The mother, however, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against St. Theresa’s College, seeking damages for not allowing her daughter to graduate just because of the photos posted on the social networking site.

The girl’s mother, a doctor, said her daughter “received the shock of her life” when the all-girls school imposed “a harsh sanction that she cannot join the commencement exercises.”

“Since the sanction was given, she (daughter) suffered sleepless nights and (was) compelled to bear hate towards the school which (she is) supposed to honor as her alma mater,” the petition said.

Cebu City regional trial court judge Wilfredo Navarro yesterday ordered the school to submit its reply on the petition.

The school administration imposed the sanction for the “obscene photos” the student posted on her Facebook page. The photos were taken during a birthday party of her friend last January.

The sanction, signed by school principal Celeste Ma. Purisima Pe, stated the girl “cannot join school activities, functions and privileges (senior’s bash and practices for graduation)” and that “she cannot join the commencement exercises.”

One of the rules of the exclusive Catholic girls’ school prohibits the “posting and uploading (of) pictures on the Internet that entail ample body exposure,” which was made the basis for the sanction.

But the girl’s mother contended that the pictures were not lewd, saying that they were taken in an event that is not connected with the school curriculum.

“A family or private social activity, such as birthday, etc. does not involve the school’s supervision and control. The activity is permitted by parents,” the doctor said in her petition.

She also questioned the school’s access to her daughter’s Facebook account that allowed it to see the photos.

“The Facebook account, it being private, is limited only to friends. Defendants (school officials) are not friends allowed to have access,” she said.

Romeo Balili, the school’s legal counsel, said due process was observed in the imposition of the sanction.

“The parents were present when the child signed the probation,” Balili said.

He said the school has the obligation to see to it that the children’s values are developed.

“In order to maintain the morality of the school there were rules and regulations issued to the students as guide,” Balili said.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=792142

The Titanic – Why Special?

According to Michael McCaughan, former curator of the Fol and Transport Museum, the Titanic is “the most famous ship in history.” But the Titanic was not unique. It was the second of the three huge vessels constructed in the shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff in Belfast. (The Titanic was preceded by the Olympic and followed by the Britannic) The Titanic was one of the largest ships of its day, measuring 882.8 feet (269m) in lenght and 92.5 feet (28m) in width.

The White Star shipping line commissioned those huge liners to gain dominance in the lucrative Nort Atlantic shipping routes. The White Star Line could not compete with its rival, the Cunard Line, for speed. So it concentrated on building bigger and more luxurious vessels to attract the rich and famous.

But the Titanic had potential to serve another purpose as well. “Nearly 900,000 immigrants entered the United States each year between 1900 and 1914,” says William Blair, head of National Museums Northern Ireland. Carrying them from Europe to the United State provide transatlantic shipping companies with thier largest source of income, and the Titanic was to be used for that purpose.

E.J. Smith captain of the Titanic (r) and Herbert McElroy(l), chief purser

The Tragedy Of The Titanic

The captain of the Titanic, E.J.Smith, knew the dangers posed by ice in the North Atlantic. He had often sailed this route in the Olympic. Several warnings of icebergs were sent by other ships, but some of these were overlooked or aparently not recieved.

Suddenly the Titanic’s lookouts warned of an iceberg ahead but too late! The officer on duty managed to avoid a headon collision but could not prevent the Titanic from scraping along the edge of the iceberg. That damaged the ship’s hull – and the sea flooded into a number of its forward compartments. Captain Smith soon learned that his ship was doomed. He sent out SOS messages and ordered that the lifeboats be lowered.

The Titanic had 16 lifeboats and four other collapside boats. At full capacity, they were some 2,200 passengers and crew on board! To make matter worse, many of the baots pulled away before being fully loaded. And most of them made no attempt to search for possible survivors who had leaped into the sea. In the end, only 705 people were saved.

The Aftermath

After the Titanic desater, maritime authorities enacted regulations that improved safety at sea. One such regulation ensured that there would be enough lifeboats on future voyages for everyone on board a ship.

For years people believed that the Titanic sank so quickly because it sustained a huge gash in its hull at the time of its ill-fated collision. In 1985, however, after the discovery of the Titanic on the ocean floor, investigators reached a different conclusion that the icy waters had compromised the ship’s steel, causing it to become brittle and to frature. Less than three hours after the collision, the ship broke in two and sank, earning its place as one of the greates disaters in nautical history.

Note: On April 11, 1912, after picking up passengers in Cherbourg, France and in Queenstown(now called Cobh), Ireland, the Titanic heads out into the Atlantic going to New York, USA.

April 14, 1912, at about 11:40 p.m., the Titanic collides with an iceberg.
April 15, 1912, at 2:20 a.m., the Titanic sinks, resulting in the loss of some 1,500 lives.

Map of Titanic routes

Article is from Awake Magazines April 2012 issue p.12

Lovely Smile Of Coleen Garcia

When Coleen Garcia first appeared on television, she caught John Lloyd Cruz’s attention in his previous whitening lotion commercial. Then, she became the cool kabarkada named Angel in a cologne ad. And before she decided to try acting for a TV series, she was the love interest of Nicos in an iced tea commercial.

SkinWhite Commercial

The 18-year-old image model admitted to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that she probably started a little late in showbiz. However, she believes that she could still find her own place in the industry.

Coleen said her decision to finish high school first actually helped her become more prepared with whatever she would face in showbiz.

“Parang noong time na ‘yon, ayaw kong mag-enter sa showbiz kasi focus na focus ako sa pag-aaral. Busy po ‘yong school life ko,” Coleen recalled.

She went on, “I wish I started when I was 15 or 16 kasi, that’s the best age talaga to start showbiz. Pero everything happens naman in its own time. I’m sure if I started naman when I was 15, hindi ako makakatapos ng high school. So, at least, I can say na tapos na ako sa high school. I’m free na.

Coleen Garcia♥|from TV commercials to Good Vibes

“At least kapag college puwede na ako mag-lighter load and I can handle my own time na. At saka po, parang na-realize ko na if I entered showbiz at a young age, I would have not been mature enough in everything that would come. At least, ngayon alam ko na.”

Coleen took one semester of business course at Southville International School and Colleges last year. But she stopped because Coleen felt she should take something that’s close to her interest in arts. So, she’ll be transferring to De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde next year to take up a course in multimedia arts.

This decision, according to Coleen Garcia, would give her more chance to juggle her time between studies and work.

“Kaya po ako nag-venture in showbiz because I learned na puwede naman po ipagsabay ang showbiz and school as long as I take a light load,” she said.

http://www.pep.ph/features/profiles/24447/coleen-garcia

1, All calories are created equal

What you eat, not how much, is the factor behind weight gain, according to research at Cornell University in New York. Calories from fat pack on the pounds. The reason: during digestion, the body burns many more calories metabolizing protien and carbohydrates than it does metabolizing fat. For every 100 calories of carbohydrates we consume in excess of our daily requirement, only 75 are turned into body fat. But 97 of every 100 excess fat calories are turned into body fat.

The American Association recommends that no more then 30 percent of daily calories come from fat. Some food-packing labels should make it easier to calculate your daily intake. Avoid palm and coconut oils and other saturated fats – often contained in snacks like crackers and cookies – and oft for low-fat products, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt.

2, Desserts are taboo

Ruth Lahmayer, a registered dietitian, advises against categorizing foods as “good” and “bad.” Even cakes, pies and ice cream can sensibly be worked into diet, she says. Moderation is the key. Cut down on other meals if you’ll be eating out at a restaurant known for its lavish sweets. Or indulge, but take only a few bites. If you crave desserts often but want to save calories, try poached fruit, sorbet or spongecake heaped with berries. All will satisfy your sweet tooth and supply nutrients as well.

3, When you lose and regain weight, its tougher to lose it again

Tomas Wadden, an obesity researcher compared yo-yo dieters with people who weren’t, and found both groups lost weight easily. One caveat: other studies suggest that losing and gaining weight repeatedly may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Expert recommend diet plans that promote a steady loss of one half to one pound a week. Cutting out rich desserts or that glass of wine with dinner every day are painless ways to achieve that goal.

4, It makes no difference whether you’re top or bottom-heavy

In fact, where weight is distributed makes all the difference. Recent studies suggest that people who stire fat on the upper torso and abdomen (apple shape), may have an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. There is probably little you can do to alter how your body is genetically programmed to store fat. But you can lose excess weight overall.

5, Fast foods are forbidden

A plain hamburger on a bun is still a healthful choice. So is grilled chicken or a green salad with low-cal dressing. But watch out for fresh fries, milkshakes and batter-dipped chicken or fish.

6, Fasting is the fastest diet

Some studies suggest that dratically reducing calories intake switches the body into a “strvation mode,” which conserves calories and decreases your metabolic rate. The more frequently you deprive yourself of food, the better your body may get at storing calories. So, in the long run, repeated fasting may actually undermine your weight-loss efferts.

“If you fast to cancel out a recent food binge, you’ll probably rebound and overeat,” says nutritionist Franca Alphin. What’s more, unsupervised fasting for more than three days can create increased risk of gallbladder disease, kidney stress, irritability, hair loss and lowered immunity to infection.

7, Fake fats are a free ticket

As with sugar substitutes, some dieters believe that fake fats make once-taboo foods acceptable. Such foods have a place in a healthful diet. But, cautions Alphin, “Don’t assume that because a food does’t have real fat, you can eat lots of it. You still need to consider portion size and calories, and whatever else is on the menu that day.”

Kathleen Zelman, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, concurs: “Although fake fats offer more options for a low-fat diet, the products that contain them – ice cream, cakes, cookies – tend to be high-calories foods to begin with. The key is moderation.”

8, Fat diets are an effective way to take off pounds

Diets that advocate eating, say, large amounts of only one type of food (such as grapefruit, nut or meat) for several days or a week are big-time losers.”You don’t learn a thing about eating sensibly,” says Alphin. “When you go off the diet, you’ll have the same bad eating habits and regain any weight you lost.”

Adds Alphin, “With any diet, unless you make a commitment to changing your life-style, it is unlikely the weight will stay off.”

9, To keep weight off, simply watch what you eat

According to Thomas Wadden, exercise combined with dieting ensures weight loss better than dieting aloe does. Experts also agree that sticking with regular, moderate exercise in more important than occasional vogorous workouts are. Obesity- researcher Kelly Brownell encourages patients to make a series of small physical efforts: taking the stairs insteads of a elevator and parking the car far from where you are going and walking.

“People think they have to do a lot to burn a few calories, so they conclude, ‘Why bother?’” says Brownell. “They overlook the other positive aspects of regular exercise: appetive control, mood enhancement and possibly a raised metabolism.”

10, It’s all your fault you’re fat

Albert J. Stunkard’s research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine indicates that body shape and size are in large part determined by a person’s genes. In short, some people are more predisposed to be fat. Moreover, someone who was obese in childhood will have more fat cells than an “average” person. Once made, the cells may enlarge or shrink, but they never disappear.

Yet genes don’t have to control your girth. The size of your fat cells depends on you – on your eating habits and life-style. Here are ways to keep them small:

• - Fill up on low-fat, fiber-rich foods, such as noodles, rice, whole-grain breads, fruit and vegetables.
• - Chew food slowly, putting down your eating utensils between bites. It takes 20 minutes from the time you start eating for the brain to register that your stomach is full.
• - Keep a log for a week, noting what, when and how much you eat, as well as your mood. The study the connection between your emotions and your diet. If anxiety triggers uncontrollable eating, enroll in a stress-management, relaxation or exercise class.

Most important, before getting caught up in dietary myths, let good sense shape your eating habits. Your body will thank you for it. By Nancy Gagliardi, New York

If you’re in Cebu, snorkeling and diving should be on your list. The beaches and dive sites here are pristine and clear and only 30 minutes from the main city. If you have been diving near the island of Mactan and have not been to Hilutungan then you’ve lost the most spectacular dive site.

Location Map of Hilutungan Island

“Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself.”

As the above Bible verse indicates, skillful workers are often highly valued. What are some skills and qualities that employers appreciate in their workers? George, the director of human resources for a company that employs 700 people says: “What we value in an employee is his ability to communicate well and work harmoniously with others.” The Bible contains practical advice that can help you to improve in these skills, thus increasing your prospects of keeping your job. Consider some examples.

1, Communicate Effectively

The Bible writer James shows that the work of an effective communicator begins before he opens his mouth. James wrote that one should be “swift about hearing, slow about speaking.” (James 1:19) Why is this good advice? Solomon wrote: “When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation.” (Proverbs 18:13) Indeed, listening closely to your employer and to your fellow workers can prevent misunderstandings and keep you from making foolish mistakes.

When you speak, the way you do so is also important. If you speak clearly and with sufficient volume, it is more likely that you will be understood, and this will heighten a listener’s respect for what you say. Brian, an employment consultant comments: “You would be surprised how many people lose their jobs, not because of lack of technical skill, but because they lack the ability to communicate effectively.”

2, Work Well With Others

In view of the amount of time you spend with workmates, you will no doubt get to know them quite well. As a result, you might be tempted to gossip about them, highlighting their mistakes and shortcomings. The Bible’s advice, however, is to “make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) By doing this, you will avoid gaining a reputation as “a busybody in other people’s matters.” (1 Peter 4:15) Moreover, you will avoid wasting time and causing needless friction with your workmates.

When you are asked to perform a task, keep in mind Jesus’ wise counsel: “If someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:41) Jesus was talking about governmental authority, but the principle certainly applies in the workplace. If you gain a reputation as a hard worker—one who will go the extra mile—you will be more likely to keep your job. Of course, there is a limit to what an employer can rightly ask of you. Jesus said that one should pay “Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew 22:21) In principle, Jesus here indicated that those in positions of authority should not be allowed to interfere with more important matters, such as worship of God.

3, Be Honest

One survey of more than 1,400 firms revealed that the majority of employers “ranked honesty and integrity as qualities that impress them most in job candidates.” Obviously, being honest involves not stealing money or materials from your employer. It also means not stealing time. A study conducted by one employment agency found that time theft amounted to an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes per employee each week. Among other things, these time thieves were habitually late, left work early, and socialized with other employees while at work.

The Bible advises: “Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work.” (Ephesians 4:28) In addition, God’s Word encourages Christians to work hard, even when those in authority are not directly observing them. The apostle Paul wrote: “Be obedient in everything to those who are your masters in a fleshly sense, not with acts of eye-service, as men pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, with fear of Jehovah.” (Colossians 3:22) If you have a reputation for working well—even when not supervised—you are an employee to be trusted.

4, Be Realistic

The Bible accurately predicted that our times would be critical and hard to deal with. (2 Timothy 3:1) The resulting political and social instability and upheaval would inevitably result in economic uncertainty. (Matthew 24:3-8) Hence, even if you apply the above suggestions, you may still lose your job.

However, applying Bible principles can help lessen the anxiety associated with unemployment. Jesus said: “If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”—Matthew 6:30-32.

Like millions of others around the world, Ericka, mentioned earlier, has experienced the truth of the above-quoted words. She sums up her feelings this way: “I enjoy my current job very much. But I know from experience that things change. Even so, by applying Bible principles and by coming to trust Jehovah, I have learned how to lessen my anxiety when unemployed and how to increase my contentment with the work I obtain.” Article source: Awake magazine! – Read Five Keys to Finding a Job

1, Be Organized

If you have lost a good job or have been unemployed for some time, it is easy to become downhearted. “When I first lost my job, I was optimistic about finding another one,” says Katharina, a dressmaker.. “But as the months dragged on and I was unable to find work, I became depressed. Eventually, I even found it hard to talk about the subject with my friends.”

How can you counteract feelings of hopelessness? “It is crucial that you establish your own ‘workday’ schedule so that you start your day knowing what is to be done,” suggests the book Get a Job in 30 Days or Less. The authors recommend that you “set daily goals and record what you have done.” In addition, they say that “each day must start with your getting dressed for work.” Why? “Being dressed properly will give you added confidence even when talking on the telephone.”

Yes, you must make it your job to find a job, no matter how long it takes. Katharina, mentioned earlier, adopted this businesslike approach. She says: “I obtained the addresses and phone numbers of prospective employers from the employment office. I responded to newspaper ads. I studied the phone book and made lists of companies that might have jobs that were not yet advertised, and then I contacted them. I also compiled a résumé and sent it to these companies.” After such systematic searching, Katharina found a suitable job.

2, Access the Hidden Job Market

The fisherman with the largest net is the one most likely to catch fish. So, too, your knowing how to increase the size of your “net” will improve your chances of landing a job. If you are looking for work only by responding to newspaper or Internet advertisements, the majority of available jobs may be slipping past your net. A good number of jobs are never advertised. How can you gain access to this hidden job market?

In addition to responding to advertisements, like Katharina you must set aside time each week to call on businesses that you think may have jobs you can do. Do not wait for them to advertise positions. If a manager says that he has no work, ask him if he knows where else you might look and specifically to whom you should speak. If he offers a suggestion, make an appointment with that company, stating the name of the person who referred you.

Tony, found a job this way. “I took the initiative to contact companies even though they were not advertising,” he explains. “One company said that there were no vacancies at present but that I should try again in three months. I did, and I obtained a job.”

Primrose, a single mother in South Africa, did something similar. “While I was attending a first-aid course,” she says, “I noticed a new building being constructed across the road and discovered that it was going to be a nursing home for the elderly. I repeatedly tried to make an appointment with the superintendent of the facility. He finally told me that there were currently no jobs available. However, I kept returning to see if I could work there, even as a volunteer. Eventually, I was employed on a temporary basis. I applied myself to whatever tasks I was given. As a result, I gained additional qualifications and obtained a permanent job at the facility.”

You can also ask your friends, family, and other associates to help you access the hidden job market. This is how Jacobus, a safety officer in South Africa, found a job. He says: “When the company I worked for went out of business, I let friends and family know that I was looking for work. One day a friend of mine overheard a conversation while in line at a supermarket. One woman was asking another if she knew of anyone looking for work. My friend interrupted and told the woman about me. An appointment was arranged, and I got the job.”

3, Be Adaptable

To increase your chances of finding work, you must be adaptable. Jaime observes: “It is unlikely that you will find a job that has everything you hope for. You need to learn to be content with employment that is less than ideal.”
Being adaptable may mean overcoming prejudice against certain types of work. Consider Ericka, who lives in Mexico. Trained as an executive secretary, she was initially unable to find the kind of work she preferred. “I learned to accept any suitable work,” she says. “For a while I worked as a sales assistant. I also sold tacos on the street and cleaned houses. Eventually, I was able to find a job in my field of expertise.”

When Mary lost her job as a clerk, she too saw the need to be adaptable. She explains: “I wasn’t adamant about finding the same type of work I had been doing. I followed up each job opportunity that came along, even if it involved what some might consider menial work. As a result, I was able to find work to support my two children.”

4, Produce an Effective Résumé

For those applying for executive positions, compiling and distributing a professional résumé is a must. But no matter what job you seek, a well-prepared résumé can be a great asset. “A résumé tells potential employers not only who you are but also what you have accomplished and why they need you,” says Nigel, an employment consultant in Australia.

How do you compile a résumé? Provide your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. State your objective. List the education you have received, highlighting any training and skills that relate to the job you are seeking. Provide details of previous work experience. Include not only what you did but also examples of the goals you reached and the benefits you brought to your previous employers. Also highlight aspects of your previous employment that qualify you for the job you are currently seeking. Include personal information that describes your qualities, interests, and hobbies. Because companies’ needs differ, you may have to adjust your résumé for each application.

Should you produce a résumé if you are applying for your first job? Yes! There may be many things you have done that qualify as work experience. For example, do you have hobbies, such as woodworking or perhaps fixing up old cars? These can be listed. Have you engaged in any volunteer work? List the type of volunteer work you have done and the goals you have achieved.

When you cannot obtain an interview with a prospective employer, leave a small card—preferably four inches by six inches [10 cm by 15 cm]—containing your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, as well as a brief summary of your skills and accomplishments. On the back of the card, if appropriate, you could even put a photo of yourself or of you with your family. Distribute this card to all those who might help you find work, asking them to hand it to anyone they know who is offering the type of work you are seeking. When a potential employer sees this card, he may grant you an interview—perhaps leading to a job!

Preparing a résumé will help you feel more in control as you search for work. Nigel says: “Writing a résumé helps you organize your thoughts and goals. It also builds your confidence by helping you prepare for potential questions you may be asked during a job interview.”

5, Prepare Well for Your Interviews

What is involved in preparing for an interview? You may want to research the company you hope to work for. The more you know about the company, the better the impression you will make during the interview. Your research will also help you determine whether the company really has the kind of work you want or is one you want to work for.

Next, think about what you will wear to the interview. If the job you seek involves manual labor, wear appropriate neat, clean clothing. Neat dress and grooming tell the prospective employer that you take pride in yourself and are thus more likely to take pride in your work. If you are hoping to work in an office, choose modest clothing that is considered suitable business attire where you live. Nigel says: “Choose your clothes long before you are due to attend your interview so that you don’t feel rushed and unnecessarily increase your levels of stress prior to the interview.”

Nigel also recommends arriving for your interview about 15 minutes early. Of course, arriving too early is not wise. But arriving late could be disastrous. Experts say that the first three seconds of your interview are crucial. During that brief time, the interviewer makes assessments about your appearance and your bearing that deeply influence his or her opinion of you. If you are late, you will make an overwhelmingly negative impression. Remember, there are no second chances to rectify first impressions.

Remember, too, that the interviewer is not your enemy. After all, he likely had to apply for his job, so he knows how you feel. In fact, he may be nervous, since he may have received little or no training on how to conduct an interview. In addition, if the interviewer is the employer, he may have much to lose if he chooses the wrong person for the job.

To start off well, smile and give the interviewer a firm handshake if that is the customary greeting. During the interview, concentrate on what the employer needs from you and what you have to offer. Regarding things to avoid, Nigel says: “Don’t fidget or slouch—good posture conveys confidence. Don’t be too informal or overly talkative, and definitely do not use profanity. Also, avoid being negative about your former employers and workmates—if you are negative about them, the interviewer will likely feel you will be negative about this job too.”

Regarding things to do and say during the interview, experts recommend the following: Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, use natural gestures when you speak, and articulate clearly. Be concise and honest when answering questions, and ask relevant questions about the company and the prospective job. At the end of the interview, if you still want the job, ask for it. Doing so will show your enthusiasm.

By following the suggestions outlined above, you may soon have a job. If that is the case, what can you do to increase your chances of keeping it? Click here – Article source: Awake Magazine

Rhel Hinaloc with Teacher fe

Agus Hotel Contact Nos. :

• Telephone: (+63) 401 3382
• TM Mobile: (+63) 0926614 4548
• Sun Cellular: (+63) 0933 525 9455

How to get to Agus Hotel in Lapulapu City?

From Mactan International Airport, you can just ride a Jeepney going to Opon Public Market and from Cebu City you can just ride a V-Hire from SM City going to Opon Public Market. From Public Market you can ride a Pedicab going to Agus hotel. Pedicab ride is cost 75 pesos which can accomodate 5 passengers.

You may also take a Ferry Boat from Pier 3 going to Opon Public Market and then Pedicab going to Agus Hotel. You can also ride a taxi for convenience.

For example, scurrying across the ocean floor are creatures described as “armored knights of the sea.” Unlike some of their medieval counterparts, many of these miniature “knights” don armor festooned with a fantastic array of colors and patterns. These diminutive denizens of the deep belong to a group of animals called crustaceans and are commonly known as shrimps.

From Plankton to Your Plate

You may think of shrimps merely as delicious seafood. However, shrimps lead a remarkably varied life before they end up on your plate. Some female shrimps clutch their fertilized eggs to their abdomen until the eggs hatch, while others cast their eggs upon the currents, where they mature independently.
The shrimp eggs hatch into what are known as zoeae and then pass through several larval stages that look very different from the adult form. After spending time among clouds of plankton, zoeae finally settle on the ocean floor and assume their familiar shape, gradually developing into adult shrimps.

Changing the Suit of Armor

How do adult shrimps encased in a sturdy suit of armor manage to grow? “This process (also called ecdysis), involves the formation of a new, soft cuticle inside the old,” says the book A Field Guide to Crustaceans of Australian Waters. “The old cuticle is then shed and the animal absorbs water, swelling the flexible new cuticle to make space for future growth.” The book Australian Seashores explains: “The animal must withdraw its entire body, including all the appendages (and they are many in number), big and strong, or small and delicate, from the old shelly coat. The appendages are pulled out just as one pulls one’s fingers out of a glove.”

How do crustaceans pull large appendages, such as claw muscles, through the narrow gaps formed by the joints? Author W. J. Dakin says: “The performance is possible only because the living parts of the animal are soft and can be pulled through narrow places. Actually, at ecdysis, the blood is withdrawn from the limbs to other parts of the body, so that they can be easily squeezed during extraction.” The new shell retains the swirls, stripes, and blazes of color of the old shell—and for good reason.

Colors That Camouflage, Others That Advertise

Some shrimps that live among the tentacles of anemones are partially transparent or have suits color coded to match their hosts. These camouflaged shrimps gain protection amid the anemones’ arms and earn their keep by performing housework, removing any debris that may accumulate on the hosts.
Other shrimps are flamboyantly colored, an example being the cleaner shrimps. They often live together under ledges in the reef, and their bright color seems to advertise the cleaning service they provide. Fish that have acquired parasites hover near the cleaner shrimps’ home, thus inviting the shrimps to wander over their bodies. The shrimps even climb unperturbed into mouths and gills. These “shrimp doctors” then remove and eat any parasites and feed on the mucous coat of the fish.

Whatever their color and whatever their role, one thing is certain about these tiny living jewels—their dress is far more impressive than that of any ancient knight.

Note: Some scientists make a distinction between shrimps and prawns based on the creatures’ breeding habits and the shape of their exoskeleton. Article source: Awake Magazine

During the day the dull-brown larva is hard to spot. But at night it advertises its presence with its amazing array of lights. These are energized by the organic substance luciferin, which, aided by the enzyme luciferase, oxidizes to produce cold light. Colors of the light include red, orange, yellow, and green.

The red headlights glow almost constantly—but not the yellow-green lateral lights. Research suggests that the headlights help the larva to find millipedes, its favorite prey, whereas the sidelights seem to discourage predators, such as ants, frogs, and spiders. In effect, the glow says: “I’m unpalatable. Go away!” Accordingly, the side lamps luminesce when the larva senses a potential predator. They also shine when it attacks millipedes and when the female is curled around her eggs. Under normal circumstances, the sidelights build up to peak intensity and then darken—all within a few seconds—repeating the cycle as often as necessary.

Yes, even among the litter on the forest floor, one finds stunning beauty, which calls to mind the psalmist’s words of praise to the Creator: “The earth is full of your productions.”—Psalm 104:24. Article source Awake Magazine