Manila Zoo’s Lone Elephant Mali and the Rise of PETA’s Animal “Rights”

Singer actress Geneva Cruz and other female model-celebrities recently posed nude for a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advertisement that called for the transfer of Manila Zoo’s lone resident elephant, Mali, to a sanctuary in Thailand. PETA believes the 38-year-old female elephant had been suffering from “profound loneliness” and must be in the company of other elephants in a sanctuary. Manila Zoo officials and veterinarians opposes the transfer stating that Mali is not fit to travel and argues that being alone in the zoo does not mean she is suffering. (Photo by Danny Pata, PETA Philippines)

The Rock, Fatherhood and Milk

One commercial that stood out last Super-Bowl XLVII was the “Got Milk?” ad from action-star Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock. Why? Because it shows a noble character who was willing to do whatever it takes to get milk for his children. Even if it means chasing the milk delivery truck through the streets in his pajamas, while the city around him is in absolute commotion. I understand the urgency. An 8 oz. glass of milk contains 8 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality “body fuel” protein that will help tackle your day – who doesn’t want that for their family.

Protecting My Children from Sexually Explicit Media

My daughter walked into the living room just as Beyonce started her halftime performance at the Super Bowl. But instead of changing the channel, I decided to let her sit on my lap and we watched the pop star together. I had the remote control in the other hand in case Mrs. Jay-Z pulled a Janet Jackson on all of us.

I told my daughter that Beyonce was a popular singer and was part of a pop group before she (my daughter) was born. She recognized some of the songs and was pleased to discover the singer behind the songs she sometimes hears from her friends. After the performance, I asked her what she thought of the show. She said, “I like her songs and the singing but I don’t like her clothes . . . it’s showing too much.” (In my mind I did the Macauley Culkin’s “Yes!” gesture from “Home Alone”).

Some Golden Bullet-Points from #Dad2Summit

Dove Men Care

Sword training w/ @mcstuntman

It was really good to be in one place with other men who have the same passion as mine. This was the experienced I had last weekend at the Dad 2.0 Summit in Houston TX. It was my first blogging event and the trip was all worth it. I feel energized, affirmed and more inspired to take on my role as a father to my two children and a husband to my wife. The event was more than just about blogging and the business of marketing brands. It’s about fatherhood and how to navigate the challenges of modern life and be proud while doing it.

I wrote down in bullet-points some of the many golden nuggets I learned from the event and posting it here so I won’t forget. Here are some:

•    Never give up on my children. It’s not about the milestones; it’s about making plenty of little moments where my children can hear us and they get it.
•    Stay calm. Be prepared for bra shopping with my daughter in the near future.
•    Act in accordance to my words. Spend time with my children rather than just writing about it.
•    I don’t have to be a trained writer to write or publish a book. All I need is passion, an idea, persistence to make my idea happen and lots of business card.
•    It’s OK to self-promote.
•    My writing reveals my worldview. Be proud and write loud.
•    People are drawn to authenticity. It’s OK to be vulnerable and write about things that exposes you. If a man grabs your testicles, write about it.
•    Improve in my story telling. Practice, practice and proofread.
•    Not all men are slobs. Men from different backgrounds also love their families and want to make their wives life easier.
•    Real men love their children. Real men love their wives. Real men talks about recipes and household chores. Real men talks to their children on the phone using childish-baby voices.
•    I am not alone. In fact, there’s too much competition in the karaoke bar and getting free stuff from brand sponsors.
•    I look good in cowboy boots. I look good sword fighting.
•    I’m not in college anymore. My tolerance for alcohol has drastically dropped.
•    Lose weight easily. Get a shave and facial treatment from Dove Men Care. You’ll be surprised how much pounds you carry with all the hair, dirt and grease on your face.

And there was more that I tweeted that weekend and notes on my notebook that I will review from time to time. Dad 2.0 Summit was quite an experience. I made instant friendships with some and acquaintances with many. I don’t mind visiting it again next time.

Appreciate all the sponsors of the event:

Dove Men Care
Honda
ConAgra Foods
Kraft Cheese
Milk
Sears Auto Center
Turtle Wax
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.
Ella's Kitchen
Jamba Juice
Kidde Safety
DadLabs
National At-Home Dad Network
ParentsPost.com
Single Jingles

Christians are the Worst! When Our Words Doesn't Match Our Actions.

A restaurant food server once said, Sundays are the worst…That's when the church crowd goes out to eat…. They're usually the most demanding, and they're always the worst tippers. I guarantee you, if you see your table praying before the meal, you can mentally subtract a third from your tip.

Ouch! What a harsh dose of reality on how people view Christians on Sundays... of all days.

I’m proud of my Christian faith but I’m not proud of my fellows Christians. Christians have a poor record of showing good character and mercy to others. Instead of being “a light” to their neighbors, they are “dark clouds” that rain on their parade. It’s infuriating.

The other day, a restaurant server posted this picture in Reddit.