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Stopping climate disaster from becoming reality

August 31, 2007


Reflections on the film The Day After Tomorrow

The Day After Tomorrow takes us to one of the many possible future scenarios that faces our planet, the very real possibility of catastrophic man-made disaster. And although the scenes portrayed in the film were somewhat exaggerated, altogether, the film raises a point that is very relevant to every one of us.

The film essentially showed the perils resulting from human kind’s reckless abuse of nature, especially through the wasteful burning of harmful fossil fuels such as coal and other substances. This is directly related to the long standing issues of energy consumption and conservation in the poorer nations.

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Bahay Kubo Research: An Initiative for Science

August 21, 2007

Bahay Kubo Research
One sees the lack of scientific tradition in our country, and asks why. The reason is that we have not actively pursued the establishment of a network of Filipinos who are united to make a stand for science. There is a lack of scientific awareness among the general public, a lack of role models that the youth can emulate and identify with. If asked to name any scientific icon in Philippine history, would there be any name that immediately comes to mind? Do we know how many scientists we have in the country and all over the world? Do we have any ideas of what scientific achievements they have amassed in their respective fields? The answer is NO. We don’t have an inkling of how the Filipino potential in the field of S&T is being harnessed, nationally and globally.

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The Night Manila Rattled and Rolled

August 21, 2007

Reflection of a Construction_erisac

I was roused from sleep by the sound of creaking wood, as well as by the gentle yet highly unusual swaying of the bedroom. It felt as if I were aboard an ageing wooden boat. The thought of my father who was buried only a day or two immediately came to mind. I suspected that he might have returned to haunt us. But why in such horrific manner?

Suddenly my eldest brother, Junior, came to turn on the light in the bedroom. And with alarming urgency, he ushered me and my visiting cousins out of the bedroom and into the living room. It was then I realized that this was something beyond some ghostly visitation.

Through the huge windows of the living room, what greeted me was an eerie sight: In the middle of the night, the whole neighborhood was up with their lights on; silently looking out their windows as if expecting a major parade about to pass.

And then suddenly, another tremor shook the earth. But this time, there were screams that echoed from every direction. We stood there terrified; others cried while crouched in a corner. My religious aunt repeatedly shrilled that the world was about to meet its apocalyptic end; heightening the already distressful situation. She finally stopped when Tia Inez hurled a rubber slipper at the back of her head.

Click to read the entire entry. 

Laser printers pose health risk

August 3, 2007

A study found out that emissions from office laser printers can be as unhealthy as cigarette smoke. Smoking ban in some country are already taking its effects but it seems that people has new reason to worry.

The average printer releases toner particles that can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular trouble, according to Morawska’s team, part of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, and specialists in atmospheric particles. CNET news

The researchers tested 62 laser printer models and found that 17 of them were “high emitters” of toner particles. Although these particles have not had examined for chemical contents but these were considered carcinogens [agents causing cancer].

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2007 State of the Nation Address

July 23, 2007

The 2006 SONA was a load of crap, a circus act of some sorts that the midget proclaimed a unity call for everyone, even her enemies. This year’s SONA is another one. Or rather a much bigger pile of shit.

 

“I’d rather be right than popular.”

PGMA’s 2007 SONA is an irony. What does she mean by being “right”? In her small deluded mind, she brags that the Human Security Act will protect our rights and shield us from terrorists. I must admit that enacting such a law is a step in securing peace but without able-bodied and sane executors of this law, in less than a year, I think almost everyone who opposes the administration will be P500,000 richer. Does she think that she and her minions have gotten away with murder, with their so-called unexplained deaths? Being right entails having morals, not pseudo laws and shitty promises. No wonder she’s never popular.

 

“The President is as strong as she wants to be.”

Admittedly, I have to agree on this. But I think she should have said something like, “The President is now as strong as Marcos.” I believe that quote is more fitting for her stature. What has happened to her impeachment case? Dead. The sad part in all of this is that the supposed opposition senators are now sliding comfortably under PGMA’s blanket of security. The young GO senators are now out for themselves, busy preparing for the 2010 elections. Politics is really dirty, and everyone who sinks their hands in it are drawn into a world of unparalled stupidity, selfishness and greed. Honestly, I’d like to think that we have a genuine opposition against the midget tyrant. But for now, I see none.

 

Uulitin ko: Hindi ako sagabal sa ambisyon ninuman. But make no mistake, I will not stand idly when anyone gets in the way of the national interest and tries to block the national vision,”

What national interest, national vision? I think she means her plans to terminate democracy and decency in the country. PGMA has to realize that she has to stop addressing herself in the 3rd person perspective. No one is standing in her way, not even her puny shadow. She is the one standing in everyone’s way, how dare she point her fingers to us!

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Math Model Helps Cure Hepa-C

July 20, 2007

Hepatitis C VirusAnother excellent breakthrough in the field of science and medicine. A joint research by specialists in University of Haifa(Institute of Evolution) and Indiana University recently discovered a mathematical method that is able to indentify genes that battle against viruses and diseases in our body. Based on a research lead by Dr. Leonid Brodsky and Dr. Milton Taylor, they’ve already identified over 37 genes(out of possible 20,000 genes) that help in combating the Hepa-C strain.

According to Dr. Brodsky, “”When we know which genes are responsible for fighting the viruses which attack our liver, we will be able to look for the medications which will activate these genes most favorably”. He further added, “”In the specific case of hepatitis C, we have now isolated the genes that show which patients will respond to treatment. Until now, all patients received treatment for an extended period of time without knowing whether or not they would respond. In the future, we hope to find other medications that will be more effective in activating all of the 37 genes.”
(read more…)

The New 7 Wonders of the World

July 9, 2007

Lisbon, Portugal, July 7, 2007 - The world saw the results of the global election that elevated the status of 7 man-made monumental sites as the New Seven Wonders of the World.

From the Seven Ancient Wonders List made by Herodotus and Callimachus of Greek, the election was based from internet votes and telephone/cellphone votes of candidates for the New 7 Wonders. The list of 177 nominees, the candidates was narrowed to 21 sites, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, and later the Pyramids was proclaimed as an honorary delegate, for its status being the only remnant of the Ancient Wonders.

Here is the list of the New 7 Wonders of the World (Credits to Wikipedia)

Wonder Attributes Location Image
Great Wall Perseverance, Persistence Flag of People's Republic of China China The Great Wall in the winter
Petra Engineering, Protection Flag of Jordan Jordan The Treasury at Petra
Christ the Redeemer Welcoming, Openness Flag of Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
Machu Picchu Community, Dedication Flag of Peru Perú View of Machu Picchu
Chichen Itza Worship, Knowledge Flag of Mexico Yucatán, Mexico El Castillo being climbed by tourists
Colosseum Joy, Suffering Flag of Italy Rome, Italy exterior view of the best-preserved section
Taj Mahal Love, Passion Flag of India Agra, India Taj Mahal
Great Pyramid of Giza
(Honorary Candidate)
Immortality, Eternity Flag of Egypt Cairo, Egypt Pyramide Kheops

Electric Jeepney

July 7, 2007

A few days ago, I read that two electric jeepneys were leased to Makati. I appreciate the efforts of Makati City to reduce pollution and hope that more cities would follow.

There are just two things that would hinder such project unless it would have generous sponsors. First, I read that a unit costs around Php300K. Secondly, it would take about 8 to 12 hours charging in a plant for the automobile to run around 80 to 100 km.

I hope that scientists would invent a way to reduce the cost of the vehicle and the charging time, esp. if these units would be soon sold to private corporation or individuals. It may discourage a lot of people to support anti-pollution sentiments if cost would be such high.

Electric Jeepney

Humans think: Discover Skepticism

June 29, 2007

skeptic.jpg

All our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike — and yet it is the most precious thing we have.

—Albert Einstein

For the open-minded, the site Skeptic - Extraordinary Claims, Revolutionary Ideas, and Promotion of Science is one of those websites worth your online reading time.

Web content includes features articles, reviews, or opinions on current events related to science and skepticism. The Skeptic Reading Room also features debates like:

In my particular interest is reading about creationism vs. evolution which have been the hot topic nowadays, with the noticeable increase in debates on the return of teaching creation based on the Bible as science in schools and the rise of creationist museums.

There are also, of course, a lot of articles that can introduce you to skepticism.

You can also subscribe to their mailing list, ESkeptic, and you’ll be sent their featured articles and reviews. I don’t think their magazine, the Skeptic, is available in the Philippines. However, you can subscribe to it online.

To know more, read “Discover Skepticism“.

Sum Ergo Cogito

— I Am Therefore I Think.

is it due to environment or genes?

June 27, 2007

“The way we think may be influenced by the quality of “fuel” we feed to our system”

Many people believe that intelligence is hereditary in nature. Others would argue that intelligence is nurtured over the years. What is this so called, “intelligence”? Intelligence is a property of mind that encompasses many related activities, such as the capacities to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend ideas and language, and learn.
When a child is intelligent, others would probably say that the child has received good genes from their parents. There seems to be a correlation between IQ and genes. This holds true even with dogs. Dogs like Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, etc. have higher intelligence as compared to unknown cross-breed dogs which are commonly found in the streets. In the BBC featured article on Genius of genes, there is a part of the human genome which involved in developing the person’s intelligence. This means that researchers believe the genetic influences affect person’s intelligence quotient. Infact, a team of scientists led by School of Medicine psychiatric geneticists confirmed a link between a gene CHRM2 and performance IQ, which involves a person’s ability to organize things.
On the other hand, many people argue that intelligence can be nurtured.
Please read more>>

The Saint

May 29, 2007

Once there was a man who is a Personal Manager of a publication house.
He was ordered by the higher ups to fire the old workers to make salary for the new and fresh blood.
He quickly refused the order.
He resigned to give the old employees their salary.
Then he drove a school bus.

56. My dad
I am so sorry to say that the person ( I somehwat loved )

57. Anti-depressants
Recently (afternoon of May 28th), I got myself ( rehabilitated )

For those people there, was that a Nervous breakdown?

58. Manny VIlliar!!!
When we were talking, she came up ( to the pound )

Others

May 21, 2007

51. Adventures.

I had work ( Read more… )

[written before this]
52. Nature and Nurture?

I have experienced ( Read more… )

I listened to Madonna’s Hey You… it was fabulous

Even Organgutans Play Video Games

May 2, 2007

Ever wondered why some of your online-game enemies acted like a monkey?
Well, in Atlanta, USA, Orangutans in a zoo are playing video games - all in the name of science.
Bernas and his mother, Madu, 2 Sumatran Orangutans in the Atlanta Zoo are playing video games on a touch screen monitor while scientists study the cognitive skills of the orange and brown primates.
The orangutans use a touch screen built into a tree-like structure that blend in with their zoo habitat. Visitors watch from a video monitor in front of the exhibit.
>> Read the rest of this entry >>

Earth Day On Blogosphere

April 22, 2007

As I hop around the blogosphere, am kinda surprise that only a few, if none at all, Filipinos, that blogged about “Earth Day”. On this note, allow me to discuss more about the subject and refer you to other bloggers to get a different perspective.
Please read the rest at Sonnie’s Porch

An Inconvenient Truth: Watch it for FREE

April 18, 2007

I received this advise from our booking, please pass the word.

On Earth Day, April 22, 2007, SM Cinema, together with DENR, Earth Day Network Philippines, and Magnavision, invites you to watch free screenings of “An Inconvenient Truth” at 1PM, 3PM, and 5PM on the following theaters:

Read more

There’s More To Spider-Man Than The Sexy Outfit

April 16, 2007

I knew it. It isn’t just about Peter Parker being a sensitive, compassionate guy. It isn’t just about Spidey being a crime fighter with superpowers. It isn’t even about those cute, tight buns that got M.J. hooked. The spider venom may have rendered our hero the stamina to last longer in bed too.

A study conducted at an Israeli hospital, and involving the black widow and two other species, seeks to find the possibility of using venom to treat erectile dysfunction after finding out that patients bit by spiders are experiencing prolonged erections, too.

black widow

This should be interesting. Although not a novel idea, it could give Viagra, Cialis and the like, a run for the money, if the substance gets identified, subjected to pharmacologic testing, and verified to be relatively safer, if not as potent than current treatments.

A question remains, though. Will treated patients wield web slinging abilities, too? -)

Beam Me Up, Shepardy

January 5, 2007

The Blue PlanetHow would you like to go to space? Ever since man walked on the moon, we have been fascinated with the idea that someday commoners like us would finally be able to travel into space. The view of the earth alone from outer space is in itself breathtaking, often described to be one of the most exhilarating experiences anyone can have. Unfortunately, not everyone can be an astronaut. But if space travel were available commercially, and at an affordable price, wouldn’t you want to go and experience it for yourself?

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Pinoy’s won’t need LPG someday!

December 28, 2006

No it will not be a dream anymore. This dream materialized with the recent invention of our fellow Filipino engineers.

A newly invented gas stove by 2 Filipino engineers will make Philippines LPG-free someday that is, we will be free of the hazards of LPG. Further, the new innovation will also cut off the demand for firewoods; our remaining forests can be saved.
Read more

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