Predictions of Future Trends and Developments

There have been many so-called "futurists" from all fields like academics, market analysts, security experts and the like who research what the current trends and behaviors now are leading to down the line. A few have proven to be accurate to a very high degree.

This one is the latest and is very interesting as to their projections on how the world will be like a few generations ahead -

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101017/tls-lifestyle-us-technology-social-relig-aeafa1b.html

Typhoon Watch: Juan (Megi)

(Photo taken from Yahoo News by the Associated Press)

UPDATE:

Thank God we came out of this somewhat unscathed! The aftermath was relatively not severe. The government and the concerned agencies were prepped and ready. Good work and thanks all around!

(Photo from http://www.gmanews.tv/)

UPDATE: 10:00 AM/Oct. 18, 2010

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/abs/20101017/tph-juan-changes-path-metro-manila-under-8061bf7.html

20:00/Oct.17 2010

Latest bulletin puts it at 220 km/h at the center and gustiness of 260 km/h! It's a supertyphoon folks! Signal #4 already raised over Isabela and Cagayan.

Next PAGASA bulletin will be at 22:00 tonight. Please be advised to monitor for latest developments.

Mag-ingat po tayong lahat!

A Civilian Approach To Terror Bombings

(Note: This was previously published in a local daily)

One of the results of the coordinated bomb attacks in the infamous Rizal Day Bombings of December 30, 2000

THERE'S an old Chinese proverb that goes: "May you live in interesting times." Apparently, it was also a veiled curse too! As someone who has been pursuing studies related to tactics, personal protection and incident-readiness, I can say with some certainty that we again are now living in "interesting times."

With the recent discovery of an apparent car bomb on May 2 this year, in New York City, in the middle of a crowded street on a busy weekend night, people are again reminded that the specter of terrorism is at the ready to strike us when we least expect it. While I am in no way trying to be an alarmist and since we are certainly not directly affected with the incident, one thing security professionals and experts in the field try do try to remind us are of the lessons learned from all the past tragedies. This same bombing scenario happened in the Oklahoma City in 1995 which practically carved a government building in half and the explosion strong enough to extend to a sixteen-block radius taking 168 lives along with it. Only the well-known "9/11" attacks of recent history superseded its carnage.

However, we MUST take heart though. Let us remember the focal point and business of terrorism which those with evil intent wish to propagate: to sow fear, insecurity and uncertainty. Once terrorists have accomplished that, things get progressively worse and society suffers from a self-feeding, long-term anxiety.

While not intended as an "ultimate survival guide" of sorts, there are some points we as civilians can do from our end to assure that we can survive, or possibly mitigate, the potential for attacks of this nature.

Pre-Incident Scenarios:

1. Being vigilant. Let's be aware of our surroundings and be alert to that sense of warning or caution that something is not as it should be. History has shown that many would-be crimes, incidents and tragedies were averted and all it took were citizens responsible enough to alert the authorities to prevent such an attack.

2. Don't add to the "domino effect" of rumors and fear-mongering. If you sense a suspicious-looking object or an out-of-place item, contact the authorities promptly. Providing certain details would be very helpful such as describing in detail what the object looks like, where exactly it's located, how it is positioned, etc.

3. Don't be a hero. At the opposite spectrum of being complacent or panicky, being overzealous and reactionary is just as harmful. There are logistical, tactical and legal limits to what civilians can do. Leave the direct action to the authorities and responsible personnel.

4. Of particular note are bomb threats made over the phone. This is because of the added burden of determining exactly which are "real" or legitimate threats and which are merely "crank" calls. The safest way though is still alerting the authorities and let them handle the situation. It would be best though for your particular office/school/institution to have a well-developed security or contingency plan that includes possible (i.e. - a weighed decision or policy) evacuation or exit procedures based on the level of threat posed.

What we can do again is provide the authorities with specific information regarding the nature of the threatening phone call:

· Was the call made on an open line or a private/restricted line?

· Is the caller's voice a familiar one?

· Is the call a vague one or does it specify the time the bomb may go off or place the where it's located?

· Based on the caller's voice, does the overall tone of the call project a realistic threat?

· Does the caller finish the call with a strongly worded phrase like "I'm not joking" or "I'm serious"?

· Are there any ambient or background noises during the call? (This includes environmental sounds as well as other people who might be present with the caller as well)

· Does the caller give out details that indicate a certain level of planning or preparation beforehand or talks about information that would generally not be known by the public?

Post-Incident Scenarios:

1. Don't panic! In the chaotic and bewildering aftermath of a bomb blast, to be afraid is a normal and natural response. Panicking though is not. Fear can help save your life, panicking doesn't and only adds to the confusion already happening.

2. Do an initial "self-check" damage assessment. First check your breathing: Can you breathe normally? Is it labored or obstructed? The ability to breathe as normal as possible must be your absolute first priority. Then look and actually feel your body with your hands. Are you injured or bleeding? Are you feeling pain somewhere? Do you see or feel any broken bones? Try to stay conscious and responsive. This initial assessment will be the basis for the necessary steps you will be taking next.

3. If you have suffered traumatic injuries such as bleeding, apply direct pressure on the wound (i.e. - a hand kerchief/bandanna or any article of clothing, preferably porous). If there are protrusions or objects of any sort lodged in the wound, do not try to pull them out as it might exacerbate the injury. It is best to let the emergency professionals handle this. In cases of fractures or if you suspect you have broken bones somewhere, try your best to not to move too much to keep the injured area stabilized. Applying a splint, though universally recommended, might be a challenge during these chaotic moments especially if no one is there to assist you. It boils down to weighing what is best under the circumstances.

4. If you are indoors, do you know where you are located? Try to remember where you were prior to the blast, which is weighed against you hopelessly navigating aimlessly and limit your chances of being rescued immediately. This would be especially true if you were in a multi-story structure. Try to maximize your sense of hearing more. At this point, even if your vision is functional and undamaged, the dust, the darkness, obstructions or blockages may impede it.

5. How are you positioned? Are you pinned-down, held-back or trapped under some object? Even if you are free to move, only do so if you absolutely need to. This is because you might be in an "unstable" location (that is, the very real dangers of collapsing structures, debris, obstructions, protrusions, fire and electrical hazards, etc. are present). You may also have unseen or internal injuries which could worsen should you try to move. It may be best to just be still and wait for the search and rescue teams to come and get you.

6. If you determine that it's safe to move somewhere else, don't exert yourself too much. Again, this goes back to limiting what possible internal injuries you might have. Move just enough to secure yourself better and to make yourself more visible for the rescue teams in their search.

Lastly, a few useful items constantly on your person could help; besides a charged and functioning cell phone, a small handy AA flashlight and a small whistle on your keychain will help in locating you should you be trapped, as well as the aforementioned large kerchief or bandanna to serve as an improvised dust mask or wound dressing.

Emergency Bra/Face Mask?

Hmmm. . . click below for additional smells, este, info pala -

http://www.gizmag.com/emergency-bra/16474/

FMA Empty Hands

An unarmed arnisador? He's without sticks or knives? No problem.

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Kid-Centered Cybersecurity

Undoubtedly, this generation belongs to the "Information Age" where our lives whether we like it or not, revolves heavily on the computer and all sorts of activities and transactions is tied with the internet.

One issue that has recently cropped-up concerns this generation’s being perpetually stuck in front of the PC with all its online games, social-networking sites and other activities that take-up heavily most of their time. Obviously parents universally have their concerns.

Broadly speaking, the dangers they face in this information age are:

1. Exposure, which is in two types: the first is the kids being exposed to unwanted elements like violence, radical or corrupting ideas and adult materials like pornography, violence and unsuitable doctrines. Second, exposure to cyber-stalking by predatory elements (i.e. - pedophiles). Incidences of cyber-bullying have also been prevalent especially in developed countries and can be unrelenting considering you can go online 24/7.
2. Kids may become unwitting POV’s which may target you. Competitors or hostile elements may try to mine information or try to get to you thru your kids.

Not being my area, an IT specialist could discuss the various “filters” and software applications and measures that would limited these dangers. While it is true that beefing-up your PC system’s defenses are indeed worthwhile, limiting oneself to simply these measures I believe is inadequate for the following reasons:

• The sad reality is that kids today are FAR more tech-savvy and updated than adults when it comes to PC systems and gadgets. This is the generation of the information age where anything is virtually accessible if you know where to look. Software can be upgraded, or can be hacked and by-passed with other “backdoor” programs. If they themselves are not though, don’t underestimate their intelligence network as well as their army of friends and acquaintances who know how to get around these things.

• These are still a passive measures, just mere “tools” which distract us from being more fully prepared or even proactive with our kids' upbringing.

With the realization that they’ll always be one step ahead in terms of PC know-how, I took a different tact on the subject. It all boils down to plain, old-fashioned, get-to-know-your-child-better parenting.

1. Start them young – As with most things (i.e. - saving), early education is best. This is easier before the whiny “Aw, dad gimme a break!” of adolescence later. This is first since it sets the stage for the rest of the steps.
2. Establish what it is and what it is not – As parents who set the rules and what I’ve advised is that parents should establish that the PC is a machine or instrument, not a play thing. There are other gadgets for that.
3. Set a schedule – Curfew on late nights and TV? Same is true for the PC. Also, offer alternative activities on certain nights when the family is complete.
4. Location, location, location – If you deem your child is not yet old or responsible enough to own or use a PC of his/her own, bring the PC to a common area like in the living room. You’ll be able to monitor their activities better.
5. Get them out there – Does anyone else out there miss the good old days when we all played outside?

These are merely reference steps for parents such as yourselves to establish in your respective homes. A two-pronged technological as well as behavioral approach in this area is best.

Excellent Medic Shears

I have one but I've never used them hard. It's a cheap, Pakistani-made one at the ready in my IFAK. These ones though blow them away, as well as a few other well-made ones -

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But wait, there's more! It's even got a retractor device you could attach it to! Galing 'di ba? The retractor could be used for other uses too.

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