tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51076217232154654382024-03-14T02:19:31.200+08:00Discussed Thing with Shirō Amakusa:poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-67118300441999596952020-10-20T17:31:00.021+08:002021-02-10T10:28:58.711+08:00Suggestions On How To Make Philippine Basketball More Exciting To Watch<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_y8QIy8j_w/X46u0t5wb4I/AAAAAAAAEbY/0ZKoUANrrvwaae_ZFdnf-Jg2n16HjrFMACNcBGAsYHQ/s620/ginebra-vs-magnolia.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_y8QIy8j_w/X46u0t5wb4I/AAAAAAAAEbY/0ZKoUANrrvwaae_ZFdnf-Jg2n16HjrFMACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ginebra-vs-magnolia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We Filipinos are passionate for basketball as much as other people in the world love football or soccer. I even consider this as our religion, our de facto national sport. However, with the changing times, our national tradition to the sport seems slowly becoming obsolete in my perspective. Thus, I will give to you my suggestions that will make this sport more exciting to watch in the foreseeable future.</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Changing The Format Of The PBA</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As we all know, the Philippine Basketball Association is the premier professional basketball league in the country. Its three-conference format (Philippine, Commissioner's and Governor's Cups) makes us watch basketball all-year long. However, with our current obligations with FIBA, not to mention Gilas Pilipinas going stronger than ever as time goes by, there will be a possibility that the season will extend up to the next year (just like what happened in the 2019 season), which will definitely affect the scheduling of its subsequent seasons.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To maintain the one-season-per-year schedule, the possible solution for this is to change the current format. My suggestion would be to split the twelve teams into two conferences of six teams each, similar to the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Let's say we will call these two conferences National and Metropolitan. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To make it more exciting, a complex set of rules will be implemented. The National Conference will retain the usual PBA hybrid rules, but the Metropolitan Conference will adapt the old Metroball rules of the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). Yes, we will see again the 23-second shot-clock, the free three, the Blitz period and other unique rules that formed the fast-paced gameplay of the old league. This format will be similar to that of Major League Baseball (MLB), wherein the American League operates under a designated hitter rule, while the National League does not.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since the three-conference format will be abolished, we will never see the usual All-Filipino and reinforced tournaments. However, tournament scheduling will be on a four-year cycle where we see an all-Filipino Philippine Cup played on odd-numbered years, a reinforced Commissioner's Cup on an even-numbered common year, and an invitational Governor's Cup on an even-numbered leap year. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the Commissioner's Cup, as usual, each team will require one import to bolster their ranks, with the import being no taller than 6'10". Meanwhile, on the revamped Governor's Cup, each conference will invite four foreign teams to play alongside the twelve reinforced teams with two imports. One must be 6'10" and below while the other must be 6'5" and below. The lowest performing teams from China's CBA, South Korea's KBL, Japan's B-League and Australia's NBL will be eligible to enter. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the elimination round of every tournament, each team will play against another team in their conference three times, and a team on the other conference twice, each team playing 27 games. The top four seeds of each conference will play in the playoff round which will be played under NBA rules. The National champion and the Metropolitan champion will then face off in the finals for the Jun Bernardino Perpetual Trophy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As for hiring players, all full-blooded and half-Filipino players will be eligible for the PBA Draft, while foreigners (that includes those who are born in the Philippines), naturalized Filipinos and players with 1/4 or 1/8 Filipino blood will be considered as imports, will go to a direct hiring process, and will only be eligible to play for Commissioner's and Governor's Cups.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the event of an expansion, the PBA must admit two expansion teams, one filling each conference. If that happens, we might see corporate companies like SM and Hapee to join the league in the future.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>PBA Going Regional</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of PBA's future plans is to convert all twelve teams from commercial to semi-regional, with each representing a city or province in the Philippines. However, it will be more exciting if all teams go full-regional, with the commercial brands becoming all but mere sponsors like we see on the jerseys of other sports clubs worldwide. This will certainly make a huge fanbase as each city or province will root for their team. This will also enable the weaker teams bolster their fanbases, if not balance the fanbase of each team, since most franchises like Ginebra and Purefoods (Magnolia) have a nationwide following.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As for team naming, it must be the city/province followed by the commercial brand, then the nickname. The logo design should have the city/province name bigger than the commercial brand. The PBA should also not allow teams having the same nickname (i.e. CBA having three "Tigers" and two "Lions" teams, PSL having two and PVL having three "Spikers" teams, MPBL having three "Sardines" teams, etc.) to make each of them unique and distinct from each other.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Alternatively, if the PBA would go on a similar route as that of NPB, with some teams sticking to commercial and others going semi-regional, the rule should be each team must have a regional representation (i.e. Yomiuri Giants representing Tokyo, Hanshin Tigers representing Nishinomiya, etc.). However, it does not necessarily mean each team will have its own home court, but once the PBA increases its revenue, then we may be able to see that.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Thing About Grand Slam</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the current three-conference format, winning the Philippine, Commissioner's and Governor's Cups is considered a Grand Slam. However, this is one of the numerous misnomers Filipinos have.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Winning <b>three</b> championships is technically called a <i><b>Triple Crown</b></i>, similar to that of American horse racing (which consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes). A <i><b>Grand Slam</b></i> is when a team wins <b>four</b> championships, like in tennis (Wimbledon, US Open, French Open and Australian Open). My proposed four-tournament cycle will correct that misnomer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Winning the two Philippine Cups and the Commissioner's Cup will be the Triple Crown, which will result in the winning team having permanent possession of the Perpetual Trophy. If the team also wins the Governor's Cup, it will be considered a Grand Slam. However, it may be difficult to achieve that feat given the fact that the four teams from China, Korea, Japan and Australia may be stronger than us despite having a poor performance in their home leagues.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In addition to the PBA Grand Slam, there should be an individual Triple Crown and Grand Slam for each Filipino player. For a Triple Crown to be met, one must win a PCCL championship, an MPBL championship, and a PBA championship, regardless of the tournament. Winning the William Jones Cup alongside the aforementioned three will be called a <i><b>Super Slam</b></i>. Winning a gold medal in the Asian Games alongside the aforementioned four will be called a <i><b>Golden Slam</b></i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, unlike tennis that require each player to win all championships in the same year, our version of the individual Grand Slam will follow the formats used in professional wrestling, wherein the player must win the said championships throughout the course of his career.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Promotion-Relegation System and Farm Leagues</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having a promotion-relegation system similar to football/soccer will make Philippine basketball more exciting. For those who don't know, a promotion-relegation system is a process wherein teams of clubs are transferred between tiered divisions based on their performance in a season. If this will be implemented, then we see two promotion-relegation systems.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The first promotion-relegation system will be exclusively used for the PBA and PBA D-League. In this format, two low-ranking teams, one for each conference, will be relegated back to the D-League, while the top two D-League teams, usually the champion and the runner-up, will be promoted to the PBA. It is up to the latter's decision which conference will the promoted teams be placed. In the event a PBA franchise is disbanded or merged to another team, then the D-League will promote another team to the PBA to fill the void. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In this format, however, there will be no longer PBA affiliate teams in the D-League, since all teams in both leagues will be considered PBA franchises. League expansion in the PBA will also not be possible since all new franchises must either enter the D-League first or purchase an existing PBA franchise, should a company-owner plans to sell it. In addition, trades will occur within the tier. Thus, if a PBA star player is relegated to the D-League, the only way to return to the PBA is by having his team make it to the D-League Finals.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The second promotion-relegation system will be used for semi-professional leagues like the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), our version of the National Basketball League (NBL), Community Basketball Association (CBA) and the upcoming VisMin Super Cup (VMSC), which will open in 2021. This system will serve as a "farm league" for the PBA, since they are playing under either FIBA or amateur basketball rules (for minor, regional grassroots leagues) and most of the players are homegrown (that is, from the general area the team is representing). In this format, the two lowest ranking MPBL teams, one each in the North and South, will go to NBL. The two lowest-ranking NBL teams in Manila or Luzon will go to CBA, and the two lowest-ranking NBL teams in Visayas or Mindanao will go to VMSC. The lowest-ranking CBA and VMSC teams will then be relegated to the minor leagues, and so on. In turn, the top champions in the minor leagues will go to CBA and VMSC, the CBA and VMSC champion, along with their runners-up, will go to NBL; and the NBL champion and runner-up will go to MPBL. PBA and D-League teams will then have the freedom to choose which of these teams will be their affiliate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So these you have it, my suggestions on how to make our basketball habit more exciting. I know this will be complicated to some people, but if you are aware of how other sports leagues in the world are running, I am sure you will take some, if not all of it, into consideration.</p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-8428036840011708662020-10-19T23:35:00.000+08:002020-10-19T23:35:09.301+08:00Three Things WWE Needs to Get Brock Lesnar Back<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG5Cf9biaBA/X42wkct12hI/AAAAAAAAEa4/50xQji5eIJc0zuLrbz5DSATmS6750pCPACNcBGAsYHQ/s598/371px-Brock_Lesnar_in_March_2015.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG5Cf9biaBA/X42wkct12hI/AAAAAAAAEa4/50xQji5eIJc0zuLrbz5DSATmS6750pCPACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/371px-Brock_Lesnar_in_March_2015.jpg" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>About a month ago, I tried to apply as a pro wrestling writer for Sportskeeda. One of the editors, an Indian, asked me to write an article about how WWE needs to get Brock Lesnar back. Unfortunately, my application was turned down. Nevertheless, I would still like to thank them for giving me the opportunity.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fefbe8; font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-size: 20px;">________________________________</span></div></i><p style="text-align: justify;">Nowadays, Brock Lesnar is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws, not only in WWE, but to the world of mixed martial arts as well. As you may all know, his WWE contract expired last August 31 without the two sides agreeing to terms of a new deal. That means he is now a free agent and he can appear on any pro wrestling or MMA promotion whenever or wherever he wishes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, if Brock goes to a rival promotion like AEW, return to UFC or go to Bellator, WWE will certainly lose one of its top stars. So here are three elements WWE needs to bring Brock Lesnar back to the company, because I believe one element alone would not suffice. Please note that I am not an expert in the pro wrestling business, but at least I have knowledge, so please bear with me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>A Big Money Contract</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">First of all, the most important element we need is to have a lucrative contract, one that Brock cannot refuse. As you know, since Wrestlemania 36 Brock has been stuck in Saskatchewan, Canada, where he currently lives, and is unable to go to Orlando down south due to COVID-19 restrictions. He is basically living off the money he earned during his comeback 8 years ago, not to mention the royalties he received from his merchandise sales, which has also been recently pulled out since his merchandise deal was also expired. .</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Currently, Brock is earning $10 million despite being part time. In order for Brock to return, WWE needs to retain the current paycheck or increase it a bit (i.e. 11 or 12 million), since there are lot of personnel who were laid off during the pandemic, but that would still depend on the revenue they receive in order to pay Brock a ton of money. WWE should even make it at least a 60/40 share in merchandise sales in order to add up Brock's salary.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Absolute Creative Control</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The second element we need to talk about is creative control. Prior to the expiration of his contract, Brock has absolute creative control on his character--virtually untouchable from anyone, including Vince McMahon. if WWE would retain that creative clause to the contract, he will certainly return. If he does, I cannot wait to see whether he returns as Paul Heyman's guy on RAW or go to SmackDown to fight Roman Reigns for Paul's managerial services.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Return To MMA</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The third and final element we need for Brock's return is to have a special clause on the contract that allows Brock to fight in the UFC, or possibly Bellator. There are numerous opponents who either want to fight Brock, or being opened up by either Dana White or Scott Coker to be his potential opponents: guys like Daniel Cormier (who will certainly come out of retirement), Jon Jones, Vitor Belfort and even the legendary Fedor Emelianenko. However, in order to pull this off, Brock must first join the USADA pool again and be cleared. In addition, he must convince his wife Sable to continue fighting in the Octagon or in a Bellator cage, as she was reportedly not a fan of mixed martial arts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So there you have it: three elements I my opinion WWE needs to get Brock Lesnar back to the company. However, with Brock being a master negotiator, I firmly believe he will return to WWE regardless of the elements I outlined above. He is known for capitalizing the climate of the company to negotiate strong deals in the past, and he will definitely use it again on his return. Once this pandemic is over, and WWE is back in holding live events again, Brock will surely let Vince know if he is ready to work again. Then and only then Vince will present Brock a new deal.</p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-5498766709969021322020-09-16T17:38:00.051+08:002020-10-20T18:39:25.459+08:00 Idea For a Rise of the Reds Supermod...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kZ238NQ9lE/X46yRknFQ1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/BeGszh9xj7EtF6qfj3W0QHxPvkLwWA-VACNcBGAsYHQ/s365/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="365" height="151" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kZ238NQ9lE/X46yRknFQ1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/BeGszh9xj7EtF6qfj3W0QHxPvkLwWA-VACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h151/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />During quarantine, I have been lately playing Rise of the Reds and Shockwave, two popular mods for Command and Conquer Generals: Zero Hour. I have once written this post on the online forums of SWR Productions (the company who created the mods), however, it appears they do not accept any suggestions from fans like me.<p></p><p>Don't get me wrong, I am so in to these Generals mods, especially Rise of the Reds, but sometimes I felt a need or desire to enhance the mod for 2.0 or future versions.</p><p>So here are my suggestions which I think would make Rise of the Reds more fun to play with:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Additional factions</b> similar to Peace Mission mod, but not per country, but per Generals in the faction similar to 2.0 that can be selected in-game like in Babushka's Revenge. I would suggest the following factions: </li><ul><li>GLA splitting up into two factions: one in the <b>Middle East</b> (Iran, Pakistan, Syria) and the other one in <b>Africa </b>(Egypt, Libya, Nigeria). That being said, the original GLA buildings must be returned for use in the Middle East bloc. The color of GLA Middle East will be green while GLA Africa will be brown. Plus, the Iranian general will be similar to Russia's General Orlov, wherein he has a different agenda despite being in the same faction. If Orlov wants peace with the ECA as opposed to Aleksandr and Zhukov wanting war, in the case of the Iranian general, he wants Iran to be the Islamic superpower via the GLA, while the Pakistani general wants peace with the USA and the Syrian general wanting peace with Russia. </li><li>The <b>League of Nations (LoN)</b>: a UN-like peacekeeping faction that comprises other countries not involved in the conflict. Similar to ECA, every unit will be represented by at least the following countries: Israel, Japan, India, Turkey, South Korea, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Vietnam. Their color will be cyan. Their units and buildings must be based on the three separate USA factions in the Falcon Rising patch for version 1.86, created by Saša Tovernić; and since they are not allied with any of the other six factions, they will need to have three hero units, that is, the three hero units of the three separate USA factions. </li><li>A <b>Civilian Militia</b> faction. Their color will be white.</li></ul><li><b>The units of each general in the faction must be distinct from one another similar to Shockwave, and have its own strengths and weaknesses like Rock-Paper-Scissors.</b> Some units may be similar but be upgraded differently. (Example: USA may have Humvees on all three generals, but one must be converted into an ATV Humvee, the other an Assault Humvee and the other one an Airborne Humvee). Thus, every scrapped unit in Zero Hour and Rise of the Reds must be returned.</li><li><b>Every faction must have a Tech Dozer/Worker and have all tech buildings in the maps removed.</b> However, each tech dozer/worker must have some units distinct from each other (Example: Tech Dozers for USA, China, ECA, Russia and LoN can build a Hospital, but the Tech Workers for the Civilian Militia, GLA Middle East and GLA Africa can build a Field Hospital)</li><li><b>Bring back the Naval Shipyard</b> and add more units that are distinct from each faction. Have it included on the Tech Dozers/Workers.</li><li><b>The Campaigns must be based on the loose alliances between the factions</b> and have 12 missions each: one for USA and ECA, one for GLA Middle East and Africa, and one for China and Russia. The Challenge mode will be scrapped and replaced by a Campaign for LoN and the Civilian militia, which will be neutral in the conflict and will do everything to suppress the chaos made by the three-way war between the six other factions.</li><li><b>Every unit and building in C&C Shockwave must be incorporated into Rise of the Reds</b>, to make it look like ROTR the sequel to SHW, and since SHW is already a complete mod.</li><li>Speaking of Falcon Rising, <b>any unique units and buildings from all unofficial ROTR patches that are not included in the core mod</b> (i.e. Chinese sniper in Falcon Rising) <b>must be added into the game</b> to make each faction more enjoyable to play with. It's just that the voice-acting of some units needs to be refurbished (Example, the voices from the three USA hero units in Falcon Rising are muffled and obviously recorded from a cheap microphone).</li></ol><p></p><p>If any modder who reads this post is interested in making a Rise of the Reds supermod out of the suggestions I have mentioned above, I won't stop you.</p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-72933214274380262352020-05-25T11:17:00.003+08:002020-10-19T18:47:58.865+08:00We Hate China, Right???<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoaR_Z4a25w/X41iUqfgnwI/AAAAAAAAEag/0D9eT1sCj88Ol3AWI76vVkQLFulpPGpuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s720/98318679_1566163300228442_7095620873066905600_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoaR_Z4a25w/X41iUqfgnwI/AAAAAAAAEag/0D9eT1sCj88Ol3AWI76vVkQLFulpPGpuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/98318679_1566163300228442_7095620873066905600_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">China brought coronavirus. China is bad. China is a bully. China stole the Philippines’ territory. China will invade the Philippines. China is our enemy. China is not good for the Philippines. All of these narratives from the mainstream media havoc doubts and fear in the minds of the Filipinos. Is China really the aggressor?</span></div><p></p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Lets go back 500 years ago. China was one of our closest neighbors yet they never invaded the Philipppines. The Spanish, the Dutch, the British, the Americans and Japanese did. Vietnam was beside China. But it did not invade Vietnam. The French and the Americans did. Luckily, China helped North Vietnam, though the South was invaded by the US. Korea is near China but they did not invade Korea. China helped the North but the Americans did invade the South.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, China was a nation that was once invaded by the Eight-Nation Alliance of Germany, Japan, Russia, Britain, France, the United States, Italy and Austria-Hungary. Hongkong and Taiwan are Chinese territories wrestled by England and the US respectively. Macau is under Portuguese rule. In short, China has no history of invading and grabbing territories of other nations. The UK and the US are the old bullies in the planet wrecking havoc to humanity in the last 500 years under the pretense of Christianity, democracy and lately anti-terrorism.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Lets go back 30 years ago. All invasions that happened in the Middle East does not involve China. It was the US and the UK who kept invading oil-rich countries in the pretense of democracy and anti-terrorism. If you are a policeman and you want to apprehend a criminal who kept invading other countries with rich natural resources, the US and the UK will be the primary suspects, not China.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So why do we hate China? Because they grabbed the islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea)? That's the most likely answer. Senator Enrile already blew the whistle when Trillanes and Aquino secretly sold those islands to China. China even bought landfills from the Philippines! But the Philippine media was silent. Thier bosses are sleeping with the enemy. The case filed in international arbitration was nothing but a face-saving act. Only then when Duterte came that the Yellow Cults started hating China. And conveniently blame Duterte for what they did.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Still we hate China for buying that islands from Aquino and Trillanes. But the main question is: why did China put up a military base in the middle of South China Sea (West Philippines Sea)? Why did they have to buy it from Aquino and Trillanes just to put up that military base, if they really want to invade the Philippines? Why did they not do it when they are very capable of doing so?</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The answer is simple:</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">First, China is protecting the South China Sea from the bad guys with bad intentions. If that South China Sea suddenly becomes a nest of pirates and terrorists, their world trade will be compromised. It's no secret that the US was the one who armed, trained and deployed ISIS in the Middle East as an excuse to attack oil-rich countries. It's also no secret that the US is not happy that China is now a super power and most productive industrial country in the world.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Second: China knew that American submarines armed with nuclear warheads are swimming under the South China Sea. It can strike China anytime without warning if the US wants to. China needs those islands to be thier first line of defense from American agression. This was clarified by no less than our retired Philippine Chief of Staff.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">China is not interested in invading Philippines. It is more interested in protecting their new prosperous nation from American bullying. In fact, there are evidences circulating in the internet that the coronavirus was actually a biological weapon against China. But China was silent. They suffered and dealt with the problem on thier own while the world taunts, laughed, rediculed and smirred the troubled China.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">When Duterte came to power, the CIA-financed ISIS was ready to make the Philippines their home base and wreck havoc in the South East Asia. American servicemen who entered our country were caught selling arms to terrorists in Mindanao but was downplayed by Aquino and his media minions.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Bohol siege and Marawi siege were supposedly the baptism of those local ISIS. Unfortunately for them, Duterte, being a brilliant strategist, declared martial law and was able to prevent enemy reinforcements. We tried to buy small arms from the Americans during the Marawi siege, but they refused. So Russia gave us 20 thousand AK-47s and 1 miilion rounds of bullets. Our brave soldiers wiped them out without mercy. If it was Aquino's time, Visayas and Mindanao would have become like Syria.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It is sad to note that the US denied selling us the M4s and carbines we need in dire times. Why? Perhaps because they want ISIS to succeed, thus, Vladimir Putin of Russia became the hero of the day.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Still, we hate China. It's okay. It's a fact that the mainland Chinese culture is truly not suited to our taste. They are somehow still unrefined unlike our western idols. Secondly, we are all born and groomed to love America.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But should China and US go to war, we have no business taking sides. Our business is to help our very own country, and to know who our real friends and our real enemies.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">- Credits to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deafmonkzone" target="_blank">Charles Henry Magbanua</a></span></div>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-69322110737556957112020-05-10T20:57:00.003+08:002020-10-19T18:47:46.743+08:00My Thoughts On The Shutdown - Part II<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26OuUoPR2C4/X41h3GfYE3I/AAAAAAAAEaY/3nF1eIvgSUk0J-Wukxc5UPYRkUhQQlqqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s950/96397567_1553069314871174_6327536869202460672_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26OuUoPR2C4/X41h3GfYE3I/AAAAAAAAEaY/3nF1eIvgSUk0J-Wukxc5UPYRkUhQQlqqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/96397567_1553069314871174_6327536869202460672_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">Last Thursday, I discussed how ABS-CBN needs to capitalize on their remaining platforms (cable and internet) in the event they are unable to renew their terrestrial franchise. Tonight, let's talk about how they can get back to free TV while their franchise renewal is being discussed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It is possible for ABS-CBN to buy airtime from other stations, but not from currently existing channels like GMA and 5. However, they can buy airtime from any defunct channel.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the most recent analog frequencies that went defunct is Channel 11. On April 24, 2019, GMA/Citynet announced that it will terminate its blocktime agreement with ZOE Broadcasting by the end of May 2019. The split comes after the release of GMA's 2018 financial report which declared the increasing lease payments that the network contributes to ZOE for the past three years (from ₱899.89 million in 2016 to almost a billion pesos in 2018). Third-party sources reported that Channel 11 would simulcast ZOE's sister station DZOZ-DTV channel 33 after the termination of the agreement, but ZOE has no official statement yet on its future plans.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">GMA managed to extend GNTV's run on channel 11 until the planned conversion date of June 4. To facilitate this, GMA/Citynet and ZOE conducted the conversion into two stages: all of ZOE's in-house programs were pulled out from GMA and GNTV's programming lineup on June 3; then on June 4, as channel 11 is slated to shut off after the termination, GNTV Manila's intellectual unit (master control, sales, and employees) successfully transferred to the newly rehabilitated DWDB-TV for the remainder of the analog broadcast run. Engineers and technicians from ZOE missed the said shutoff notice of channel 11, which caused the cut off to be delayed until midnight of June 5. Afterwards, GMA revived UHF channel 27 after 18 years of inactivity, and placed GNTV there.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Since Channel 11 has not been used for almost a year, ABS-CBN can lease this channel from ZOE to air ABS-CBN until their franchise is renewed.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from Channel 11, there are other analog frequencies that are currently inactive due to their stations shifting from analog to digital. Several examples are: SBN 21 (closed September 12, 2019), Net 25 (closed October 2018) RJTV 29 (closed June 5, 2018), and 3ABN Channel 45 (closed December 1, 2018). ABS-CBN can also negotiate blocktime agreements to any these networks so they can air S+A and other free TV channels that are also included on the cease-and-desist order issued by NTC.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;">I am not an expert in telecommunications, and I know the above suggestions may not be easy. However, I am making this proposal because I believe that in every problem, there is always a solution, both short-term and long-term.</span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"> </span></div></span><p></p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-45542862986093940262020-05-07T22:25:00.003+08:002020-10-19T18:47:34.143+08:00My Thoughts On The Shutdown - Part I<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpdMxIoPAxQ/X41hUWA5VYI/AAAAAAAAEaM/umKVUp96VpcgDFwrkbcEwaKWJ1XdfdawgCNcBGAsYHQ/s720/96129000_1550356271809145_4370587694258978816_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpdMxIoPAxQ/X41hUWA5VYI/AAAAAAAAEaM/umKVUp96VpcgDFwrkbcEwaKWJ1XdfdawgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/96129000_1550356271809145_4370587694258978816_n.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">I don't think the shutdown will be the end for ABS-CBN... it will be their EVOLUTION.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">If in case ABS-CBN is unable to secure a new franchise, I am sure they will revolutionize our viewing and listening experience. As we all know, there is an abundance of OTT (over-the-top) platforms such as Netflix. I realized that a huge opportunity awaits ABS-CBN, and that they must take advatage of it to make it more accessible to the people.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">How?</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">BY MAKING THE USAGE OF THEIR IWANT APP FREE FROM DATA, JUST LIKE DEPED COMMONS.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">All of ABS-CBN-owned channels must be placed in iWant, including DZMM, MOR and all of their regional stations. There is no need for TV Plus, all you need is your cellphone or any gadget that requires a SIM card. This will certainly reach out anywhere across the country, even in the most isolated places.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But how can they do it if ABS-CBN Mobile has been discontinued? Well, they can certainly bring it back. In addition, if my memory serves me right, ABS-CBN still has shares in Bayan Communications. Not only they will be able to bring back ABS-CBN Mobile, they can also invest with Bayantel further and become the third telco that will break the duopoly of PLDT/Smart and Globe. Their transmitters across the country can be converted into cell sites to make iWant's reception clear wherever you are.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Realize this, even if they lose free-to-air televisoon, ABS-CBN WILL INTRODUCE FREE INTERNET TV AND FREE INTERNET RADIO. When a door closes, another window opens. I bet more Filipinos will avail of this service than Netflix.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the company is ruled by a liberal oligarch. Yes, their news is biased and their journalism is selective. Yes, most of their talents are liberals and leftists. Nevertheless, we still patronize ABS-CBN because it has been an institution for over 65 years (which also includes the BBC days during the Marcos era). I know they have a lot of setbacks, and I believe a complete overhaul within their corporation must be done, from the management, to news, to entertainment, down to the lowest level. But then again, if in case they are unable to renew their franchise, and/or the Supreme Court does not grant a TRO, everything written above will surely happen..</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">To any ABS-CBN supporter who reads this, take it as good news. To anyone who favors the shutdown, please be aware that I am both a Marcos and Duterte supporter.</div></span><p></p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-82611329737717313572020-02-16T11:59:00.004+08:002020-10-19T18:47:21.918+08:00The Thing About Divorce...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDRyct8gums/X41g69CL63I/AAAAAAAAEaE/xJw8KCSbWCEqJnSTmMrh0Yo2L9OUGKBCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s600/86616209_1477397495771690_8513580265434513408_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDRyct8gums/X41g69CL63I/AAAAAAAAEaE/xJw8KCSbWCEqJnSTmMrh0Yo2L9OUGKBCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/86616209_1477397495771690_8513580265434513408_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">As we all know, Philippine law does not provide for divorce inside the country, and it remains the only UN-member state beside Vatican City without legal provision for divorce. The only exception is with respect to Muslims, who are allowed to divorce in certain circumstances according to their religion. For majority non-Muslims, the law only allows for annulment of marriages.</span></div><p></p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Civil Code of the Philippines asserts that it is binding upon citizens of the Philippines, even if living abroad. If a legally married Filipino citizen obtains a divorce outside of the Philippines, that divorce would not be recognized inside the Philippines. This can lead to complications when Filipinos divorce outside the Philippines.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Where a non-Filipino is married to a Filipino citizen and a divorce is obtained abroad by the non-Filipino spouse, the Filipino spouse can remarry under Philippine law, even if the non-Filipino spouse acquired foreign citizenship after the marriage.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The process of annulment is a complex and an expensive one, costing around ₱150,000–200,000, which is about an average net annual salary in the Philippines.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">According to a survey conducted in 2017 by the Social Weather Station (SWS), 53% of Filipinos agreed legalizing divorce, while 32% support outlawing it.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As of March 20, 2018, a bill allowing divorce has passed its 3rd and final stage, soon to be allowing divorce in the Philippines. However, there is still a staunch opposition in the Catholic Church.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So, how can we have a divorce law while pleasing the Catholic Church?</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's have an idea from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as Mormons. The church teaches that in addition to civil marriage, which ends at death, a man and woman can undergo a celestial marriage in a temple performed by priesthood authority, whereby the marriage and parent–child relationships resulting from the marriage will last forever in the afterlife.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">How can we apply this principle in our divorce laws? Here's how:</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We all know that marriage cannot just be done by an ordained priest or minister, but also by judges, mayors, military commanders, consul-generals or any other person authorized by the government. Therefore, I propose that there must be two kinds of marriage contracts, one issued by the government, the other issued by the church.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">If a couple is married in a civil wedding (presided by a government official), the contract will be temporal because they are only married by law. Therefore, divorce can be applied to them should circumstances resulting to the failure of their mariage arise.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">However, if a couple is married by an ordained priest or minister, the contract will be spiritual because they are now married under God. Therefore, their marriage will be permanent, and will not be nullified by any divorce law. The only times this type of marriage will be nullified via annulment process when:</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">1. One of them is proven to have committed adultery (or caught on the spot)</div></span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">2. One of them is abusive to the other and/or to their children, and</div></span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Any other circumstances that violated the Family Code.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Thus, it is practical for a couple to have a civil wedding first, and then renew their vows in a church wedding if both of them are sure enough that they will be together until their last breath.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">And since I am also supporting same-sex marriage, I think my proposition will also benefit same-sex couples because they can be married civilly and enjoy the same rights given to heterosexual couples. However, out of respect to the Christian denominations, a church wedding will not apply to same-sex couples.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;">So there you have it, my two cents regarding divorce. Your thoughts?</span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"> </span></div></span>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-23839435916807482492019-11-21T17:44:00.003+08:002020-10-19T18:47:08.638+08:00E-Liquids Are SAFE!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd0RXirXISg/X41gHbuJZzI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/QcAQca01aK48Rxw5dyzISS4Ut1yZZggeACNcBGAsYHQ/s747/71322808_1392116507633123_1879927453409869824_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="747" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd0RXirXISg/X41gHbuJZzI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/QcAQca01aK48Rxw5dyzISS4Ut1yZZggeACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/71322808_1392116507633123_1879927453409869824_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">Yesterday, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that there will be a ban on vaping in public, as well as importation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, following a case of a vaping-related lung disease in Central Visayas. In my opinion, a ban on vaping in public places (except in a designated smoking area) is fine. However, the ban on importation will affect many businesses, especially SMEs, in the country. This is the first time I disagreed with the president's policy since 2016. But I do not blame him, because I know someone has been lobbying this for years.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I am sick and tired of hearing the words "We don't know what chemicals are inside the e-liquid" or "unknown chemicals" or "toxic". Juice making is not a secret thing. You can research and be resourceful or you can embrace stupidty. It's not rocket science my friends. Search on Google, watch Youtube videos, or read Wikipedia or articles from journalists about it. Sometimes you have to use your brain and not let the mainstream media spoonfeed you with lies. Before you read this, empty your cup, unlearn what you've known or saw on TV, news and social media, especially those fake news outlets, about vaping. Here we go.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Vegetable Glycerin - You can find it in dairy products, fudge, candy, baked goods, cereals, pasta, meat, processed fruits and vegetables, egg products, soups, sauces, condiments, and fish products.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Propylene Glycol - often used to maintain the moisture in prepared foods and works to maintain their flavor quality for longer periods of time. It is also found in flavorings, such as vanilla or almond extracts used in baking, and in some types of food coloring. Yes, propylene glycol can be safely consumed. Propylene glycol was classified by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration as "generally recognized as safe".</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Flavoring - The flavorings are, obviously, food-grade flavors. Very self-explanatory.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Nicotine - First of all, foods that contain nicotine include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants (aubergines), and green bell peppers.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Secondly, it is optional. Nicotine is just an element for stimulation. Same with sugar and caffeine. It is just a stimulant (addictive substance), more like a legalized drug. if you love coffee, then you are addicted to caffeine. if you love sweets like milktea, cakes or even 3-in-1 coffee mixes, congratulations, you are addicted to sugar. Same with nicotine, it is just a substance for addiction.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So basically, we are already, unknowingly, consuming these four above mentioned ingredients, and now we understand that nicotine is just a substance for stimulation just like sugar and caffeine that we consume in our daily lives.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">With more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 250 of them are known to be harmful, including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia. And among those 250 harmful chemicals, at least 69 of them can cause cancer. Nicotine was never mentioned among the 69. The Surgeon General of the United States even indicates that nicotine does not cause cancer.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So why ban the importation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids???</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">IT IS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT, AS WELL AS THE BIG TOBACCO AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, ARE LOSING SALES REVENUE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THESE TWO HAVE WHISPERED TO THE PRESIDENT'S EAR, WHICH IS WHY THE BAN ON IMPORTATION WILL BE IN PLACE.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">IT'S ABOUT THE MONEY, NOT OUR HEALTH!!!</div></span><p></p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-1699535472081358192019-10-27T17:40:00.019+08:002020-10-19T18:46:53.421+08:00No Rights For Jaywalkers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmTjsVNrcMI/X41fXegWJlI/AAAAAAAAEZs/n2njoFArVVEVtTdWzTSjr08fZNRRVOPwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/73144310_1368107623367345_4335398799569584128_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmTjsVNrcMI/X41fXegWJlI/AAAAAAAAEZs/n2njoFArVVEVtTdWzTSjr08fZNRRVOPwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/73144310_1368107623367345_4335398799569584128_n.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">I wanna say something to Mayor </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Isko Moreno</span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"> right now.</span></div><p></p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I have recently watched his latest edition of the Capital Report, and even though I am very happy with the recent developments in Manila, i am still shaking my head in disappointment when I saw a video of people jaywalking despite having a fence built between the lanes, which led to the good mayor joking about putting electricity on the fences.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">However, I think I have a better idea on how to eliminate jaywalking.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As most of you are already aware, when a jaywalker is hit by a vehicle and end up dead, the driver will be charged with Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide. In addition, if a traffic enforcer catches one, the individual will surely cry foul stating it will be a violation of human rights, (when it is actually not).</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">So, to educate the people on using pedestrian lanes, underpasses and footbridges, not only do they enforce their city ordinance regarding anti-jaywalking, I would suggest that the city council will make an additional ordinance wherein any driver who accidentally injures or kills a jaywalker <i>will not be liable</i> to the crime (<i>except </i>when the driver commits a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcohol), as long as the Anti-Jaywalking ordinance is enforced, and especially if there were any proper crosswalks nearby.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition, the jaywalker (and his/her immediate family, if died) <i>will not be able to look for damages</i> from the defendant (i.e. the driver of the vehicle that hit him/her) since he/she is the one who committed the wrongdoing. Also, when a jaywalker dies, his/her death <i>must not be covered</i> with life / health insurance.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope local government units will take this suggestion into consideration. I highly encourage everyone to share this to your mayor/congressman, and we will see if it will actualy work. I bet those lazy assclowns will value their lives if this will be implemented.</div></span>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-57019870650746851152018-08-02T12:11:00.003+08:002018-08-02T12:14:42.120+08:00I AM NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!!!You'll probably noticed that I have been inactive in Facebook for the past month. Today, I want to take this off my chest.<br />
<br />
I have been blocked by Facebook for 30 days, again. Here's the story:<br />
<br />
I have a friend on Facebook, an African American, who posted her conversatioon with her ex-boyfriend, who called her a "monkey-faced nigga" and even brought up her dead father. Since I have no respect for assholes, I simply said, "This guy needs to be shot. That motherfucker deserves to die." And this comment was reported, causing me being blocked.<br />
<br />
I know what I said is hate speech, but I am telling you, I never usually say those words to anyone. I do not regret saying it to an asshole like that guy, especially when he is talking personal shit like bringing up and mocking his ex's deceased father. And then I am paying the price for what he did?<br />
<br />
Ever since I have been blocked by Facebook the first time, I feel like this popular social media site does not want people to invoke their right of freedoms of speech and expression .What is the use of the First Amendment when someone reports everything you say, like I do not have any right to speak my mind? I know what I said is hate speech, but why are you offended if you are not the one I am talking to?<br />
<br />
I later realized that, maybe, just maybe, it was the motherfucker himself who reported my comment. If I know that you are the one who did it, I'll assure you, you will absolutely pay for what you have done to me. If I will nt be able to get these hands on you, then MAY GOD STRIKE YOU DEAD!!!<br />
<br />
Because of this bullshit, I have lost my will to post. So once I get back on Facebook, I will either shut down Discussed Thing, or hand it over to one of my admins so that he will take over. I am planning bring back this blog so that I can express myself more. No one, even that stupid goofball Mark ZUCKERberg, can stop the Anointed Son of a Bitch from saying whatever the hell I wanna say, because you have no right to stop me. In the end, I will prevail, and I will be superior to each and every single one of you!!!<br />
<br />
I am not finished with you. I, the Pooch, have spoken!!!poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-55319931777592178612018-02-17T17:34:00.010+08:002020-10-19T18:46:32.464+08:00Surveillance Cameras in Schools?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYHy8Wl2ffg/X41d_-HrX5I/AAAAAAAAEZU/JQvcEgOMayEw6EyfxdbLusAd-_Bbt4gYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s541/27858757_911685872342858_8028692737195662570_n.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="446" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYHy8Wl2ffg/X41d_-HrX5I/AAAAAAAAEZU/JQvcEgOMayEw6EyfxdbLusAd-_Bbt4gYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/27858757_911685872342858_8028692737195662570_n.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">When I was The Pooch in Stunning Facts, I have a segment called Stunning Opinion, where I share my thoughts on certain current events topics. Now, I am bringing it back here on Discussed Thing.</span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________________</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;">Yesterday, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">WWE</span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"> </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;">Superstar</span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">Randy Orton</span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"> </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;">posted the photo below on the recent school shooting that occurred at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida Parkland, Florida. Orton also responded to a person who reacted sarcastically in the comments about how schools should handle things going forward.</span></div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">"@heel_braxton Just throw some thoughts and prayers at it Randy, I'm sure it'll turn out fine."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">"@randyorton @heel_braxton it would help. But what really needs to be done is every school have cameras in classrooms and an armed guard former special forces somebody who can put a bullet between the kids eyes before so many lives are lost. If these kids are told to huddle together in a group on the floor when an intruder comes and shoots up their school, shouldn't they be able to pray with each other too?"</div></span></blockquote><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">________________________________________________________________________________________</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In my opinion, it may work as a short-term goal. Yes we can install cameras, not only in the classroom, but to every room in the school. And since there are some US veterans who are still unemployed, they can certainly land a job in schools as a guard.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The long-term goal, however, is simple: REPEAL THE SECOND AMENDMENT (the right to keep and bear arms). However, it will take more than God himself to keep the National Rifle Association and the Republicans supporting them from lobbying the bill.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The NRA and the Republican Party are the sole reason why criminals in America are rampaging in the streets, sowing fear and wreaking havoc. By insisting on their right to keep and bear arms, every criminal and terrorist also had the right to do the same. However, the NRA and the Republicans are blind in that fact, because they only care nothing but themselves.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As long as the NRA and every Republican supporting them fade away and classify themselves as OBSOLETE, hahahaha... America is always, and forever will be...</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">FUCKED.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Intellectual Savior has spoken.</div></span><p></p>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-63011854581015288812015-09-26T01:22:00.000+08:002016-05-22T01:36:10.835+08:0090's Childhood Is Awesome (...and 21st Century Childhood is Boring)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ7CEmMrMyo/VgV8BF3C6zI/AAAAAAAABxc/46bvbKqV5Fs/s1600/game-clips-larong-pinoy-clips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ7CEmMrMyo/VgV8BF3C6zI/AAAAAAAABxc/46bvbKqV5Fs/s400/game-clips-larong-pinoy-clips.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the popular Filipino traditional games. Courtesy: Magna Kultura Foundation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This coming September 27th, the shipping company I currently work with is having a sporting event to be held at Clark Parade Grounds. It is a one-day event, though, because we still have to accomodate loads of incoming calls and e-mails from our customers the next day. However, unlike our previous sporting events for the past couple of years, instead of conventional sports like basketball and volleyball, the management had decided that the games to be played are traditional Filipino games in our childhood, like Patintero, Piko, Tumbang Preso, Luksong Baka, Luksong Tinik, Sungka and so on. <br />
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However, since our top bosses abroad have recently arrived to analyze our current state of our working environment (resulting in us forcing to speak English only on the floor, and I speaking it with a Cuban accent just for the fun of it), I expect that they will also be there to witness the event. I am sure they might get some new ideas from our games (they are already aware of Piko, though, as they call it hopscotch), and it would be very awesome if they would tell me someday that they have taught the kids in their respective communities about them, and had fun playing them. In other words, <b>cultural exchange</b>. I would love to see that happen.<br />
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While most of us may find it absurd at our age, on the other hand, I imagine that it will be very fun playing these traditional games, especially since they are not usually being played by children nowadays. Since the advent of modern technology, these traditional games has been slowly replaced by video games (console, PC, portable and online). And as time goes by, the gadgets being getting smaller and smaller, the kids nowadays tend to play Candy Crush Saga or Clash of Clans with their iPads and tablets, instead of having fun outdoors playing the games we used to play when we were kids.<br />
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Being born in 1987, I admit that I was a 90's kid, as I spent my childhood around this decade. I and my familiy once lived in my grandmother's matriarchal house in Navotas City, back when it was then a town, until we moved to Angeles City, Pampanga in 1998 when my father got a job in Mimosa Regency Casino in Clark (now Casino Filipino Mimosa when PAGCOR purchased it in 2000).<br />
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During my childhood years in Navotas City, it later came to my realization that the kids in our community, especially the kids within the street where we lived in (that includes my siblings and cousins, of course), has a certain traditional game we usually play, depending on the month or season. <br />
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If my memory serves me right, we play tops and yo-yos from January to March. I used to own both toys when I was a kid, as they are easily purchased outside our school for a few pesos. However, I was unable to further master both arts since I prefer playing alone with action figures in our room or read books.</div>
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From March to the end of May, most boys mostly play jolens / holen (marbles) like a somewhat variation of bowling. We also play Teks, small trading cards showing various TV characters that boys usually buy for a peso. We play this by throwing three of the cards (2 from one player and 1 on the other) over the air, and the boys will collect the cards depending on the way the cards landed on the ground, similar to heads and tails.<br />
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From the start of June until the end of August, there are various games, but most of the time the boys play Tumbang Preso (sometimes using a ketchup lid instead of the conventional tin can), and Luksong Baka, while the girls mostly play Piko, Luksong Tinik, Chinese Garter, and other games that requires hand coordination while singing traditional Filipino nursery rhymes. We also play sungka at this period, especially if one of us owns one. However, Patintero was seldomly played in our area because our street was very narrow. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5usvtOAo9JU/VgWArW4trxI/AAAAAAAABxo/VesIH4KqQ2c/s1600/Gagamba_fight_8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5usvtOAo9JU/VgWArW4trxI/AAAAAAAABxo/VesIH4KqQ2c/s400/Gagamba_fight_8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Navotas City, spider fighting was popular among young boys back in the 90s every September.</td></tr>
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Once September arrives, the boys will begin to collect house spiders and have them pitted against each other on a stick. The only rule to this game is that the spider who will get knocked out from the stick is the loser. Since spiders tend to quickly spin its thread once it gets knocked off from the stick, and that arachnids are not included in our animal laws, this game is not considered illegal. The spiders are usually stored in matchboxes or any improvised small cardboard box with sections so the boys can store multiple spiders.<br />
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When October comes, the boys will set the spiders free and will eventually fly kites. When climate change was not a threat back then, cool winds begin to arrive during this month, which is perfect for kite flying. Most of us make simple rhombus kites using cellophane or Japanese paper, with the frame made out of thin coconut sticks we get from brooms. Most of these simple kites have streamers on three of its corners, and we use Japanese paper for that. There are also kites of various shapes and designs being made aside from the traditional rhombus-shaped ones. There are also box kites, but were seldom made. I remember when I was in the fifth grade when I routinely skip my Filipino class to watch the kites flying from the end of the corridor, partly because the lessons were already being taught before. Surprisingly, I still passed my subject.<br />
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Kite flying runs from October to December, but that depends if the kids would still continue flying kites during the Christmas season. Most kids tend to shift their focus on expecting gifts in cash or kind from their godparents every Dec. 25.<br />
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Even though I personally did not experience to play some of these games (with the exception of tops, yo-yos and marbles) since I am an intrapersonal and prefer to read books, still I find the childhood in the 90s very enjoyable for other kids in our community. Sadly, these games slowly died down by the start of 2000s with the advent of coin-operated video game consoles and arcade machines which one our neighbors (who owns a bakery) had setup. And with the popularity of iPads and Android tablets, these games become obsolete.</div>
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However, there are still children in the suburban and rural areas who keep these games alive. When I moved to a subdivision since mid-August this year (as my sister who works in Kuwait had purchased a house), I still see children playing traditional games in the park located on the street parallel to ours whenever I buy some Betamax and Isaw on weekends when I have small change left in my weekly stipend. But I still hope that children in highly urbanized areas would also experience the fun in playing these games, so that our culture and tradition would be preserved so that the children of the next generation would also enjoy.</div>
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I, the Pooch, have spoken.<br />
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For more information about some of our traditional games, please click the source below:</div>
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_games_in_the_Philippines</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-52292460443717964422015-09-19T16:06:00.001+08:002016-05-23T10:21:40.745+08:00I Exceptionally, Unanimously, Irrevocably, Definitely, Truly, Madly, Deeply, Crazily, Absolutely Hate Thomas Edison!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTbdXAM_ASg/Vf0ZQzhNwDI/AAAAAAAABxI/SwRql6XMgT8/s1600/90dd235e8a20c0898c6603ac26b1e791b6c92570201c8159f82596e253924780_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTbdXAM_ASg/Vf0ZQzhNwDI/AAAAAAAABxI/SwRql6XMgT8/s400/90dd235e8a20c0898c6603ac26b1e791b6c92570201c8159f82596e253924780_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This coming October 4, there will be a new Kamen Rider (Masked Rider) in town, and his name is Kamen Rider Ghost.</div>
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Kamen Rider Ghost is an obviously ghost-themed rider who uses eye-themed thing-a-ma-bobs called Eyecons to transform and summon spirits from various historical figures, such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyamoto_Musashi" title="Miyamoto Musashi">Miyamoto Musashi</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison" title="Thomas Edison">Thomas Edison</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton" title="Isaac Newton">Isaac Newton</a> to grant him new powers.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Greatest Douchebag In Science</td></tr>
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Wait... Thomas Edison? The greatest douchebag in science?</div>
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Growing up we all learned about Thomas Edison and how great he was.
Then when I got older I discovered Nikola Tesla. For those people who are unaware of him, Nikola Tesla was the one who
dealt with alternating current (AC) which we all use today, while Edison dealt with direct current (DC) which
he thought was superior (it obviously wasn't).<br />
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So, in order prove to investors the "danger" of AC, Edison set up stunts like electrocuting animals in public (more on that later). Edison even screwed over Tesla at one point. According from Wikipedia:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>In 1885, Tesla claimed that he could redesign Edison's inefficient
motor and generators, making an improvement in both service and economy.
According to Tesla, Edison remarked, "There's fifty thousand dollars in
it for you—if you can do it"—this
has been noted as an odd statement from an Edison whose company was
stingy with pay and who did not have that sort of cash on hand.
After months of work, Tesla fulfilled the task and inquired about
payment. Edison, claiming that he was only joking, replied, "Tesla, you
don't understand our <a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_humor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American humor</a>." Instead, Edison offered a US$10 a week raise over Tesla's US$18 per
week salary; Tesla refused the offer and immediately resigned.</i></blockquote>
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Now, here's more of Edison being a freaking douchebag.</div>
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<i> When the limitations of DC were discussed by the public, Edison
launched a propaganda campaign to convince people that AC was far too
dangerous to use. The problem with DC was that the power plants could
economically deliver DC electricity only to customers within about one
and a half miles (about 2.4 km) from the generating station, so that it
was suitable only for central business districts. When George
Westinghouse suggested using <a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_voltage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">high-voltage</a> AC instead, as it could carry electricity hundreds of miles with marginal loss of power, Edison waged a "<a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_Currents" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">War of Currents</a>" to prevent AC from being adopted. </i><br />
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<i>The war against AC led him to become involved in the development and promotion of the <a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_chair" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">electric chair</a>
(using AC) as an attempt to portray AC to have greater lethal potential
than DC. Edison went on to carry out a brief but intense campaign to
ban the use of AC or to limit the allowable voltage for safety purposes.
As part of this campaign, Edison's employees publicly <a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_shock" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">electrocuted</a> stray or unwanted animals to demonstrate the dangers of AC;
alternating electric currents are slightly more dangerous in that
frequencies near 60 Hz have a markedly greater potential for inducing
fatal "cardiac fibrillation" than do direct currents. On one of the more notable occasions, in 1903, Edison's workers electrocuted <a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topsy_%28elephant%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Topsy the elephant</a> at Luna Park, near <a class="externalLink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coney_Island" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coney Island</a>, after she had killed several men and her owners wanted her put to death. His company filmed the electrocution.</i></blockquote>
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The article doesn't state the one of the workers tried to put a cigarette in the elephant's mouth which provoked such attacks.<br />
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How does Edison get all this recognition when he was a such a freaking bastard yet nobody has ever even heard of Nikola Tesla?
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Let The Oatmeal explain.<br />
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http://theoatmeal.com/comics/tesla<br />
http://theoatmeal.com/blog/tesla_response</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-77629427274550726082015-08-22T01:06:00.000+08:002015-09-19T16:43:51.085+08:00You Have No Right To Meddle With Our Love!!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JvZUMxhTqs/VddXY-uL4JI/AAAAAAAABwI/UO0tKMz3k-Y/s1600/CKWQAKkVAAA09Qo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JvZUMxhTqs/VddXY-uL4JI/AAAAAAAABwI/UO0tKMz3k-Y/s400/CKWQAKkVAAA09Qo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Alden Richards and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza with their signature "Pabebe Wave"</td></tr>
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On the second half of 2015, millions of Filipinos tuned in to the longest-running noontime show Eat Bulaga! because of the phenomenal supercouple <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlDub">AlDub</a> -- actor Alden Richards and voice dubbing actress Maine Mendoza, also known in the said variety show as Yaya Dub. Every weekdays people continually watch the 30-minute short soap opera parody called "KalyeSerye" (street series), created within the popular "Juan for All, All for Juan" segment. Exclusively interacting through the show's split screen frame, the AlDub couple are still yet to meet personally for the first time, only communicating by dubbing audio samples of popular songs, films and TV series.</div>
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Aside from the two, the KalyeSerye also features various characters played by Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros, particularly Donya/Lola Nidora, its principal antagonist. Some of the running gags and storylines throughout the parody include the "Pabebe Wave" (a deviation of a beauty queen wave gesture) between Alden and Yaya Dub, Lola Nidora lobbying for a pairing between Yaya Dub and Frankie Arinoli (one of the secondary antagonists, using the portmanteau "YaKie"), Lola Nidora issuing labor challenges to Alden, the incompetency of Lola Nidora's bodyguards all named Rogelio, among others. The KalyeSerye's main storyline is the Cinderella-like forbidden courtship between the AlDub tandem, with its paramount goal being the first physical meeting between the two, a move previously opposed by Lola Nidora. However, when Yaya Dub was abducted by orders of Nidora's granddaughter Duhrizz (another secondary antagonist), the main villain was forced to team up with Alden and her twin sisters Tidora and Tinidora to save Yaya Dub.</div>
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Though many people love to watch the KalyeSerye in the noontime show Monday to Saturday, continuously tuning in to witness how the events unfold, I personally prefer not to watch it. This segment, though popular with the masses, only makes me disgusted and upset with the fact that in every love affair, there are some people who will do their best to prevent these fairytale stories from ending with the phrase "and they lived happily ever after." Seriously, I was before sick of Lola Nidora so bad I wish I could jump in to the scene and give him my patented "Sexbomb Powerbomb" on a flaming table (with an audio sample of Joey Styles screaming "Oh My God!!!" afterwards), but when the character later got a change of heart, my rage had also subsided. It did later happen on September 5, but a big fiberglass wall still blocked their way (How frustrating, isn't it?).</div>
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This kind of storyline is used in Philippine movies and soap operas most of the time, though it is also being used in movies and soaps in other countries, as well. This storyline is usually added to the main plot of a love story to add more drama and suspense, because it gives a see-saw effect on the show, especially when aired every weekdays. While the antagonists usually have the upper hand in most episodes, there are some instances that the protagonists succeed in their own plans, which gives the audiences the <i>kilig</i> (giggle) factor. And, as most soaps usually end, the antagonists will accept defeat, and the couple will indeed have their happy ending. But there are still some movies and soaps that have a sad ending to the story, with the intent of having a sudden plot twist that viewers might not expect, ending in their disappointment to the show. But that's how the story must go, so who cares? For me though, that's bullshit.</div>
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Most of the time, the common formula in this storyline is having one of the couple being rich or well-to-do while the other is poor, and the usual antagonists are the parents of the rich character. Their common reasons why they disapprove of their child's love to the poor person is the stature in society. Their common fear is that the poor person is taking advantage of their assets or the poor person's social stature will affect their positive views from their peers, which is usually proved otherwise. Because of this fear, they usually mock and insult the poor protagonists for many episodes.<br />
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This kind of formula actually happens in real life. Consider my uncle who married a Spanish mestiza. Of course the parents of my aunt disapproved their marriage. But after years of proving themselves they can survive without any financial help from them, my aunt's parents eventually relented, and that my uncle and his in-laws are reconciled and currently in good terms. However, my question is, why must the two suffer in order for their love to last forever?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94gfB47_7Nk/VddaOdSEzfI/AAAAAAAABwU/quiszauMkFA/s1600/046-romeo-and-juliet-theredlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94gfB47_7Nk/VddaOdSEzfI/AAAAAAAABwU/quiszauMkFA/s400/046-romeo-and-juliet-theredlist.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a classic example of this storyline.</td></tr>
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While most storylines have the antagonists in the wrong, there are some storylines wherein the antagonists are in the right, somehow, because their disapproval is reasonable. Just like the former primetime soap <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_Dalawang_Mrs._Real"><i>Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real</i></a> (The Two Mrs. Real), wherein Tino Salazar (Tommy Abuel) lost his faith with Anthony Real (Dingdong Dantes), due to the discovery of him having married already with Millet Gonzales (Maricel Soriano), thus disapproving his daughter Sheila's (Lovi Poe) marriage with Anthony.</div>
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Myself also has this similar situation with my parents, but money is the typical issue. Whenever I am interested with someone, my parents usually have an initial negative connotation with every girl I meet (not all of them, though), because they fear that the girl might be materialistic, and will love me as long as they treat them all the time. For my parents, money is very important, but not to the point they are considered greedy. They always tell me to save what I earn so that when something important happens that might need additional expenses, I can still withdraw some from the bank. I admit I am a very generous person, and my generosity always led me to dire straits. Now that I am doing my best to mend from my mistakes, the number one quality I am looking for a girl right now is not being materialistic, and is good in saving money.</div>
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While I am certain the parents are always thinking what is best for their child, in terms of love life, I think that thinking for the best does not mean they make their child happy. I know some people who always follow what their parents wish them for him/her to be, but they are not happy because they did not follow what is in their hearts. That also goes out to other people who meddle with someone's love lives. Whether reasonable or not, the bottom line is that all of you have no right to disapprove.</div>
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As for the lovers, never fear. Just always follow the music of your hearts, because no matter what happens, if you are destined to be with each other, God will make a way to make both of you live happily ever after.</div>
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I, the Pooch, have spoken.</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-55288092729795760592015-08-08T11:38:00.000+08:002015-08-08T11:38:34.873+08:00Hiroshima’s Literary Legacy: The ‘Blinding Flash’ That Changed The World Forever <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Or7SLCqxLM/VcV3tlmBv4I/AAAAAAAABt8/uE-4Tt1p_Yk/s1600/Hiroshima_Dome_1945.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Or7SLCqxLM/VcV3tlmBv4I/AAAAAAAABt8/uE-4Tt1p_Yk/s400/Hiroshima_Dome_1945.gif" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hiroshima Genbaku Dome after the bombing</td></tr>
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In the year after the atomic bombs were dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August 1945, the events were rarely considered or discussed in the West beyond their strategic or scientific relevance. The experience of individuals on the ground and the confusion that arose at the appearance of radiation sickness were little known.<br /><br />This was to change on August 31 1946, when the New Yorker devoted an entire issue to an extraordinary feature piece by John Hersey, simply titled Hiroshima. It sold out within hours and was subsequently published in book form.<br /><br />Hiroshima was not the most devastating air raid of World War II, but the extreme vulnerability of cities to a single device was a new horror. As such it challenged established ways of thinking and demanded that writers find forms adequate to this new nuclear consciousness. Writing so early in the atomic age and with few precedents on which to draw, Hersey’s achievement is all the more remarkable.<br /><br />Hersey was a war correspondent, but his prose is notable for its novelistic qualities. Drawing on extensive interviews, his telling of the stories of six survivors is seminal in both historical and literary terms.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1LyVuJLH-g/VcV4VZFrouI/AAAAAAAABuE/_Fnznak3cVM/s1600/image-20150805-22496-1lskudf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1LyVuJLH-g/VcV4VZFrouI/AAAAAAAABuE/_Fnznak3cVM/s320/image-20150805-22496-1lskudf.png" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As it first appeared.</td></tr>
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<b>Bearing witness</b><br /><br />Perhaps Hersey’s greatest achievement is to render the Japanese bomb victims human to his American audience. After years of war, after the brutality of the Pacific campaigns, this is an aspect of the attack that had been neglected. By revealing the experience of some of World War II’s final victims Hersey stressed the devastating personal effects of this new and horrifying weapon.<br /><br />His article does this by coolly confronting us with the physical and psychological traumas of war. When Mr Tanimoto grasps a woman’s hand her skin “slips off in huge, glove-like pieces”. The grotesque results of the bomb become clear; the human body revealed as meat. When Dr Sasaki, overwhelmed in his hospital, becomes “an automaton, mechanically wiping, daubing, winding, wiping, daubing, winding”, we see how the mind’s capacity to empathise closes down in the face of trauma.<br /><br />As one of the earliest examples of nuclear writing, Hersey’s Hiroshima also pioneers several motifs that shape literary responses to the bomb and through which we still talk about and understand nuclear threat.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4LAMWtoGlQ/VcV4wW0m9KI/AAAAAAAABuM/2WRFIvqsb2o/s1600/image-20150805-22471-1tdnqjq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4LAMWtoGlQ/VcV4wW0m9KI/AAAAAAAABuM/2WRFIvqsb2o/s320/image-20150805-22471-1tdnqjq.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="caption">8.15am: a wrist watch found in the ruins.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /><b></b></div>
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<b>The flash</b><br /><br />Miss Toshiko Sasaki, “a clerk in the personnel department of the East Asia Tin Works”, experiences the explosion as a “blinding flash”. This idea of the atomic flash was itself to become a staple of nuclear literature. The flash is the image with which Hersey begins Hiroshima and it is what connects his protagonists as they look up from different locations in the city and simultaneously become hibakusha, explosion-affected people. The flash is what fixes 8:15am on August 6 1945 as the instant the city turns into an atomic city.<br /><br />The bomb’s capacity to transfix, to illuminate but simultaneously to blind is a preoccupation of nuclear literature. Hersey’s achievement is to find a neutral, unemotional prose that lessens the glare so we see the human stories.<br /><br />That fear of sudden transformation of the world into something entirely new later came to haunt the Cold War. Douglas Coupland’s retrospective, seemingly autobiographical short story, The Wrong Sun (1994) astutely captures this acute nuclear consciousness. The narrator’s everyday life stutters in constant expectation of “The Flash”. He carries on with the mundane routines of life, but sirens or sudden noises induce traumatic moments when briefly, incongruously, he thinks nuclear war imminent.</div>
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<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lus-A6u92JA/VcV49RaHmGI/AAAAAAAABuU/M8oHvHlzUOU/s1600/image-20150805-22471-ceb82j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lus-A6u92JA/VcV49RaHmGI/AAAAAAAABuU/M8oHvHlzUOU/s400/image-20150805-22471-ceb82j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Museum of Science and Industry in Hiroshima, August 1945.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
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<b> One titanic instant</b><br /><br />Hersey mentions tales of blast shadows, imprints on walls or roofs thrown by the bomb’s heat in which people’s final moments are preserved. He notes that fanciful stories accumulate around them. They have continued to, becoming important nuclear motifs.<br /><br />In Ray Bradbury’s short story There Will Come Soft Rains (1950), all that remains of a family are their silhouettes, thrown onto a wall in “one titanic instant”. Most poignantly, the shadow of a young boy, “hands flung into the air”, is cast upon the wall. Higher up is a tossed ball and opposite the boy is a girl, “hands raised to catch a ball which never came down”. More recently, Kamila Shamsie’s beautiful novel Burnt Shadows (2009) takes as its central image the birds, cranes, seared into the flesh of her protagonist Hiroko as her patterned kimono is incinerated by the atomic flash at Nagasaki.<br /><br />The sense of time being frozen is a repeated nuclear motif. Hersey describes Father Kleinsorge returning to Hiroshima and finding “bicycles, shells of streetcars and automobiles, all halted in mid-motion”. The cusp at which the city “becomes” atomic is briefly preserved and for a few days after the bombing Father Kleinsorge can traverse both its pre-nuclear and nuclear states. Hiroshima is, in this description, the symbolic gateway through which humans enter the nuclear age.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QO6XaX8J-Zg/VcV5Kzk_MVI/AAAAAAAABuc/PlCuT_JPWKY/s1600/image-20150805-22465-ly6wi9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QO6XaX8J-Zg/VcV5Kzk_MVI/AAAAAAAABuc/PlCuT_JPWKY/s400/image-20150805-22465-ly6wi9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="caption">The ruined city.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b> The nuclear uncanny</b><br /><br />Perhaps most interestingly Hersey also broaches the unsettling radioactive legacy of the bombing in his piece. When Miss Sasaki returns to the city just three weeks after the attack she finds an extraordinary profusion of plant life growing in the ruins. It seems so unlikely, so overly abundant, that it “gave her the creeps”. With dubious scientific legitimacy Hersey writes that the bomb “had stimulated” the roots of plants.<br /><br />The unspoken implication is that some “unnatural” quality of the bomb – radiation presumably – has induced this unsettling abundance. Miss Sasaki’s uneasiness and Hersey’s ambiguous phrasing introduce an important cultural trope through which nuclear technology and materials are experienced and perhaps misunderstood. It is an example of what the anthropologist Joseph Masco calls the “nuclear uncanny”: a psychological phenomenon by which the world is experienced as unsettlingly different when thought of as “nuclear”.<br /><br />In the moving additional chapter to Hiroshima, published on the 40th anniversary of the bombing in 1985, Hersey wrote that the world’s memory was getting “spotty”. Perhaps our cultural memory of atomic attack is spottier still, another 30 years on. So if you haven’t read it before, take some time to read Hiroshima this anniversary weekend. It remains one of the rawest, but most humane, accounts of this world-changing event.<br /><br />By giving us a glimpse of the human consequences of atomic attack, Hiroshima warns us of our capacity for inhumanity. It remains largely silent on the military and political decisions behind the attack, but is perhaps all the more powerful for that. It asks of us only one terrible thing: that we bear witness to the event; that we remember.</div>
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This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com/hiroshimas-literary-legacy-the-blinding-flash-that-changed-the-world-forever-45471">The Conversation</a>.</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-1927819731819189792015-08-06T10:59:00.000+08:002016-05-22T01:34:45.210+08:00There Is Something That I Should Get Off My Chest...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhUcBiFq5n4/VcLIH6GLsvI/AAAAAAAABsI/estea9XFpSM/s1600/10557237_880756855285169_8966705989177061848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhUcBiFq5n4/VcLIH6GLsvI/AAAAAAAABsI/estea9XFpSM/s400/10557237_880756855285169_8966705989177061848_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No pun intended.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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During the course of the final State of the Nation Address of Pres. Noynoy Aquino, I remember the reactions of those people who attended inside and outside the Congress...</div>
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Please do not take our Freedom of Speech as a reason, because seriously, I am offended on the inappropriate conduct you have shown.</div>
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Well anyway, since you made Freedom of Speech as a reason, allow me to voice out my pipebomb.</div>
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In every angle and aspect those politicians I am talking to simply showed no modesty. My body is very shaking in fury at each and every single one of them. I am sure you are all educated and taught by your parents to be respectful, right? To be honest, those who raised the tarps and made your three, six or nine years in office, what have you done for this country? Would you like myself to lay your cards on the table? You have nothing but speak blah blah blah bulls***.</div>
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What are your contributions to the economy? What are the bills that you submitted? Does any of them were ratified? Did you help the poor and the poorest of the poor? Did you erect public schools or set up feeding programs? That is why most people are fed up with broken promises, even aspiring politicians are also affected.</div>
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Did you check the conditions of prisoners? Did you clean the streets, even the sewers? Maybe you cannot even clean your own house and have someone do the job for you. Or if you do, perhaps you are not too significant for people you do not need or for your own gain.</div>
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So I am not wondering why protesters have no decent jobs. They have done nothing but complain to every government even if the problem is too easy to find a solution.</div>
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The President had spoken to you, his boss, so it would be nice if you gave him respect, at least during his speech, so that you are also respected by other people around you. I am not a fan of Pnoy, but what they did is truly inappropriate. What if God is our president, would you treat him with respect? Because I am sure if you do not, he will drag you into the fires of hell. And you will say he's a dictator? He will be a just dictator (dictator with justice), yet that is still blasphemy if given a negative connotation.</div>
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However, why don't we think of ways on making the Philippines more prosperous and happy place to stay? </div>
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I apologize, I was just hungry.</div>
_________________________________________________________________________________poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-76835231995240340692015-08-06T10:03:00.001+08:002016-05-22T01:34:28.524+08:00The Thin Line Between Confidence and Arrogance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1j2DoWLOu-c/VcKu8ouJHdI/AAAAAAAABr4/IqNfE_9wjDw/s1600/11796227_1182971265062685_7334954429029041730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1j2DoWLOu-c/VcKu8ouJHdI/AAAAAAAABr4/IqNfE_9wjDw/s400/11796227_1182971265062685_7334954429029041730_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first day of August had started with a bang, and until now most of you still cannot get over about UFC 190, where we saw "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey destroy Bethe Correia in under 34 seconds, and retain the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.</div>
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But what's more interesting though is before the actual fight, that is, during the weigh-ins, where Correia screamed at Rousey's face during the staredown. As a result, the iconic picture of it has ended up having various memes, including the photo above. I think Correia will be perfect as Frieza.</div>
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Another aspect that we should also point out is the hype-up of the fight. Despite the fact that Rousey had finished all but one of her previous fights within a round, Correia displayed much confidence heading into the bout, stating that she planned to give Rousey the worst beating of her career. In addition, Correia also remarked about suicide, probably alluding to the suicide of Rousey's biological father, Ron Rousey. She said, </div>
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"I will give her a rematch if she doesn't cry too much. She can't take the pressure. I will give her the chance to get the belt back. Please, don't kill yourself, don't commit suicide, because I will give you the rematch."</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Rousey responded via Twitter:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Suicide is no joke or selling point. My father will be with me the day I hand you the comeuppance you deserve."</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Correia later apologized for that remark by saying she did not know Rousey's father committed suicide, but still bashed Rousey with her alleged post-Olympic drug use. Nevertheless, we all know what happened on August 1.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Someone once said, "Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud." Yet despite fighters like Rousey and Correia having great promo-hyping skills, everybody will agree with me in saying that their trash talking and publicly downplaying the opponent's abilities, even though both are good ways to generate more publicity to the sport, sometimes get into our nerves.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Aside from Rousey, there are other fighters who have the skills to back up their promo-hyping, like that a**hole by the name of Floyd Mayweather. Most of us hate him in all aspects, yet he has an undefeated record of 48 wins, and will tie Rocky Marciano's record of 49-0 if he beats Andre Berto this September. But I don't give a f*** about him even if he wins his upcoming fight, or beats Marciano's record. I have already cursed Mayweather by saying his fate is written on Luke 12:20, when he said that he will never have a rematch with Manny Pacquiao "at this particular time... because he's a sore loser and he's a coward."</div>
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Because of this, I realized that there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance.</div>
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We do not exactly know if a certain fighter is being confident or overconfident, even if he/she has the skills to back it all up. Especially for undefeated fighters like Rousey and Mayweather, wherein their unblemished records has become part of their ego, yet both of them have different ways to maintain their perfect record. </div>
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<br /></div>
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However, there are still people who don't have the balls to prove they
are what they say. Consider the fight between Ben "10" Nguyen and Julian
"Julz The Jackal" Rabaud in Nitro MMA 11 in Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia on March 8, 2014. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1LmeQ3Vci-w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1LmeQ3Vci-w?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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During the weigh-ins, Rabaud placed his fists on Nguyen's face in his attempt to build hype for his upcoming title defense, though he was probably got a little overzealous. It is clearly shown that Rabaud displayed arrogance in the staredown, while Nguyen is uncomfortable with the confrontation, which should have probably signaled Rabaud to take it easy.<br />
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However, during the fight itself, Nguyen knocked out Rabaud in under 25 seconds of Round 1, and became the new Nitro Bantamweight Champion. Nguyen is now in the UFC in the flyweight division.</div>
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While the internet is currently enjoying this fact at Rabaud's expense, there are other fighters who are also at his situation. Like the British-Pakistani boxer Usman Ahmed, whose video of him having a long dancing entrance and later knocked out also went viral over the internet. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RJPesST-skg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RJPesST-skg?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<br />
However, take note that the viral video consists of two different fights. The long entrance was from his fight against Chris Edwards for the British and Commonwealth title, which he lost via decision. The knockout, meanwhile, was from his fight against then-undefeated Ashley Sexton for the English flyweight title. As stated, footage from the bout went viral including Ahmed's over confident ring entrance followed by his speedy knockout. Ahmed went onto claim he "gave a lot of weight away" during both fights, and stated that both boxers were a stone heavier than him, he said with the help of a nutritionist he's got the full weight on.</div>
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To sum it all up, though confidence help you prove to everybody you can do it, sometimes, too much is very dangerous. It can lead to arrogance, and it will be nerve-racking for someone as such when he /she loses a fight and let his/her fans down. So it is very important for a fighter to remain down-to earth and take a look back from his/her roots, so that he/she will be loved, not hated, for life.</div>
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I, the Pooch, have spoken.</div>
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_________________________________________________________________________________</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-90955240806811950132015-08-04T08:46:00.001+08:002016-05-22T01:33:59.265+08:00Dealing With The BS of the Church Politics<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ8trKQGvjY/VcAK9jsrTTI/AAAAAAAABok/S2w4Wi5Kr2w/s1600/0-INC%2BTemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ8trKQGvjY/VcAK9jsrTTI/AAAAAAAABok/S2w4Wi5Kr2w/s400/0-INC%2BTemple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear Ghetto Doggs, <br />
<br />
Many of us are aware that the Iglesia Ni Cristo celebrated their 101st anniversary of its establishment last July. And part of their celebrations is the Unity Games, an Olympics-styled sporting event wherein INC brethren all over the world gather to compete for the sake of friendship and camaraderie, all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />
However, I find the situation very ironic, because behind the cheers and joy of the INC brethren participating in this event, there is a growing tension happening behind closed doors of the Central Temple, due to the accusations of corruption being thrown against its executive minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, which was exposed by none other than his own brother and mother, backed with several ministers in the church.<br />
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As an unaffiliated and independent Christian, I find it very sad, that for over a hundred years of the INC's existence, this is the first time this incident had happened. I myself claim many friends from the INC both inside and outside the office, and I also have a cousin in Australia wherein she and the rest of her family are also members. However, I just can't help but think about their reaction regarding this issue, though I preferred not to open it to them due to its sensitivity.<br />
<br />
The incident simply showed us that although most churches preach about salvation, some of them were founded by men to make money out of our faith. I am not directly saying that the INC was included, and I do not pinpoint on other congregations, but it is indeed truly happening. Yes their doctrines are somewhat beneficial to us so we can continue believing in Christ, but then again, we are unaware that the powers-that-be that control the respective congregations were always dealing with the BS of the politics behind the curtain. Corruption charges between ministers caused by envy, jealousy or disagreement over the established doctrine... Power struggles within the family... Conflicts within the congregation... Whatever that is, most of these disputes always have money involved. <br />
<br />
As a matter of fact, this has been a recurring issue, not only to other Christian sects and denominations, but also to other religions all over the world. Why there are Hindus who side with Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva? Why there are Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhists? Why there are Sunni and Shiite Muslims? Why there are Orthodox and Messianic Jews?<br />
<br />
Why do these conflicts are happening? No one knows but the belligerents themselves.<br />
<br />
But despite these disputes, the only thing that still matters is us. After all, I personally do not believe that certain churches claim they were the only ones to be saved. Doctrines made by man will not save you, and even the preachers themselves will not save you, either, even if they go far to the extent that they claim they were anointed by, or assuming to be the reincarnation of, Jesus Christ. The only thing that matters is that as long as we do good to others, and have a strong faith in Him, regardless of what we believe in and in which congregation we belong, all of us have are given the opportunity to do good, and all of us have a chance at salvation.<br />
<br />
I, the Pooch, have spoken.</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-61045695297542002612015-08-02T14:47:00.001+08:002016-05-22T01:33:44.163+08:00Putting An Ice Cube On The Back Of Your Head Will Rejuvenate YouThere was a Facebook post that I have stumbled upon a couple of months ago. It is a healing method that claims to make you look younger and full of energy, and supposedly has the power to make some illness disappear.<br />
<br />
That method is by placing an ice cube on the back of your head,
specifically, the hollow part of your nape where exactly your head
and neck meet. In Chinese acupuncture and acupressure, that part is called
"Feng Fu," a pressure point. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbtDVW8hgms/Vb24teq7UFI/AAAAAAAABoE/9YnGrrt7xnQ/s1600/Be-Healthy-And-Youthful-Put-An-Ice-Cube-At-This-Point-On-Your-Head.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbtDVW8hgms/Vb24teq7UFI/AAAAAAAABoE/9YnGrrt7xnQ/s400/Be-Healthy-And-Youthful-Put-An-Ice-Cube-At-This-Point-On-Your-Head.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Method</b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Lie on your stomach (or sit, if you prefer) and place an ice cube (about 2 x 2 cm) at the Feng Fu Point. </li>
<li>Hold it for 20 minutes, so it is better to hold the ice cube by tying a bandage or scarf around your neck to keep it secure.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPlmxbIeEZ8/Vb26a0nJgDI/AAAAAAAABoQ/m3-cF5VHV60/s1600/safe_image%252B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPlmxbIeEZ8/Vb26a0nJgDI/AAAAAAAABoQ/m3-cF5VHV60/s400/safe_image%252B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This method must be done regularly twice a day for best results. (with breaks of 2-3 days) First is in the morning on an empty stomach, while the other is at night before going to bed. And for those who might think they will going to catch a cold with this method, you will not.<br />
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Although you might sense coldness from the start while doing this method, but after 30-40 seconds, you will feel the heat at the Feng Fu Point. By the first few days you will have a feeling of euphoria due to the release of endorphins into the bloodstream.<br />
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The initial benefits of this method is improved sleep, excellent mood, rejuvenated vitality, and improvement of the digestive tract. And since ice is normally used for elevated temperatures such as fever, this method will prevent you from catching colds. In addition, it can heal headaches, toothaches and joint pains.<br />
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Furthermore, the effect of this method also helps with the following diseases:<br />
<ul>
<li> Respiratory diseases;</li>
<li> Cardiovascular diseases;</li>
<li> Neurological diseases with degenerative changes of the spine;</li>
<li> Acute, gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted infections;</li>
<li> Disorders of the thyroid gland;</li>
<li> Arthritis, hypertension and hypotension;</li>
<li> Bronchial asthma;</li>
<li> Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, obesity and malnutrition;</li>
<li> Cellulite (especially in the prevention at an early stage);</li>
<li> Disorders of the menstrual cycle and endocrine infertility;</li>
<li> Psycho-emotional disorders, stress, chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia.</li>
</ul>
While the Feng Fu Ice method does not heal any disease, it still keeps physiological balance, rejuvenates the body, and gives a strong impulse to life. <b>However, do not try this method if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or suffering from epilepsy or schizophrenia.</b><br />
<b>_________________________________________________________________________________</b>poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-29177575449011286052015-08-01T13:10:00.000+08:002016-05-22T01:33:12.528+08:00The Philippines, Guam and Hawaii Allegedly Owned By A Single Family???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most talked-about Filipino-related topics I have posted on Stunning Facts in 2012 was the supposed claim of a certain family that they own the entire Philippine archipelago.</div>
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The Tagean-Tallano clan claims ownership of the whole Philippine
archipelago, as well as the islands of Guam and Hawaii, and boasts that this ownership was recognized by the
Spanish, British, and American colonizers. The descendants of the royal
family is in a possession of 720,000 metric tons of gold…a portion of
which (about 400,000 metric tons) was deposited in the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas, which rests there until now. This is for me, the most
interesting part of the story.<br />
<br />
According to Atty. Homobono Adaza:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Long before the Spaniards came to Philippines shores, the Philippine
archipelago consisting of 7,169 islands, with an area of 1,049,212,962
nautical square miles, including Guam and Hawaii, was known as Maharlika.
It was populated by Malays and ruled by the Tagean Tallano clans from
the ninth to the fifteenth century. When the Spaniards started ruling
the Philippines archipelago, they renamed it Hacienda Filipina. Of the
many kingdoms in Asia, Maharlika was one of them under King Luisong
Tagean Tallano, the father of Raja Lapu-Lapu and Raja Soliman, the
successors of King Marikudo of the Sri Vishayan Empire. Its principal
products at that time were peanuts (mani) exported to Mexico and
European countries and Herbal plants known as “Nilad”
with some medicinal qualities which were exported to Mainland China.
With the passage of time, the Chinese traders changed the name Maharlika
to Maynilad or Maynila. As in olden days, the kings and their families
own their kingdoms and distribute portions to their subjects, especially
to the members of the royal clans. This is exactly what happened to the
Philippine archipelago, it was owned by the Tagean Tallano clans.</blockquote>
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An unnamed complainant filed a civil case in Branch 111 of Pasay City Regional Trial Court, and was docketed as Land Registration Court (LRC) / Civil Case No. 997-P. Through a motion by the Solicitor General of the Philippine government, the case was consolidated into LRC/Civil Case No. 3957-P on July 14, 1964, alongside the return of the 617,000 metric tons of gold to a Filipino royal family. Several prominent landholders, businessmen and the then-President Ferdinand Marcos were implicated. As the litigation progressed, different numbers of Original Certificate of Title (OCT) were presented.</div>
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In 1968, the Senate and the National Bureau of Investigation each conducted a separate investigation to determine which are valid. However, the court declared only one mother title, two Transfer of Certificate of Titles and its owner as authentic, consequently leaving the,other titles as null and void, as well as having no probative value and non-bankable. In February 4, 1972, Judge Enrique Agana handed down the Decision with Compromise Agreement in consideration of sound judicial system and the Tagean-Tallano Clan. When Martial Law was imposed on September 21, 1972, a rapid reversal of the court decision occurred. A state of affairs encapsulated in a documentary that sheds light on the proliferation of fake titles in the Philippines until now.</div>
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Sources:<br />
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http://phil-documents.blogspot.com/2010/11/brief-history-of-tala-tallano-estate.html<br />
http://collectionoffirst.blogspot.com/2013/02/believe-it-or-not-philippines-owned-by.htm<br />
http://www.creativeimage.jp/foundation/_pdf/The%20True%20Story%20of%20the%20Tallano%20%28TALA%29%20Estate.pdf<br />
http://www.rumormillnews.com/pdfs/The-Untold-Story-Kingdom-of-Maharlikhans.pdf<br />
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?s=bcbe86aa009f3e54f7018baeeee93d58&showtopic=201579&st=120&p=4263687&#entry4263687<br />
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?s=bcbe86aa009f3e54f7018baeeee93d58&showtopic=201579&st=120&p=4263687&#entry4263687<br />
http://servantisrael.wordpress.com/tag/julian-morden-tallano/</div>
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poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-55645944454426995782015-07-29T23:41:00.004+08:002016-05-22T01:31:55.602+08:00Is China Gog and Magog??? - The Bible Prophecy About The Modern-Day Amalekites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opux9C_E0kA/VbjenpgCbTI/AAAAAAAABmc/FcyoshzBL-4/s1600/China-Flag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opux9C_E0kA/VbjenpgCbTI/AAAAAAAABmc/FcyoshzBL-4/s400/China-Flag.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>The following excerpt is written by a Christian preacher named Peter Salemi, of the British-Israel Church of God. While it does not necessarily represent my own perspective, however, this article may be a good read for most people due to its content, yet always exercise caution. While the Biblical terms and names that were linked to present-day place names, while it may look accurate, I personally consider the contents as coincidental as much as possible, in order to prevent myself from wholly accepting them as facts. </b></i><br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b><i><b>Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an open mind while
reading this article, as well as the online booklet about this topic,
which can be accessed at the link below.</b></i></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>In addition, I also understand that any Chinese person who might read this article may find the contents offensive, especially in regards to the author's statements about China being the modern-day Amalekites and its association with Gog and Magog. So </b></i><i><b><i><b>to any Chinese person who may get offended during or after reading the article, </b></i>I will immediately extend my sincere apologies. Again, I do not consider any of the below contents as facts, or as part of what I believe in. <br /><br />The views and opinions of the original author does not reflect those of myself and the website.</b></i><br />
__________________________________________________________________________________</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ignored by the Churches of God</b></span><br />
<br />
The churches of God have altogether ignored Ezekiel 38 and 39, because they feel that this prophecy has nothing to do with the end time, but with the end of the millennium. If we are to accept this interpretation of this prophecy, we will miss out on a great warning to our people Israel (primarily Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand). And because of this, their blood will be on our heads for not doing the work of the Watchman properly, the way God instructed.<br />
<br />
We will go through this prophecy to show what will happen to the peoples of North America and Australasia primarily. The Israelites in this prophecy (i.e. North Americans, New Zealanders & Australians) are the ones specified as God makes plain! These two chapters are so important to the destiny of our people unless they repent, that it has been OVERLOOKED by the church of God for decades; overlooking that the enemy is right at our Gates! And no warning is going out! This watchman work that British-Israel is doing, is warning our people. May the rest of the churches of God, put away their biases and prejudices, and read and accept the Bible's message, instead of someone's interpretation of it! Listen to God NOT man! Let's begin with the origins of Gog, Magog, and their future role in the end time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Origins of Gog and Magog</b></span><br />
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Let’s start with who Gog and Magog are NOT! Russia is NOT in this prophecy. Russia will be aligned with the Beast of Prophecy or the United States of Europe.<br />
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The Russians are “the ancestors of the eastern Slavs” (The Making of Modern Russia, John Keep, p.2). There is no proof that the Russians Descend from Gog.<br />
<br />
Some translations read “Prince of Rosh” in Ezekiel, rather than “chief prince” in an attempt to imply that we should interpret this expression as meaning the “prince of Russia.” This is absolutely erroneous because ROSH appears 456 times within the Old Testament and NEVER is it used as a proper noun! <b>ROSH is a Hebrew word meaning “chief.”</b> There simply is no comparison or connection between these two words which originate from two different languages. Even the “first” or “chief” day of the Jewish calendar year is called ROSH HASHANAH, thereby further proving our point.<br />
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The word “Rus” comes from the “Norsemen themselves, and gradually came to be applied to the country over which they ruled” (ibid., p.5). Norsemen called the Slavs “Rus,” so even “Rus” or the name “Russia” was applied by other people and NOT part of Russia’s tribal names. Gog is NOT Russia!<br />
<br />
<b>Who is Gog?</b><br />
<br />
So who is Gog? What are their origins?<br />
<br />
Let’s start with <b>Magog </b>and see what we discover! Josephus states: “Magog founded those that from him were named <b>Magogites</b>, but who by the Greeks called <b>Scythians</b>” (Josephus Antiquities 1:6:2).<br />
<br />
But wait! How can Magog be the Scythians when we have proved that the Scythians are actually the Israelites of the lost ten Tribes?<br />
<br />
Colonel J.C. Gawler’s book <b>Our Scythian Ancestors</b> supplies the answer: “Scythia proper, then, in the times of Herodotus (book iv. cap.101) is described as lying between the Danube and the Don. The Scythian nation was made up of various tribes having different names, though all are classed under one general name. Herodotus distinguishes, moreover, between <b>tribes belonging to the Scythian nation, and tribes living among them</b> having Scythian habits, but who were not Scythians by tradition or language. This distinction is not drawn by all writers.<br />
<br />
“The ancient Greeks,” says Strabo, (book i. ii. 27) “<b>classed all the northern nations</b> with which they were familiar under the one name of Scythians, or according to Homer, Nomades.”<br />
<br />
“Strabo (book vii. iii. 9) seems to account for this by again pointing out how diverse races inhabiting those parts were all classed by the Greek writers under the name of Scythians. ‘Ephorus, in the fourth book of his history, which is entitled ‘of Europe,’ concludes by saying that there is a great difference in the manner of life, both of the Sauromatae (a mixed race, Herod. iv. 110-117) and the other Scythians; for while some of them are exceedingly morose, and are indeed cannibals (see Herod. iv. 106) others abstain even from the flesh of animals. (See Strabo, xvi. ii. 37, regarding superstitious innovations-abstinence from meat, &c.,- among the followers of Moses.)” (p.3). One of the peoples of the mixed race who were <b>not Scythian</b>, but were classified, or grouped together with the Scythians was Magog!<br />
<br />
Magog then eventually moved to east Asia to the territory we call <b>Mongolia</b> today:<br />
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“From the high-lands of Pamir, in the heart of central Asia, whereon, according to the arguments of some of the earlier chapters of this treatise, the <b>Japhetic races</b> grew into national existence, an easy highway leads to-wards the eastern half of Asia. The Tarim river, whose valley this route would follow ... loses itself. on the edge of the Gobi desert. The basin of this river, forming a broad expanse between the Tia-shan mountains on the North and the range of Kuenlum to southward, is one continual camping ground. Where those <b>mountain barriers</b> end begins the country called Mongolia, the original home of the Mongol race.<br />
<br />
“The word Mongolian is one which is frequently used to denote the whole population of inner and northern Asia. At the outset, we must carefully define a term like this. The type of race so often, called in manuals of ethnology ‘Mongolian’, let us designate by the term ‘<b>Turanian</b>’ - the significance of which is co-extensive with the scriptural, ‘Japhetic’ ... ‘Mongol’ must be reserved as the title of that race which, however far afield it may since have wandered, issued from the territory distinctively designated ‘Mongolia’’’ (Russia Japhet Milner 1886:ch 11).<br />
<br />
The term Mongol, sometimes written as Mongoul, appears to be directly derived from Magog. In <b>India</b>, for example, <b>Mongol </b>becomes <b>Moghul </b>and a large part of <b>China </b>was known as <b>Mangi </b>when Europeans first visited it. The <b>Muslims called the Scythian</b> tribes of “<b>Tartary Yajuj and Majuj</b>” which is Gog and Magog (see Jones 1807 vol 1: 94).<br />
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Marco Polo, Venetian traveler to the Orient, in the thirteenth century AD, knew that Mungul or Mongol was part of the peoples of Magog. He further understood “Gog and Magog” to be the names of “<b>Ung and Mungu</b>” in China (see Polo Travels: 87).<br />
<br />
Arab writers confirm that in the Arabic language, their name for the <b>Great Wall of China is “the wall of Al Magog.”</b><br />
<br />
So the people of Magog today <b>migrated </b>via southern Russia to their current homeland, leaving behind such place-names as: <b>Mogilev city, Mogiolistan, Mugojar Mountains, Mogol-Tau Mountains.</b><br />
<br />
Among the people of Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, central and some of northern and southern China (by no means all of northern or southern China). Here are the hundreds of millions of China today.<br />
<br />
No wonder the name of ancestor Japheth, means “expansion”, implying a <b>large or expanding race</b>!<br />
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Other peoples descended from Magog include the <b>Eskimos </b>and <b>Aleuts </b>whose facial physiognomy are very similar to the Chinese (Stewart 1973:132).<br />
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We also find the <b>Maghs </b>and the town of <b>Mogok </b>in Burma, as well as the <b>Mogadok </b>Mountain and the <b>Mogaung </b>river. A tribe known as the <b>Magars </b>live in Nepal.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mysterious Gog</b></span><br />
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Gog is indeed a mystery. Ezekiel places him on an equal footing with Magog, yet he is not mentioned as being a descendant of Japheth in the Table of Nations nor anywhere else in scripture. The Arabs referred to the “Yajuj and Majuj” as living in North-east Asia beyond the Tatars and Sclavonians (Hoeh 1957:17).<br />
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Gog may also be the <b>Yao of ancient Chinese history</b> (White 1992).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZsKPawQu5Q/VbjxohJdR-I/AAAAAAAABm4/Qm0ruOFfu2g/s1600/007agag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZsKPawQu5Q/VbjxohJdR-I/AAAAAAAABm4/Qm0ruOFfu2g/s400/007agag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The death of King Agag by the hands of Samuel</td></tr>
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The New John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible says:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Gog... it comes from the <b>same root, and has the same signification, as Agag</b>, to whose height and exaltation there is an allusion in [Num 24:7], where the Samaritan and Septuagint versions read <b>Gog: it is the same with, ‘Jagog’, by which name the Arabians called the Scythians that lived far east, particularly those that were situated to the north of China beyond Imaus, as Golius observes...</b>” (emphasis added)</blockquote>
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So Gog is the northern Chinese, But why is Gog not found in scripture? God says specifically about Gog in verse 17: “Thus saith the Lord God; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them (i.e., Israel).” This passage clearly identifies “Gog” as the same individual spoken of by the “prophets of Israel” who often prophesied he would invade Israel in the “last days”! <b>So Gog must be found in the Bible.</b><br />
Bullingers Companion Bible provides the answer to the mystery, on page 1161:<br />
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“Certain scriptures refer to an Og (Deut 3:1-13; Num 21:33) and Agag (Num 24:7; 1Sam 15:8-9; Est 3:1; 8:3; 9:24); <i>these are not Japhethites, but Amalekites descendants of Edom</i>” (note: Haman the Agagite mentioned in Esther 3:1 is called an Amalekite by Josephus in Antiquities 11:6:1).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laqUZuzlyqM/VbjxnZztsmI/AAAAAAAABmw/hnverpLb4iU/s1600/Battle%2Bof%2BJoshua%2Bwith%2BAmalekites%2BNicolas%2BPoussin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laqUZuzlyqM/VbjxnZztsmI/AAAAAAAABmw/hnverpLb4iU/s400/Battle%2Bof%2BJoshua%2Bwith%2BAmalekites%2BNicolas%2BPoussin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle of Joshua with Amalekites - Nicolas Poussin</td></tr>
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<b></b></div>
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<b>What does Gog actually mean ?</b><br />
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“Gog - it is a long ‘o’ both in the Hebrew and in the Greek - is made from the old-world-root ‘GG’, which in the early languages implied something ‘g-i-g-antic’... [Is there a more populous nation than China?]<br />
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“A potentate of bible history and prophecy was ‘Agog’. That name, or rather, its title, comes from the same root. He was (in his own estimation), a, Aleph, + GG = No. 1 - GREAT ! The <b>Agagites</b>, we are told in Young’s Analytical Concordance, were an ‘Amalekite tribe’ and Agog, was ‘a poetic name of Amalek, derived from a particular dynasty ...’. (Milner 1941:9-10, emphasis added; See John Gill’sExposition of the Entire Bible above as well).<br />
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Amalek was the first enemy of Israel, and he will be the last enemy of Israel. And end time prophecies of Amalek and Israel are in the Bible!<br />
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God swore that he would war with Amalek “from generation to generation” (Exodus 17:16). Ezekiel 38 is revealing the last generation of war between God and Amalek.<br />
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<b>Why does God declare war on Amalek?</b><br />
<br />
Adam’s Clarke’s Commentary quotes another translation of this verse to show the true meaning of this passage: “ the most rational version of which is the following: ‘Because the hand of Amalek is against the throne of God, therefore will I have war with Amalek from generation to generation...God makes now a declaration of war against the Amalekites, <b>which shall continue till their final destruction</b>” (p.761, emphasis added). Because Amalek declared war on God by attacking Israel, God declares war on them. And Amelek’s final destruction takes place in the end time in Ezekiel 38 & 39.<br />
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“Jewish tradition always assigned the arch-enemies of Israel membership in the house of Amalek, the hereditary foe of the nation.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)<br />
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So here we have one prophecy about Amalek. The Bible shows others as well.<br />
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In Numbers 24 we read of a prophecy from Baalam, about the “last days,” and of Amalek he writes: “And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days...And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever” (v.14, 20). Notice that the prophecy of Exodus 17 is to be fulfilled in the “latter days” which we read of in Numbers 24. Amalek will perish forever, as Ezekiel writes: “Behold, it is come, and <b>it is done</b>, saith the Lord GOD; <b>this is the day whereof I have spoken</b>. [final destruction of Amalek]..I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and <b>there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude</b>: and they shall call it <b>The valley of Hamongog</b>” (39:9-11).<br />
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Amalek is listed among the enemies of Israel. They have in their mind to “cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance...[one of them is] Amalek” (Psalm 83:4, 7).</div>
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<b>“TOGARMAH OF THE NORTH QUARTERS” (Ezek 38:6).</b></blockquote>
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The above quote is from a famous prophecy found in the book of Ezekiel. Wherever Togarmah is to be found today, it is to the far north of the Middle East. Hundreds of years after the flood of Noah The Assyrians called them the Til-garimmu (Tegarama in Hittite) who lived on the border with Tabal[xxx]. Other names for this people were “Tegaram a Tilgarimma, “Trocmi” and “Trogmades”. The Tegarma or Tegarama migrated from Cappadocia into Armenia[xxxi], and may have given his name to that district (the Armenians even claimed descent from him and undoubtedly are in part). From there, they moved into Turcoman territory (Turkistan) a possible derivation of Tegarama. In Turkistan, among the tablelands of Pamir, rose a great mount, Tagharma. The Septuagint form is Thorgama. Milner, who is famous for his writings on the Japhetic races, discusses the trip to the deserts of Turkistan by Dr. Joseph Woolf, a missionary. Woolf recorded his experience in Travels and Adventures. He mentions how <b>he came among a people claiming to be descendants of Japheth</b> and calling themselves <b>Togarmah</b>. These were the Mongoloid peoples of <b>Turkistan</b>[xxxii]!<br />
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Amongst the sign-posts indicating where Togarmah settled, we find:</div>
<ol>
<li><b>Tagarchi in eastern Turkestan</b></li>
<li><b>the Tochari tribe</b></li>
<li><b>Tigranoama in eastern Turkey</b></li>
<li><b>Tagarma mountains in eastern Turkestan</b></li>
<li><b>the city of Tagarma in western China</b></li>
<li><b>Taganrog, Tigeretsk Mountain, Togur town, Turgai province and Turginsk town in Siberia</b></li>
</ol>
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<br />
Tradition speaks in terms of a certain <b>son of Japheth as Tork</b>. He in turn had a son <b>Taunak Chan</b>. He was in turn succeeded by Jelza Khan, Dibbakui Khan, Kajuk Khan and Ilingeh (or Alanza) Khan. Ilingeh Khan in turn had two sons: <b>Tatar Khan</b> - progenitor of the Tartars; and <b>Mongul Khan</b> progenitor of the Mongols or Moghuls[xxxiii]!<br />
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Moses of Chorene, who wrote the history of the <b>Armenians </b>c. 450 AD, claimed that <b>their progenitor </b>was none other than <b>Thargamas </b>and they called themselves the “House of Thorgom”. It may be that the name Armenia derives from TogARMah. So, some of the descendants of Togarmah dwell in Armenia to this very day.<br />
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The golden-skinned Mongols of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, mixed to a degree, with the descendants of Togarmah and Edom (some Turkics actually claim descent from Togarmah[xxxiv]). A few others appear to be in Siberia (see Ezek 38:6) including the Dolgans and the Yakuts[xxxv].<br />
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<b>Gomer</b><br />
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“<b>Gomer </b>gave rise to the <b>Siamese, Burmese, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians</b>. The Cambodians real name is the <b>Khmer </b>which is very likely derived from Gomer ! Similarly, one of the regions of Burma is known as <b>Khemarata</b>. Also, <b>Kamara </b>was the original name of Sumatra and a region in Sumatra is known as <b>Kampar</b>. We also find the area of <b>Kemarat </b>in Thailand and the <b>Guimaras </b>island in the Philippines. Given the aforementioned, it is highly likely, that these place and ethnic names are ultimately traceable back to Gomer. While it is impossible to prove, it is most likely and should be included in our list of probabilities” <i>(Craig White, Who Are the East Asians, Chapter One).</i></div>
<ol>
<li><b>Tibet- Tubal. China (Gog) is "Chief Prince" of Tibet</b></li>
<li><b>Manchuria-Meshech. China (Gog) is "Chief Prince" of Manchuria</b></li>
<li><b>Mainland China-Gog</b></li>
<li><b>Mongolia-Magog</b></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Peoples of Kittim</b></span><br />
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The peoples of Kittim in the Bible originally settled in Cyrpus, “In Genesis 10:4, the word is applied to the descendants of Javan, and indicates, therefore, the Greek-Latin races, whose territory extended along the coasts of the Mediterranean, and included its islands. By the side of Kittim are mentioned Elisha, Tarshish, and Dodanim ( = Rodanim of 1 Chronicles 1:7), generally explained respectively as Sicily with Southern Italy, Spain and Rhodes. In its narrower sense Kittim appears simply to have stood for the island of Cyprus—it is mentioned between Bashan ( = Pal) and the isles of Elisha in Ezekiel 27:6,7, and with this Isaiah 23:1,12 agree, Kittim occurring in these passages between Tarshish, Tyre and Sidon. “ (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia under “Kittim”).<br />
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After, Kittim was known as, “The statement of Josephus, that ‘all islands, and the greatest part of the sea-coast, are called Chethim ( = Kittim) by the Hebrews,’on the other hand, must be taken as the testimony of one well acquainted with the opinions of the learned world in his time. In Jeremiah 2:10 and Ezekiel 27:6 the isles of Kittim are expressly spoken of, and this confirms the statement of Josephus concerning the extended meaning of the name. This would explain its application to the Roman fleet in Daniel 11:30 (so the Vulgate), and the Macedonians in 1 Macc 1:1 (Chettieim) and 8:5 ([@Kitians). In the latter passage the Greek writer seems to have been thinking more of the Cyprian Kition than of the Hebrew Kittim. “ (ibid, emphasis added). It was known of all of southern Europe in the Mediterranean. In Daniel 11:30 we see, “For ships of Kittim [Roman Empire] will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant.” The Roman fleet came against Antiochus, he was forced to surrender to the terms of Popillius, commander of the Roman fleet, and retire from Egypt and restore Cyprus to Egypt. Returning through Judea, smarting under the defeat, he vented his exasperation against the Jews, and extended special favors to those Jews who would turn from their religion.<br />
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But after this, history shows that the <b>people of Japheth got pushed out of Europe</b> and settled elsewhere. Ernest L. Martin writes, “...[The] <b>Shemite tribes</b> (people who were descendants of Shem and including some peoples who came from Abraham) later <b>colonized the whole of southern Europe</b> and replaced the people of <b>Javan </b>and his four descendants. <b>Javan’s people were pushed mainly into the northern areas of Europe</b> where in turn they migrated farther east into Asia (along with Gomer the firstborn son of Japheth and his descendants).</div>
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<b>Indeed, in prophecies dealing also with the End-Time</b>, we find the people of <b>Javan no longer in Europe</b> but they are now associated with <b>Tubal</b> [Ezekiel 38: & 39 end time prophecy], another son of Japheth, <b>who became an eastern Mongolian type of people</b>...though the name Javan still retained it geographical hold on the southern region of Europe, particularly in Greece)...It is not uncommon for people to give a name to a region and then the original people move on to other areas (or are killed off) and the original geographical name becomes associated with completely different people” (Prophetic Geography and the Time of the End, emphasis added). So as applied to the Roman ships, the Bible calls them the “<b>ships of Kittim</b>” yet the Romans were not of the Kittim racial stock. But in the end time prophecies and history, we trace the <b>movements of the people of Kittim to China</b>.<br />
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While <b>China </b>was called <b>Shinas </b>anciently (the Romans called it Seres Sinenses) derived from <b>Tsins</b> or <b>Tsina </b>by those approaching from the south (Boulger 1878:17), it was called <b>Cathay </b>or <b>Khitay </b>by those approaching from the North (ibid: 18; Conder c1900:51) after the people living there. The Russians called the land and people <b>Khitai </b>and the Latins named it Cathay, applying it to the whole country. The name of Italy is of the same origin as China, Cathay, is Italy today. Josephus says that Cyprus was called <b>Kition </b>by the Greeks. Its inhabitants were called <b>Kitieis</b>.and <b>Kittoaeans </b>(Josephus Antiquities 1:6:1; Douglas 1972:701). The Egyptians called them <b>Kheta </b>and the Greeks <b>Ketei</b>. The Phoenicians named them <b>Kt </b>or <b>Kty</b>. <i>Cathay is Kittim, China today!</i><br />
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Many peoples of <b>Manchuria and Northeastern China, then, are descendants of Kittim</b>! The <b>Chinese of the Northeast are tall and fairly dolicocephalic</b>; while the <b>average Chinese descended of Magog are shorter, darker and brachycephalic</b>. Those in the deep south are very dark and related to the Southeast Asians (Huxley 1974:159, emphasis added).<br />
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“And what about the <b>Kittim </b>(another son of Javan)? They were the original ones who settled <b>Cyprus</b> and finally <b>Italy</b>, but they were pushed northward and east by <b>Shemites </b>coming from the areas cited above and went into the central areas of Asia-to the area we call China today (an early name of China was Cathay which comes from the root word Khitai which answers to Kittim)” (Ernest L. Martin, (Prophetic Geography and the Time of the End, emphasis added).<br />
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Now as Martin noted, in the end time prophecies, we find <b>Java (Kittim) </b>associated with the people of the east of <b>Tubal, Pul, Lud,</b> etc. In Isaiah 66:19 God says in the end time, “And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to <i>Tarshish, Pul, and Lud</i>, that draw the bow, to <b>Tubal, and Javan</b>, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.” Martins says, “Even in Ezekiel 27:13,19 we also find Ezekiel no longer associating the people of Javan with Europeans...But Ezekiel in his day was now placing Javan (along with Isaiah) with the mongoloid peoples of Tubal. The people of Javan later take their name even further into the southeast Asian area of Indonesia where many modern people are called <b>Javanese</b>.” (ibid, emphasis his). <b>So many of the children of Java settled in Indonesia, other south sea islands, and the people of Kittim settled into China!</b><br />
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Now that the end time prophecies of <b>Kittim mean China</b> and not Europe, as in Daniel 11:30, (which is not an end time prophecy), we can understand the end time prophecy of Numbers the 24th chapter that deals with the “latter days” (v.14). Here Balaam talks about the “Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,” (v.17) meaning the second coming of Jesus, and every commentary will confirm this. Then this fascinating prophecy in Verse 24, “And ships shall come from the coast of <b>Chittim [China]</b>, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.” Notice that China comes up against the European nations, so obviously Chittim cannot mean Europe in the end time, but China! Here Chittim has a great naval fleet, which China does have and is expanding.<br />
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Notice the common enemy of China, “Asshur” which is end time <b>Assyria </b>which is <b>Germany</b>, and Eber, which is the Hebrews. Now its interesting, the <b>Bible says the Hebrews</b>. This means not just the Israelite nations, but the other Hebrew nations that came out of Eber, this includes the Abrahamic nations of <b>Midian, Ishmael, Edom, </b>which is<b> Russia, Ukraine and Turkey</b>, all European nations. The Euro nations share a common enemy, China. Note: in the end time <b>the Beast (non-Israelite Europe)</b> is the enemy of the <b>Israelitish nations of Britain and Scandinavia</b>, but here in this prophecy, they share a common enemy. Obviously they are allies. This can only mean the modern day alliance of <b>NATO</b>! Germany, Britain, USA, Scandinavia, Russia (junior partner in NATO) etc..<br />
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So China shall come with ships and “<b>afflict</b>” the NATO Nations. Other translations have “<b>humble</b>” these nations. China is going to wage war against the NATO allies and chastise them, and when that happens, NATO will break apart, and Europe will forsake the alliance with the USA and Britain. Jeremiah 30:14 says, “All thy lovers [“Allies” Moffatt Translation] have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, [China] for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased.” <b>God uses China to chastise the NATO allies</b> to “humble” them. As a result of this chastisement, the allies will break apart, as Daniel 11:45 says about NATO, “yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” (Read our booklet Middle East in Prophecy for further details on this subject).<br />
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Now, the latter end of Num 24:24 it says, “and <b>he also shall perish for ever</b>.” This is speaking “That is, [of] <b>the conqueror of Asher and Eber</b>,“ (JFB Commentary). But there is another interesting fact about this verse. In the margin of the King James Bible, it has <b>“Amelek” as the one who will perish. </b>So Amelek is the one who sends the ships of Chittim against the NATO Allies in Europe. So we see Amelek and Chittim in China against the NATO Allies.<br />
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After this happens, when Israel is left to defend itself, this will <b>lead into the great tribulation</b> in Daniel 12:1. This event is described in detail in Ezekiel 38 & 39.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther denouncing Haman as her enemy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ezekiel 38 & 39</b></span><br />
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Now let’s begin with the prophecy of Ezekiel that’s so important for our people today, now that we understand who these people are in this end time.<br />
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“Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.” Now many people believe that <b>Meshech and Tubal</b> show that Gog is Russia. But as the JFB Critical, Experimental and Practical commentary writes on page 349, that these two were tribes not city names, these were <b>sons of Japheth</b>, called the <b>Moschi </b>and <b>Tibareni</b> who dwelt with the “northern Asiatics” that the Greeks called “Scythians” that even Herodotus mentions in his book (Herodotus i. 103-106). And that the “modern Russians assumed their name...though their [Modern Russians] proper ancient name was Slavi or Wend” (JFB, p.349, emphasis theirs).<br />
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These peoples of Meshech and Tubal migrated with the Asiatic hordes to the east and the north with the Chinese! <b>Tubal is “Tibet,”</b> and <b>Mechech is “Manchuria.”</b> And <b>China </b>is of course<b> the “Chief Prince”</b> of both countries.<br />
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Let’s continue: “And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:<br />
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“And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:” (v.3-4). Notice God how he describes this huge army that the Chinese have in this end time. Revelation 9:16 describes the huge army from the east with the number of 200,000,000 men! With “horses... and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinthe, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.” (v.17). Battle tanks and missiles as God also describes in Ezekiel 38. China recently called for an increase in its military budget “as a response to U.S missile system...[and will boost] spending by almost 18 per cent this year” (Metro, Wednesday March 7, 2001).<br />
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China’s total armed forces is about “3 million” strong which includes army navy, air and nuclear forces, see Alan Campbell book “Kings of the East,” p.13.<br />
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<b>The Bible speaks of the “Ships of Kittim” China’s Naval Power & China’s military power “I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen,” (Ezra 38:4).</b><br />
Here, the Bible lists the <b>alliances that China makes</b>: “Persia [Iran & Iraq], Ethiopia and Libya [“Cush & Phut,” i.e India, Pakistan] with them; all of them with shield and helmet:<br />
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“Gomer [Siamese, Burmese, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians], and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters [Siberians and Mongols], and all his bands: and many people with thee” (v.5-6). Have you notice anything about this list of nations that align with China? These nations are all <b>Anti-American</b>!!! This prophecy as we shall see is against North America especially the United States of America as the primary target!<br />
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“After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years [same time setting as Numbers 24] thou shalt come into <b>the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel</b>, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.” (v.8) What nation is there that calls it self “<b>E Pluribus Unum</b> [Out of many we are one]"? The <b>United States of America</b>! This is the target nation in this prophecy! Along with Canada because we share the same Continent with the United Staes and are also part of the tribes of Israel! And who but these populous nations can defeat the vast countries of North America? Not Europe! They do not have the manpower to defeat North America.<br />
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The Churches of God always expected a European attack on North America, but no, its the Chinese Alliance with all these other nations that will attack North America and bring them into slavery and captivity unless our peoples repent and return to the faith in Jesus Christ! These also shall be attacking from the “North” which we will see in Joel’s prophecy so it obviously includes the nation of Canada.<br />
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<b>"Brought Back from the Sword”</b><br />
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This expression from Ezekiel 38:8 about the land of Israel being “brought back from the sword” means a place of refuge. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance shows one of the words is a land of “rescue” Strong’s #7725. A land of rescue from the “sword” which is war. What better to describe the United States of America. Those teaming hundreds of thousands throughout the centuries coming to the New York harbor, refugees from the wars of Europe coming into a new land looking for freedom.<br />
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Speaking before the Honorable Council and the Honorable House of Representatives in New England in 1778, Pastor Phillips Payson looked to the future of America and declared:<br />
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... to anticipate the future glory of America from our present hopes and prospects is ravishing and transporting to the mind. <b>In this light we</b> [American Celto-Saxons] <b>behold our country, beyond the reach of all oppressors</b>, under the great charter of independence, enjoying the purest liberty; beautiful and strong in its union; the envy of tyrants and devils, but the delight of God and all good men; <b>a refuge to the oppressed</b>; the joy of the earth ....<br />
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Thomas Jefferson wrote of the safety afforded America by the vast oceans on either side of her continent:<br />
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<b>The insulated state in which nature has placed the American continent should so far avail it that no spark of war kindled in the other quarters of the globe should be wafted across the wide oceans which separate us from them.</b><br />
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In one of the many prayers of President George Washington, we find him petitioning God for deliverance from violence:</div>
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<b>Almighty God</b>, who has given us this good heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will <b>bless our land</b> with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. <b>Save us from violence</b>, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way.... (Quotes from God’s Covenant People, Ted Weiland, pp..155-56).</blockquote>
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This land was “waste” but is “now inhabited,” see Ezekiel 38:12. Israel was to “inherit the desolate heritages” of the earth, see Isaiah 49:8. We have inherited the great North American wilderness, and dwell in the place that was a wilderness, but now inhabited by Israel, USA and Britain. The description of these lands can only mean North America, Australia, and New Zealand.<br />
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Also, who else “<b>dwells safely</b>” but us North Americans? <b>A “land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates”</b>? (v.11). We are protected by two vast oceans so no outside army can just come up and attack us with ease. We were prone to wars that ravaged Europe like World War 1 & 2. In our lands, we do not live with armed guards around strongholds in our communities, nor do we have big walls of defense to protect our houses. This can only mean North America.<br />
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Are these the Jews in Palestine today? Absolutely Not! Since the creation of the Jewish state, they have had nothing but warfare. This can only mean North America, Australia & New Zealand.<br />
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This also means, in Ezekiel’s time, the defense of a nation. Are we not cutting back on our defenses? Cutting budget spending on our military? Absolutely!<br />
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Now, here, <b>Gog and Magog’s motive</b> is revealed as to <b>why they come</b> into the land of Israel: “Thou shalt ascend [air assault] and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.<br />
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“Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:<br />
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“And thou shalt say, I will go up to the <b>land of unwalled villages</b>; I will <b>go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely</b>, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,<br />
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“To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the <b>desolate places that are now inhabited</b>, and upon the <b>people that are gathered out of the nations</b>, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land” (v.9-12). The riches of North America is what they are after, even though <b>God used them as an instrument to get Israel to repent</b>, of course the fleshly want to do its own will to fulfill its own purposes instead of the purposes and the plan of God.</div>
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<b>“Thou shalt ascend [air assault] and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a CLOUD to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.”</b></blockquote>
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Notice in verse 13 who the critics are of this invasion: “Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” The Ferrar Fenton translates parts of this verse as “<b>to seize commerce and trade</b>?”<br />
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Who is the greatest trading partner that the United States has? <b>Japan</b>! The <b>merchants of Tarshish is Japan</b>! The “<b>Young Lions</b>” as the Bible calls them are the <b>Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand</b>, who are modeled after the Japanese, which men call, the “<b>Young Tigers</b>.”</div>
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“Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day <b>when my people of Israel dwelleth safely</b>, shalt thou not know it?” “The Septuagint read ‘wilt thou not rouse thyself”’ (Bullinger’s p.1162). This is the time we are living in now. The United States is the only Superpower in the world. Yet continually China keeps stirring the pot, nipping at us every chance they get, rattling the sabre, like the Issue over Taiwan’s independence.<br />
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“And thou shalt <b>come from thy place out of the north parts</b>, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:<br />
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“And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, <b>and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.</b><br />
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“Thus saith the Lord God; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?<br />
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“And it shall come to pass at the same time when <b>Gog shall come against the land of Israel</b>, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.<br />
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“For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;<br />
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“So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.<br />
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“And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.<br />
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“And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.<br />
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“Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD” (v.15-23).<br />
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Notice the purpose God has in store for the <b>heathen races of the east</b>. Like Pharaoh of Egypt, God raised up Gog to show Gog his power: “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth” (Ex 9:16).</blockquote>
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Look at the time setting of this prophecy. It says that the earth will shake “at my presence,” that’s the second coming of Jesus Christ!<br />
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V.20-22 describes Revelation 16:12-21, of the 6th and 7th vials of the wrath of God.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><b>Ezekiel 39 The Destruction of Amalek</b></span></div>
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“This is the day, whereof I have spoken” (Ezekiel 39:8). <b>The destruction of Amalek</b> takes place here in the 39th chapter of Ezekiel. God spoke about this day as we have seen in other books of the Bible, like Exodus and Numbers about Amalek coming to his end and perishing forever.<br />
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Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:<br />
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“And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:<br />
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“And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.<br />
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“Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.<br />
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“Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.<br />
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“And I will <b>send a fire on Magog</b>, and among them that <b>dwell carelessly in the isles</b>: and they shall know that I am the LORD.<br />
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“So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.<br />
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“Behold, it is come, and it is done, [Rev 16:17] saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken” (v.1-8).</blockquote>
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The “sixth part of thee” should be translated “<b>strike thee with six plagues</b>’ (viz., pestilence, blood, overflowing rain, hailstones, fire brimstone, ch 38:22)” (JFB, p.352). These are the vial judgements of Revelation. The vials of the Wrath of God that come upon the “”the children of DISOBEDIENCE” (Colossians 3:6; Ephesians 5:6).<br />
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In Joel’s Prophecy, God says that <b>he would remove from Israel the “northern Army,”</b> that he describes are like “locusts” see Joel 1:4; 2:25.<br />
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“But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea,” (2:20). <b>Gog comes from the “north parts”</b> that God “will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee [“strike thee with six plagues”], and will cause thee to come up from the north parts,” (Ezekiel 39:1). In fact, the whole book of Joel is about the war with Gog and Magog. This is another prophet that God says, “Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Australia & New Zealand in Prophecy</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Historical Background by Craig White </b>- ”Australia’s genesis is rather unique. This great nation began as a penal colony when the first fleet arrived under Captain Arthur Phillip on 18 January 1788. The colony itself was established at Sydney Cove on 26 January which is commemorated as Australia Day - a national holiday. Soon a way was found to explore the inland areas. New settlements were established along the coast, in Tasmania, Western Australia (1829), South Australia (1836), Victoria (1851) and Queensland (1859).<br />
<br />
With the discovery of gold in 1851, an enormous influx of migrants occurred with the ensuing increase in investment, capital and business opportunities and the prosperity of the various states on the continent began to boom. For instance, Australia possesses some of the wealthiest deposits of mineral resources in the world.<br />
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This continent has come a long way over the past 200 years – a relatively bare continent with few mountains, rivers and lakes, it is approximately 85% desert and semi-desert and can only hold some 20-25 millions whilst maintaining a high standard of living. Yet is a ‘fair’ country, with much beauty and variety, hence the national anthem “Advance Australia Fair”, originally composed as an ode to the British Empire.<br />
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On 1 January 1901, the six British colonies federated to become the <b>Commonwealth of Australia</b>. The initial governments of the young nation were very populist and patriotic, basing many of their decisions on Biblical principles: protectionist tariffs with a slant toward the mother country, Great Britain; court arbitration in industrial disputes and the setting of minimum wages; old age pensions; a strong defense; and strong family values. In contrast, our leaders today are bent on integration with Asia; are biased against Britain; are fast moving away from the hard fought for advances won by the Australian workers; and have very little time for or interest in moral or family values. (see the book South-land of the Holy Spirit. A Christian History of Australia by E R Kotlowski, Christian History Research Institute). “<br />
<br />
Australia as well you can say is a land “waste:..of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,” (Ezekiel 38:8, 11).<br />
<br />
The political, religious, media and academic leaders are leading them astray and far away from God (Is 3:12; 9:16; 10:1).” Now Australia is a land of violence; pornography is a plague upon their minds; liberal divorce and remarriage, adultery, fornication and the promotion of homosexuality is rampant; Why do you permit euthanasia, surrogacy, radical feminism? And why have you neglected to obey the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath sign?<br />
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<b>Taken Captive into the land of the East</b><br />
<br />
As in Ezekiel, other prophecies show <b>Israel to be taken captive by eastern nations</b>. In Zechariah, God says he will: “save my people from the east country [from Gog and Magog], and from the west country [The European Beast]; (8:7).<br />
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We are told in Isaiah that the <b>ships of Tarshish</b> would be the first to <b>bring the Israelites to the Holy Land</b> during the future second Exodus from the <b>“Isles” of the sea</b> (Isaiah 60:9). Isaiah 11:11 also reveals Israel as captives in “the islands of the sea.” Australia and New Zealand will <b>be taken captive by the eastern Asiatic nations</b>, along with the Hawaiian Islands of the United States, Canada, and the mainland of the U.S.A. as well.<br />
<br />
Already China has expanded in the South China sea as “...the once powerful Soviet Union pull[s] out of their strategic bases in Vietnam and the U.S. Navy departs from the Philippines...an aggressive move virtually ignored by the west, Red China extended its territorial waters by hundreds of miles...Red China now claims the entire South China Sea including major Shipping lanes...” (Kings of the East, Campbell, p.14). What’s next, out into the Pacific? Do you see the danger that’s coming on our people.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Unparalleled Horrors Await Australia & New Zealand</b></span><br />
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This Work of the Church of God endeavors to fulfil the commission given to Ezekiel, to warn of coming invasion, captivity and slave labour camps (Ezek 3:17; 33:1-7). Like Ezekiel, this Work is one which watches world events as they fulfil prophecy, to warn the peoples of 21st century House of Israel that military invasion and devastation is imminent. Yet, we also proclaim God’s mercy to Israel - the Good News of the World Tomorrow and the Messiah’s deliverance of our peoples. Soon, there will be peace on earth (Is 2:1-4) and the peoples of Israel will learn to rule under the Messiah with justice, righteousness, and for the good of all nations, tongues and peoples.<br />
<br />
But in the meantime, will we heed the urgent warnings of Ezekiel to Australia and escape the approaching Great Tribulation (Rev 3:10; 12:14). Or will we submit to the most terrible and painful fate ever to happen to any people?<br />
<br />
Advance Australia Fair – toward repentance or destruction? The choice is yours!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Israel’s Repentance</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Israel finally repents (39:7)</b> and God’s name is not polluted anymore. And whose name do they blaspheme ever single day in the workplace, on T.V., and in the Movies? Jesus Christ! The Heathen as well, will finally know, and repent, and turn to Almighty God. It’s a shame that it takes war and bloodshed for men to repent and turn to God. But that’s how hard hearted and stubborn humans are, that <b>God has to take to that point, when he doesn’t have to.</b> All we have to do is listen, prove things to ourselves, and repent, and follow him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: <b>and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude</b>: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog.<br />
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“And <b>seven months</b> shall the <b>house of Israel be burying of them</b>, that they may cleanse the land” (v.11-12). God finally takes vengeance on Amalek for his evil, and for what he did for all those wars against Israel. And it will take 7 whole months for the house of Israel to bury them all, that’s quite a multitude of people!<br />
<br />
“And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.<br />
<br />
“ Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.<br />
<br />
“ And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you.<br />
<br />
“ Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD” (v.17-20).</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is describing the supper of the Great God in Revelation 19:17. There can be no doubt about the time frame of this prophecy. Its at the second coming of Christ.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.<br />
<br />
<b>“So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.<br /><br />“And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.<br /><br />“According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.<br /><br />“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;<br /><br />“After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.</b><br />
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“When I have brought them again from the people, <b>and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands</b>, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;<br />
<br />
“Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, <b>which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen</b>: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.<br />
<br />
“Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, [Jer 31:31, Heb 8:8, the New Covenant] saith the Lord GOD” (v.21-29).</blockquote>
</div>
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God reveals why he did this. To get Israel to repent and to punish them for their wickedness. This is the time when Israel dwells safely in their land, which is this time right now, in the 21st century. Are we going to heed God’s warning, and repent, or continue on this road to ruin? The choice is ours!<br />
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<b>Argument: Revelation 20:8-9?</b><br />
<br />
What about Revelation 20:8-9: “Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.<br />
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“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” <b>Doesn’t this prove that the war with Gog is after the Millenium?</b> Absolutely not! Ezekiel 38-39 clearly shows the second coming of Christ. The Supper of the Great God. The vials of God’s wrath on the earth etc... The time frame is obvious. But also, Ezekiel describes the war against the <b>House of Israel</b>. A specific race of people. This war in Revelation is <b>against the “camp of the saints”</b> which can mean any race of people who are converted to God.<br />
<br />
Bullinger’s Companion Bible writes: “Here apparently an inclusive term for <b>all the gentile nations</b>... The destruction of Gog and Magog, Ezekiel 39, is <b>Pre-millennial</b>, see Ezekiel 39:25” (p.1911, emphasis added). The book of Revelation calls the people who are <b>not </b>converted to God, and have rejected God, Gog and Magog in a spiritual sense, these are people of all races! Notice, the Bible says that Satan <b>“deceived the nations which are in the four corners of the earth.”</b> (v.8) These are all nations, that God calls “Gog and Magog” spiritually. Gog and Magog literally, are NOT in the four corners of the earth, just Asia, so the meaning is clear that this is spiritual Gog not literal.<br />
<br />
Literal Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38 are nations that are “most distant from Israel... <b>distant and barbarous nations</b>” (JFB p.348). They did not know God before the Millenium.<br />
<br />
<b>Spiritual Gog</b> is the same way after the Millenium. So Ezekiel 38&39 is for our time today before the second coming of Christ! </div>
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<div class="CM15" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 4.85pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">End Notes: </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[xxx] Douglas
1972:1285 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[xxxi] Bullinger
c1890:1144 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[xxxii] Milner
1941:46 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[xxxiii] Kachur
1972:9-10 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[xxxiv] Koestler
1976:160 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[xxxv] Jochelson
1928: map “Ethnographic map of Asiatic Russia” at the front of his book </span>
</div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[liii] Josephus
Antiquities 1:6:1; Douglas 1972:701 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[liv] Wiseman
1973:197 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lv] Custance for
example confuses the two on page 210 of his work </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lvi] Sayce 1888:42
</span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lvii] Barton
1933:90-91 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lviii] Koestler
1976:164 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lix] Beddoe 1912:82
</span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lx] Childe 1926:78,
114; Custance 1975:104 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxi] Childe 1926:28
</span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxii] Boulger
1878:17 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxiii] ibid: 18;
Conder c1900:51 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxiv] Custance
1975:211 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxv] Huxley
1974:159 </span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxvi] ibid:160
</span></div>
<div class="CM2">
<span style="color: #231d1d; font-size: 11.5pt;">[lxvii] Broek &
Weber 1968:83; see too Taylor 1937:216 </span></div>
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Source:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
http://www.british-israel.ca/China.pdf<br />
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poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-80266281872597368842015-07-28T19:35:00.001+08:002016-05-22T01:30:47.777+08:00On Jesus Christ's Alleged Sexuality<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGcy5-IulJc/VbdndviBpBI/AAAAAAAABlo/1Prb97-m5qM/s1600/Jesus-movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGcy5-IulJc/VbdndviBpBI/AAAAAAAABlo/1Prb97-m5qM/s400/Jesus-movie.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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<b>The following <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexuality_of_Jesus">Wikipedia article </a>that you are about to read might be disturbing to many Christian people, especially those who are lacking faith in Jesus Christ. I do not share this article because I personally believe in every word that is written, but because I want you, dear Ghetto Doggs, to have an idea regarding our Savior's alleged sexuality, but not to the point of forcing you to believe in it or claiming I am correct. <br /><br />Before you bash me on social media, please be aware that I have a strong faith in Jesus Christ, and that any perspective or approach regarding his nature, whether good or bad, even this article, will never completely alter my belief in him.<br /><br />So if you have a strong faith in Jesus Christ, yet your mind is open to ideas, then READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Otherwise, READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED.</b><br />
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The sexuality of Jesus has been portrayed in fiction, but Hebrews 4:15 states: 'We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.' Most Christian denominations throughout history thus have maintained that Jesus remained celibate until his death (<i>and I strongly believe that</i>). Interpretation of indirect evidence has produced widely varying theories of Jesus's sexuality.<br />
<b><br />On Adultery and Divorce</b><br />
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In the Gospel of Matthew 19:3-12, Jesus condemns divorce (though an exception is given in cases of adultery), quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, and explains himself with these words:<br />
<br />
"Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."<br />
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The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."<br />
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Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it. (NIV)<br />
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Jesus' praise for those who have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven has, for many centuries, been interpreted by Christian theologians as a metaphor for celibacy, since the term "eunuch" normally referred to a castrated man. Some Christians (including, according to a few sources, Origen) went farther than this by interpreting Jesus' words literally and hence physically castrating themselves as an act of devotion. The early Church Father Tertullian, who wrote that Jesus himself lived as a eunuch, likewise encouraged people to adopt this practice.<br />
<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BUG2vfmJ30/VbdnVI_uJZI/AAAAAAAABlg/elojaK583_Q/s1600/Valentin_de_boulogne%252C_John_and_Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BUG2vfmJ30/VbdnVI_uJZI/AAAAAAAABlg/elojaK583_Q/s320/Valentin_de_boulogne%252C_John_and_Jesus.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus and John at the Last Supper, by Valentin de Boulogne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Relationship Between Jesus and the Apostle John</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The Gospel of John makes references to the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7, 20), a phrase which does not occur in the Synoptic Gospels. In the text, this beloved disciple is present at the crucifixion of Jesus, with Jesus' mother, Mary.<br />
<br />
The disciple whom Jesus loved is a self-reference by the author of the Gospel (John 21:24), traditionally regarded as John the Apostle. Rollan McCleary, author of Signs for a Messiah, thinks this identification would make the phrase highly significant.<br />
<br />
Aelred of Rievaulx, in his work Spiritual Friendship, referred to the relationship of Jesus and John as a "marriage" and held it out as an example sanctioning friendships between clerics.<br />
<br />
James I of England may have been relying on a pre-existing tradition when he defended his relationship with the young Duke of Buckingham: "I wish to speak in my own behalf and not to have it thought to be a defect, for Jesus Christ did the same, and therefore I cannot be blamed. Christ had his son John, and I have my George."<br />
<br />
Others who have given voice to this interpretation of the relationship between Jesus and John have been the philosophers Denis Diderot and Jeremy Bentham. However, many other researchers reject the theory. For example, Robert A. Gagnon pointed out that the Greek word translated as "loved" is agape (used, for example, in John 3:16; "for God so loved the world"), rather than the Greek word referring to sexual love, EROS.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Abraham Rihbany supposed that the depicted scene was a Syrian custom, similar to present day handshaking.<br />
<br />
Gene Robinson discussed the possible homoerotic inclinations of Jesus in a sermon in 2005. Robinson's claim has been widely criticized, most notably by David W. Virtue, who called it an "appalling deconstructionism from the liberal lobby which will spin even the remotest thing to turn it into a hint that Biblical figures are gay".<br />
<br />
Bob Goss, the author of "Jesus Acted Up, A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto" and "Queering Christ, Beyond Jesus Acted Up," said of the interaction between Jesus and John, it "is a pederastic relationship between an older man and a younger man. A Greek reader would understand."<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Pederasty is defined as a (usually erotic) homosexual relationship between an adult male and a pubescent or adolescent male. It is very common in Greek culture, and Alexander the Great is a good example of a pederast. But in the case of the relationship between Jesus and John, I strongly believe that their relationship was simply that of between a teacher and a student, or a mentor and a protege.</i></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vD2CXgIRhE/VbdntBRhBiI/AAAAAAAABlw/3EfZ2T9RDC8/s1600/7020852643_13a9fbcf7f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vD2CXgIRhE/VbdntBRhBiI/AAAAAAAABlw/3EfZ2T9RDC8/s400/7020852643_13a9fbcf7f_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Relationship Between Jesus and Mary Magdalene</b><br />
<br />
The Gospel of Philip (not in the Biblical canon) states that Jesus kissed Mary Magdalene. Considering the gnostic nature of writing, most do not consider this a sexual act, instead interpreting it as an instance of a common Middle-Eastern cultural practice, signifying the transfer of knowledge (in this case, gnosis) between a teacher and his pupils. However, the notion of a marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene has been a frequent topic in literature, and within the 1982 book, The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail.<br />
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<i>While this relationship may be possible, since it came from a Gnostic Gospel, still, I also do not believe this, as well.</i><br />
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<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_MQn6F2XJc/Vbdn7FQ25kI/AAAAAAAABl4/ykCtE_qplyk/s1600/Correggio%252C_giovane_che_fugge_dalla_cattura_di_Cristo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_MQn6F2XJc/Vbdn7FQ25kI/AAAAAAAABl4/ykCtE_qplyk/s400/Correggio%252C_giovane_che_fugge_dalla_cattura_di_Cristo.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio da Correggio, <i>The Betrayal of Christ, with a soldier in pursuit of Mark the Evangelist</i>, ca. 1522.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>The Naked Youth</b><br />
<br />
The text of the naked youth is puzzling for conventional interpreters because it associates an unnamed and suggestively erotic youth very closely with Jesus. Moreover, the text only appears in Mark, which has led to the tradition that John Mark wrote himself into the text. Because this apologetic interpretation has been largely dismissed by scholars, it leaves open suggestions as to the identity of the young man, especially given the erotically-charged texture surrounding his brief appearance. Since ancient times, many have speculated on the identity of this young man, proposing as (1) simply someone else who happened to be there, (2) James the Just, (3) The Beloved Disciple (the Apostle John), (4) Mark himself, or (5) Lazarus.<br />
<br />
The Secret Gospel of Mark, fragments of which were contained in the controversial, recently-discovered Mar Saba letter by Clement of Alexandria, has led to various interpretations concerning the views of an ancient group called the Carpocratians. The Secret Gospel of Mark states that Jesus taught the secrets of the Kingdom of God alone to a partially clothed youth during one night. Some modern commentators interpret it as a baptism, or an allegory for a non-sexual initiation into a gnostic religion.<br />
<br />
Some see a connection between the youth of the "Secret Gospel of Mark" and the mysterious youth following Jesus during his arrest, who loses his cloak while trying to escape, mentioned in the Canonical Gospel of Mark; and the young man or angel clad only in white that Mark mentions was found in the Empty Tomb. Most scholars, however, see the so called Secret Gospel as a modern hoax.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt0BjCdEf9k/VbdoQtM3diI/AAAAAAAABmA/42EekZrt01c/s1600/marriage-of-the-lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt0BjCdEf9k/VbdoQtM3diI/AAAAAAAABmA/42EekZrt01c/s320/marriage-of-the-lamb.jpg" width="320" /></a><b></b></div>
<b style="text-align: justify;">The Bride of Christ</b><br />
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The Bride of Christ is a metaphor for the Ecclesia (church), likening the relationship between Christians and Jesus to a betrothal pointing to a future wedding, when Christians are re-united with Jesus. In the Gospel of John (chapter 3 verses 22-36), John the baptist speaks in terms of himself as a "best man" with the implication that Christ the bridegroom (see also Matthew 9:15) is coming to meet his bride, although there is nothing specific to identify the bride. Church Fathers such as Cyprian applied the image to the Church.<br />
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<b>Jesus' Sexual Encounters </b><br />
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<i>(READ WITH CAUTION; CONTAINS BLASPHEMOUS CONTENT)</i><br />
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The poem "The Love that Dares to Speak its Name" suggests that Jesus had several sexual encounters, including with Pontius Pilate, and contains a graphic description of Jesus' sexual encounter with a Roman soldier; Christian opposition to the poem's suggestions resulted in the Whitehouse v. Lemon court case, a famous blasphemous libel trial. The sadomasochistic undertones of the crucifixion have been commented upon, and occasionally portrayed explicitly in modern art; for satirical reasons, this was depicted in the controversial Jesus with erection poster, a concept which has also been depicted for serious reasons in sculpture by Terence Koh, though both works were denounced by many Christians as being provocatively offensive.<br />
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Some Christians, however, believe that if Jesus was wholly human, he must have been a sexual being. The Children of God Christian cult actively promotes the view that a sexual relationship with Jesus would be desirable, encouraging devotees to imagine during sexual activity that it is Jesus who is having sex with them, and equate prophecy with Jesus' ejaculation. Historic Christian figures have also been accused of similar thoughts. Teresa of Avila's description of her most famous vision has been interpreted by secular writers, such as Dan Brown, as a metaphor for some serious sex; the view of Teresa having a sexual relationship with Jesus, in her visions, is exemplified by the poster art for Theresa: The Body of Christ, a 2007 film by Ray Loriga.<br />
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poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-78736509441588416752015-07-26T11:43:00.000+08:002016-05-22T01:29:30.518+08:00The Enigma of the Mysterious Kaspar Hauser<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDbkOW3FDq4/VbRWR4nniWI/AAAAAAAABk4/J4C71-EMTkY/s1600/60209_418105228244434_1300484405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDbkOW3FDq4/VbRWR4nniWI/AAAAAAAABk4/J4C71-EMTkY/s400/60209_418105228244434_1300484405_n.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A contemporary painting of Kaspar Hauser.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In May 1828, a youth was seen staggering along the streets of Nuremburg dressed in peasant clothes and seeming bewildered enough to attract attention. He seemed drunk, but in fact he did not know how to use his legs, but wobbled on them as if for the first time, unsure where to place them next. He carried a note written by a labourer saying he had been given charge of him on 7 October 1812 and had undertaken to teach him reading, writing and the Christian religion but had kept him confined. Another letter from the boy’s mother said he had been born on 30 April 1812, that his name was Kaspar and that his father, a cavalry officer in the 6th Nuremburg regiment was dead. She said he wanted to be a horse rider like his father. (One of the questions asked of him was, “Where is your passport?”)</div>
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A townsman took him to the regiment and he was placed in the tower for observation. He appeared to be about the age given in the letters, sixteen or seventeen years old, although he was only four feet nine inches tall and underdeveloped. His wisdom teeth had not yet shown. And it was perfectly obvious that his feet had never seen a pair of shoes.</div>
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Since that day, Kaspar Hauser has been the subject of over three thousand books and fourteen thousand articles. Kaspar had spent most of his life, probably fourteen years, in a tiny dark dungeon with an earthen floor and low wooden ceiling. He had a hole in his breeches to permit defecation, and two wooden horses and a wooden dog to play with. He later said: "The idea never occurred to me to want to stand up," because he could not. He ate bread and water twice a day, placed beside him by his gaoler. He saw no daylight, heard no footsteps, no voice, or animal cry, until the day an unknown man brought him into the world and abandoned him to the streets of a city.</div>
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He instantly became famous. People came from far and wide to stare. The interest lay in Kaspar’s mental and moral condition. What, after such an ordeal, would he be like? Mostly, just as one might expect. His vocabulary was limited to about fifty words. Any food apart from bread and water made him sick, both strong light and loud noises caused him visible pain, and the smell of a rose was to him a vile stench. He was at first so frightened of people that he asked Andreas Hiltel, the man assigned to look after him, if his two-year-old daughter would hurt him. Thereafter, when he met a new person he studied the eyes, nose, forehead and mouth with great attention before slotting them together to make a whole that he would never forget. When he fell asleep not even thunder would wake him. He thought the person he saw in a mirror must be hiding behind it.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3E7WOmJUstg/VbRW4MTOhMI/AAAAAAAABlA/y9xKSNd3EbU/s1600/Kaspar_hauser_denkmal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3E7WOmJUstg/VbRW4MTOhMI/AAAAAAAABlA/y9xKSNd3EbU/s320/Kaspar_hauser_denkmal.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A statue of Kaspar Hauser at the old city center in Ansbach, Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Other aspects of his character were more surprising. When he saw the stars for the first time he fell into a rapture from which it was difficult to dislodge him. Given a new toy horse to play with, he spent hours alone, stroking it and gazing at it. His understanding of cause and effect, of motive, was nil. In the words of his first biographer Anselm von Feuerbach, “A sheet of paper that the wind carried off had run away from the table.”</div>
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Unable to bear cruelty, be it visited upon other people, animals, or insects, he seemed morally secure and uncontaminated, a child of nature who had yet to learn how human beings treat one another on a social level. His winning smile was absolutely genuine. “He had nothing false in him,” said Hiltel. Here was the dream of the child uncorrupted by the world.</div>
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His development over the coming months would lend weight to this. He proved to be intelligent and quick to learn, as well as sweet-natured. But the complications and frailties of human life eventually seeped into him, and he himiself admitted that, in some ways, he had been happier in the dungeon.</div>
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Following a proclamation by the Mayor of Nuremberg, Feuerbach paid a visit to the child, which so moved him that he determined to write his biography. This has never been out of print in Germany since its publication in 1832. Feuerbach had him removed from the tower and sent to live with Georg Friedrich Daumer, a kindly man who was tutor to Hegel’s children.</div>
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Daumer was soon won aver by Kaspar, taught him to read, draw, play the piano and chess, and think allusively. He developed into a young man of ability and charm.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3n4lgzxZuA/VbRXJ-bX-UI/AAAAAAAABlI/RSNsQUBhJE4/s1600/Hauser_Kreul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3n4lgzxZuA/VbRXJ-bX-UI/AAAAAAAABlI/RSNsQUBhJE4/s320/Hauser_Kreul.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaspar Hauser, 1830</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then the 4th Earl of Stanhope, the British historian, sent money for Kaspar’s upkeep and demanded he be considered his legal guardian. He announced that he would adopt the boy and take him to live at Chevening Castle in Kent—while mysteriously failing to mention this in his voluminous letters to wife and children. Stanhope had Kaspar removed from Daumer’s care and placed with a sadistic, narrow-minded schoolteacher, Johann Georg Meyer, who broke his spirit by refusing to believe a word he said. Was this a plot to get rid of him?</div>
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Who was he? Why the pressing need to rid the world of this stranger? Was the reason dynastic? Jeffrey Masson’s theory (Lost Prince: The Unsolved Mystery of Kasper Hauser) is that he was righfully the Prince of Baden, son of the Grand Duke Charles of Baden by his first wife. The wife of the founder of the dynasty shut him away in the dungeon so that her own son could succeed—as he did.</div>
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The theory was formulated originally by Daumier and Feuerbach themselves. They alleged that the Duke’s morganatic wife, the countess of Hochberg had him kidnapped in October 1812 to favour her own son. In 1875, the Augsberg Allgemeine Zeitung published the official record of the baptism, post-mortem examination and burial of the supposed prince. This child was therefore assumed to have been substituted for the true and healthy heir, Kaspar. By substituting a sickly baby for the poor Prince, its early death officially left the way for her own son to succeed. The Grand Duke himself died at thirty three, claiming that he and both his sons had been poisoned. He did not know that one of them languished in a hole in the floor of one of his castles. The Prince’s gaoler must have set him loose from remorse.</div>
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E E Evans reviewed all this in The Story of Kaspar Hauser from Authentic Records in 1892. Andrew Lang, the compiler of myths and fairy tales, gave an account of the mystery in Historical Mysteries, 1904, in which he concluded that Kaspar was possibly mentally sick, being an “ambulatory automatist,” someone liable to wander off and mistake their own identity, but was more inclined to think he was a fraud, and the “authentic records” “worthless and impudent rubbish.”</div>
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The evidence is substantial, but is it sufficient? All the dates fit, odd asides in letters survive, and Kaspar’s own memory may be said to corroborate it. In 1829, he made a watercolor drawing of a strange plant. Not until nearly a century later, in 1924, did someone stumble across a hidden dungeon in a castle near Nuremberg called Pilsach, in the course of renovations.</div>
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It matched in every particular the dungeon described by Kaspar, including a large iron window frame in the shape of that plant. Much later, in 1982, new owners discovered a small, white wooden horse, matching the horse Kaspar had described as his plaything.</div>
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The revelation of his true identity would have been catastrophic for the House of Baden. The naïve Kaspar, who was succeeding in life as a clerk, was lured to a garden in Ansbach by a man who said he had news of his mother and stabbed in the chest. When he staggered home, the dreadful Meyer accused him of playing up and said he would beat him for his lies. If there was a wound, then it must have been self-inflicted. The young man turned his face to the wall and died.</div>
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Masson points the finger very firmly at Lord Stanhope, who was in the pay of the Baden family, as having arranged the murder.</div>
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J A L Singh in Wolf Children and Feral Man, 1966 gave another account. Jakob Wassermann wrote a novel, Caspar Hauser, translated into English in 1928. Peter Handke wrote a play Kaspar, translated in 1970.</div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-34471154608745564932015-07-25T21:05:00.001+08:002016-05-22T01:28:31.822+08:00The Alleged Photo of Wong Fei-hung<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tly_fzCSpHE/VbOG80p-XLI/AAAAAAAABjw/509B0TSFfJk/s1600/553395_397710913617199_1851443670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tly_fzCSpHE/VbOG80p-XLI/AAAAAAAABjw/509B0TSFfJk/s400/553395_397710913617199_1851443670_n.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alleged photo of Wong Fei-Hung</td></tr>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">If
you are familiar with the Hong Kong martial arts movie series Once Upon A Time In China, starring Jet Li, then you are also familiar with its
lead character, Wong Fei-hung.<br /> <br /> But did you know that Wong Fei-hung was actually real?<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <br />
Since his death on May 24, 1924, the legend of the great Hung Kuen
master Wong Fei-hung has continued on in the hearts and minds of
literally every Chinese martial artist and kung fu movie fan. His life
and fictionalized exploits have been portrayed by the top Chinese action
film stars including Kwan Tak-hing, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.<br /> <br /> But let us not forget that this legend was of a real man.<br /> <br />
Great controversy still continues over what he actually looked like. It
has been said that all of Wong's family photos were destroyed when
Wong's home and medical practice (Po Chi Lam) burned down during the
Guangzhou Merchant Corps Rebellion in 1924. He died not long afterwards,
which explains why replacement photos were never taken.<br /> <br /> It was
said that Wong looked like the mythical "God of Longevity", presumably
with large forehead and long earlobes. According to Madame Mok Kwai-lan,
Wong's 4th wife, actor Kwan Tak-hing possessed a striking resemblance to
Wong.<br /> <br /> In 1976, magazine journalist and Wing Chun master Leung
Ting interviewed Madame Mok and claimed to have been given the
only surviving photo of Wong Fei-hung from her. For some reason, Leung
withheld unveiling the above photo for 25 years (a good 20 years after Madame Mok passed away).<br /> <br /> However, the above photo that you see does NOT really belong to Wong Fei-hung. </span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJbua7awmZ0/VbOJUlJRgjI/AAAAAAAABj8/VJ6v2UShMFc/s1600/wong-fei-hung-photo-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJbua7awmZ0/VbOJUlJRgjI/AAAAAAAABj8/VJ6v2UShMFc/s400/wong-fei-hung-photo-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kung-fu Grandmasters confirm the alleged photo actually belongs to Wong Hon-hei, Wong Fei-hung's fourth son.</td></tr>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">According to an article published on June 2013 by </span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://practicalhungkyun.com/">Practical Hung Kyun</a></span></span></span>, this </span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">photo looks uncannily like Wong's fourth and youngest
son, Wong Hon-hei, who was from Wong's 3rd marriage.</span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> This was firmly confirmed by many elders of the Hung Kyun family</span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">, which includes </span></span></span>Grand Master Lam Jou, Grand Master Chiu Wai, and Grand Master Lei Chan-wo, who is the disciple and heir of Madame Mok. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">In addition to this discovery, about four months later, there was another picture, </span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">found in 2005 by a gentleman from the Municipal Museum</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> in Hong Kong</span></span></span></span></span></span>, which</span></span></span> is now being considered to be the long-lost portrait of the legendary Kung-fu master.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">At the back of the photo was written: </span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TqUoNpPJWI/VbOKegGK95I/AAAAAAAABkI/rf_vwQEhJwU/s1600/wong-fei-hung-photo-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TqUoNpPJWI/VbOKegGK95I/AAAAAAAABkI/rf_vwQEhJwU/s400/wong-fei-hung-photo-02.jpg" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Portrait of Wong Fei Hung – Kwong Kei Tim</b></td></tr>
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There are couple of good reasons that the person on the photo can indeed be Wong Fei Hung. First, there is a clear resemblance between Wong Hon-hei and the person on the photo. Second, Kwong Kei-tim was Wong Fei-hung’s disciple, and he definitely could not confuse Wong Hon-hei with Wong Fei-hung. Finally, it seems that there are some “pockmarks” (scars left on the skin after the healing of a smallpox) on the person's face. According to some sources, one of Wong Fei-hung’s nicknames was “Pockmark Yeung”. His original name was actually Wong Sek-yeung.<br />
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Madame Mok once said that Wong Fei-hung was quite superstitious. He believed that taking photos could shorten one’s life, so he took a picture of himself only once during his lifetime.<br />
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Even if it is confirmed that the first photo does not belong to Wong Fei-hung, w</span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">e will also never know for sure whether or not the second photo that was surfaced ten years ago is that of </span></span></span>the Kung-fu legend, either. In the end, I suppose it
really does not matter. Memory inevitably wavers from truth as time
passes by. Besides, a hundred years from now, will anyone of us actually know what do we looked like, and who we really
were?</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Read more at:</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">http://practicalhungkyun.com/2013/06/incredible-discovery-a-photo-of-real-wong-fei-hung/</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">http://practicalhungkyun.com/2013/10/another-photo-discovery-is-this-real-wong-fei-hung/ </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"*G","type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">_________________________________________________________________________________</span></span></span></div>
poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107621723215465438.post-49143581691361903382015-07-20T20:58:00.002+08:002016-05-22T01:28:01.721+08:00Is Original Pilipino Music Dead??? - The State of Filipino Music Industry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJ0koWmhYU/Vazp4cuaXrI/AAAAAAAABhc/zsrwyUDGRdE/s1600/opm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJ0koWmhYU/Vazp4cuaXrI/AAAAAAAABhc/zsrwyUDGRdE/s400/opm1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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About a couple of weeks ago, singer Rhap Salazar has been on the hot seat for his remarks against certain artists, who lip-sync their songs on television, being given the opportunity to release albums instead of those he described as "real singers." Salazar laments on his Twitter account, "I hate seeing artists lip-syncing on TV.”<br />
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Several personalities immediately took sides on this issue. One of Salazar’s staunch defenders is Gary Valenciano, who believes Salazar was not pointing to anyone in particular, and that the young singer was probably dismayed that those who can really perform are not given enough exposure. His son, dancer Gab Valenciano, also agrees with Salazar, saying that the Philippines "glorifies a multitude of singers that can't sing, actors that can't act, dancers that can't dance, unfunny comedians, directionless directors, and so many other con artists that take themselves too seriously." He also said that Salazar should not apologize for his statements due to its validity.<br />
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Another singer, Guji Lorenzana, also shared Salazar’s sentiment, blaming everyone, including the public and the label companies, for what is happening in the music industry today. Meanwhile, broadway singer Lea Salonga commented that there are instances where the practice of lip-syncing cannot be helped, citing her performance at the 1992 Academy Awards as an example. It should be interesting to know that Salonga herself made comments against Anne Curtis and Daniel Padilla on two separate occasions regarding their singing, yet she apologized to both of them afterwards.<br />
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However, there are other people who opposed Salazar’s claim. In an interview on DZMM, comedian Vice Ganda has said that those non-singers (who have admitted that they are also surprised that they have shows and recording deals) deserve every right to perform, and should not be barred from having concerts or releasing albums. He also criticized Salazar's choice of words, and even dared the artists Salazar was pertaining to as "real singers" to continue making more music. Vice explained that giving Filipinos the benefit of choice is the key in making sure that the OPM industry stays alive.</div>
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Accordingly, talk show host Boy Abunda also expressed disagreement with Salazar’s remark on his show Aquino and Abunda Tonight, even though he respects the young singer’s opinion. He also gave some advice as a talent manager, saying that Salazar must assess his brand essence and equity by watching those non-singers perform, so that he can determine the things he must do in order to sell his talent.<br />
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Finally, Anne Curtis, who is admittedly a non-singer herself, immediately quipped that she does not lip-sync, yet she was unaffected by Salazar's rants, and encourages other non-singers not to be affected with the issue as well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtoHCoKqNG4/VazqFF5JxoI/AAAAAAAABhk/ttI9YPtMsDo/s1600/20150716-rhapsalazar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtoHCoKqNG4/VazqFF5JxoI/AAAAAAAABhk/ttI9YPtMsDo/s400/20150716-rhapsalazar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhap Salazar</td></tr>
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<b>Is the OPM genre really dying?</b><br />
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While all personalities involved have their own respective points of view, each of them does have good points. However, as an open-minded person who mostly appreciates various genres of music all over the world, this issue had led me to conclude that OPM is slowly dying, the same way most people think Boxing is also dying because of Floyd Mayweather.<br />
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Let’s set aside the kundiman and folk songs of old (as very few people do appreciate it), but try to compare at least the music of the 2000s and 2010s to the music of the 80s and 90s. Most people will probably agree with me by saying that 80s-90s OPM, as well as the Manila Sound of the 70s, is far better to listen to than that of today, myself comparing them to aged wines and liquors that when stored for many years, tastes better and richer.<br />
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While I find several songs composed for the past 5 years quite meaningful, others seem more like novelty to me.<br />
<b><br />Pop music might be the culprit</b><br />
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I strongly believe that Filipino pop culture, especially pop music (P-Pop), truly degrades, brainwashes, and controls the minds of the common people, making them to believe it is cool because it’s trending, while I find it otherwise. As a result, these same groups of people usually find themselves in an inconvenient situation, whenever someone introduces them to other genres.<br />
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I myself am a living statement, because my playlist in my MP3 player contains loads of J-Pop and Enka songs since the 1960s, as well as various soundtracks from popular Anime, Tokusatsu (superhero dramas), action series, and my favorite, Jidaigeki (period dramas). However, no matter which song I play, my friends and co-workers were uncomfortable listening to them, yet there are few who still appreciate my music.<br />
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These instances led myself to believe that 99.9% of Filipinos never appreciates J-pop, simply because they do not understand. But although they also do not understand K-pop, ironically, they still keep on listening to them. Yes Koreans are more trending than the Japanese thanks to the heavy influence of the Korean Wave phenomenon, but do not take that fact as a reason to justify your disdain against the music from other countries. Aside from J-Pop and K-Pop, I also have Chinese, Thai, Indian, Latin, German, Russian, French, Arab, even Israeli songs on my music database. Even if I don’t understand all of them, I would still appreciate the melody. And from these melodies, I am able to write Tagalog lyrics...</div>
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...Which reminds me of a scientific study once conducted by a certain Virgil Griffith, a software application writer, wherein he rated a person's intelligence based on the average SAT scores of various college institutions. Upon his research, Griffith concluded that rock music, such as those from Radiohead, was for smart people, while pop music like that of Beyonce was for the dumb. You may refer to the chart below or by clicking an extended version of it <a href="https://consequenceofsound.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/music-smart-dumb.png">here</a>:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study showed that Radiohead was for smart people while Beyonce was for the dumb.</td></tr>
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In addition, Adrian North of Scotland's Heriot-Watt University, published the largest study of musical tastes in 2008, which involves 36,000 people, 60 countries and three years of work. By asking each participant to rank their favorite genres of music, he discovered that the most common characteristic among all genre listeners was creativity. But one group of listeners, pop music lovers, showed a genuine and significant lack of creativity, though it does not necessarily mean that stupid people love pop. The study simply showed that pop trains people to expect less from their artistic and creative lives, which, unfortunately, has negative effects on the brain.</div>
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<b>A handful of minstrels</b><br />
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Speaking of writing Tagalog lyrics from foreign songs, I believe that songwriting also plays a big factor in OPM. Have you ever noticed that most of the popular singers today resort to cover popular old songs in their albums, with no original compositions whatsoever? Yes there are still singers who still write and sing songs of their own (Yeng Constantino, for one), but that is only about 40% in my estimate.<br />
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Meanwhile, about 5% of the hits were popular English language songs with Tagalog lyrics. I am extremely annoyed whenever I hear these songs, because we already understand English. While I gladly embrace OPM songs that are based from Japanese or Korean, those that come from English songs make me sick to the bone. No wonder why certain one-hit-wonders such as Ara Muna, David Idol and Ms. Ganda fell into utter obscurity… and all of them were not given a single shot at greatness.<br />
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<b>Genres I find uncomfortable to listen to</b><br />
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I have previously mentioned above that I mostly appreciate various music genres. I started to become a music geek when I was a kid, when I used to listen to my father’s collection of cassette tapes he acquired while he worked abroad.<br />
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However, there are a handful of genres that make me uncomfortable sometimes while listening to them. Number one in my list are cover songs and remakes, as they sometimes tend to alter the lyrics at their convenience. But that depends on certain situations, like geographical or cultural aspects, if it goes to a certain event or situation, transition from a different point of view (i.e. male to female, first-person to third-person), or in most cases, the singer does not actually know the lyrics at all.<br />
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Other genres I am usually uncomfortable with are duets (because I am uneasy with the uneven distribution of parts to both singers involved), and songs from popular boy bands (because most of them have a single member not being given a solo singing part, which makes me feel remorse and pity to that person because he/she looked like a loser). However, I hate listening to any song with evil laughter, because they remind me of Satan.<br />
<b><br />My two cents</b><br />
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To sum it all up, every person has the right to choose what kind of music he / she wants. <br />
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However, media networks and label companies must also consider the real singers because they truly have more talent, and that they must push their careers even more, because if they stick in promoting non-singers, what will be the essence of Filipino music, then? </div>
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It is interesting to know that Japan also tend to have non-singers recording certain songs, but that only applies to Anime and Tokusatsu soundtracks, and they usually release them as a single or as part of a compilation of soundtracks in a particular series. Nonetheless, the real singers must be the main focus in our industry, because even though non-singers have more charisma, it is still the talent that counts.<br />
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Finally, I suggest that they continue to search for more songwriters so we can create more original songs, in order to continue living with the term Original Pilipino Music. It kinda sucks to think that we always rely on arrangers in reviving old tunes with a new beat. Now that Himig Handog is being brought back recently, why not bring back Metropop Song Festival as well? That way, more songwriters have opportunities to be discovered, and more new tunes are being made.<br />
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With these suggestions, I think we will still be able to continue keeping the spirit of OPM alive. Besides, it is still up to the people's tastes on which genres they would like to listen to. If the French politician Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin once said, "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are," for me, "Tell me the songs you listen to, and I will know who you are," because your choice of songs truly defines your personality.<br />
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I, the Pooch, have spoken.</div>
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Read more at:</div>
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http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/10/smart-people-listen-to-radiohead-and-dumb-people-listen-to-beyonce-according-to-new-study/</div>
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http://mic.com/articles/98310/scientists-prove-that-pop-music-is-literally-ruining-our-brains </div>
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poochinthehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024053325865219156noreply@blogger.com0