A REFLECTION ON THE PAST YEAR

Success comes to he who is willing to work hard, fight a good fight and sacrifice everything when necessary. (Brenda A. Ysaguirre)

As we near the end of another year we are faced with many new challenges. The economical situation at home and abroad dims the festive moment. If what the analysts are saying is true, we can look forward to a new year filled with more hardship as more people lose there jobs and many others graduate into a world that offers very little for them. Only the strong will survive. Only those who know the true meaning of sacrifice will succeed. Only the fearless will attain the satisfaction of a hard day's work for a well earned pay.

I do not mean to dampen the eve of New Year's Eve. I only want to make sure we all understand that there will be a lot of hardship but that we can win the battle in the New Year if we use stamina and sacrifice.

Good Luck to everyone and do have a Happy New Year. Go out or just stay at home and eat some grapes (12 actually to follow the Spanish tradition of one for each month of the year. You eat them just before midnight and our ancestors believed it would give you a good year.)

Have a Blessed New Year. Remember, we can make 2009 all it was meant to be if we work hard and sacrifice when necessary.

Brenda A. Ysaguirre

AFTER THE STORM- PLEASE HELP BELIZE

For the time being the rains have stopped and now we have a cold front over Belize. However, all is not over. Now is the time of recovery. The people in the areas that had the flooding ae still suffering. Many are still not in their homes and many have lost most of their personal properties.


NOW IS THE TIME WHEN WE HAVE TO GIVE A HELPING HAND.

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE RELIEF ORGANIZERS WHO ARE GOING TO TAKE FOOD, MEDICINES AND CLOTHING ( AMONG OTHER THINGS) TO THOSE WHO NOW NEED OUR HELP.

In an effort to assist our brothers and sisters who have suffered so much in the past weeks, the YO PUEDO GROUP OF COROZAL and CCC ACE and CJC ACE have initiated a drive to collect non-persishable goods and clothing. THIS IS THE TIME WHEN WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER. LET US GIVE FROM THE HEART.

TO MY READERS ABROAD, YOU TOO CAN HELP. YOUR MONETARY DONATIONS CAN BE SENT TO THE RED CROSS OF BELIZE OR GET IN CONTACT WITH ME AT 501-607-8315 (3pm to 31am Belize time) OR AT 00521-983-131-5669 FROM 7AM TO 11AM (Mexico time).

Thank you and God Bless.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP - KEEP THE GREEN OUT

If you're concerned about chlorine turning it green, squeeze a lemon into your regular shampoo and wash your hair beforehand. This is especially effective for blonde hair!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP - BRIGHT COLORS IN FASHIONS

If you believe you have a "problem area" in your figure, use bright colors to draw attention elsewhere. For example, women with wide hips might benefit from a brightly-colored top.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP - BRING OUT BLUE EYES

Red and brown tones in eyeshadow help blue eyes stand out even more. For added effect, apply a very thin line of copper shadow or liner just below your bottom eyelashes.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP - CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES

Dirty makeup brushes can build up with oil and bacteria with repeated use ... and if you're prone to acne, this can be especially disastrous! Clean your brushes and applicators at least once every two weeks. You'll be amazed how effective this is!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- SIMPLE BLEMISH SAFEGUARD

It's not surprising that just about anything near your face can affect how clear your skin is. Make sure to keep the mouthpiece of your phone clean, and don't chew on your writing utensils -- or, if you can't help it, wash those, too.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- DON'T NEGLECT YOUR APPEARANCE

Even if you're staying home today and no one is going to see you, go through your regular hygiene routine. Skipping a day could be detrimental to your skin, hair, and teeth ... and keeping up will make you feel better, too.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- CURLY LASHES

When using an eyelash curler, use a blow dryer to heat it up first. This will make it work much better and give you even curlier lashes!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- SHOWERS FOR WINTER SKIN CARE

As nice as a hot shower may feel first thing in the morning on a winter day, don't make it too hot. This makes it more difficult for your skin to retain moisture. Watch the temperature, and cool the water off a bit right before you get out. Your skin will lock in more moisture, and you'll avoid that nasty cold shock when you get out of the shower!

DOTTIE COLLINS DIES AT AGE 84

Female baseball star dies at 84
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (UPI) -- Dottie Collins, who starred as a women's professional baseball pitcher in the 1940s, has died of a stroke in Indiana. She was 84.

Collins was known for her six seasons in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was created to provide entertainment during World War II while major league males were off at war. But she later became known for her contributions to recording the history of the women's games, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Collins helped form an association of former All-American league players in 1987 that provided the Baseball Hall of Fame with memorabilia that led to a Women in Baseball exhibit.

"When I connected with Dottie, the ball started to roll," Hall of Fame curator Ted Spencer said. "If it wasn't for her, I don't know where it would have gone."

The Cooperstown exhibit then helped spark Penny Marshall's 1992 Hollywood movie "A League of Their Own," starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna.




Copyright 2008 by United Press International

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- HYDRATING YOUR SKIN

If you don't use extra-moisturizing cream already, switch to it for winter. For extra hydration, apply it while your skin is still wet.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIPS -CHOOSING SCENTS

You may not know it, but your favorite scent is actually influenced by your body chemistry -- you're very likely to pick something that works for you if you go by instinct. Before you buy that bottle of perfume, though, wait a few minutes after you've sprayed some on from the tester. Scent can change given time.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIPS - TIME FOR A HAIRCUT

You should get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to avoid problems with split-ends and flyaways. If the ends of your hair are getting fuzzy, that's a good sign that you're overdue for a cut.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- BAD HAIRCUTS

Even if you're trying to grow out a bad haircut, make sure to keep it trimmed properly. In the meantime, bandannas and hair accessories can be used to your advantage to keep you looking at least somewhat stylish while you wait for your hair to get back to normal!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- SHORT HAIR

If you have long hair and have decided to get it cut short, do so slowly over time. It's better for your hair, and not quite as shocking to your friends and family!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- APPLYING PERFUME

Only use perfume on your skin, on your pulse points; anywhere else, it won't last (and won't be very detectable). Don't apply any behind your ears, and when you put it on your wrists, don't rub them together -- this will alter the scent.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- STORING PERFUMES

Health and Beauty Tip -- Storing Perfumes
Make sure all your perfumes and colognes are capped tightly and kept out of direct sunlight -- they don't have to be kept cold, but a cool, dark place helps it last longer. And don't save up several different perfumes for later. The scent will change over time. Use it when you get it!

CHRITINA APPLEGATE TIENE CANCER

Bass: Applegate has double mastectomy
LOS ANGELES (UPI) -- U.S. actress Christina Applegate is recovering from a double mastectomy she had after being diagnosed with breast cancer, pop singer Lance Bass says.

The former 'N Sync singer, who is friends with the "Samantha Who?" star, said Applegate is doing well and keeping herself busy by completing crossword puzzles in her hospital bed, People magazine reported Saturday.

"She's totally, fully recovering," Bass said.

The 29-year-old singer said Applegate, 36, does not regret making her battle with breast cancer general knowledge in the media industry.

"Now she has a voice and she can use it for something good," he told People. "Just opening her mouth about it is going to make thousands of women go get checked out. It will probably save many lives."




Copyright 2008 by United Press International

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- KEEP EYELINER IN PLACE

Once you're done applying eyeliner, brush a little powder shadow in a matching shade over the liner.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- CLEANING BRUSHES

Want to get combs and hairbrushes clean? Soak them in ammonia for a minute or two -- it works a lot like the cleaner hairdressers use for their tools. Make sure to wash them off afterwards.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- EATING RIGHT TO COUNTER PMS

Health and Beauty Tip -- Eat Right to Counter PMS
If you don't like vitamin supplements or over-the-counter drugs, you can counter PMS by changing your diet. Pasta, vegetables, and whole grain cereal and bread can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Be sure to avoid things like chocolate, coffee, and caffeinated sodas, as this can make the symptoms worse.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- "FIRMING UP" YOUR CHIN

To hide a double chin, get some brownish-rose blush and brush it along your jawline from just below your ears to your chin. Use a very small amount of white powder on the tip of your chin to complete the slimming effect.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- COLD NOSE

What can you do about a red nose in cold weather? Unfortunately, very little. But you can hide it with some extra makeup, especially if you use a foundation with green undertones on the end of your nose to cancel out some of the red.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- PUMPKIN SEEDS

Have you ever toasted pumpkin seeds at Halloween? Don't wait until the holiday to eat them. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, and area also high in omega-3. One handful a day makes a big difference.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- PRODUCTS FOR DANDRUFF

Dandruff and a flaky scalp are two very different things -- dandruff tends to stay at the root of your hair, while the little white flakes that most people think is dandruff is actually flaky scalps. Make sure to read shampoo labels closely to make sure you're getting the right product. Many companies mismarket their products as dandruff shampoo, when it's actually formulated to deal with flakes.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- ANTI-AGING ANTIOXIDANTS

You probably keep hearing about antioxidants, but what do they do? As the name might suggest, they clear out oxidants -- toxins that are released whenever something burns, such as smoking a cigarette or the body burning off food to provide energy. These can be cancelled out with foods like carrots, tomatoes, oranges, broccoli, nuts, and fish. All of these contain antioxidants, thus decreasing the amoung of cell damage caused by oxidants in the system.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- CHECK YOUR WATER

No matter what kind of facial cleanser you use, check what kind of water you have access to. Hard water can be just as detrimental to skin as plain soap, and can dry it out.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- APPLYING MOISTURIZER

When applying moisturizer as part of your daily routine, make sure not to use it directly around your eyes -- this skin is more likely to retain fluid, and moisturizer will make the under-eye area appear puffier. But do remember to use some on your neck and throat; skin can become dry there, too.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- EAT RIGHT TO COUNTER PMS

If you don't like vitamin supplements or over-the-counter drugs, you can counter PMS by changing your diet. Pasta, vegetables, and whole grain cereal and bread can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Be sure to avoid things like chocolate, coffee, and caffeinated sodas, as this can make the symptoms worse.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- STRENGTHENING YOUR NAILS

Before you go to bed every night, use a nail-strengthening cream on your nails (and under, if they're long). This also keeps them hydrated, which is essential for healthy nails.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- CHOOSING POWDER

When choosing powder, it is (of course) important to match the color of your skin ... but if you're looking for a warmer glow, try something with a pink or peach tint. With pressed powder, you might want to choose something a little lighter than your skin tone.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- CHOOSING EYELINER

Make sure the color of your eyeliner complements your eyes. Dark brown eyes benefit from plum shades. If you have lighter eyes, try navy and charcoal. Brown eyeliner works well no matter what color your eyes are!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- DE-TANGLE YOUR HAIR

If you wake up with a "rat's nest," try switching to a silk pillowcase. This keeps your hair from staying in one place all night and tangling up

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- OPEN YOUR EYES

To accentuate your eyes, use a little white eyeshadow just under the brow at each corner of the eye.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- HOLIDAY MAKEUP

The holidays are special, so forget about matte eyeshadow when you go out! Younger women can experiment with shadows with frost, and mature women will look great going for shadows with a satiny finish. Avoid glitter, though ... that's a little too much!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- A FEW FINAL HOLIDAY BEAUTY TIPS

Before you go out for dinner tonight, try a few of these quick tips:

* Instead of lip liner, use some shimmering lip gloss. It saves time, and can be reapplied quickly if necessary.

* Simple, non-fussy hairstyles are popular this season. Do your hair in a simple bun if you have long hair, or use some jeweled barrettes and combs if you have shorter hair.

* Don't stress about eating more! Stress will actually make breakouts and other skin problems more likely. Do what you can to have fun, and make sure to catch up on your sleep after the holidays are over.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- PANTYHOSE IN THE SHOWER

Health and Beauty Tip -- Pantyhose in the Shower
Put worn-out pantyhose to good use! If your skin is too sensitive for other exfoliants, cut off a large enough piece to cover your hands and use it in the shower. The fine texture exfoliates without being harsh. You can also cut a small piece of pantyhose to cover the drain. This allows water to seep through, and when you're done showering you can pick up the pantyhose and throw it away ... no more clogged shower drains!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- LOCK IN MOISTURE

Make sure you use lotion right after you shower -- most moisture is lost withing two hours of bathing, so use a water-based moisturizer as soon as possible afterwards.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- EYEBROW CARE

If you're not in the habit of plucking your eyebrows, be sure to give them extra attention. Use a clean toothbrush to brush eyebrows and keep them looking neat. Even if you do pluck your eyebrows, it's a good idea to do this; the little bit of extra effort can really improve your overall appearance!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- THE PERFECT LIPSTICK

Have a color you like, but it's a little too bright? Add a tiny bit of concealer, either before or while you apply the lipstick. This will tone it down a bit, and it's much more complementary to the rest of your makeup.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- APPLYING FOUNDATION

Having trouble with your foundation? You might not be spreading it out enough. When you dot it on your face, do so in as many places as possible -- not just four or five. If at all possible, use a cosmetic brush instead of your fingers -- this spreads out the foundation even more, and you'll end up using less.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- HOT WATER

Whenever you can, try to drink a mug of hot (not boiling!) water first thing in the morning. This helps clear out impurities in your body, especially your skin.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- HELP FOR SENSITIVE GUMS

If your gums are very sensitive, rub a very small amount of aloe vera gel on, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off. Aloe vera strengthens gums, and it's especially good to use before using any bleaches or other whiteners on your teeth.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- EXTRA SUNSCREEN

If you're going out in the sun, don't forget to cover your scalp! Wearing a hat is the obvious solution, but you can also use sunscreen. Find a non-greasy, spray-on formula; lotions and creams will make your hair oily.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- DEEP CONDITIONING

To help your conditioner do its job, wrap a hot towel around conditioned hair for a few minutes before washing it out. The heat gives a deep conditioning effect that you might not get otherwise.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- AIR -DRYING YOUR HAIR

Every once in awhile, air-drying your hair can be good for it -- as long as you do it right. Make sure you use an absorbent towel to speed up drying time, and blot your hair gently instead of rubbing it (rubbing can cause frizziness and split ends). For extra volume and waves, pull your hair back with large clips until it dries.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRUSH

The type of hair brush (or comb) you use has a big influence on your hair. If you have short hair, try a short brush with soft, protective bristles. Medium-length straight hair benefits from a paddle brush, and wavy hair needs an extra-large, round brush to get rid of tangles. For long hair (anything past your shoulders), use a ceramic brush or a large brush with wide-placed teeth. And no matter what your style, always use a large, wide-toothed comb to detangle after washing.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- BEFORE SHAVING

Before you shave your legs, use an exfoliating scrub to soften the skin -- and remember to rinse it off first. Your legs will feel smoother, and your shave will last longer.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- FACIAL SCRUBS

Be careful of scrubs and exfoliants that use things like ground-up walnut shells. They are likely to have sharp edges and can irritate or even cut your face, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for a cleanser that uses "microbeads"; since they are perfectly round, they'll do their job without irritating your skin.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIP -- NO-STREAK WINTER TAN

If you're using self-tanner this winter, make sure you apply it right! Use a natural sea sponge to apply the lotion. This ensures that it goes on evenly and helps you avoid those annoying orange streaks.