Advertising vs. Obesity

Between 5-25 percent of children and teenagers in the US are obese (Dietz, 1983). As with adults, the prevalence of obesity in the young varies by ethnic group. It is estimated that 5-7 percent of While and Black children are obese, while 12 percent of Hispanic boys and 19 percent Hispanic girls are obese (Office of Maternal and Child Health, 1989). Obesity presents numerous problems for the child. In addition to increasing the risk obesity in adulthood, childhood obesity is the leading cause of pediatric hypertension, is associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, increases the risk of coronary heart disease, increases stress on the weight-bearing joints, lower self-esteem, and affects relationships with peers.

There are three main categories that have cause obesity among young adults or kids, namely the family; low-energy expenditure; and heredity. The risk of becoming obese is greatest among children who have two obese parents (Dietz, 1983). This may be due to powerful genetic factors or the significance of this is small when compared to other factors potentially linked to childhood obesity such as exercise, trends in family eating habits inside and outside the home, parents’ demographics, school policy understanding of nutrition, food labeling and other forms of food promotion. The evidence from Ofcom’s research shows that 70% of children’s viewing takes place outside of children airtime, traditionally defined as the after-school slot on weekdays, Saturday mornings and throughout the day on dedicated children’s channels and cable and satellite.

Nevertheless, since not all children who eat non-nutritious food, watch several hours of television daily, and are relatively inactive develop obesity, the search continues for alternative causes. Heredity has recently been shown to influence fatness, regional fat distribution, and response to overfeeding (Bouchard et al., 1990). In addition, infant born to overweight mothers have been found to be less active and to gain more weight by age three months when compared with infants of normal weight mothers, suggesting a possible inborn drive to conserve energy.

Somehow many commentators have called for restrictions on food advertising justified by an assumption that such restrictions will help to fight childhood obesity. To date, efforts to restrict commercial speech have been focused on children, rather than adults, although in practice regulatory efforts will obvious spillovers. One justification for targeting efforts at childhood obesity is that being overweight or obese as a child substantially increases the likelihood that one will be obese as an adult. Nonetheless, there has been little theoretical or empirical analysis of the central questions related to the advertising causes obesity thesis.

Stated simply, the theory is premised on the assumption that advertisement of food products alters consumer’s preferences for foods so that they consume more of the advertised food than they would have absent the advertising. For example, ads for fast food cause increased overall consumption of fast food in addition t causing some people to switch from one fast food brand to another. In principle, this effect of advertising applies to both adults and children, with the primary distinction being that adults are better able to perceive and defend themselves against advertising. Reason being, adults are more educated and aware of what categories of foods are advisable to be consumed a lot and which should not be. Yet, adults are not easy to get influenced by the ads as they will reconsider before purchasing the products as compared to kids or young people who do not know much about the food content, or somewhat do not bother the consequence of being over consumed. As applied to the issue of childhood obesity, it is observed that there is a substantial amount of advertising for relatively unhealthy foods, such as sugared cereal, candy, salty snacks, and the like.

Marketers are competing among others in order to gain the most market share of all, by enhancing their products, attach with complementary bundling. Whenever kids watching the TV commercial, together with interesting freebies advertise on the screen, they tend to nag in front of their parents to buy them the foods. Sometimes we could not just hundred percent blame on the demonize advertising of luring the children to select their particular brand. Why? Will the kids actually drive themselves to a supermarket to get the stuff? Will they have that much money to spend on it? That could be ridiculous obviously. Parents are pampering their children by trying to get what they want, as long as the children are happy with it. Nevertheless, measures of the parents’ habits indicated they had a significant impact on their children’s calorie intake and the nutritional quality of their diet. Parents’ eating behaviour was substantially more important than advertising in influencing children’s dietary habit.

As a conclusion, food advertising is not a primary causal factor in children’s increased obesity rate. Furthermore, there may be negative consequences to banning or restricting truthful food advertising. As the public becomes more educated on the importance of weight control to health, there may be increased pressure in marketers to compete on calorie content; food ad restrictions could inhibit such competition. Some changes in food labeling rules could play an important role in bringing information to consumers and adding to firms’ incentives to focus on the calorie profiles of their foods.




References:

Anup Shah, 2005, ‘Health Versus Unhealthy Food Marketing; Who Usually Wins?’, Global Issues, viewed 17 March 2006, http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Consumption/Obesity.asp

Lee Drutman, 2001, ‘America the Fat’, Philadelphia Inquirer, Alter Net, viewed 17 March 2006, http://www.alternet.org/story/12110/

‘Call for TV food ads ban’, 2003, BBC News, viewed 17 March 2006, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3238255.stm

‘Minister cold on junk food ad ban’, 2004, BBC News, viewed 17 March 2006, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3528537.stm

Kaye Mehta, 2002, ‘Childhood obesity and television food advertising to children’, Coalition on Food Advertising to Children, NSW Childhood Obesity Summit, viewed 17 March 2006, http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:2JO_wl4rs6IJ:www.chdf.org.au/i-cms_file%3Fpage%3D664/NSWSummitStatemnt0209.PDF+contribution+of+advertising+to+obesity&hl=en&gl=my&ct=clnk&cd=37

Obesity, Debate – Issue Briefs, 2006, Politics.co.uk, viewed 17 March 2006, http://www.politics.co.uk/issues/obesity-$3356637.htm

Brian Young, 2004, ‘Does advertising to children make them fat? A skeptical gaze at irreconcilable differences’, Children as Consumers: Public Policies, Moral Dilemmas, Academic Perspectives, viewed 17 March 2006, www.consume.bbk.ac.uk/conference/childconsumer/Brian%20Young%20paper.doc –

Judith Blake, 2002, ‘Expert blames obesity on food-industry marketing’, The Seattle Times, viewed 17 March 2006, www.foodpolitics.com/pdf/expblameobe.pdf

Glorious Mystery - The Resurrection

On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for most Christian churches.

Christians believe according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. Through his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

In Western Christianity, Easter marks the ending of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday and Ash Wednesday is not observed.

Because of Easter's pagan origins, and also because of the commercialization of Easter, many Christian churches have begun to refer to it as Resurrection Day.

The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.

Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

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You guys must be wondering why I’m posting these Christianity special events / celebrations on my blog since I’m a devout Buddhist. Well, it’s not wrong to know more about other religions rather than criticizing among others, thus creating conflicts and controversy. It’s essential for me to study on others’ in terms of their cultures, the core concept of each celebration plus the rituals that had been during any congregation, as well as their universal teachings which apply to the aspect of living in harmony.

I joined a Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral once and it was great and solemn. I assume all of the ritual from every religion is the same, it depends on how you perceive it.

Respect other religions, so do cultivate the noble path to promote morality among public.

"They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."

Good Friday is the day that marks when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for Christians’ salvation at Calvary. This holy day is celebrated on the Friday before Easter or Pascha. Special prayer services are held on this day with regarding from the Gospel accounts of the events leading up to the crucifixion. At the same time, the whole church mourns the death of Jesus. Nonetheless, this day is a day of fast and abstinence. Catholics are also supposed to meditate and pray between the hours of noon to three o’clock in the afternoon. These are the hours Jesus hung on the cross. Mainstream Christian churches view Christ’s crucifixion as a voluntary and vicarious act, and one by which, along with his resurrection on the third day, death itself was conquered.

Why It’s called Good Friday? – because on this day Jesus was crucified for Christians’ redemptions of their sins. orld: "Holy Friday" for Latin nations, Slavs and Hungarians call it "Great Friday," in Germany it is "Friday of Mourning," and in Norway, it is "Long Friday." Some view the term "Good Friday" (used in English and Dutch) as a corruption of the term "God's Friday."

Good Friday is also the only day that there isn't a full Mass. Catholic Churches have Good Friday service.

Jesus’ possible death date

Using the data in the Gospels and other sources to calculate the date of Christ's death is not a simple matter.

It is believed by many to have occurred on a Friday evening in April. It would seem that there was a coincidence: at that time the constellation of Southern Cross was entirely visible low in the South from Jerusalem. Due to precession this is no longer the case. The most probable date is 3 April AD 33. A partial lunar eclipse also took place on this date.

Catholic and Orthodox Christians treat this day as a fast day. Orthodox Christians spend all this day in fasting from all food, to the extent that their health permits. Catholics also refrain from more than one normal meal, though they may add up to two small meals as required for good health. The Book of Common Prayer designates Good Friday as a day of fasting, but the contemporary worship books make no such reference. As Good Friday is the most holy day in Holy Week, most Catholics do not eat meat.

This day is also the only day that the Divine Liturgy or Mass is not celebrated in those churches. Latin Catholics of the Roman Rite, however, can still receive the Eucharist consecrated the previous day at the Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday) Mass.

The earliest possible date for Good Friday is March 20 and the latest possible date is April 23 in Western Christianity and May 3 in Eastern Christianity.

Lets pray...

* Prayer Before A Crucifix *

Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul
I pray and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity,
with true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment,
while with deep affection and and grief of soul
I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five Wounds,
having before my eyes that which David, thr prophet, spoke of Thee, my Jesus:
"They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
for the Holy Father's intentions

"Far Away" by Nickelback

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go


I'll wait till the day we meet again. And nobody's going to tear us apart...

Guess who's hand this is...
Nice spiral bracelet by the way.

[Hint: Mixed female; who loves Salsa]

The Spinster - Girl Girl the female dog

This is my dog, named Girl Girl. She’s about 60 years old as in dog’s age, yet she’s still a virgin. However, I would call her Spinster, since she never gets to f*** by any male dog. Actually she looks adorable, pretty, and naïve (if only she’s made mistake such as digs a whole on the ground and removes the plant planted by my parents) as shown on the picture here. She’s easy to approach, no harms, and likes to shake hand with ‘nice people’. She won’t bite people, unless you’re very bad.

She’s can be quite lethargic and pay no heed to certain situation. Say, if there’s any cat approaches her plate with left over food, usually she doesn’t care while just looking at the cat having its meal. I wonder why she never barks them (cats) every time they come to my backyard. Gee. If it’s her favourite dish, definitely she will wave her tail to chase away the flies, and at the same time to warn to cats that she really likes the dish, no once can take it except her. Sometimes she’s quite fussy with food. Usually we’ll just give her anything, for example left-over food, bones, can food, buns etc. If she doesn’t have mood to eat , she would just leave it there and wait until she’s no choice, then reluctantly consumes the food. On occasion, we do that too, due to the reason of waste of food.

Besides, she’s intelligent and very sensitive to strangers. Whoever comes to my house whom we know, she won’t bark at them. She assumes we know them actually, since we’re at home. I think she sense through a person’s intention. If there’s someone appears at the back of my house, who we never know, she’d just bark aloud to get attention from neighbours.

Mostly my dad will shower her, trims and combs her hair. Honestly, I’m lazy to do that as I prefer not to have pet at home since I always spend most of it on my food.

*Girl girl is arrogant / snobbish too*

“Dream Catchers”

The ‘dream catcher’ charm is a traditional Native American Indian device for capturing good, wise dreams and for letting the bad ones pass through it and into the night. It has a single thread that is wound in a spiral from the outside to the centre, symbolizing the journey from the waking world to the world of dreams. The native Americans believe in that their dreaming selves pass through the heart of the dream catcher and return with knowledge of the dreams of their true selves.

Making a Dream Catcher

Dream catchers are available ready-made but it is also possible to make your own. A dream catcher is a very personal thing and making one gives you plenty of scope to design it in a way that says something about you.

You will need…

☧ A thin bendy stick about 60cm long twine, such as fishing line, or strong cotton thread coloured ribbon

☧ Knife

☧ Beads

☧ Feathers

1. Curl the stick into a circle and fasten it with twine wrapped around. Some people like to cover the whole of the wood in ribbon before that start, but it is up to you. Cut off any sharp ends of wood at the join and wrap some ribbon around it.

2. Tie one end of a length of twine on to any point on the circle and thread it across ¼ of the circle. Tie it onto circle and cut off the long end.

3. Come back towards your starting point and the another cross-twine across the circle. Repeat this four times until you have four lengths going around the circle.

4. From the centre of each of these tie one twine to each of the other three. This gives you a sort of ‘cat’s cradle’ effect. Experiment until you have a pleasing criss-cross of lines resembling a spider’s web. An alternative way to do this is to use a single length of twine, but this might take some practice before you succeed.

5. Add a bead in the centre of the web to represent the spider.

6. Finish by decorating the dream catcher with some ribbons hanging from the bottom of the circle. Add some feathers and beads to these downward-hanging ribbons.

“Going In”

Meditation is a way of “going in” to meet yourself. As everyday concerns begin to fade and your conscious mind quietens, the deeper more subtle senses begin to awake and inform your conscious awareness. Unless you can withdraw from the everyday world for a few minutes each day, there is no way that there inner forces can develop.

The three “S’s” for meditation

Having problem to meditate? Follow the checklist of three S’s – Stillness, Silence and Sensitivity – to help make meditation easier.

Stillness

If you sit relaxed and completely still this helps you to drift into the poised state of awareness where inner material can begin to flow. As soon as you start to wriggle about, or become aware that you are not comfortable, you will break the stream of concentration.

Silence

Don’t be tempted to use background music to blot out noises in the environment. It is far better to find a quiet time of day and learn to create inner silence. This matters because as well seeing images many people also hear sounds and any music will make this much harder. The more you focus inward and allow any images or feelings to surface, the less you will be distracted.

Sensitivity

You need to listen, watch and perceive whatever images, sounds, symbols or other sensations start to occur in your mind. These will be vague and fleeting to begin with, but the more physically and mentally still you become, and the quieter the background noises are, the sharper your own awareness will be.

Sunday Review

I’ve been busy lately and I really have no idea of what to post on my blog. This final semester is quite hectic, however, I enjoy being pressured by the assignments and presentations. Am I crazy?! Nope, you’re wrong. Being busy with workloads, it actually keeps me thinking, controls me from having desire of outing especially during this economy condition; the effect of fuel increment. This Friday I’m going to pair with Cynthia, who’s my lovely little classmate, where we will present on Holiday Inn’s services marketing. Till now, we haven’t actually came out with a proper flow. Reason being is, she’s not at home, out to dinner with her hubby. So, while waiting for her, I’ve decided to write something about my current life – update.

Last Sunday I went out with Vifa (my exclassmate) and Bobby. She was the one who invited me out since she was alone at home, and the weather was darn hot, yet there’s no air-cond installed. Tentatively, I just called up Bobby to join us. Three of us walked to the bus-stop near Carmelite church. We were waited for a quarter before the bus arrived. From the bus station we headed to Parkson, since Vifa was desired for mineral water. Ended up, we shopped for a while in Giant, to see what we could get to quench our thirst or something light to eat. Then, we went to Sarawak Plaza for Sushi cum dinner. Actually, the main reason I was invited / dragged to go out, because of Vifa. She was so craving for Sushi, especially Salmon fish. I ate a lot, and spent a lot too! I wonder if I were her, I’d rather save that money for other purpose. There so many things I wanted to buy, but broke.

After dinner, we went to Petanak Food Court for drink while waiting for Kelvin’s call, as they were planning to have dinner at Hong Kong Noodle House – located at Padungan, which I haven’t been there. After that had finished dinner, we headed to The Junk. As usual we would go there most of every Sunday night. We crapped, laughed, argued, smiled, gossiped etc. Approximately a quarter to 11pm, we left the café. We were very exhausted, especially Bobby, Vifa and I. We had been strolling on the street for the whole evening (from sunset till moon rose), and we were sweating like hell. Our bodies were heating, luckily we don’t have body odour. Hahaha.

Viva SK-II!

Miss Pinky, SKII manager, is the most important person who has marked the success of SKII in changing the new image of our local users (including me). SK-II is not just for female users, but for male too. SKII expands its market to unisex users in order to achieve major consumers who love to pamper their skins by using the ‘miracle liquid’ or ‘Holy Water’ as what they describe it. This Pitera-rich products help boost moisture levels to improve texture and clarity for a more beautiful, glowing complexion. It contains the most concentrated amount of Pitera of all skincare products. It absorbs easily and leaves your skin looking radiant, with a supple, smooth feel; just the miracle if rebirth for skin and soul – Promotion on SK-II

Men nowadays are getting more aware of their appearance and complexion due to fashionable lifestyle from Japan, and Europe countries, which has altered the men to cross-sexual orientation.

Some people might be confused or mixed up with the cross-sexual men, however, they probably refer to those transvestite males or transsexual males. That’s totally wrong!

Taking our models for example, they are just ordinary males who like outings, interacting with people, joining activities and so forth. However, they concern about their facial complexion, as well as their skin condition. Some might afraid to get tanned under the scorching sun or sensitive / allergy to certain medication. Remember, guys are fragile and sensitive too. Although we might look tough from certain angle, still we’ve the weakest points which you’ve not been discovered.

However, we feel very thankful to our manager, Miss Pinky from SK-II LK Fashion Agency upon of what she has made us so different. Keep up the good work Girl!

*Photo -These are the top four SK-II models (from left to right, Toro, Jonas, Kelvin and Me) from Kuching. Our Manager, Miss Pinky, took this picture on last Sunday at Friendship Garden. Behind us is the statue of the Admiral, Cheng Ho *

HONOURING DAYS TO BUDDHAS AND BODHISATTVAS

(For year 2006 - 2550^th year of Buddhism Calendar)

	Chinese Lunar Calendar	Events
2006	2005 (2549)
7 Jan (Sat)	十二月初八	Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlighten Day * 释迦佛成道日
	2006 (2549)
29 Jan (Sun)	正月初一	Maitreya Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 弥勒菩萨宝诞
3 Feb (Fri)	正月初六	Ding Guang Past Buddha’s Birthday * 定光古佛宝诞
7 Feb (Tue)	二月初八	Sakyamuni Buddha’s Left House Day * 释迦佛出家纪念日
14 Mar (Tue)	二月十五	Sakyamuni Buddha’s Parinirvana Day * 释迦佛涅磐纪念日
18 Mar (Sat)	二月十九	Avalokiteshvara’s Birthday * 观音菩萨宝诞
20 Mar (Mon)	二月廿一	Samantabhadra Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 普贤菩萨宝诞
13 Apr (Thu)	三月十六	Cun Di Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 准提菩萨宝诞
1 May (Mon)	四月初四	Manjushri Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 文殊菩萨宝诞
5 May (Fri)	四月初八	Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday * 释迦佛宝诞
12 May (Fri)	四月十五 (2550)	Wesak Day * 卫赛节
25 May (Thu)	四月廿八	King of Medicine Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 药王菩萨宝诞
8 Jun (Thu)	五月十三	Qie Lan Bodhisattva’s (Protector) Birthday * 伽蓝菩萨宝诞
14 Jul (Fri)	六月十九	Avalokiteshvara’s Enlighten Day * 观音菩萨成道纪念日
6 Aug (Sun)	七月十三	Mahasthamaprapta’s Bodhisattva’s (Great Strength) Birthday *大势至菩萨宝诞
8 Aug (Tue)	七月十五	Ullambana Celebration * 盂兰盆胜会
17 Aug (Thu)	七月廿四	Long Shu (Naga Tree) Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 龙树菩萨宝诞
23 Aug (Wed)	七月卅	Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s Birthday * 地藏菩萨宝诞
13 Oct (Fri)	八月廿二	Ran Deng (Lamp-lighting) Past Buddha’s Birthday *燃灯古佛宝诞
9 Nov (Thu)	九月十九	Avalokiteshvara’s Left House Day * 观音菩萨出家纪念日
20 Nov (Mon)	九月卅	Bhaisajya Guru’s Birthday * 药师佛宝诞
25 Nov (Sat)	十月初五	Master Da Mo’s (Master of Zen Buddhism) Birthday * 达摩祖师宝诞

METTA (Loving-kindness)

Metta is very strong mental force capable of serving the well-being of mankind. Unlike destructive forces, human beings face both on the natural and man-made level, metta is all about kindness, caring and responsibility.

The nature of metta is very much positive. It is an essential concept to begin with as far as Buddhism is concerned. War was never created in the name of Buddhism simply because it emphasizes on metta and the law of cause and effect. Metta is all embracing; from the tiniest creature to the higher levels of being including the celestial; radiating its warmth in all directions without any bias of race and religion. This transcendental energy is very much needed in a society where cruelty and selfishness have become a dominant force. Therefore the practice of metta is crucial, practical and urgent. It heals the wounds and inspires love.

As metta is universal, we can all forth this energy within ourselves. It is important to note that every Buddhist code of practice begins with a degree of calmness. The mind can only function as its best when it has settled down. As you wish yourself metta, you will reach a state of calmness and serenity. To make it easy for remembrance: calm, metta, clam followed by radiation. This state of calm and serenity at that precise moment is very important. Once calm, one is ready to spread metta. The radiation power depends very much on the quality of the mind. The next step is to channel this energy to others. It may be your loved or near ones, friends or enemies and other sentient beings.

Metta meditation is quite systematic in the sense of the objects one is concentrating on. It is from someone near to those afar. The practice of metta can turn into a ritualistic act provided one derives wisdom from it. As often most practitioners repeat the statements verbally without any contemplation. This involves only a state of tranquility, rather we should not get stuck into this state. We can make full use of this calmness to reflect and ponder over the underlying meaning. It is the grasping of its significant that we go beyond the norm; the written words. For example the statement – ‘May all beings be well and happy’ cannot come into being by simply chanting repetitively. It has to be the factor of understanding by going beyond its written form. Understanding gives us a feel that all beings do suffer. It is a fact rather than an abstraction. Then we begin to enquire about the cause and work out for it. That is metta, isn’t it?

It is good to start the day and before retiring to bed with metta. Apart from this, there is a need to bring out this energy as often as possible in our daily life activities. Like water that gives us life, metta gives support to spirituality. If we are very skillful in spreading the force of metta, we can see the change of attitude within ourselves and the relationships with others. The practice of metta brings immense benefit and should not be neglected.

By understanding this point, we bring forth right effort. Nostradamus, the French seer once commented that war can only be averted through loving-kindness. Let us remind the world of metta therapeutic effect through the words of the Buddha – Hatred can never be overcome by hatred; it is by loving-kindness that hatred is transformed.

by Ven. Sampano

As the Upasaka says the Hail Mary…

Well, as you know many of my friends and relatives found that I’m a dedicated Buddhist in the sense that I’m able to give a Dharma lecture, know most of the protocols, rituals, such as chanting and gestures etc. However, most of them they don’t know my actual clandestine that have been obscured all this while.

Okay, let me proceed with my story…

When I was small, during every first or the second day of November, mum would bring me to the Catholic cemetery (St. Joseph Cathedral) which was located about 10 minutes away from my house (not the current house that I’m staying, but 13 years back). So did with my aunties, gathered there in the evening, with fresh chrysanthemums in their hands and few boxes of white candles.

As everyone had arrived at the tomb with a green and blue colours tiled cross, together they scrubbed and polished the tomb. I was asking, who were we ‘visiting’ this time? Mum and aunts just smiled and told me that She’s my late grandma, mother of my mum and aunts. (She was converted to Catholic faith after a miraculous event during her coma state in hospital, suffered with brain cancer. She was roused from a deep slumber by Christ. Although the nurse attempted to wake her up, she just could never wake up. Only Christ could save her. She didn’t know who’s that beardy Guy was, not until the nurse showed to her the image of Sacred Heart…So, this is how she was converted to Christian, except my her husband, my grandpa.)

As the candles were all lit, they began with cross sign, and joined their palms firmly, thus saying their prayer silently. I didn’t know what was that mean, so I was just followed as what they did, it’s fun though.

After my prayer before the tomb, I heard the bell chimed coming from the other side of the cathedral. Followers and choir were singing the hymns harmoniously during the Evening Mass. I rushed to the crowd, my curiousity towards the congregation just made me felt so graceful, felt like wanted to join them. From the event, my aunt explained that was how a Catholic’s Mass likes, where there would be a priest conducting the services, assisted by the altar bothers, having choir leading the crowd to sing the wonderful hymns and so forth…

Slowly I started to get closer with the Lady of Immaculate Heart, where my mum used to keep those images (cards). I felt comfortable for the first time I said my prayer to Her. Usually, when I encountered any bad omens, I would just take out Her image and beseeched for blessing. Even until know, I still feel that, she’s just like my spiritual mother, or Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva in Buddhism belief.

However, I’m more suitable to Buddhism, as I found the affinity between me and Buddhism has ripened ever since I know the basic concept of overall teaching. Nevertheless, I’m able to attach the Dharma by applying it practically in my life, which is very constructive. However, I discovered the profound insight has actually aided in my daily life.

Actually, both Catholic faith and Buddhism have the same concept, basically be compassionate to all beings, respect the mother nature and never commit in negative deeds that nurture the sins to grow.

MEDITATION ~ Body, Speech & Mind

* Here & Now *

You cannot be at ease when you are constantly busy. Every additional drop of occupation within the framework of the mind prevents you from peace. Just imagine years and years of piling up the mind with activities, how can it just go off into peace in an instance.

However, it is good to take note of the breath every now and then to revitalize oneself. Presence of the breath is the here and now. One will feel more concentrated on one’s work.

Relaxation comes in many forms. Seeping fruit juice, listening to soothing music and relaxing into an easy-chair is just one example.

* Theory Not Reality *

“A theory is a theory, not a reality.

All that a theory can do is remind me of certain thoughts

That were part of my reality then.

A statement or a ‘fact’ is an emphasis – one way of looking at something.

At worst it’s a kind of myopia.

A name is also just one way of seeing.

I can’t make a statement about a reality without omitting many other possible to say everything,

Still I would not have the reality;

I would only have the words.

In fact, what I see changes even as I describe it”

~Hugh Prather, author of Notes to Myself~

Fitness failure - Gee, I’m working on it, don’t you see?! But it still the same, see my hips?

Some people say, even though they followed the fitness guidelines in order to obtain a better body shape, it shows non-effective result. Ended up, they just go on with their usual consumption habit thus making themselves plumper. Nonetheless, some will pay for an expensive equipment only to watch it gather dust because motivation has slipped is all too familiar. [Affirmative] Well, for example my parents; for the first time when they watched the TV commercial advertised on work-out equipment, they seemed so attracted by the results of those users (those who’d been experienced), plus the demonstration of the vigorous models of how effective it was working with their gorgeous abs, thighs, hips, chest etc. Couple of days later, I was shocked that they brought a big box containing that machine as shown on TV after office hours. When I asked them about the price, they were just reluctantly handed to me the receipts. Gosh, it cost them a thousand for that piece of machine! Gee, I never thought that they would spend such big amount on it as they’re very thrifty whenever they spend. Anyhow, that wasn’t my money. Haha…

These are the 10 Tips for staying on track:

1. Be realistic with Fitness

As I mentioned before, the desire to lose weight, look better and get fit can grip men frenzy of activity. Paying or ‘investing’ a big amount to a particular machine without using it frequently, it’s like buying an antique, thus collecting dust. To avoid expensive failures don’t set high targets and make plans. Who knows, you might be not motivated once you’ve some other things to do, or getting lazy to do after work etc. It’s better being thrifty, somehow.

2. Buy a Pedometer

You don’t need to broadcast the fact that your fitness program has begun but you might consider buying a pedometer as a simple investment. Depending on the type you opt for this can provide you with feedback as to how much you are moving and even give a rudimentary idea of how many calories you are using up. This is to create awareness upon your daily diet at the same time.

3. Involve others in your fitness plan

You may not be in a position to involve others but motivation is helped if you’re part of a group or team. In a family setting, for example, you might want to consider buying everyone pedometer.

4. Get twitchy!

How do you sit? If you’re someone who sits down and goes completely still for hours on end you’re in self-defeating mode. People who sit and do hobbies burn up more energy (even modest amounts) than someone who does nothing. Even consciously moving your legs around or bouncing about to music is better than doing absolutely nothing.

5. Take an action audit

Many people have unrealistic beliefs about how much they really move around. Take a record of your activity levels over a week (be honest or what’s the point) and you might surprise yourself.

6. Increase activity levels

You could sit around for all your lunch break or you could move around. Feelings of fatigue are often the reasons why men don’t move around yet inactivity is the worst culprit for making you feel like doing even less. It may take a little effort to begin with but all you need to do is start.

7. Link activity to something you like

Inactive people often find formal exercise boring and without much purpose. Break into this by linking movement with a positive outcome. I like getting home after a day at work so I might sometimes walk; I don’t do it all the time but its one of my options. I like a newspaper so instead of having it delivered I go out and get it. Although not many of us will put on our effort to do so, at least we must try our very own best just to move around, walking, sweeping floor etc.; within the house compound or indoor.

8. Take a break – activity break

It can be a great way of trying out new ideas and can help kick-start fitness or just revitalize you.

9. Put that burger down!

Don’t use increased activity as an excuse to top up on sweet stuff or fast-foods. You won’t fade away as a result of increased movement but you may find that your system responds to increased exercise. Feeling that your appetite is increasing is a positive outcome and you should respond by eating what your body (not your head) is looking for. Drink water or fruit juice rather than more coffee or fizzy drinks, take more fruit and vegetables on board, experiment with good foods you may have previously overlooked or never even thought about. It’s not hard or complex and it will support all you other efforts.

Actually I have this friend, who always says she’ll slim down after a certain period, as she’s inspired by a gorgeous guy, fancy dress or actress. Till now, it’s been almost 9 years, my friends and I still witness ‘the girl’ with the ‘well-maintained’ shape. Well, everybody craves for food, especially those yummy delicacies. Hahaha…Well, we still have to control sometimes.

10. Wrap fitness into your routines

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Where possible walk to pass on a message rather than sending an email. Reconsider labour-saving devices and go for manual instead of automated. This may sound common to all of you, but it actually work if you really appreciate for what you’re committing to a healthy lifestyle.

Well, that’s it. That’s what I’ve read from the internet and from overall suggestion of those philosophers. Try those tips, either one of it, you’ll discover the ‘drop’.