are you thirsty now?

How do you get your H20? Do you boil it? Get it from the tap? Or just straight from the bottle? Recently, a friend who came to stay over at our house said that although UK water is "drinkable" but it may cause hair loss.

I was a bit skeptical at first. But seeing that this came out from the blue, I had to allow myself to just consider the possibility. Well for one thing....

Rooney is as bald as a baby...

Then again, you may argue that he's only among a few footballers who actually are naturally bald.

Anyway, I tried to do a bit of info-searching, and what I found is that it's always advisable to use filtered tap water even when you are in the UK or US. Somehow they are unsafe although some people might say otherwise.

Countless of claims and reports have prove that the followings make up the impurities found flowing through pipes around the country:
1. chlorine
2. farm fertilizers
3. female contraceptive chemicals (and so... drinking tap water may cause one to gain weight)
4. prozac

Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) also revealed that pharmaceuticals are finding their way into the water supply despite extensive purification treatments used by water companies. Trace levels of bleomycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug, and diazepam, a sedative, have been found during tests on drinking water.

Now... going back to Rooney... Is it a coincidence that more and more people are going bald these days? Are the chemicals the culprit?

Long term side effects of this have not been studied well enough yet, but already there is reduced male sperm counts in many countries, and even causes deformed babies.

So what can you do about this? Try having a look at your at the bottom of your boiler. Notice any calcification especially at the metallic heater?

If you still want more evidence, try leaving out a glass of water in the fridge... or even in the open now since it's soooooo cold. Sedimentation will form... It's probably hard water (lime); but there may be other things as well... There must be other impurities as well causing it to be cloudy.

So, what are your options?
a) Buy a simple charcoal filtering system
b) Filtering jug
c) Filter system fitted to main water supply
d) Buy bottled waters.... everyday... (but they are environmentally unfriendly)

I have already opted for option (b)... it's already on its way...

So, are you losing your hair over this problem yet? Truth be told, it's more likely that hair loss is due to water from the shower or the type of shampoo you use, rather than the tap water we drink.

dub dub..

Random fact:

Washing a small enclosed toilet is like playing twister...


Especially when scrubbing the floor, you need to be a tad bit flexible...

tips to stay warm this winter part I

It's early November, and I can say that it has been FRRRRREEEZIING! For four days, the temperature has remained as a single digit. It serves to remind us, that, the temperature will dive dovetail from now onwards. As I type this post, the heater is blazing on my left, while the right side of my face is cold as ice (well not quite... 6 Celcius). I could raise both my eyebrows (not a flirt-move by the way), and it would seem like I am accentuating irony. I could smile, and it would seem crooked, like the grin of Two-Face himself. But that's scary.. So I shall digress... well more like the moon.

Anyway, the point is, we need to keep ourselves warm. Here are some of my tips:

1. Wear a cap; if not a hoodie. We lose a lot of body through our head (25% - 75%)! So, why not look cool this winter, and don that beret you have been hiding in your closet! I know I would... especially to a certain ADD class.

2. Wear something insulated with down feathers! My mom just couriered one to me; and it has helped me stay warm the last couple of days. Thanks mom! Down feathers are the soft fluffy feathers from birds. It's one of the best insulators around. One drawback though, if your down feathers gets wet, you won't be able to fly anymore it will become flat, and loses its ability to insulate. So wear it with....

3. Polar fleece or wool! Both can still insulate well, even though you get wet in this wretched weather!

4. Well, the idea is also not to get wet, so get a proper umbrella. Like mine :D Solid even in the windiest of days! *Touches wood* If you get wet, you get cold faster. That's the general rule of thumb.

5. Speaking of thumbs, wear a pair of gloves! Being waterproof helps... I mean the gloves; not YOU. I know you are.

In conclusion, wear thin natural fibre clothings; like cotton or wool. They trap heat easily rather than thick bulky materials. Scarf and socks are a big help. If you are looking to buy some more jackets; I would like to share this tip my friend taught me... blow through the material, does it stop convection? (windbreaker) Keep that in mind when you shop. Oh and buy colours which can soak up the magnificent sun rays :D You know what they are ;)

If you have boots; then good for you! My shoes is falling apart, and sometimes, I can feel my socks a bit soggy when I step on puddles. Perhaps it's time to get a pair of waterproof boots.

Also eat right, keep warm. Potatoes... veg... meat... fish... eggs... basically proteins. Basically a balance diet should be fine. And fine cup of hot drink :) *Slurps* What I do is keep a flask of hot water by my bedside. So when I wake up... yay! Instant warmth from a cup!

Other things you may want:

1. Vitamins. I was taking Vitamin C with Zinc; for immune system. Now I put myself on the multi-vits... giving priorities on Vitamin B... to boost my energy. You can take either or... or alternately.

2. Stock up with can foods (like soups) for the winter. Or... hmm.. instant noodles. A bit of each, since neither are that beneficial. I keep stocks of cookies. Unfortunately my milo stock s dwindling. Please let my parcel arrive soon! :(

3. Above all, drink plenty of water. Water is the elixir of life. It helps in metabolism of food. Then you will feel warm.

4. Carry some brunch bars around; like my Cadbury ones I buy from BM Bargain at Beeston Bus Station. Only 1 Pound for 6 bars. Good deal! Or if you like, nuts and raisins from Holland and Barrett; or free chocolates from Hotel Chocolat at Broadmarsh! :p

5. Final tip, just move around. Exercise! Burn some rubber flubber around that belly. Push ups, weight lifting, brisk walking... whatever helps for you. Don't sit statically too long... Which reminds me.... I need to wash the toilet now! See ya!

Stay warm! :D

of passion within

Each day, our life is touched by experiences; experiences we ourselves only know; but one which is understood and believed by others around us. These experiences does not need proof. These experiences are profound. These experiences remind us of the twist and turns of our lives. These experiences remind us of why we sing the song we sing.

These experiences does not need proof. These experiences may not be explainable to others. But these experiences are not incomprehensible. Why would there be a need to prove these? Would there be a need to have proofs of one's dream?

The deepest experiences of life does not require the fruit of reasoning, but of love.

my denim

I finally washed my pair of jeans after wearing for 15 consecutive days. Why is that gross or dirty? Jeans are meant to be worn long! It's rugged, yo! Anyways... no one can tell the difference.

To be honest, I don't find my jeans dirty YET. Perhaps if I were back home, I would wash my jeans after every use. Sometimes, but only on rare occasions, I might save it for another day. Maybe it's because those were cheap jeans.

The one which I just washed is kinda expensive. I think washing jeans can somehow destroy its fabric. So, I would prefer that my jeans last as long as it can. In addition, I kinda like the feeling of a dirty pair of jeans ie. it's easier to slip on the pair. If it were fresh laundry, they can feel kinda tight.
Skinny jeans not my type.

So, how often do YOU wash your jeans?

okay enough

Omgosh... this page really exist.... and I found my lecturer there.

Okay... I need to stop my habit of looking every single thing up on the internet...

Got better things to do...

Btw.. it's really cold.. 2 celcius.. gosh.. I need more warm clothings.......

pilgrimage to Manchester

Every Man United has this calling; to visit Old Trafford at least once in their lifetime. I had the privilege to be part of this pilgrimage last weekend. Frozen fingers and the cold couldn't contain my excitement; especially on the bus ride to where dreams are made and shaped into reality.

The moment the stadium came into view; it just made me shudder. I was so moved and awed by the sheer majestic sight of the stadium. I was there. And it was awesome. The hair on the back of my neck erect as I got off the bus. It was one of the best feeling I have ever had.

breakfast thoughts

Life in UK has not been bad so far. Living abroad teaches us plenty of things... of choices we make... of routes we take.

Whatever we do, there are either two types of decisions... being involved OR being committed.

I would like to share something I heard today....

It has something to do with the English breakfast below...

Bacons and eggs.

The chicken was involved. BUT the pig was committed.

Which one describes you? Are you a chicken or a pig?

tacos

I woke up one day, and I realised someone took my cheese tacos.

Change is inevitable. But it's tough to face it. It's tough even admitting it. I prefer to cling on to the things which are familiar. It feels safe... just right... like home. I guess I just don't like changes. I am afraid to look it in the eye. It just never works out... well not for me at least.

I hope things are back to normal to save my heart...

Yet I am willing for some tacos.

into the door

In a little town of Nottingham, that's where I will be in the next 2 years... perhaps more? Rain; of drizzle kind are a common coming. A brolly (umbrella) in a bag is a really good idea. A coat; preferably something waterproof which can keep you warm is a fantastic idea.

Nottingham, a city of history; of Sherwood forest, Maid Marian, and Robin Hood. The art of 'stealing from the rich and giving to the poor' thankfully (or not?) does not occur. When we will be sleeping; the droning sound of little pat-o-pat outside helps us drown further into sleep.

If we are out in this sort of weather, people like me may be tempted to use the umbrella. Locals; more often than not; choose to battle against the annoying-shiver-inducing droplets. The use of an umbrella basically labels yourself as an outsider... somewhat so. But at least it would keep me dry.

But....


I wondered, I contemplated; and I was curious; to be part of this country, I would need to blend in. So, on the next occasion; the umbrella and I would switch position. I will instead take the drops while shielding the umbrella. I shall be wet; and my umbrella shall remain bone dry.

Perhaps, in the coming weeks, I would start not to take notice of the rain anymore. I would see things differently, with a new set of 'eyes'.