WHY3X, "WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW WONT HURT YOU"

I address this to all concern.

The idiom "What you don't know wont hurt you," is indeed correct. Some things need not to be discovered particularly those beyond our comprehension. It'll just blow your mind away. In relationships, I think its better not to find out what your partner is actually doing or what has s/he done that could ruin your trust and respect. By discovering so, you'll or you might just trouble yourself by thinking too much---what have I done, what is with me, what do you want, why, why and more why's...

Unfortunately, for a researcher like me (I consider myself as a Researcher since I have some training in NEDA as EDS and I currently work as a Research Analyst. Plus my academic endeavors dwell more on research), its really difficult to take out of the picture blurred things that you'll subsequently try to find or to provide clear answers. As a researcher you're swimming with data, not all, but enough to accidentally discover info that would, instead of clearing things, compounds more questions and blurred visualizations. As a researcher, you have various means to utilize. these stupid people will not think that you could find out where their stashes are hidden. happily and sadly (ironic), you can...I can, for one.

Consider me a masochist, but I put myself into troubles by knowing things that I know will hurt me. but then again, I ask, why, why, and more why???

An assessment of the current international crisis and its implications to Philippine External Relations

1) Let me call this "Mumbai Episodes"

Johnry Castillo

Recently, multiple sites in the Indian city of Mumbai were attacked with bombs and gunfire in a coordinated terror attacks that last almost 60hours. Death toll has risen to at least 172, including at least 22 foreigners and more than 300 injuries have been reported. Deccan Mujahideen, a terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the siege. Apparently, they sought foreigners as the target of their crime. The fire had died down, but the smoke still lingers as its implications could be seen miles away skulking in the Philippine archipelago.

Terrorism covers all territory and terrorist is not bounded by any boundary. Ostensibly, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai could be seen parallel to Rizal Day Bombings. The Deccan Mujahedeen could be likened to Abu Sayyaf group. Affected civilians of terrorist acts encompass nationalities whether you are Indian or Filipinos. Hence, our country is not excuse whatsoever to the effect of the recent bombings in Mumbai.

With regard to our Philippine external relations, the Mumbai episodes could be a distress call to our policemen and armed forces to always be on the red alert, to maintain peace and order and subsequently provide security. It is good that our armed forces (PNP and AFP) joined conferences and coordinate among global peers to strengthen knowledge, tactics, and counter-terrorist measures but please do away with what the Euro Generals had committed---bringing along their wives with unstated huge amount of money.

This attack could be a signal to our legislators to provide tooth and claws and not just white elephant laws on Terrorism. What’s the update of our Human Security Act? We haven’t heard for a while. Maybe we are going to hear from it when terrorists provide another terrifying sorrow to the society. Should we wait for a Mumbai attack in our hotels, religious centers and shopping malls?

The Mumbai episodes stir up our foreign emissaries to prove their worth in protecting our citizens and advancing our interests across the globe. In case of a terrorist act, our consulates and embassies must strive harder to safely and efficiently move away our fellowmen out of trouble.

To our entrepreneurs and businessmen thinking of investing in India and other countries, this attack could serve as a critical factor to reconsider their foreign land business options. Aside from income, please consider security as well.

Historically, this kind of crisis is what we in general, tend to consider as teacher. Such event is a class subject that teaches us to be more pragmatic on our daily lives. One example, our Human Security Act is an offshoot of the 9/11 attack in US. Moreover, this terrorist attack, taught security personnel to be stricter in letting in and out customers in mall. Finally, such event warns us to be more careful on riding MRT or going to malls on Rizal day. Mag-ingat…

(I really am sleepy...I 'll talk about the Thailand standoff if i have time this week)

OhhhhBAMA...

Well I don't know where to start. I tell you, I am not a pro-Obama but I'm overwhelmed with his victory in the recently concluded US presidential election. Before, Obama was just a joke, my uncle always used to tease his wife. He told us, when his wife is in the comfort room, it seems there's a rally for Obama because her crap goes out loudly with a sound like this "barack barack barack barack!" And laughter follows. But now, Obama and his cry for change is a joke no more.

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After an almost landslide victory in popular and in electoral votes, we now vigilantly awaits the change Obama is vehemently forwarding. What are the implications of his election as president of US to the world affairs particularly to our planet in peril and to the financial crisis? We can't really tell since he is just reaping the fruits of his personal labor. Lets give him the day and maybe tomorrow, we can talk about this issue again.

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As to why Barack Obama won, I say he was tailored to be elected at this situation. Rizal said, heroes are not born they are produced by the economic and social factors of that period. Hence, Obama concomitant to Rizal's idea, satisfies the economic needs and the social clamor as of the moment that's why he won. Why? First, with the current financial crisis what US needs is a leader who is knowledgeable and really equipped with the highest of education not a Vietnam war captive John McCain. (See my October article, Obama vs McCain) Aside, the party matters. History has shown that a democrat won when there is a financial crisis. This was true particualrly in the 1930's with Franklin Roosevelt.

Moreover social clamor against rascism, for equality and change definetely have played a major role. Obama is an african-american. But who cares when US is forwarding the idea of anti-racism. Obama had started to inch over his republican opponent with his famous speech in 2004 “young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America." This underscored the importance of equality, unity and not racism.

on a much much lighter note, even in dance prowess Obama has the advantage! take a look at this.

OHHHHHHHHHHBAMA.......

Videos I love to watch...

EVOLUTION OF DANCE


ACHMED THE TERRORIST


The adorable charlie! hehe


GUITAR LEAD OF CANON PACHELBEL


Sports related bloopers


lets end this with an adorable laugh..


ENJOY!

Philippine Politics Today

Here I literally mean today, Monday, October 27, 2008. After an exhausting day, I'm glad to still be able to watch news and relax a little bit. The news hit me particularly the return of the infamous Jocjoc Bolante tomorrow after some years in the US. The issue is whether he should be arrested at his departure or not. His lawyer believed that he must not be arrested since the warrant of arrest issued by the Senate in 2005 had lapsed already. Moreover, he argued that 1987 consitution gives only the authority to release warrants to the judges of the Judiciary. However, the Senate and other critics assumed that Bolante could still be arrested. Atty. Harry Roque mentioned that the Senate as an institution did not change even if its personnel, particularly the senators during the period did change. Hence, the arrest could still have legal basis. As of the time of writing, a flash report coming from Senate President Villar has stated that Bolante will be arrested tomorrow.

The crux of the matter, I suppose is this. We know that Bolante tried to escape the Senate investigation hearing for his alleged involvement in the fertilizer scam. Now that he is coming back, why would we let him slip this time? As they said in tagalog, "kusa ng lumalapit sa pain, bakit hindi pa hulihin?" Why should Bolante let the oppurtunity to clear his name if he really is not involved? If the administration tries to silence him, and coverup the real issue, why in the first place, they would allow Bolante to go back? As Miriam Santiago addressed, "Ang Kapal naman ng mukha."

Get your friends close and your enemies closer

This should be the foreign policy of US right now. Why would McCain and Palin mock Obama for trying to have a bridge to communicate with rogue leaders Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Iran's Ahmad Ahmadinejad? Is it really smart to declare to never talk to such leaders? Is it really in US long-term national interest to shut US off from one of the most important and powerful states in the Middle East—Iran—or one of US major suppliers of oil, Venezuela?Should isolation of the potential enemies be the way to go in the current affairs? I don't think so.

"of course we should talk to difficult adversaries—when it is in our interest and at a time of our choosing"--these words have been the position of senior diplomats serving from Carter to Bush administration. This holds true most importantly nowadays."You don't make peace with friends, you make peace with very unsavory enemies." (Israel's Yitzhak Rabin)

So, why should the United States approach the world any differently now? We inhabit a rapidly integrating planet where dangers can strike at any time and from great distances. Americans are not excluded. And when others—China, India, Brazil—are rising to share power in the world with America, it needs to spend more time, not less, talking and listening to friends and foes alike.

The real truth Americans need to embrace is that nearly all of the most urgent global challenges—the quaking financial markets, climate change, terrorism—cannot be resolved by America's acting alone in the world. Rather than retreat into isolationism, as we have often done in our history, or go it alone as the unilateralists advocated disastrously in the past decade, we need to commit ourselves to a national strategy of smart engagement with the rest of the world. Simply put, we need all the friends we can get. And we need to think more creatively about how to blunt the power of opponents through smart diplomacy, not just the force of arms.( obtain form Newsweek)

Sunday Gospel and Politics

Its been two months since I was reunited with my God. I've been regularly attending masses and about the homily today, I would like to share my reflections. The gospel for the 30th sunday in ordinary time came from Mt 22:34-40:

WHEN THE PHARISEES HEARD THAT JESUS HAD SILENCED THE SADUCEES, THEY GATHERED TOGETHER, AND ONE OF THEM, A SCHOLAR OF THE LAW, TESTED HIM BY ASKING, "TEACHER, WHICH COMMANDMENT IN THE LAW IS THE GREATEST?"

HE SAID TO HIM, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, WITH ALL YOU HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. THIS IS THE GREATEST AND THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.

"THE SECOND IS LIKE IT: YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. THE WHOLE LAW AND THE PROPHETS DEPEND ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS."

---the gospel of the lord. (PRAISE TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST)

A famous line in law books, "DURA LEX SED LEX" states that "the law maybe harsh but it is still the law." I think this holds true even with the commandment of our God. What God's law asks seems too difficult to uphold and to follow. This I suppose points to a reason why we are all hypocrites. We tried our very best to follow God's commandment but because of its impossibility, following god's rule is tantamount to pretention. and pretending because we believe in something (in this case our faith in god) we tend to be hypocrites. I dont know if this holds true to all, but this is why we became human because we cannot love god with all our heart, soul, and mind. Because if we really religiously follow this rule there is no reason for mistakes and sins to exist.

Moreover, if the first rule is difficult a task, more so is the second rule. Can we really love our neighbor as we love ourselves? Human nature theorists clamor for a self-dependent individual pushing selfishly in maximizing interests and personal gains. Thus, can we really equate love for oneself with love for others?

Law is indeed harsh. But the law stands as is. It is true most especially with God's commandment. Though it is difficult to follow, as a christian and a believer, we must strive and put our very best efforts to try to at least love god with all there is to offer and love our neighbors like we love ourselves. This maybe a path to greatness, and this is the path that god envision for us. To live trying to follow him. With Him, mistakes are unimportant compare to the efforts that we give to mitigate it.

If everyone of us would take this into consideration politics would not be as problematic and complex as it is. If our leaders could act altruistically, no corruption can be allowed. If our decision makers decide not for their personal gains, we might reach a peak of stability and growth. If we can all have "the love God with all our heart, soul and mind and love our neighbor as we love ourselves" principle, I think life will be happy, fruitful and prolific up to a level we never have imagined.

ASAP vs SOP: who's got talent?

I woke up late Sunday morning. It was already 11:31am and I'm still sweetly and lazily having my moment with the bed. Then, an alarming invitation for lunch by my Ate provide impetus within me to work my muscles and to get out of the bed immediately. After a quick stretching and light exercise, I saw myself near the table ready for my brunch (breakfast and lunch).

I had a bountiful feast (exaggeration to make a point). I turned on my TV right away to watch shows. Since today is Sunday, I have expected another showdown between ASAP and SOP, two flagship Sunday entertainment show of the archrival stations---the kapamilya station (channel 2) and the kapuso network (channel 7).

It's a debatable issue on the table right now. Between ASAP and SOP, who has the talent to entertain? To compare and contrast the two, its imperative to give a standard where we can analyze the competing parties. But I would like to focus the camera on who really has the talent?

ASAP is composed of artists like Gary Valenciano, Zsa zsa Padilla, Martin Nievera, Vina Morales,Billy Crawford, the singing champions (Sarah, Erik, Christian, Yeng,etc), groovy dancers (Vhong Navarro, Gab, teacher georcelle, Raven, John Pratts), pretty faces such as Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, etc; Hunks and macho gwapitos (John Lloyd Cruz), respected hosts like Toni Gonzaga, Lucky Manzano and many more.

SOP, on the other hand, is represented by Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, Janno, Jay-r, Jolina, and other unfamiliar faces.

From the presentation of members per se, you will see where I am coming from, where I attest my inclinations. Definitely, everyone has its own talent. But I reckon ASAP having the advantage because of the great, recognized, versatile artists, singers and dancers that they have. Who can beat Gary V in his performance? Is it Janno or Ogie?NOBODY in SOP can level the pure energy GaryV provides. Who can surpass Vhong Navarro's comic performances? Ruffa Mae Quinto?I don't think so. Who can best the hosting style of Toni?

Yes, Regine Velasquez maybe a respected and a great singer, the Asia's songbird. But can she dance like Sarah Geronimo? Almost all singers can have that belting skills Regine has. She may hold the highest range and pitch but is it always important? I think what matters is the versatility of artists, one who can sing and dance, can host and can make you laugh--that's what you call entertainment.

Another standard, the manner of presentation entices audience to watch as well. Whatever talent you may possess if not express and utilize efficiently, its plainly imbecile. SOP clamors creativity. Almost everyweek they have new theme and new customes. After a typical introduction, sing and dance, they will have a model or fashion show, nothing more nothing less. Is that what you call entertainment? For avid fans maybe. SOP almost everyweek promote GMA shows. It will present for example, Dyesebel, display their casts in full costumes. Once again, modeling and posing skills were utilized. This style sucks most of their time and the ability to show real talents of their performers.

On the other hand, ASAP makes full use of talents and skills of their performers. Gary V is always on his concert style performances. The singing champions seem always on the competition and on their winning moment. Dancers have their new moves. ASAP has in fact, what they call dance school where new moves were instructed by teacher Jercel demonstrated by Rayver, Gab and Mickey among many others. This manner of presenting is a plus because it gives the audience something to watch for every week.

Hence, in terms of manner of presentation. ASAP excels over SOP because the former provides real entertainment, real talent! SOP, meanwhile, after some boring sing performances of their stars commit most of their airtime on fashion shows of unknown and talent deficient casts.

Admittedly, this is just superficial analysis. Some may agree others may not agree. Nevertheless, this article is a wake up call for both of the "entertainment" shows to provide real entertainment. That's their purpose and that's what the audience at the end of the day need. Right?

This battle between ASAP vs. SOP has a great semblance with Obama vs. McCain for president. WHO HAS THE TALENT???

The Effects of the Cyprus problem on Turkey

*This article is an excerpt from my term paper for my "Geography as the context of International Affairs" subject with Prof. Clarita carlos.

(Conclusive remarks)

The effects to Turkey’s bid of the Cyprus problem could generally be seen on the political level. For one, Cyprus (Greek-Cypriots officials) has warned Turkey that it must recognize the Greek Cypriot government if it wants support for its EU application.[1] We must remember that the international community does not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus created when Turkey seized the area in 1974 after a short-lived Greek-inspired coup, and Turkey in return does not recognize the south or Greek Cypriots government. Following what a state wants is clearly not a requirement for membership in the union. However, according to Daniel Schroder, “fulfilling the criteria for EU membership is no longer merely a matter of procedure, but can also involve a political decision” and this could provide negative implications. This could be seen affecting Turkey’s bid for membership through Cyprus political lobbying and threatening to use their veto power. For example, in a news article from Turkish Daily News, Greek Cypriot government has raised the controversial cases of the seizure of the Çukurova Elektrik (ÇEAŞ) and Kepez Elektrik to alter the course of Turkey’s negotiations with the European Union. With this case, the Greek Cypriots have found a way to push the European Commission to put a benchmark in the chapter on energy to ensure that Ankara complies with the result of the pending arbitration claim filed by Cypriot company Libananco Holdings against the state of Turkey. This perhaps implies an effort to slow down the negotiation process of Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus can use such, among many others to induce Turkey to recognize first them.[2] This recognition is deemed important since, for instance, the port and seaways of Turkey and the area of Turkish-Cypriot could be open to this south part of Cyprus and other members of EU that could subsequently attracts more benefits according to some Greek-Cypriot scholars.

However, Turkey refuses to open such ports to the Cypriots’ plane and vessels and insists that it will only do so after the EU proposal to open up a direct trade with Turkish Cypriots and provide them the €259,000,000 in funds to help them upgrade their infrastructure is fulfilled. The bone of contention involving Cyprus may sound like a mere technicality, but for Turkey, it means recognizing the Greek Cypriot government as the only legitimate authority on the hotly contested island.[3] And this they will not allow since it inflict and contradict their previous stance.

Nevertheless, developments have been higlighted recently. Turkey, despite several setbacks, closed its first chapter of negotiations as regards accession in June 2006. The earliest date that Turkey could enter the EU is 2013, the date when the next financial perspectives (the EU's six year budgetary perspectives) will come into force. Ankara is currently aiming to comply with EU law by this date,[4] but Brussels has refused to back 2013 as a deadline.[5] It is believed that the accession process will take at least until 2021.

To what have transcribed, it shows that Cyprus particularly the Greek Cypriot government wanted first the solution of the Cyprus problem --- the division of Cyprus to Greek and Turkish communities. Ironically, Greece leaders, supposed to be on the Greek Cypriots side, have proclaimed its support for Ankara's membership.[6] Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has described Turkey's recognition of Cyprus as "an obvious condition", but at the same time has apparently advised his Greek Cypriot counterpart not to rock the boat. [7]It means that they should not be aggressive enough because it might cause further problems. The Greek officials have also hinted at the prospect of a compromise as a way around the dispute.

The crux of the matter is; the issue of Cyprus plays a crucial part in Turkey’s bid for membership. However, this does not suggest that EU is one in asking for the solution of the conflict first before Turkey’s membership to EU could be granted. In general, Europe is divided on the Turkey’s accession issues. Concerns on security, strategic importance, religion and culture, have been the source of debate on whether Turkey’s bid to be a member of the European club will flourish or not, will expedite or slow down. Consideration on the importance of Turkey, probably its strategic location and power, on EU could be one reason on why they cannot force Turkey to help provide solutions on the Cyprus conflict. “The EU's basic dilemma now is how to register its displeasure without provoking Turkey to walk away from the negotiating table.”[8] This issue however, could be raised up by further discussion that concedingly not taken up by this paper.

The Cyprus problem and its effects to Turkey’s bid for membership to the European Union could at least be viewed as having direct correlation. When, Cyprus problem is solved, or at least nears to finding a solution, the Turkey’s bid for membership could be affected positively. Yet further events and developments may mitigate the nearing solution of the problem or it may start a fire that can bring the parties in their old ways of conflict. Who knows? Only time can tell.

___________________________________________________________________
[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4085283.stm

[2] Cyprus uses controversial Çeaş-Kapez case to demand recognition
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=73474 May 18, 2007

[3] Daniela Schröder http://www.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-301/_nr-62/_p-1/i.html

[4] Kubosova, Lucia (2007-03-30). "Turkey targets 2013 for EU legal compliance", EUobserver. Retrieved on 2008-08-26.

[5] Kubosova, Lucia (2007-04-17). "Brussels declines to endorse 2013 date for Turkey's EU entry", EUobserver. Retrieved on 2008-08-26.

[6] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4085283.stm

[7] Ibid;
[8]
Daniela Schröder http://www.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-301/_nr-62/_p-1/i.html

Barack Obama vs John McCain: a new hegemonic leadership

The world awaits. The world seems vigilantly waiting and observing the United States election for president. International society is keen in viewing who would replace the current hegemonic leadership in America. After George Bush Jr and its administration, will it be Barack Obama or John McKain, who will be the next manager/ administrator of US? and in essence, the next leader of the world? Before the new leadership unfolds in November, let us know the two competing candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Who is Barack Obama?
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 2, 2004, after serving 7 years as an Illinois state senator.
On June 3, 2008, Sen. Obama officially became the presumptive Democratic nominee for the presidency, 16 months after announcing his candidacy. He's the author of two best-selling books.
In 2005, Time dubbed him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He was lauded by millions of Africans during his 2006 tour of their continent.

Recent Notability: On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama declared his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic nomination for the presidency. Obama first rose to national prominence when he delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
On June 3, 2008, Obama accumulated enough Democratic convention delegates votes to become the presumptive party nominee for the presidential race.
In 2004, Sen. Obama signed a $1.9 million deal to author 3 books. The first, "The Audacity of Hope,", discusses his political convictions. The second book will be co-written with his wife. His 1995 autobiography was a bestseller.

The Obama Persona: Barack Obama is a thoughtful, independent-minded leader with an even-keel temperament and charismatic speaking skills. He's also a talented, introspective writer.
His values and goals are strongly shaped by his expertise as a Constitutional law professor and civil rights attorney, and by Christianity. While private by nature, Obama mingles easily with others, but is most comfortable addressing large crowds.
Unlike most politicos, Obama is known for being unafraid to speak hard truths when necessary. Although armed with shrewd sensibilities, he's sometimes slow to recognize viable threats to his agenda.

Major Areas of Interest: Sen. Obama's areas of special legislative interest have been in support for working families, ethical reforms for government, public education, health care, economic growth/jobs, and ending the Iraq War. As an Illinois state senator, he worked passionately for ethics reforms and criminal justice reform.

In 2002, Obama publicly opposed the Bush Administration's push for the Iraq War, but supported war in Afghanistan.

Practical, Progressive Thinking on the Issues: In 2002, Barack Obama publicly opposed the Iraq War, and continues to call for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. He urges universal health care, and if elected president, promises implementation by the end of his first term.
Barack Obama's voting record and stances as US Senator and Illinois State Senator reflect a "practical, common sense progressive" thinker who emphasizes increased support for teachers, college affordability, and restoration of meaningful federal support of veterans. Obama opposes privatization of Social Security.

Prior Experience: Barack Obama served 7 years as an Illinois State Senator, resigning to assume U.S. Senate responsibilities. He also worked as a community organizer and a civil rights attorney. The Senator is a Senior Lecturer in Constitutional Law at University of Chicago Law School.
After law school, he aggressively organized one of the largest voter registration drives in Chicago history to help Bill Clinton's 1992 election.

Personal Data:
Birth - August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Education - B.A. in international relations, 1983, Columbia University. J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was Editor of the Harvard Law Review
Family - Married on October 18, 1992 to Michelle Robinson, a Chicago native, also a Harvard Law School graduate. Two young daughters, Malia and Sasha.
Faith - Christian, United Church of Christ Shen the Senate is in session, Obama returns to their Chicago home from D.C. every weekend. Obama is a Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan, and an avid basketball player.

Growing Up Barack Obama: Born Barrack Hussein Obama, Jr, son of a Kenya-born Harvard-educated economist and Ann Dunham, a caucasian anthropologist, was 2 years old when his father left them.
His father (deceased in 1982) returned to Kenya, and only saw his son once more. His mother remarried, and moved Barack to Indonesia. He returned to Hawaii at age 10 to live with his maternal grandparents. He graduated from the respected Punahou School with honors. As a teenager, he scooped ice cream at Baskins-Robbins, and has admitted to dabbling in marijuana and cocaine. His mother died of cancer in 1995.

Memorable Quotes : "You can't have No Child Left Behind if you leave the money behind."
"I do agree that the Democrats have been intellectually lazy in failing to take the core ideals of the Democratic Party and adapting them to circumstances.... It's not just a matter of sticking in a quote from the Bible into a stock speech."
"There has yet to be a serious conversation about health care on the floor of the United States Senate."
"...as parents, we need to find the time and the energy to step in and find ways to help our kids love reading. We can read to them, talk to them about what they're reading and make time for this by turning off the TV ourselves. Libraries can help parents with this. Knowing the constraints we face from busy schedules and a TV culture, we need to think outside the box here - to dream big like we always have in America.
Right now, children come home from their first doctor's appointment with an extra bottle of formula. But imagine if they came home with their first library card or their first copy of Goodnight Moon? What if it was as easy to get a book as it is to rent a DVD or pick up McDonalds? What if instead of a toy in every Happy Meal, there was a book? What if there were portable libraries that rolled through parks and playgrounds like ice cream trucks? Or kiosks in stores where you could borrow books?
What if during the summer, when kids often lose much of the reading progress they've made during the year, every child had a list of books they had to read and talk about and an invitation to a summer reading club at the local library? Libraries have a special role to play in our knowledge economy." -- June 27, 2005 Speech to the American Library Association (profile obtain from http://usliberals.about.com/od/congressionalleadership/p/SenObama.htm)

Who is John McCain?

Born: 29 August 1936
Birthplace: Panama Canal Zone
Best Known As: The 2008 Republican candidate for president

John McCain is the Republican nominee for president in 2008. McCain has been a U.S. senator from Arizona since 1987. A 1958 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, McCain had a 22-year military career as a pilot and officer in the Navy. Five of those years (1967-73) were spent in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp after he was shot down over Hanoi during the Vietnam War. McCain left the Navy in 1981, was elected to Congress in 1982, and then was elected as U.S. senator from Arizona in 1986. In 2000 he ran for the Republican presidential nomination, but was defeated by George W. Bush. After Bush was reelected in 2004, McCain ran again for the Republican nomination in 2008, this time winning the nomination at the GOP convention. He named Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, and they are running against Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Joe Biden. McCain's 1999 book Faith of My Fathers told the story of his family's military history and his own experiences as a POW.

McCain's father and grandfather were both four-star admirals in the U.S. Navy... He had surgery to remove melanomas (skin lesions) in 1993 and 2000 and minor prostate surgery in August of 2001... McCain was married to the former Carol Shepp from 1965-1980. A month after their divorce, he married Cindy Hensley, the daughter of a prominent Arizona liquor distributor. He has seven children: sons Doug Shepp and Andy Shepp (adopted during his marriage to their mother, Carol Shepp), Sydney McCain (his daughter with Carol Shepp), and Meghan McCain, John Sidney McCain IV, James McCain, and Bridget McCain, all with Cindy McCain. Bridget McCain was born in Bangladesh and adopted in 1993 by the McCains.

Why Barack Obama?

Obama has done the refreshing thing of sincerely conveying that he would like to be a president for ALL of us. Not just for his special little base, or to "get back at those guys", or any of the other partisan lingo that has depressed so many millions of us, this past decade.Sure, many presidential candidates imply that they will work for the whole country's best interest, so how can we tell if Obama actually means it ? Because in his 10 years as a senate legislator (8 in state, 2 in federal), he has been one of the most groundbreakingly effective cross-aisle mediators in our time. In the 2 years he was in majority in his state senate, he sponsored 780 bills, and 280 of those were signed into law. In his first year as U.S. Senator, Obama held 39 town hall meetings throughout Illinois, and in senate, sponsored 152 bills and resolutions, and cosponsored 427 more. He has a proven track record on public display of working to reach solutions that all sides can support, or at least accept as well-intended leadership.One example in state senate, was death penalty reform. He supported the death penalty in exceptional circumstances, but wanted all interrogations to be videotaped. Initially viewed as highly controversial, Senator Obama listened to all sides of the debate, incorporated ideas from many individuals, and the result was a bill that passed the Senate 58-0, and was signed into law by a governor who originally opposed Senator Obama's bill.In federal senate, Obama worked with republican senator Lugar to author and expand a program to locate and dismantle stray Russian WMD's including shoulder fired missiles and antipersonnel mines that were left over from the cold war after the disbanding of the USSR. This was sensible, low cost, and actually resulted in an America safer from terrorism. Some terrorists or rogue nation could have gotten those weapons. So don't let anyone tell you Obama isn't effective in the war for security against terrorism.Around 50% elected Bush. Around 30% currently approve. That means that there are 20% that are patriotic republican voting Americans who are tired of partisan bickering, and want a leader who is perceived to be non-partisan. Obama is sufficiently patriotic and sincere. He has no scandals, no indictments coming from shady business deals, no ties to greedy private interests, nothing to really tie up the media's time with things other than making our country unified and great. Who the heck wouldn't want to vote for that?There is no red America, there is no blue America, there is the United States of America. - Barack Obama.

Why John McCain

John McCain has always put his country's interests before any party, special interest and even his own self-interest. He has always and will always do what is right for our country. Under a McCain presidency:

Americans will again have confidence in their economic future.
America will adopt an "all of the above" energy solution.
Health care will become more accessible to more Americans than at any other time in history.

A New hegemonic Leadership?

Definitely, whoever wins will assume the position of America in the world system. the question is will Us retains their Unipolar, unilateral stance in the International scene? If Obama wins, we might see a drastic change because of his straightforward platforms and new programs. nevertheless, he might be engulfed by the system and eat his own crap performing actions according to the dictates of the forces around him and not coming from within him. he is an epitome of change and good hope but he might be like our local leaders such as panlilio who tried bringing change particularly in Pampanga. But where is he now? On the verge of politicking, on the cliff to be eaten by the traditional monsters of politics. This might be the path of Obama as well. He is anti-Iraq war but who can say that when he assumes position, he continues it realizing the strategic importance it gives to US?

On the ither hand, if McCain wins, a great semblance of Bush leadership might be seen. the aggressive foreign policies as well as inefficient domestic affairs management might continues. but give him the benefit of the doubt, what if he has a change of heart when he becomes the president of America? who knows...these were speculative analysis. But the only right thing to do for now, to speculate. Let's just continue to be vigilant aside. Let's not think of other fences while we have within our yard the problems that needs immediate attention.

The Global Financial Crisis and the Internet

Is there a correlation between the internet and the current American/ global financial crisis? Yes, and I would like to prove it to you today. First, let us set the premises. What has happened that have resulted to the financial crisis and what will be the likely actions of states affected by this crisis. I have taken Francis Fukuyama's article in Newseek this October to provide a reason for the crisis occurence. Indeed, the meltdown of American finacial system is unprecedented in history. As Fukuyama sees it, it is the end of Reaganism and Tacherism, also referred to as the NewRight. The New Right rests on deregulaltion, privatization, and liberalization of the economy. These have become the core principles of the "WashingtonConsensus" implemented by the US, UK, IMF, and WB.

The absence of effective regulation over the derivatives and futures trading in Wall Street is generally acknowledged as the reason behind the excesses that have led to currentfinancial meltdown. Hence, as Fukuyama says, Reaganism and Tacherism have failed.

As to be expected, the pendulum will swing to the opposite side of theWashington Consensus. The bailout and rescue package of many governments is a return to regulation. The government must see to it that the injection of capital will stimulate the financial sector again. The government decision to buy stocks in the financial sector means that the government will acquire equity in these banks. This is "partial nationalization" as described bysocialists in Europe.

What is clear now is that the governments of the US, EU,Japan and ANZ are all moving away from the New Right.

At this juncture, let me share with you the article of Paul Kedrosky entitled "the first disaster of the internet age." In this article he showed how internet has contributed much to the acceleation of financial markets, businesses that contributed to the current financial crisis. According to Kedrosky, because of the free information in the internet it was utilized by the genious in wallstreet to increase global credits further. just a quick note, 3 trillion of global credit while there are only 8oo billion of dollars circulating to pay for the debts. So, what can you assess from this stats? Where will we get the money to pay for such unsurmountable debts? Maybe at the end of the day, we might have a cashless society.

To tie this up, we have seen the concomitance of internet to the current financial crisis. Kedrosky suggests however,"The Internet, of course, is just a technology, to be used for good or ill. Is there a technological fix that would help prevent a similar mess? One of the ways of averting the next crisis is to make the Internet better at consolidating information. Right now when you go to financial sites you are deluged with information about stocks and major market indices, plus some news headlines, and on and on. What if, instead, you saw something akin to the dashboard of a car—with dials and knobs corresponding to what's going on in credit markets, derivatives, commodities and stocks. Instead of giving endless tables—the sort of thing that used to clutter newspapers—imagine heat charts (red is bad, green is good) and simple graphs. The financial dashboard would interpret information: here is what is currently working properly in financial markets, here is what isn't, and here is what you should be terrified about. If you want to know more you can click and find out. A well-designed dashboard will at least make sure you know enough not to be surprised."

Introduction

This is definitely the hardest thing to do. So many things to talk about, it pushes me to ask, "where should I begin?" We have been taught in our primary school even up to our college years the essence of introduction and the manner it should be done. There are many ways to start the expression of scholarly ideas. There are narratives, anecdotes, poems, quotations and many more. These various techniques function as attention grabber of your article, your essay or your story. Hence, an introduction should be enticing to engage your reader to read your work. It also gives hints and outlines of what will be the content of your work. But upto this very moment, I'm on my post graduate studies, the dilemma on introductory statements still lingers. Should I begin with a cliche statements? or should I start with an anecdote? Admittedly, I have personal preference in making introductions. Evidently, I always utilize questions to get the attention of my reader. Have you notice it?

Now, this introduction is to provide the usual framework I follow in making the articles here in my blogspot. Since this site only limits to a 500 character description, thus, I think I should have an introductory article not hindered by a minute space. Here we go:

Basically, the content of my articles would tackle international political issues. I would like to dwell on such since I believed I have a grasp on the matter because of my educational background. Nevertheless, articles might also range from other issues aside from the said topic because of the ubiquity of politics. I might as well relate current international issues to my day to day personal affairs to have that explicit personal touch on the issue. I would like to provide a profound analysis of every matter but I admit that this will depend on various considerations (i.e. time alloted, psychological stance, etc) so please bear with me on this.

On every article, I will also concede that this is not an authoritative interpretation of the current affairs. I will be open to criticisms and suggestions. If evidence stands against my interpretation then I'll be glad to accept it. "I stand corrected."

At the end of the day, what is most important is not my interpretation nor my articles but the information this enterprise helps provide. As this blogspot was entitled, however, "all information is on a need to know basis" Thank you very much.