consular interview this month should go. It was confirmed that those who got an appointment interviews for this month will have their visas available for them.

It is still not very clear as to whether the USCIS will return the previously filed applications in response to the July Visa Bulletin posted in June. However, there is a big chance that once the application is received within the first week of July that it will not be returned. Despite the Department of State’s announcement of the July Visa Bulletin Revision, the posted update for July made in June remained unchanged. The DOS only wants to inform the public that however the visa priority dates are current and available, that they can no longer authorize further applications made after July 2nd. This is hopefully a step in resolving the retrogression starting the fiscal year 2008.

Apple iMac Bondi' - a gadget to die for !!!!!

The original Apple iMac - Bondi (Rev. A & B), based on the Columbus architecture, features a 233 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, 512k backside level 2 cache, 32 MB of RAM, a 4.0 GB EIDE hard drive, and either ATI Rage IIc graphics with 2 MB of VRAM or ATI Rage Pro Turbo graphics with 6 MB of VRAM packed in a "bondi blue and ice" colored, "retro futuristic" all-in-one case design with a 15-inch "crystal clear" CRT display.


Apple promoted the iMac as a revolutionary new Mac for the Internet age, hence the "i" prefix, and it was unique not only for its look, but also for being the first Mac to include USB ports -- a then new standard from the Wintel world with support for up-to 127 devices -- replacing SCSI, ADB, and Mac serial ports. It also was unique as it was the first Mac to lack a floppy drive.

The "revision A" iMac (M6709LL/A) and "revision B" iMac (M6709LL/B) are identical with the exception of graphics systems. The "revision A" model -- introduced May 6, 1998 and shipped August 15, 1998 -- has ATI Rage IIc graphics with 2 MB of VRAM and the "revision B" model -- introduced October 26, 1998 -- has ATI Rage Pro Turbo graphics with 6 MB of VRAM.

NICOLAS CAGE is K N O W I N G

Nicolas Cage starring in the upcoming Alex Proyas thriller Knowing. He plays a man who finds a time capsule buried in the ground by children who have correctly predicted the future and more specifically a tragedy that just happened. With more terrifying events outlined in the capsule he sets out to solve the riddles before more lives are lost. The movie is currently shooting in Australia. No word on a release date.

Alex Proyas directed I,Robot and Dark City and is by far one of my favorite directors. I have high hopes that Knowing will deliver some fun thrill rides!

"I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE" - danny gokey

Danny Gokey sang “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” for his audition on American Idol 8.

Danny Gokey’s wife passed away 4 weeks before the audition. I generally hate it when Idol uses a death in the family to promote its contestants, but the producers handled this better than the last time in my opinion.

Do we have Danny Gokey fans now?

"AMERICAN IDOL" AND HIS NEW H E R O

Danny Gokey was proclaimed the "Hero" of "American Idol." Three of the show's four judges heaped praise on the 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee on Tuesday, following his rendition of the Mariah Carey tune "Hero" at the end of the Fox singing competition's first performance show of season eight.


"You are the hero, man," said Kara DioGuardi. "You give us all hope. You were great."

Gokey was the last to perform in a group of 12 singers out of the top 36 semifinalists. The judges directed their harshest criticism at Stephen Fowler, Casey Carlson and Stevie Wright, who Simon Cowell said had "zero" chance of advancing to the next round. The top three vote-getters will be revealed during Wednesday's live episode.

Shaffer Chimere Smith a.k.a. ; Ne - yo

Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979), better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, and occasional rapper. Since his debut, Ne-Yo has five top ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist and two number-one albums on the Billboard 200. Ne-Yo has also amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists.

Ne-Yo broke into the recording industry as a songwriter, penning the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam label head to signing a recording contract. He released in 2006 his debut album, In My Own Words, which contained the US number-one hit "So Sick".

Ne-Yo was born on October 18, 1979 in Arkansas hometown of Camden, and baptized by the name Shaffer Chimere Smith.[1] His father is African American and his mother is of mixed African American and Chinese American descent,[2] both were musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother alone after she separated from his father.[3] In hopes of better opportunity, his mother relocated the family to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ne-Yo emerged into the recording industry as member of the Las Vegas-based quartet Envy.[4] After the group disbanded in 2000, Ne-Yo was signed to Columbia Records, but, after recording his first album, was dropped from the label before he could even release it.[5] American singer Marques Houston happened to hear one of Ne-Yo's tracks, "That Girl", which was supposed to be the latter's debut single off his then-unreleased album. Houston rerecorded "That Girl" and released it as a single to his 2003 album MH.[4] The release of the song led to Ne-Yo being recognized as a songwriter that has led to his decision to continue writing songs for other artists.[4]

For the next two years, in his teenage years, Ne-Yo continued writing songs, some of which have not been officially released.[4] He contributed songs to American singer Teedra Moses's 2004 album Complex Simplicity, Christina Milian's It's About Time, and the American boy band Youngstown,[6] but all of which failed to give Ne-Yo much attention from the mainstream.[4] Ne-Yo has also contributed songs to American singer Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans and Musiq, among others.[7]

Ne-Yo broke into the industry after "Let Me Love You", a song he wrote for American singer Mario, reached number-one on the Billboard Hot 100, and later stayed on the top spot for nine weeks, becoming one of the most-played songs in the United States.[8][6] After the successful release, Tina Davis, former A&R representative for Def Jam Recordings, arranged an informal meeting with label head L.A. Reid.[4] Originally, Ne-Yo was not seeking a new contract, but, after he had performed to them, he was signed by American hip hop artist Jay-Z, then-CEO of Def Jam.[

Dream Match: Pernell Whitaker Vs Manny Pacquiao

With all the talk recently of a possible Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather, JR., fight I started thinking of another possible great matchup: One between Pacquiao and another defensive wizard, Pernell Whitaker.

From the mid 80's to the early 90's Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker was one of the best fighters in the game. There was even a time when most described him as the pound for pound king. He is considered by many as one of the all time greats and his defensive skills are praised by all.

He is the best defensive fighter I ever had the pleasure of watching. His upper body movement was brilliant, only surpassed perhaps by his great footwork. Many have tried to compare Floyd Mayweather JR.'s defensive skills to Whitaker's but Whitaker's was better. Not to say Mayweather, JR., isn't a brilliant defensive fighter himself, because he certainly is, but it just shows how great Whitaker was in his prime.

Whether it was at 135 pounds, 140 pounds, or even at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds, Whitaker routinely made fighters look silly as the swung at something that wasn't there. Some of my earliest memories of boxing are of watching Whitaker put on these displays of defensive wizardry.

Whitaker started his pro career at 135 pounds after already winning an Olympic Gold Medal to cap off a stellar amateur career. He quickly rose up the ranks picking up titles along the way. His first loss came at the hands of Jose Luis Ramirez in a split decision that was highly debatable.

Unfazed he went on to beat his next 17 opponents which included wins over Azumah Nelson, Buddy McGirt and a rematch win over Ramirez. Also along the way he collected WBC, WBA, and IBF Lightweight Titles, IBF Light Welterweight Title, WBC Welterweight Title and later added the WBA Light Middleweight Title.

Whitaker took on many big name opponents as well but in two of his biggest fights he ended walking away without a win. Against Julio Cesar Chavez, Whitaker walked away with a draw. Many people believe he was robbed in that fight as he out-boxed Chavez most of the fight. Then a few years later against Oscar De La Hoya, he had Oscar throwing punches at air for most of the night but in a close fight it seemed the judges went with the aggression of Oscar over the defense of Whitaker as he dropped a unanimous decision.

Still many, including myself, believe he won both of those fights and there is no denying that in his prime there were few who could beat Sweet Pea.

So what would a possible matchup between Pacquiao and Whitaker look like? Well first of all what weight would they fight at? Well neither were really big guys as their height was about equal. Pernell was a bit lengthier and his frame was a little bigger as well.

Whitaker split his career fighting mainly at 135 pounds and 147 pounds with a few fights at 154 pounds and 140 pounds. Manny on the other hand started his career at 106 pounds but has moved all the way up to fighting at welterweight in his last fight. His next fight will be at 140 pounds against Ricky Hatton and I think this weight would be where both fighters were at their optimal condition so let’s say the fight takes place at 140 pounds.

Of course we want to see who would win if they were to meet in their primes. So let’s take Whitaker from the early 90's as I think that is when he was at his peak. As for Manny, I think we would have to take the Manny of the present as he seems to be much more polished this point of his career and has clearly been better after each fight he's had.

So with all the factors set who would win this fight? It is a battle of two of my favorite fighters of all time and it would be a “can't miss” type of event.

Each fighter brings so much to the table. First of all let’s look at a couple of key elements to the fight:

Speed

Each fighter has speed to spare. Manny's speed is the key his offense, often darting in landing multiple punches then darting back out before his opponent has time to react. Right off the bat I was ready to give the advantage to Manny here but after reviewing some tapes of Whitaker it makes it much harder of a decision. Whitaker had great hand speed as well. He didn't throw punches as much as Manny but when he did those punches were quick. Still I think Manny has a slight advantage here.

Power

Again at first I was going to clearly give the advantage to Manny here but then I started to think that well this is at 140 pounds not 130 or 126 where Manny was dropping guys at will. In his last couple of fights Manny has won by KO but they weren't the one punch devastation type punches he had at lighter weights. They were KO's based on the cumulative damage of all his punches. Still Whitaker was never a one punch type guy himself and his KO percentage shows that he won his fights by simply out boxing his opponents. This is another category that I will give a slight edge to Manny.

Defense

Do we even need to go over this one? OK, Manny has improved tremendously under the tutelage of Freddie Roach. He went from a guy whose motto was, “The best defense is a good offense” to a fighter who is now a well rounded fighter. But as I said earlier, Whitaker was one of the best defensive fighters of all time. His footwork was so great there he often had his opposition stumbling over themeselves to get to him. This one's easy, Pernell by far.

Endurance

This never seemed to be a problem with either fighter. Whitaker simply based on the way he fights was always ready to go 12 rounds. And of course Manny's stamina is legendary as he seems as fresh in the later rounds as he does in the first. One thing that could be a factor here though is that if Manny is able to make Whitaker fight every minute of every round could Whitaker handle the constant pressure or would he start to dwindle in the later rounds? This is another one I might give a very slight advantage to Manny.

While those are just a few categories I think it gives us a basis of how the fight might play out.

In the early rounds I could see the two feeling each other out with the jab of Pernell giving him the early advantage. Manny would have his moments where he would get in and possible land some punches while at the same time finding himself swinging at air.

As the fight went on and Manny got more comfortable it would start to turn into the fight we all expected, Manny chasing down Whitaker as he moved around the ring stopping here and there to fire a few quick shots. These middle rounds is where Freddie Roach would be telling Manny to let the body punches fly to try and slow down Whitaker in the later rounds.

Going into those later rounds it would be a very close fight with both men having their moments. Down the stretch, those body punches would have slowed down Whitaker some but he would have also have figured out Manny's strategy as well.

In the end it goes to a decision. It would be one of those fights that you know could go either way and just like his fights with Ramirez, De La Hoya and Chavez, Whitaker ends up with a very debatable decision however this time it would be in his favor. Split decision win for Whitaker in an instant classic.

Manny's speed, power and endurance would be better but the overall skill of Whitaker and his defense would prove to be just too much for Pacquiao. And really would that be so bad? Losing to an all time great like Whitaker? I'm sure Manny would come out the other side an even better fighter for it.

Well, I guess we will never really know what might have actually happened in that fight. But if fate is kind to us we still might get a chance to see Manny versus another great defensive fighter, Floyd Mayweather, JR., later this year.

LYCANS - mystical creatures from "THE UNDERWORLD."

Lycans are creatures simialr to werebeasts, with one expection..they have only 2 forms and
neither of them are human. Lycans appear to be normal everyday run of the mill animals
(including common house pets), but when they are angered they shape change into rather large
and very dangerous beasts forms of their normal selves. Lycans are fairly intelligent, less
than a human but damn smart for an animal. They can quickly learn to understand a language,
as well as communicate their wants and needs to someone they have been around long, and who's
intelligent enough to pick it up. Lycans are mostly harmless, atleast they look that way, in
their natural form and even behave exactly their other normal counterparts; but it's when
they are pissed off that their true nature is revealed that opinions of the animal will
rapidlly change. Lycans are still so similar to their normal kin that they become attached
and loyal to many people, if those people take care of and feed it and show it proper
affection, like a normal pet. Of course, once a Lycan's true nature is discovered...it will
no longer be a normal pet, instead it will be one helluva pet.
The histroy of the Lycan isn't really known, but certain very high level magic-users that can
create life have been known to more than one of these creatures around their dwelling,
guarding it most likely.
There are 2 common types of Lycans; dogs and cats (domestic/house). Although there are other
types of Lycans, they are far far less common than the simple dog and cat variety, some of
these other Lycans include monkeys, lizards, birds, 'toy dragons', and rarest of the
rare...the BIG cats. There is also a super rare sub-type of Lycans, commonly called the
Battlycans. The Battlycans get their from the fact that they are perfect riding mounts, and
don't seem to mind it, though some are non-mountable. Of all the types, only large toy
dragons, large lizards, large dogs, large monkeys, and the big cats can ever be Battlycans.
Some Lycans ARE feral, and such do roam in wild packs. If there is a Battlycan in the group,
it will be the Alphalycan (if it's an adult). Wolf Lycan packs are known to be in the
Americas (plus monkeys and cats in south america).
Breeding: If 2 lycans breed, the litter will be all lycan. If a Battlycan breeds with
another, each baby has a 10% chance of being a Battlycan, but they will all be Lycans. If a
Lycan breeds with a normal animal (of it's same species) each baby has a 50% chance of being
a Lycan, if one is Lycan it has a 1% chance of being a Battlycan. If a Battlycan breeds with
a normal animal, each baby has a 75% chance of being a Lycan, and each Lycan baby has a 5%
chance of being a Battlycan.

Is Obama the Most Famous Living Person Ever?

Barack Obama is the most famous living person in the history of the world.

I’m not trying to induce an acid flashback to John Lennon’s infamous 1966 comment, “The Beatles are more popular than Jesus.” But whether you measure fame in terms of saturation or sheer numbers, it seems indisputable to me that more people know at least something about the new American president than anyone alive, at this point—or any—in the planet’s existence.

Who else could it be? One friend suggest Muhammad Ali, another Princess Diana, and a third said Bill Clinton. Surely all are global brands with enormous reach and broad appeal. But all fall short of the man-meets-the-moment frenzy unleashed by Obama.

To be sure, the digital revolution has made this feat of fame possible. Not only has it helped the son of an erstwhile Kenyan goatherd to become president, it has allowed a current Kenyan goatherd to follow the former’s journey. And he is not alone. Exponential growth in access to the Internet, satellite television and radio, cell phones, and P.D.A.’s means that breaking news now reaches virtually every corner of the globe. At the same time, population continues to grow; there are now some 6.7 billion men, women, and children on earth, an historic high.

But technology and biology don’t totally explain the Obama phenomenon. There’s no denying that the world has been utterly captivated by the new American president with the international pedigree. His black African father, white American mother, Muslim middle name, and childhood spent partially in Asia make him more than the 21st-century embodiment of the classic American melting pot; his story makes him accessible to people the world over who might see in his life a few scenes from their own.

That someone like Obama could be elected president of the United States—with its unrivaled power and prestige—has begun to restore the country’s and the world’s faith in America as the land of opportunity. Gone is the hunkered-down defensiveness of the past eight years, the lock-the-doors, draw-the-curtains, load-the-guns-to-keep-out-the-bad-guys mentality that turned so much of the world against us. In its place is the restoration of that classic American optimism, eyes lifted to the horizon, reaching out across continents and oceans, not in fear, but with faith that we can help build a better world. It was no accident that President Obama’s first televison interview from the White House went not to an American network but to an Arab one.

As Obama himself has acknowledged again and again, he begins his first term at a moment of profound crisis. The road ahead with be difficult, as gauzy goals give way to difficult decisions, and people from Chicago to Cairo, to Nairobi, find reasons to be disappointed. But at least for the moment, Obama has made America cool again—and more than that, he’s made his own brand arguably the most powerful the world has ever known.

What's the strongest NBA team this season?

At last! It's a new NBA season!

A lot of transactions happened off season. so it's a different ballgame this year.

So who do you think is in the head of the pack?

My pick.. L.A. Lakers!

ROBOTICS IN SURGERY

Surgery now uses robotic and image processing systems in order to interactively assist the medical team, both in planning the surgical intervention, and in its execution. The objective of this new technique is to enhance the quality of surgical procedures by minimizing their side effects (smaller incisions, lesser trauma, more precision,...), thus increasing patient benefit while decreasing the surgical cost. These techniques are being successfully introduced in several areas of surgery: neurosurgery, orthopaedics, micro-surgery, cardiovascular and general surgery etc.

Three main steps can be pointed out in a general robotic surgery intervention: data acquisition and subsequent planning, intra operative assistance, and post-operative patient control. In the pre-operative phase, a patient dependent model of the rigid (eg bones), and de-formable (eg the heart) anatomical entities involved in the surgical act have to be built. For this, several medical imagery techniques (MRI, Scanner, Ultrasonics, etc.) are used, where the anatomical structures are detected, located and modelled. In the same time, the mechanical model of the robotic system is fused in an overall geometric model. This will be used to describe and simulate the different potential problems that may occur during the intervention.



The results obtained in the planning phase are then calibrated and put in correspondence with patient in intra-operative situation. As a consequence, the robotic system is able to provide interactive assistance/guidance, and to constrain the movements of the surgeon in order to perform, with the desired precision, the possibly pre-defined procedure (eg neuro-surgical biopsy). In some cases, the robot may have an autonomous behaviour in order to realize a dedicated and fixed part of the procedure (eg thighbone drilling for artificial hip installation).

As for tele-operated robots, the surgeon through a master console benefits from an enhanced (sometimes 3D) vision of the organs. In addition, augmented reality would allow the overlay, in real-time, of the pre-operative data of the patient during the intervention. The surgeon movements may be reduced to increase precision, and smoothed to avoid hand tremor by virtue of a decoupled master/slave unit.

Could There Really Be A Batman vs Superman?

Picture this: Batman and Superman get lost in the mountains while fighting some villain and, in the process, wind up falling in love with one another. Upon realizing that superheroes are not allowed to be gay, they become bitter little men and fight to the death. Okay, so maybe that's not going to happen, however a Batman vs Superman script has been written and director Wolfgang Petersen is now saying he may be into making it. Like, totally!

Awhile back, a script was written by Andrew Kevin Walker (Se7en) and Petersen was attached to direct. But, before the studio could go all Alien vs Predator on our beloved caped crusaders of steel, the decision was made to shelf the project and take a chance with some new solo films instead. Well, now that Batman Begins totally rocked and Superman Returns is kind of looking like it's going to (crosses fingers) kick ass, inquiring minds want to know if Petersen is still interested in pissing the entire universe off by pitting these two against each other in one film.

IESB recently asked Petersen that very question and, while he admits the project has been collecting dust for some time now, he says that he might just do it...but not now. And about that script, well, it sounds pretty cool. The story is said to focus on an older, semi-retired Bruce Wayne who's trying to move on with his life after losing Robin five years earlier. Just as he's about to get married, the Joker pops back up and kills the woman he loves. This causes Batman to go all nutty and seek revenge, but when Superman questions the caped crusader's motives, the two clash - to the delight of Lex Luthor, who planned the entire thing. Eh, I think they should stay solo. You?

CAPOEIRA... showing the new moves'

Capoeira (IPA: [ka.pu.ˈej.ɾɐ]) is an Afro-Brazilian art form that makes a ritual of movements from martial arts, games, and dance. It was brought to Brazil from Angola some time after the 16th century in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro. Participants form a roda or circle and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow-strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws. Its origins and purpose are a matter of debate, with the spectrum of argument ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance with improvised fighting movements to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African techniques.

TOM CRUISE stars anew... - VALKYRIE

Since it's based on a true event, unless you have your head buried in the sand, you'll know the outcome, or at least the end result, of Operation Valkyrie, an ambitious plan put into the hands of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) together with his entourage of high ranking officers and political officials in a coup-de-tat to bring down the Fuhrer, disrupt his chain of command, and assume control of Berlin, thanks to quite a contingency strategy that Hitler had. If it had been successful, history would turn out rather different, but we are where we are now. So what makes it still a compelling story to sit through?

The pace at which Bryan Singer puts this film through that's what, at breakneck speed rarely slowing down to take a breather. And that's quite the winning formula actually, keeping things tight and moving with clockwork military precision. For those who may want to take this as a loose reference for research into unsuccessful attempts at Adolf Hitler's life (this one being the last before the Allies came knocking), it compacted in two hours the entire recruitment to execution stage, where treason is the order of the day, not knowing who to trust, and to what degree.

As explained, with any military operation, nothing goes according to plan. Recruiting is a dangerous exercise, because in a regime where everyone swears an oath of loyalty to one person, it perhaps provided the magical formula on defining loyalties, which is strangely curious yet effective. Decisions on who to believe and who to side, especially when facts become muddled and with the lack of information, it left many wondering and questioning their personal beliefs, whether to stick to the status quo, or jump on the bandwagon in the hopes of effecting change, while putting your neck on the chopping block.

Providence too played a huge role in the film, with changing of key locations and the ease with which certain key elements of the plan get arranged and completed. However, any plans which involve large underground group members each having their own say, or if pass the point of no return they waiver and are not resolute in seeing things through, it puts everything up for grabs. Improvisation without hesitation in execution, especially without thorough, objective and robust planning devoid of emotion, becomes an Achilles heel, with wanting to strike fast an overbearing condition in the plan proving to add complexity for everyone. As with the adage of too many cooks spoiling the broth, plans that rely on inch perfect precision execution, given too many variables on the table, are formulas for disaster.

And what's this about the accent you say? Kate Winslet did a German-accented character to perfection in The Reader, and hence the awards she garnered for that. Bryan Singer may have opted for the cast to not need to put on a fake front (given after all quite a method employed to transition from German to common English), and I felt that given the strong performances all round, it was whether to invest the time to instill that kind of discipline to speak with an accent, which may result in only marginal incremental in authenticity, or choose to forgo it since it's not going to drastically affect the narrative. So accent or not, it's a small issue really.

The cast is a mouth watering one, which could also account for the appeal I suppose. Tom Cruise leads the ensemble cast, even if I found his physical defect of the lack of a hand and missing fingers somewhat distracting, because I always tend to stare at it, in wicked anticipation that the sleeve was cut too short, or if the CG guys left a tell-tale mark. And as mentioned, the cast is nothing but spectacular on paper - Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp (who seems to be in almost every supporting role these days), Eddie Izzard, Jamie Parker who played excellently the loyal Lieutenant under Cruise's von Stauffenberg, and with what I deem as cameos by Kenneth Branagh, as well as the grossly underused Carice van Houten who was also in another WWII-set film in Paul Verhoeven's Black Book.

I suppose fans of Downfall would probably be interested to take a look at a key even that took place within Hitler's chain of command, that likely had sowed additional seeds of suspicion to the dictator leading to the final days of WWII. Save for the initial one-sided battle at the African front in the first few minutes of the film, the rest became a battle of the minds and resolve of its participants in a fierce power struggle. Definitely recommended for WWII buffs.

"The Blood War Begins in “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”

A centuries-long blood feud erupts between two powerful and immortal tribes in Columbia Pictures’ new fantasy thriller “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.” The third film in the epic “Underworld” saga goes back in time to depict the origins of the conflict between the aristocratic Vampires, known as Death Dealers, and the barbaric Lycans, a line of fierce werewolves. With more eye-popping CGI and astounding creature effects than either of its predecessors, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” reveals some of the hit franchise’s most compelling secrets.

Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Kevin Grevioux and Steven Mackintosh reprise their roles as Vampire overlords and Lycan rebels, with Rhona Mitra joining the cast as the impetuous Vampire warrior, Sonja.

More than a thousand years before the events of the original “Underworld,” two races of preternatural beings came into being, each springing from the bloodlines of a different son of the original Immortal, Alexander Corvinus. Vampires, arising from the Markus line, became elegant, aristocratic, cunning blood drinkers. Werewolves, from the William line, became savage beasts, with no trace of humanity left - and an insatiable appetite for violence. The Vampires came to dominate the local region – the wild lands in what is now western Hungary - with their superior intelligence, strength, and political skill. But even they feared the werewolves, who, though incapable of organization and higher thought, were capable of immense strength and savagery.

And then another genetic fluke transformed the balance of power again: a female werewolf, captive in the Vampire stronghold, gave birth to a seemingly human child. This was Lucian (Sheen) – the first Lycan, born into slavery in the house of Viktor (Nighy), the supremely powerful Vampire leader. Unlike “William’s Kind”, the original werewolves, this Lycan was able to take the form of either man or beast at will. Lucian’s bloodline was used by Viktor to create an entirely new breed of slaves, abused by the Vampires as laborers and guards during the vulnerable daylight hours, and prevented from transforming by the silver-spiked moonshackles kept locked around their necks.

Viktor reigns over his slaves, his court and his domains with an iron hand. He loves only two things: power, and his beautiful but willful daughter Sonja (Mitra).

Each night, Sonja rides with the Death Dealers, an elite squad of Vampire soldiers that protect Viktor’s domain against the marauding werewolves. But unknown to her father or any of her peers, Sonja has fallen in love with Lucian, now a skilled blacksmith and weapons-maker in the Vampire castle. Their affair must be conducted in the utmost secret, since if discovered, it would mean certain death for both of them.

Incredible battle scenes, astonishing stunts and cutting-edge creature effects make “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” an epic adventure that stands proudly on its own.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

THE AFTERMATH (ug sa dihang nahuman mi ug pagpaka ulaw!!!!)

These are just 2 of the pix which were taken after we had a sing and dance presentation at the 2nd anniversary of the MINDANAO HEART CENTER. Karen,Karissa and me sang 3 upbeat songs with dancers(paul,yam,melody,divine,el el of ccu*,a new found friend, annie batungbakel,jepoy and 3 of my new trainees in the unit' i forgot their names!!!!!) behind us.

This has got be one wackow day of my life, and thinking it was done in the mid day of the valentines day!wooaah! Thank GOD annie brought 1 bottle of tequila, strong enough to make me numb before the presentation! Not to mention that all consultants are there to see us do all the crazy things that we have to do. All in the name of mindanao heart center.

Anyways, everything's over now, and strangely they seem to like it. They should I think, as it took me a great deal of courage to sing and dance in front of them all. Yeah, today is really one hell of a day.

Till then, mwuaah!

How to be a happy Nurse

Nurses will learn to do their job happily and competently under less stress.

The competency / happiness will lead to improved patient care and safety, advancement in career, prevent illness caused by stress, increase enrollment in Nursing programs and subsequently staffing, preveny early exit of Nurses to other Professions


Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
You will avoid being unhappy and increase your competency if you understand the Psychology of working with the Patient, Doctor and other Specialties
Step2
Accept that the Nurse is the Link from the patient to all other providers
Step3
Get to work 15 minutes earlier, read the notes of all specialties since you left or as far back as you can be familiar with the Patient's condition.
Step4
Check your patient before the shift who gave you report leaves ; make walking round with the outgoing Nurse
Step5
Check lab results and other result pertaining to Patients diagnosis e.g Blood sugar, drainage amount, EKg, Monitor strips and act immediately for any abnormals
Step6
Visit with friends and family on your days off, eat right, exercise, do something relaxing, join a social group.

Tips & Warnings

* Double check medications as taught in school, follow the 5Rs, right patient, right medication, right time, right route, right dose
* Always use the resources you have to avoid the Doctor getting angry with you, discuss with a more experience nurse to guide you about what the Doctor may ask you, e.g, lab values/results, medication list, vital signs.
* Always carry a notebook with you when on duty, to make notes when chart is not available
* Never take it personal or cry when a Doctor yells at you.
* Never give a medication or injection prepared by another Nurse
* Never sign for a medication given by another Nurse.
* Write only what happens on your shift, not what anyone told you happened

WHAT VALENTINES DAY IS ALL ABOUT... eiiwwww...

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
A picture of Cupid.


Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.


Celebrating a quiet Valentine's Day at home? History.com brings you 15 of the best romances of all time.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at the sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.

The boys then sliced the goat's hide into strips, dipped them in the sacrificial blood and took to the streets, gently slapping both women and fields of crops with the goathide strips. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed being touched with the hides because it was believed the strips would make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine's Day — should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".