Gateway Cinema Popcorn Scheme

I went to see "Alice in Wonderland" last Sunday at the Gateway Cineplex 10 in Cubao. They charge PhP271 per head per screening. I was wondering why the hefty price for a movie when the rest of the movies cost PhP161-171 only. It was only then that I realized that it was in 3D. I was willing to pay good money for a good movie but what surprised me was when I got the tickets, each only costs PhP201. Now where did the PhP70 go? A piece of paper (not an official receipt) was stapled at the ticket saying that we get some snacks worth PhP70 bundled with the movie ticket.

I don't know if that was a fair practice of their business. I wanted to see just the movie and not buy the popcorn. Shouldn't they be sold separately? Shouldn't the viewers be given the chance to choose for themselves the snack they would like to have? And if we are forced to buy those lousy snacks, shouldn't we at least get an official receipt?

Smells Like Scam

Have you received an email like the one below. It sounds too good to be true (one characteristic of a scam), doesn't it? That alone kept me from responding. Around a year back I received a similar e-mail. It had a different sender, different dates, different country but the same story.

Subject: From Martin Aka,PLease For Urgent
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 9:33 PM
From:"Martin Aka"
To: shantal01_kon35@yahoo.cn
From Martin Aka,PLease For Urgent
Abidjan. Cote D'Ivoire,
Tel: +22567301860

Hello dear,

With profound respect and humble submission,i got your contact in http://www.entrepreneur.com.ph and I beg to state the following few lines for your kind consideration, I hope you will spare some of your valuable minutes to read the following appeal with sympathetic mind. I must confess that it is with great hopes, joy and enthusiasm that I write you this mail which I know and believe by the faith that it must surely find you in good condition of health. My name is Martin Aka, I am the only Son of my late parents Mr.and Mrs Joseph Aka. My father was a highly reputable business magnet who operated in the capital of Ivory coast during his days.
It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad on the 20th May 2007. Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of mine who travelled with him at that time. But GOD knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 6yrs old, and since then my father took me so special.

Before the death of my father on May 2007, he called me and informed me that he has the sum of Ten Million, Five Hundred thousand United State Dollars.(USD$10,500,000.00) he deposited in a private Bank here in Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire He told me that he deposited the money in my name, and also gave me all the necessary legal documents regarding to this deposit with the Bank

I am just 20 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do. Now I want an honest and GOD fearing partner overseas who I can transfer this money with his assistance and after the transaction I will come and reside permanently in your country till such a time that it will be convinient for me to return back home if I so desire. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory Coast. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. I also want to invest the fund under your care because I am ignorant of business world.
I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards. Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. Now permit me to ask these few questions:
1. Can you honestly help me from your heart?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you after the fund has being transfeered to your account and i come over to meet you ?

Please, consider this and get back to me as soon as possible. Immedaitely I confirm your willingness, I will send to you my Picture and also inform you more details involved in this matter. and you can reach me with my direct telephone number at +22567301860 .Anticipating hearing from you soon.
Thanks and God bless.
Kind Regards,
Martin Aka.

I don't know how the scam really works, or if its really a scam. I dare not risk participating just to know.

Del Monte Fit N' Right

L-Carnitine is a substance that is naturally occurring in the body. It helps convert fatty acids into energy needed by for a healthy heart, important body functions and physical activities. Supplementary L-Carnitine may contribute to optimal fat oxidation, and along with proper diet and regular exercise, may also promote a healthy body weight.

That is printed on the label of Del Monte Fit N' Right juice drink. With a number of beverages sold in the market as health drinks, this may actually be one. You get to choose from three flavors: apple, pineapple and four seasons. The brand boasts of its L-Carnitine content, saying that having 3 servings of the juice and with a proper diet and exercise, a high 16% body fat reduction can be achieved.

The key elements are proper diet and exercise; not L-Carnitine. There is no scientific evidence that it can improve weight loss.* Still it has a number of studies showing some health benefits especially for the cardiovascular system. The drink is reasonably priced so I'd rather buy it than other beverages that are mainly sugar dissolved in water. Speaking of sugar, maybe Del Monte can make a sugar-free version of the drink. Just a thought.

* from the University of Maryland Medical Center

14Aug2014 Update:
There has been research that L-carnitine can contribute to atherosclerosis.