MikeLigalig.com

Don! Happy Birthday Don!

My little baby brother turned 15 years old on May 22, 2008.

Don, I can still remember changing your diapers, and mixing your milk bottle. My Ondoy Don-Don, na daku naka, you are now a young man. And a very handsome, resilient, intelligent and motivated young man at that. Keep up your hard work, your studies, stick to your habits, and I know you will succeed.

Happy Birthday, Don Don! Your Kuya loves you so much.

Your Big Bro,
Kuya Bran

The standard penalty for 'passion crimes' is three to twelve months of jail time? Unbelievable.

The looming depression is visible on the prices for gasoline. Today, I filled up my SUV, it took $55 to fill it up. I was astonished to see the price had risen to $3.70 per gallon. I can still remember when the price for a gallon of gas was $2.50 last year. Cost of groceries are also rising, an effect of the depreciating dollar.

by Miley Cyrus

[mp3tube]8a7c0026365582ceca6529100c1a41d6[/mp3tube]

by Danity Kane

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by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

[mp3tube]17383eb14bff1379f089323123b842f1[/mp3tube]

My condolences. I am so sorry that this happened. I really don't even know how to react to reading this.

Quote from: LanggamTamsi2 on May 22, 2008, 10:34:56 AM
That is  very true.

I am happy being poor anyway.

I am poor but my heart is rich, i have my children and hubby that love me for the rest of my life, they are my treasures,jewels,diamonds and most of all my life.

There is a saying, Ma'am Langgam. That a healthy and loving family is worth more than all the jewels and money in the world. Your post reminded me of that saying.

I agree bitaw.

Depends on the individual. Sometimes you get good guys, sometimes you get moody guys.

Chiropractic medicine is based on patients, so its very business oriented. The larger the business, the busier the individual and the more likely they tend to be stressed. Easily irritated. Pero dili man tanan.

This field is a growing one though. And like any medical profession, there are not enough chiropractors in the U.S. Importing alot from other countries.

Despite what commercial adds say, despite what friends say, talking about taking these 'dietary pills', 'wonder drugs' etc etc. Don't ever take chemically-induced detox drugs. Especially things that are still yet to be approved by the FDA. There are hundreds of destructive over-the-counter drugs that claim to be good for you, but are, in reality, destructive to internal homeostasis.

To stay healthy, always drink water. Cease the carbon-based drinks. A nice cold glass of H20 will not only fill your stomach when you're thirsty after a nice day's jog, but will detoxify your body. It will flush out all the toxic contaminants in your body that are taken in by cigarette smoke, hazardous foods, etc. Water will help flush out your urinary glands and clean the urethra. Water will hydrolize your edrenal glands, will reinvigorate your epidermal tissues, your internal visceri. It will clean your stomach, your intestines, your liver, your nephrological system.

Water, unlike all these hazardous 'energy drinks' (dopamine in a can; red bull, etc) is not nephro-toxic.

So remember, don't forget to drink 3 cups of nice, pure, clean water. Especially in this summer season, for those who will be doing alot of yard work and will be exposed to sweating, it is essential to drink alot of water. In order to retain and maintain internal homeostasis and prevent dehydration.

Drink Water! Stay Healthy!

My dearest Bambina,

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. A loss of a friend or family member will always be difficult to bear, and I hope and pray that you as well as the relatives of your dearly departed friend will be able to cope with this. You are in my heart and in my prayers. Be strong, and please extend my condolences to the family of your friend.

God Bless You, remember that we are here for you. Okay?

Please take it easy.

-Pare

A wonderful video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=e4Fw6UZCKgg

Mao bitaw, 'te. One of the bad things when there are too many women in the gym. Men tend to show off and forget their responsibilities. lol.

The Provincial Director, is an office in the D.I.L.G (Department of Interior and Local Government). The Provincial Director is appointed by the President, the spokesperson of the Executive in the provincial level. The Director trains and teaches mayors in ever municipality, runs the police force etc.

The Philippines is divided into multiple regions, in the central Visayas it is known as Region 7, each region is administered by the Regional Director, and each of the provinces within the said region is administered by the Provincial Director. Ex) There is a provincial director in Cebu, Negros, Bohol, etc.

The roles of the Provincial Director is imperative to the DILG in retaining local autonomy. Decentralization is mandated:

(a) There shall be an effective allocation among the different local government units of their respective powers, functions, responsibilities, and resources;

(b) There shall be established in every local government unit an accountable, efficient, and dynamic organizational structure and operating mechanism that will meet the priority needs and service requirements of its communities;

(c) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, local officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from local funds shall be appointed or removed, according to merit and fitness, by the appropriate appointing authority;

(d) The vesting of duty, responsibility, and accountability in local government units shall be accompanied with provision for reasonably adequate resources to discharge their powers and effectively carry out their functions; hence, they shall have the power to create and broaden their own sources of revenue and the right to a just share in national taxes and an equitable share in the proceeds of the utilization and development of the national wealth within their respective areas;

(e) Provinces with respect to component cities and municipalities, and cities and municipalities with respect to component Barangays, shall ensure that the acts of their component units are within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions:

(f) Local government units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them;

(g) The capabilities of local government units, especially the municipalities and Barangays, shall been enhanced by providing them with opportunities to participate actively in the implementation of national programs and projects;

(h) There shall be a continuing mechanism to enhance local autonomy not only by legislative enabling acts but also by administrative and organizational reforms;

(i) Local government units shall share with the national government the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of this Code and national policies;

(j) Effective mechanisms for ensuring the accountability of local government units to their respective constituents shall be strengthened in order to upgrade continually the quality of local leadership;

(k) The realization of local autonomy shall be facilitated through improved coordination of national government policies and programs and extension of adequate technical and material assistance to less developed and deserving local government units;

(l) The participation of the private sector in local governance, particularly in the delivery of basic services, shall be encouraged to ensure the viability of local autonomy as an alternative strategy for sustainable development; and

(m) The national government shall ensure that decentralization tributes to the continuing improvement of the performance of local government units and the quality of community life.


The role of the Provincial Director is to train the candidates of Mayorship, and train them to run and effectively preside over their respectable municipalities. The Director presides every municipality in the Province. All news and discourse in the provincial level is observed and reported directly to the Executive, the President. The Director also has power over the police and all law enforcements in the province.

For more specifics, here is the link to the Department of Interior and Local Government of the Republic of the Philippines:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph/LocalGovernmentCode.aspx

aguy! ma sakit jud na. haha.

Quote from: ms da binsi on May 05, 2008, 04:19:40 AM
I was so amazed how pine cones look like when they are babies! They just look like strawberries but they are very small like blueberries. This  is the first time i saw this "thing"  and they are just so pretty and soo pink!


<img src="http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k305/tagaliloy/IMG_1631.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
<img src="http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k305/tagaliloy/IMG_1629.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>

These are the trees that bear strawberries look-alike pine cones!

Thats one green lawn. Well trimmed pa jud!

Quote from: ms da binsi on April 28, 2008, 12:20:49 PM
OMG Dodong dis-a man ni dapit? beautiful place!

Taken ni sa Woodcock Dam, 'te. About a good 1 hour jog north of campus.

Guapo no?

Quote from: Ginger on May 15, 2008, 02:36:29 AM
In this thread, I will be posting all kinds of pictures of Oslo.

I will start with the tulips...

     

     

Beautiful shots, Ms. Hazel.

My immediate reaction:

Gorgeous WoW.

This is a definite must-visit destination for me in the not-too-distant future.

A video of Badiang Springs.

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

A tour of the greeneries of Valencia.

Thanks to the tour guide and his jokes. LoL

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pS7wt-IXiaU

Best Buy!!!! hahahaha! 'te that is my favorite store raba! Hahaha!

I love these pics 'te. Wow, you guys were driving all day jud! My salute to you and your husband for driving that long!

Mr. Ayag,

It will be done, Sir.

Quote from: Ginger on May 22, 2008, 05:42:31 AM
           

Um. The girl in the back left is fingering herself?

No class. IMHO.

Today, I was a slave to my little brothers. Drove them to karate practice, did some gardening in the back. Went dog-walking with Kaiser, and finished cooking adobo and pinakbet for the family.

Hmmm, what kind of rest and relaxation is this? I find myself being the 'boy-boy' of the house. hahaha.

Na maid na man ko ani da! LOL

Wow Wow Wowowee (like the game show) LOL

Kuyawa man ni ang pictures, 'Ate Belle. I feel like I was there too!

How was the drive? Sleep most of the way? Drive?

Sweet! Thanks for the beer, Ma'am Langgam.

To your son! May success, health, travel with him! And to his warm and loving family!

Happy Birthday Tyrone! All the Best!

Enjoy it, laddie!

Quote from: -&lt;GEC348&gt;- on May 11, 2008, 09:26:46 AM
I remembered Prof. Jes Tirol wrote an article about Lapu-lapu being actually a Boholano or of Boholano roots. But his version was that Lapu-lapu did become the chief of Mactan.

Lapu-Lapu was a Visayan. And a subject to the greater Rajanate of Maguindanao. The island of Bohol, Cebu and Negros were in the periphery of Maguindanao. Typical form of tribute was the form of human bondage. Slavery.

It was documented by many written records by the Franciscan and Dominican Friars that came to the region as an advanced guard. One written record that I've read was when the Spaniards came to Cebu under the command of Legazpi, every tribal head offered slaves as gifts.

Just to strengthen the argument, on a side note, the during the colonial days with Spain, many Filipino seamen that traversed in the Acapulco Galleon Trade were from the Visayan area. No doubt many would have been from either Cebu or Bohol. As Bohol was administered as part of the Cebu in the 17th century, during the height of the trade interaction.

As for Lapu Lapu coming from Bohol, interesting aspect.

All I know is that Bohol, as many of the Visayan islands during the early colonial period, were frequently attacked by Moro seamen and enslaved. Sold back as slaves in Mindanao and to other states. It was a frequent problem that the Spaniards had to deal with, forcing the Conquistadores to create 'urbanismo'. Prior to hispanization, the Malays of Bohol lived in rural places, and therefore easily preyed upon. Hispanization decreed that there would be centralization, creation of the barrio "barangay", poblacion, municipalidad, cuidad and provincia. The creation of these so called organized units allowed mass communication to manifest, and feasible response to attacks from Moro pirates. The once sedentary and rural-based Malays of Bohol and around the Philippine archipelago were now congregated. Making it easy for mass conversion into Christianity and Hispanization of the entire area.

Hence the many light houses and towers around Cebu, Bohol, and Negros. Hence the presence of a church in every town, a plaza in every town. It wasn't just imperative for assimilation, but was strategic.

Happiness is reading the warm replies of Mr. Balong and Ms. Orchids.

Lingaw-Lingaw.

This is a violation of political science and political legitimacy. What a quagmire-ish system.

O sige 'te Belle. If they really are bothering you, ingna lang ko ha? I-sumbagon  sila nako.

Keep on smiling, Ate Belle. You are too beautiful to let small people ruin your day. Remember, they are nothing but pebbles. Just walk over them.

Always,

Happy Birthday Mr. Joseph Tabacco!

Salutations and Congratulations, Sir. Cheers to good health, family, friends! God Bless you on your day of days!

Especially Yours,
Bran Lorenzo

haha pinchable?

Mr. President,

This past month you visited the King of Saudi Arabia. For what I questioned myself and then i read into the papers and news commentaries; you went there to offer military aid and 'asked' for more oil importation to the United States. The Saudis frankly said 'No' to you, while open to military aid.

Sir, you are the head of our American Republic. Elected by the people in faith for the good of the people. But all that you have done is contrary to what you were elected for. Instead of solving our parasitic dependence on these Arab countries for oil, we should cut that cord. You, sir, should be implementing policies that are warm towards renewable resources.

You begged the Saudis for more oil and were denied. What a disgrace you have been to the American people.

In firm hope and wish, I hope that your term will end soon. Swiftly.


In Good Faith,
Absolutely,
Bran Lorenzo Salvo Lucino Jr.


PS. Sir, over 4,300 Americans have died in Iraq so far. Over 50,000 were maimed and severely wounded. Sir, over 100,000 American jobs were lost to foreign states in your selling of America.
Have you no shame, sir?

You continue to rip the feathers of the American Eagle. God Have Mercy On You.

Im firm with this. Actors should never engage in politics. Politics should be left for those who are learned in the law and the intricacies of the sacred Constitution.

We had a president that was an actor. It ended in his toppling by a people power.

Learn from history. And try not to repeat it.

Facial tumor like this is caused by a degeneration of the transcriptional factors within the molecular biological level. This degeneration has led to the over-expression of epidermal cells that grow unchecked and therefore the tumor manifests. In most cases these are benign, therefore it is plausible to be removed surgically, so long as it doesn't affect the prime internal visceria.

Ive seen a surgical removal of neoplasia in the O.R before, one of the major goals is to evade cutting too deep to remove the tumor in segments; else one could cut through a major vein and artery. The reconstructive surgeons and orthopedic surgeons who engage in this kind of specialty are truly gifted with the ability to guestimate where and how to cut. Impressive jud ni sila. The surgeon's hands are uber-sensitive and powerful in that way. Just right jud ilang pressure.

Too serious ra lagi. Then again, I am a serious-type of man.

Very true. Its not worth it for us to get angry on the actions of some people. Bahala ra pood na sila. Kita ra man ang gansi kai kita ra ma suko. Ma sakit ra atong dughan if we let them affect us like that. Dili worth it jud.

Let small people small talk. They always will do that. For us, just work and strive to do what you have to do to survive. Focus on your family, your profession, yourself etc.

Think positive. Think big. Think optimistic. Be Good! Glorify God! In the end, thats all that matters.
Remember, there are three things that are primes in life: 1) God 2) Family 3) Friends.
So focus on these first. They are more than enough to strengthen us. There will always be those who are envious and jealous of what you have and will try to bring you down to their disgusting level. Don't worry about them. Don't ever lower yourself to their level.


Remember this saying:

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
~Matthew 7:1-5

This 50-50 definition is degrading not only to the Boholano people but to the good-will of the intended aid. I agree with Ate Ging in that there needs to be complete accountability and transparency on the funds and how it is spent.

This is addressed to Priscilla: Are there American officials who observe the spending of USaid funds in Bohol? Or is it based on an 'Honor Code Policy' in which one side is expected to spend the fund for proper and intended purposes with hope and trust by the other side?

This so called 'Kick-back' concept is shameful. Absolutely shameful. Those who engage in it, may you be discovered and reprimanded! Have you no shame? Shame! Walay Batasan!

Until then, I'll keep my eyes and ears open for more news update. Thanks for the video, Mike, and thanks for the follow-up, Priscilla.

Reading some of the comments in here, it amazes me that some comments are hate-filled. My response here is let them be who they are. Who are we to involve ourselves in their lives? If there are people who mitigate you, then so be it. Let them be, turn the other cheek and let it not disturb you. Just wipe grime from your shoulder and continue on with your own business and they with theirs.

I just find it rather disturbing how some comments in here are within the border of condemnation of other people. Due to their actions. Don't wish harm upon others else it will happen to you.

All I can say is focus on yourself, on your own problem and what you need to do to benefit yourself in your own present circumstance, what-so-ever it may be.

Focus on yourself. Help yourself first before you worry on others.
And most of all, evade too much chissmiss. Excessive chissmiss and negative talking is resounding of people who are bitter. Remember, small talking is for small people.

Mr. Brando Lorenzo Salvo Lucino Jr.
Allegheny College Class of 2008: 193rd graduating class.
S.C.L Honors Distinction.

Success is a byproduct of hard work, and dog-willed determination. Faith, in yourself and in some kind of divine power enables the person to do what he or she wants to attain a certain goal.

Without motivation, there is nothing. No success, no gains.

Throughout history, the movers and shakers of nations, civilizations, time epochs were gifted with the ability to dream. Dreams empower change, empower motivation, empower the person, and those who follow. Lead to the creation of nations, toppling of dictatorships, reclamation of justice from the corrupt.

This is why there are 'rich' people, as well as 'poor' people. The rich take advantage of the gifts and ability they were given by God and their predecessors. The poor do not take advantage or tap into their innate potential for greatness. Rather they languor in their present circumstance.
Suffice to say, not all 'rich' people are good people; the same as not all 'poor' people are bad people.

The determination of 'rich' and 'poor' people depend on two things:
1. Faith (most of all)
2. Hard Work; Determination.

So what was your accomplishment for the day? Divulge.

I went to the gym today, signed up for a monthly membership at a quaint place called 'Total Fitness'. Absolutely no problem in signing up, dressing for the work out, but there was a problem in the middle of work out session. I had teamed up with a guy name Jim, who was my spotter during the bench press. In the middle of my 5th set, I needed him to retrieve the bar as it slid from my grip, instead he was in the leg press machine. What kind of spotter does that? Exhausting my arms is a painful ordeal, and had to toss the bar to the left else 250lbs of weight would have come down crushing my chest.

Moral of the story: Don't abandon your partner or spotting mate when they need you the most.

Gorgeous pictures. Taken from a Gorgeous Person.

I must admit my fascination on the Bavarian style houses. Quite nostalgic of 17th century German homes. I've seen similar style homes when I took the Euro-rail across Holland to Ukraine in 2006. There were homes in Western Poland that looked just like that.


Marvelous pictures. Never cease to amaze me.

The English chap.

The more we give, the more the Lord will see our gratitude for his graces upon us. The Lord God is not blind to the acts of men, the more we give, the more we will be given graces. The beatitudes shows this. It is His Promise to us men. Though we are are faulted by sin, we are still given graces from Heaven. To me, nothing is greater in this world than God's Grace to Man. That our Lord's Love is absolute and Unconditional. It is proof enough.



Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaulteth not itself, is not puffed up. 
~I Corinthians 8:4


And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves. for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 
~I Peter 4:8

The Catholic doctrine of the papacy is biblically-based, and is derived from the evident primacy of St. Peter among the apostles. Like all Christian doctrines, it has undergone development through the centuries, but it hasn't departed from the essential components already existing in the leadership and prerogatives of St. Peter. These were given to him by our Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledged by his contemporaries, and accepted by the early Church. The biblical Petrine data is quite strong and convincing, by virtue of its cumulative weight, especially for those who are not hostile to the notion of the papacy from the outset. This is especially made clear with the assistance of biblical commentaries. The evidence of Holy Scripture (RSV) follows:

1. Matthew 16:18: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the powers of death shall not prevail against it."

The rock (Greek, petra) referred to here is St. Peter himself, not his faith or Jesus Christ. Christ appears here not as the foundation, but as the architect who "builds." The Church is built, not on confessions, but on confessors - living men (see, e.g., 1 Pet 2:5). Today, the overwhelming consensus of the great majority of all biblical scholars and commentators is in favor of the traditional Catholic understanding. Here St. Peter is spoken of as the foundation-stone of the Church, making him head and superior of the family of God (i.e., the seed of the doctrine of the papacy). Moreover, Rock embodies a metaphor applied to him by Christ in a sense analogous to the suffering and despised Messiah (1 Pet 2:4-8; cf. Mt 21:42). Without a solid foundation a house falls. St. Peter is the foundation, but not founder of the Church, administrator, but not Lord of the Church. The Good Shepherd (John 10:11) gives us other shepherds as well (Eph 4:11).

2. Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven . . ."

The "power of the keys" has to do with ecclesiastical discipline and administrative authority with regard to the requirements of the faith, as in Isaiah 22:22 (cf. Is 9:6; Job 12:14; Rev 3:7). From this power flows the use of censures, excommunication, absolution, baptismal discipline, the imposition of penances, and legislative powers. In the Old Testament a steward, or prime minister is a man who is "over a house" (Gen 41:40; 43:19; 44:4; 1 Ki 4:6; 16:9; 18:3; 2 Ki 10:5; 15:5; 18:18; Is 22:15,20-21).

3. Matthew 16:19 ". . . whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

"Binding" and "loosing" were technical rabbinical terms, which meant to "forbid" and "permit" with reference to the interpretation of the law, and secondarily to "condemn" or "place under the ban" or "acquit." Thus, St. Peter and the popes are given the authority to determine the rules for doctrine and life, by virtue of revelation and the Spirit's leading (Jn 16:13), and to demand obedience from the
Church. "Binding and loosing" represent the legislative and judicial powers of the papacy and the bishops (Mt 18:17-18; Jn 20:23). St. Peter, however, is the only apostle who receives these powers by name and in the singular, making him preeminent.

4. Peter's name occurs first in all lists of apostles (Mt 10:2; Mk 3:16; Lk 6:14; Acts 1:13). Matthew even calls him the "first" (10:2). Judas Iscariot is invariably mentioned last.

5. Peter is almost without exception named first whenever he appears with anyone else. In one (only?) example to the contrary, Galatians 2:9, where he ("Cephas") is listed after James and before John, he is clearly preeminent in the entire context (e.g., 1:18-19; 2:7-8).

6. Peter alone among the apostles receives a new name, Rock, solemnly conferred (Jn 1:42; Mt 16:18).

7. Likewise, Peter is regarded by Jesus as the Chief Shepherd after Himself (Jn 21:15-17), singularly by name, and over the universal Church, even though others have a similar but subordinate role (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2).

8. Peter alone among the apostles is mentioned by name as having been prayed for by Jesus Christ in order that his "faith may not fail" (Lk 22:32).

9. Peter alone among the apostles is exhorted by Jesus to "strengthen your brethren" (Lk 22:32).

10. Peter first confesses Christ's divinity (Mt 16:16).

11. Peter alone is told that he has received divine knowledge by a special revelation (Mt 16:17).

12. Peter is regarded by the Jews (Acts 4:1-13) as the leader and spokesman of Christianity.

13. Peter is regarded by the common people in the same way (Acts 2:37-41; 5:15).

14. Jesus Christ uniquely associates Himself and Peter in the miracle of the tribute-money (Mt 17:24-27).

15. Christ teaches from Peter's boat, and the miraculous catch of fish follows (Lk 5:1-11): perhaps a metaphor for the pope as a "fisher of men" (cf. Mt 4:19).

16. Peter was the first apostle to set out for, and enter the empty tomb (Lk 24:12; Jn 20:6).

17. Peter is specified by an angel as the leader and representative of the apostles (Mk 16:7).

18. Peter leads the apostles in fishing (Jn 21:2-3,11). The "bark" (boat) of Peter has been regarded by Catholics as a figure of the Church, with Peter at the helm.

19. Peter alone casts himself into the sea to come to Jesus (Jn 21:7).

20. Peter's words are the first recorded and most important in the upper room before Pentecost (Acts 1:15-22).

21. Peter takes the lead in calling for a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:22).

22. Peter is the first person to speak (and only one recorded) after Pentecost, so he was the first Christian to "preach the gospel" in the Church era (Acts 2:14-36).

23. Peter works the first miracle of the Church Age, healing a lame man (Acts 3:6-12).

24. Peter utters the first anathema (Ananias and Sapphira) emphatically affirmed by God (Acts 5:2-11)!

25. Peter's shadow works miracles (Acts 5:15).

26. Peter is the first person after Christ to raise the dead (Acts 9:40).

27. Cornelius is told by an angel to seek out Peter for instruction in Christianity (Acts 10:1-6).

28. Peter is the first to receive the Gentiles, after a revelation from God (Acts 10:9-48).

29. Peter instructs the other apostles on the catholicity (universality) of the Church (Acts 11:5-17).

30. Peter is the object of the first divine interposition on behalf of an individual in the Church Age (an angel delivers him from prison - Acts 12:1-17).

31. The whole Church (strongly implied) offers "earnest prayer" for Peter when he is imprisoned (Acts 12:5).

32. Peter presides over and opens the first Council of Christianity, and lays down principles afterwards accepted by it (Acts 15:7-11).

33. Paul distinguishes the Lord's post-Resurrection appearances to Peter from those to other apostles (1 Cor 15:4-8). The two disciples on the road to Emmaus make the same distinction (Lk 24:34), in this instance mentioning only Peter ("Simon"), even though they themselves had just seen the risen Jesus within the previous hour (Lk 24:33).

34. Peter is often spoken of as distinct among apostles (Mk 1:36; Lk 9:28,32; Acts 2:37; 5:29; 1 Cor 9:5).

35. Peter is often spokesman for the other apostles, especially at climactic moments (Mk 8:29; Mt 18:21; Lk 9:5; 12:41; Jn 6:67 ff.).

36. Peter's name is always the first listed of the "inner circle" of the disciples (Peter, James and John - Mt 17:1; 26:37,40; Mk 5:37; 14:37).

37. Peter is often the central figure relating to Jesus in dramatic gospel scenes such as walking on the water (Mt 14:28-32; Lk 5:1 ff., Mk 10:28; Mt 17:24 ff.).

38. Peter is the first to recognize and refute heresy, in Simon Magus (Acts 8:14-24).

39. Peter's name is mentioned more often than all the other disciples put together: 191 times (162 as Peter or Simon Peter, 23 as Simon, and 6 as Cephas). John is next in frequency with only 48 appearances, and Peter is present 50% of the time we find John in the Bible! Archbishop Fulton Sheen reckoned that all the other disciples combined were mentioned 130 times. If this is correct, Peter is named a remarkable 60% of the time any disciple is referred to!

40. Peter's proclamation at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) contains a fully authoritative interpretation of Scripture, a doctrinal decision and a disciplinary decree concerning members of the "House of Israel" (2:36) - an example of "binding and loosing."

41. Peter was the first "charismatic", having judged authoritatively the first instance of the gift of tongues as genuine (Acts 2:14-21).

42. Peter is the first to preach Christian repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38).

43. Peter (presumably) takes the lead in the first recorded mass baptism (Acts 2:41).

44. Peter commanded the first Gentile Christians to be baptized (Acts 10:44-48).

45. Peter was the first traveling missionary, and first exercised what would now be called "visitation of the churches" (Acts 9:32-38,43). Paul preached at Damascus immediately after his conversion (Acts 9:20), but hadn't traveled there for that purpose (God changed his plans!). His missionary journeys begin in Acts 13:2.

46. Paul went to Jerusalem specifically to see Peter for fifteen days in the beginning of his ministry (Gal 1:18), and was commissioned by Peter, James and John (Gal 2:9) to preach to the Gentiles.

47. Peter acts, by strong implication, as the chief bishop/shepherd of the Church (1 Pet 5:1), since he exhorts all the other bishops, or "elders."

48. Peter interprets prophecy (2 Pet 1:16-21).

49. Peter corrects those who misuse Paul's writings (2 Pet 3:15-16).

50. Peter wrote his first epistle from Rome, according to most scholars, as its bishop, and as the universal bishop (or, pope) of the early Church. "Babylon" (1 Pet 5:13) is regarded as code for Rome.

In conclusion, it strains credulity to think that God would present St. Peter with such prominence in the Bible, without some meaning and import for later Christian history; in particular, Church government. The papacy is the most plausible (we believe actual) fulfillment of this.

END

Was Peter in Rome?

Like other Protestants, Fundamentalists say Christ never appointed Peter as the earthly head for the simple reason that the Church has no earthly head and was never meant to have one. Christ is the Church’s only foundation, in any possible sense of that term.

The papacy, they say, arose out of fifth- or sixth-century politics, both secular and ecclesiastical; it has no connection with the New Testament. It has not been established by Christ, even though supposed “successors” to Peter (and their defenders) claim it was. At best the papacy is a ruse; at worst, a work of the devil. In any case, it is an institution designed to give the Catholic Church an authority it doesn’t have.

A key premise of their argument is the assertion that Peter was never in Rome. It follows that if Peter were never in Rome, he could not have been Rome’s first bishop and so could not have had any successors in that office. How can Catholics talk about the divine origin of the papacy, Fundamentalists argue, when their claim about Peter’s whereabouts is wrong?

Let’s look at this last charge, reserving for another tract a look at Peter’s position among the apostles and in the early Church.

How to Understand the Argument

At first glance, it might seem that the question, of whether Peter went to Rome and died there, is inconsequential. And in a way it is. After all, his being in Rome would not itself prove the existence of the papacy. In fact, it would be a false inference to say he must have been the first pope since he was in Rome and later popes ruled from Rome. With that logic, Paul would have been the first pope, too, since he was an apostle and went to Rome.

On the other hand, if Peter never made it to the capital, he still could have been the first pope, since one of his successors could have been the first holder of that office to settle in Rome. After all, if the papacy exists, it was established by Christ during his lifetime, long before Peter is said to have reached Rome. There must have been a period of some years in which the papacy did not yet have its connection to Rome.

So, if the apostle got there only much later, that might have something to say about who his legitimate successors would be (and it does, since the man elected bishop of Rome is automatically the new pope on the notion that Peter was the first bishop of Rome and the pope is merely Peter’s successor), but it would say nothing about the status of the papal office. It would not establish that the papacy was instituted by Christ in the first place.

No, somehow the question, while interesting historically, doesn’t seem to be crucial to the real issue, whether the papacy was founded by Christ. Still, most anti-Catholic organizations take up the matter and go to considerable trouble to “prove” Peter could not have been in Rome. Why? Because they think they can get mileage out of it.

“Here’s a point on which we can point to the lies of Catholic claims,” they say. “Catholics trace the papacy to Peter, and they say he was martyred in Rome after heading the Church there. If we could show he never went to Rome, that would undermineâ€"psychologically if not logicallyâ€"their assertion that Peter was the first pope. If people conclude the Catholic Church is wrong on this historical point, they’ll conclude it’s wrong on the larger one, the supposed existence of the papacy.” Such is the reasoning of some leading anti-Catholics.

The Charges in Brief

The case is stated perhaps most succinctly, even if not so bluntly, by Loraine Boettner in his best-known book, Roman Catholicism (117): “The remarkable thing, however, about Peter’s alleged bishopric in Rome is that the New Testament has not one word to say about it. The word Rome occurs only nine times in the Bible [actually, ten times in the Old Testament and ten times in the New], and never is Peter mentioned in connection with it. There is no allusion to Rome in either of his epistles. Paul’s journey to the city is recorded in great detail (Acts 27 and 28). There is in fact no New Testament evidence, nor any historical proof of any kind, that Peter ever was in Rome. All rests on legend.”

Well, what about it? Admittedly, the Bible nowhere explicitly says Peter was in Rome; but, on the other hand, it doesn’t say he wasn’t. Just as the New Testament never says, “Peter then went to Rome,” it never says, “Peter did not go to Rome.” In fact, very little is said about where he, or any of the apostles other than Paul, went in the years after the Ascension. For the most part, we have to rely on books other than the New Testament for information about what happened to the apostles, Peter included, in later years. Boettner is wrong to dismiss these early historical documents as conveyors of mere “legend.” They are genuine historical evidence, as every professional historian recognizes.

What the Bible Says

Boettner is also wrong when he claims “there is no allusion to Rome in either of [Peter’s] epistles.” There is, in the greeting at the end of the first epistle: “The Church here in Babylon, united with you by God’s election, sends you her greeting, and so does my son, Mark” (1 Pet. 5:13, Knox). Babylon is a code-word for Rome. It is used that way multiple times in works like the Sibylline Oracles (5:159f), the Apocalypse of Baruch (2:1), and 4 Esdras (3:1). Eusebius Pamphilius, in The Chronicle, composed about A.D. 303, noted that “It is said that Peter’s first epistle, in which he makes mention of Mark, was composed at Rome itself; and that he himself indicates this, referring to the city figuratively as Babylon.”

Consider now the other New Testament citations: “Another angel, a second, followed, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of her impure passion’” (Rev. 14 : 8 ). “The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered great Babylon, to make her drain the cup of the fury of his wrath” (Rev. 16:19). “[A]nd on her forehead was written a name of mystery: ‘Babylon the great, mother of harlots and of earth’s abominations’” (Rev. 17:5). “And he called out with a mighty voice, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great’” (Rev. 18:2). “[T]hey will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, ‘Alas! alas! thou great city, thou mighty city, Babylon! In one hour has thy judgment come’” (Rev. 18:10). “So shall Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence” (Rev. 18:21).

These references can’t be to the one-time capital of the Babylonian empire. That Babylon had been reduced to an inconsequential village by the march of years, military defeat, and political subjugation; it was no longer a “great city.” It played no important part in the recent history of the ancient world. From the New Testament perspective, the only candidates for the “great city” mentioned in Revelation are Rome and Jerusalem.

“But there is no good reason for saying that ‘Babylon’ means ‘Rome,’” insists Boettner. But there is, and the good reason is persecution. The authorities knew that Peter was a leader of the Church, and the Church, under Roman law, was considered organized atheism. (The worship of any gods other than the Roman was considered atheism.) Peter would do himself, not to mention those with him, no service by advertising his presence in the capitalâ€"after all, mail service from Rome was then even worse than it is today, and letters were routinely read by Roman officials. Peter was a wanted man, as were all Christian leaders. Why encourage a manhunt? We also know that the apostles sometimes referred to cities under symbolic names (cf. Rev. 11:.

In any event, let us be generous and admit that it is easy for an opponent of Catholicism to think, in good faith, that Peter was never in Rome, at least if he bases his conclusion on the Bible alone. But restricting his inquiry to the Bible is something he should not do; external evidence has to be considered, too.

Early Christian Testimony

William A. Jurgens, in his three-volume set The Faith of the Early Fathers, a masterly compendium that cites at length everything from the Didache to John Damascene, includes thirty references to this question, divided, in the index, about evenly between the statements that “Peter came to Rome and died there” and that “Peter established his See at Rome and made the bishop of Rome his successor in the primacy.” A few examples must suffice, but they and other early references demonstrate that there can be no question that the universalâ€"and very earlyâ€"position (one hesitates to use the word “tradition,” since some people read that as “legend”) was that Peter certainly did end up in the capital of the Empire.

A Very Early Reference

Tertullian, in The Demurrer Against the Heretics (A.D. 200), noted of Rome, “How happy is that church . . . where Peter endured a passion like that of the Lord, where Paul was crowned in a death like John’s [referring to John the Baptist, both he and Paul being beheaded].” Fundamentalists admit Paul died in Rome, so the implication from Tertullian is that Peter also must have been there. It was commonly accepted, from the very first, that both Peter and Paul were martyred at Rome, probably in the Neronian persecution in the 60s.

In the same book, Tertullian wrote that “this is the way in which the apostolic churches transmit their lists: like the church of the Smyrnaeans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John; like the church of the Romans, where Clement was ordained by Peter.” This Clement, known as Clement of Rome, later would be the fourth pope. (Note that Tertullian didn’t say Peter consecrated Clement as pope, which would have been impossible since a pope doesn’t consecrate his own successor; he merely ordained Clement as priest.) Clement wrote his Letter to the Corinthians perhaps before the year 70, just a few years after Peter and Paul were killed; in it he made reference to Peter ending his life where Paul ended his.

In his Letter to the Romans (A.D. 110), Ignatius of Antioch remarked that he could not command the Roman Christians the way Peter and Paul once did, such a comment making sense only if Peter had been a leader, if not the leader, of the church in Rome.

Irenaeus, in Against Heresies (A.D. 190), said that Matthew wrote his Gospel “while Peter and Paul were evangelizing in Rome and laying the foundation of the Church.” A few lines later he notes that Linus was named as Peter’s successor, that is, the second pope, and that next in line were Anacletus (also known as Cletus), and then Clement of Rome.

Clement of Alexandria wrote at the turn of the third century. A fragment of his work Sketches is preserved in Eusebius of Caesarea’s Ecclesiastical History, the first history of the Church. Clement wrote, “When Peter preached the word publicly at Rome, and declared the gospel by the Spirit, many who were present requested that Mark, who had been for a long time his follower and who remembered his sayings, should write down what had been proclaimed.”

Lactantius, in a treatise called The Death of the Persecutors, written around 318, noted that “When Nero was already reigning (Nero reigned from 54â€"68), Peter came to Rome, where, in virtue of the performance of certain miracles which he worked by that power of God which had been given to him, he converted many to righteousness and established a firm and steadfast temple to God.”

These citations could be multiplied. (Refer to Jurgens’ books or to the Catholic Answers tract Peter’s Roman Residency.) No ancient writer claimed Peter ended his life anywhere other than in Rome. On the question of Peter’s whereabouts they are in agreement, and their cumulative testimony carries enormous weight.

What Archaeology Proved

There is much archaeological evidence that Peter was at Rome, but Boettner, like other Fundamentalist apologists, must dismiss it, claiming that “exhaustive research by archaeologists has been made down through the centuries to find some inscription in the catacombs and other ruins of ancient places in Rome that would indicate Peter at least visited Rome. But the only things found which gave any promise at all were some bones of uncertain origin” (118).

Boettner saw Roman Catholicism through the presses in 1962. His original book and the revisions to it since then have failed to mention the results of the excavations under the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, excavations that had been underway for decades, but which were undertaken in earnest after World War II. What Boettner casually dismissed as “some bones of uncertain origin” were the contents of a tomb on Vatican Hill that was covered with early inscriptions attesting to the fact that Peter’s remains were inside.

After the original release of Boettner’s book, evidence had mounted to the point that Pope Paul VI was able to announce officially something that had been discussed in archaeological literature and religious publications for years: that the actual tomb of the first pope had been identified conclusively, that his remains were apparently present, and that in the vicinity of his tomb were inscriptions identifying the place as Peter’s burial site, meaning early Christians knew that the prince of the apostles was there. The story of how all this was determined, with scientific accuracy, is too long to recount here. It is discussed in detail in John Evangelist Walsh’s book, The Bones of St. Peter. It is enough to say that the historical and scientific evidence is such that no one willing to look at the facts objectively can doubt that Peter was in Rome. To deny that fact is to let prejudice override reason.


Source:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Was_Peter_in_Rome.asp

How was this individual picked to be the judge of the law? A judge, is in essence, THE law. A living, breathing herald of the Philippine Constitution and laws connected to that sacred document.

A judge who does not know the law is disgraceful. Fining this individual is not enough; should be removed from office. And someone, with a greater understanding and knowledge of the law, should be elected as judge.

The discountenance of it all.

Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system and treat the effects of those problems on the nervous system and on general health. Many chiropractic treatments deal specifically with the spine and the manipulation of the spine. Chiropractic medicine is based on the principle that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and can result in lower resistance to disease and many different conditions of diminished health.

The chiropractic approach to health care stresses the patient’s overall health. Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, nonsurgical health treatments, relying on the body’s inherent recuperative abilities. They also recognize that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, and heredity. Chiropractors recommend changes in lifestyle that affect those factors. In some situations, chiropractors refer patients to or consult with other health practitioners.

Like other health practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to get information needed to diagnose and treat patients. They take the patient’s medical history; conduct physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations; and may order laboratory tests. X rays and other diagnostic images are important tools because of the chiropractor’s emphasis on the spine and its proper function. Chiropractors also analyze the patient’s posture and spine using a specialized technique. For patients whose health problems can be traced to the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors manually adjust the spinal column.

Some chiropractors use other alternative medicines in their practices, including therapies using water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, acupuncture, and heat. They also may apply supports such as straps, tapes, and braces to manually adjust the spine. Chiropractors counsel patients about health concepts such as nutrition, exercise, changes in lifestyle, and stress management, but chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.

In addition to general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging.

Many chiropractors are solo or group practitioners who also have the administrative responsibilities of running a practice. In larger offices, chiropractors delegate these tasks to office managers and chiropractic assistants. Chiropractors in private practice are responsible for developing a patient base, hiring employees, and keeping records.


Work environment

Chiropractors work in clean, comfortable offices. Like other health practitioners, chiropractors are sometimes on their feet for long periods. Chiropractors who take x rays must employ appropriate precautions against the dangers of repeated exposure to radiation.

Chiropractors work, on average, about 40 hours per week, although longer hours are not uncommon. Solo practitioners set their own hours but may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients. Like other health care practitioners, chiropractors in a group practice will sometimes be on call or treat patients of other chiropractors in the group.


Salary Range

Chiropractors, like any medical-related field, is subject to differences in pay depending on location of practice. However, in 2005, the national mean of Chiropractor earnings in the United States was around $105,000. There are around 60,000 chiropractors in the United States today; and the field is a growing one. The aging American population will need chiro-remedy.


Considering Chiropractics?
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=167

So technically, happiness is made up of organo-chemical composition. Specifically basal nucleotides with said protein chains. These basal nucleotides and protein chains will therefore make up the hormones serotonin and endorphine--which are responsible for the 'happiness' feeling.

Without the basicity of the nucleotides G(guanine), C(cytosine), A(adenosine) and T(thymine), then there will be no composition of neuro-receptors, which are responsible for transmitting the said hormones. No euphoria, no ecstasy, no reward.

Everything stems back to the molecular biological level.


To answer the question, biology makes happiness.

Happiness is man-made construct to describe the feeling of ecstasy and euphoria that is felt after an impressive act, or a memorable moment. It is socially constructed; typical of socio-psychological interaction.

'Happiness' is manifested when a human completes a feat that is considered 'acceptable, preferred, romantic, great' in society. The biological explanation is that the brain works precipitously in that the hypothalamus region of the central nervous system produces the hormone called endorphine, which saturates the body with ecstasy after a great event. The brain will also secrete the hormone called serotonin, which is responsible for euphoric feelings, which results in a sense of "contentness", "happiness", "reassuredness". 

Happiness is all in the mind. Literally. Specifically in the interior of the basal neuroglia within in recesses of the hypothalamus.

Stardust,

Yes I do have calculus books. Standard text.

PM me for more specifics.

Congratulations Mr. Graham on your retirement!

The good free-lifestyle is about to begin!

Cheers from New Jersey,

A procession of Russia's Military cadence in celebration of Russia's Victory Day over Nazi Germany and Axis Japan.

Impressive and awesome. The Mighty Russian Bear, formerly known as the "U.S.S.R" (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8M4Nn4K5eY&feature=related

by the Goo Goo Dolls

[mp3tube]92dfd959442c95f3732fcbdf193a5516[/mp3tube]

Flags flew at half-staff, public entertainment was canceled and 1.3 billion people were asked to observe three minutes of silence as China began three days of mourning Monday for the victims of the nation's massive earthquake.

Officials asked for the horns of cars, trains and ships and air raid sirens to sound as people fell silent at 2:28 p.m. â€" exactly one week after the quake splintered thousands of buildings and killed an estimated 50,000 people. Chinese news portal sina.com said the government had ordered all visitors to online entertainment and game pages to be redirected to Web sites dedicated to commemorating earthquake victims.

The Olympic torch relay â€" a potent symbol of national pride in the countdown to August's much anticipated Beijing games â€" was also suspended during the mourning period.

Hope of finding more trapped survivors dwindled, and preventing hunger and disease among the homeless became more pressing.

"It will soon be too late" to find trapped survivors, said Koji Fujiya, deputy leader of a Japanese rescue team working in Beichuan, a town reduced to rubble. His team pulled 10 bodies out of Beichuan's high school Sunday.

The steady run of rescue news flashed by the official Xinhua News Agency has slowed. Just three rescues were reported Sunday, including a woman in Yingxiu town who was reached by soldiers who dug a 15-foot tunnel through the wreckage of a flattened power station and had to amputate both her legs to set free, after 150 hours.

"She was in a delirious state" and told rescuers to leave her alone, thinking she was already in a hospital, Xinhua quoted rescuer Ma Gang as saying. "We fed her milk and water, and her family was there to reassure her."

Dozens of aftershocks have rumbled through the region, extending the damage and fear of survivors. A magnitude 6 temblor on Sunday killed three people, injured more than 1,000 and caused further damage to houses and roads, Xinhua reported.

With more bodies discovered, the confirmed death toll rose to 32,476, the State Council, China's cabinet, reported. The injured numbered more than 220,000.

Many bodies lay by roadsides in body bags or wrapped in plastic sheeting, as authorities struggled to deal with the sheer number of corpses by digging burial pits and working crematoriums overtime.

The World Health Organization warned that shortages of clean water and warmer, humid weather in Sichuan province â€" which bore the brunt of the earthquake â€" were ripe for epidemics. It urged officials not to be distracted by the false belief that corpses were a health threat.

The Health Ministry said no major epidemics or other public health hazards had been reported so far, Xinhua said. Two field hospitals with 400 beds have been set up in isolated areas and medical staff have reached all townships affected by the quake, Xinhua said.

The three-day mourning period starting Monday was the most extensive one the government has ordered since the death 11 years ago of communist patriarch Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the free-market reforms that have brought many Chinese from poverty to moderate prosperity in a generation.

Officials initially resisted changing the relay, which corporate sponsors have paid millions of dollars to fund, though some of the pomp was toned down in recent days. Organizers say the relay will resume in Sichuan next month.

Responding to concerns about nuclear sites in the quake zone, a Chinese military spokesman, air force Maj. Gen. Ma Jian, told reporters Sunday that all nuclear facilities jolted by the quake were confirmed safe.

Though Ma did not elaborate, China has a research reactor, two nuclear fuel production sites and two atomic weapons sites within 90 miles of the quake's epicenter, according to the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety.

Flood threats from rivers blocked by landslides from the quake appeared to have eased after three waterways near the epicenter overflowed with no problems, Xinhua said. County officials diverted released water as a precaution.

The quake damaged some water projects, such as reservoirs and hydroelectric stations, but no reservoirs had burst, Liu Ning, engineer-in-chief with the Ministry of Water Resources, told Xinhua.

Worries about possible flooding had sent thousands of people fleeing the day before.

Also in the quake area, three giant pandas were missing from the Wolong Nature Reserve for the endangered animals. Five staff members were killed in the quake, forestry spokesman Cao Qingyao told Xinhua. The 60 other giant pandas at the were safe.

President Hu Jintao continued to tour the destruction for a third day and was surrounded by wailing women at a camp for homeless survivors in Yinghua.

"I know you lost family and property," Hu was quoted by state media as saying. "I share the pain with you. We will try every effort to save your people once there is the slightest hope and possibility."

China also raised the magnitude of last Monday's quake, to 8.0 from 7.8, though it did not give reasons for the reassessment and the U.S. Geological Survey kept its 7.9 measure. A magnitude-8 quake has the equivalent energy of 790 nuclear bombs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Foreign aid continued to arrive, including two U.S. Air Force cargo planes loaded with tents, lanterns and 15,000 meals.

A vast, impromptu humanitarian operation has sprung up among Chinese, with thousands flooding into Sichuan in cars loaded with instant noodles, blankets, clothes and whatever else they could carry.

Chinese people, organizations and companies donated around $1.1 billion for quake relief in the first week after the disaster, Xinhua said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080519/ap_on_re_as/china_earthquake

Osama bin Laden released a new message on Sunday denouncing Arab leaders for sacrificing the Palestinians and saying the head of the Shiite militant group Hezbollah did not really have the strength to take on Israel.

In his second audio message in three days focusing on the Palestinians, the al-Qaida leader said the only way to liberate Palestine is to fight the Arab regimes that are protecting Israel. And he called on Muslim militants in Egypt to help break the blockade of Gaza.

Bin Laden said Muslims should ignore the Islamic prohibition against raising arms against fellow Muslims, claiming it was legitimate to rise up against leaders who are not governing according to Islamic law. Those leaders, he said, came to power "either by a military coup or with backing from foreign forces."

"Those (Arab) kings and leaders sacrificed Palestine and Al-Aqsa to keep their crowns," bin Laden said, referring to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam's holiest sites. "But we will not be relieved of this responsibility."

His 22-minute audiotape was posted on an Islamic militant Web site where al-Qaida leaders have issued past statements. The voice sounded like bin Laden's, although the authenticity of the tape could not be independently verified.

Bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahri frequently attack Arab leaders as traitors and sellouts. But they are increasingly focusing on the Palestinian issue in recent messages, aiming to increase their appeal to an Arab public widely sympathetic to the Palestinian plight.

Bin Laden's last audio message, released Friday to mark the 60th anniversary of Israel's establishment, vowed to continue what he called al-Qaida's struggle against the Jewish state.

With his denunciation of Arab leaders, bin Laden portrayed himself as the true defender of the Palestinian cause.

He calls Arab leaders "agents of the crusaders" and "wolves" and portrays Arab citizens as herds of sheep who have been handed over to the wolves to look after them.

"Every day, the herd wishes the wolves would stop preying on it," he said.

He said Israel was weak but the Arabs have not fought "even a single serious war to get Palestine back."

Bin Laden singled out by name Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, whose 2006 war against Israel boosted the group's popularity among Shiites and Sunnis.

Bin Laden said Nasrallah claimed he had enough resources, such as money and combatants, to fight Israel.

"But the truth is the opposite," he said. "If he was honest and has enough (resources), why then he did not support the fight to liberate Palestine."

He also attacked Nasrallah for allowing the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon "to protect the Jews."

Sunni al-Qaida has also stepped up its criticism of Shiite Iran, the main backer of Hezbollah, accusing it of trying to dominate the Middle East.

Bin Laden made no reference to the recent clashes in Lebanon between Shiite Hezbollah supporters and Sunni supporters of the U.S.-backed government. It was not clear whether his message was recorded before or after the violence broke out.

The message comes just days after President Bush delivered a speech at the Israeli parliament that angered many in the Arab world. The speech, to mark Israel's 60th anniversary, praised Israel effusively while hardly mentioning the Palestinians.

Bin Laden's message appeared to come too soon after that speech to be a response to it. But it could strike a chord among Arabs frustrated with the U.S. and its Arab allies.

He said Arab leaders have stopped taking their instructions from Islam and started taking them from the U.S.

"They have decided that peace with the Zionists is their strategic option, so damn their decision."

Both Israel and Egypt have closed their borders with Gaza since the Islamic militant group Hamas violently seized control of the Palestinian territory in June last year. The closure deepened economic hardship in the already impoverished strip where 1.4 million Palestinians live.

"Each one of us is responsible for the death of our vulnerable people in Gaza where scores have died because of the blockade," bin Laden said.

He urged Muslim militants in Egypt to try to end the closure.

"They are the only ones close to its borders and they must work on breaking this blockade," he said.

Hamas militants blasted holes in Gaza's border with Egypt in February, allowing hundreds of thousands of Gazans to escape the tight closure and stream across the frontier unchecked for 12 days. They voraciously bought up goods such as fuel and food made scarce by the closure.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080518/ap_on_re_mi_ea/bin_laden_message

After four years of book reading, the occasional bar-club visitations in the weekend is pivotal for the retention of the semblance of sanity. This one is a 'classic' bar-crawl. Pre-graduation fun.

Here is to all the good memories. Gotta love undergraduate college life. 



Talk about watching out for kegs. lol


It begins,


hahaha, this was Ashley's so called "cell phone/rave stick" lol.


Pare JC hahaha; eating? LOL


Action shot.


Us men trying to dance with Lisa; 70's style hahaha

Another interesting video.

The militarization of China.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uISd771Yo0

Amazing maneuverability of Eskrimador fighters compared to the Kendo student.

Very nice video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rfno9HUdymA

To all glory and praise goes to the Lord. Salamaat kaayo that your Lolo is okay now!

Be at peace pud, Bem. Enjoy your coming week!

Lord, Where Are You?

Taken from Matthew 8:23-27
I remember the day that the Master came to me and said, “Follow Me.” I left my family and friends and followed Him. I’ve followed Him from town to town and have seen Him say and do some amazing things. Even so, when the Master stepped onto the little boat, I found it very difficult to follow Him there.

I’ve lived and worked for all my life on the solid land. I had no business pretending to be a sailor. A few hours into the journey, my stomach chastised me for not taking the longer route around the sea, by foot.

At first the darkness didn’t bother me. As my friends each fell asleep, I found myself being spooked by the unfamiliar environment of the sea. Some things were real, like fish jumping out of the waves. However, much of what scared me was created in my imagination. I longed for the return of daylight.

Peter sat at the rudder, but he too had drifted off to sleep. I looked to the sky to see if we were headed toward the same stars as we had been before. I hadn’t noticed when it happened, but clouds now covered up the stars. I glanced back at Peter, but my eyes were drawn to a green billowing cloud. I stepped over my sleeping friends and shook Peter awake.

“What is that?” I asked, my finger pointing to the sky.

“Could be a storm,” Peter groggily answered.

Andrew stirred. “Last time I saw clouds like that…” his voice trailed off as he swallowed hard.

I had the scary feeling that the worst part of this trip was yet to come.

“What are we going to do?” I asked thinking that there was a procedure to follow in times like this. I had yet to realize that we were essentially defenseless before the great power of a storm.

“Help us take down the sails,” Peter ordered. He seemed interested in keeping me from spreading panic.

I noticed James muttering to John, but I could only make out one word of their conversation. That word was “capsize”.

Fresh fear flowed into my heart. “Capsize!” I shouted, having never considered that possibility. “I can’t swim!” I screamed, hoping that somehow that would spare me from being plunged into the cold water.

The heavy canvas sail fell to the boat’s floor as its ropes were loosened. I scanned the deck looking for something I could use to keep me afloat.

Then, in the span of two heartbeats, three terrifying things happened. First, a flash of lightning lit up the night. Then a crash of thunder shook my bones. Following that the scariest thing of all occurred. A single raindrop landed on my arm. The only thing that kept me from melting with panic was the hope that this storm would have mercy on us, and go in a different direction. That raindrop, and the quick arrival of its friends, stole that hope away from me.

Without warning the wind attacked our boat. Waves lifted us high and then quickly dropped us down. After a time, from behind me came the sounds of fearful shouting. I did not want to turn my head, because then I’d have to deal with yet another problem. My head turned anyway. I added screams of my own as my eyes beheld a towering wall of water looming above me.

I was quickly buried in water as the wave crashed on our delicate boat. The water dragged me across the deck and slammed me into the mast. I clung to it and wondered if I would ever get another breath of air.

In a while the water level fell. I filled my lungs with air, and coughed out water at the same time. My vision began to clear. As it did, I saw something that turned my fear into anger. I spied the master curled up in the front hold of the boat, SLEEPING! “How dare he!” I spewed.

Here I was, probably living the last minutes of my life, and the Master slept. Doesn’t He care about me?! How can He sleep instead of comforting me?! I staggered to the front of the boat so that I could confront the Master. As I drew closer the Master pulled up His blanket to cover His face. This drove me insane with anger.

My hand took hold of a piece of the blanket. As I yanked it away I yelled just slightly louder than the wind at the master. “Don’t you care?! Don’t you care that we are all going to DIE?!” My eyes bulged in terror as I screamed, “How can you sleep?!”

The Master opened His eyes and calmly took His blanket back. His eyes were filled with love, patience and at the same time, disappointment. He softly spoke, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?”

Then He rose to his feet. He pointed His finger into the wind. Then in a firm voice He said, “Be still!”

I briefly wondered if the Master had lost His mind. Why was He talking to the storm? Before I could say anything something happened that I shall never forget.

The tall waves instantly melted. The whipping winds became gentle. The pelting rain ceased. Our boat that just a moment ago was being tossed around like a toy now floated calmly in the sea.

The master went to continue his sleep while the rest of us stood motionless in the now calm night air. After a while someone broke the silence and exclaimed, “What manner of man is this…” We all stared at the sleeping Jesus while he continued, “…that even the winds and the sea obey Him!”

hahaha. na kurat ko nag read ani.

LoL

hahahahaha. Oh if you could have heard him, 'te.
Himus jud ni si Andre! But yes tinuud jud Family is the best. And what beautiful family we have in Tubag Bohol!

Long Live the Bol-anon! Super Salute!

A special super salute goes to the people of Barrio Mangga!

Quote from: grazie7y on May 19, 2008, 04:49:31 AM
hahahahah when I was making the card, Alyssamarie aka smiffy said, "Ate ging, are you writing a novel?" hahahaha I told her, "saba diha, Babe!" hahahahahah

haha, cute pood!

You are a beautiful and wonderful person, 'te.

hahaha. mao ba? Bless you! Bless all of you!

Ingoon baya ahong gamay igsoon si Andre, "Kuya, you have another family?" LOL

The cards killed me, 'te.

I had to walk out of the house because after reading it, I cried like a child. Didn't want my family to see me like that.

Thank you, kaayo Ate Ging. You made my eyes red, lol

Hilak jud ko ani, 'te. Salamaat kaayo to the three of you. The Ladies of Tubag Bohol.

Ate Ging,

You made me cry this morning baya. Tears of happiness and thanks. You know the reason for it.

My heart was so happy to see it.

I'm going to try to preserve it, sa pictures.

Ning adto ko with my family to church this morning sa 11 am mass, and when ning balik mi sa balay, ning abot ang imung gi send nako.

You made me cry, Ate Ging. Salamaat kaayo, ha? Salamaat kaayo! and some more Salamaat! God Bless You and everyone, your name manifests you. Mike was exceptionally accurate in what he said about your name.

From the depths of my heart, Salamaat kaayo! I Love You, Ate Ging!!

Your big lil Bro,
Ondoy Bran

hahaha Yes! Specially the lovely waters of Anda's beach. Mike's home soil.

Hahaha it is such a small world intawn no?

I dream and hope that someday we all can meet up in Bohol, 'te. You, Ate Belle and Hazel darling and Brod Mike. Hahaha now wouldn't that be awesome?

Pohon lagi.

ill take a look at this, Bem.

I already like the title.

hahaha bitaw cute. haha telephone addict sigoro na si nienie. text-a-dora sigoro. lol

tell nienie i said "Hi".

hahaha, Ate Ging and friends,

Ning video-chat ko sa ahong mommy Wella ug ahong mga uncles sa Tagbilaran. Apparently when we started the convo na wa na diay ahong uncle Roger kai ning adto sa Mangga kai nag pa-mista. hahaha. After a good 1-2 hour convo ning adto pood ahong mommy Wella and family kai ma-mista sila sa Mangga.

I wanted to ask them to take some 'bringhaus' for me, pero dili possible. LOL!!!!

God Bless Everyone jud from Mangga! That nice and warm Barrio!!

Good to hear that Tita Lee was there to meet up with your family. Warm jud ko to hear these news. Maka lingaw pood ta ba. Even though we're 10,000 miles away.

kanang rock rock opm.

Taong Grasa is my favorite opm song. Heard of it?

by the legendary Barry Manilow

[mp3tube]25305e5b0261847bc97e91d1b9208fde[/mp3tube]


To those who lost the girl of their dreams. This song is for you. Talk about heart-wrencher, eh?

hahahaha ngano wa man ug bahbah si nienie?

cute baya na siya. lol

hahahahaha, ikaw bajiha ka ha! pariho man diay ta ug taste sa musik.

brilliant mind, you are.

We are so proud of our "Mommy Wella" kaayo! Uber-dedicated ni si Madam Ma. Louella Lucino sa Bohol and the Philippines. Can you imagine, the same time she was running Dumaguete City as well as regional Cebu, she was taking courses in the side for nursing? At the same time running a major city in Cebu, and prioritizing her duties in Region 7 demographic politics, she was capable of finishing a nursing degree on the side, with high colors.

Madam Ma. Louella Lucino, has earned the respect of not only those who work under her, but her fellow colleagues in Manila, and even from the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whom she worked with.

Madam Ma. Louella Lucino travelled to Europe as well to attend a forum to address child labor and unrestricted child abuses in the third world. When she came to visit the United States to see our family here, whenever she talked about Bohol she always talked about these problems and conditions, and the progress made and other implementations needed to further address the said problems. She is hard working, and firm in her ideals. A very reputable and stern woman, and someone to reckon with for those who would go against her.

This song is as adorable as nienie.

by Flock of Seagulls

[mp3tube]27445f2708b9154836e7e681c5de378c[/mp3tube]

oh yea gotta love this song.

hahaha naked eyes. Dude! Good song good song.

80's fanatic diay ka, Bem?

Hahaha, ah i remember that movie too. lol

Bem, smart jud ka uy kai naka remember ka sa ang movie. Theme song baya ni sa movie. lol.

Pero lami baya no? Very dancy-dancy.

Quote from: junayag on May 16, 2008, 10:48:36 PM

To Asian Fairy, Edelweiss, Bran Lorenz, Happy and all... am so touched with your profound felicitations.. and am glad for having you on the same boat... we can make that elusive change to happen if we are determined to be so...let us join efforts in spreading the values that we believed in...through TB and in all opportunities that may come our way...all the best!

I really admire this man. What a man you are, Sir Ayag.

Reflective light. I always notice this. And it cements your innate goodness and brilliance.

My regards, Sir!

Great to read this. Continue to march, Philippines.

Please join me in congratulating my aunt, Madam. Ma. Louella Lucino, who was selected to be the next Provincial Director of the Province fo Bohol. Madam. Ma. Louella Lucino has served as the Assistant Provincial Director of Bohol in years past as well as the Director of Dumaguete   City before. Her service record and her love of the province of Bohol, to Region 7 in entirety is that of supreme accord.

I am proud of Madam Ma. Louella Lucino of  her success, her commendable dedication to the province for over twenty years, her constant campaigns for anti-child abuse laws, anti-crime activity, anti-corruption ability, and her close work with the local governments of Bohol. Madam. Ma. Louella Lucino has trained dozens of mayors in Bohol, in running their respective governments in clean and legitimate ways. She will clean this province just as she did in Dumaguete  .

She was selected to become the next Provincial Director of Bohol effective on August of 2008.

I am proud and happy to learn of this news because she is my 'mommy wella', she is a loving aunt, mother, auntie, daughter and most of all she is a firm and strict woman when it comes down to business. She is like my late grandfather, Businessman Mr. Rustico Aray Lucino, who worked honestly, and indefatigably for the progress of the province.



Congratulations and Salutations to Madam Maria Louella Lucino, the Provincial Director of Bohol!

I was privileged to talk to my family in Tagbilaran last night. And apparently I found out that yesterday was the Fiesta in Mangga, Tagbilaran, Bohol!

So let me extend a warm Happy Fiesta for all the taga-Mangganons in here!

May our Loving and Good God bless your town! And all of us!

Regards, ha!

One of the ships in this video is the newly acquired Cyclone-class Fast Attack Missile Ship that the United States gave to the Philippine Navy in 2004. The Cyclone-class ship, combined with the three Peacock-class corvettes of the Philippine Navy composes a formidable combat group. The four ships combined with support ships, are able to neutralize air-to-surface missiles from an attack ship or from an attack plane. The ships are also able to meet and repel a Jiangzhu-class Chinese destroyers.

The Philippine Navy, as an archipelagic naval force needs to acquire more of these littoral-ships as a repellant against larger, slower and cumbersome cruisers, destroyers and frigates from foreign navies.

The Philippine Navy is looking to purchase more Cyclone-class ships to augment its southern fleet, which is tasked in protecting Philippine territorial rights and interests against Malaysia, Indonesia.

At the moment, the majority of the Philippine Naval Fleet is tasked in protecting the EEZs (economic exclusive zones) of Manila and Central Visayas (Cebu).


American-made Cyclone-class littoral missile warefare ships.
Two or three of these ships are powerful enough to take down a frigate. Three or more of these ships are able to take down even a destroyer or a cruiser.


The newly acquired BRP General Mariano Alvarez, a Cyclone-class littoral missile warefare ship.
The BRP General Mariano Alvarez is the Philippine's first missile-based naval surface ship. The Cyclone-class ship in the Philippine Navy has Exorcet missiles, which are capable of punching holes even in a carrier or destroyers. This ship also has anti-submarine capability.

If the Philippines could get a squadron of these ships (5 to 6), the Philippine Navy would be feared again.

I was reading into the Chinese defense program; within the past 2 decades, the Chinese have tripled the size of their armed forces strength. Their air force is as large as that of the United States, albeit they have more inferior Mig fighters, nonetheless, the United States, in its current condition, would be unable to amass a large enough force in Asia-Pacific without the Chinese Air Force not knowing about it.

At current strength, the Chinese, are able to pummel not only India's Air Force, but the combined air forces of South East Asian nations. China, is currently the largest military spender in the Asia-Pacific region second only to the United States.

As for Naval power, the Chinese already purchased rights to build a Russian-style Supercarrier. This will be the flag ship of the PLAN (People's Liberation Armed Navy). They are also focusing on building massive cruisers, that will powerful enough to batter even the coastal defenses of Taiwan, and Japan.

The Chinese already have hundreds of submarines, and dozens of nuclear submarines that prowl the waters of South China Sea, and have been seen outside the coasts of Guam.

Despite China's growing military arm, she has yet to engage in hostile actions with her neighbors. Perhaps the Chinese defense policy is only to build a massive force as a deterrant against possible enemies. Or perhaps there is an offensive goal?

Who knows. One thing is obvious, there will be a time when America's hold in Asia-Pacific will  be dislodged by Chinese hegemonistic appetite.

The Philippines, which is a shrimp compared to the Chinese whale, can only hope of a positive diplomatic policy with China.

We are looking at the beginnings of Human Galactic Imperialism.

What we view as nothing more than trivial spacial exploration is the beginning of a Human Space Empire.

Within several centuries from now, the population in Earth will expound, thereby fueling the need of the planet to explore outside our known galaxies and milky ways. We have, for centuries, been charting the heavens, naming stars, planets, milkyways. Since time immemorial we have been doing this. It is in my firm belief that we will eventually colonize not only Mars, but other habitable systems.

Human society and civilization is always based on agro-cultural revolution. Where there is water, and farmable land, there will be a growth of civilization. Growth of philosophy, culture, religion etc. So long as there are colonizable planets for Mankind to claim as its own, Humanity, technically, will never die. The gene-seed of Man-Kind would, if allowed to propagate safely, will ensure the longevity and success of our species.

Within several millenias time, I see ManKind as already conquoring and colonizing several hundred planetary systems. And I see Earth, as the cultural and species homeworld of Humanity, will be the center of this Human Space Empire.

In order for this massive Human Empire to succeed, Earth will beckon the power of its inexhaustible armies and naval fleets. The billions of Humans that would live within the Imperial jurisdiction of Earth will be employed for military service. Billions of people, but with one heart. Which will wage war against secessionists, revolutionaries  and brigands that will try to defy the Imperial Authority of Earth.


Wow. Talk about star wars-esque, eh? 

The following was taken by Fido in its landing on Mars.

The surface of Mars, as indicated by the photo, is similar to that of Earth. The gravitational pull in the planet is roughly similar to that of Earth. There is a thin atmosphere in Mars, therefore breathing in the planet would be hard without the use of oxygen tanks. Theoretically, NASA scientists believe it is possible to build tanks and chemical plants that would convert the chemical composition in Mars' atmosphere and manipulate it to produce a O2 byproduct (air).

There is a rich hydrogen composition in Mars' atmosphere, meaning that it would be possible to combine the Hydrogen molecules with Oxygen macromolecules to create H20 (water). With water, it is possible to start a minimal agricultural system. Within time, it is possible to create larger plants that would be capable of making water systems on a regular basis.

Making it possible for the agro-based colonization of the planet. The planet, which is rich in un-touched raw natural resources, would also fuel funding by Earthian governments and companies.

By 2-3 decades time, NASA projects that it will be able to send a human group to visit Mars, which has similar Organo-chemical composition as Earth. Mars would be a perfect world to be colonized.

What is most important is the rich natural resources within the surface of Mars. Since Mars was as lush and green as Earth some millions of years ago, it is accurate to speculate the richness and vast petroleum-like, natural gas resources in Mars.

Rich enough to fuel the growth of Earth and its societies for centuries, if not millenias, to come.

The night before I left.

lol. Gotta love our 'Saturday' night outings.


Hmmm ?


Meg being ridiculous. Or was it the lager in her?


My comp group!

The Interior.








Dr. Seddig, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Political Science and Foreign Affairs.
Former Provost of Princeton University. One of the speakers. 


More to come!

by Jefferson Starship

One of my favorites! Oh yea, a classic 1980's hit.   


[mp3tube]ad468294d849e8319bbe8e87052039b6[/mp3tube]