Useless things (quick and stupid post)

Nowadays there's plenty of social networks around the net. Some of them are fun, like facebook 8for me facebook is fun) but others are just silly... and I'm addict to them! Like Twitter! I made an account recently and I didn't use it for two months.. and now, I'm using it a lot...

I leave you here all my "useless accounts": twitter, facebook, pouppegirl... add me if you want!

(And now, Libertad's useless things!)

* Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sahakiel
* Facebook: Libertad Sahakiel
* Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertad-sahakiel/
* Pouppe Girl: http://pupe.ameba.jp/profile/Bjgy8pPwLxTJ/
* Modepass: http://modepass.com/Sahakiel


This, with my two blogs (here and the Metrobblogen one) are the things I use more... I'm leaving the links in my link's box...

By the way (and looking to Modepass), my friend Fernan told me about two more fashion communitys that I must join... and as you can see, today I'm not so busy at work :)

I'll post later about my japanese lunch on Tuesday! And as Laia reminds me, I must post my new Mando Diao's t shirt too, yaw!!

Paolo Mendoza

There are three more couples that I need to post very soon. It took me a while to fix a lot of things about my life and career but after I post all the customers I had last year, I will post my first Artist Chef stint here in Saigon. Will definitely keep you posted.

Thanks Paolo for giving me my favorite cake---The Mango Torte from Dulcelin. But I love the Tony Cuerva better if I have a choice :p But seriously, most of my customers are very sweet. They do love me that's why I love them also in return. Actually this is not the first time for me to receive a present from my customers and I just want everyone to know that I am happy and thankful for that. I am also grateful with all the customers I had through the years. I know I'll be having more of them soon here in Ho Chi Minh City :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

Melts in your mouth, not in your hands...and more

You may have heard rumors about green M&M dye and "mojo" but the blue M&M dye may have its perks, too. And proof of it.

Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that rats suffering from spinal cord injuries were able to walk again after being injected with the compound Brilliant Blue G (BBG). BBG is the same dye found in blue M&Ms and blue Gatorade, go figure. Side effect: the mice turned blue [1]. I think it’s rather adorable, don’t you?

Previous research performed in 2004 looked at adenosine triphosphate (ATP), also known as the “energy currency of life”, and its effect on spinal cord injuries. The results found that oxidized ATP blocked the affect of ATP which caused harm due to the sudden influx of ATP which killed off healthy cells after an injury. What does this matter? Well, BBG acts in the same way as oxidized ATP following spinal cord injuries -- favorably. In spinal injuries among rats which cause immobility, those treated with BBG were able to walk again while those left untreated never regained their mobility [1].

Why is this important? Approximately 15% of humans suffering spinal cord injuries receive steroids; the majority of spinal cord injuries (85%) are left untreated. Steroid treatments work moderately well, at best. Treatments such as BBG provide ground-breaking research. While BBG does not offer a cure, it offers more potential improvement than ever before [1].

Researchers are currently looking into getting the first clinical trial for BBG use on humans to be approved [1].

[1]. Blue M&Ms Linked to Reducing Spine Injury. CNN. July 28, 2009.

You are miss, but never forgotten.

Award-winning director Yasmin Ahmad, has made many great movies and countless advertisements that has made us all tear.

She will be missed, but never forgotten for the master piece she have have created will continue to inspire other proud Malaysians to reach for the sky. I know, because its from her short clips that reminds me to be a better person, not only for self, but also for family and friends.

Rest in Peace.

Together with this post, i attach one of her many clips she made. This on is one of my favourite.

Eat This, Not That: Mayo

I had a blog topic request from my amazing mommy. So, mom, here you go!

Her topic proposal: Mayo with olive oil. She said in an email, “I’ve seen it advertised and on the shelf today. Us consumers will need to know it it’s good because it touts the words olive oil. If it is indeed beneficial, how much?”

Simple answer: It’s a condiment that contains calories, fat, and in some cases cholesterol. It should be used in moderation.

Reality, however, is not omission from the diet. So, let’s discuss.

Between the choices offered by Hellmann’s, my recommendation in order of “dietary preference” would be:

1. Hellmann’s Canola Cholesterol-Free
2. Hellmann’s Low Fat
3. Hellmann’s Light
4. Hellmann’s with Olive Oil
5. Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise

The logic?

The lowest option calorically is the low-fat Hellmann’s measuring in at 15 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving (1 tablespoon). The problem with it is the ingredients – water and modified cornstarch being the two main ingredients. Also, the sodium (while not high) is higher than any other Hellmann’s product. It is also the lowest in “good fat” – mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs and PUFAs).

Hellmann’s Canola Cholesterol-Free comes in as #1 in my book because it is 50% lower in calories than Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, contains no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and is lower sodium than the Hellmann’s made with olive oil. The olive oil product contains 5 more calories than the canola product and 5 milligrams of cholesterol, as well as 0.5 grams of saturated fat. Also, the olive oil product is not made of pure olive oil, but also contains soybean oil. Further, when you log-on to www.hellmanns.com, the olive oil product is asterisked and noted to not contain olive oil. If that’s confusing and unclear to a dietitian, it’s certainly unclear to consumers.

Canola oil is a heart-healthy oil and inexpensive. It offers similar MUFA and PUFA content as olive oil, and can be used diversely in cooking and baking.

Mom: Buy the Hellmann’s Canola Cholesterol-Free. Love you!