MikeLigalig.com

Your sister will do fine, Ate Ging. With hard studies, preparation and faith in God, nothing is impossible.

She will do fine. Success requires only two tings: 1) God and 2) Staunch Self Confidence w/ Hard Work.

Good Luck!

-BL

Worked, worked, and did some more working. This past two weeks I've worked about 120 hours.

So I'm feeling pretty tired. But I can't deny that I get a natural high on working with my co-workers. We make the time pass.

Absolutely beautiful. This goes to tell you, if even two different species such as a cat and a dog can get along together then there is no reason for Homo Sapiens Sapiens, which are of the same species, not to get along.

A lesson we should learn.

Quote from: C2H4 on June 01, 2008, 10:41:15 PM
Dong, required ba mo to get the latest edition? Basin puede ka makapalit from med students who are graduating or are trying to sell their books...makabarato ka that way.

Also dong, inig uli nimo didto sa ato, check out C&E bookstore and National Bookstore in Cebu (I dunno kung naa ba ni sila sa tagbilaran) kay basin makit-an nimo didto imong needed medical books nga mas barato. In a weird way, I found a couple of books nga pareha gyud exactly, unya mas mahal dire sa States unya sa Pinas kay affordable ra. For example, sa National Bookstore, mas barato ra ang Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy kaysa kung paliton nimo dire sa US, even direct from the publisher's website.

The C&E bookstore near fuente osmena in Cebu only sells medical and paramedical books, and that's where med students get their books from.

Miss you dong!

Warm Salutations and Felicitations Beautiful Lady ,

I was trying to haggle with one of our medical directors on the phone the other day concerning the books required. They're mandating that we purchase the latest version of every book, however, I've talked to some 2nd and 3rd years about this and they said that its a bunch of rubbish. Some have used older versions when they were 1st years; and some of them are willing to sell me their entire 1st year book list. One guy is offering me for all 10 books for $600 plus shipping costs. Another guy is willing to sell me his medical dissection kit as well as books for $1000. Which is pretty nice considering medicine anatomy kits range in the 1-2gs.

I'm considering just buying from the medical students; that or shopping around for used ones. But we'll see. I put my trust in God and God Alone. I'm just hoping that He links me up with a good source soon. lol.

To All Glory and Praise goes to the Lord. Unending Praises.



As always, Madam Ethylene. Not being able to talk to you these few days have been like an exacerbated thirst. You quenched me again

Always,

Quote from: smiffytheninja on June 01, 2008, 04:06:29 PM
If you send me the titles, I can probably look them up as well. I'm pretty good with finding really cheap college textbooks (Undergrad and Grad) 

You rock. Will do that. Again, much thanks.

Vacation time for you?

Quote from: michael-ligalig on June 01, 2008, 12:47:05 PM
Bran, look for used books in Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Also, do a research if such and such books have ebook versions. Most new books in Amazon have a corresponding ebook format, which is much cheaper compared to the print format.

Time will come that people will do away with printed books for two reasons: 1. it costs a lot to buy books 2. companies may soon realize that we have run out of trees to be used to produce paper.

The publisher of Oxford Dictionary, that's 74 Volumes and 62 Kilograms all in all, has just decided to abandon producing paper-based dictionaries. They will now reproduce the gigantic Oxford Dictionary in CDs, DVDs, and Online Content.

Britannica Encyclopedia has also stopped producing voluminous copies of its encyclopedias. Britannica has uploaded all its encyclopedia contents in its website.

Microsoft, the publisher of Encarta Encylopedia, has put all encyclopedia contents in its website.

Bran, Look for website of the publisher of your medical books. The publisher may be providing an option for online subscription for the books you need.

If you still have problems with costly books, send me a PM with authors and titles of books. My "techie" contacts may be able to bring food to the table.

Mike,

You are a God-send for me. Salamat kaayo for the great suggestions and I will be sending you a list of the books that I will be shopping around for (or trying to, lol). I'll send you the list as soon as possible. Again, Thank You so much.

I appreciate this so much, Mike.


Absolutely,
Bran

So today I was at work from 9am-1 pm and then from 5pm till 9pm. I don't mind the jokes and what not but sometimes yo, some of the girls at my work are a bit too 'aggressive'? One female worker likes to slap people. I was doing some filing and printing a manual and out of no where she comes up and slaps my buttocks. It wasn't one of those cute-cute slaps either, rather one of those really hard and aggressive ones. Jeezz Luiiizzz it hurt.

C'mon lady, stop being aggressive. Sorry but I'm not a masochist.

LoL.

Anywayzzz-

I heard this song sung in church this past Sunday, as well 'te. It was as if the Angels opened the heavens and sang to us faithful in church.

This song always, always, always brings me to tears.

God Bless you, Ate Ging. May the Lord be with you this week and weekends to come, 'te. In Jesus' Name, whom which ALL good things come from.

Over here, gasoline is sold at $3.81 per gallon.

Yours?

Driving back home today, I was awestruck by the stupidity of some drivers. I was driving down route 322 today going on the legal speed limit of 45 mph in the zone we were in. Out of no where, a driver who was driving behind me, tried to break through the left lane, which was double lined, btw. He tried overpassing me and the driver in front of me. Totally one-sided individual with no regards to the safety of other drivers that he was jeopardizing.

Not only did this individual almost forced a crash, he stalled me and 2 other drivers. Luckily no one was harmed and no one crashed. This person even made an illegal left turn--cowardly trying to escape our wrath and honkings.

Moral of the story: Follow the rules of the road. Don't do something you will regret.

Okay. So I was looking and shopping around for books for medical school today. One book that I was looking at was Goljan books, for Medical Gross Anatomy and Physiology. One book, which is only 100 pages thick, was priced at $600.00. This is only a support book, may I add. The other books that I was looking at was Medical Legal Ethics, priced at another $350.00 (200 pages) and Medical Histology priced at $550.00 with support key books which was priced at $200.00 each--note that each of the key books are only 40 pages thick.

I cannot help but be vexed by the fact that the United States complains how it is limited by the lack of physicians/surgeons in the country. But its ridiculous in how much these books cost. These books and kits alone will cost me more than $2,500.00 in one semester term.

My reaction jud is this, "Grabii!"

Not only do they expect us to bend over backwards to pay such massive tuitions (as in $300,000 in 4 years time). But also for killer book prices? C'mon! AMSA (American Medicine and Surgery Association) do something! Help us poor medical students and make these book companies reduce their prices. At least help with that!!

What I did today? Went to work at 9 AM. Came back at 1 PM. Leaving later at 3 PM for another job.

The money bell is ringing. lol.

I was able to talk to my lil bros yesterday and early this morning. I was too tired to talk to them last night after work. Maybe this weekend I can have some quality Kuya-to-brothers time.

I work with Dr. Bermmingham, here in the local hospital clinic. I volunteer in his office once or twice a month and have become his friend these past two years. And from what I've learned from him is his remarkable business skills. Which have been attributary to his successful medical clinic(s).

Dr. B told me that the key to his success was his 'restrained' spending. Years immediately after his graduation from medical school, he struggled to pay off his school debt, and after 5 years, he was able to pay his total debt.

And he began what he refers to as the 'restrained spending lifestyle'. 50% of what he made a month was placed in his bank. Savings.

He did this for one year, and can you imagine that in one year he was able to save up $200,000.00! In one year alone! Even with two clinics under his name, he still does this. Just running two clinics and saving 50% of what he grosses in a month, he is able to save close to a Million dollars in a year.

To me, that is perfect business skills. Great life tips, IMHO.

One way to be rich:

Whatever pay you get, put 50% in the bank. The rest can be placed for expenses.

They key is to save up for a rainy day.

Think about it this way, if you get a pay check of say $5,000.00 a month. If you put $2,000-2,500 in the bank, that means you will only spend around $2,500. This will mean you will be forced to limit your spending and your purchasing habits.

Keep this up for about 6 months. And I guarantee you in 6 months you will have a solid $15,000.00 saved up. If you continue it for another 6 months then you will have saved $30,000.00 in one year.

Continue this for two years and you would have saved around $60,000.00! Can you imagine!

This is how you become 'rich'. You must learn to save. And control your spending habits.
The quickest way to 'poordom' is excessive spending; spending beyond your limits.

lol. Great song. My former roomates caught me many times trying to sing in the shower. Quite embarrassing actually.

I was hoping it was Ms. Hazel. At least this way I would be able to visit her if she was in Canada.

Alas, she is still in Vikingland.

Neurologists and research Neuroscientists have made a clinical guess that about 10% of the Human  brain is used in his or her lifetime. That means a good 90% is untouched and unused. Still open for capacity of learning.

This leads to neuroscientists to conclude that Mankind has yet to reach its zenith. In actuality, our progress and attendance in our history is miniscule and still infantile. We, therefore, have eons upon eons to go to completely hit our potential. Man has been on earth for almost 500,000 years. And in the totality of 500 millenias, we have only used 10% of our brain.

Think about it.

Anyone have any cool stories about knights and knighthoods? Share pood, amigos y amigas!

I love this message, Mike.

Incomprehensible Creator, the true Fountain of light and only Author of all knowledge: deign, we beseech Thee, to enlighten our understanding, and to remove from us all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou, who makest eloquent the tongues of those who lack utterance, direct our tongues, and pour on our lips the grace of thy blessing. Give us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, capacity of retaining, and the powerful assistance of Thy holy grace; that what we hear or learn we may apply to Thy honor and the eternal salvation of our own souls.

This We Humbly Pray, O Lord. Amen.

Lyrics

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me


Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
to see my sins upon that Cross.

God Bless your family, inday. And may the Lord our God shower you and your baby girl with blessings upon blessings. In Jesus' Name.



Take care, ha?

Current favorite: Tudors

Based on the life of King Henry VIII. Anyone heard of it?

There was a student assistant to Dr. Klein this past semester. I dare not give out her name in this site for fear of her finding it out. LoL.

We clashed heads many a time. Reasons for the clashes were for her stubbornness as well as my inability to be corrected by her when I knew she was wrong. Nonetheless, we used to get into little  fights before lab would begin. Our fights were never verbal nor physical, it was merely body language. lol. If there was such a thing? haha

She would give out one of her 'puffing' sounds with her lips. And I would reply by clearing my throat. And she would reply back with a high pitched "Ahemmm".

LoL

She probably didn't like me. Genuinely. However, I did enjoy our little 'fights'. Whenever she corrected me in front of Dr. K, I would churn inside and smile deep in my soul. Haha. I would purposely appear stoic and emotionless whenever she did that, she probably thought I was angry or irritated. I actually found it quite cute. To say the least.

The typical woman that is so adorable and cute when angry.

Just a rant. 

What a beautiful and spiritually powerful video of the Blessed Sacrament, the Heart of Christ Jesus.

An  adoration of the Holy Blessed Sacrament.

Sung in Church Latin. Excelsis Hymn.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wr1rAv_XOWk

Amy, your entire family and yourself are in my prayers. He who made the stars of night, and the universe, nothing is impossible.

All praise and glory are yours,
Lord our God.
For you have called us to serve you and one another in
love.
Bless our sick today so that they may bear their illness
in union with Jesus' sufferings and restore them quickly
to health.
Bless those who have grown old in your service
and give them courage and strength in their faith.
Lead us all to eternal glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Christ Have Mercy

Wake Up, Bem. September ended. lol

by Weezer

[mp3tube]6e6988ba9bbc878eda781f0040f8c91d[/mp3tube]

Ha! Totally classic late 90s hit.

Quite reminiscent of junior high days.

by Weezer.

[mp3tube]6350824a1d500b2117f4a68a29af023c[/mp3tube]

I dedicate this song to Ms. Hazel Alba.

'te, I heard this song and I immediately thought of you. hahaha. LoL

This is probably one of the best Trilogies as of late.

One of my favorite characters in this trilogy has always been Captain Jack Sparrow. For his tasteful comments, and his ice-breaker actions.

Second would have to be Lord Becket. I love his stoic voice and his staunch attitude about things. Even in the ending scene, he accepted his fate with grace and affirmation. He walked towards death with his eyes open, and not away from it. "It's just good business."
Great character. Totally badass!

by Greenday

This song was the theme song of my fall semester of college in 2006.

It still resounds.

[mp3tube]4f8b1a15f989ff655b9b171f9acbf29c[/mp3tube]

by Hans Zimmer.

Theme Song for the Pirates of the Caribbean.

[mp3tube]b1648e8192e3e332362f5c54b9f26453[/mp3tube]

Beautiful video, that video brought me to tears. Thanks for sharing this video, Bulak.

The Royal British Empire (United Kingdom)

The British Empire was a major player in World War II, its forces fighting a two front war, one in the European theater against Nazi Germany. Britain's navy and army waged an attrition war with Germany, pounding the German military bases with its air force and cooperating with the United States and Russia in the invasion of Germany in 1944.

Britain's Imperial forces were also operating a military engagement with the Japanese Empire in the Pacific with help from its Indian colony. The British primarily played a support role in the Asia-Pacific Theater. Helping to clean up Japanese defenses after the United States liberated regions through constant aerial and naval bombardment.


His Majesty's Royal British Army Infantry.


His Majesty's Royal British Woman's Armed Corp.


British Planes flying over Germany.


The British Soldiers. Rugged, Defensive, Cold, the 'Proto' American.


It is said when Britain was being bombed by Germany in the early 1940s, the United States sent thousands of tons of weapons material and food to Britain by ship supplies. At the cost of American ships being sunk by German u-boats. Americans, during world war 2, refused to allow Britain to be conquored and defeated by Germany.

Despite the long-fued between Britain and America, the United States has always recognized Great Britain (UK) as its mother-state. Without Britain, there would be no 'America'. And as a child (America) came to the aid of its mother (Britain) who was being attacked by the enemy (Germany).

Blood is thicker than water.

And even to this day, wherever America goes, and whenever she needs military aid, it is always Britain to immediately answer America's call. The parent still loves the child. 


BRITISH-AMERICAN MATERNAL BOND!

Really, Kiams? What makes you prefer the Italians?

I just came back from work.

Just relaxing before heading out to the gym later.

Thanks for the heads up, Beth. I'll try to catch it next week.

How is it?

The Italian Empire {Nuovo Impero Romano}


The militarization of the youth. Italian children indoctrinated into a military society under the auspices of Benito Mussolini.

Italian Army in an offensive campaign in Greece.


Italian Tank Armour. Ravaged the people of Ethiopia and assisted the German Panzer Divisions in Africa as well as in Palermo.


The Face of the Italian Soldier.

The Philippine Defense Forces (The Guerilla Units)

The Importance of the Philippines: The Phillippines was cruicial to the eventual defeat of Japan. The Japanese realized this, and had constructed a bold master plan to lure the American fleets into a trap near the  Sibuyan Sea. This became the famous Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest Naval Air engagement in history.

This plan nearly succeeded in destroying the Americans off the coasts of Leyte. What ultimately foiled them was the presence of a well-developed, competent rebel force on the Visayan islands, particularly the one established on Panay by Lt. Colonel Macario Peralta. Without the efforts of these rebels, the US Pacific Fleet would have almost certainly been surprised, and would have suffered another disaster of Pearl Harbor proportions.

The problem was that every time the USAFFE would make a move or broadcast an encrypted intelligence signal, Filipno civilians would be summarily massacred by Japanese Occupational forces. Stories such as the bayonetting of pregnant women and bleeding to death of teenagers were rampant. A balance between his "lay low" policy, requiring heroic disciplining of entire populations and secret submarine rendevouz's, and finding ways to get the "stolen plans" to MacArthur's forces, without jeopardizing more civilians, is the untold story only briefly covered here.

Japanese battleships and carrier escorts were travelling stealthily down the Suriago and San Bernadino strait, seeking to intercept the flotilla of American Landing Forces approaching Leyte. Leyte is an area in the southern-most parts of the Visayan islands. Leyte was the optimal choice for the Americans for the following reasons. The rebellion was strongest in the mountainous Visayas. This is in contrast to the northern Luzon mainland, where Manila and Corregidor is, which was relatively flat and open, with enemy air bases, where the Japanese occupants were strongest. The Visayan islands were thus the most difficult to defend from a Japanese perspective.

Rebel forces there had already cleared way for several spots of unopposed landings. The only opposition then could come from the Japanese fleet, whose location was not readily discernible given the technology of the time. However, such a fleet would be forced to navigate through the hazardous Suriago straits, where it would be more vulnerable to spotting by the rebel-controlled Visayas and fishermen. Upon post-analyses, no better spot could have been chosen than Leyte. General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz thus planned their major landings there.

The largest, most formidable battleship of the Pacific, the Japanese 'Yamato' got within 40 miles of the American fleet when Peralta's scouts spotted it . Without adequate warning, this ship would have likely come within 25-mile firing range of MacArthur's landing force of 100,000 soldiers. One hour more, and the American flotilla would likely have been dead ducks headed for murky bottom.

Importantly, the scouts would have had no way to relay this information to Peralta, then to Pacific Command had there not been an underground "government" support system established in the Phillippines. This was won at a great cost in human lives beforehand. Civilians--men, pregnant women and children--were regularly bayonetted in retaliation each time the rebel forces made a move.

Overall
The Philippine Guerillas, which numbered to a force of over some 100,000 units throughout the country, were responsible for damaging Japanese command and control in the rural provinces of the Philippines, disrupting Japanese defenses and aided in the successful American-reconquest of the Philippines in 1944.

Filipino Guerillas were responsible for giving and relaying American forces the locations of major Japanese installations and defensive perimeters, thereby allowing the American Navy and Air Force to bombard the defensive positions easily and damage Japanese defenses in the Philippines.




Lieutennant Colonel Macario Peralta, known affectionately as "the other Mac". This man played a decisive role both for the US and the Philippines in the Pacific World War II. He was the key organizer of the USAFFE (US Armed Forces of the Far East) rebel resistance under General MacArthur, whom prepared the way to land American forces in the Phillippines.


Filipino Guerillas working with an American officer in the midst of the Pacific War.


Filipino Boro Batallion waiting for their American compatriots.


Philippine Commonwealth Scouts.
Shown here with a Japanese Officer's Katana.
These men are the precursor of the Philippine renowned Philippine Army Black Panthers.


Philippine Scouts in late 1930s.

The German Third Reich {Großdeutsches Reich}


Nazi Rise to Power. Late 1930s


German Army in early 1940s. Marching into France.

The Much-feared German Army. Goose-Step March.
Nazi Germany brought Europe to her knees. Fighting a sustained 3 front war with Britain and the United States in Western Europe, with Russia in the East and with the Allied Forces in Africa-Middle East.


German 7th Panzer Division in Russia.


The Eagle of German Third Reich.


The German Soldier. Proud, Strong, Fearless, Determined, Indoctrinated.
During the invasion of Russia in Operation Barbarossa.

The Great Empire of Japan (1940s) {Dai Nippon Teikoku}


Elite Units of the Imperial Japanese Army. Imperial March.


Emperor Hirohito, considered a Living and Breathing God. Decedent of the Sun Godess Amateratsu. Hirohito was considered the "Divine Emperor". Millions of Japanese soldiers, pilots, seamen went to war in his name and died for his honor.




Imperial Japanese Navy. In the beginning of the War, was considered the 2nd Largest Navy in the
World. Second only to the British Navy. In the beginning of the pacific war, the Imperial Navy had the largest carrier-groups in the world. And was a force to be reckoned with. In the beginning of the war, the Japanese Navy's combat force was almost twice the size of the United States Navy. The Imperial Fleet was based on destroyers and carrier-based invasions. Its ultimate downfall was its lack of anti-submarine capability. American submarines mangled the Imperial fleet and wiped out its destroyer-fleets.

The Might of the Imperial Japanese Air Force.
A squadron convoy of Imperial Japanese Air Force Bombers pumelling Clarke Air Force Base. Destroying the American Air-Defense in the Philippines. After 2 months of aerial, naval siege, the Philippines fell and the United States was forced to hand the Philippines to the Japanese Empire.

The Philippines was part of the Japanese Empire for 2 years.


Bataan Death March.

The United States of America (1940s)




Uniform of American Army General, circa WWII epoch


American Army and Marine Uniforms in the Pacific War


The United States Armed Forces captures the Island of Iwo Jima, of the Imperial Japanese Empire.

The following thread will show pictures of the soldiers of nations and states that took part in World War II, otherwise known as the 'Great Liberational War' in Soviet History, the 'Great Pacific War' in Japanese History or 'The War of German Expansionism' in German History.

Pictures will include, but will not be limited to, soldiers of The United States, the United Kingdom, France, The German Third Reich, Fascist Italy, The U.S.S.R, the Japanese Empire and other nations and territories affected by the global war.

All are welcome to contribute to this thread. Let History come back to Life!

The Japanese samurai warriors came into existence in the 12th century when two powerful Japanese clans fought bitter wars against each other - the Taira and the Minamato. At that time the Japanese shogunate, a system of a military ruler, called the shogun was formed. Under the shogun the next hierarchy were the daimyo, local rulers comparable to dukes in Europe. The Japanese samurai were the military retainers of a daimyo. And finally you may have heard of ronin. Ronin are samurai without a master. This is what happened to the 47 Ronin in the famous story of Chushingura after their lord was forced to commit suicide.

Privileges


Samurai warriors had several privileges. They were allowed to wear two swords - a long one and a short one. Commoners were not allowed to wear any weapons at all. At a certain period samurai warriors were even allowed to behead a commoner who had offended them.

The Japanese samurai caste itself had different ranks with different privileges. A basic ranking system from the twelfth century distinguished three major ranks:

    * kenin - meaning "housemen". They were the administrators or vassals.
    * mounted samurai - Only high-ranking samurai warriors were allowed to fight on horse-back.
    * foot soldiers

During the end of the 15th century, the Ashikaga shogunate had lost control over the country. Powerful feudal lords had ravaged Japan in a series of civil wars lasting for roughly 100 years. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi could finally unify Japan, he introduced a series of reforms thus changing the life of the samurai class. He made the samurai live permanently in castles. Until then they were farming their own land during peacetime. It was like the change from an army of draftees to an army of professionals. To finance the system, Toyotomi Hideyoshi introduced a rice taxation system under which every samurai warrior received a certain amount of rice depending on his rank.

The samurai warriors had an ethic code of behavior called bushido, meaning "way of the warrior". The central point of the bushido was complete loyalty towards the lord, the daimyo.

Belonging to the Japanese samurai class was a hereditary membership.

The Samurai is the Japanese version of the European Knight. Both are of the military-based social class, and is of a blood-related class. Nobility, below the landed Lord. The European Knight was under the command of his Lord or Baron, while the Samurai was controlled and owed his fealty to the Daimyo. Both groups had a sense of societal honored-based system. The Samurai abided by the Bushido Code, while the European Knight aboded by the Rules of Chivalry.


Samurai in full armour. Taken circa 1850.


Traditional Regalia.


Samurai of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Circa mid 19th century


Samurai downed with full armour on horse. Circa mid 19th century

If you find out about sales on the i-book, would you be willing to share with us?

Thanks.

Some pictures of Soviet armour. Taken in my study-abroad semester in The Ukraine in May 2006.
During my stay in the former Soviet Socialist Republic, I took it on myself to tour the former Soviet monuments as well as military centers.

Military history and history in general is a personal hobby, the off time I had in the country allowed me to completely engross myself in local history, discourse and nationalism.

The best part in my experience in Eastern Europe would have to be the people and their vibrant history. Truly there is a difference between reading history in books and discussions in class from actually being there, living and breathing as well as seeing history before your eyes.


Soviet Mi-24 Attack Helicopter. Shown here in color; this particular chopper was used in the Soviet campaign in Afghanistan.


Chopper again


Ground Pounder; used in the late 40s and 50s. Typical Soviet infantry-support vehicle. This was used and exported to North Korea and China and was used against UN and American forces in the Korean War.


Stalinov style Artillery. Used in the Great Liberational War (War against Nazi Germany)


Myself posing with a Soviet Infantry Support Armoured Vehicle. This is a Soviet 70s-80s era vehicle. Typically used in the Afghani-Soviet War.


Fellow American college students who were studying abroad in Ukraine with me. All of us were based in the Kiev-Mohyla Academy of Law. Spring Semester of 2006.


Group shot. The view of Kiev behind us.

Genesis 46:2
"And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night,
and said, Jacob, Jacob.  And he said, Here am I."



Lyrics

I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save:

I who made the stars and night
I will make the darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

I the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain,
I have wept for love of them,
They turn away...

I will break their hearts of stone
Fill their hearts with love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save:

Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Sung by Daniel O'Donnell.

In my honest opinion, this is one of the greatest songs out there. Beautiful, beyond comparison.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6WRfpQKnzns&feature=related

How was the SFC discussion, Julai? Glad that you're back! Welcome!

Any sales on the Apple i-book?

Maayo ni! Shows them that the Filipino is not one to mess around with. More power to the receptionist!

Wow beautiful view. Alaska, the last frontier.

Absolutely disgraceful.

You know what I found rather interesting, this is rather indirectly related to the situation at hand, was that I read a news article in the library that quoted G. W Bush claiming that atheists do not deserve to be called 'American Citizens' or 'American Patriots'. How totally callous of him.

This man is not the man that I once supported back in 2002-2003. This man is a lunatic, a self-proclaimed Messianic President. Who claims to have conversations with the Almighty in his dreams.

As for the thoughts of a war with Iran. We are already having difficulty containing the situation in Iraq, how, logistically as well as economically, is it possible for a military invasion of Iran to occur? The United States Armed Forces is overstretched, each Armed Corp is strained to its limit and capacity and our soldiers have been over-worked. Many are serving their 3rd or 4th tour of duty.

The honest-to-God truth is that the United States, in this given situation, cannot sustain a prolonged conflict in Iraq, let alone Iran, which is a country that is over three times the size as Iraq. Economically speaking, the United States is strained, we are on the verge of an economic depression. Our domestic sector is suffering, let alone worry about a foreign policy with Iran.

Mr. George W. Bush needs to understand that the United States is not a 'tool' of God. America is NOT God. Nor is it divinely-inspired. Our nation has enough problems that it should deal with. Including the looming medical insurance situation as well as the rampancy of the illegal immigration phenomenon in our midst. As well as the exportation of American jobs to foreign nations.

The United States needs to restrain herself from further complicating the situation in the Middle East. We are a Nation of Men. And full of faults. We are not Gods. Nor should we consider ourselves 'All Power' or 'Impregnable'.

Lest we forget what happened to Pharahoic Egypt as well as the Whore that was Babylon.

You are living in the land that produces fine-grade petroleum. Prices, by right, will be cheaper as compared to the country that is importing it some ten thousand miles away.

You are most welcome, Mike. When I was reviewing for the MCATs and asking for questions, very rare was it that anyone helped me. I usually was given the cold shoulder or the "find it out yourself" kind of response.

What I know and am sharing here is totally from personal experience and from genuine information from medical students and current medical physicians.

Good luck to those who are pursuing medicine.
Cheers,

This one was taken in an Opera House.
I'm a lover of classical Opera. Baroque-style is a personal favorite.

I sure do hope that this comes true. Until then I'm going to keep my fingers crossed.

I miss my Ate Ging.

Mo tawag ko later.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

-Ecclesiastes 9:10

It makes me smile with great delight to read how Dr. Einstein, himself, referred to the Divine as the "True Knowledge".

Einstein writes about a pan-Divine figure in his letters and it stimulates me to think that this man, this logical minded scientist, who indulged in not only philosophical thought, but in meta-physics and concept of worm theory, even had some kind of internal debate on the Divine.

What I like about Einstein's views on Divinity is that it was speculation and understanding and part faith. It boggles my mind that a man as great as Einstein, the father of Relativity and Advanced Physics, even could not answer the questions of the day.

What drives me is that why he did not totally reject the notion of a God, unlike other scientists such as Nietzsche, Freud, and Darwin.

Einstein's Letters on the Divine,

QuoteA human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive.

and

QuoteThe most beautiful and most profound experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the sower of all true science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead. To know that what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their primitive forms - this knowledge, this feeling is at the center of true religiousness.

-Dr. Albert Einstein.

These botanical masters have mastered their niches through the eons. These photoautotrophs are absolutely beautiful. They grow this long in order to reach the surface to  receive the sun's light. Photosynthetic process.

Over the eons these plants grew, and when the sun recedes, they will lower themselves via Nitrogen-Carbon-Phosphorus interaction. Also this is an evolutionary habituation in order to protect them from predator animals. Namely sea otters. And large schools of fish.

Beautiful.

A CHIMERA is an animal that has two or more different populations of genetically distinct cells that originated in different zygotes; if the different cells emerged from the same zygote, it is called a mosaicism. Chimerism is rare in human beings: there have been only about 40 reported cases.

Chimeras are formed from four parent cells (two fertilized eggs or early embryos fuse together) or from three parent cells (a fertilized egg is fused with an unfertilized egg or a fertilized egg is fused with an extra sperm). Each population of cells keeps its own character and the resulting animal is a mixture of mis-matched parts. An analogy is two jigsaw puzzles cut using an identical cutter, but with different pictures. A single puzzle can be made out of the mis-matched parts, but the completed puzzle will show parts of both pictures.

This condition is either inherited, or it is acquired through the infusion of allogeneic hematopoietic cells during transplantation or transfusion. In fraternal twins, chimerism occurs by means of blood-vessel anastomoses. The likelihood of a child being a chimera is increased if the child is created via in vitro fertilization. Chimeras can often breed, but the fertility and type of offspring depends on which cell line gave rise to the ovaries or testes.


Genetic view of Chimera. Two distinct DNAs within one organism. Normally an organism will only have 1 set of DNA, but Chimeras have 2. Two people within one body.


Chimerized cells, via Electron microscope. Absolutely Beautiful.

Chimeras is a result of genetic degeneracy during transcription and replication process in the molecular level. However, instead of dying, the organism succeeds and survives. It is an example of evolutionary multipolarity. Its transparency in research has revealed alot about human development over the eons.
Absolutely beautiful.

Flies just wanna have fun, eh? Talk about proliferation, insectoid style.

hahahaha! roflmao! i loved the "Sterile, shcmerile. The floor's clean, right?"

How much does this gadget cost? Looks nice.

Had a pretty long day today. Finished gardening outside. And I must admit, the backyard looks great now with the grass being trimmed and all.

The life of a farmer really does have its rewards. My mother's rose garden is blooming, and my father's pine trees that he planted some 12 years ago are large now. Over 20 feet tall. Those trees used to be no more than 2 feet.

Amazing.

Quote from: orChids on May 25, 2008, 10:05:22 AM
Tita Langgam Tamsi's daughter is promoted from  from quality control analytical chemist to research and development chemist.
Go girl keep it up and goodluck to your studies.She will be our coming lawyer too.I'm so proud of you Tita for the success of Shez,behind success is a good mother like you.

Congratulations and Salutations! A job well done!

Here is to the success of Shezza and her proud parents!

Cheers,

Love this video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sLdLuT7gtTQ&feature=related

Young doctors are moving away from treating serious illnesses and toward specialties like dermatology that offer better pay and hours.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=elGXg76gebQ

haha mao ba? Must be large cats.

Looking good tho, sweety.

One thing that I really found effective in reviewing for the MCATs is forming study groups.

As in meet up with a group of 3 or 4 people (no more than 5 or 6 bc it can become too much).
Study groups enhances the review session b/c they will be able to contribute to concepts that you find lacking.

One thing is key tho, don't invite just anybody. Make sure that everyone reviewed beforehand so that everyone contributes.

Its good to review for the MCATs at least a good 4-5 months before the exam. Review for about 6-8 hours a day. Take breaks between reviews and do things such as jogging, relaxing pood. A major key in this is preventing oneself from studying too much.

One needs a balance between reviewing and de-stressing.

Applying to medical school in the United States is extremely rigorous and will tell you this right now, you will need to give it your all. If you want to choose to proceed to medical school, Willmerit, I suggest you displace all thoughts of going into nursing right now. And prepare absolutely and completely for the MCATs.

What I did when reviewing for the MCATs was studying 8 hours a day for it. 3 months before the exam. Until the day of the exam. Studying and persistence in studying is key jud ani.

Applying for medical school is not easy and will require two important things:

1. You must get your Bachelor's of Science in either Biology or Chemistry (these are the two popular pre-med majors) and maintain a very high gpa. Medical Schools in the United States are rigorous in screening students. 1 in 5 students who apply to medical school get in. Key in this is a high MCAT score and a high cumulative and science GPA.

2. You need funds. Medical School in the U.S is expensive, it is the truth. Typical tuition for medical schools (MD or DO) is about 50-60k. Loans will probably be necessary.

As for me, I am already looking into being in debt of about $300,000 by the time I finish medical school. It's alot of work, but its all about sacrifice and wanting it. I've been told this many times by my friends who are medical students. Studying, studying, and more studying is the life of a medical student.

Good luck to your decision.

Both medical professions are reputable, challenging but very compensatory. In professional happiness as well as with patient relations.

If you want to go into Nurse Anesthesia, you will need to finish your BSN/RN degree. You will also need at least 2-3 years experience in working in the ICU(intensive care unit), OR(operating room), and ER(emergency room). After having this done, you will be able to apply for the Master's Program in Nurse Anesthesia. The master's program is a two year endeavor and will require you to go to school full time. Typical courses taken will be:
1) Pathophysiology
2) Medical Diseases
3) Anthesia Criticum level 1-10
4) Pharmacology
5) Clinical Anesthesia rotations.

After you pass the courses, you will be then rotated around and then after some time and reviewing you will be allowed to take the National Boards on your Nursing Anesthesia Degree. If you pass, you will be awarded the degree of C.R.N.A (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia) and will be allowed to practice throughout the 50 states and have power that is vested in you being a CRNA.

If you wish, you can proceed into getting a terminal degree. It is possible for Nurse Anesthetists to get their PhDs, their DNsc(Doctorate in Nursing Science) or the DNAP (Doctorate in Nursing Anesthesia Practice). This will allow you with greater clinical rights and will be allowed to be called "Dr." in the prefix. By all rights, you would be almost an equivalent of the Anesthesiologist (who is the Medical Doctor who specializes in Anesthesia and supervises the CRNAs).

Sexy heels, Bem. Lookin' good.

Looks great! How did she enjoy her trip to the Land of the Rising Sun?

We'll see. Lets focus on the here and now.

And I say, Go Obama!

Very true, Bem. You see alot of the materialism syndrome here in the United States. Its as if the neighbor wants what the next door neighbor has. An endless competitive cycle. If one gets a new car, the other gets a bigger car. If one gets a water sprinkler system installed, the other gets one that is bigger. If one gets a fence, the other gets  a bigger fence. If one gets  a dog, the other gets 2 dogs.

So what I like to do is just adopt the "I just don't care" concept. If a neighbor does something or gets something, I just dont care. So long as we have food on the table, the kids are going to school, getting good grades, so long as my parents are in good health, happy, so long as we go to church and receive grace. Okey ra jud ko.

Sure, there are natural urges to get things. But if one falls into the pit of competition with your neighbor, it tends to be hard to get out of it.

Living in suburbia, I notice this completely. Even when I walk my dog around my neighborhood, its as if the neighbors are always competing with each other. When one turns on their sprinkler system, the other does too. LOL.

Its like observing little children. Child mentality, if you think about it.

haha, I strongly suggest you try French Cognac {Courvoisier}. In moderation, of course.

Its handsome with a nice cigar {strongly suggest you try Marqui}. Like anything classy, its best enjoyed over time and with friends.

Hahaha bitaw Don!

Yesterday Don helped me spread mulch and top soil on our back yard. So it was a good exercise, to add to that, we had a nice barbeque sa gawas. Lami kaayo. Family style ra. Pero iyang gusto is a PS3. Aguy! haha

Feliz Cumpleanos, Leo!

Viva, mi Amigo! Viva'i!

Quote from: kiamoy` on May 24, 2008, 10:16:40 PM
lisud jud ang college friends no? saon dili naman gud classmate asin cin a class jud..unlike our hiskul and elem days..
my elem classmateswe also have the yahoogroups thingy..ang hiskul.. tight ghapon..mau mag cge ug kuyog kuyog

You still keep in contact with  your elementary friends, Bem?
Thats so cool that you guys are that tight. I've already forgotten most of the kids in my elementary school. I didn't really connect with kids in junior high. Just in High School. In high school I was part of the Engineering Academy, so my barkadas were also engineering academians. Haha, I can still remember when we used to build rockets, designing train designs, building electric switches etc. Fun times.  Its still so surreal that we're already graduates, and my good friends in the Academy are now professional engineers.

Its weird sometimes when I talk to them because we just met up a couple of days ago. Our conversations are now so 'adult-esque'. Can you imagine that when we were still in high school we used to talk about video game designs, building a perfect external hard drive, motor cycling, drag racing, and going to clubs hahaha. In the midst of our college days, when we met up during semester breaks, we would talk about our plans; contacting long lost friends. Now, we talk about politics, economics, relationship situations, future plans. My one good friend, Lee, was talking about engagement already?

Haha, we've grown alot. 8 years has passed so fast.

Quote from: B:) on May 24, 2008, 02:09:36 PM
my elementary classmates from Holy Spirit School Class '89 are so amazing. We are keeping in touch through our yahoo group website. Just had our 12th year Grand reunion last 2006 in Panglao. Unfortunately, I didn't make it. Most of them now are Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, Priest, Teachers, Psychologist, IT, Medical Technologist, Radiologist and many others.
Same thing with my  high school classmates from DWC class '94. Through thick and thin we always help. Like what happen to Jack Arat last year, even though he didn't graduate with us, he was still loved and cared and we're able to give donations for his family.
And this year another sadness to our class, another one passed away Aileen Plateros who died of Cancer and we were able to come with another hundreds of dollar donation for her family. And one of our classmate who is a Priest will say the holy mass on Sunday. We are sooo sad.
And for my college,  sometimes we keep in touch also thru internet and text messages. But not that much, I just don't know what happen. We were very close in college. Our closeness just kind of fade away.
And my other college classmates from another school are just total dead end, nodah!

Beth, its beautiful to read the kinds of things your batchmates do for each other. Good and honest people! My condolences, Beth, to the loss of your friend Ms. Plateros. I'm so sorry uy, it was so kind of your group of friends to do what they did. More power to you and your batchmates!

Success follows those who work hard, have faith, and charitable. You all display such marvelous qualities. God Bless all of you!

haha uy! ka cute pood!

Belated Happy Birthday, Scott!

Cheers to your continued success, good health, good family and friends!

Take care and enjoy, pare.

Wow, what a great song. Thanks for this, 'te Hazel.

When I read about St. Therese in the magesterium, I was awestruck by the miracles that occurred in her name. Multitudes of the blind being able to see again, cancer miracles--as in one woman who had breast cancer, after doing a devotion to St. Therese and praying with St. Therese to Christ Jesus, her breast cancer went into remission. My reaction to reading about this has been very questioning, but the more I read, the more I realize how much she has helped the every-day individual cope with his or her problems. And most of all, increased the faith of the people. The Flower of Jesus Christ.

The drinking habits of the youth is a concern. Many youth are drinking coke, pepsi, sprite etc as a 'thirst quencher'. Alas, it is not!

Carbon-based drinks such as coke, pepsi, sprite are diuretics, which are responsible for inducing release of water through the urethra. Thus it causes dehydration. Carbon-based drinks have caffeine and caffeine is a prime source of diuretics.

So instead of drinking coke, pepsi, etc etc. Drink Water!

Water is not a diuretic, it is not nephro-toxic as well. On the contrary it cleans the entire system. And rejuvinates it. It is the natural anti-oxidant.

Drink Water! Bottoms Up!

I like reading news of ASEAN Brotherhood. Very upbeat. Optimistic.

What a beautiful story from two beautiful people.

God Bless, El Mundo. To you and your new-found friend.

Wow, what beautiful friendship!

Boholanos, by birth right are naturally smart.

Doesn't matter if you're from the city or from the town, you are all smart. Each and every single Bol-anon is smart.

No other people in the Philippines is as smart as the Boholano.

Mike, the gas prices in the United States have reached an all-time high. $4.00 per gallon.

This is too much. The minimum wage for American citizens is at $7.00 an hour. The cost of gasoline is more than half the minimum wage.

It's not just gasoline, cost of living is increasing. Food prices are rising, taxes are rising, but the pay remains the same. Stagnancy in the time of need.

This is an effect of $ 1 Trillion of debt due to military spending in Iraq. And unchecked loaning.

The United States really is in an economic recession.

Anyone else have an interest in knights and knighthood?

Like what I always say. Moderation is key.

God Bless the people of China and those who were affected by this devastating event. Over 50,000 innocents died in the quake, over 200,000 were injured and there are an estimated over 2 million Chinese homeless because of the quake.

I pray for the nation of China. And the Chinese people.

A nurse anesthetist (AE) is a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse who has acquired additional education and training to administer anesthesia. The title, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), reflects the nurse's qualifications and abilities.

Nurse anesthetists practice in all 50 of the United States and administer approximately 30 million anesthetics given to patients in the United States each year (AANA 2006 Practice Profile Survey). The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is the professional organization representing greater than 90 percent of the nation's CRNAs. There are 37,000 members in the AANA. This includes certified, recertified, and student members. Approximately 42% of the CRNAs are men, versus approximately 8% in the nursing profession as a whole.

CRNAs practice in a wide variety of settings including public and private sectors, traditional hospital settings, pain clinics, physician's offices, or in solo practice. They have a substantial role in the military, Veterans Administration (VA), and public health. They may work with podiatrists, dentists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, obstetricians and other professionals requiring their services. Frequently, CRNAs will provide care alongside an anesthesiologist, in what is termed the Anesthesia Care Team. This combines the expertise of both a physician and nurse anesthetist to provide excellent peri-operative care. CRNAs can administer anesthesia in all types of surgical cases, and are able to apply all the accepted anesthetic techniques - general, regional, local, or sedation.Any restrictions on CRNA practice are dependent on the hospital's credentialing process and the anesthesia department's guidelines. Each health care facility will have a list of allowed privileges for allied health practitioners. Like physicians, these privileges are based on prior training, certifications and experience.State law does not define this aspect of practice; it defines the extent of collaboration (or supervision) with the surgeon or anesthesiologist.

Most lay people and health professionals do not have knowledge of the world wide extent of nurse anesthesia practice. Anesthesiologists (physician anesthesia specialists) usually practice in developed and modern countries. This leaves many undeveloped nations with few anesthesiologists, and therefore they rely mainly on nurse anesthetists. In 1989, an international organization of nurse anesthetists was established.The International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) has flourished in membership and has become an authoritative voice for nurse anesthetists worldwide. They have developed standards of education and practice, and a code of ethics. Delegates from member countries participate in the World Congress every few years. Recent studies by the IFNA found anesthesia care worldwide is both a medical and nursing function. Researchers identified 107 countries where nurse anesthetists train and practice and 9 countries where nurses assist in the administration of anesthesia.

Education

In order to be qualified to become an Nurse Anesthetist, one needs to finish his or her BSN/RN in a reputable university and have a high GPA score (3.3 or higher). Additionally, one needs at least 2-3 years experience in the ICU, OR or ER. With these prerequisites finished, one can apply for a Masters In Nursing in Nurse Anesthesia. After the 2 year Master's Program, one will be given the degree of CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).

The certification and recertification process is governed by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). The NBCRNA exist as an autonomous not-for-profit incorporated organization to prevent any conflict of interest with the AANA. This provides assurance to the public that CRNA candidates have met unbiased certification requirements that have exceeded benchmark qualifications and knowledge of anesthesia.

Nurse anesthetists may continue their education to the terminal degree level, either earning a Ph.D., DNSc (Doctor of Nursing Science), DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice), or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). At the terminal degree level, nurse anesthetists have a wider variety of professional choices available to them, and may teach, participate in administration or pursue research. Currently, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has endorsed a position statement that will move the current entry level of training for nurse anesthetists in the United States to the Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).


Compensation

The average annual salary range of Nurse Anesthetists in the United States in 2007 was recorded at $150,000. It is possible, with over time, to make as much as $250,000+

It is a very lucrative field.


Are you Interested?

http://www.aana.com/

I stay in contact with about 5 people from high school. Out of the 5, three of them are engineers. One is a mechanical engineer, the other is a chemical engineer, and the other is a biomedical engineer. All three are working while attending class on the side to finish their Master's. The other two are in the teaching profession. Both are finishing their certification for teaching. And one is already engaged. Time passes too fast, jud.

As for college friends, alot, but few close friends. Four of my close college barkadas will be starting law school this September. Two starting their MBA course, one will be staring pharmacy school. And two, including myself, will be starting medical school.

Our goal is to meet up in say 4-5 years time. Hopefully, we'll be finished by then. Maybe even wiser as well as older. One can hope. haha.

Are you an active bible reader as well?

It has it all. History, philosophy, religion, politics, etc. The greatest book written, imho.

The Lucky Young Man. haha

My 'baby' bro. Not a baby anymore, but still special to his Kuya's heart.