Track flights in the air

Tracking arrivals and departures of airplanes is easy and quick to do. Flight tracking was started  in the 21^st century when several institutions had subsidized websites and software development to address the need of airline companies and passengers to track whereabouts of aircrafts. If you are one of those individuals who want to track flights in the air, just follow these steps.

Before anything, make sure you have the following information ready: flight destination, airline name and flight number.

In U.S.A., you have a way of checking for flight delay information. The Air Traffic Control System Command Center can provide you with general airport conditions, but not about flights. It helps provide information if your flight is affected.

You may contact the airline and ask for assistance on the status of the flight you want to know. Most likely, the airline can give you the most possible location of the aircraft and the ETA or the expected time of arrival. Sometimes, airline hotlines are too busy and difficult for you to get through. Another option available is to check online flight trackers.

When you google search for “flight tracker international,” it gives about a million results, but not necessarily the same number of online flight trackers. Some people who have been using web that track flights in the air have their favorite sites.  If you are yet new to this service, check sites and choose which you feel is most convenient to use.

Once you have chosen the site, enter the information such as flight destination, flight arrival (some sites ask for this), the airline company and the flight number.

The following are known sites that air travelers may use.

Flightview is an application, also available for mobile devices, that easily tracks real-time information and graphic view of a flight’s progress and number of airlines being delayed at a certain airport.

FlightAware.com website gives travel users flight tracking and airport activities.

Flights.com gives status of your flight delays, cancellations, and remaining time for flights that just departed.

Another world-wide coverage is Aeroseek.com. It tracks airlines and private aircrafts, airport arrivals and departures, airport weather and security wait times.

Google too has flight tracking service, the gmapsflighttracker.com. It provides inbound flights in selected airports in America.

There are a lot more sites to choose from. We should be grateful to these companies that pioneered the development of this application that enables us to track flights in the air.  

Freezing green beans

Green beans taste good and are known for their high nutritional value.  They are loaded with Vitamins A, C, B₁ & B₂, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, iron, calcium, copper, phosphorous, manganese and dietary fibers.  However, fresh green beans are not available all year-round.   For steady supply, many people freeze green beans rather than have them in cans. Freezing green beans is the easiest method and yet maintaining their dietary value.  This can be done in very simple steps.

To start with, prepare at hand desired quantity of the freshest green beans to freeze.  If the beans are taken from your own backyard, harvest early in the morning.  The flavor is at its best if picked while the weather is hot.  If purchased from the market, you can test the freshness by breaking it in half.  If it cracks, then it is fresh.  Freshness can be seen as well from its color.  It is fresh if the color is bright green and has no brown stains.  If there is time gap between harvesting/purchasing and freezing, put the beans in the refrigerator.  Never use beans that are already overripe or had dried out.  Freshness is crucial when freezing green beans, otherwise the freezing process doesn’t serve its purpose.

Wash the green beans in lukewarm or plain cold water in a colander or strainer.

The next step is to remove the stem ends of the beans and the strings, if any.  You may cut them to pieces that you prefer.

Blanche the green beans.  Fresh vegetables contain enzymes and bacteria that change the color, texture and taste of vegetables and destroy the nutrients.  The blanching process removes these enzymes and bacteria.  This is done by first dipping the beans in boiling water for at least 3 minutes (or enough time to prevent the action of enzymes and kill the bacteria, usually 3-3.5 minutes).  Don’t overdo it.

After 3 minutes or so, the beans should be cooled immediately to prevent overcooking.  Immerse the green beans into a big bowl with ice-cold water.  Keep adding cold water until the beans have lost warmness.  Cool the green beans the same duration as they were blanched.  Drain thoroughly.

Place the cooled beans inside a vacuum food sealer or zeeper bags. Remove as much air from the bag and seal tightly.  Store the bags in the freezer. 

In less than an hour, we are done.  Freezing green beans consumes lesser time and only a colander, pot to boil water with, a container for ice-cold water and vacuum food sealer or zeeper bags as tools. 

Frozen green beans usually last until 12 months.  Beyond that, it won’t taste as good.

Effects of Nuclear Radiation

Talking about the rush of messages coming from unknown about the radiation leak at Fukushima, who wouldn't get worried? Imagine how people reacted - passing the text message to as many as the phone prepaid load can spend, calling loved ones to come home quick (before 4 pm!), rushing to schools to pick up sons and daughters, closing doors and windows (any holes, if possible!), betadine!, face masks!, movies about the effects of nuclear radiation suddenly recalled.  What an ugly sight!  As it turn out, the message is not true, a hoax.  According to the Department of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, that Philippines is safe from radiation exposure as consequence of the damage to Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Nakakatuwa, nauwat tanan.


If it was true, we should be scared. The effects of nuclear radiation on humans and animals are very harmful:  cancer (known to skin and thyroid), tumors, and birth defects.  The rate of survival decreases as dosage of radiation exposure increases.

We should be thankful to God Almighty that the radiation leak at Fukushima was a false alarm. However, since the nuclear plant was indeed damaged, we must be prepared.  Know how we can prevent ourselves from getting harmed.  Be informed of the current news.

Erroneous text

In relation to earlier post, the radiation leak is a hoax.

Radiation leak at Fukushima

I got text messages to my mobile phone apparently flashnews from BBC network, that says:

Japan government confirms radiation leak at Fukushima Nuclear Plants.  Asian countries should take necessary precautions.  Remain indoors first 24 hours.  Close doors and windows.  Swab neck skin with betadine where thyroid area is, radiation hits thyroid first.  Take extra precaution, radiation may hit Philippines at starting 4pm today (March 14, 2011).  Please send to your loved ones.

We have to be vigilant.  Check the veracity of this news; then take necessary steps to prevent yourself and your loved ones to be exposed to this harmful radiaton.

How to cook new potatoes

Learn how to cook new potatoes and thereby get most of its nutritional value. New potatoes, also called creamers, baby potatoes, chats, potato nuggets, or earlies, refer to harvested potatoes before they reach maturity and not fully grown. You can tell new potatoes by the look of its skin.  Skin of new potatoes is flimsy and thinner and can easily be peeled off with your fingers.

Since new potatoes are gathered before they are completely full grown, they are prone to damage easily. When you buy new potatoes, carefully select those that are without discoloration. They are susceptible to sun damage too, because of their thin skin. Avoid new potatoes that have green patches under its red or yellow skin. This green patch contain toxic alkaloid solanine; so either you throw them away or just cut off the entire green patch before cooking. New potatoes spoil easily and will only keep for about a week. Thus, buy new potatoes as you use them while they are still fresh as possible. You are guaranteed the best flavor when new potatoes are fresh. Fresh potatoes will look firm, no wrinkles, no discoloration, odorless and solid to touch. New potatoes are tasty and more nutritious if cooked with skins. So just scrub and wash off the dirt gently.

There are different ways how to cook new potatoes, but they are best boiled and roasted because of their small size and can be cooked whole. Many people love new potatoes because of their moisture content and smooth grain.

Old and new potatoes are treated differently by experts when they are boiled. Obviously, new potatoes take only about 20 minutes to make it tender. So, when cooking new potatoes, match their sizes as much as possible.

Arrange the new potatoes in a pan and cover with enough water.

Cover with a lid and leave it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, until just tender. After 15 minutes, check with the point of a sharp knife or a fork. If they pierce easily, they are tender enough if not, boil for a little longer. Add a drop of lemon juice to the boiling water in order to retain the color of the new potatoes.

Once done, drain immediately. The Vitamin C in new potatoes might be dissolved in the water.

Arrange the newly cooked potatoes in a nice dish. Serve with a lump of butter or sprinkle with salt and pepper, and your favorite herb, chopped.

If you like roasted new potatoes, just add ¼ cup of olive oil to a large pan where potatoes are arranged in just one layer. Add 1 clove minced garlic and toss to coat. Add 3 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, salt and pepper. Bake at 400⁰ for 40 minutes until tender.

The easy way how to cook new potatoes and you still get the same nutritional value. 

How To Make Hard Boiled Eggs That Peel Easy

There are many ways to cook an egg.  The simplest and classic way to prepare it is to boil.  However prepared, whether soft- or hard-boil, we want it to look good when cooked.  That is, egg still in its original form, shiny white and no crates when peeled.  Ah, peeling egg shells is fun and messy, too.  Sometimes we can’t avoid breaking the outer layer or leave bits of shells.   Removing egg shells is an effortless thing if we know how to make hard boiled eggs that peel easy.

First, we need the following :  a stove, a large pan or a pot, cold water, kitchen or any timer and uncooked eggs .  Check for cracks before boiling.  Others use eggs refrigerated for a few days because they said new eggs won’t peel easily.

Ok, let’s start. 

First, pour cold water into the pan until half-filled.  Add the eggs (don’t drop! Avoid cracks).  See to it that the water level is above the top of each egg.  Add more water, if necessary.  If the eggs are not as cold as the water, let the eggs sit in the cold water for awhile.  The water should not be warmer than the eggs, otherwise the water will heat up faster and the eggs may crack.  If cracks are unavoidable, add a teaspoon of salt or a drop of vinegar.  This will prevent the insides of the egg from leaking out. 

Second, position the pan on the stove and turn on high.  When water starts to boil, turn heat to medium and set timer to 15 minutes.  Make use of any timer available, if you don’t have the kitchen timer.  Learning the skill on how to make hard boiled eggs that peel easy is really simple, no need to use urbane kitchen tools. 

Third, when the timer goes off, turn off the stove.  Move the pan to the sink; be careful, it’s hot! Let cold water run in the pan and pour out the water.  Be wise not to pour the hot water directly to the sink, it might damage it.

Fourth, dip the eggs in the cold water for about 30 minutes.  Replace the water if it gets warm.

Fifth, remove the eggs from the pan and refrigerate immediately.  The quicker the boiled eggs get cold, the better.

Follow these simple steps how to make hard boiled eggs that peel easy and you will have nice looking deviled eggs .

I am now earning from home....

Seriously devoted some time (two full days) in January 2011 to finding and applying jobs at oDesk.com.  My first contract is (still active) on article rewriting.  The task is to rewrite articles, with given keywords and link, to compose 400-499 words and should pass against plagiarism or Copyscape. Fortunately, out of 27 articles I'd rewritten, only one didn't pass.  Arghh... from then on, I stopped rewriting medical-related ones.  It was fun.  I was forced to do quick researches  about the topic and to actually do original writing.  Just a minimal earning, but what matters most is that I learned a lot - information and web browsing/researching; and the importance of keywords, as well.

While rewriting articles, I didn't stop applying for other jobs. Perseverance paid off, I got a second contract and a third, after a month.

Now, I'm managing my time to do jobs on data entry/research and transcribing.  I decided to let go of article rewriting. I requested my employer to end my contract and to leave feedback on how I rate as rewriter as some jobs require certain feedback rating of contractors.

If you wish to stay at home but earning, try at oDesk.  The application is superb and easy way to track your earnings.  It is true, not a scam.

Glad to be back!

After more than a year, I am finally back to my refuge. I regard this blog as my way of expressing myself, share what's in my mind, actualize the learnings about the net technology, among others. There was a long pause because I was still learning; I forgot what google account I used for this blog (as simple as that LOL). Well, the disadvantage of having many "personalities" was yet working on me. Now, I am maturing, so to speak. Expect many things to happen here. Let's begin with how I start earning from home.

Funny kids!

Can't upload videos here. Please follow link to my facebook account.

This is taken at home. See how my granddaughter, Ellen Abigail, does "wang-wang" and "strong" funny faces. She also loves imitating adults while praising Jesus by raising her hand and trying to sing. She is still a year old.

A new me?

Hi! I'm still here. It's just that, there is a very crucial moment in my life that I have to take a day at a time. It is a complete turnaround actually. I hate to hurt the feelings of some people, but at present, I am loving every moment of it. I have found myself with God.

Applying on-line jobs

I am now giving serious time applying for on-line jobs through oDesk. I have read a blog from a likewise oDesk provider and a successful one, that applying ahead of the line is an advantage. I search from administrative support jobs every 2-3 minutes. And if I qualify one, I submit a cover letter or proposal instantly. Surely, for the first time, I made it to the first 5 applicants.

I am praying and hoping that a buyer would choose me and consider my capability. But, as of the moment, none yet. I keep on crossing my fingers though and praying that someday soon, I could be able to use the installed oDesk Share in my desktop.

Disabled Google AdSense

I just received today the reply from the Google AdSense Team to my appeal to reinstate my disabled account. Unfortunately, they cannot reinstate it because "my account poses a significant risk to advertisers." It is not a whoopee amount, actually; but as a newbie in blogging and not a certified writer, it makes me happy seeing my little earnings.

It doesn't matter though. Maybe Google should give extra consideration to non-tech bloggers. We are still prone to commit errors especially when we just take pleasure in clicking here and clicking there. I'm still on the learning stage and this is one aspect where I should get new ideas, and eventually make myself an entrepreneurial blogger.

The important lesson there is - to continue reading more tips and learn more skills.

More views of Pablo's designs

Inspirational message for the teens

No matter how we, mothers, want our child to be independent and responsible for their own initiatives; sometimes, we cannot help but be willing (always) to lend a hand. My precious sought my help to look for a biblical passage as he is assigned to share this in the class. He is now 17 and an only child. He is not always by my side or in the safety of our home. Most of the time, he is out in the company of friends, exposed to many happenings and encounter different personalities. I would want him to be extra careful in dealing with people. Thus, I find this passage appropriate and worthy to be shared with his fellow teenagers.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 - "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who as taken them captive to do his will."

If we just obey God's words, this world will be a safe place for our children. No killings, no street protests, no strikes, no gang wars, no Bloods, no Crips, no what-nots....

Peace, bro!

Creations of Pablo Cabahug

Sooo proud of you, bb boy!

Here are some comments -

Pablo Cabahug's structured designs emanated edginess and sexiness.

Successfully mixing femininity with impeccable tailoring, Pablo Cabahug’s collection felt powerful and sexy. His body-conscious dresses with sharp shoulders are must-haves for modern women.

Tomorrow will come...

My mind just went poooff! I like to write on something from my heart. But it seems I need to be with myself and to be alone. Tomorrow seems to be the right time...

Busy me!

I have nothing to blog yet.  I am still engrossed applying jobs on line.

On-line job

I am now reviving my account with Odesk. I feel I have to pursue my web career for extra income and possibly my full time job. Earlier, I was considering web jobs as soon to be my source of income once I retire. But, I was thinking, probably I shouldnt wait till I reach my senior years to do this. Hence, now I am bent to explore and explore.

Try this, friends.

Namaste!

I do some yoga poses almost everyday for five years now. Doing my yoga routine keeps me strength and stamina. It keeps me out of stress, too. Aside from health benefits, doing yoga regularly tones my muscles.

I first enrolled in a yoga class for a month. I familiarized the breathing technic, basic poses and the sun salutation. Then, I've been doing it on my own. Learning new poses is easy as long as you dont overdo it. If you feel a pose might injure you, never try it. I only do the poses that I feel would benefit me. I have a 45-minute routine; am not familiar with the names, though.

My sad experience with Du Ek Sam

Such a bad day for me....

This morning was the hearing of my complaint filed with DTI against Du Ek Sam. Last May 19, 2009 we bought, through financing, Honda Wave 100R (2nd hand, reconditioned) from DES. It was perfect for my son and still looked new with changed punky exhaust pipe. We were told that the only thing needed to be replaced was the battery (cannot use the electronic start yet, only the kick start). We bragged that it was heaven sent and that it was meant to be ours because the timing was in our favor. There wasnt a brand new unit that time; thus we decided to get the reconditioned one. We were just elated!

However, after barely 8 days of use, the motorcyle bugged down. It will no longer start! So we went back to DES on May 27th. According to the mechanic, the stator coil has worn out. We requested then to the management to return the reconditioned unit and get a brand new same model instead. That time then, they already had supply of brand new Wave 100R's. I was told by the lady employee that I have to add P500.00 to my down payment. I said, no problem; I already had the money in my pocket. Apparently, the top management, has another decision. Of the P4k I gave as down payment, I can only get back half of it; the P2k as payment for processing my papers with the Register of Deeds. But, according (again) to the lady employee, my papers are still with the lawyer for notarization then. Thus, what was his justification for keeping my P2k?

Anyway, to make the long story short, DES management will NOT return my P2k. He said it wasnt even enough to settle the expenses they incurred... (now in addition to the Register of Deeds processing), including registration of the motorcycle, the "effort" incidental to processing my papers.. blah blah blah. Ha? I didnt hear that before? They cannot return my P2k because of company policy...forfeiting return of down payment... (that only the management knows?... the employees are not aware of?

Didnt they know about the Consumer Act or Articles 1561 and 1562 of the New Civil Code? There was a hidden defect! A worned out stator coil can be detected by a mechanic! How could we worn it out; after just barely 8 days of using the reconditioned motorcycle? It is supposed to be their responsibility to check the motorcycle and put it back to good condition. I should be paid back the total P4k I gave as down payment.

Yes, it is just P2k, why should I resort to filling a complaint?.. or perhaps (I still have to think a million times if I should) file a civil case against DES? I would want to see their company policy in print form. I hate entrepreneurs who just demand from consumers that "sorry, it is our company policy," that not even the front employees are aware of.

My son was really disappointed.... and so am I.

We have to save for another down payment... but this time, it has to be brand new and no longer from Du Ek Sam.

Take care of your heart!

Hi, friends. Check this out:

Heart Disease is the number one killer of men and women all over the world.
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. In fact, the higher your blood cholesterol
level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack.

Drinking coffee has essential health benefits, as medical studies reveal. Coffee offers anti-oxidants and memory boosters like no other. Edmark’s Coffee King Series gives you healthy coffee options with a twist of Ginseng and Red Yeast Rice for total rejuvenation of the heart, body and mind. Ginseng is known for increasing longevity while red yeast rice provides benefits for optimal cholesterol health.

Red Yeast Coffee

Made from the organic blend of imported premium coffee beans and red yeast rice. Deep, full-bodied with a complex flavor that is bold and unanticipated. This coffee's intensity has a crisp finish that lingers in your taste buds. You can't help but just get another cup of Red Yeast Coffee.

- Lowers bad cholesterol levels, raises levels of good cholesterol and reduces triglycerides.

- Helps prevent heart disease and some of its complications.

- Enhances circulation and digestion, soothes abdominal pain and invigorates the spleen

- Offers antioxidants and anti-aging properties.

"Halo-halo", anyone?

Both my son and I love "halo-halo". So far, here in Dumaguete City, we have tasted "halo-halo" from three famous resto here - Chowking, Sta. Theresa and McNeloy's. If you are a Dumagueteño, share to us where the BEST "halo-halo" is served.

Being a Filipino mother . . . .

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands found in Southeast Asia. With diverse ethnic groups, our country has 154 dialects (Source: Diksyunaryo ng Wikang Filipino, Sentinyal Edisyon, 1998). The translation of the word mother in the eight major dialects are similar (sourced from www.bansa.org/dictionaries).

Tagalog - ina, nanay, nay, ema, ermat

Cebuano – mama, maninay, nanay, nay, inahan

Ilocano – mari, ina, nanang

Hiligaynon – iloy, nanay

Bicolano - nanay, ina

Waray-Waray – iroy, iruy, nanay

Pampangan – inda, indu, ma, ima, inang

Pangasinan – ina, nanay

However it may sound, they all mean the same to us Filipinos. I have been searching and compiling articles from the web some basic characteristics of a Filipino mother in modern times. Here are some items that I found from http://www.filipinasoul.com//what-is-a-modern-filipina-mom:

1. A Filipino mother is hard-earner. She finds ways to earn more in order to provide her family well. Most Filipino mothers have some “side-lines”, mini-business or part-time jobs; and for those who do not have full-time jobs, are into multi-jobs at one time. I, myself, am applying for a part-time position in a call center and as a blogger mom, as well. But my purpose for the latter is not financial (although, I will never refuse if such opportunity comes); but for personal growth. At a very young age of 3, my son had witnessed his mother (me!) as the family breadwinner. My husband had no full-time job then, so he takes care of our son. So when he already had a job, he explained to our son that an aunt will take over because he already has work. My son innocently replied. “Why do you have to work? You are not a woman.” He thought that only the woman who goes to work in an office and the man stays at home to watch the kids. Well, the world through the eyes of the children, so they say.

2. A Filipino mother has high respect for herself. A Filipino woman, in general, values her being – attributes, accomplishments and position in the society. As a mother, she finds ways to improve, personally and professionally. She tends to undo her mistakes and outdo her inadequacies. I am neither a writer (not even a good English conversant!) nor an IT backgrounder (Bachelor in Business), but I tried to put myself into the net, just so I can learn the IT world and improve my communication skills. Speak out your mind… who cares?

3. Above everything is her family. A Filipino mother is willing to sacrifice for her family. If given a choice, a pinay mother will never work abroad if it would mean being away for long from her husband and children. On the other hand, if her being away will generate a comfortable life for her family, then she is willing to go through the painful experience. In all my work schedules away from home, I always see to it that the things my husband and son need are in place before leaving the house. Despite heavy work traffic, I check them once in a while through texting.

4. Education is treasured. Some say education is the best inheritance parents can give to their children. True. I know of some parents who sweat more just to send their children to the best school. Others loan money in order to pay escalating tuition fees. Sometimes, a Filipino mother becomes a “stage mother” such that she is ever present in her child’s school activities. I remember an incident during a boy’s basketball tournament for grade schoolers. While the players were running toward the other court, a 9-year old player suddenly tipped over. Unexpectedly, the mother came rushing to the middle of the court to rescue him! She never minded the game was still going on. Also, as parents, we tend to dictate what course our children will take in college because we thought it’s the best for them and employment is assured after graduation.

5. Housechores become everyone’s business. In most Filipino homes, I still believe that the mother leads majority of the chores. A Filipina is still meticulous in some things done inside her home. However, nowadays tasks are no longer gender-based, but rather on abilities. In my home, the husband takes charge of washing our delicate clothing and underwears; takes care of our mini-garden and some hard labor; the son replenishes our water dispenser, assists me in cooking (he likes culinary) and sets the dining table; the rest, myself. We always encourage our son to do chores at home. It is an invaluable achievement a man can be proud of; as well as the mother, for raising a good son.

Well, this is all for now. Am still searching for other articles of the same issue.

Till next post...

My other cocoon

I updated my site at Stumble Upon (http://www.lualhati.stumbleupon.com). Please free free to check and comment. I would love it for own improvement. Thank you....

Belated Happy Mother's Day to me!

I just realized I created my blogspot a day after Mother's Day. "In a mother's mind" came out subconsciously. Probably because I always believe that, compared to simply being a woman, a mother has more complex role and responsibilities. A woman becomes more vulnerable to many issues around her if she has her own family to consider and care for. Let me share this bible verse from Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31 ...

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Till my next blog....

Today marked my space for my own thoughts, dreams, experiences.... anything. I am shifting myself in a new mode, not a mere blog reader but a BLOGGER. Geez, I now feel like a hi-tech enthusiast. Well, I am practicing... and in due time, a PRO? Feeler!!