crowbird_52

I have a close friend who writes and self-publishes books. One of his most successful is entitled "The Hippie Hand Guide and Far-Out Words of Wisdom." He has sold a few of these in the US, but by far his greatest sales have been from the UK. He is trying to figure out why. He has asked several expatriate Brits here in Northern California, but none have been able to come up with any really definitive answers. Any ideas?

It is frustrating to see an appealing place to eat within its covers, only to discover later that they have gone out of business.

How would one express the greeting "Happy Birthday and Best Wishes Always!" or something similar in Vietnamese, appropriate for a twelve year old young man? It is going to be written on a birthday card for a child whom I sponsor in Vietnam. Thank you!

I have heard a couple songs by her and accessed an official website www.marylomania.pl . Even though my Polish is weak, I enjoy her sultry voice and the song interpretations. Who else is a fan of hers?

Originally I read four bad reviews about this movie. A friend, however, saw it and recommended it to me. I saw it yesterday and was surprised and pleased with it. Any thoughts?

Dear Pinoys and Pinays! This phrase keeps coming up in TV and newspaper promotions all the time, especially on programs like "Eat Bulaga." What in heaven's name is the translation? This "kano" would like to know.

And, if you feel up to the challenge, what is the meaning of the even more enigmatic "kayang-kaya mo ba 'to?"

Maraming salamat para sa inyong lahat!

I just read an article in Saturday's LA TIMES about several super-Evanglical Christian sects in northern California which are comprised of Russian and Ukrainian immigrants.

In the article it mentioned that some of their followers have the annoying habit of approaching people in public places, giving them a few firm taps on the head and proclaiming "You're Saved."

Any opinions on this?

(P.S. I am Christian and I find this nauseating, unnecessary and unconscienable.)

Why is the thermostat turned down so low in Starbucks stores? During this past summer, it was pleasant to get out of the heat. But now that the weather is getting cooler in most places around the United States, what's the idea of keeping the thermostat at the same setting inside their locations?

I have eaten at three different El Torito Restaurants in the past two years. Normally I have no problem with Mexican food anywhere else, even in little "hole-in-the-wall" places. For some reason, each time I ate at an El Torito I got symptoms of illness ranging from mild stomach upset to all-out fever and chills (on one occasion it was so severe that I had to take off work for two days to recover from what appeared to be food poisoning). The food I ate was all nicely prepared, served hot and quite tasty. The premises seemed to be clean and no visible problems.

I was just wondering if anybody else out there has had a similar experience at this or even another popular chain restaurant.