Pinoy Blog Machine (Beta)

A recent review has concluded that lumbar or lower back supports are not very useful for preventing low back pain. Lead author Ingrid van Duijvenbode and her colleagues looked at 15 studies and found little or no difference between people who used supports and their peers who did not.

“There is moderate evidence that lumbar supports do not prevent low back pain or sick leave more effectively than no intervention or education on lifting techniques in preventing long-term low back pain,” van Duijvenbode said. “There is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of lumbar supports as treatment compared to no intervention or other interventions.”

Read more »

Source: Science Daily

Remember when I said, "Would you believe I haven't updated my blog in a week?", well, I've totally outdone myself, I haven't updated in a month! Iknoerite?! Not that people are really waiting to hear from me or wanting to read what I write, but you know what I mean. Anyway, it's the 30th, you know what that means, PAY DAY! Right now though, I am waiting for the salary to be credited, there's been some sort of delay. Well, not really, it's actually on time. It's just that our salary has ALWAYS been credited a day (or two) before the actual pay day so getting it today is already late, oh if you could hear the rants of the people here at the office. I think I just heard Marlon shouting "ANO NA? ANO NA? ANO BA HR?! WALA NG PERA!!!", so I guess he needs it badly.  Me? Not really, I'm just using this as an excuse to stay late at work while I try to finish this entry and bore you to death. Also, I'm hooked, I'm trying to catch up on Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. *giggles* (shut up) Oh you know what who else I'm totally obssessing on? Jason Castro of American Idol, I can't wait for tonight! Those eyes, his distinctive sound, and the hair! Its teh shmex. And I'm not the only one.

al0hapenny: OMG helga http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/102/56399313an1.png
helgatheweber: OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
helgatheweber: IS THAT RLY HIM
helgatheweber: BLACK HAIR???
helgatheweber: Are there more?
helgatheweber: Whered ya find it!!!!!
helgatheweber:

Helga Bebe: OMG http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/102/56399313an1.png
Helga Bebe: OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helga Bebe: OMG LAUREN
Helga Bebe: OMG OMG OMG
darthlaurian: wait wha?
darthlaurian: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
Helga Bebe: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOGMG
Helga Bebe: safrsuehtfhvgoisfg
Helga Bebe:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Helga Bebe: I WANNA SQUEEZE SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helga Bebe: I AM SO KILIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darthlaurian: OMG WHAT A HOTTIE

helgatheweber: OMG OMG OMG
helgatheweber: MEH

Aside from cute boys and girls on TV, there are other things that have been on my mind. Take baby names for example, (wait, what?) yeah, for some odd reason I'm thinking of baby names. Probably because two of my officemates are preggers and a friend just gave birth, all have not been able to sleep cus they're trying to come up with names for their kids. Hey, as long as its not, well, long and spelled the right/normal way, then its cool. Speaking of names, I've been thinking of registering and getting my own domain (name), but I'm not really sure, considering the little time I devote to updating this blog. I thought paid posts would help fill in for when my lazy ass brain decides to stop functioning, but no. It was too lazy even for blog ads. But I want a domain! I even included it in this list. From another list I made, I also included a laptop and a DSLR. Well, I hope to get those this year, within the next month. *crosses fingers* That's if I don't get fired. Yeah, I have an IR and got a memo for it, it does not end there, my case is actually under evaluation and depending on the gravity of my offense, I can either get suspended, or worse fired. What have I done? I had someone log me in so I wont be late, I arrived 3 minutes after my shift started. Apparently, under company policies that's falsification of time records, dishonesty, and inducing another employee to perform an act of dishonesty. YAY! My first memo, after a clean record of 2 years and 6 months. I couldn't sleep for two days, which made me realize that I actually care about my job despite it starting to feel boring. While I was restless, someone's actually been really helpful in terms of giving advise and moral support and I thank you. The said someone is actually making a come back, or atleast I think so. But none the less being there for me was a plus, I hope it was a sincere gesture though. Change topic. Where have I been? What aside from the province and back? Nowhere. I was not able to go to Anawangin Cove with Helga, Anne and Lauren. Sad. Oh but I have been to drinking fests with friends. The latest one was in Katips for the 88db.com blogger night. I came late but just in time to catch Ade's band, Lose your beer belly, play. I saw the TMB retards once more, oh Adam and Jen were there too! But I missed some of the i.ph bloggers, I only met Maki and Cai and Mica (again) Im still waiting for some pics but here's one taken from the Fotoloco booth.

Remember when I said, "Would you believe I haven't updated my blog in a week?", well, I've totally outdone myself, I haven't updated in a month! Iknoerite?! Not that people are really waiting to hear from me or wanting to read what I write, but you know what I mean. Anyway, it's the 30th, you know what that means, PAY DAY! Right now though, I am waiting for the salary to be credited, there's been some sort of delay. Well, not really, it's actually on time. It's just that our salary has ALWAYS been credited a day (or two) before the actual pay day so getting it today is already late, oh if you could hear the rants of the people here at the office. I think I just heard Marlon shouting "ANO NA? ANO NA? ANO BA HR?! WALA NG PERA!!!", so I guess he needs it badly.  Me? Not really, I'm just using this as an excuse to stay late at work while I try to finish this entry and bore you to death. Also, I'm hooked, I'm trying to catch up on Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. *giggles* (shut up) Oh you know what who else I'm totally obssessing on? Jason Castro of American Idol, I can't wait for tonight! Those eyes, his distinctive sound, and the hair! Its teh shmex. And I'm not the only one.

 

al0hapenny: OMG helga http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/102/56399313an1.png
helgatheweber: OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
helgatheweber: IS THAT RLY HIM
helgatheweber: BLACK HAIR???
helgatheweber: Are there more?
helgatheweber: Whered ya find it!!!!!
helgatheweber:

Helga Bebe: OMG http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/102/56399313an1.png
Helga Bebe: OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helga Bebe: OMG LAUREN
Helga Bebe: OMG OMG OMG
darthlaurian: wait wha?
darthlaurian: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
Helga Bebe: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOGMG
Helga Bebe: safrsuehtfhvgoisfg
Helga Bebe:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Helga Bebe: I WANNA SQUEEZE SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helga Bebe: I AM SO KILIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darthlaurian: OMG WHAT A HOTTIE

helgatheweber: OMG OMG OMG
helgatheweber: MEH

Aside from cute boys and girls on TV, there are other things that have been on my mind. Take baby names for example, (wait, what?) yeah, for some odd reason I'm thinking of baby names. Probably because two of my officemates are preggers and a friend just gave birth, all have not been able to sleep cus they're trying to come up with names for their kids. Hey, as long as its not, well, long and spelled the right/normal way, then its cool. Speaking of names, I've been thinking of registering and getting my own domain (name), but I'm not really sure, considering the little time I devote to updating this blog. I thought paid posts would help fill in for when my lazy ass brain decides to stop functioning, but no. It was too lazy even for blog ads. But I want a domain! I even included it in this list. From another list I made, I also included a laptop and a DSLR. Well, I hope to get those this year, within the next month. *crosses fingers* That's if I don't get fired. Yeah, I have an IR and got a memo for it, it does not end there, my case is actually under evaluation and depending on the gravity of my offense, I can either get suspended, or worse fired. What have I done? I had someone log me in so I wont be late, I arrived 3 minutes after my shift started. Apparently, under company policies that's falsification of time records, dishonesty, and inducing another employee to perform an act of dishonesty. YAY! My first memo, after a clean record of 2 years and 6 months. I couldn't sleep for two days, which made me realize that I actually care about my job despite it starting to feel boring. While I was restless, someone's actually been really helpful in terms of giving advise and moral support and I thank you. The said someone is actually making a come back, or atleast I think so. But none the less being there for me was a plus, I hope it was a sincere gesture though. Change topic. Where have I been? What aside from the province and back? Nowhere. I was not able to go to Anawangin Cove with Helga, Anne and Lauren. Sad. Oh but I have been to drinking fests with friends. The latest one was in Katips for the 88db.com blogger night. I came late but just in time to catch Ade's band, Lose your beer belly, play. I saw the TMB retards once more, oh Adam and Jen were there too! But I missed some of the i.ph bloggers, I only met Maki and Cai and Mica (again) Im still waiting for some pics but here's one taken from the Fotoloco booth.

Remember when I said, "Would you believe I haven't updated my blog in a week?", well, I've totally outdone myself, I haven't updated in a month! Iknoerite?! Not that people are really waiting to hear from me or wanting to read what I write, but you know what I mean. Anyway, it's the 30th, you know what that means, PAY DAY! Right now though, I am waiting for the salary to be credited, there's been some sort of delay. Well, not really, it's actually on time. It's just that our salary has ALWAYS been credited a day (or two) before the actual pay day so getting it today is already late, oh if you could hear the rants of the people here at the office. I think I just heard Marlon shouting "ANO NA? ANO NA? ANO BA HR?! WALA NG PERA!!!", so I guess he needs it badly.  Me? Not really, I'm just using this as an excuse to stay late at work while I try to finish this entry and bore you to death. Also, I'm hooked, I'm trying to catch up on Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. *giggles* (shut up) Oh you know what who else I'm totally obssessing on? Jason Castro of American Idol, I can't wait for tonight! Those eyes, his distinctive sound, and the hair! Its teh shmex. And I'm not the only one.

 

al0hapenny: OMG helga http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/102/56399313an1.png
helgatheweber: OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
helgatheweber: IS THAT RLY HIM
helgatheweber: BLACK HAIR???
helgatheweber: Are there more?
helgatheweber: Whered ya find it!!!!!
helgatheweber:

Helga Bebe: OMG http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/102/56399313an1.png
Helga Bebe: OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helga Bebe: OMG LAUREN
Helga Bebe: OMG OMG OMG
darthlaurian: wait wha?
darthlaurian: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
Helga Bebe: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOGMG
Helga Bebe: safrsuehtfhvgoisfg
Helga Bebe:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Helga Bebe: I WANNA SQUEEZE SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helga Bebe: I AM SO KILIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darthlaurian: OMG WHAT A HOTTIE

helgatheweber: OMG OMG OMG
helgatheweber: MEH

Aside from cute boys and girls on TV, there are other things that have been on my mind. Take baby names for example, (wait, what?) yeah, for some odd reason I'm thinking of baby names. Probably because two of my officemates are preggers and a friend just gave birth, all have not been able to sleep cus they're trying to come up with names for their kids. Hey, as long as its not, well, long and spelled the right/normal way, then its cool. Speaking of names, I've been thinking of registering and getting my own domain (name), but I'm not really sure, considering the little time I devote to updating this blog. I thought paid posts would help fill in for when my lazy ass brain decides to stop functioning, but no. It was too lazy even for blog ads. But I want a domain! I even included it in this list. From another list I made, I also included a laptop and a DSLR. Well, I hope to get those this year, within the next month. *crosses fingers* That's if I don't get fired. Yeah, I have an IR and got a memo for it, it does not end there, my case is actually under evaluation and depending on the gravity of my offense, I can either get suspended, or worse fired. What have I done? I had someone log me in so I wont be late, I arrived 3 minutes after my shift started. Apparently, under company policies that's falsification of time records, dishonesty, and inducing another employee to perform an act of dishonesty. YAY! My first memo, after a clean record of 2 years and 6 months. I couldn't sleep for two days, which made me realize that I actually care about my job despite it starting to feel boring. While I was restless, someone's actually been really helpful in terms of giving advise and moral support and I thank you. The said someone is actually making a come back, or atleast I think so. But none the less being there for me was a plus, I hope it was a sincere gesture though. Change topic. Where have I been? What aside from the province and back? Nowhere. I was not able to go to Anawangin Cove with Helga, Anne and Lauren. Sad. Oh but I have been to drinking fests with friends. The latest one was in Katips for the 88db.com blogger night. I came late but just in time to catch Ade's band, Lose your beer belly, play. I saw the TMB retards once more, oh Adam and Jen were there too! But I missed some of the i.ph bloggers, I only met Maki and Cai and Mica (again) Im still waiting for some pics but here's one taken from the Fotoloco booth.

For the month of April, World Health Day and Earth Day reminded us to do our share to protect the environment as climate change poses an immense threat to health.  Featured below are the efforts of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapist (CAOT) we can all emulate.

Action on the environment
We’re making a difference!

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists believes that it must act responsibly to reduce, reuse and recycle to lessen energy consumption, decrease carbon emissions and protect the environment.

At national office, we have introduced a number of ‘green’ initiatives to ensure that we are operating in a manner that is respectful of the environment. The following are just some of our efforts:

Reduce

• To cut down on the amount of electricity that is consumed, CAOT uses energy efficient office equipment and turns off computers, copiers and office lights at the end of each working day.
• During the summer months, employees are encouraged to work from home during days of peak energy consumption to help lower carbon emissions.
• To reduce the amount of carbon emissions through air travel, CAOT uses technology such as teleconferences, video conferences, webinars and live classroom as an alternative to face-to-face meetings and events.
• All of our print materials including publications, brochures, annual reports, conference products, and CAOT magazines Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Now are produced using recycled paper and environmentally-friendly vegetable-based inks.
• We encourage the use of electronic versions of CAOT communications and publications and have moved to on-line ordering, registrations and surveys to reduce the use of paper. When printing or copying is necessary, CAOT uses two-sided reproduction.
• Our office is equipped with regular tableware and cutlery instead of paper plates, cups and plastic ware allowing for waste-free catering.

Read more »

I've been to a number of local airports from Laoag, Ilocos Norte in the north down to Davao City in the south and I want to qualitatively rank my favorites or at least why I like them. Airports mainly serve as a gateway to a destination, in other words visitors will base their first impression of a place on what they see from the moment they deplane.

*Most Beautiful Airport Terminal: "New" Iloilo Airport
-Obviously the new airport is well designed and I like the touch of its indoor pocket gardens (the outdoor gardens are also beautiful). The aerobridge design is reminiscent of the ones in Hong Kong International as passengers walk separate levels for arrival and departure.


*Most Accessible Airports: Puerto Princesa Airport and "Old" Bacolod Airport
-They are both in the city center and accessible through the main highway. All you have to do is get out the terminal building and hail a taxi, jeep or tricycle.

*Most Picturesque Airport: Legazpi Airport (Albay)
-With Mayon volcano spewing smoke in its background, nothing comes close. I spent an hour at the passenger's lounge just staring at Mayon.


*Cute Airports: Roxas Airport (Capiz) & Dumaguete Airport (Negros Oriental)
-They are compact (small) airports with buildings just like a typical house in a province with jalousie windows :) Nevertheless, they serve their main purpose.

*Airport With the Best Entertainment: Tagbilaran Airport (Bohol)
-While waiting for your flight at the compact departure lounge, a band who are members of an association for the blind will entertain you until your ontime/delayed flight arrives. They automatically stop when there's an announcement from the paging system, hehehe.


*Best View During Landing: Lumbia Airport (Cagayan de Oro) & Tacloban Airport
-As the airport and runway are on top of a hill 600 feet above sea level surrounding by a mountain range it looks like you are landing on the middle of a valley. On approach you can also see up close the paradise island of Camiguin. As for Daniel Romualdez Airport in Tacloban, I like its location as the runway is literally on a beach.

*Airport With a Touch of "Native" Flare: Loakan Airport (Baguio City)
-The facade of the Philippines' highest airport at 4,251 feet above sea level is just like any other old airport here in the Philippines but upon entering its terminal one will notice its shiny pine wood floors including its walls and ceilings. One can even smell the pinewood as if you are inside a log cabin at Camp John Hay. The tarmac is higher than the terminal building itself so it looks like that it sank from its foundation.

*Most Overworked Airport: Mandurriao Airport (Iloilo) & Caticlan Airport (Boracay)
-The already closed airport in Iloilo which was replaced by a new airport in the town of Cabatuan just can't cope with the growing passenger traffic. It is the 4th busiest overall and the busiest among non-international airports. It is common to see 4 aircraft parked at the same time on the small tarmac. This airport has a sentimental value in my life as I once entered and exited its doors for more than 30x. I miss this airport as it is just a neighbor of SM City Iloilo unlike the new airport which is far from the city.

-As for Caticlan, at least 6 airlines operate more than 40 flights a day in and out in this small sunrise-to-sunset airport. Hands off to Caticlan.

*My 4 Favorite Philippine Airports:
1. Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao City)
-I just love this simple airport. It's very efficient from the moment you enter until you board your plane. For the comfort of passengers, the departure lounge is carpeted with good non-metal seats (I hate metal seats in airports!).

2. "New" Iloilo Airport
-Aside from its new and beautiful you can have a decent meal from the foodshop and bakeshop at the departure lounge even for a backpacker's budget. I only spent about 90-100 pesos for a rice meal with 1 viand, C2 tea drink and leche flan. No other domestic airports I have been to offered that kind of choices for only 100 pesos. There are plans to increase the terminal fee from 30 to 150 pesos and even if it becomes 150 pesos it is still a bargain compared to the 200 pesos at the Manila Domestic terminal which I think is an extortion with consent.

3. Mactan International Airport (Cebu)
-It's better (in most ways) than the three airport terminals in Manila, period.

4. Loakan Airport (Baguio)
-It's just so cute. This airport in the middle of Barangay Loakan may also be the Philippines' widest pedestrian lane as residents and vehicles can cross the runway freely when there are no flights coming to go to the other side of town. Additionally, the view of Baguio City immediately after takeoff is breathtaking.

From Matthew Montagu-Pollock, publisher of the Manila-based Global Property Guide:



Click the image above to email Global Property Guide directly. For more information, click the publication's site.

When & Where
10–13 June 2008
Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate

Two conferences for one fee
You can attend two conferences for one conference registration fee, as the College and its Specialist Section – HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Palliative Care are running their conferences together in 2008. This unique opportunity gives you a wide choice of sessions from two conferences to meet your CPD needs. You can learn more – whether it’s about HIV/AIDS, Oncology or Palliative Care, or indeed, many other areas such as mental health, older people, children, housing adaptations, learning disabilities, and so much more.

Attend these two conferences and you will:

• Hear from the world’s leading health, social care and end-of-life care experts
• Discuss current and future legislation and policies with national and sector leaders
• Meet fellow professionals to share best practice
• Return to your practice with new approaches
• Discover the many career options available
• Meet over 80 companies representing products and services for the profession.

Who should attend?

• Occupational therapists
• End-of-life and long-term conditions care professionals
• Health and social caremanagers and policymakers
• Occupational therapy researchers and innovators
• Occupational therapy support workers and technical instructors
• Educators with an interest in occupational therapy
• Suppliers of products and services in health and social care
• Students
• Service users

For more information on this event, visit the BAOT/COT website.

Walk to Work Day was recently held in London last 24 April 2008. Physiotherapists supported this event as a great opportunity to kick-start a more active lifestyle and help prevent health problems, such as obesity, heart disease and lower back pain.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy gives us five top tips for walking to work:

1. Kit
This is vital if you’re going to have a healthy walk to work and avoid any damage to your posture through unsuitable shoes or bags. Wear comfortable shoes and socks – if you wear high heels, walk in trainers and change at work. Carry a sturdy rucksack over both shoulders to spread the weight evenly over your body, making sure the straps are pulled short enough for the bag to fit snugly against your back.

2. Posture
Posture isn’t just about standing or sitting up straight, it’s also important when you’re moving. When walking, look straight ahead and don’t slump your shoulders. Pull your tummy muscles in as far as you can and then release them by 50 per cent. Hold them at this halfway point while you are walking to keep your spine well supported. Release them if you start to feel any discomfort and start again when this passes.

3. Stride
If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking it’s important not to get into bad habits. The correct stride for healthy walking is a heel to toe gait. As your foot hits the ground it should land on the heel and follow through to the toe. This may sound obvious, but you might be surprised by how many people do it the other way round.

4. Attitude
After a while, walking to work should become a habit for you, rather than a novelty. This means walking to work rain or shine. You may need to change your routine slightly, such as setting your alarm earlier if walking adds time to your journey. Get yourself a waterproof jacket and an umbrella for those wet days, and tell yourself that with every step you’re doing your mind and body some good by being more active. Try taking different routes to work so that your walk doesn’t become tedious.

5. Progression
Don’t push yourself too early and get discouraged. Start by just walking to work as the awareness day suggests. Or walk half the distance and catch public transport the rest of the way, doing the same on your way home. Alternatively, park further away from work than usual and then walk in. Once you’re used to it, you can progress – e.g. walk the whole way to and from work, or try beating your personal best time.

So put on your best walking shoes, get out there and start leading a healthy life. And while you are there don’t forget to stop and smell the silk flowers.

Source: CSP

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) News is published four times a year and is available for download at the WCPT website.  Here’s a brief look at the latest issue.

INSIDE …

2-4
News from WCPT’s recent Executive Committee meeting and global healthcare events backed by the Confederation

4-6
News from WCPT’s member organisations and regions

Click here to download WCPT News April 2008.

What is circumcison (tuli) to you? For me it is an important event in a boy's passage to manhood. April 7 marks the manhood of my oldest son, Raham. I brought him to The Medical City and . . .dyaraan! In the Philippines, circumcision is a rite. A custom that our ancestors have passed on to us for several reasons. I am a Filipino who was circumcised at age 11. I was asked by the local

Glad to see our daughter (Mitzi) graduate from her school. She made it to the honor roll despite being absent from school (Antipolo Faith Christian School) for almost a month due to dengue last November, 2007. She took home a Bronze Medal (3rd) and some scholarships. Ramil Victor (our youngest) took home a silver medal (2nd) on his 3rd grade. He also took home a

If you are an overseas-trained Occupational Therapist and a graduate from a non-WFOT accredited school, then you just might want to try your luck at working in Ireland. The application form for validation of qualifications for overseas-trained Occupational Therapists states that:

All applicants will be considered for validation regardless of whether their degree / diploma was recognized by the WFOT at the time of their graduation.

This is great news because it offers an alternative to OTs who plan to work overseas but are hampered by the fact that they are graduates from non-WFOT accredited schools.
(more…)

It’s raining in the middle of summer? Well, it must be a global warming thing. I hope the weather will be better in the next 3 days (at least in Baguio) as I am very excited to ride a small turbopropeller Asian Spirit aircraft on our way back home. Normally it is just a 6-hr. drive from Manila but why did I chose to take an airplane back to Manila? It’s simple, I’m just fascinated with small planes. Yup, I prefer to ride small propeller-driven planes than a Boeing 747 or Airbus A340. I think it would be my 6th or 7th time in Baguio so I am not that excited in what to see, eat and do there. I’m more excited to return in Manila in a turboprop.

I read from aviation enthusiasts that it’s so much thrilling to land and takeoff at the Loakan Airport because of the views including the fear of going down a cliff at the end of the runway. Loakan Airport in Baguio is the country’s highest airport with an elevation of 1,296 meters above sea level. The runway is short that Airbus A319 or A320 of other airlines cannot land there and because of visibility limitations the airport can only accommodate morning flights as it becomes foggy in the afternoon.

In line with my love of turboprop planes I also bought a roundtrip Asian Spirit ticket to Boracay for next month and I deliberately chose their 1-hr. flight using old Dash-7 aircraft rather than a quicker 35-min. flight using a jet plane.

“Disability Rights and Social Participation: Ensuring a Society for All”

When & Where

25 -28 August 2008
Quebec City Convention Center
Quebec City, Canada

The theme of the Congress is “Disability Rights and Social Participation: Ensuring a Society for All”. This theme is inline with the priorities of Rehabilitation International (RI) while aiming for an international dialogue on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The reality of disability is not only the problem of a social minority since disability affects almost every person in society at some point in their lives.

Goals
The aim of the RI World Congress is to share concrete good practices at the local, regional, national and international levels. Such achievements are founded on partnerships that encompass specific responsibilities assumed by public authorities and society in making significant progress in disability-related areas.

The purpose of the RI World Congress is also to act as a catalyst for concretely implementing human rights for people with disabilities by creating a society that is accessible for all.

For more information, visit RIQuebec2008 website.

Here is another important notice from the NBCOT regarding this year’s OTR and COTA certification renewal.

Eighty-six (86)% of the 50,000 individuals due to renew their OTR or COTA certification in 2008 have renewed prior to the March 31st deadline! Based on this strong renewal response, NBCOT will continue to verify as “active” the certification status of persons who were due for renewal but whose new certificate documents are still in process. Verification of “active” certification status, for those who renewed prior to the March 31st deadline, will be extended through April 30th allowing ample time to receive their new certificate documents.

I’m thinking of changing my banner tagline “Home–where my travels always start and usually ends.” I can’t think of any yet so I searched the Internet to find great travel quotes. Among countless of travel quotes the following are my favorites.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

“A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent (which I cannot deny myself to be without being impious) will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place….” -Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

“In travelling; a man must carry knowledge with him, if he would bring home knowledge.” -Samuel Johnson

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”- Susan Heller

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” -Lao Tzu

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” -Martin Buber

Let me just make a quick post before I start another busy day today.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), administrative and technical secretariat of the prestigious Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism (JVOAEJ), has announced changes in this year’s awards.

The 2008 JVOAEJ will focus on corruption/governance, human rights and environmental issues “in recognition of the urgency of encouraging journalistic excellence in addressing corruption/governance, human rights and environmental issues.”

2008 Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Award focuses on corruption, human rights and environment
Source: CMFR

The 2008 Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism (JVOAEJ) will focus on corruption/governance, human rights and environmental issues.

This was among the changes announced in the country’s most prestigious journalism awards by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), which administers the JVOAEJ.

CMFR Executive Director Melinda de Jesus said the changes are being introduced in recognition of the urgency of encouraging journalistic excellence in addressing corruption/ governance, human rights and environmental issues.

The country has been rocked by one corruption scandal after another, even as the human rights situation and environmental degradation have worsened.

Read more here.

CMFR is still accepting nominations for this year’s awards until April 25. CMFR conducts an independent scan of Manila-based publications and the nomination process is not a requirement for consideration. For more details, click here.

Here is a new resource to enhance your OTR and COTA certification from NBCOT® — the Credentials Essentials Toolkit.

NBCOT® wants to help you make the most of your current OTR® or COTA® certification. All certificants in good standing will have access to information, such as:
• Tools, templates and tips for promoting your certification to help with everything from job searches to career advancement
• Information about trends in occupational therapy
• Insight into what employers want from occupational therapy candidates

Beginning later this year, all new OTR and COTA practitioners, as well as those who renew their certifications, will receive the “Essentials Credentials” toolkit in the mail. If you are a certificant in good standing, but do not need to renew this year, an online version will be available later this year to help you increase your competitive advantage. E-mail toolkitinfo@nbcot.org for
more information.

Luis Teodoro, PJR Reports editor and BusinessWorld columnist, writes an insightful essay on the Brian Gorrell controversy. He tackled issues related to blogging and journalism, including ethical and professional standards as well as libel. The controversy, he writes, highlighted the problems of corruption and lack of professionalism in journalism.

Teapot tempest
Vantage Point
BusinessWorld
April 4, 2008

“(T)here’s a real story in the Gorrell to-do, and it’s in how journalism — or what passes for it in the lifestyle pages — is so far gone in corruption and unprofessional conduct, among other reasons because many of the people who’re into it are there not for their skills as journalists but for their claimed connections with the high and mighty. That’s what mainstream media can be condemned for — for allowing this to happen: nay, for encouraging and abetting it, to the detriment not only of people like Gorrell but also and primarily that of the foolish Filipinos who follow the lifestyles of their self-proclaimed betters more assiduously than they do extra-judicial killings.”

Read more here.

Speaking of lifestyle journalism, I remember an article I wrote for the old Philippine Journalism Review back in 2003 (”The Society Page: Weddings, Birthdays and Other Earth-shaking Events”). That year, the Philippine Daily Inquirer hired society columnist Maurice Arcache. This prompted Inquirer founder Eugenie “Eggie” Apostol to ask the paper to remove her name from the staff box “forever” on the day Arcache’s column appears in the Inquirer. Having his column in the country’s largest and most influential broadsheet, Apostol then wrote board chair Marixi Prieto, “will be a great disservice–yes an insult!–to your readers. His forth and frippery would contribute nothing to the nation-building to which Inquirer is pledged.”

Although I did not write about freeloading activities in lifestyle/society journalism (as alleged by Brian against some “Gucci Gang“members), I wrote that the lifestyle/society pages are regarded as major sources of advertising and circulation revenues for newspapers. Many advertisements, most of them catering to the social and moneyed elite, appear in these pages . It is also not surprising to see a columnist lavishly praising a certain product or service and alongside the column piece, a full-page ad on the product or service the columnist was gushing about.

Since it first appeared locally in fashion magazines such as El Bello Sexo (The Fair Sex) and La Illustracion Filipina during the Spanish period up to the present, one thing can thus be said about the society/lifestyle page, I wrote. “(T)he society page is symbol as well as representation of the divide between the classes, a clear demarcation line on who’s rich and powerful, and who’s poor and powerless in Philippine society.”

The New York Post writes a “sexy” follow-up to the Quest incident. You have to take this report with a grain of salt however. After all, this is the New York Post (see Wikipedia entry on criticisms against the paper) which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, Fox News Channel owner and CNN’s competitor.

Kinky News Network:
CNN’s Quest A very ‘Knotty’ Boy
By Dareh Gregorian and Philip Messing
April 19, 2008

This is CNN? Kinky!

CNN personality Richard Quest was busted in Central Park early yesterday with some drugs in his pocket, a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his boot, law-enforcement sources said.

Quest, 46, was arrested at around 3:40 a.m. after a cop spotted him and another man inside the park near 64th Street, a police source said.

The criminal complaint against Quest said the park was closed at the time - something Quest should have known because of all the signs saying “Park Closed 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.”

Read more here.

The Yukon Association of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists are inviting you to explore the frontiers of occupation as you challenge the limits of your occupational therapy practice, searching for those nuggets of gold. Join colleagues from across Canada to discuss innovations in practice, outside-of-the-box therapy and creative ways of meeting occupational therapy challenges in the modern world.

Pre-conference workshops will be held on 11 June 2008 and will be discussing the following topics:
1. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Making sense of their world
2. Recovery in mental health and addictions for an interdisciplinary electronic era
3. Primary health care: A new frontier
4. Cultural safety and its impact on health care service

When & Where
June 12 – 14, 2008
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Keynote Speaker:  Madeleine Dion Stout

Muriel Driver Memorial Lecturer: Terry Krupa

For more information, visit the CAOT website.

I was planning to post something today (after more than two weeks of blog inactivity) when I saw from my Google Reader a new entry from The Huffington Post.

Richard Quest, CNN Reporter, Arrested On Drug Charges
The Huffington Post
April 18

The New York Times‘ City Room blog reports that CNN International business and travel reporter Richard Quest has been arrested on drug charges:

Mr. Quest was arrested early Friday morning after being escorted out of Central Park for violating the park curfew, a law enforcement official said Friday. The park is closed from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

The police noticed Mr. Quest at 64th Street and West Drive at about 3:40 a.m., the official said. As he was being escorted out, he volunteered, “I have meth in my pocket,” according to an official briefed on the case. The police searched him and recovered a small amount of methamphetamine in a Ziploc bag.

Read more here.

From the International Herald Tribune:

CNN reporter Richard Quest faces drug charge after early morning bust in Central Park
International Herald Tribune
April 18, 2008

A CNN International news reporter was arrested in Central Park on Friday with a small amount of methamphetamine in his pocket, but avoided jail when he agreed to undergo drug counseling and therapy.

Richard Quest, 46, a British citizen, was arrested around 3:40 a.m. on a possession of a controlled substance count, a misdemeanor that usually refers to a personal use amount of a drug. He was also charged with loitering for being in the park after 1 a.m. when it is officially closed.

Quest told police “I’ve got some meth in my pocket” when he was detained, according to the complaint filed in court. The complaint said he had a plastic sandwich bag containing methamphetamine in a jacket pocket.

Quest is known for reports on business travel. He hosts “CNN Business Traveler” and “Quest.”

Read more here.

We in the office always watch every time Quest reports–with his distinctive and funny style of presenting the news. I guess that’s the reason why I rarely see him in the CNN studios as anchor because he’s better off as a reporter.

From CNN:

Richard Quest is one of the most instantly recognizable members of the CNN team; covering an extensive range of breaking news and business stories, as well as feature programming, he has become one of the network’s highest profile presenters. Quest is firmly established as an expert on business travel issues and currently works as a CNN anchor and correspondent. His regular programs include ‘CNN Business Traveller’, as well as his own hour-long feature program, ‘Quest’.

Quest’s dynamic and distinctive style has made him a unique figure in the field of business and news broadcasting. During his time at CNN he has reported on many of the major news events of recent years. His coverage of breaking news, which has spanned over two decades, has seen him report on a range of stories from the Iraq War, the death of Yasser Arafat and the Lockerbie Pan Am 103 crash.

Read more here.

Here’s Quest in one of his reports: