Bosnia: Suriving A Collapsed City

Apparently the article below was from someone who spent a year in such difficult and limited conditions at the height of the Balkan wars in Bosnia.

Whether true or not, it can give valuable lessons as to what it took to survive those times. 

(Click below)

How People Survived in a Collapsed City

The Sandy Hook Incident

God bless the little departed ones. . . 

The world is still mourning and regretting this recent event. 

In the past, this humble blog has presented similar incidences and scenarios, the last one was the incident in Norway here being an active shooter/mass killing scenario.

With regards to adopting certain security measures, Israel being a nation and a people living with a grim reality of unrest and terror in their midst, have adopted these strong learnings in their daily lives which we've also featured in this previous article relating to airport security.

Now, this very recent article is another expansion of policies and measures by the Israelis again to cope with the dangers that has confronted its school system, in which the young are very vulnerable.

While such measures are still very much up for debate, including how viable they are in our own settings, it does make one pause to think and consider just how much are we willing ensure our level of safety and security in today's world.

  

A New One For The Knowledge Base

Got THIS book recently. Liking it as I read thru. 

The Fading Art of Balisong Making

 The iconic "beintenueve" (29), the street name of the balisong folding knife

With a lot of traditional crafts and hand-made industries world-wide succumbing to both the pressures and preferences of modern times, it's not surprising that balisong-making in Batangas would follow. It is no less sobering though. I still remember the one in my family from my uncle that could puncture a one peso coin, the traditional indicator of good tempering in the blade steel.

Click HERE here for the news bit.

Last Javan Rhino in Vietnam Killed

 
UPDATE: This deserves a lot more attention. See the painful video below -

Picture from www.worldwildlife.org

No words. Utterly tragic. Another species gets closer to extinction yet again, and here in this part of the world no less.

News video HERE

Signs of Depression

UPDATE: I found another another great article focusing on men's depression and linked it below.

A well written article on subject and condition that's close to me. It may help you or someone you know.

Click HERE

12 Signs of Depression for Men

June 12: Araw ng Kalayaan (Declaration of Independence Day)

Sa totoo lang, sa sobrang hirap natin, sa lahat ng kamalasan na dinaanan natin, sa lahat ng katarantaduhan ng mga opisyal natin at sa dinami-dami ng mga sakit ng ulo na tayo mismo ang gumagawa, nakaka-enganyo pa bang magmalaki tayo sa buong mundo?

Ewan ko lang.

Pero ganun pa man. . .

THIS is our country.

WE have a history.

MEN of courage, honor and dignity have died for it.

IT is filled with God-given natural resources envied by others.

WHEN all is said and done, despite our failings, we have only each other to rely on.

Alalahanin nating lahat ng ito dahil ARAW NATIN NGAYON!

Two Gleefully Ambiguous Rants Today. . .

First, William and Catherine finally got hitched! Great! Congratulations kids, er, your highnesses! May you have a long and prosperous life and blah, blah, blah and all of that. I sincerely wish for them the very same things I would any newlywed, regardless of being nobility or commoner. Wills is definitely a lucky guy. Not since Grace Kelly of Monaco decades ago do I recall someone as striking as Duchess Catherine above. 

So for the love of God, could we finally move on to more important and relevant matters dito sa atin!?!! Frankly, sawang sawa na ako sa halos dalawang linggong puro "Royal Wedding" ang laman ng mga balita! My supply of royal fantasies and British romance dried-up early!    

Secondly, si Madame Gutierrez nag-resign na! 

If there was ever a real-life superhero dispensing justice and fairness in the world, the closest it would be is someone holding the Office of the Ombudsman, where the LAW is upheld supremely above all, especially by those working in government and the public sector. It literally is where "wrongs" must be "righted".

Supposedly, and I mean that in the strongest terms, we have the value of delikadesa or sense of propriety or decency imparted as an intrinsic part of our culture and upbringing. Tragically, the concept seems to be waning these past generations. This is especially true with people in government ("public servants") who seem to have evolved thick armor-plated skin supplemented by a lack of morals. Nakarami na tayong mga tulad nila!

Madame Gutierrez above cites the usual "family" excuse mentioning how her mother and husband and children seem to be already affected with her predicament and that such an action was in pursuit of the "the greater good". Susmaryosep naman! Madame, kung noon pa lang ginawa mo na ito at hindi pinahaba-haba ng walang kwentang pagmamamatigas, that would have been infinitely preferred! If it were some other country in the context of another society (Japan readily comes into mind), if you sense that you have fallen out of favor with your leader, not to mention being perceived by both your colleagues and the wider public as being ineffective in your post, and  resigning ASAP would be a very diplomatic way to save face! It's called a courtesy resignation. Rightly or wrongly, it's just that way it is, more so if your boss is the president of a country!

Good luck madame! You'll surely need it.     

China As The Emerging Dragon

Napoleon Bonaparte was supposed to have uttered something very prophetic about China: "There lies a sleeping giant in east. Let her sleep, for when she wakes up, she will shake the world."

An interesting news bit below on what some think is the imminent shift in global affairs in the next few years, not even a decade from now. The points it raises and implications being touched are intriguing to say the least. 

IMF projection on the end of US economic leadership, switching over to China

World's Oldest Man Dies. . .

(Photo from NYDailynews.com)

. . . and imparts a lifetime of lessons, some of them earned during war and hard times.

Even though he's an Americano, the things he shares are universal and applies to whomever in the world. RIP lolo.

Click below -

Walter Breuning at 114

The "Tactical" Pre-Departure Bag Self Check

The tragic story of the three Filipino "drug mules" who were executed in China is a sordid one. Namely, they were: Ramon Credo, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva and Elizabeth Batain. RIP mga kabayan.

That is the reality you will face if you choose to risk your life in this illegal venture especially in a foreign land. Whether you are dumb or desperate, it is what it is.

On the other hand, as it was being protested by some of the families of the executed Filipinos, Ordinario-Villanueva in particular, she was just an unwitting victim falling prey because of extending the kindness of doing a minor errand or being asked to deliver something (the Pinoy practice of "pakisuyo" or "padala" respectively) as she had no idea she was carrying contraband or an illegal substance. This unfortunate incident is something different altogether.

I linked an article below on a methodical checking of your bag's contents so as to prevent such an unwanted scenario. In spite of the language and the "tactical" (i.e. - intended for military or security personnel) tone, the method still holds even for the average traveler, whatever the occasion or the country.  

Click below -   

Travel bag inspection: 30-extra-minutes-of-packing-will-save-you-from-30-months-in-a-middle-eastern-prison

Some few things I need to add:

1. As it has been talked about already, we ought to be wary carrying packages and parcels as a favor for others, especially if we hardly know them. It always has been a social engineering tactic for criminal elements to zero-in on Filipinos' clannish, family-oriented, regional/provincially-identifying and "soft-hearted" ways. At the very least we ought to suspend or politely decline doing this practice for the mid-term.   

2. Regard the final 2 hours before boarding your flight or actual travel as the "red flag" hours for heightening your alertness. If you've made sure the contents of your bag and packages are secure and compliant with air or sea port security checks, don't let your guard down until you've actually checked-in your bags and you properly seated or stationed in your mode of travel.  

3. Proximity is danger! As with time, being in close contact with anyone who might not even seem "shady" might cause you problems. Be alert with anyone or even anything coming into close range with you or your bag or belongings. Seasoned criminals can easily steal, switch belongings or slip something in an unsecured pocket of your bags.

4. If something untoward does happen, remain calm when being questioned by security people and authorities. "Suspect" can be any word or action that might be misinterpreted against you. Ask for a representative from the consulate or embassy.   

Mag-ingat po tayo! 

Filipina Maids "Discriminated" in Singapore!?!!

This news bit REALLY got to me. 

I can replace the idea of DISCRIMINATION ("panlalait" in proper Tagalog context) with some other ideas we Filipinos ourselves MOST OF THE TIME forget. 

How about sense of PROPRIETY (nasa "ayos" ayon sa lugar at pagkakatoan), SENSITIVITY (murunong umintindi) and RESPECT (pag-galang) especially if it is NOT your country you are staying in?

It is at the heart of the ills of the Filipino, both as a species and as a culture, is his/her search for IDENTITY. Having been a colony and experienced oppression by Spain, Japan and America, he has not found himself yet. One sure sign that someone has found his identity is that he conducts him/herself that draws ADMIRATION and a sense of DIGNITY from outsiders. All of that has nothing to do with being "edukado" or being "may kaya sa buhay." No relation whatsoever!

Want proof of this? Look no further than your typical kapit-bahay blaring his stereo or radio for all the world to hear, not minding if people want to rest in silence or approve of his choice of music. Same is true with being in a jeepney with the manong drayber not having a care in the world.

Self-respect encourages outward respect from others! 

I know the difficulty, loneliness and suffering (physically, emotionally) suffered by OFW's abroad, even in Singapore where I've been and even stayed with some briefly when I tried my luck there in 2010. I've even been to the "Ion Orchard" mall location they were talking about. Honestly, that's not where I'd like to have some serious fun!  

Pero hindi ako isang hinayupak na politiko na nagpapa-sipsip sa tinatawag nilang mga "Bagong Bayani" (which is nothing more than a political slogan to gain publicity and votes) dahil ang mali, mali parin, maging sino ka man, maging saan ka man. 

That "Godforsaken" RH Bill

(Photo by Vincent Go taken from www.bulatlat.com)

The well-known story goes that once, one of the greatest Zen masters in history (who didn't have to be a Buddhist) was ambushed with a trick question by his enemies: "Teacher, is it lawful to pay taxes to  ceasar?" To which he plainly but profoundly responded: "Render unto ceasar the things that are ceasar's. . ." I think we know how the rest of it goes right? 

Somebody gave someone in my family some stickers that was against the hotly-debated "Reproductive Health Bill" (deep props to Carlos Celdran on his "Damaso" move!) Apparently, a central sticky point by the bishops of the CBCP representing the Catholic church here centers on the propagation of sex education to the youth.

Here's a visual representation of what seems to be interpreted from both sides - 

The "anti" group:

Sex Education

For the rest of us "pro" group:

Sex  EDUCATION!!!

EDUCATION which can directly contribute to the welfare, health, a myriad of opportunities and overall well-being of people, especially the younger set. 

Get the picture, mga fathers? A whole world of difference derived from the slightest tweak in one's perception. 

We CAN NOT allow national policy, especially if we are seriously considering the long-term impact for our country to be dictated by religious doctrine. Remember the "Separation of Church and State" under the "doctrine" of the Constitution?

It is a greater act of immorality and unconscionable sin to simply allow health risks and unwanted pregnancies leading to further overpopulation causing more burdens for our country and its allied ills of poverty, crime, food and national security and more strain on our resources. 

Of course the priests would never have known the price of milk and diapers these days or how much is it really to send a child to school, di ba?  

Before "IT" Happens. . .

(UPDATED from a few days ago)

Chile, Haiti, Pakistan, New Zealand, and now Japan.

This seems to be disaster season and the "domino effect" is becoming a familiar and tragic scenario: an earthquake happens, structural damage and widespread destruction immediately follows. Those living in the coast lands have another worry---tsunami and tidal forces---causing even more destruction, disruption of services and communication, lack of basic goods and supplies. The disaster is compounded by possible trauma, injuries, hysteria and no immediate authority being in charge.

Folks, for us still "lucky" enough to not yet be affected by cataclysms like these, now is the time to remember to:

1. Review or revise our respective family emergency plans.

2. Depending on the circumstances, consider the possibility of evacuating your home/location. Know your entry and exit points and the alternative escape route/s to take when going to more secure and safer locations.   

3. Be prepared with our well-stocked emergency kits, supplies and equipment.

4. Not be solely reliant on authorities to aid us during these times but in ourselves.

5. Be ready to ride out the disaster for sometime (at the very least, 72 hours).

Let's all hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Japan: Lessons On A Resilient Spirit

Japanese kanji for "resilience"

I came across this news article. It's been said that we Filipinos are resilient folks. With all the poverty, corruption and inquality, tragedies and incidences that have become so much a part of our lives, many outsiders often wonder at how we all shrug these off with a bit of laughter, a steady stride and coupled with the smallest bit of hope of "may bukas pa" (there's still tomorrow). Often though, we take this light-hearted approach far too much, to the point of indifference, levity and lack of foresight.

With this recent disaster Japan is currently experiencing, the world is seeing a different kind of resilience, a more "stoic" kind of endurance to meet all these difficulties and pick-up the pieces slowly but surely. There is no hint of anarchy, self-serving acts or riots amid the chaos. It is a resilience with a strong sense of humanity and nobility.    

If there is one thing the Japanese know what to do, it is to band together to endeavor for a far greater good. Known for their discipline and hard work, countless generations of Japanese have been brought up with the ideals of bushido ("Way of the Warrior" or the code of chivlary by its military class) which has permeated into the culture of the common man and his psyche. They learned to endure life's difficulties. We should also remember that at the end of WWII, their defeat and the atomic bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki virtually wiped-out the Japanese economy and way of living. Yet, they proved their resilience again by slowly and surely rebuilding their nation into the economic powerhouse we all recognize today. To go on bravely together with unblinking eyes, one breath at a time, one step at a time.

Ang tibay natin sana katulad din nung mga Japon.

Libya: Lessons Learned On Hasty Exit Strategies

Photo taken from msnbc.msn.com

We've all been hearing what's happening now in parts of the Middle East and North Africa and the unrest that started in Egypt has caused a domino effect among its neighboring countries under similar oppressive regimes.

I really don't want to delve into lengthy academic and political discussions as to the why's and wherefore's of the spreading instability as I'm more concerned about the state of our kabayan's over there who are working as OFW's (overseas Filipino workers)

The unfolding events has brought to light several problems, not all of which are new. The perennial lack of foresight, planning and preparation of the government and its concerned agencies for such contingencies is once again highlighted. As always, we are on constant reactionary mode instead of being proactive. We have only to see how agencies like the DFA and OWWA are all scrambling to get people out now because of their wait-and-see-what-happens line of thinking allowing the crisis to escalate, unlike other countries that have been evacuated and repatriated their own citizens days, even weeks ago!

Obviously, the safety and security of the workers in the first consideration. Over and over again, reports of how mobs and criminal elements taking advantage of the situation continues. If you're a foreigner trapped in this land, you are especially vulnerable! 

The logistics to consider in the exit plans obviously must take into account the distance and coordination with and among the workers who are spread out throughout the country. True, most of them are situated in the country's capital, Tripoli and other major cities, but there are also those who work in more remote areas. Allied with this issue of travel and transport to pick-up points or the means to getting to the designated locations where repatriation will finally be possible.

Some measures to consider for those is such a situation:

1. Communicate, coordinate and consolidate.

- Depending on how large your group is, organize yourselves as much as possible into one single party. If dividing into smaller groups is needed, each group must designate its own team leader to coordinate with other groups and to lead that specific group. Stay in close proximity with each other as there is always safety in numbers. 

- Always monitor and maintain close communication with the embassy and authorities for announcements or advisories.
- Also, it is important to verify or substantiate any news of possible pick-up or rescue. With chaos and uncertainty enveloping everything, hearsay, rumors, false hopes or miscommunication may make things significantly more difficult to effect transition to safer locations. 

- Stock-up on food, water and supplies and resources and ration them. Be prepared for a long siege.

- Make use of online resources for further info (i.e. - make use of Google Maps to keep track of the spread of the unrest or plan your departure/escape route and Google Crisis Response with a "Person Finder" feature) 

- Make a list of your group's members and their important details.

- While securing your personal documents (i.e.- passports, cards, employment records, bank statements) is a given, make copies or notes of vital information and numbers in the event that these maybe lost or taken away from you. Even basic pen-and-paper is better than nothing.

2. Secure and fortify your "safe haven" location.


- Be on the lookout and take turns maintaining a 24-hour watch.

- Secure doorways, widows and any other access points

- Set-up barriers and obstructions (i.e. - furniture, machines, gear at hand) from or outside the doorway entrance or main access. This will at the very least deter some less determined intruders or afford your group sometime to escape if needed.    

- Make a "dummy cache". Most of the reports that are coming in mention mostly only looters or robbers who take advantage of the unrest to break-in into these locations to steal (i.e. - supplies, luxury items, laptops and electronics). Set-up "sacrifice" items they could quickly get and leave. Remember, YOUR life is priceless! 

- DO NOT ENGAGE hostile elements as much as possible.  Your party might be grossly outnumbered and unprepared to respond to the violence. Fight only to defend if you absolutely must then run to escape.

3. "Go" or "no go". 

- In any survival situation, the decision to either stay or leave your location must always be considered carefully. 

- Sometimes it is safer to stay and ride out the conflict in a secure, self-contained location. Unless overwhelming violence engulfs the vicinity  and your group has a flight plan to follow for your escape, sit still and keep each other's morale up. This region of the world is mostly arid dessert, an unforgiving environment and travelling it without adequate water and supplies is almost suicidal. One can't also be sure of the the level of hostility one might encounter outside during your escape.   

- If the threat is great making an escape absolutely necessary, travel light with with only the barest essentials.

4. If travelling on foot -

- Travel quickly and in pairs (buddy system).
- Team leaders must occassionally take into account members of the party throughout the duration of travel.
- If you reach a junction or point of uncertainty anytime during your escape, two scouts must investigate first to ascertain on how safe it would be to go on.
- Keep a low profile and don't draw attention to yourselves. The less contact with others, the better.
- Walls and structures can be reference points and transient shelters but don't stick to them too closely or for too long. If a bombing occurs, debris and materials can cause injury.

5. Be prepared and ready.

- Do not expect a timely, smooth or organized rescue or pick-up. Again, this is the reality of the government's limitations. Be prepared to make do with what you have to the best that you can.  

- Be able to leave or evacuate your location in 30 seconds. Maintain a constant state of readiness with bags packed. Though clothes become less critical, pack a jacket and blanket to keep warm or improvise as shelter.

- It is advised that at least one member in the party have an emergency medical kit at the ready.
- The most critical thing to remember in all of this is to keep mentally focused and not let fear turn into panic. Reassure each other frequently, rest occasionally and constantly re-assess your choices. 

Surviving A Windfall

Recently, this seems to be the season for lottery mega-millions.

Just last month, we had our own record-breaking amount which ballooned to P741 million (roughly $16.9 million) supposedly won by a fortunate balikbayan from the states. Apparently he's making plans already for his eventual retirement here.  

Even more recent in the US, a $380 million jackpot winning was to be split between a Washington resident and a still unidentified Idaho winner.

Since I'm experiencing a bout of tamad to actually sit down, organize and write my thoughts on a "survival guide for a lotto win" that's been playing in my mind for some time now, a Yahoo news bit already came out with THIS one. Some things to keep in mind for that very life-changing day, if and when it does come. Who knows, right?

Bottom line:

1. Keep a low profile.

2. Don't get swept or overwhelmed TOO much in spending.

2. Make a PLAN based on professional advise for the family, finances and legal areas. 

3. Keep a low profile (really needs to reiterating).

Exorcising the Manila Hostage Fiasco

Before we finally say good-bye to 2010, I felt the need to undergo a catharsis so to speak on what is without a doubt, a regrettable and tragic event. I've held off trying to express my own thoughts on this since it seemed like everyone including his uncle had something to say about it (valid or not).

When I saw the whole thing unravel on that fateful day some months back, it didn't even take me two minutes before I walked away from the TV in disgust. From a tactical stand-point, I knew that everything had already started badly and could only go downhill from there. It was the very definition of FUBAR. Not to mention all the finger-pointing from all sides that happened afterwards. 

Previously, a British pundit already posted his views on operational lapses that occurred. 

Now, my own humble opinion on the matter is in terms of organizational perspective since at the end of the day, this is where many things in the world get done. As it has always been the case with the ills of our country, we need to clearly define and set our goals and work out ways of achieving them. If not, everything becomes extremely academic afterwards.

WHO does what exactly? (concerned personnel or agency) 

WHEN precisely will it be done?/WHEN to explore other methods or approaches? (scenarios and conditions)

HOW is it going to be executed? (strategy and tactics) 

WHAT are the factors that need to be taken into account? (command and control structure, agency interoperability, training and equipment, etc.)  

Policy is set in motion by operational guidelines. Clearly-defined operational guidelines translates into logistical and tactical  readiness. Tactical and logistical readiness is achieved by training and support mechanisms. This is what enables favorable outcomes. Thus, a prepared and ready continuum is established. 

Policy > Operational Guidelines > Tactical and Logistical Readiness > Training and Support

That is all. Let's all move on to 2011. 

Some Christmas Facts Revealed

We all know the religious background of Christmas and how it evolved into a world-wide cultural festivity. If however, you've ever wondered about the factual and historical elements behind this season, a US scientist (astronomy) and researcher reveals some enlightening facts. What kind of heavenly body was "The Star of Bethlehem" exactly? Was it really a star? A comet? Maybe a divine light in the heavens? Who were the so-called "Wise Men" mentioned in the Nativity accounts? Was Jesus really born on December 25th in the 1st century BC? 

Read on for an interview with Dr. Michael Molnar and his findings about Christmas. 

A very Merry Christmas from the Grove everybody!

50th Anniversary of "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Scout and Atticus Finch from the movie

I just found out about this in the opinion column of Ramon J. Farolan (REVEILLE/We-could-use-a-Truth-Commission) from yesterday's copy of the Inquirer which was an excellent read BTW.

I admit I've never read the book considered as one of the greatest American classics delving into the themes of racism and justice, but I have seen the film many years ago. It deserves recognition as well (it won an Oscar for the brilliance of Gregory Peck in the lead role). It is told from the eyes of a precocious 6-year old, "Scout" and of how her courageous father, lawyer "Atticus Finch", was faced with having to defend a "negro" accused of raping a white woman. One has to consider the setting for all of this which was in the 1930's in a southern state of America. It was a bad time in a bad place to be a black man as mob lynchings was common. It was author Harper Lee's first and only book.

I found a Youtube vid with the powerful words of Finch's defense in the movie. It centers on the citizen's final refuge, the court of law, where justice supposedly resides and where we all are equal regardless of what we are.