What is HAARP?

In my series of blog, I usually include the solar flares and solar filters. We can not disregard the fact how devastating that solar storm could be and how we can defend our planet for such storm. Recently a very controversial top secret project had been revealed by exposés around the globe. They associate such calamities that were happening in our planet were simply cause by man made disasters. It's like human race had discover the Pandora's Box out of this highly confidential weapon known as HAARP.

The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is an ionospheric research program jointly funded by the US Air Force, the US Navy, the University of Alaska and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).Its purpose is to analyze the ionosphere and investigate the potential for developing ionospheric enhancement technology for radio communications and surveillance purposes. According to some speculation this had been tested to some prominent calamities happened our planet. Recent scientific evidence suggests that HAARP is fully operational and has the ability of potentially triggering floods, droughts, hurricanes and earthquakes.

One man-made electrical effect -- power line harmonic resonance -- causes fallout of charged particles from the Van Allen (radiation) belts, and the falling ions cause ice crystals (which precipitate rain clouds). What about HAARP? Energy blasted upward from an ionospheric heater is not much compared to the total in the ionosphere, but HAARP documents admit that thousand fold-greater amounts of energy can be released in the ionosphere than injected.

It is said that Japan had been the focus of this HAARP Testing which made a tsunami last March 2011.

Such project brought qualms as others done their research about the capability of such facilities. Same old story with Nuclear Bomb, this project might be perceived and truthfully a weapon for mass destruction if human will greedily used it against human… but if we’re preparing for the worst cosmic catastrophe which is to come or the big event, then we might say that we are on the edge of preparedness for such asteroids, cosmic rays and solar storms as we are getting ready for 2012.

World of Lesbianism

Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English lingo to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the prime attribute of female homosexuality, or as an adjective, to illustrate characteristics of an object or activity related to female same-sex desire.

Lesbian as a concept, used to differentiate women with a shared sexual orientation. Throughout history, women have not had the freedom or independence to pursue homosexual relationships as men have, but neither have they met the harsh punishment in some societies as homosexual men. Instead, lesbian relationships have often been regarded as harmless and incomparable to heterosexual ones unless the participants attempted to affirm privileges traditionally enjoyed by men. Women in homosexual relationships responded to this designation either by hiding their personal lives or accepting the label of outcast and creating a subculture and identity that developed in Europe and the United States.

The most extensive early study of female homosexuality was provided by the Institute for Sex Research, who published an in-depth report of the sexual experiences of American women in 1953. More than 8,000 women were interviewed by Alfred Kinsey and the staff of the Institute for Sex Research in a book titled Sexual Behavior in the Human Female, popularly known as part of the Kinsey Report. The Kinsey Report's dispassionate discussion of homosexuality as a form of human sexual behavior was revolutionary. Up to this study, only physicians and psychiatrists studied sexual behavior, and almost always the results were interpreted with a moral view.

Kinsey and his staff reported that 28% of women had been aroused by another female, and 19% had a sexual contact with another female. Of women who had sexual contact with another female, half to two-thirds of them had orgasm. Based on Kinsey's scale where 0 represents a person with an exclusively heterosexual response and 6 represents a person with an exclusively homosexual one, and numbers in between represent a ramp of responses with both sexes, 6% of those interviewed ranked as a 6: exclusively homosexual.

By far the most significant impact to the image of lesbians was Ellen. Publicity surrounding Ellen's coming out episode in 1997 was enormous; Ellen DeGeneres appeared on the cover of Time magazine the week before the airing of "The Puppy Episode" with the headline "Yep, I'm Gay". It won an Emmy for writing, but as the show began to deal with Ellen Morgan's sexuality each week, network executives grew uncomfortable with the direction the show took and canceled it.

A latest study has found that the children raised by Lesbian parents perform at par with other kids in terms of academics and social skills. These kids are also found to be more matured than their peers and exhibit less aggressiveness. The researchers also thin that the kids brought up by lesbian parents are more adjustable and accommodative by nature. This finding may come as a boon for the LGBT community. Dr. Nanette Gartrell, the author of the study is involved with the University of California. She thinks that the kids raise by lesbian parents do better because Lesbians are very committed and involved by nature.

On the night of June 24th, after the New York State senate voted to legalize same sex marriage, thousands took to the streets in Greenwich Village to celebrate.

Crowds gathered in front of Stonewall, a symbol of the gay rights movement.

New York becomes the sixth and largest state to legalize same sex unions. This broke the silence, acceptance was served.

Philippine Gay Today

It was way back 1996, I do remember my first university paper article in Catalyst - (Official Publication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines); was regarding gay rights. During that time gay rights were underground movement. Those were the times when gay activist simply coming out to open and its takes a lot of courage to really coming out of the closet. I remember my first gay march, though I was not as transgender or cross dresser as others;I found myself joining the caravan of gays asking for gay rights. That was also the time that my father knew that I proactively joining gay rights activism.

"Gay rights is human rights and were human too." those were the battle cry of gays during that time. Which made me think deeper... how far can this kind of fight be fought?

Homosexuality in the Philippines was much tolerated and some instances the focus of bullying. Most Filipinos appear to be comfortable with gays as long as they fit to certain stereotypes and behave according to accepted, non-threatening norms. Progay-Philippines founded in 1993, which led the first Gay March in Asia. It was in 1996 the Pride March was first celebrated with the participation of the whole LGBT community. It was organized by ReachOut, which for the next two years would also organize the succeeding Pride Marches. The theme was Solidarity.

The Womyn Supporting Womyn Centre organized the First National Lesbian Rights Conference in Cavite.

The Lesbian and Gay Rights Act of 1999, a bill by Rep. Angara-Castillo, was filed in Congress because of its flaws and because of the authors’ failure to incorporate LAGABLAB proposed revisions.

Senator Miriam Santiago and Akbayan Rep. Etta Rosales authored and sponsored the Anti-Discrimination Bill the bill would penalize discrimination based on sexual orientation.

LAGABLAB, along with Amnesty International-Pilipinas, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), Lesbian Advocates in the Philippines (LEAP) and other supportive organizations and individuals launched the "Stop Discrimination Now" Campaign to boost lobbying efforts and get the attention of Philippine legislators to approve the Anti-Discrimination Bill 6416.

In June 2006, 3 bills have been introduced in the Congress and Senate that would prevent marriage involving transgender, contracted in the Philippines or abroad, and bar recognition of marriages or domestic partnership between two people of the same biological sex contracted in countries that legally recognize such relationships. The measures have been brought forward as legislators react to recent local court rulings allowing transsexuals to change their legal status from male to female.

House Bill 1245 would amend the country’s Family Code to limit marriage to ‘natural born males and natural born females’ only. In the Senate, meanwhile, Senate Bill No. 1276 sponsored by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago would bar same-sex marriages performed outside the country from receiving legal recognition in the Philippines. Senate Bill No. 1575 filed by Senator Rodolfo Biazon is the Senate counterpart of HB 1245 filed by his son, Rep. Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon.

HB 1245 is pending in the House Committee on Revision of Laws, while SBN 1276 and SBN 1575 are pending in the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations.

Due to religious freedom, gay religious organizations technically can perform a legally invalid wedding, like the Metropolitan Community Church who contracts so called "Holy Unions" among their members.

Recently, in New York - U.S marchers carried signs reading "New York Said Yes", "Promise Kept" and "Thank You Governor Cuomo".

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, and a strong supporter of the bill, marched down Fifth Avenue along openly gay city council speaker Christine Quinn and NYC's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who in the week prior to the vote, made phone calls urging citizens to call undecided Senators. As the approval of same-sex marriage by the New York Senate last Friday night was the obvious theme.

The Philippine gay rights has its own setting, being a very conservative country in terms of sexual orientation and issues, gay marriages were still a hopeful dreams with other. The initiative of Holy Unions might be good with others as they proactive the same sex relationship. In my own opinion we must be happy of what we have at the moment and not imitate ourselves with what they prefer.

2011 Pilipinas Got Talent: Live Streaming

In the Philippines, the version of Americas Got Talent has come to its Finale. Apparently, Pilipinas Got Talent Finalist - Marcelito Po Moy drove the crowd wild as he sang with a female voice to the tune of ‘Narito Ako’ (I Am Here) by Regine Velasquez, and even sounded like her. I was amazed when he sung the Celine Dion version of the prayer.

Judge Kris Aquino and ABS-CBN President and COO Freddie M. Garcia and Ms.Ai-ai Delas Alas applauded with the whole Araneta gone wild as the crowd went screaming to their excitement and even gave him a standing ovation.

Meanwhile, Marcelino’s videos over the youtube become viral; a lot of You Tube commentators believe that Marcelito Po Moy could be the Pilipinas Got Talent 2011 (Season 2) winner.

Aside from Marcelino, other finalists are also very good performers too. Finalists who are also  giving their best and crowds bet were wild card winner - Rico the magician where he is showing another set of magic tricks and "Angel Calalas" - the Hula-hoop girl

For the live streaming of the Finale please refer to ABS-CBN website or to this link:

http://streampinoy.info/abs-cbn-kapamilya-live-streaming-2.html

Doughnut = Job Interview

Yesterday, I spent most of my time sitting among the applicants in one of a known call center here in the Metro. One of their promotional teasers were doughnuts ... yes its doughnuts not donuts and of course it means Krispy Kreme.

I was having fun with words in my mind how to write a blog about that experience... that I end up groping with words (shame on me that time) actually I was not with the job order I was aiming with my cravings for the Krispy Kreme freebies but it seems that they don’t have it on the table to give out those applicant's who will pass... as they say Kreme of the Crop but where's the doughnuts?

Focusing with the freebies... I was not aware of the interview; well guess that BPO's really not for me as of the moment. So I just day dream with my favorite doughnuts. Who could focus on the job offer where you do picture your self munching that Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles viand of Krispy as if you can taste it on the tip of your tongue? As I day dream for sweet reward, it made me wonder the origin of doughnuts?

Doughnut is a fried dough food and is popular in many countries and prepared in various forms as a sweet (or occasionally savory) snack that can be homemade or purchased in bakeries, supermarkets, and food stalls, and franchised specialty outlets. They are usually sweet, deep-fried from flour dough, and shaped in rings or flattened spheres that sometimes contain fillings.

There were many types and variations of Doughnut and one of them is the pretzel type. In parts of Germany, the doughnut equivalents are called Berliner; in Finland, a sweet doughnut is called a munkki (the word also means monk) and is commonly eaten in cafés and cafeteria restaurants. They are called krofna, in Croatia and Serbia. In India, a savory, fried, ring-shaped snack called a vada is often referred to as a doughnut. The Indonesian donat kentang is a potato doughnut; while in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea, the signature doughnuts are lagaymat, which are balls of fried dough drizzled with powdered sugar.

In the Philippines local varieties are usually made of plain well-mead dough, deep-fried in refined coconut oil and sprinkled with refined (not powdered or confectioner's) sugar.

After groping with words and try to get hold with my cravings for the Krispy Kreme I ended up frustrated. I end up gone with the job order; so long with my Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles doughnuts. Hello to munchkins. Then I just smiled as I daydream more about doughnuts. 

Tuko for Sale? - Plight of the Philippine Gecko

It has been widespread news in the metro regarding the Philippine Geckos. Most of the people were starting to have a raving fan of looking and hunting for Philippine Geckos or "Tuko"

Tuko is a genus of colorful and diverse lizard geckos commonly known as true or calling geckos. Although such species as the Tokay Gecko are very widespread and common, some species in the same genus have a very small range and are considered rare or in danger of extinction. Geckos come in various patterns and colors such as purple, pink, blue, and black, and are among the most colorful lizards in the world.

Some are faintly patterned and somewhat rubbery looking, while others are brightly colored. Some species can change color to blend in with their environment or with particular temperatures.

The toes of the gecko have a special alteration that allows them to stick on to most surfaces without the use of liquids or surface tension. The spatula tipped setae on gecko footpads allow attractive forces called van der Waals interactions to arise between the adhesive setae and the surface.

These van der Waals connections involve no fluids; in theory, a boot made of synthetic setae would adhere as easily to the surface of the International Space Station as it would to a living room wall, although adhesion varies with humidity.

Now the selling and hunting geckos are punishable by law. There had been many reports of an illegal smuggling of Philippine gecko or "tuko" and it was said to be used for cure cancer and AIDS. I believed that we should protect our wildlife. We should feel bless and culture those species and worked for a researched how it can be used as medication instead of letting them smuggled what we treasure. They may have the knowledge how to extract the cure but they don't have the species because they greedily consumed it. If we will let those lizards back into the wild they will produce more or more likely try to raise them. Probably, time will come that we might discover more about this common species which became extinct as human demands for it.

Forecast of a huge Solar Storm on June 24

Just before dawn of 1859, skies all over planet Earth erupted in red, green, and purple auroras so brilliant that newspapers could be read as easily as in daylight. Stunning auroras pulsated even at near tropical latitudes over Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, El Salvador, and Hawaii. Even more disconcerting, telegraph systems worldwide went haywire. Spark discharges shocked telegraph operators and set the telegraph paper on fire. Even when telegraphers disconnected the batteries powering the lines, aurora-induced electric currents in the wires still allowed messages to be transmitted. These were the scenario that happened in 1859.

Now as researchers predicted a huge solar storm to reach Earth on June 24, this week, officials have gathered at the National Press Club in Washington DC to ask themselves a simple question: What if it happens again? A similar storm today might knock us for a loop, a solar physicist at NASA headquarters said modern society depends on high-tech systems such as smart power grids, GPS, and satellite communications--all of which are vulnerable to solar storms.

Our situation would be more serious as solar activities were more frequent. As predicted the impact of the solar storm could be more devastating; a widespread blackouts carried across continents by long-distance power lines may last for weeks to months as engineers will struggle to repair damaged transformers.  GPS units for navigation may go hay-wire.  Banking and financial networks might go offline, disrupting commerce in a way unique to the Information Age. Based on the report from the National Academy of Sciences in 2008, a century-class solar storm could have the economic impact of 20 hurricane Katrina.

These were the modern concerns that were should be worried about, we must be concern regarding the Sun's activity and how we could co-exist with the harmful effect of the sun as it unleash it's solar storms more frequent as it was before.

For a more graphical understanding refer to this link:

http://science.nasa.gov/media/medialibrary/2011/06/22/20110621_070500_anim.tim-den.gif

Lunar Eclipse 2011: Live Streaming Now

I was so asleep when I suddenly remember that it's Total Lunar eclipse. As I rush outside to witness the spectacular phenomenon to happen I noticed that a think mass of cloud is going to blanket the sky. I prayed LORD let me witness this one please; searching into the night sky half partially filled with clouds I had spotted my subject..."There you are, so fragile in a crimson color." I gazed on it for a while then was contented to watch over its beauty.

So I decided to have a better view over the internet. I was surprised that the Google had its icon doodle into a lunar eclipse. When you tries to click on it it will lead you to the articles related to lunar eclipse.

There had been many articles associated with the lunar eclipse. I was so surprise how beautiful the lunar eclipse. As I browse more I came to see a link where I can get the live streaming of the total lunar eclipse. The shot was taken in different part of the globe. As Dr. Doug Aamoth tries explain the eclipse.

I commend the Time Magazine for their effort in preparing this kind of live feeds of the Lunar Eclipse over the internet.

Refer to this link for the live streaming:

http://techland.time.com/2011/06/15/watch-live-streaming-video-of-the-lunar-eclipse/

Recipe for eggplant - Binagoongan

One of my favorite vegetable is the egg plant. Botanically classify as a berry, and have several small soft seeds that are edible, but are bitter because they contain nicotinoid alkaloids, predictable as it is a close relative of tobacco. Eggplant is richer in nicotine than any other safe to eat plant, with absorption of 100 ng/g (or 0.01 mg/100g). Nonetheless, the quantity of nicotine from eggplant or any other food is slight weigh against to passive smoking.

The plant is native to India and has been cultivated in southern and eastern Asia since prehistory but appears to have happen to be known in Western world no earlier than ca. 1500. The first known printed record of the plant is found in Qí mín yào shù, an ancient Chinese agricultural article completed in 544.

Aubergine also the name of the purple color resembling that of the fruit and is a commonly known color scheme applied to articles as a variety as cloth or restroom set.

Different selections of the plant produce different size, shape and color and though typically purple; there are even orange varieties.

It may also be roasted in its skin until charred, so the pulp can be removed and blended with other ingredients, such as lemon, tahini, and garlic. Grilled, mashed and mixed with onions, tomatoes and spices make the Indian dish baingan ka Bhartha or gojju, similar to salată de vinete in Romania.

Here is one of my specialties for cooking eggplant:

Ingredients:

Egg plant

Garlic

Onion

Ginger

Bagoong alamang (fermented shrimps and salt)

Brown Sugar ½ cup

Cooking Oil

Soy Sauce

Procedure: 

1. Slice the ginger into small pieces; finely chopped as well as minced garlic and onions into small grinded bits. Then set aside.
2. Cut the eggplant lengthwise and then marinate in soy sauce for about an hour.
3. Pre-heat the cooking oil then deep fry the marinated eggplant then set aside.

Sautee the finely chopped garlic, ginger and onion then add the bagoong alamang (fermented shrimps and salt). Let it simmer then add the ½ cup of brown sugar.  

4. Then add the fried eggplant and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

There you have a tasteful binagoongan. Adding pork strips or bacon is optional. This is surely a nutritional dish for you as studies in Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University, Brazil, have shown eggplant is effective in the treatment of high blood cholesterol.

How to paper mache

Paper mach had been our family’s bread and butter when my mother was still alive. She used to hold seminars and talks regarding paper Mache. There were many products that can be made out of paper. The most common nowadays are the paper Mache boxes. I remember when I was in college a friend of mine Ms. Gerlie P. used to have a research regarding paper Mache. Since she took up a course of industrial engineering at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, she had discovered ways to improve the strength as well as add color to the paper Mache.

What I will teaching you is how to create a colored paper Mache board which we will be using to create a box.

Usually the colors were hand pained but in this case the board itself is hand crafted and the colors are there.

1. First let's do the basic part creating the paper pulp.

Paper pulp is the peeled and soaked old news paper in a water basin. All you have to do is to tear off the old news paper in a small piece and soaked it in a basin filled with water. Make sure that the paper was well grinded as it was soaked into the water.

2. Getting the paper pulp

We need a paste to bind the grinded news paper, after being soaked we have to squeeze the papers so that we could extract the pulp; by these means what we are getting is the pulp itself.

3. Prepare the paste for paper Mache.

After the extraction, we have to set aside the paper pulp and let it drain. While doing so we have to create a paste that will act as a binding agent for our paper board. Make sure that you cooked it well to get the proper consistency of the paste to be used. In a bowl mix 3 cups of cornstarch 2 cups of water then mix it well. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and mix it well too, then set aside. In a casserole boil 2 cups of water; if the water is already boiling pour the mixture of water, cornstarch and salt into the boiling water. You will notice it will develop into a thick like gravy sauce. The thicker the mixture the strong it will bind.

4. Mix the pulp with color dye

Let the paste cool for a minute and then mix the drained pulp with your favorite color dye. Make 3 sets of color, it might be red, green and yellow. Divide the pulp into 3 parts for each color. Then mix them well so that the color will absorb into the pulp.

Then set aside.

5. Creating the board sheet.

In this process you will be needing a frame mold ; a good frame moldings  for this are the silk screen frame (one that is used in silk screening). Place the mixture there and let it dry.

Usually this will take days for the paper to be fully dried. Then you can use these ray materials as a base for your paper Mache box project.

2010-11 NBA Champions- Mavericks

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision; the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.-Andrew Carnegie.

It  was  no suprise to know that Mavericks had top Heat this NBA Season.Dirk Nowtizki is named NBA Finals MVP.Nowitzki averaged 25.8 points and 10.0 rebounds for the Finals .Jason Terry ends the game with 27 points on 11-16 shooting. Nowitzki finishes with 21 points and 11 rebounds.Sad to say the storyline won’t be Mavs win, but Heat lose Kidd hits both free-throws. Their wining is aconcrete example that  Dallas Mavericks has teamwork .James didn’t score in the second half until a layup with 1:49 remained in the third – his first field-goal attempt since 1:05 remained in the half. “It hurts,” James said. “I’m not going to hang my head low. I know how much work as a team we put into it.” But for the Heat blame will be directed at James. Even he knew that after the way he left Cleveland with “The Decision” and all the animus that generated not just in Ohio but around the entire league, the only way he could silence some critics was with a title.James is clearly the one with that most-unwanted label now.

Truly that TEAMWORK is the ability to work together toward a common vision; the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.-Andrew Carnegie

Read more: http://sportales.com/sports/2010-11-nba-champions-mavericks/#ixzz1PDpM1yKi

A Filipino was hailed World’s Shortest Man

 

 

World’s Shortest Man: Junrey Balawing Is New Record-HolderOfficially he is the world's shortest man as per Guinness World Records official Craig Glenday visit the rural town of Sindangan, Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines.

Guinness World Records presented Junrey Balawing, a 59.93cm (23.6 inches) tall just  little quite the size of a ruler and was given a certificate at his 18th birthday.He is 7cm shorter than the previous record holder, Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal, who had the record since last October.

According to the BBC Wired News, the event was being attended by Guinness World Records official Craig Glenday together with his staff, well-wishers, including politicians that presented him cash gifts to add in their family's meager savings.

Junrey blew out a candle on his birthday cake and said "I'm tired", according to his father; he had been a sickly child and doctors had not been able to say why he stopped growing. Junrey can only walk with some help and he can't stand for too long because he's in too much pain. The family sought advice and he was given medication to strengthen his bones, but these made no difference.

His birthday coincides with Philippines Independence Day, a double party celebration in his village today.

100 Minutes Full Lunar Eclipse

Aztecs, who thought that an eclipse occurred because a crunch had been taken out of the moon.

It will be on desperation for those in North America since they were not lucky to witness this 100 minutes Full Lunar Eclipse on June 15, 2011.Star gazers and sky watchers on every other continent, however, will experience a total lunar eclipse on June 15th. Moon will spend 100 minutes fully engulfed in Earth’s shadow, making it the longest lunar eclipse in almost 11 years.

In Mexico it is belief that exposure of a pregnant woman to an eclipse will cause her infant to have a cleft lip or palate. The belief originated with the Aztecs, who thought that an eclipse occurred because a crunch had been taken out of the moon. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses.
Last year the lunar eclipse occurred on December of 2010, making it known as the lunar eclipse of Solstice. Now this lunar eclipse on June 15 will fall under Full Strawberry Moon because it was universal to every Algonquin tribe relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry; However, in Europe called it the Rose Moon also because the rose blooms on their regions. To know more about these events check out with NASA.

Forecast for the NBA Game Six: Heat vs. Mavericks

I used to admit that I was a basketball fanatic during the Chicago bulls’ era, when Michael Jordan flies the air wave for his lay-up stuff. As the time progress I only got to know about the games thru my neighbors, co-workers and by standers. I wouldn't miss Game 6 of this series; Games 2, 3 and 4 were determined by two, two and three points -- Game 5 was almost certainly the best one of all.  I can’t move on with Dirk Nowitzki's array of unguardedly moves, including his deadly three-point shot. Though he does not have a untainted shot, but he is a pure shooter oh what the heck. Also  Dwyane Wade's combination of strength and J.J. Barea's exasperatingly effective game, and Jason Kidd's career as an outside shooter, most of all LeBron James which breathtaking that it makes his late-game disappearing acts absolutely impenetrable.

As they say the ball is round and I don't know what will happen in Game 6.  That's the best thing you can say about any sporting event; you’ll never know until you are into it.  And one thing for sure NBA has never been better than this. It's never been more undeniable theatrical, for you will feel the action, drama and the emotions poured into the hard-court.

Mucormycosis : a Rare Fungal Contagion Looms Tornado Victims

The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.- Revelations 8:11.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is assisting state and local health officials in Joplin, Missouri. After the devastating tornado which had struck the place eight people injured and one have contracted a rare fungal infection called mucormycosis which is the cause of his death.Mucormycosis is a fungal contagion of the sinuses, brain, or a lung that occurs primarily in people with immune disorders. It was caused by common fungi frequently found in the soil and in decaying vegetation.Conditions most usually associated with mucormycosis include leukemia/lymphoma, treatment with deferoxamine, diabetes (usually poorly controlled diabetes), chronic steroid use, metabolic acidosis, organ transplantation and AIDS.

Syndromes associated with mucormycosis include:

Rhinocerebral infection (infection of sinuses and brain).May start as a sinus infection and may progress to involve inflammation of cranial nerves.

Pulmonary mucormycosis (lung involvement) — pneumonia that gets worse quickly and may spread to the chest cavity, heart, and brain.May cause blood clots that block vessels to the brain (thrombosis).

Mucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and kidneys.

Symptoms of rhinocerebral mucormycosis include:

Eye swelling and protrusion (proptosis), acute sinusitis (sinus pain or congestion), fever, dark nasal eschar (scabbing) and redness of skin overlying sinuses
Read more in Conditions and Diseases
« Eczema Affecting The Hands and Feet-dyshidrotic Eczema
Pancreatic Cancer »

Symptoms of lung (pulmonary) mucormycosis include:

Coughing blood (occasionally), cough, fever, shortness of breath

Symptoms of gastrointestinal mucormycosis include:

Vomiting blood, abdominal pain

Symptoms of kidney (renal) mucormycosis include:

Flank (side) pain, fever

Mucormycosis is treated right away with surgery so that it will remove all dead and infected tissue, together with intravenous (directly into a vein) antifungal therapy.

If anyone in the tornado area that is suffering wounds that are not healing should seek prompt medical attention.

References:
Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 360.
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa
Stevens DA. Aspergillosis. CNN News

A Father’s Promise

“I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. Those were the words that I noticed when we marched the funeral service of my dad. He may not be a perfect father (a much that of a wealthy dad who can give us the luxury of life) but he raised us with dignity and good morals in life.”

I remember every father’s day I always makes sure that I send my dad a greetings made of folder and drawn with “Happy Father’s Day” from that simple act I can see in the face of my dad that he was so happy.
We used to call him Tatay, which is a Filipino term for father. At the age of twelve my mother pass away, being a soldier my father had to make a tough decision whether to be in the military service or take a full time father.

I know that it was hard for him to leave the Military service but 25 yrs. in the service is good enough to take the position of a full time dad for us.
My dad is a simple man. He’s not into signature wardrobes, not accustomed using men’s accessory and gold rings and bracelet. He was just plain and simple. His favorite biblical quote is Proverbs 27:1 ” Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” He taught us to be humble and low profile person.

As a military he always disciplines us the way an educated man should be. His famous saying is obey first before complain; because according to him a father command his son to do it if that is not for the better or would endangered us, its always for the good.
There were certain instances that a high ranking military official would recognize my father especially after the Sunday mass. I was amazed how my father knew that person.
There had many instances that my father might meet an old time friend, a co- military, a classmate during his military schooling and others that simply knew him. There were all saying his and hellos and reminiscing the good times back. But as they say we never know when will be our calling.

It was in 1998; at the peak of the heat wave which led to approximately 750 heat-related deaths in Chicago over a period of five days. This unprecedented heat wave conditions occurred during May–June 1998 across Asia. Unfortunately my father was one of the casualties. He suffered from a heat stroke causing a blood clot in his cerebellum.
GOD was good because he was not taken from us that instant but the painful part he was comatose for a month. Everyday when I try to visit him at the hospital in Manila Sanitarium an Adventist hospital I can’t help myself cry. I used to remember holding his hands and talking to him, whispering those words that I love him so much. Such words that I might have uttered when he was still in good condition. As the days progress my father shows vital signs of recovery. He can hear the doctors’ command but he can not speak and open his eyes. A good sign on our part because at least we know that he can still hear us.

Then the doctor had to perform the operation that will remove the blood clot from my father’s brain. It will be a no surgery operation or Angioplasty in medical terms but the cost of that operation was too expensive during that time so we don’t have a choice but to transfer our father to a military hospital since he was a retired soldier. There he was being observed and later the operation to open the skull and scrap the clotted blood was performed. Doctors took almost 13 hours in the operation room, my brother and I was waiting on the door of the operation room praying and waiting for the result. I felt the loneliness that it was I and my Kuya were left their sitting on the floor waiting for my father’s surgery. I prayed so hard that I never prayed before. Atlas the operation was successful. The doctor advised us that it will be a series of operation that will be conducted in the case of my father; the next step is making a shunt; In medicine, a shunt is a hole or a small passage which moves, or allows movement of fluid from one part of the body to another. Close friends were there to give support, and to assist us during those times that we were so helpless. But he was not able to make it; GOD keep him for good.

We all have happy memoirs with our fathers. We all might have happy moments with them that we can call treasure. Your father might not be as rich as any tycoon nor as handsome like a Hollywood actors but one thing for sure, your father simply the best father like anyone else. So if you still have a time to kiss them do it, embrace them like you never embrace them before. Tell them how much you love them …seize the day.

I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. Those were the words that I noticed when we marched the funeral service of my dad. He may not be a perfect father (a much that of a wealthy dad who can give us the luxury of life) but he raised us with dignity and good morals in life. He became a good person to those he touched lives during his times. What matter is how we became a blessing to others and how we respect our colleagues.
My father promise that he will return, truly indeed he return thru the good stories that I’m hearing from the people he help before, his comradeship and respect for the equality of men; Thus he deserves three volleys of shots fired in honor of him during his funeral as the taps filled the air in the solemnity of the crowd.

Legend of Narcissus

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a handsome Greek lad who had never seen his mirror image. The nymph Echo had been sentenced by Hera for gossiping by being cursed to forever "have the last word". One day Echo saw Narcissus on foot through the forest and wanted to convey her love for him. Narcissus heard her but could not see her and when Narcissus asked, "Who's here?", all Echo could respond was "here" because of the curse. When Echo finally exposed herself, she was shocked when Narcissus disdainfully rejected her and she fled into the mountains. One day, Narcissus became thirsty and stopped by a lake to take a drink; he saw his mirror image in the water for the first time. Not eloquent any better, he fell in love with his image and started talking to it. Not yet understanding his reflections, Narcissus thought his mirror image was speaking to him and became more affianced. Unable to carry out his love, Narcissus drowned himself at the pool and changed into the flower that bears his name, the narcissus.

At the spot where he fell, a flower was born, which was called the narcissus. But this was not how the author of the book ended the story there had been more to that. He said that when Narcissus died, the Goddesses of the Forest made apparition and found the lake from which had been fresh water which was transformed into a lake of salty tears.

"Why do you weep?" the Goddesses asked the lake.

"I sob for Narcissus," the lake replied.

"Oh, it is no astonishment that you weep for Narcissus," they said, "for though we always pursued him in the forest, you alone could ponder his beauty close at hand."

"But..... Was Narcissus good-looking?" the lake asked.

"Who better than you to know that?" the Goddesses thought in wonder, "After all, it was by your banks that he knelt each day to contemplate himself!!"

The lake was silent for some time. Finally it said:

"I weep for Narcissus, but I never noticed that Narcissus was good-looking. I weep because, each time he knelt beside my banks, I could see, in the depths of his eyes, my own beauty reflected."

Mankind’s key to the origin of Universe

Sine time man always searches for the origin or the universe and the existence of life beyond space. Now mankind had found the key that will unravels the mystery and beauty of the universe. From a peak in northern Chile, the largest visible-light telescope in the world has captured stunning images of the cosmos in never-before-seen detail.

 The astronomers at the Paranal Observatory construct crystal-clear pictures via this Laser Guide Star method. The LGS is used as a location for the adaptive optics system of the Very Large Telescope array, the four deformable mirror-based telescopes at the top of Cerro Paranal, Chile.

They were monitoring the simulated star and electronic systems of the VLT can give back for atmospheric distortion deforming the telescopes mirrors in real time. The results are crystal clear pictures that equal those of the Hubble.

Tommaso Maccacaro, head of the INAF, said in an ESO press release. "I am very pleased to see the VST in action. The VST project has surmounted many difficulties but it is now repaying, with its excellent image quality, the potential of the astronomical community and the efforts of the many people at INAF (Italian National Institute for Astrophysics) involved in its construction.”

The ESO images are the fruits of the new VLT Survey Telescope and the "monster camera," OmegaCAM, which produces 268-megapixel images.

The new telescope sits among four other high-powered instruments on the summit of Cerro Paranal in Chile's Atacama Desert, an optimum location far enough from city lights to view celestial wonders.

Another peaceful event turned havoc

Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.- Luke 10:3

It was on or about 2:30 am when a certain Aristotele Barroga and certain named Joseph Jerusalem was having a drinking spree in our house just for the celebration of the despidida party of Ms. Ferlisa Nicolas who is bound to set on Saturday to Dubai. Together with their friends she asked me thru Gixel Pagaduan and Nino Altavano if she can held the in our place. With all the briefing and assurance that they will behave themselves since they were matured enough this Aristotele Barroga and a certain named Joseph Jerusalem had an argumentation. According to Aristotele he was being humiliated by Joseph from whom we didn't hear from him. Aside from this Aristotele keeps on saying profane wordings to Joseph. The crowds simply disperse as they try to control the anger of Aristotelle; it was a brawl between two drunken people. The happy event had turned out to be a rumble. As their friends try to calm them the anger ranges on. And inside my house they start to brawl. The damage was near to worst, my refrigerator almost titled but my radio was badly smashed. It was a night that everyone doesn't expect. And with that they continue to brawl outside the house until they continue it in the street of 17th -16th. 

It is a common saying that whenever you drink alcoholic beverages always put that into your stomach not in your head. I had remembered the biblical quotes; ““When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.

Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12: 43-45)