Food and Fashion

YouthSays | YouthSays, Philippines' Youth Opinion Community

2009-10-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

YouthSays | YouthSays, Philippines' Youth Opinion Community

Kitty With Wings

2009-05-27T22:49:00.001-07:00

This fur ball in China developed wings after turning a year old. Truth can be stranger than fiction indeed, and with this cat growing wings, strange would be an understatement. Can you believe it? I can't either. There have been various speculations surrounding this very recent and very uncanny piece of news. Is this a form mutation? A type of genetic transition brought about by chemicals inadvertently ingested by the kitty's mother while pregnant? An omen for better or worse days ahead?

In August 2008, some reports had surfaced about cats in the Sichuan province of China developing "wings", courtesy of the U.K. Telegraph. Hmmm. What is it about China and winged furballs?

I hope I can travel to China right this minute and adopt this adorable kitty. Well, not that the owners would let me. Bet this furry Batman is relishing all the excess attention.

New Moon Set to Open in November

2009-05-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Although I don't fancy Stephenie Meyer's writing, I am still looking forward to the movie adaptation of New Moon, which hits the silver screens sometime in November of this year. Melissa Rosenberg is still at the screenplay helm, but the thing that thrills me the most is that Chris Weitz is currently directing this newest Twilight installment. No, not the boring, highly predictable Catherine Hardwicke who directed Twilight, but the guy who was behind The Golden Compass, which starred Nicole Kidman and the sultry Daniel Craig. I know the Golden Compass did not do well commercially, particularly since the atheistic themes in the film had offended a few secular groups, but quite frankly, I enjoyed it far more than the ridiculous box-office monster which was Twilight.

The werewolves make their first appearance in New Moon, and this is where the excitement really starts, if the entire saga is taken into account. This is also the part where Edward leaves Bella heartbroken and catatonic, soooo I'm really excited. I am more of a Jacob Black fan, and not really an Edward-Bella cheerleader. Well, initially, I had found their romance chilling and interesting, but it wasn't long before the thrill went kaput. The magic dissipated as quickly as it appeared. How hackneyed can Meyer get, really?

I hope Rosenberg does a good job of adapting the lousily-written book into a magical screenplay, and with Weitz at the directorial head, I expect to see none of the ugly vampire lipstick and the slothful movie pacing. In New Moon hopefully, the werewolves will get their fair share of the spotlight and steal the scene from the bloodsuckers, just this once.

Book Review: The Witch of Portobello

2009-05-25T01:58:00.000-07:00

For the past two days, I was reading The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho. I traded books with Shakie, a good friend of mine, last Friday. In exchange for Ian Mc Ewan's Atonement, I got the Coelho book and Sarah Dunant's the Birth of Venus. I was first intrigued by Dunant's novel, but after a while I decided to postpone reading it at a more opportune time. Meanwhile, I picked up Mr. Coellho's new novel and began reading it on Friday evening.

The first page did not grip me in the same way that the first few words of the Alchemist did. Of course, I should be expecting this, after all, I never really liked the last Coelho book I had read years ago, which was By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept. However, I wanted to be fair with the guy- many sources refer to him as the most beloved author of our time. So I trudged along and read more.

However, just a few minutes ago, I finally dropped the book out of sheer boredom and complete frustration. To be honest, the book's content does not deserve it's illustrious title- at all. I was expecting to read a well-researched, well-paced story about a witch in the 21st century, and not the soapy tale of an adopted woman who felt herself to be, or whom the author made to be, an authority on so many things.

Clearly, I was not expecting to find rehashed sentences, cliched phrases, and endless references to the mystical and primary emotions, no matter that the novel was merely translated from the Portuguese. Now I understand why Coelho's critics had bravely accused him of grammatical errors and plagiarism.

There was nothing to look forward to in the book, in fact it had felt like I was reading Wikipedia. Besides, in the beginning of the novel, we already know that the witch, referred to as Sherine or Athena, had died. Witches and Death- could anything be more predictable? Well, there is a twist in the end but I don't think it can compensate for the blandness that this novel emanates even from the start.

The sentences furthermore, were way too simplistic, as if the audiences would care for nothing beyond the illustrious title and an author who made headlines with the Alchemist. Forgive me Coelho fans, but most of the written phrases in this novel could have easily been written by a high school student.

I know what Mr. Coelho is trying to teach us through his works: that the Divine can be manifested in Nature, that we hold the power in nurturing our dreams, and that we all have Personal Legends. As much as these tenets are inspiring and thought provoking, must he always use these themes for all his works? Of course, all authors tend to veer towards certain themes, but when we read the same sentences, the same thoughts, the same pacing through out all of their works, things could get very nauseous.

Six years ago, I read and loved the Alchemist. Now, I no longer count myself as a Coelho fan. Not until this guy writes another bestseller that's worthy of the acclaim. And the book's title.

So, Sorry Mr. Coelho.

Fashion Parade at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival

2009-05-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Think red carpet, photographers, and luxurious designer labels. Perhaps one of the highlights of any film festival, apart from the critically-acclaimed movies vying for the top awards, are the designer gowns donned by A-list celebrities in Hollywood-land. Well, the Cannes Festival is no exception, and this year we have quite a number of female luminaries who radiated poise and ageless grace, while a few got lost in yards of silk and sequined bombs. Here are some of my picks.

~~~~~~~

Eva Longoria Parker in Atelier Versace

This has got to be one of my favorite looks for this year's Cannes. Despite Eva's diminutive frame, this magnificent gown did a great job of accentuating her curves, especially with the dramatic, layered bottom.

Penelope Cruz in a Marchesa gown

Penelope looks as dreamy as ever, in this lovely lilac creation. Add a winsome smile into the picture and what you get is a Spanish goddess swathed in silky drapes.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Elie Saab

Sensual. Sophisticated. Sensational.

Hilary Swank in Armani Prive

Hilary has a beautiful, well-toned body, but with with this metallic creation, she looks uncomfortable and yes, a bit boring.

Rachel Weisz in Valentino

Is it just me or does Rachel really look ethereal in this fantastic Valentino ensemble? Her lovely, layered tresses are a great contrast to her simple yet sophisticated green evening gown.

Rosanna Arquette in a sequined dress

Ms. Arquette should get a stylist, ASAP.

Angelina Jolie in Versace and partner Brad Pitt

Angie looks completely divine in this sheer, chiffon gown by Versace. Her wavy do and sexy red lips evoke the style of old Hollywood, and with a partner as hot as Brad, what woman could go wrong?

For more on these, click here.

Infanticipating 66 Year Old: When Is Old, Too Old?

2009-05-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

This bit of news hit me pretty hard on the head: a 66 year old divorcee, who is a resident of Lidgate, Central England, is 8 months pregnant with her first child, made possible through IVF procedures in a fertility clinic in Ukraine. Elizabeth Adeney was able to obtain donor eggs and sperm, allowing her to bear a child biologically. After a successful medical procedure in a Ukrainian clinic, she is now on her last trimester and is expecting to give birth in June, via C-section.

On The One Hand...

Of course, like the Nadya Suleman hubbub early of this year, many have found the Adeney issue quite controversial, with some groups calling the 66-year old single mother selfish and her decisions to be totally out of character. When the child turns ten, Adeney will be 77, and when the child reaches adolescence, she will be well unto her 80th year. Some medical experts in Britain fear the psychological repercussions such a decision may have on the child, especially if the child loses his/her mother at an early age. Professor Severino Antironi, a respected medical expert in Britain, even calls the act as medically criminal.

And On the Other

Elizabeth Adeney currently manages a plastics and textiles business, and is still working 5 days per week, despite her condition and her age. Ms. Adeney prefers to keep the entire thing private, stating that she is a very private person, and that her decision to bear a child at this point in her life is a personal one. According to http://news.com, she filed for divorce in 1990 and has no connections in the UK. Adeney asserts that she is healthy and that her body is fit for pregnancy and child birth.

Doctors however have grim warnings, saying that there are huge health risks stemming from late pregnancies. The health complications often range from blood clot formations to eclampsia.

Indeed, with the medical advancements made possible by technology and research nowadays, when is old too old for pregnancy and child bearing?

Discuss.

The Bitter Truth: He's Just Not That Into You

2009-05-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Out of boredom, I was egged on by my sister to watch He's Just Not That Into You on DVD one Sunday evening. Knowing that Scar Jo and the ever-cool Jennifer Aniston were in the film, I jumped right in and enjoyed almost two hours of light romance, comedy, drama, and a subdued cinematic pleasure that served the perfect ending to my weekend.

Well, the movie centered around the dating scene, and the common issues prevalent in most relationships: fidelity, temptation, commitment, marriage, and yes, heartbreaks. He's Just Not That Into You dissects every issue confronting both daters and committed couples, and tries to present the often-conflicting perceptions of men and women when it comes to dating, love, and marriage.

While it can be relatively easy reading into the actions of someone after a date or two, or even after having spent seven years of committed relationship with them, the striking truth remains the same: people either grow together or drift apart, and while love is a universal language, it means different things to most folks.

A marriage proposal can mean love in one perception, but a lifetime of servitude in another. A casual phone call could mean something else. And if a girl/guy kisses you and sleeps with you, but doesn't want to commit, you know you're well worth more than that.

Girlfriend, if a guy you went out on a date with acts like he does not give a sh*t, he really does not give a sh*t. Not that he's too busy with paper works or gym classes, so he can't call you after a night or two.

He's Just Not That Into You.

The Beginnings of Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Although the celebration of Mother's Day in the United States was formally created by Anna Jarvis in 1914, the celebration honoring all mothers has a rich and culture-ridden past. In fact, ancient civilizations commemorated an annual holiday which was purely dedicated to motherhood, often symbolized as a goddess of fertility and protection. In Greece, Rhea was considered to be the Greek goddess of the Mother Earth. The Greeks used to celebrate a festival which seeks to honor Rhea, the mother of all the gods and goddesses. The ancient people of Rome moreover worshiped Cybele who was viewed to be the mother goddess. The goddess Brigid was connected with spring Mother's day, honored by the residents of the British Isles and the Celts in Europe.

It was in 1912 when Anna Jarvis started the tradition of celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May. Jarvis also founded the Mother's Day International Association. Some countries however, such as Norway, the UK, Israel, Greece, and several other nations, commemorate Mother's Day during various months. The majority of countries however celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, including Australia, United States, and the Philippines.

Stop Smoking Now!

2009-05-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

The dangers of smoking cannot be discounted. Most people pick up the habit due to curiosity, boredom, peer pressure, or stress. Whatever the underlying reasons may be, it is never too late to quit. Smokers may not know it but the health hazards of smoking are very immense. Although the evidences and symptoms may present itself only at a later time, it will be on a point when cure is already irreversible and hopeless.

Smoking is the number 1 cause of lung cancer, and among other types of cancer. Ninety nine percent of those who are diagnosed with end stage lung cancer have been avid smokers, and only a measly one percent gets the disease from some other causes.

However, lung cancer is only one of the many types of cancer that is known to be caused by smoking. Cancer of the larynx and pharynx, throat cancer, kidney cancer, and mouth cancer are some of the other types of cancer. In women, smoking increases the risk of developing breast cancer later on, as well as cancer of the uterus.

The cost of cancer treatment has increased over the years, and this disease is not merely a physical battle, but a mental and emotional struggle as well. The link of smoking and cancer has been verified by medical authorities, and in any serious case of cancer, smoking has been one of leading factors.

When you smoke, you actually get to inhale more than 700 toxic substances, and tar is only a single toxin among this huge number. Therefore, a cigarette brand that packages its products as low tar or mild is merely deluding the public into believing that smoking is perfectly excusable health wise. Whenever the cigarette is lighted the heat releases all these toxins, and as the smoker inhales them they enter into the human system. A cigarette that is labeled as low tar does not do much, since tar is considered as a type of carcinogen or a cancer-causing agent. Consuming too much of low tar cigarettes will eventually add up to a huge amount of tar in the long run.

Furthermore, the addictive element in smoking is not the tar but the nicotine. Nicotine is one of these deadly toxins, which is addictive both in the physical and psychological sense. This is what makes a smoker get hooked on smoking for a long time. Carbon monoxide is another toxin, along with gaseous toxins that cause a number of respiratory ailments.

Smoking affects a person financially, socially, and most importantly, physically. It is a costly habit, and oftentimes has its roots in boredom, stress, or peer pressure. When you smoke, the harmful toxins also affect the people around you including your spouse, children, and friends. Smoking has dire consequences; no matter how many times its harmful effects are being sugarcoated by the big companies. However, many individuals have successfully extricated themselves from this addiction. It is not too late to do so, and there is no better time than now.

Why Choose Organic Cotton for Your Kids' Clothing?

2009-05-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

It’s no surprise how parents love shopping clothes for their children. From animal-printed shirts to flannel pajamas, kids' clothing are widely varied nowadays. Department stores and malls are brimming with commercially-produced and designer clothing items for kids, all available in a wide array of prices. There are also clothes made from natural materials like organic cotton and bamboo fabric.

Nonetheless, expensive clothing items do not always guarantee quality and safety, especially in terms of health hazards prevention. Many kids’ clothes manufacturers use a huge amount of dyes and other chemicals for the fabrics. If you want the best health safety for your kids, always go for organic cotton or bamboo.

The farming of organic cotton for one, does not espouse the use of pesticides and other harmful substances. Annually, the wrong use of pesticides has contributed to the deaths of cotton farmers worldwide, according to the WHO. Pesticide use is also harmful to the environment, especially to the air and soil. If these perilous substances leak into the water systems, these can potentially harm civilians and residents as well.

Without the aid of pesticides, chemicals, and colorants, natural cotton is visibly softer. It is also smoother to the touch and more comfortable on the skin. This is ideal for your baby’s sensitive skin. Your active toddler can also wear organic fabrics, since the chemicals and dyes in commercially-produced clothing can react with the sweat glands of your energetic toddler, bringing about itching and skin allergies. This is especially true if your toddler has more sensitive skin.

Bamboo fiber is also gaining more popularity alongside the use of natural cotton. Bamboo produces the type of fabric that stays breathable and comfortable, even during humid weather. You can shop for baby’s clothes, baby’s socks, caps, and towels made from bamboo fiber in various stores and online shops these days.

It’s never too late to start being an advocate for the environment and for your children’s health. Buy organic cotton today, and see the clear difference.

Confessions: Nadya Suleman, the Octuplet’s Mother

2009-02-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

In January 26 this year, the whole world was stunned when Nadya Suleman delivered eight babies, each one in a perfectly healthy condition. At first, people rejoiced for this seemingly unbelievable feat: a 33- year old woman delivering octuplets without developing any health complications, both for her and the infants. Multiple births are not uncommon in the U.S. or in any parts of the world for that matter. But to have the New Year greeted with such happy news, everyone was almost on their tiptoes. That is, until the public discovered who Nadya Suleman was.

“Dysfunctional Childhood”

This single parent, who has conceived the octuplets through in-vitro fertilization procedures, turned out to be the mother of six young children, ranging in ages from 2 to 7. In a separate first interview to Ann Curry of TODAY, Nadya Suleman has stated how her “pretty dysfunctional childhood” as an only child prompted her to have six kids, and then eight more. Her decision to be a single parent was a personal one, and according to her, all of her 14 children were conceived through IVF, and came from the same biological father.

She communicates to the sperm donor once or twice annually, but she does not ask nor expect for any support regarding the children. Nadya also said that she did not anticipate having octuplets at all. Apparently, she and her IVF doctor decided to implant six embryos in her, thinking that only one or two would survive. On the contrary, all six of the embryos developed, and two of these divided into twins.

Throughout her very first interview, she kept on repeating how her kids are so important to her, and that she will do her best to feed them and to love them. When asked how she was going to accomplish all that without a present job, she repeated that she will do her best and she believes her degree will somehow be useful.

When asked to react further about speculations surrounding the birth of her children, and how she had allegedly planned to profit off of them, she strongly replied: “That is so funny. It’s funny how that is so untrue. Money is necessary to raise children. But it's paper. To me, it is superfluous in contrast to the importance of my kids."

Living with the Parents

According to a report from one website, Nadya Suleman and all of her six kids are still living with her parents, because the octuplet’s mother has been unemployed for a long time. While Nadya was at the hospital, delivering the eight babies, her mother, Angela Suleman was the one taking care of all six kids.

According to Angela, in an interview with Radaronline.com, they are all squeezed into a tiny three-bedroom house, where the walls are splattered with food and the rooms are crowded with cribs and bunk beds. Angela Suleman also asserts that Nadya does not contribute for the financial necessities at all, whether for the house rent or the bills.

Until now, Angela Suleman, Nadya Suleman’s mother, still doesn’t know where Nadya will shelter the kids, or from where her daughter will be getting all the necessary financial support in raising all 14 of her children, as a divorced single parent.

Golden Globes 2009 Fashion Flops

2009-01-18T21:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, since I love fashion and critically-acclaimed movies in almost equal proportions, I'm going to start the year with my very first post on the Golden Globes. Quite specifically, this post will show who among the gorgeous female luminaries, for me, didn't quite pull their style together. Perhaps in later posts I will talk about the Golden Globe winners (yeah, I agree, Winslet was phenomenal in Revolutionary Road) and the most elegant female personalities for the occasion, but this one's dedicated to the few celebrities who have momentarily lost their style bearings and chose to hit the red carpet in graceless abandon.

Cameron Diaz in Chanel

Well, with this gown being a Haute Couture creation, it looks pretty wearable and elegant in an offbeat kind of way, if I may say so. Cameron Diaz's hairtsyle however, does very little to complement the high-fashion design of this Chanel number. As a result, the over-all style looks cluttered, inc0herent, and yes, wrinkled.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Lanvin

Why is Maggie always a disaster when dressing up? She's tall, skinny, and endowed with a face that's arrestingly beautiful. This blue leopard printed one-shoulder gown looks unstable on her, if not for anybody. If she had picked a solid color, she could have worked the gown on the red carpet. But blue leopard? It's almost sacrilegious.

Renee Zelwegger in Carolina Herrera

Being a Zelwegger fan, it is quite disconcerting to find this winsome actress in an ensemble that is a silent disappointment from top to bottom. The do just added at least 5 years to her age, and the sheer organza is far from sexy. And the skirt? Oh well. I'm kind of reminded of cropped squid's tentacles, dipped in tomato sauce.

Miley Cyrus in a Marchesa dress

Miley Cyrus is cute as a button, no doubt, which is why it is very painful to look at her in this flowing Marchesa creation that looks more like an overlapping drapery than a red carpet masterpiece. She's sassy, beautiful, and young- why wear a gown that is neither bust-friendly nor figure flattering?

Christina Applegate in Roberto Cavalli

Quite frankly, I don't really watch Christina Applegate in her hilarious TV series Samantha Who?, but this does not mean I don't find this blonde actress really gorgeous. This Cavalli number however is anything but. Her top looks like it could use a pair of breast pads and the ruched skirt looks more like shimmery window curtains.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Yes, I love Angie and her babe of a hubby Brad, and her adorable children, and not least of all, her dedication to charity and global concerns. But this gown does not speak of the goddess in her. The fit does not flatter her in the least, and her hair looks like they just dried on their own.

Drew Barrymore in Dior

The gown is fantabulous, but the do is just a crying disaster. A chic bun and drop earrings would have made Drew look more like royalty than a matron in bluish chiffon.