Wings of Fury

Priest the movie

2011-06-10T04:21:00.001-07:00

Priest is a 2011 American supernatural action film starring Paul Bettany as the title character. The film, directed by Scott Stewart, is based on the Korean comic of the same name. In an alternate world, humanity and vampires have warred for centuries. After the last Vampire War, the veteran Warrior Priest (Bettany) lives in obscurity with other humans inside one of the Church's walled cities. When the Priest's niece (Lily Collins) is kidnapped by vampires, the Priest breaks his vows to hunt them down. He is accompanied by the niece's boyfriend (Cam Gigandet), who is a wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess (Maggie Q).[2]

The film first entered development in 2005, when Screen Gems bought the spec script by Cory Goodman. In 2006 Andrew Douglas was attached to direct and Gerard Butler was attached to star. They were eventually replaced by Stewart and Bettany in 2009 and filming started in Los Angeles, California, later in the year. The film changed release dates numerous times throughout 2010 and 2011. It was especially pushed back from 2010 to 2011 to convert the film from 2D to 3D. It was released in the United States and Canada on May 13, 2011.

Plot

In the future, the war between humans and vampires has devastated the world. The Church, the future incarnation of the Roman Catholic Church, created an elite spiritual warrior organization, dubbed "Priests", who were capable of slaying vampires. The majority of the vampires were killed while the remainder were placed in reservations. The Church created isolated, heavily guarded cities. No longer needing the Priests' services, and fearing their own weapon, the Church disbanded them. Outside the cities humans live outside the totalitarian control of the Church.

One day, an unnamed Priest was approached by Hicks, the sheriff of a nearby town. Hicks tells him that his brother Owen was mortally wounded, sister-in-law (and ex girlfriend), Shannon, were killed by vampires and Priest's niece, Lucy, was kidnapped. Hicks asks for Priest's assistance in tracking down Lucy. Priest goes against the wishes of Monsignor Orelas, the Church's leader, to do so. Monsignor Orelas then sends a group of four Priests led by Priestess to capture him and bring him back, dead or alive.

After saying goodbye to his dying brother, Priest and Hicks arrive at a human but vampire friendly reservation, where they discover that the vampires have taken shelter in Sola Mira. Sola Mira is a vampire hive where Priest lost several of his comrade Priests in a botched mission. There, they are joined by Priestess, who decides to help him because she is in love with him. The group discover that the vampires are using trains to travel, slowly amassing a new army and intending to attack the Priest's city and destroying the Church. They also discover that the inhabitants of Sola Mira had tunneled to the city of Jericho, where the other three Priests had been dispatched by Priestess.

Once in Jericho, the other three Priests are soon confronted by Black Hat, who was one of the Priests who was thought to have been killed in the botched mission at Sola Mira. Black Hat asks the three Priests to become one with the vampire family and kills them when they refuse, leaving their bodies to hang on crosses. Black Hat and his army of vampires then proceed to slaughter the entire town. After Priest, Priestess, and Hicks find the corpses of the three Priests, they discover Black Hat's trail and follow him, eventually catching up to his train along with the other vampires.

While Priestess plants a bomb on the railroad tracks in order to stop the train, Priest and Hicks board the train and confront Black Hat and the vampires and familiars (people infected with a pathogen that makes them subservient to the vampires). Black Hat overpowers both Priest and Hicks. Black Hat reveals that the vampire Queen gave him her blood, turning him into the first vampire-human hybrid. He asks Priest to join him. Priest refuses and fights Black Hat, who reveals the truth of Lucy's parentage to the girl. After the explosives are damaged in a fight with the familiars, Priestess straps the bomb to her motorcycle and crashes it into the train. The explosion kills the vampires and incinerates Black Hat, but Hicks, Priest, and Lucy are able to escape.

Priest returns to the city and confronts Monsignor Orelas, telling him of the burnt train containing the vampires' bodies, which he proves by throwing a vampire head onto the floor. Monsignor Orelas believes that the war is over and Priest's proof is trickery, Priest tells him that it's just beginning. Monsignor Orelas and Priest are at odds with each other when Priest leaves and Priest refuses to even listen to Monsignor Orelas as he walks out. Once he leaves the city and meets with Priestess, she reveals that the other Priests have been notified and will meet them at a rendezvous. Priest sets off into the sunset to later meet up with other priests.

Rivers of Living Water

2011-03-25T05:39:00.001-07:00

by Ruel Guerrero on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 2:41pm

David said he longed for the presence of God; he thirsted for God's presence as a deer pants for water in a thirsty land. But Jesus said that if we drink of Him (the Living Water) we will never thirst.

Sounds like a conflict here. David lived in the Old Covenant when the Holy Spirit had not yet been given to all. But Jesus speaks of the New Covenant when the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe in Jesus.

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive the Living Water. We no longer thirst because the Lord is always with us. He flows from within us like rivers of living water.

None of us is a conduit of the River bringing water to His children. Every child of God has within him, the River of Life. Out of every follower of Jesus and child of God flows rivers of living water. We just need to bring others to that River and when they drink of it once, they will never thirst again. Rivers of living water will flow from within them too.

Original 1943 BATMAN serials. #1 The Electrical Brain

2011-02-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

3days ago

2011-01-16T00:39:00.000-08:00

It’s already a Friday. The week is almost over. Being busy really makes time moves faster. I hope we get our salary tonight. I’m hoping to buy some stuffs. I rendered overtime work last night for about an hour. That’s a start. I hope to continue up to next week. Been busy all morning again today. I hope I can sustain such momentum here. I really enjoy my time here. There’s practically no stress on my part. Although, it seems some guys are making fun of me. I feel old.

I think I’ll lay low for a while. I really want to buy a new DC comic TPB. Sigh. It’s been years since I bought something new. I hope to be able to go to Power Books or Druid’s Keep to buy some stuffs one day.

I do like to get a hold of some stuffs I neglected to get or I’ll have to buy a laptop to download everything from Torrents. I do like to treat the kids out this weekend. Inah’s tonsil is swollen and she’s currently in medications. She almost collapsed yesterday. Doc Marg said that it’s because of lack of oxygen. It’s a miracle her food intake is normal. Most people with tonsils that swollen can’t eat properly according to her. She told me she weighs about 75 kilos now. She’s probably as heavy as me. I wonder how much I weigh now. It’s been more than a month since I worked here and I feel my pants are getting tighter on the waist. I doubled my Metformin intake since yesterday just to stay even. I wonder how that will affect me.

I need to go online tonight. I’ve some stuffs to write about. Yesterday was probably the last one I have articles for.

I hope this time I’ll be blessed enough to earn more with this company I’m in.

We plan to save money starting this month. I hope we can do that.

Lunch time’s over. Going for a nap

Started this afternoon with a cup of cappuccino. This is my 2^nd cup for the day. Done with my daily routine and am just waiting for the some stuffs to do. The day is half done and I’m eagerly awaiting dismissal time. I got my salary today. January is practically half done. Man, 2 weeks of the new year is almost over. I’m not getting bored or anything like the time I was with ETDV. That place was stressful. Tomorrow will be a breeze. The weekend beckons again. I hope to go somewhere this weekend.

I read my musings for the year 2001. LOL, I got no blog during those times! Too bad the years 2004 onward files were corrupted.

It’s already 2pm. 1 hr to go before the afternoon break.

I hope I can use the email tomorrow when they do maintenance work for the system here at the plant. The day is almost done. With 22 minutes before the break this afternoon, time will move like a walk in the park.

It’s 2:47. It’s only 17 minutes before the afternoon break. My head is aching like hell. I think it’s time to stop drinking coffee today.

Spent P30 on snacks today. Sigh. Getting fat again somehow.

There’s this march with some union workers from Nestle outside the plant. I wonder if they’re still employees here.

Less than an hour to go before I go home today. I want to treat the kids to a pizza pie again. I feel tired. I took half of my medicine for high BP. My head was aching earlier this afternoon. I think it was too much coffee.

I want to buy 2 controllers for our play station 2 today. Sigh.

Logging off.

Reflections on my birthday

2011-01-10T02:26:00.001-08:00

When I was younger, we celebrate my birthday with my sister’s. We have the same birth month although 6 days apart. Every year we celebrate together. My younger brother celebrates alone. I, on the other hand, like my 2 kids celebrate jointly. It’s been a long time since I celebrated my birthday. We didn’t celebrate it for years since my sister died in 1989. I felt really alone all these years. Sometimes it seems like we can’t move on. I loved my sister so much. This coming Sunday she’ll be celebrating her 42nd birthday had she lived. My mom will always be sad and lonely with the fact that her daughter died before her. My dad will always be in denial that she misses her so much.

Birthdays are both happy and sad at the same time. Happy for the moment that another year has been added in your life and sad knowing that you grow more older by the day.

in reflecting on my life these past few years, it’s been a blessing so far. God never seem to abandon us no matter what the circumstances we’re in.

I’m not alone in celebrating my birthday. I have my family and friends. All loved by me.

Another year has passed and this new one is looking brighter.

My Wednesday

2011-01-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

It’s already a Wednesday already. The week is almost half done. Time really flies when you’re so busy. There are really lots to do here. Although my position as project clerk is very routine. All I do is read and list the readings on the meters of every pump, machine and equipment here at the plant. We measure water, air, steam and fuel for most part of the day. No wonder these contractual will have their contracts at an end soon, they’re doing nothing. If the bosses looked for their output then they’re in a bind. Sigh.

Now we’re talking bad movies here. This is the life here. Once your routine’s done then you’re on standby for any task given to you. Reminds me so much of my old job at TNC. The problem there was I really don’t have the stomach to follow the over righteous boss I have. That’s why I availed early retirement there. I still have a loan with LCN though amounting to P17K. Sigh.

My emails are being recorded. Firewall all around.

They’re just playing here. Sigh. It’s just a bit now before we eat lunch. We eat lunch around 11am so basically we’re on break till about 12:30pm or even 1pm. That’s life here at the plant. Work’s not that stressful.

I got my taste of my overtime form being crumpled. Sigh. This is the 1st time I had that experience in any office I ever worked with. One of the weirdest things ever in my career. Damn. I feel so stupid. This is all because of erasures. This is all like a joke to them. I feel something very depressing coming.

It’s all in a day’s work. I guess I have to live with it.

Lunch time is upon me so I guess that’s it for my AM report.

Well it’s my break time and I want to sleep this off. I’m going to have my nap now. I just woke up. I let ERR sign again my DTR. Now all I have to do is wait for ABO again so I can have him sign this one. Sigh.

It’s the start of week 1 since Monday and already it’s half done.

I miss my days in Makati only because I miss my friends. We constantly call each other almost every day and we see each other weekly if we really want to. I miss those days in starbucks doing nothing but talking DC and Marvel comic books. Those days seem so long behind me now. Gradually we became friends not just in comic books but in life as well.

It’s 2pm and I don’t have anything to do but prepare for tomorrow’s routine.

The contractual workers are complaining about their take home pay. Comparing with other’s pay. Same old habit of employees from every office I worked in. They’re gonna die of envy. I hope to earn more.

Breaktime’s over now. All I’m gonna do is wait for 4:30pm for dismissal time.

2011 the start of a new decade

2011-01-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

Well, 2010 is but a memory. 2011 is now. I can’t believe it’s been a decade since Y2K. A lot has happened in 10 years. Although amazingly we only have 2 presidents during this decade, 3 if you count ERAP. I had 3 job changes during this decade. I met a lot of people thru the DC message boards this decade. Facebook, plurk, twitter and all them social media appeared like mushrooms during the last 10 years.

The kids have grown so much during the last 10 years. My eldest is about to graduate high school. It makes me feel old. Comics have grown during the last decade. The Philippines seem to have fallen backwards during the last 9 years before P-Noy took the presidency.

Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture has swept the country by storm in this last 10 years making the Filipino culture almost unknown to most of the Filipino people. Churches have flourished and have divided also. It was about 10 years ago that my family transferred to the vineyard and about 6 years later gone to do house churches. I also appeared on TV during this decade. My feature in 700 club Asia seem to be replaying over and over the last 6 years I think. My dad has shifted religion from Christianity to the more legalistic Jewish traditions. My mom aged horribly during this last decade. I was diagnosed with diabetes 3 years ago, now I’m in medication ever since.

My kids were elementary and now high school during this decade. My kids won’t win any loyalty awards since they had different schools during their high school life.

Well, a new year means new hope. I’m no believer in new year resolutions because often than not it isn’t really followed. It’s like broken promises.

I think this year will be a good year for us, unlike the last 2 years where we really struggled in every aspect of our lives. This year shows promise.

Welcome 2011.

Dec.21 and 22 musings at the office

2010-12-22T03:21:00.000-08:00

Dec.21

We had a fire drill this morning. If it was a real fire, a lot would still be left within the building. Joyce have a 2 day seminar since yesterday in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. I miss her. I think I should stop texting. I’m getting too tired of it.

It’s Christmas in about 4 days. I still don’t know my schedule for this week and next week. I hope they give me overtime pay. Sigh.

I think I’ll check tomorrow on my ATM card. It’s a week already since I applied for my account at UPCB.

I hope we have money before Christmas. I don’t know when we’ll be going to Marikina. I hope we go there before the 31st. It’ll be great to spend time with the clan. We seldom see each other now so it’s a good feeling to just come at our annual reunion. I hope to see my aunt and uncle.

I wonder whatever became of our application to Canada. I hope in due time we’ll also get there like my cousin.

I suddenly have something to do here. Sigh. It’s almost lunch time here. People at the plant eat around 11am up to whenever.

Joyce will be home later. I hope she has some good news. I’m thinking of going to mom’s house tonight before I go home. I hope I can create again. I want to create something nice this time.

I wish I could met the guys before the year ends. I miss their company. Those guys have been part of my life since 2002? It’s been that long. I miss the comic book scene immensely.

Finished my nap.

Started my afternoon tasks such as it is. I’ve been doing Milo intakes since I arrived here at work. Yesterday I didn’t drink anything so I felt a bit tired and I feel I lack sleep last night. Which I think is my fault entirely.

Still sleepy. I hope my wife arrives home okay today. I miss her.

The engineers have another meeting. I’m still a bit sleepy. JM called me on some stuffs. There are problems that need solutions that much I know. If they won’t tell me stuffs then how can I do it? I’m not middle management here. I’m just a grunt. They’re the front liners. I hope the afternoon moves a bit faster. I want to see my wife and kids. Christmas is fast approaching and I thank God that I have a job. It feels a bit different than last year. During my time in ETDVWAMS, it felt like too much burden has been put in my shoulder. Too big responsibility yet my pay was so low and the guy makes us look like idiots and corrupt at that. Dealing with the BIR was the lowest point really. They’re so corrupt.

I hope Joyce’s bonus or salary would be released today or tomorrow. We’re still adjusting financially. Sigh.

My brother and his family will go to Cagayan De Oro tomorrow. They’ll spend Christmas there at my aunt’s house. I hope next time we can go down there. The kids would love to go there. If we’ll be going down there, we’ll bring papa and mama with us.

I hope I can get my ATM tomorrow. I’m drinking an average of 4 or 5 cups of Milo since I started working here. That’s per day. I hope I can give the kids their Milo.

I think we’ll just commute going to Marikina this year. Papa and mama don’t know if Dodo has other plans.

It’s almost time to go home. I will drop by mom’s house tonight.

Dec. 22

Well, it looks like a good day. I uploaded my pictures from my sim card to my flash drive so I guess I can upload it at FB anytime now. The kids would be thrilled to hear about this. I hope I can use some computer time tonight with a faster internet connection. I’ve to tell Joyce that we have to be online a bit earlier just to avoid the rush of people.

We’re getting ready for Christmas dinner. We have 2 houses to celebrate. We’ll be at mom’s house for 7pm dinner but we need to go home for the 12am dinner come Christmas morning.

I didn’t think the house would look good this season. Joyce and her mom are ironing out their differences so as not to be sore this Christmas. I hope we have a nice Christmas this year.

I’m a bit worried over the figures that I’m seeing here. Sigh.

Confronted by the Truth

2010-12-09T02:55:00.000-08:00

By: Ruel Guerrero

In 2003, I was asked to speak at a nearby Vineyard church. I asked the
Lord what he wanted me to say? He said, “talk about the theme, love
one another.” I didn’t know the people in the church where I was to
speak, so I said, “OK if that’s what you want, but what passage should I
use?”
I heard him say “John 15.” As I recalled, that chapter was on abiding in
Christ or on bearing fruit. I checked again. Sure enough it was on both.

I reread the entire passage. Yes, it was on abiding in Christ, and yes, by
doing so we would bear fruit. But, I began to realize that the entire pas-
sage was founded on loving one another. It was time to read the chap-
ter with a fresh perspective. I read through the ﬁrst few verses until I
came to verse 8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.” That caught my attention. For
quite some years now, there has been much focus on worship. The de-
sire to glorify the Father and to become truly intimate with the Lord was
the reason for the focus. Verse 8 drew my attention because for me do-
ing ministry had to glorify God or it was worthless. Worship and ministry
both are all about glorifying God. So here I found Jesus’ words about
how to glorify His father.

This put me on a quest. Jesus said that in order to glorify the Father, I
must bear much fruit. But what really is bearing fruit? The standard an-
swer I always got was that it had to do with evangelism. Verse 5: “I am
the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he
will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” I’ve heard this
verse interpreted to mean that in order to bring in the harvest one must
spend sufﬁcient time in prayer and worship and be able to hear God’s
voice in the course of evangelism. This verse does say that to bear
much fruit, a man must remain in Christ. How does one remain in
Christ?

Verse 10 speaks to that: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in
my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in
his love.” To remain in Christ, I must obey Christ’s commands. It doesn’t
speciﬁcally say devotion, nor does it talk about hearing God’s voice.
What are Christ’s commands? If this verse is referring to all biblical
commands, goodnight! We would never be able to remain in Christ’s
love. Thank God the Old Testament commands are over. But we have
Christ’s commands in the New Testament.

Then I came upon verses 12-13: “My command is this: Love each other
as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down
his life for his friends.” Jesus was actually focusing in on one major
command—loving one another. This is the new command he gave. If
the ﬁrst and greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart,
soul, mind and strength, and the greatest love of all is to lay down your
life for your friends, then Jesus loved and worshipped God by doing the
greatest love of all—to lay down his life for all of us. His was the great-
est and most supreme act of worship!
©2003 All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy and distribute freely for free.

Back then and now

2010-11-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

You know back then all the anime features were dubbed in English nowadays it's all in Filipino which is not bad. Back then when listening to FM radio we could have good music, now we get novelties and jokers. Gone are the good progressive radio stations and popping up like mushrooms are the corny ones which clearly states the reality of Philippine music. Back then kids would study because they needed to learn much, now kids study because they want more money. Back then our TV was a national B&W with closing screen doors, now we have big flat screen LCDs. Back then we learn from our mothers at home and by watching Sesame Street, now kids go to computer shops to play and play. Back then we write our reports or we type them, now we copy paste and print them on the computer. Back then we show our parents respect, now kids don't know how to do that.
Back then we dream of our comic book heroes to have live movies, now we get saturated with reboots and remakes of all rehash plot lines using our favorite characters both in the big screen and on the tube. Back then, the military looks respectable and the police are good, now the military is pit of liars and the cops are fat pigs.
Back then I was small now I'm big, then I was young, now I'm old....
I'm freaking ranting....sigh

Hawkman Sketch

2010-11-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

a rather blurred sketch of Hawkman's face. sigh

Code Geass: Lolouch of the Rebellion

2010-11-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

Before TV5 tagalized the series, I was already watching it but only 1 episode at a time. Until about Monday, I just watched season 1. Well no more. Once I got to finished watching season 1 (I think I still need to watch 3 episodes) I watched season 2. Well I got glued and finished it in about 2 days. Let's have the rounddown.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (コードギアス反逆のルルーシュ, Kōdo Giasu: Hangyaku no Rurūshu?), often referred to as simply Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, with original character designs by Clamp.

Code Geass first ran in Japan on MBS from October 5, 2006,[1] to July 28, 2007.[2] Its sequel series, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (コードギアス反逆のルルーシュR2, Kōdo Giasu Hangyaku no Rurūshu Āru Tsū?), ran on MBS and TBS from April 6, 2008 to September 28, 2008.[3][4] Both seasons have won several awards at the Tokyo International Anime Fair,[5] Animage Anime Grand Prix, and Animation Kobe event.

Plotline: The series is set after Japan's conquest by the Holy Britannian Empire on August 10, 2010 a.t.b., with their powerful new robot weapons, the Knightmare Frames, stripping Japan and its citizens of all rights and freedoms and renaming the country Area 11. The titular Lelouch vi Britannia is an intellectual Britannian prince who was sent as hostage, along with his sister Nunnally, by his father, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, after his mother was murdered, and has vowed to destroy Britannia. He gains an ability through the mysterious power of the Geass, becoming the leader of the resistance movement to fulfill his two wishes: to seek revenge for his mother and to construct a world in which his beloved sister Nunnally can live happily.
Code Geass is set in an alternate universe where three superpowers, the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the Euro Universe have divided the world between them (with the exception of an independent Australia) and maintain a tentative balance for the first part of the series. The balance shifts in the second season as the E.U. has much of its territory conquered by Britannia while Lelouch engineers a revolution in the Chinese Federation and creates a new alliance of countries, the United Federation of Nations, reducing the number of superpowers to two.

Let's say I was hooked on the premise of the tale, Clamp animation really did a good design for the series.

Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop

2010-10-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

Posted on October 9, 2010 by jobstweet| Leave a comment

Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Speaking Effectively Workshop for Managers
November 24, 2010 * 9:00am – 5:00pm
Joy 3, 5th Floor Qakwood Premier,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Deliver your message across with ease and confidence!

Communication is an important key to success and progress. Speaking effectively is bringing your message across individuals or groups, moving them to reflect and act upon what you have said. Many desire to communicate to others this way, but even the most educated sometimes fail to communicate well.

Organizations with effective communicators will benefit and most likely experience quicker progress. In this seminar-workshop, participants will learn interpersonal communication skills imperative to having excellent relationships at work (and even at home), how to deliver message across clearly and concisely to individuals or to groups more confidently, how to properly decode the messages sent to them, and how to comfortably ask opinions of others without necessarily compromising your own opinion.

Program Outline:

1. Clearing your mind and emotions
Mastery of self begins here. Thoughts not relevant to the upcoming conversations must be removed otherwise, it will cause distraction or it may lead to a path that is not relevant. Even if you have made up your mind, try to be open-minded about new ideas or approaches. Emotions can be deceiving, try to be at the center, the most tranquil state in order to avoid being deceived by your own emotions.

2. Showing interest while you listen
Showing no interest intentionally or unintentionally is a sign of disrespect and immaturity. This can harm ones reputation as an employee no matter what rank he is. Managers and higher ranks should be the best examples in showing interest in others. Self-centered people are incapable of this. But that can be cured.

3. Listening and observing
Never overestimate your ability to understand people and what they are trying to say. It is not as easy as one might think. But with conscious effort, miscommunication will be minimized. One must listen to the words being spoken but one must also go beyond that and observe the tone and the body language.

4. Clarifying the perceived message
After receiving the message, clarify, clarify and clarify. Misunderstanding has haunted many organizations. What was thought to be a harmless miscommunication has led to bigger problems. The goal is to clarify the message you received before responding.

5. Showing appreciation
Yes this is also a skill, mainly because it must be learned well. People who seldom thanked others for their efforts or time are perceived to be arrogant or manipulative. On the other hand, people who regularly thank other people for their efforts and time are perceived to be respectful, gracious, and sometimes even reasonable. More gratitude in the workplace means a more positive atmosphere, which is beneficial for everyone.

6. Packaging your message
Speak your message clearly and concisely. Back it up with explanation if you must but make sure that it is brief enough so the main message is not cluttered. Use the appropriate tone and show the appropriate emotion. Disagree if you must but begin all messages with a positive note.

7. Other best practices
There are actions and practices that one must avoid in order to be effective in interpersonal communication. It may range from prejudices to insecurities to dominating a conversation, to not valuing the time invested with colleagues, to wasting precious time being too defensive and more. Avoiding these pitfalls will be a lot of help in ones professional relationship.

Who should attend?

* Sales People
* Supervisors and Managers with internal and external customers
* Team leaders
* Those who interface with various people types on a day-to-day basis

Featured Speaker

Eduardo R. Pilapil, Jr. is a speaker, entrepreneur and author. He has been speaking in conferences and seminars for the past 15 years for different non-profit organizations, small companies, and large corporations. Ed is the former CEO of WBP (makers of MET Tathione). He is the chairman of Review Masters League, Inc. and Power Memory Franchising, Inc. The former offers enrichment and review courses. The latter offers memory-based study coaching.

Ed is the author of Strengthen Your Faith and Maximize Your Potential: How to Go Beyond Your Limits.

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines and a Masters degree in Christian Leadership from the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries. He is currently completing his Executive Masters degree in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management.
His other experiences include direct selling, business management, business coaching, school directorship, life coaching, Christian ministries and organizational leadership.

Rave Reviews on Ed Pilapil Jr. here and abroad!

“Ed Pilapil can influence the audience very well.”
- Maria Consejo C. Acoba, St. Luke’s Medical Center

“He is very good a arbitrator and [good in] persuading…”
- Ysvetlanie Poblete, Mead Johnson Nutrition (Phils.), Inc.

“I really enjoyed your sessions, I really learned a lot while feeling affirmed during your motivation talk. Your sessions really touched my heart.”
- Tan Fui Chen, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

“I enjoyed your sessions very much…very humorous and knowledgeable.”
- Sapiah Osman, HRM & Admin Planning Section
Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd

“I admired the way you delivered your speech during your session. You were so confident and enthusiastic! How I wish I could be like you someday. Who knows one day I could be one of the successful motivator, perhaps. I believe I can do it!”
- Azura binti Zainuddin, AGM’s Office – Procurement Division, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd

“Really love your passion during seeing your presentation. I was so fascinated listening to you…”
- Norhafizah Bt. Mohd Nor, Team Assistant Treasury Division, Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Berhad

Training Investment

Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Speaking Effectively Workshop for Managers

November 24, 2010 I 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Joy 3, 5th Floor Oakwood Premier, Ortigas Center Pasig City

Best Buy Rate: 4, 977 + VAT until October 18
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Judaizers

2010-09-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

In Christianity there is a growing problem known as 'Judaizing', it's a movement that, by definition, consists of furthering Judaic laws and the ordinances of the OT. This process usually involves oppressing unsuspecting Christians with guilt trips, by asking things like "Don't you know yahweh's laws are forever?" or "Didn't you know there were much more than 10 commandments?". Usually, some verbal gymnastics follow, and before long, the unlearned Christian has had their mind twisted into a knot, and agreeing with the lecherous Judaizing missionary.

Then the poor Christian begins to follow suit and starts learning Hebrew, buys a menorrah, learns the the old laws, changes their diet, and starts honoring holy days. Before long, the person is nearly a full-blown Jew, with the exception of believing in Jesus Christ.

To such poor Christians I must ask, do you not realize that the laws of the OT in the torah were given only and specifically to the Jews? Literally, they applied only to the Jews, and Gentiles were not bound by them what-so-ever.
Ok, this being so, then how can you take laws that were LITERALLY not given to you, and LITERALLY did not apply to you, and say that because you're a SPIRITUAL (true) Jew, that these LITERAL laws, now LITERALLY must be followed, when they LITERALLY had nothing to do with you?

I usually get no answer after I pose that thought to the missionaries of this blight on Christianity. Not that I've never gotten answers before, but they've never been good ones.

First things first, people who have adopted the Judaizing theology will always jump on the verses that say "God doesn't change", and I agree, God does not change, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However, that says nothing about His particular rules not changing. If I were playing you in chess, and you were losing at it terribly, so I decided to change the rules a little and allow you to move twice per turn, I have not changed, you're still sitting across from the same man with the same personality, only the way the game is played has changed, I'm the same.

If I tell you one day that I like right handed people, so all right handers get free parking, then later I say I don't like right hands, I like lefties now...then I'VE changed.

So my example may sound a little silly, but I believe in keeping things simple and still getting the point across. If anything, God's ability to change the rules demonstrates His absolute authority and sovereignty--not even kings and monarchs had the power to reneg their orders once they made a decree.

If you're still not convinced at this, and you're still hooting and hollering "God doesn't change! You're example stinks!", then as a last resort I will bring up this. If you're going to declare that God doesn't change, therefore all of the laws given to the Jews in the OT still apply today, then I hope you are prepared for a mind bender.
How do you reconcile the fact that there was a time BEFORE all these laws, with your concept of God not changing?
It should be obvious, anyone who knows the scriptures knows that there was a time before the laws, because there was a time before there was a nation of Israel...yes people, there was a time before the Jews existed.

As shocking as that may be, it's true, Abraham was not a Jew, neither was Noah, Jared, Methuselah, Enos, Enoch, Adam, Eve, Seth, Arphaxad, etc etc etc. No temple, no temple laws, no Hebrews, no Hebrew laws. In written record, *most* of the laws came into being at the time of Moses. So why don't you raise a fuss about that? You should be screaming "How dare you give us these 600 extra laws! You're not supposed to change!". Or better yet "How dare you make a chosen people!"

We can only go by what we know and what has been written down, murder has always been wrong, stealing has always been wrong, fornication etc, but I've challenged people to show me even 300 torah laws that existed prior to Moses, I've even narrowed it down to 100. In fact, when it comes to kosher diets, I can show positively that God's choice of food has changed more than once since the beginning, Genesis 9:3-4 is proof of that to Noah. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
According to this verse, Noah was given permission to eat anything that didn't have the blood still in it. Adam wasn't given this permission, and it's a much broader spectrum than the kosher diet of Moses's law, where many animals were forbidden to eat under any circumstances. Different still, is the diet of the NT which I will show below, where now people can eat any animals without spiritual punishment.

As you can see, with most peoples understanding of God not changing, you have a much bigger problem on your hands than I do, but enough about that, now for the scriptures that prove the rules have changed, and the old laws were done away in Christ...

______________________________________________________

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses......
15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

2Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
3:13 And not as Moses,which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

1Tim 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at(overlooked); but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
17:31 Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained;(JESUS) whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
______________________________________________________

That last group of verses is an absolute 100 megaton explosion to the argument about sacred objects, 'godly' graven images of the temple, relics of the OT, and the such implications that these things matter now, or ever really did. God passed it by due to the peoples ignorance, and most likely influences of false religions after leaving Egypt. God never seemed to care about gold, jewels, polished silver, fine brass, or the fabric of holy robes prior to Moses leading Israel out of Egypt, yet from this point on, it seemed to matter a great deal. These verses just explained it all away, and that's why we as Christians are not instructed to carry on with these things.

Now that it should be apparent that most of the OT laws have been done away, what remains then? What's going on? Well, theres only 9 commandments that are reiterated in the NT*, but they are summarized by 1 new one. John 13:34 is where Jesus says a NEW commandment He was giving was to love one another as He loves us, and Romans 13:8 says to love one another is to fulfill all of the law. That is the law now, there it is, all of it, right there, for also in loving one another you will not do any ill will to anyone. Paul even clarifies it, just in case you were wondering what kind of love to have.

There is also Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Can it really get any clearer?

I will now take this one step further and show the Jesus was instituting this new set of rules even within His own life. Yes, Jesus Christ the Messiah was preparing people for a change, things were not going to be the way they were in the OT anymore, and this verse is painfully clear that a change was a comin'....

Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

also....

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Kind of interesting isn't it? Jesus was well aware of all of the wars and fighting and bloodshed of the OT times and was putting an end to it once and for all. This was not the way of God, for He is love. The kingdom of heaven would no longer be able to be taken by violence, (from either side actually) because it would no longer be an earthly matter. We know this because of the examples the apostles set in peace and persecution through the first century church. They were not renegade assassins or anything like that.

So here come the verses that every Judaizer tries to hit me over the head with:
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

These verses have cause alot of confusion in the faith, especially in light of the massive amount of verses I have already laid down in this section. Something needs to be made clear here. When Jesus was referring to "the law" in those verses, He was not referring to the law of MOSES. In fact, Jesus and the apostles differentiate between the law of God and the law of Moses in many places, this is a key point. Jesus proves that He is not talking about the law of Moses in some of the very next verses where He lists the commandments now, and even updates a few, making them stricter.....He says "anyone who breaks the least of THESE commandments shall be least in the kingdom." What commandments? He didn't name any yet, BUT HE WAS ABOUT TO. Remember, according to Hebrews 7 that there was a changing of the priesthood, therefore a changing of the law.

Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

I have debated these verses with Judaizers at length. Sometimes, when the person is more Jewish than Christian, they will rely on the writings of the Talmud to prove that Jesus said nothing that rabbis had not said previously (to greatly paraphrase). That "eye for an eye" is merely equal measures in justice. However, the debate always ends when I press the issue, and establish the following position...

If you slap me, I can react in 3 different ways...
1. I can hit you back (equal justice)
2. I can do nothing and forgive you (righteousness)
3. I can bless you and ask if there's anything I can help you with (crazy unbalanced Jesus thing to do)

Nowhere in any Jewish writing will you find such a looney act that Jesus ordered Christians to do in Matthew 5:39-41, there is without a doubt a complete change of the OT law, in that I am not allowed to return like for like, in fact, if you commit an injustice to me, I have to do something NICE for you in return. If you sue me and take my jacket, I have to give you my shoes too. This almost always ends any debate with Judaizers who claim nothing has changed between the OT and NT, and that Jesus merely quotes rabbis. It is an extremely hard commandment to follow, but I have known a few true Christians who do. To find out why Jesus told us to do this, read Real Free Will.

Further proof that the law of God/Christ is different from the law of Moses is in...

John 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you NOT that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the TRUE bread from heaven.

Mat 19:7-8 and Mark 10:4-5 Jesus is asked about divorce and His answer is that MOSES gave them that precept because of the hardness of their hearts, and that it was not so from the beginning. Proving again that the law has changed more than once. Jesus then forbade it except in adultery.

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ.

John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

Act 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could NOT be justified by the law of Moses.

Act 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. (The elders then came together and decided it was wise for Paul to purify himself in the temple and shave his head according to custom, in order to prevent a riot...it didn't work, because the Jews knew Paul was in fact teaching this, and we know too from the many writings of Paul which I have already provided in this section.)

We also know from 1st Samuel 8:1 that God gave the people kings because they whined that they wanted a human king, He would have been their king. We also know that God sent them quails when they were tired of manna, so they ate meat until they got sick of it. Apparently God has always wanted a better way, but the Jews simply would not listen, so finally when Christ came, He came teaching the true way of the Father.
As far as certain OT prophecies like Zechariah 14:16-19, which talks about there being observance of the feast of tabernacles by all people...simply read verse 8 and you will see this is all figurative/spiritual. Verse 8 talks about living waters flowing from Jerusalem. How can water be 'living'? In the NT, living waters are talked about as something spiritual and not physical. Better proof is found back in Zech 12:4 where it says that every horse will be struck with astonishment and blindness, and their riders will go mad. Literally this verse is pointless, horses aren't used for transportation anymore, they're hardly even used for labor. Will cars and tractors go blind instead?

The last thing to address is the oft repeated argument of the promises of God, and verses about His perpetual covenant with Israel, such as in Exodus 31:16 that sabbath day keeping would be a part of this covenant, among other things like diet in Lev 3:17. These things all became nullified when the covenant was broken, and Israel was cast off. Think it didn't happen? See Holy Racism to find out how and when... Israel became heathen, and eventually rejected their own messiah and the true ways of God (Matt 8:11-12, Matt 12:7, Matt 5:21-46, Matt 21:43, John 8:47, John 1:18, Act 2:36, Rom 11:20, Col 1:15, etc etc. see also Sacrifices, and OT violence for more info). As a result of their wickedness, God made good on His word and proved He did not make idle warnings to Israel (1Kings 9:6-7, Josh 24:20, 1Ch 28:9, 2Ch 7:19-20, 2Ch 15:2) which came to a climax with the destruction of the temple and scattering of the nation in 70 ad. These events dissolved the covenant, and THEREFORE nullified many OT prophecies of the coming days for Israel. Get out of the mindset that says God will keep His end of the bargain even if you don't keep yours, see OSAS and Salvation by Works if you need help coming to terms with the conditions of God's words. If you want to know what the end times will be now, you need the New Testament.

Every Christian needs to know the things I have put forth here, and address these issues to evangelize to the Jews, it's that easy to prove the case for Christ, and I am not anti-semitic.

In conclusion, God's law hasn't been done away, it's the law of Moses that is no more. We now have the true way, demonstrated in the New Testament through the life of Christ.

*9 of the commandments were reiterated in the NT, the missing one is the 4th, the KEEPING of the sabbath day

1st commandment in Mat 22:37, 1Cor. 8:5-6
2nd commandment in 1John. 5:21, also Col 3:5 and Eph 5:5
3rd commandment in Col 3:8
5th commandment in Eph 6:1-3
6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th commandments in Rom 13:8-10, Mat 19:18, Gal 5:14, 1Cor 6:9-10, and Gal 5:19-21.

Only the sabbath rest is mentioned in the NT, which is Christ, and not the keeping of the sabbath law.
See Dan Corner's site on the 4th commandment and Dan Corner's site on sabbath keepers

Earth-Two DCU

2010-09-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

With Batman Inc coming up and Bruce totally giving the cowl to Dick this time, reminds me of Earth-Two.
You know Earth-Two? The home of Clark Kent, editor in chief of the Metropolis Daily Star. Where Batman married Catwoman and had a daughter, Huntress. Where Hawkman and Hawkgirl were reincarnated Egyptian royalty and the home of the Justice Society of America and Infinity Inc?

Well....it's nostalgic. When I read Grumpy Old Fans, The singularities of Earth-Two over at CBR.

I say all that to note that this was nothing new for Earth-Two. DC introduced a number of second-generation superheroes in the ‘70s and ‘80s, almost all of whom adopted code names and costumes different from their “parents.” Dick didn’t take up Bruce’s mantle. Helena didn’t become Batwoman, Bat-Girl or Catwoman. Superman’s cousin Kara wasn’t Supergirl, but Power Girl. Wonder Woman’s daughter took the code name Fury, Hawkman’s sons were Silver Scarab and Northwind, and Green Lantern fathered Jade and Obsidian.

Now, it would be a bit disingenuous to suggest that we can compare Earth-Two to the current DC-Earth, because Earth-Two, like any number of rogue cops with good intentions, played by its own rules. Chief among them, I imagine, was the dictum that Earth-Two not be simply an “older” version of Earth-One. There were already characters unique to each Earth — for example, Earth-Two’s Doctor Mid-Nite and Doctor Fate, and Earth-One’s Martian Manhunter and Elongated Man. Similarly, although both Supermen had blonde cousins named Kara, DC already had a Supergirl.

This pattern of significant distinction (if not outright uniqueness) continued until the mid-‘80s and the debut of Infinity, Inc. Although the initial Infinitor lineup included one real legacy character, Brainwave Jr., the rest of the group was made up of “significantly distinct” members, including many named above. During Crisis On Infinite Earths, the team gained three new legacies, Doctor Midnight, Hourman II and Wildcat II. (The Crisis also took the Earth-Two Huntress and Robin out of the greater DC picture.)

Over on Earth-One, main-line legacy characters like Robin II (Jason Todd) and Black Canary II (Dinah Laurel Lance) were similarly rare. There had been a couple of varieties of Manhunter, as well as two Mad Hatters, two Killer Frosts, and (I think) two Two-Faces, but good-guy legacies weren’t often developed. Instead, multiversal counterparts took the place of straight-line successors.

With all that in mind, it’s a bit odd to see the ex-Earth-Two characters incorporated into various lineages. Silver Scarab went on to become both a Sandman and a Doctor Fate. Nuklon, godson of the original Atom, is now Atom-Smasher. Jesse Quick, daughter of Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle, briefly adopted her mother’s code name and costume; and Jade has been a Green Lantern, albeit in the Oan mode (once unique to the universe of Earth-One). Still, just as their uniqueness wasn’t unusual in the pre-Crisis days, so their legacy status has become common today.

Enjoy.

Mazinger Angels

2010-08-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Mazinger Angels (マジンガーエンジェル, Majinga Enjeru?) is a manga series which began in 2004 and chronicles the adventures of four women who pilot giant robots in the Mazinger vein. The concept is a spoof on the late 70's and early 80's popular TV series Charlie's Angels. It was originally published in Kodansha's Magazine Z, starting in 26 June 2004 (#2004-08) and ending in 25 November 2006 (#2007-01).[1] It was compiled in four tankōbon.

Three of the robots, Aphrodite A, Diana A and Minerva X are from the original Mazinger Z series, while Venus A is from the Great Mazinger series. Their pilots are also traditional characters from Go Nagai's universe, Sayaka Yumi and Jun Hono from Mazinger Z and Great Mazinger respectively, and Hikaru Makiba and Maria Fleed from Grendizer.

The style of the manga highlights the sex appeal of both the characters and the mechas, sometimes similarly to the way Aika's female characters are shown.

There is a sequel, released in 26 December 2007 in Magazine Z as well [2], called Mazinger Angels Z (マジンガーエンジェルZ), which features the original design for Mazinger Z, called Energer Z, as well as Kikunosuke Abashiri from Abashiri Ikka.

Mecha Description and Pilots
Aphrodite, Diana, Venus and Minerva in their Mazinger Angels incarnations.

All four robots have a simplified color scheme compared to the older versions, usually reducing the number of colors to only two, but respecting the overall appearance of the robot. They sport heart shaped designs in different parts of their bodies as well as the Mazinger Angels symbol, a winged heart. They also become substantially more powerful and resistant, adding several weapons (many inspired by the Mazingers' ones) to their classic ones.

The mecha pilots wear their classic outfits plus the Mazinger Angels symbol.

* Aphrodite A: Aphrodite is piloted by Sayaka Yumi, her classic pilot from Mazinger Z. In this version, Aphrodite is now orange and white, in contrast to the anime version, which was orange, magenta and red. Her weapons are:
o Regular Chest Missiles
o Iron Cutter Missile: A weapon that resembles Mazinger Z's Iron Cutters.
o Megaton Hammer: A pair of flails attached to Aphrodite's chest.
o Snow White Aphrodite / Breast Heart Fire: Aphrodite is modified in one occasion and covered with an acid proof paint coat to face the attack of a monster. She is painted white and gold and also sports chest plates that rotate to form a heart that fires a powerful beam.

* Diana A: Diana's pilot is Hikaru Makiba, from Grendizer. She is now depicted in blue and white, and has the following weapons:
o Regular Chest Missiles
o Screw Crasher Missile: Similar to Grendizer's Screw Crasher Punch.
o Liquid Shooter: Acid shooting guns.
o Blizzard Smash: A freezing weapon.

* Venus A: Piloted by Jun Hono, her classic pilot in Great Mazinger. Venus is now painted red and white. Her weapons are:
o Regular Chest Missiles
o Finger Missile: The classic weapon from the anime.
o Drill Pressure Missile: Venus can fire two giant jet drills from her chest.
o Fire Tornado: Similar to the Blizzard Smash, but this weapon melts everything it touches instead of freezing it.

* Minerva X: Controlled by Maria Fleed, also from Grendizer. Maria has psychokinetic powers that allow her to control the robot thanks to a special helmet that channels her brain waves. At first she uses Minerva against the girls because she holds them responsible for the supposed death of her dog Duke, but later realizes thanks to Hikaru that this wasn't their fault. Duke is later saved and given a prosthetic limb. Minerva's purple color scheme is the most noticeable since it's completely different from the usual Mazinger-like one. She seems to be above the other angels in terms of power, and her weapons are:
o Rocket Punch: The same attack Minerva has in the anime, taken from Mazinger Z; Minerva can fire her fists.
o Breast Fire: Another classic attack from the anime, a powerful beam shot from her chest plates.
o Photon Beams: Optic rays.
o Sirene Mode: Minerva can shift from her regular form to a stronger one, able to fly thanks to wings placed on her head. When transformed she resembles Sirène, a character from Devilman.
o Thunder Breaker: (In Sirene Mode) similar to Great Mazinger's Thunder Break.

Aphrodite, Diana and Venus also have swords called Mazinger Blades.

Take your pick

2010-06-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

I've been following 2 ongoing animes for a time now. Bleach and Naruto. Although, I still favor Bleach than Naruto because I sort of got tired of the plotlines.
Bleach is better. The only let down is the story gets halted at some points to be replaced by fillers due to lack of materials. The writer is a bit slow. In Naruto, it's the same thing although it is better managed.
Still lets see, both are from Shonen Jump and has similar animation. But still, if i have to pick it's Ichigo over Naruto for now at least.

Bleach: Memories of Nobody

2010-05-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

Bleach: Memories of Nobody is a 2006 animated film adaptation of the anime and manga series Bleach. Directed by Noriyuki Abe and written by Masashi Sogo, the film was first released in Japanese theaters on December 16, 2006. The DVD was released in Japan on September 5, 2007. To promote the film, the opening and closing credits for episodes 106 through 109 of the Bleach anime use footage from the film. The film's theme music is "Sen no Yoru o Koete" (千の夜をこえて, Overcome the Thousands of Nights?) by Aqua Timez. The film had a limited theatrical release in America from June 11 to June 12, 2008, and in Canada on October 20, 2008[2] and was followed by the DVD release on October 14, 2008.
Plot

Unidentified spirits begin appearing in Karakura Town. A mysterious Soul Reaper who calls herself Senna appears and begins destroying the spirits. Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki confront her about the situation, but she refuses to answer any questions and leaves. Ichigo follows her while Rukia searches for answers. Ichigo meets up with Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto at the Urahara Shop, who have been sent to earth to investigate why the real world is suddenly appearing as a reflection in the sky in Soul Society.

Kisuke Urahara explains that a dimension between Soul Society and the real world, the Valley of Screams, has expanded to the point that it is connecting the two worlds. The spirits seen earlier are "Blanks", souls without memories that were lost in the space between the two worlds and that comprise the Valley of Screams. The memories of the Blanks combine to form a single being, the "Memory Rosary." Upon further investigation, it is revealed that Senna is this being.

The Gotei 13 are sent to try to deal with the problem of the expanding valley, however the "Dark Ones", a group of exiles from the Soul Society seeking revenge for the past, appeared and captured Senna. They take her to the Valley of Screams and attach her to a device powered by the Blanks that will cause the Valley to collapse, resulting in a collision between the real world and the Soul Society that would destroy both worlds.

Ichigo travels to the Valley to rescue Senna while Rukia goes to get reinforcements from Soul Society. However, Captain Yamamoto wants to destroy the Valley before it collapses and refuses to order a rescue mission with only an hour left. In the Valley, Ichigo is overpowered by the large number of blanks, but he is saved by the arrival of his many friends from the Soul Society. While the group battles the Dark Ones and Blanks, Ichigo battles and eventually defeats their leader, Ganryu.

The process of the collapse has gone too far to be completely stopped. Senna sacrifices herself to push the two worlds back apart to save Ichigo. Senna asks Ichigo to take her to the graveyard so she can see her name on her gravestone. Though the stone is blank, Ichigo lies and tells her that her name is on it. Believing him, she expresses contentment that she once had a life of her own before fading away. Rukia notes that once the power of the Blanks fades away, so will all memories of Senna. After the credits, Ichigo is walking on the bridge where the portal was and sees a red ribbon, the one that he had bought Senna, floating down from the sky then sees a girl who looks just like her running past him, he smiles and continues on with his walk.

A night in Eastwood

2010-05-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

I spent Sunday with my family including my brother's family and my parents. In the morning, we went to GCF-Sta.Rosa then we went to my aunt's at Marikina. In the evening we went to Eastwood. The kids played video games at Time Zone. My aunt who had no children played with her grand nephews and grand nieces.
We ate dinner at Il Pirata Ristorante & Pizzeria. Pastas and meter long pizza. My body is not used to eat like that anymore. Really was full. Service sucked by the way. But all in all, what counted was we met as a family. I hope we can do that again sometime soon.

Election time

2010-05-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

The long wait is finally a few more hours to go. As people get ready to vote and COMELEC is rushing things to the last minute. May 10, 2010 will be at the record books as the 1st automated elections the Philippines have. Pinoys are divided in having so much trust in a COMELEC still with the stigma of Garci, Bedol and Dagdag-Bawas while others are not so trusting anymore. Saving face or not, tomorrow will be vindication day or doomsday.
Millions of pinoys will decide who will lead us for the next 6 years. I'm praying for a peaceful and credible elections but i'm keeping my fingers cross.
I still feel disappointed that our elections are still full of cheating, intimidation and bribery.
We have to stand our ground and be vigilant and watchful. We must not let others dictate what we the people want. Not the feudal lords, not the oligarchs. Not anyone but us. We the people. That's why we vote. Don't freaking sell your votes. Don't let anyone intimidate you.

Go out and vote!

Trinity Blood episode 1

2010-05-02T01:02:00.000-07:00

Anime in the Philippines part 2

2010-04-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

During the 70's a lot of anime features invaded the local TV screen. After a while when dictator Marcos banned such series on TV, a new batch of animes were shown. One was Alakazam the Great based on the Chinese legend Journey to the West, Based on the manga My Son Goku (ぼくのそんごくう, Boku no Son Gokū?) by Osamu Tezuka, he was named as a director of the film by Toei Company.

Alakazam is a young and brave monkey who has been encouraged by all the other monkeys to become their king. After attaining the throne, he becomes rude and dictatorial, and does not believe that human beings are greater than he is. Then he tricks/forces Merlin the magician to teach him magic (reluctantly on Merlin's part, who warns Alakazam that the powers he acquires now will bring him much unhappiness later). Alakazam becomes so arrogant that he abuses his magic powers, and chooses to go up to Majutsu Land (the Heavens), to challenge King Amo. He is defeated by King Amo. For his punishment, he is sentenced to serve as the bodyguard of Prince Amat on a pilgrimage; in order to learn humility, mercy and to fight with wisdom. Ultimately, he learns his lesson and becomes a true hero.

Years later another funny anime made it's way to the TV screen.

Mojacko モジャ公 ('Mojako?) is a 74-episode anime series based on a original Manga series created by Oriental Light and Magic. Directed by Tetsuya Endo, the anime was broadcast on TV Tokyo between October 3, 1995 and March 31, 1997.

Kaze No Stigma

2010-04-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Another anime I'm fond of. Watched this about 2 years ago and it's still one of my favorites.

Kaze no Stigma (風のスティグマ?, lit. Stigma of the Wind) or Kaze no Seikon (風の聖痕?) is a Japanese light novel series written by Takahiro Yamato and illustrated by Hanamaru Nanto. After the death of the author on July 20, 2009, the story remains incomplete at eleven volumes.[1] An anime television series adaptation directed by Junichi Sakata and animated by Gonzo began airing on April 11, 2007.

Kazuma Kannagi was considered useless within his family because he could not use Enjutsu, the power to control flames. When he was defeated by Ayano Kannagi, one of his relatives, in a bout to decide who the wielder of Enraiha, a sword that was wielded by the family heir, he was banished from the family. Four years later, he returns, now a master of Fuujutsu, the power to control wind, with a new name: Kazuma Yagami. Soon after his return, he is reunited with Ayano and his younger brother, Ren, who is also gifted in Enjutsu. Soon, however, Kannagi family members are killed and the murder weapon is revealed to be Fuujutsu. Now Kazuma has to fight his family to prove that he is not the murderer.

Gonzo's Kaze no Stigma animated TV series aired on Japanese broadcasting channels between April 11, 2007 and September 20, 2007, containing twenty-four episodes; it aired in a late night slot. The series was directed by Junichi Sakata. The first DVD release of Kaze no Stigma was released on August 24, 2007. It was released by Funimation in 2009 starting with part 1.^[2] The anime's opening theme is "Blast of Wind" by Saori Kiuji. The first ending theme is "Hitorikiri no Sora" by Saori Kiuji and the second ending theme is "Matataki no Kiwoku" (瞬きのキヲク^?) by Ayumi Fujimura, Yuka Inokuchi and Shizuka Itō.

The major difference between the novel and the anime is the significant darker tone in the novels. The character of Kazuma is much darker in the novel, which depicts him killing most of the antagonistic characters in the series while the anime changes these deaths so Kazuma is uninvolved with them. Other scenes involving gruesome deaths are simply removed.^[3]

Story plots involved spiritual and elemental magicks. Like all anime has a mix of humour, suspense and action all roled into one.

Something you should know

2010-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

We the people are the ones who give these people in government be it elected, appointed or the simple government employee their salaries. It's from our taxes. They should be held accountable on any and every transactions they do.
I discourage any bribery in order to facilitate their jobs. These bastards must learn to serve the people.
And for all these billboards on project made, remember who's money their pork barrel came from. From us, the people.
Stand up for your rights.

2010-04-07T01:51:00.001-07:00

Just tried my hand on sketching a Hawkman figure.

Sexual addiction

2010-03-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Just a topic I like to focus on these days. I'll try to add some more comments but for now this is an introduction:

Sexual addiction
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Sexual addiction refers to the phenomenon in which individuals report being unable to manage their sexual behavior. It has also been called "sexual dependency," and "sexual compulsivity." The existence of the condition is not universally accepted by sexologists and its etiology, nature, and validity have been debated.

Proponents of the concept have offered varying descriptions, each according to their favored model of the putative phenomenon. Proponents of an addiction model of the phenomenon refer to it as "sexual addiction" and offer definitions based on substance addictions; proponents of lack-of-control models refer to it as "sexual compulsivity" and offer definitions based on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); etc. Skeptics believe that it is a myth that the phenomenon exists as a disease or disorder at all and is instead a by-product of cultural and other influences.
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Definition
o 1.1 Terminology
o 1.2 Official status
* 2 Symptoms and proposed diagnostic criteria
o 2.1 Proposals based on addictions models
+ 2.1.1 Carnes
+ 2.1.2 Goodman
o 2.2 Proposals based on obsessive/compulsive models
* 3 Epidemiology
* 4 Etiology
o 4.1 Neurochemical theories
o 4.2 Psychological distress theories
o 4.3 Addiction theories
* 5 Treatment
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 Further reading

[edit] Definition

Sexologists have not reached any consensus regarding whether sexual addiction exists or, if it does, how to describe the phenomenon.[1][2] Some experts[who?] believe that sexual addiction is literally an addiction, directly analogous to alcohol and drug addictions. Other experts believe that sexual addiction is actually a form of obsessive compulsive disorder and refer to it as sexual compulsivity.[3] Still other experts believe that sex addiction is itself a myth, a by-product of cultural and other influences.[4][5]
[edit] Terminology

"Nymphomania" and "satyriasis" are not listed as disorders in the DSM-IV, though they remain a part of ICD-10, each listed as a subtype of "hypersexuality."[6]
[edit] Official status

The American Psychiatric Association publishes and periodically updates the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a widely recognized compendium of acknowledged mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria. The most recent version of that manual, DSM-IV-TR, was published in 2000 and does not recognize sexual addiction as a diagnosis.[7] Although some authors had expressed that excluding sexual addiction from the DSM represents a problem,[8] the proposed diagnosis was rejected for consideration for inclusion in the DSM5.[9] Darrel Regier, vice-chair of the DSM-5 task force, said that "[A]lthough 'hypersexuality' is a proposed new addition...[the phenomenon] was not at the point where we were ready to call it an addiction."

The DSM-IV-TR does, however, include a miscellaneous diagnosis called Sexual Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, and includes as one of the examples of it: "distress about a pattern of repeated sexual relationships involving a succession of lovers who are experienced by the individual only as things to be used." Other examples include: compulsive fixation on an unattainable partner, compulsive masturbation, compulsive love relationships, and compulsive sexuality in a relationship.[7] Hypersexuality, by itself, is a criterion symptom of hypomania and mania in bipolar disorder and mania in schizoaffective disorder as they are currently defined in the DSM.

The World Health Organization produces the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which is used globally and is not limited to mental disorders. The most recent version of that document, ICD-10, includes "Excessive sexual drive" as a diagnosis (code F52.7), subdividing it into satyriasis (for males) and nymphomania (for females).[6]
[edit] Symptoms and proposed diagnostic criteria
[edit] Proposals based on addictions models

Irons and Schneider have noted that "Addictive sexual disorders that do not fit into standard DSM-IV categories can best be diagnosed using an adaptation of the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence."[8] Similarly, Lowinson and colleagues use the addiction model and define sexual addiction as a condition in which some form of sexual behaviour is employed in a pattern that is characterized at least by two key features: recurrent failure to control the behaviour and continuation of the behaviour despite harmful consequences.[10] Patrick Carnes, another proponent of the addiction model of sexual addiction, argued that most professionals in the field agree with the World Health Organization's definition of addiction.[11]
[edit] Carnes

Patrick Carnes, a proponent of the idea of sexual addiction, proposed using:[12]

1. Recurrent failure (pattern) to resist impulses to engage in extreme acts of lewd sex.
2. Frequently engaging in those behaviors to a greater extent or over a longer period of time than intended.
3. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to stop, reduce, or control those behaviors.
4. Inordinate amount of time spent in obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experience.
5. Preoccupation with the behavior or preparatory activities.
6. Frequently engaging in violent sexual behavior when expected to fulfill occupational, academic, domestic, or social obligations.
7. Continuation of the behavior despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, academic, financial, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the behavior.
8. Need to increase the intensity, frequency, number, or risk of behaviors to achieve the desired effect, or diminished effect with continued behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number, or risk.
9. Giving up or limiting social, occupational, or recreational activities because of the behavior.
10. Resorting to distress, anxiety, restlessness, or violence if unable to engage in the behavior at times relating to SRD (Sexual Rage Disorder).

[edit] Goodman

Goodman proposed:[13]
A maladaptive pattern of behavior, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

1. tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
1. a need for markedly increased amount or intensity of the behavior to achieve the desired effect
2. markedly diminished effect with continued involvement in the behavior at the same level or intensity
2. withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
1. characteristic psychophysiological withdrawal syndrome of physiologically described changes and/or psychologically described changes upon discontinuation of the behavior
2. the same (or a closely related) behavior is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
3. the behavior is often engaged in over a longer period, in greater quantity, or at a higher intensity than was intended
4. there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control the behavior
5. a great deal of time spent in activities necessary to prepare for the behavior, to engage in the behavior, or to recover from its effects
6. important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the behavior
7. the behavior continues despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the behavior

[edit] Proposals based on obsessive/compulsive models

Schneider identified three indicators of sexual addiction: compulsivity, continuation despite consequences, and obsession.[14]

1. Compulsivity: This is the loss of the ability to choose freely whether to stop or continue a behavior.[15]
2. Continuation despite consequences: When addicts take their addiction too far, it can cause negative effects in their lives. They may start withdrawing from family life to pursue sexual activity. This withdrawal may cause them to neglect their children or cause their partners to leave them. Addicts risk money, marriage, family and career in order to satisfy their sexual desires.[16] Despite all of these consequences, they continue indulging in excessive sexual activity.
3. Obsession: This is when people cannot help themselves from thinking a particular thought. Sex addicts spend whole days consumed by sexual thoughts. They develop elaborate fantasies, find new ways of obtaining sex and mentally revisit past experiences. Because their minds are so preoccupied by these thoughts, other areas of their lives that they could be thinking about are neglected.

Eli Coleman proposed:[17]

1. involves recurrent and intense normophilic (nonparaphilic) sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, and behaviors that cause clinically significant distress in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; and
2. is not due simply to another medical condition, substance use disorder, or a developmental disorder

[edit] Epidemiology

Sexual addiction is hypothesized to be (but is not always) associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), narcissistic personality disorder,[18][19] and manic-depression.[20] There are those who suffer from more than one condition simultaneously (co-occurring disorder), but traits of addiction are often confused with those of these disorders, often due to most clinicians not being adequately trained in diagnosis and characteristics of addictions, and many clinicians tending to avoid use of the diagnosis at all.[1][21][22]

Specialists in obsessive-compulsive disorder and addictions use the same terms to refer to different symptoms. In addictions, obsession is progressive and pervasive, and develops along with denial; the person usually does not see themselves as preoccupied, and simultaneously makes excuses, justifies and blames. Compulsion is present only while the addict is physically dependent on the activity for physiological stasis. Constant repetition of the activity creates a chemically dependent state. If the addict acts out when not in this state, it is seen as being spurred by the obsession only. Some addicts do have OCD as well as addiction, and the symptoms will interact.[21]

Addicts often display narcissistic traits, which often clear as sobriety is achieved. Others do exhibit the full personality disorder even after successful addiction treatment.[18]
[edit] Etiology
See also: Pornography addiction

Proponents of the concept have described sufferers as repeatedly and compulsively attempting to escape emotional or physical discomfort by using ritualized, sexualized behaviors such as masturbation, pornography, including obsessive thoughts. Some individuals try to connect with others through highly impersonal intimate behaviors: empty affairs, frequent visits to prostitutes, voyeurism, exhibitionism, frotteurism, cybersex, Zoophilia, and the like.
[edit] Neurochemical theories

Earle has argued that neurochemical changes, similar to an adrenaline rush in the brain, temporarily reduce the discomfort an individual experiences with urges and cravings for sexualized behaviors that can be achieved through obsessive, highly ritualized patterns of sexual behavior.[23]
[edit] Psychological distress theories

Patrick Carnes (2001, p.40) argues that when children are growing up, they develop “core beliefs” through the way that their family functions and treats them. A child brought up in a family that takes proper care of them has good chances of growing up well, having faith in other people, and having self worth. On the other hand, a child who grows up in a family that neglects them will develop unhealthy and negative core beliefs. They grow up to believe that people in the world do not care about them. Later in life, the person has trouble keeping stable relationships and feels isolated. Generally, addicts do not perceive themselves as worthwhile human beings (Carnes, Delmonico and Griffin, 2001, p. 40). They cope with these feelings of isolation and weakness by engaging in excessive sex (Poudat, 2005, p.121).
[edit] Addiction theories

According to Patrick Carnes the cycle begins with the "Core Beliefs" that sex addicts hold:[24]

1. "I am basically a bad, unworthy person."
2. "No one would love me as I am."
3. "My needs are never going to be met if I have to depend on others."
4. "Sex is my most important need."

These beliefs drive the addiction on its progressive and destructive course:[24]

* Pain agent — First a pain agent is triggered / emotional discomfort (e.g. shame, anger, unresolved conflict). A sex addict is not able to take care of the pain agent in a healthy way.

* Dissociation — Prior to acting out sexually, the sex addict goes through a period of mental preoccupation or obsession. Sex addict begins to dissociate (moves away from his or her feelings). A separation begins to take place between his or her mind and his or her emotional self.

* Altered state of consciousness / a trance state / bubble of euphoric fantasized experience — Sex addict is emotionally disconnected and is pre-occupied with acting out behaviours. The reality becomes blocked out/distorted.

* Preoccupation or "sexual pressure" — This involves obsessing about being sexual or romantic. Fantasy is an obsession that serves in some way to avoid life. The addict's thoughts focus on reaching a mood-altering high without actually acting-out sexually. They think about sex to produce a trance-like state of arousal to eliminate the pain of reality. Thinking about sex and planning out how to reach orgasm can continue for minutes or hours before they move to the next stage of the cycle.

* Ritualization or "acting out." — These obsessions are intensified by ritualization or acting out. A sex addict first cruises, then goes to a strip show to heighten arousal until they are beyond the point of saying no. Ritualization helps distance reality from sexual obsession. Rituals induce trance and further separate the addict from reality. Once the addict begins the ritual, the chances of stopping that cycle diminish greatly. They give into the pull of the compelling sex act.

* Sexual compulsivity — The next phase of the cycle is sexual compulsivity or "sex act". The tensions the addict feels are reduced by acting on their sexual feelings. They feel better for the moment, thanks to the release that occurs. Compulsivity simply means that addicts regularly get to the point where sex becomes inevitable, no matter what the circumstances or the consequences. The compulsive act, which normally ends in orgasm, is perhaps the starkest reminder of the degradation involved in the addiction as the person realizes they are a slave to the addiction.

* Despair — Almost immediately reality sets in, and the addict begins to feel ashamed. This point of the cycle is a painful place where the Addict has been many, many times. The last time the Addict was at this low point, they probably promised to never do it again. Yet once again, they act out and that leads to despair. They may feel they have betrayed spiritual beliefs, possibly a partner, and his or her own sense of integrity. At a superficial level, the addict hopes that this is the last battle.

According to Mr.Carnes, for many addicts, this dark emotion brings on depression and feelings of hopelessness. One easy way to cure feelings of despair is to start obsessing all over again. The cycle then perpetuates itself.[25]
[edit] Treatment

Numerous professional therapists and counsellors offer treatment for sexual addiction.

In addition, self-help groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Sexual Compulsives Anonymous and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous are popular with proponents of the sexual addiction concept. These are large groups based on the 12-step system of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are various online support forums for these groups as well as meetings in metropolitan areas.

Help may also be available through an out-patient or in-patient program or private counselor.
[edit] See also

* Addiction
* Sex and Love Addiction
* Antisexualism
* Bipolar Disorder
* Cybersex
* Disease model of addiction
* Involuntary celibacy
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Pornography addiction
* Self-help groups / programs: 12 steps:
o Sexaholics Anonymous
o Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
o Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
o Sex Addicts Anonymous
* Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew
* Sexual obsessions

[edit] References

1. ^ a b Francoeur, R. T. (1994). Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in human sexuality, p. 25. Dushkin Pub. Group.
2. ^ Kingston, D. A., & Firestone, P. (2008). Problematic hypersexuality: A review of conceptualization and diagnosis. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 15, 284-310.
3. ^ Mayo Clinic Website
4. ^ Levine, M. P., & Troiden, R. R. (1988). The myth of sexual compulsivity. Journal of Sex Research, 25, 347-363.
5. ^ Giles, J. (2006). No such thing as excessive levels of sexual behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 35, 641-642.
6. ^ a b International Classification of Diseases, version 2007.
7. ^ a b American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (fourth edition, text revision). Washington, DC: Author.
8. ^ a b Irons, R., & Schneider, J. P. (1996). Differential diagnosis of addictive sexual disorders using the DSM-IV. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 3, 7-21.
9. ^ Psychiatry's bible: Autism, binge-eating updates proposed for 'DSM' USA Today.
10. ^ Lowinson, J. H., Ruiz, P., Millman, R. B., & Langrod, J. G. (2004). Substance abuse. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
11. ^ Carnes, P., & Adams, K. M. (2002). Clinical management of sex addiction. Psychology Press.
12. ^ Patrick Carnes; David Delmonico, Elizabeth Griffin (2001). In the Shadows of the Net. p. 31.
13. ^ (Goodman, 2001, pp. 195-196)
14. ^ (1994, p.19-44)
15. ^ (Carnes, Delmonico, & Griffin, 2001, p. 18)
16. ^ Arterburn, 1991, p.123
17. ^ Coleman, E. (2003). Compulsive sexual behavior: What to call it, how to treat it? SIECUS Report, 31(5), 12.
18. ^ a b Ulman, Richard B.; Harry Paul (2006). The Self Psychology of Addiction and Its Treatment. Psychology Press.
19. ^ Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-dependents. 1989. p. 57.
20. ^ Williams, Terrie M. (2008). Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting. Simon & Schuster. p. 114. "[..]diagnosed as bipolar or manic-depressive, but his depression first started manifesting itself as sexual addiction."
21. ^ a b Hollander, Eric; Dan J. Stein (1997). Obsessive-compulsive Disorders. Informa Health Care. p. 212.
22. ^ Couples Therapy. Haworth Clinical Practice Press. 2001. p. 375. "They found that sexual narcissism is more common among men ... These characteristics are also central to the person with a sexual addiction"
23. ^ Earle, R., Crow, G. M., & Osborn, K. (1989). Lonely all the time: Recognizing, understanding, and overcoming sex addiction, for addicts and co-dependents. Simon & Schuster.
24. ^ a b Patrick Carnes, Out of the Shadows
25. ^ Patrick Carnes (2006) Facing the Shadow

[edit] Further reading

Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, a journal in which proponents explore the topic, has devoted an entire issue to AIDS and sex addiction as a worldwide problem.

* Carnes, P. (2005) "Facing the Shadow: Second Edition." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440009
* Carnes, S. (2008) "Mending a Shattered Heart." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440061
* McDaniel, K. (2008) "Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction. Second Edition" Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440030
* Carnes, P. (2007) "Recovery Start Kit." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440023
* Feeney, Judith and Patricia Noller. Adult Attachment. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996.
* Kasl, Charlotte Davis. Women, Sex, and Power: A Search for Love and Power. New York, NY: Harper and Row, 1990.
* Schaumburg, Harry W. False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress 1997.
* Kort, Joe 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives (chapter on sexual addiction relating to gay men) ISBN 1555837824

Alyson, 2003

* Earle, Ralph and Crow, Gregory Lonely All The Time: Recognizing, Understanding and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-Dependents New York, New York: Pocket Books 1989
* Sterry, David Henry I Was a Poster Boy for Sex Addicts. nthWORD Magazine Spring/Summer 2009

Science based (research based) books on sexual addiction:

* Carnes, S. (2008) "Mending a Shattered Heart." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440061
* McDaniel, K. (2008) "Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction. Second Edition" Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440030
* Carnes, P. (2007) "Recovery Start Kit." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440023
* Carnes, P. (2005) "Facing the Shadow: Second Edition." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440009
* Sexual Addiction: an integrated approach, AVIEL GOODMAN, Madison, CT, International *Universities Press, Inc. 1998,ISBN 0 8236 6063
* Carnes, P. (1983). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction. Minneapolis, MN: CompCare.
* Carnes, P. ( 1991). Don't call it love: Recovery from sexual addiction. New York: Bantam Books.
* Carnes P., Kenneth M. Adams (2002). Clinical Management of Sex Addiction.
* Cooper, PhD, Al Cybersex: The Dark Side of The Force A Special Issue of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity.
* Cooper, PhD, Al Sex and the Internet: A Guidebook for Clinicians
* Earle, Ralph, and Marcus Earle Sex Addiction: Case Studies and Management New York: Brunner Mazel, 1995.
* Jennifer Schneider, M.D., Ph.D. and Robert Weiss, M.S.W., C.A.S. Cybersex Exposed.
* Milkman. H., & Sunderwirth, S. (1987). Craving for ecstasy: The consciousness and chemistry of escape. New York: Lexington Books.
* Schaeffer, Brenda Is It Love or is it Addiction? Second Edition Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1997.

Articles in scientific journals:

* Treating the Sexually Addicted Client: Establishing a Need for Increased Counselor Awareness
* W Bryce Hagedorn, Gerald A Juhnke. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling. Alexandria: Apr 2005.Vol.25, Iss. 2; pg. 66.
* Boredom Proneness, Social Connectedness, and Sexual Addiction Among Men Who Have Sex With Male Internet Users
* Michael P Chaney, Andrew C Blalock. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling. Alexandria: Apr 2006.Vol.26, Iss. 2; pg. 111, 12 pgs
* SEXUAL ADDICTION AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: FACILITATING INDIVIDUAL AND RELATIONSHIP HEALING THROUGH COUPLE THERAPY, Mark H Bird. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. Upland: Jul 2006.Vol.32, Iss. 3; pg. 297, 13 pgs
* 'The snake and the seraph'--Sexual addiction and religious behaviour. Thaddeus Birchard. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. Abingdon: Mar 2004. Vol. 17, Iss. 1; p. 81
* Sexual Addiction, Sexual Compulsivity, Sexual Impulsivity, or What? Toward a Theoretical Model John Bancroft, Zoran Vukadinovic. The Journal of Sex Research. New York: Aug 2004.Vol.41, Iss. 3; pg. 225, 10 pgs
* Addictions without substance series part II: Sexual addiction, Thaddeus Birchard. Drugs and Alcohol Today. Brighton: Jul 2006.Vol.6, Iss. 2; pg. 32, 3 pgs
* Understanding sexual addiction, Patrick Carnes. SIECUS (Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.) Report. New York: Jun/Jul 2003.Vol.31, Iss. 5; pg. 5
* Carnes, P., Nonemaker, D., & Skilling, N. (1991). Gender differences in normal and sexually addicted populations. American Journal of Preventive Psychiatry and Neurology, 3, 16-23.
* Cooper, A. (1998). Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the new millennium. CyberPsychology and Behavior, I, 187194.
* Cooper, A, Delmonico, D., & Burg, R. (2000). Cybersex users, abusers, and compulsives: New findings and implications. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7(1-2), 5-29.
* Cooper, A., Scherer, C., Boies, S., & Gordon, B. (1999). Sexuality on the Internet: From sexual exploration to pathological expression. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 30, 154-164.
* Corley, M., & Schneider, J. (2002). Disclosing secrets: Guidelines for therapists working with sex addicts and co-addicts. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 9, 43-67.
* Delmonico, D., & Carnes, P. (1999). Virtual sex addiction: When cybersex becomes the drug of choice. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 2, 457-463.
* Dodge, B., Reece, M., Cole, S., & Sandfort, T. (2004). Sexual compulsivity among heterosexual college students. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 343-350.
* Eisenman, R., Dantzker, M., & Ellis, L. (2004). Self-ratings of dependency/addiction regarding drugs, sex, love, and food: Male and college female students. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 11, 115-127.
* Griffiths, M. (2001). Sex on the Internet: Observations and implications for Internet sex addiction. Journal of Sex Research, 38, 333-342.
* Kafka, M., & Hennen, J. (1999). The paraphilia-related disorders: An empirical investigation of nonparaphilic hypersexuality disorders in outpatient males. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 25, 305-319.
* Kafka M., & Prentky R. (1992). A comparative study of nonparaphilic sexual addictions and paraphilias in men. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 53, 345-350.
* Kalichman, S., & Cain, D. (2004). The relationship between indicators of sexual compulsivity and high risk sexual practices among men and women receiving services from a sexually transmitted infection clinic. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 235-241.
* Kort, Joe (2004). Covert Cultural Sexual Abuse of Gay Male Teenagers Contributing to Etiology of Sexual Addiction, Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, Vol 11, 287-300.
* Quadland, M. ( 1985). Compulsive sexual behavior: Definition of a problem and an approach to treatment. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, II, 121-132.
* Raviv, M. (1993). Personality characteristics of sexual addicts and pathological gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 9, 17-31.
* Reece, M., & Dodge, B. (2004). Exploring indicators of sexual Compulsivity among men who cruise for sex on campus. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, II, 87-113.
* Ross, C. (1996). A qualitative study of sexually addicted women. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 3, 43-53.
* Schneider, J. (2000a). A qualitative study of cybersex participants: Gender differences, recovery issues, and implications for therapists. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 249-278.
* Schneider, J. (2000b). Effects of cybersex addiction on the family: Results of a survey. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 31-58.
* Schneider, J., & Schneider, B. (1990b). Marital satisfaction during recovery from self-identified sexual addiction among bisexual men and their wives. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 16, 230-250.
* Schneider, J., & Schneider, B. (1996). Couple recovery from sexual addiction/co-addiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 3, 111-126.
* Schwartz, S., & Abramowitz, J. (2003). Are nonparaphilic sexual addictions a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder? A pilot study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 10, 372-377.
* Sprenkle, D. (1987). Treating a sex addict through marital sex therapy. Family Relations: Journal of Applied Family and Child Studies, 36, 11-14.
* Swisher. S (1995). Therapeutic interventions recommended for treatment of sexual addiction/compulsivity. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 2, 31-39.
* Wan, M., Finlayson, R., & Rowles, A. (2000). Sexual dependency treatment outcome study. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 177-196.
* Weiss, D. (2004). The prevalence of depression in male sex addicts residing in the United States. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, II, 57-69.
* Young, K., Griffin-Shelley, E., Cooper, A., O'Mara, J., & Buchanan, J. (2000). Online infidelity: A new dimension in couple relationships with implications for evaluation and treatment. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 59-74.
* Yoder, V., Virden, T, & Amin, K. (2005). Internet pornography and loneliness: An association? Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 12, 19-44.
* Kreuger, R. B., & Kaplan, M. S. (January 2002). "Treatment resources for the paraphilic and hypersexual disorders". Journal of Psychiatric Practice 8 (1): 59. doi:10.1097/00131746-200201000-00010.
* Krueger, R. B., & Kaplan, M. S. (Oct-December 2005). "Book Review: Clinical Management of Sex Addiction". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 31 (5): 448–450. doi:10.1080/00926230500189307.
* Laaser, M. R. (1996). "Recovery for couples". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (2): 97–109. doi:10.1080/10720169608400105.
* Nunez, J. (January 2003). "Outpatient treatment of the sexually compulsive ephebophile". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 10 (1): 23–51. doi:10.1080/10720160309047.
* Parker, J., & Guest, D. (January 2003). "Individualized sexual addiction treatment: A developmental perspective". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 10 (1): 13–22. doi:10.1080/10720160309044.
* Schneider, J. P., & Schneider, B. H. (1996). "Couple recovery from sexual addiction/coaddiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (2): 111–126. doi:10.1080/10720169608400106

Why does some people relate this with religion is beyond me.

Philip Tan's Hawkman

2010-03-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

This piece of art is from Philip Tan. He told me Hawkman is one of his favorite DC heroes. I hope they plan on giving him his own title again at DC comics. We'll still see how Blackest Night will treat the Hawks and hopefully see them fly the DC skies again.

formspring.me

2010-02-24T03:25:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/KatarHol5

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths: Executive Producer Bruce Timm offers New Insights on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” and “The Spectre”

2010-02-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

Executive Producer Bruce Timm offers New Insights on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” and “The Spectre”
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Today at 8:25am
Executive producer Bruce Timm offers new perspective on the creation of “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original movies, and “The Spectre,” the inaugural DC Showcase animated short, in an all-new Q&A with the guru of super hero animation.
Batman attempts to save the Earth, er, Earths as he faces off with his evil doppleganger Owlman.

Warner Home Video will distribute the full-length animated Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths on February 23 as a Special Edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def, as well as single disc DVD, and On Demand and Download.

Timm, the executive producer on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” has been the creative force behind many of Warner Bros. Animation’s modern-day successes, elevating DC Comics’ canon of super heroes to new heights of animated popularity and introducing generations of new fans to the characters via landmark television series and made-for-DVD films. The latter task includes the creation of the current series of DC Universe animated original movies, which have drawn critical acclaim and further whetted the public’s appetite for comic book entertainment. “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” is the seventh film in the ongoing DC Universe series.

And here’s what Mr. Timm had to say …

Question:
What excites you about Juctice League: Crisis on Two Earths?

Bruce Timm:
In a weird kind of way, this is a return to my favorite show Justice League Unlimited. The original script was intended to be the bridge story between Justice League and Justice League Unlimited to explain how we went from seven heroes to more than 50 super heroes. We loved the story and the script, and it floated around here for years while we tried to figure out what to do with it – it was considered for a comic, but fortunately that got shot down. Then we took a look at it and, with just a few slight tweaks, we jumped at the chance to make it a DC Universe movie.

Question:
What sets it apart from the TV version of Justice League?

Bruce Timm:
It’s a very satisfying, grand scale adventure movie with a big cast of interesting, quirky characters. It’s amazing how much it feels like a great episode of Justice League Unlimited as a big, epic film with slightly different visual stylings. That’s a good thing.

Question:
Did this film present challenges that the first six DC Universe movies did not?

Bruce Timm:
The biggest challenge, and this is kind of esoteric, was that we had to find the line between the original source material and making it feel like a stand-alone movie so anyone that didn’t watch JLU could follow it. We really didn’t have to tweak the script too much – I think about 95 percent remains untouched. In terms of visual styling, we also wanted it to stand on its own and not necessarily as a continuation of the old show. We have this brilliant character designer – Phil Bourassa – who draws in a style similar to my own in terms of simplicity, but slightly different. So it doesn’t look 180 degrees away from the old show, but it definitely feels unique.

Question:
What are the benefits of having two directors on the same film?

The positive for Sam and Lauren is that having two directors lightens the workload, because it’s a big movie. They have similar strengths, and they’re both very good at what they do. They’re both all around talented in terms of understanding story, acting, the emotional core of the story, and they’re both really good at directing big crazy action scenes. But they’re methodology is different. Sam thinks a lot, he’s very analytical. Lauren is more intuitive about everything. I just kind of stayed out of it when they had disagreements – fortunately I never had to be the tiebreaker, They just worked things out between the two of them.

Question:
What are Dwayne McDuffie’s strengths?

Bruce Timm:
Dwayne is really well-rounded as a writer – he knows comics inside and out, he understands the lore, he knows what makes a good super hero story, and at the same time he’s really good with character dynamics and conflict. Plus he’s one of the best dialogue writers in the business.

Question:
Of this fairly huge casdt, do you have a favorite character?

Bruce Timm:
In this story, it’s probably Owlman. He’s a fascinating character himself, but the dynamic with Superwoman is so messed up as a couple, and yet really appealing in a weird kind of way. It’s a little similar to JLU’s relationship between The Question and Huntress. Superwoman is this badass hot chick, and he’s the quiet, brainy, nerd guy. They’re an interesting, odd couple. Plus I loved both James’ (Woods) and Gina’s (Torres) performances – they were spot-on. The amazing thing is we like to get all the actors to record as an ensemble, but in this case it wasn’t feasible, So they never met or performed together, but they totally mesh. It’s such an interesting chemistry considering they’ve never even met.
Owlman explains his nefarious plot to destroy all Earths with a devastating weapon.

Question:
You’ve brought another all-star cast to this film. Anything fans don’t know about the casting choices this time around?

Bruce Timm:
There’s an interesting side note in that Vanessa Marshall, who plays Wonder Woman, came this close to playing the role in Justice League. We were down to the final two choices, and they were neck and neck. The thing about Vanessa is that she sounded perfect for Wonder Woman – exactly what she should sound like. But Susan Eisenberg had this vulnerability. We thought it would be interesting to not play her to type, which ultimately played really well. When it came to casting for this movie, we thought, “What if we go down the road not taken?” So we opted for Vanessa in a full-length movie and she is great.

Question:
“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” includes the premiere of the first DC Showcase animation short, “The Spectre.” How have the DC Showcase shorts changed your work day?

Bruce Timm:
The DC Showcase is fun because it gives us an opportunity to play with characters that maybe don’t have a broad enough marquee value to support their own movie. As much as I like Batman, Superman, etc., the more lower tier, offbeat characters are really fascinating to me. It’s fun to mess around with others characters in the DC Universe. Super heroes are great, but it’s nice to do a change of pace, and that’s a lot of what we’ve done here. “The Spectre” is a supernatural thriller,; “Jonah Hex” is a western, and so on. So the Showcase is giving us a chance to stretch different muscles.
The Justice League makes its pitch to stand and fight the Crime Syndicate to an alternate Earth’s President Wilson.

Question:
After taking a break from episodic TV for the past several years, are you enjoying a return to the short-form with the DC Showcase?

Bruce Timm:
The interesting thing is these are really short form – they’re half as long as a half-hour TV episode. So the story has to be really tight and condensed – you have to cut away the fat, but it can’t be just wall-to-wall action. It still has to be a story. Fortunately we’re working with some really great writers, and because of that, every time we roll tape on these shorts, they feel like you’ve watched a whole episode of something. There’s a clear beginning, middle and end – a full story. So mission accomplished.

Question:
What made Steve Niles the right guy to write “The Spectre,” and how did you lure him into writing an animated short?

Bruce Timm:
I’ve admired Steve Niles’ work for a long time and, honestly, it would have never occurred to me to approach him. That was Todd Casey’s suggestion. He contacted Steve, and Steve was thrilled to get the assignment. He’s a big Michael Fleisher/Jim Aparo fan, and a big fan of “The Spectre” – especially that 1970s era of the character. Steve is very into crime fiction and horror, so he was the perfect writer for it.

Question:
Does “The Spectre” hold any special significance for you?

“The Spectre” was one of my favorite characters back in the 70s. Even by today’s standards, those comics are pretty hard core, and they were written in 1974, I don’t know how they got some of that stuff past the comic code. It was so different from any other comic on the stands. It’s really dark, really nasty. The character is pretty easy to understand – he’s the dark avenger of the night, even more so than Batman. He punishes bad guys in horrible, horrible ways. He’s like the benign Freddie Krueger. I’ve wanted to use “The Spectre” for a long, long time and we never had a opportunity to do it, and this was our chance to go hog wild with him.

For more information, images and updates, please visit the film’s official website at http://www.JUSTICELEAGUECRISIS.com

Martial Law?

2010-02-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

I got this blog from Ellen Tordisillas, it's an interesting read because in our current society, we have no room for this. Militarism should be stopped.

Raid!

by Michael Tan
Philippine Daily Inquirer

I know some of you are expecting a column about yesterday’s Inquirer forum at UP with the presidential candidates. I have a lot to share about that event, but I have to postpone that article because I want to write about a very urgent issue, one which has implications for the elections.

I’m referring to the raid conducted last Saturday on a health workers’ training seminar organized by an NGO, the Council for Health and Development (CHD), resulting in the arrest of 42 of the workshop participants. That included two physicians, one nurse and one midwife. All the others were community health workers, most of whom were poor farmers or workers who have been trained as paramedics and health educators. The 42 were brought to Camp Panopio in Tanay, Rizal.

The media reports have mostly featured the military’s claims that the workshop participants were rebels and they were being trained to make bombs. There has been little from the detainees themselves because the mass media have been denied access to the prisoners.

My column today mainly uses information from Dr. Delen de la Paz, vice president of Health Action for Human Rights, and press statements from CHD.

The workshop was being held on private property, a farm/resort owned by Dr. Melecia Velmonte, a retired 71-year-old professor emeritus at the UP College of Medicine who often lets health NGOs use her place for such training activities.

Not since martial law have I heard of a military raid on this scale. Dr. Velmonte has been quoted as saying there were at least a hundred soldiers involved when they raided the farm at 6:30 a.m. Many remained in the perimeter of the farm even after the health workers had been hauled off. The military says they had a proper search warrant; CHD says they had none.

What makes the whole incident even more disturbing is that no one was allowed to visit the detainees over the weekend. A few relatives were given permission on Monday and they say that the detainees have been maltreated, with one claiming he was subjected to electric shock during interrogation. Human rights groups are helping relatives and have filed for a writ of habeas corpus with the Supreme Court, which means the military may have to produce the detainees soon.

Escalation?

Until that happens, friends and relatives, as well as many health NGOs, are understandably agitated. Are we seeing a replay of the Marcos dictatorship, where health workers serving the poor are suspected of being subversives? Or is this an escalation of Arroyo-style repression and the regime’s vow to crush the NPA before her term is up?

We tend to associate raids with the police swooping down on prostitution dens, or shabu manufacturers and distributors. But during the Marcos dictatorship, raids were also frequently directed against political dissidents. When martial law was first declared, the military conducted raids throughout the country, arresting people from all walks of life who had been vocal in criticizing Ferdinand Marcos.

The more prominent dissidents at least had some protection because of media coverage and access to lawyers. Soldiers were known to even apologize as they entered homes of such luminaries. Raids in urban poor communities and rural areas were much less civil, soldiers or police storming through the homes (or entire villages) and the military looking for evidence of “subversive” activity, which could be anything from books by Marx to acupuncture needles (because the NPA was known to use alternative forms of medicine). If the military could not find materials, they would often end up “planting” them.

Raids almost always resulted in arrests, and much anxiety on the part of families. After a few months of martial law, it was becoming clear that the military was using torture during interrogation, or worse. This was the time when “salvaging” came into use, a mutation in the meaning of the English word, from “saving” to “executing” or “killing.” Relatives considered themselves lucky if the bodies were found. Others were literally “disappeared,” never to be seen again.

The first few years of martial law were the worst, but with time, organized groups of lawyers, the religious, educators and even doctors began to fight back, pressuring the Marcos government to observe international agreements on human rights.

NGOs were particularly vulnerable to these raids and staff members were trained about their rights, and what moves to make after a raid or arrests. It was not easy defending human rights. I remember that initially to dare to even mention “human rights” was itself considered subversive. Eventually though, “human rights” would enter the language of mainstream Philippine society so that today even government officials use the term.

Elections

Raids on NGOs continued after the dictatorship fell but a democratic regime meant more safeguards. Under the Arroyo administration, the raids stepped up again, together with other human rights violations. These repressive acts became so widespread that the European Union sent in an investigating team who did confirm a pattern of political repression. A government investigation commission headed by Jose Melo (now Comelec chair) was less conclusive, but did acknowledge there were human rights abuses.

Delen de la Paz tells me that when she went around asking for help from government officials, the standard reply she got was: “But they were NPA.” Now even if these workers were NPA, which I doubt, the raids and arrests have to be governed by legal processes. Those who were arrested should have been given immediate access to relatives, as well as to legal and medical support.

In the years after the Marcos dictatorship, I have not heard of a raid on this scale, with so many arrests and with such brazen violation of the rights of detainees. This raid does not augur well for the election campaign. Many candidates will be outspoken in criticizing the government and incumbent government officials. If arbitrariness and impunity are allowed to rule, those in power can easily use the “NPA” tag on anyone who disagrees with them, and can have the military round them up in raids.

We have to pin our candidates down on their positions about human rights. So far, I have only read of statements from Bayan representatives, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Sen. Pia Cayetano, all decrying the raid. Will our presidential candidates, all potential commanders in chief of the Armed Forces, be ready to walk their talk about defending human rights?

Habang nakikinig sa forum ng mga gustong maging Presidente

2010-02-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

Nakikinig ako kanina ng PDI presidential forum sa radio. Hindi ko maiwasan isipin na mas masaya ang pulong kung nandun si ERAP. He'll light up that boring forum.
Yung pagtatanong ay maganda, liban lang, sana debate talaga sila. As it is there was no rebuttal. Parang interview ang nangyari. Jamby and Dick swiped Villar to no end. Noynoy was asked about the separation of state and religion. Yung iba forgettable talaga. I just found out that J.C. Delos Reyes' children goes to public school. That's good. My son also goes to public school. No choice and we must adjust. My daughter malamang next school year lilipat na rin.
Eddie Villanueva still doesn't make sense and really sounds like a pious and self righteous man. Sayang di tinanong kung san galing pondo nya. Or the fact na yung church fund and ginamit nya sa kampanya.
All in all, it really lacked the comedic element which Erap could have provided. Although my mind's already made up on who to vote, we need these kinds of forums to better know who these presidentiables are and what their respective platforms can do.
Good pm.

A new Superman movie

2010-02-05T00:33:00.001-08:00

I'm waiting for Warner to put out a new Superman movie. I really feel it's time to do their follow up to Superman Returns.
I think WB has wasted enough time already. And also, finding the actor to play the role proved to be very difficult for them so why not use who they got?
Anyway, that's just me......
Plot wise, I think there should be a level of xenophobia among the populace of Metropolis. Before hailing themselves a hero they should at least trust him more. Also, the Lois-Clark interaction should be more utilized. Plus please don't make Clark into a nerdy geek again. Please make him more like the George Reeves version. Tough as nail but still mild mannered.

Ha, my weekend has started....LOL

Another Day

2010-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's heat was unbearable. I was in Quezon City then San Juan and finally Makati. The heat made me breath hard. My head was really aching non-stop. Due to my exhaustion I forgot to get my change from the jeepney. There goes my 100 bucks.
I'm just here in the office today. Printing reports again.
Too tired.

What changes do I want?

2010-02-01T22:48:00.000-08:00

We've been calling for changes in our country. Almost everyone wants the same thing although those who support the current administration might disagree.
Now, the May 2010 elections is fast approaching and by next week, it's official campaigning period. Already we have hints on the forerunners. But there is still the cloud of doubt that full automation would push through.
Anyhow, Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar leads the pack in surveys while Erap is running third. Cheating aside, I think these three would battle it out. Every other would be presidential candidate will bite these threes ionic trail.
So what change do I want to see? Seeing as Erap already had his chance and Villar seems to attract people that were with Erap before, I'd go for the one who wants accountability and honesty back in government.
Lets hope he wins. And if not, may our country still prosper.

How a workers' strike became the Luisita Massacre - Special Reports - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

2010-01-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

How a workers' strike became the Luisita Massacre - Special Reports - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

Center of the storm

2010-01-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Manny Villar is once again at the center of the storm. The C-5 fiasco seems to be hounding him to no end as senators throw bricks and stones at each other over their report. Political supporters are at each others throat saying that everything is politically motivated, the timing is in question, why only now? Those kind of BS.
Villar's camp keeps on insisting there was no insertion of anything, while his critics disagrees.
Things get hairy when Villar refused to attend the senate committee of the whole to discuss this matter. IMO, he should just attend since it's not really a trial. Media is making a frenzy over this.
My question is who will gain from this? Will it help the Filipino people in anything?

Programa de Gobyerno

2010-01-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

This is my wish list for the coming president:

1.) Free Education for the masses for all levels.
2.) Free or Affordable housing for every one.
3.) Affordable prices for basic commodities.
4.) Pollution free power.
5.) No graft and corruption, or persecute those caught.
6.) Realistic and sustainable economic advances.
7.) Better roads and infrastructures.
8.) Self reliant Agriculture sector.
9.) Manageble population growth

I'll probably add more since only a genie can give such things now.....

Last January 16

2010-01-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

It was my late sister's birthday last January 16, 2010. She would have been 41 if she did not die almost 21 years ago. I still miss her you know. My mom and dad misses her also. My mom just got over her death last year. It took her 20 odd years to get over it. She died of Leukemia. She was 20 that year. She was about to graduate cum laude at FEU.
I miss my sister. I'm hoping 1 day, we'll all see each other again somehow. You know, a person near death sees dead people. Sort of fetching them. My sister saw my great grandmother who we did not meet ever.
21 years of living without her was hard on all of us but life goes on.
I can't help the tears from flowing in my eyes......

Miss you Bing-bing.....

formspring.me

2010-01-14T03:36:00.001-08:00

what's your favorite comic book?

hmmmmmmmmm
Hawkman

Ask me anything

My last 3-day adventure

2010-01-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

I started doing the applications for renewal for business permits of our clients since Tuesday. I went to get Barangay clearances and the actual getting in line and start the process of applying. Since last week, I've been readying those clients assigned to me.
Observing the process inside city hall (that's Sta Rosa, Laguna), lots of people are applying since the deadline is fast approaching. Good thing if you know a few people inside, or even if you don't the process is fast enough.
Some municipal people accept gifts from applicants but others don't or at least not seen outside. I remember my former boss who told me, If you get offers for the work you do, accept it. Nothing bad about it. But if you ask for gifts in exchange for favours then that's extortion.
From a private corporation point of view, you avoid those stuffs but rarely could deny suppliers from giving you something. For government people, it's different because public servants should at least have an image of honesty.
This morning, when I was waiting for my papers to be processed, I heard someone who signs the application said to another applicant that she's getting hungry. And she straightly said for me to give the encoders something for snacks. Well since favors are favors and you can only give as high as P500 it's ok. Just to get a move on and finish my task. I did the process, I waited in line even if I did pay someone something, I didn't let anyone else do my work for me.
At least it's for services rendered, you know how much these encoders earn for government work?
This is my first time to do this sort of job. So I'm just observing as I go by. You cannot believe the gall of BIR examiners. But that is another story, and I have more paper work to do today.

Villar is Gloria's boy?

2010-01-11T03:12:00.000-08:00

Been having a discussion with friends over Manny Villar's commercial on TV. Man, whoever thought of that ad is one sick fellow. I mean, having kids sing that Manny can make all of us rich is too good to be true. It's downright a lie.
I'm wary of would-be messiahs who come to us common people with dreams of grandeur and false promises. Like Gloria Arroyo before him, he spouts the same thing she does.
Survey shows that Manny is gaining ground next to Noynoy. His funding is enormous. Being the richest senator can do that.
Villar is also involved in the overprice of the C-5 road project in which his subdivisions are the beneficiaries.

check this out:

Yellow Pad -- By Filomeno S. Sta Ana III

Villar’s leadership

Manny Villar is on a roll. The latest survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) shows that he has narrowed the gap between him and Noynoy Aquino, the frontrunner, to 11%. The survey came in the wake of a media blitzkrieg during the holiday season.

A friend of mine, an executive in a major television network, conservatively estimates that Villar has spent P2 billion since the third quarter of 2009 for his media campaign. (Other estimates are on the high side, ranging between P3 billion and P4 billion.)

His ads are very populist. In one ad, responding to Michael V’s complaint about the prohibitive cost of education, Villar says that college education must be free. Why Villar focuses on college education, not on basic education, which is a bigger problem, is easy to answer. Villar wants to get the vote of college students. Elementary and high school children don’t vote.

Populist rhetoric works during elections; that was part of Gloria Arroyo’s tactics in 2004. She ordered a price subsidy on electricity, mainly benefiting the rich and the non-poor; she wasted billions of pesos for dole-out; she stalled revenue-enhancement reforms so she would be popular. All this led to a fiscal crisis, and the people had to suffer from the consequences of Arroyo’s irresponsible populism. But Arroyo won the elections -- her populist rhetoric and action attracted votes, though the decisive factor was the cheating.

Villar is doing a Gloria. Villar, like Gloria, is a master of populist language bordering on demagoguery. He even adopts the program of the Left so he can get its command votes. In his obsession to win the presidency, this multibillionaire has wooed a force that regards him a class enemy. (Incidentally, Gloria also forged tactical ties with the Left in the 2004 elections.)

And Villar is doing to Noynoy what Gloria did to Fernando Poe, Jr. in 2004: question the leadership qualities of his main rival.

The Villar camp attributes the gain from the latest SWS survey to "the shift in voting preference over the last three weeks in December as respondents start to put a premium on proven competence, leadership and accomplishments." And in a televised debate that was staged immediately after the release of the SWS survey, Villar highlighted again the issue of competence and leadership.

The problem is that Villar’s propaganda on leadership will backfire.

One of the enduring quotes from Winston Churchill is: "The price of greatness is responsibility." Villar, however, has exhibited recklessness and waste, not responsibility.

Let’s take another look at his ad where he promises free college education. If only the Philippine government were very rich in revenues, free college education would have been a viable option. But because of the severe lack of resources, the next administration must specify the priority spending. And undoubtedly, basic education must be the top priority because it has a bigger impact on poverty reduction and has higher social returns.

It is the mark of irresponsibility for Villar to promise many good things like free college education, without identifying where he will get the resources.

Villar would have a more responsive contribution to society, at the same time he would gain political capital, if he devoted the billions that he spends on ads to the housing and education projects initiated by civil society -- like Tony Meloto’s Gawad Kalinga on housing and Nene Geuvara’s Synergeia on basic education. Let an undergrad economics student calculate the opportunity costs of the billions that Villar spent for his media campaign at a very early stage of the campaign.

Villar is thus the opposite of a good leader who knows how to husband resources and use such resources efficiently.

Villar also boasts of his performance in the Senate to boost his claim of being a good leader. But let us not forget how Villar turned against the very institution that he once led as he resisted the Senate inquiry into the controversial C5 project. The C5 controversy, at the very least, exposed Villar’s conflict of interest with regard to the budget insertion.

In fact, Villar did a Gloria act by boycotting the Senate inquiry and by condemning his fellow senators for prejudging the case. This was the same way Gloria rejected the Senate in relation to the notorious ZTE-NBN deal.

At any rate, Villar is correct in making leadership a main issue in the elections. He may be a good manager, but he misses the point that what we need now is someone who will rebuild the institutions that Gloria has destroyed.

And there’s the rub. Villar’s leadership is no different from Gloria’s.

To repeat what Churchill said, "the price of greatness is responsibility." We can also quote Dwight Eisenhower, Churchill’s ally during World War II: "The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office."

Unfortunately, Villar has neither responsibility nor integrity. He does not adhere to the ethics of honesty, uprightness, and transparency. He makes money do the talking, but he veers away from obligations, accountabilities, and tradeoffs. He is another Gloria.

My birthday Celebration

2010-01-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

Taken from Yellow Cab Pizza Tagaytay
I was looking for a place to pee
My dad being the center of attention
My daughter with her lola
Me and my wife

Anyway, spent time with my whole family yesterday. Fun was the word. My dark world was brighter for a while. I wore Noynoy Aquino's and Eddie V's color yellow. Hah!
I really wanted to try mushroom burger but the kids out voted me so we ended up at Yellow Cab Pizza where my son had 4 big slices and my 2 nephews had 3 slices each. I had pasta.
My brother ever wanting to do the same said that he hoped we celebrate his birthday like that come April. Hehehe

Boring day

2010-01-04T23:27:00.000-08:00

I can't help but feel bored today. It must be the weather. Early mornings are so cold but by the time it's noon, it's so hot.
Been doing some reports for the quarter ended December 2009. Still got lots to do. I'm swamped in paperworks and printing works.
Aside from that, we still got really a bundle to do. Sigh.
So sleepy.......

Why am I not surprised?

2010-01-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

The trial for the Maguindanao Massacre has started today. The principle suspected master mind Andal Ampatuan Jr has pleaded not guilty. This is going to be a long circus of a trial. And while lawyers and government prosecutors battle it out in the legal arena, the family of the almost 60 victims wait for justice to be done.
I'm really not surprised that Ampatuan pleaded not guilty. He has the resources to make this trial a prolonged one. This will be dragging on and on for years IMHO.
People are angry and restless, this is a real test for our judicial system.

Clearing my stuffs

2010-01-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking of clearing some stuffs I have at our room. It's really inviting dust to settle. My old comic books collection although shelved needs to be boxed again. The only reason I shelved those in the first place was because flood waters entered our house way back in 2007 causing some books to be soaked. Also I need to arrange my DVD collections. I need to get rid of some really tacky DVDs I bought. Our room is getting smaller and smaller. The kids added some PlayStation disc to the fray so I really need to make room.

My wife always complains about my comic books which is leading me to clean house again.

Waiting for a new Hawkman book

2010-01-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

It's 2010 and already I'm hoping DC comics publish a new Hawkman book.
Hawkman was created by Gardner Fox and Dennis Neville in 1939-1940 as a backup to The Flash comics. Since then it has endured as a comicbook characters. Originally an American Archeologist and later an Alien cop, Hawkman together with Hawkgirl (woman) has lasted 70+ years.

Over time Hawkman has had revisions and re-interpretations but his essence lives on. This year, Hawkman will be featured in Smallville. Can't wait to watch that.

Fly Hawkman fly.

2010 the new year

2010-01-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog here at this site. A decade have passed since the dawn of Y2K. I can't believe it's been that long. Man, 10 years have passed since then. A new decade dawns.
I hope that this year will be better for all of us. Specially here in our country.
Happy New Year