UP Ibalon Bicol

Today is the death anniversary of Nikola Tesla.

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Fri, 8 Jan 2010 05:38:00 +0800

Nikola who? If you don't know him, can't blame you. But I am glad he is alive in Facebook with over 200,000 fans--- way below Michael Jackson's 10 million but much ahead that of his nemesis, Thomas Alba Edison who has just over 900. Nikola Tesla deserves more.

Ostracized and persecuted in his time because of an obsessive-compulsive behavior (a little understood disorder in his time), Tesla is now regarded as the "mad scientist" who invented the 20th century and probably beyond. Electricity that powers our homes and applicances ---and, yes, computers---is a result of Tesla's works on Alternating Current (AC). Maybe partly because of OBC, Tesla was so obsessed with "free energy for all" that he refused to impose royalties out of his AC patents. He could have been the richest man in his time and, who knows, a Tesla-AC royalty fee would still be an unwelcome burden in our electric bills.

Whereas we still hear of Westinghouse, General Electric, huge companies that benefited from his AC technology; Tesla died in 1943 at the age of 86, impoverished, leaving unfinished projects behind. Pure science ruled Tesla's life, unmindful of his finances. He should have been resting today in a tomb made of diamonds, which he deserves, but did not want to. There lies the greatness of the man.

I am not into fan pages but I take exception---way of saying "Thank you, Nikola Tesla." And we have not talked about the Principle of Resonance yet! ---another mind-boggling concept that will forever be equated with his name.

Anjoy takes oath as new electronics and communications engineer

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:17:00 +0800

Anjoy (Andy Jr.) Gimpaya passed the ECE board exam last Oct 2009. Only 26% of more than 4000 examinees passed this exam, acknowledged as one the most difficult to date. Anjoy, a 2009 ECE graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, passed this exam on first take.

The oath taking of new electronics and communications engineers was held at the SMEX Conventions Center, Mall of Asia, Manila on Dec 10, 2009.

Tiger Woods and Sex Addiction

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:18:00 +0800

After the “accident” that caused Tiger Woods and his luxury car to crash on a hydrant and a tree, the scandal about his promiscuity with women has hounded and disgraced the best golfer in town. His defenders are quick to point out sex addiction as the one to blame for Tiger’s marital problem. After all he has apologized for his extramarital escapades last week and he was silent thereafer.

There is little mention about morality now. People interested about Tiger's seemingly perfect life don’t want to allude on responsibility anymore----a reminder that liberalism has marginalized traditional thinking on righteousness.

Instead of shame, a string of women is proud to be called Tiger’s mistress. The 10th to come out in the open to claim a Tiger Woods' affair and ride on his popularity is another sexy porn star---39 year old Joslyn James who consider herself as Wood’s “fulltime” mistress.

TIGER'S WOMEN
1. Rachel Uchitel, 31, VIP hostess
2. Kalika Moquin, 27, club executive
3. Jamie Grubbs, reality TV star
4. Jamie Jungers, 26, cocktail waitress
5. Mindy Lawton, 33, waitress
6. Cori Rist, 31, Hooter
7. Holly Sampson, 36, porn star
8. Mystery waitress
9. Unidentified British TV star
10. Joslyn James, porn star
Source: MailOnline (12/09/09, Halzelton, L.)
(Photo Credit: AFP/ scanpix)

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Norwegians think Barack Obama is rude for snubbing the traditional events for the Nobel Prize awards

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:14:00 +0800

In accepting the Nobel Prize for peace, Barack Obama travels to Oslo, Norway. But he cancelled some of the traditional events that go with the awarding, among them a snub to the invitation of Norway’s King to have lunch, a press conference, and a cancellation of a dinner of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee.

“According to a poll published by the daily tabloid VG, 44% of Norwegians believe it was rude of Obama to cancel his scheduled lunch with King Harald, with only 34% saying they believe it was acceptable.”----Guardian.co.uk (12/09/09, Fouche, G; MackAskill, E.)

Without much success in peace promotion while the Afghan and Irag wars are raging, Obama gets the award which many think has become politicized and ill-deserved. The US president has no stellar accomplishment in international relations to make him deserving of the prize. Many peace protesters take note of the 30,000 American troops the awardee plans to deploy in Afghanistan ---a contradiction to the very essence of peace. (Photo Credit: enstarter) =0=

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OLPDA's Christmas Party on December 19, 2009

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 23:20:00 +0800

The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotee’s Association (OLPDA) headed by Boy Cabaero has scheduled its yearly Christmas Party on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the Our Lady of Victorires Church in Jersey City, New Jersey City. A potluck to bring in food and drinks will be arranged for members and guests of the association.

Bicolanos in the tri-state area are cordially invited. (Photo Credit: Boy Cabaero)=0=

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127 killed in Iraq bombings

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 07:35:00 +0800

In another wave of bombings in Irag, 127 died in blasts that took place within several minutes from each other. About 400 people were injured. Iraqi security forces were scouring the site of explosion particularly at the Baghdad Finance ministry and in a location close to the a police patrol in Doha on December 8, 2009.

The bombing is the worst after the October bombing which killed about 155 people in two car bomb incidents. The carnage brought ambulances and rescue workers to the scene. No one has claimed responsibility of the blood bath. Civilian and military officals worry that this round in violence can cause instability in the government before next year’s election. (Photo Credit: AP) =0=

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Arms cache found in massacre suspect's home

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 13:11:00 +0800

When the police and government soldiers were dispatched to investigate the house of Datu Unsay town Mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr’s home, they found a cache of weapons. The raid was conducted after authorities found a cache of arms near the home of ARRM governor Zaldy Ampatuan, one of the main suspects in the Maguindanao Mssacre that killed at least 57 people. Hidden in shallow earth about 500 meters from the home of the governor’s mansion were ammunitions and weapons which could supply two battalions.

“In two shallow pits, soldiers of the 73rd Infantry Battalion found two anti-tank bazookas; four 60mm mortars; two 80mm mortars; a 90mm recoilless rifle; three M60 machine guns; a 57mm recoilless rifle; a Barrett sniper rifle; two Browning automatic rifles; a .50-cal. heavy machine gun; a 9mm pistol; seven .45 pistols; an Ultimax light machine gun; a Bushmaster carbine; a Heckler & Koch 11 light support machine gun; and thousands of rounds of ammunition for M16 rifles still in boxes marked “Arms Corporation of the Philippines,” with the October 2008 date of Manufacture stamped on them. “---Manila Standard (12/05/09, solmerin, F.S.; Requejo, R. E.)

Col. Leo Ferrer, of the Army’s 601st Brigade was surprised by the ammunition that was found. According to Ferrer, the Ampatuans have about 2,000 men in their private army. In comparison, the MILF have about 3,000 soldiers. (Photo Credit: flames of war) =0=

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Climate change summit in Copenhagen brings more polluting carbon emission

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 10:27:00 +0800

In spite of the economic downturn that needs some form of austerity among delegates of the global warming conference in Copenhagen, those who will attend will display a measure of extravagance. The huge number of cars, limousines, and gas-guzzling private jets coming to the capital city of Denmark will produce polluting carbon dioxide---the agent that is blamed for the planet's warming.

According to Majken Friss Jorgensen, managing director of Copenhagen's biggest limousine business, her company has only twelve vehicles, but during the summit there will be 200. Together with other limousine companies, the number of vehicles is expected to reach more than 1,200. Of these, only 5 will be among the class of “non-polluting cars”---the electric or the hybrid.

In addition to the agents of pollution on the road, Danish airports are expecting 140 private jets to be used by the VIP delegates and guests.

“The airport says it is expecting up to 140 extra private jets during the peak period alone, so far over its capacity that the planes will have to fly off to regional airports – or to Sweden – to park, returning to Copenhagen to pick up their VIP passengers.

As well 15,000 delegates and officials, 5,000 journalists and 98 world leaders, the Danish capital will be blessed by the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daryl Hannah, Helena Christensen, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Prince Charles. A Republican US senator, Jim Inhofe, is jetting in at the head of an anti-climate-change "Truth Squad." The top hotels – all fully booked at £650 a night – are readying their Climate Convention menus of (no doubt sustainable) scallops, foie gras and sculpted caviar wedges. “---Telegraph.co.uk (12/05/09, Gilligan, A.)

Whether this flashy summit will realize its goal of saving the planet is unclear. The strident controversies behind global warming are still raging. There is no unanimity if the observed climatic alteration is truly a man-made phenomenon or part of a cycle of planetary change. There are serious questions on the validity and veracity of certain climate data on which decisions have been based.

The doubts behind global warming have intensified as scientists have been accused of tampering data to influence policy and public opinion. An embarrassment to the global warming proponents, the fraud reports cast a bad shadow on the credibility and recommendations of the environmental scientists.(Photo Credit: chrismadden.co.uk) =0=

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Russian nightclub death toll climbs to 112

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 03:10:00 +0800

The Lame Horse night club blaze thought to have been sparked by a wayward fireworks display on December 5, 2009 in Perm, Russia had now killed at least 112 people. rushed to hospitals for treatment of various injuries and burns. The last counted casualty died of severe burns in a Moscow hospital.

During the investigation the club owner Antoly Zak and the artistic director responsible for the pyrotechnics, including two men were arrested on orders of the Leninsky District Court. Officials said they have cited club-managers for safety violations in the past to no avail.

Eyewitnesses suspected criminal negligence as the cause of the blaze. Pres. Dmitry Medvedev called for a tighter laws and regulations in the handling of criminal liability in cases of a conflagration. Since Russian fire safety rules were not well-enforced, as many as 18,000 deaths annually were attributed to fires in the country. (Photo Credit: gypsygirl) =0=

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$30 billion aid needed by poor countries to curb global warming

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 02:17:00 +0800

Just as the Copenhagen international conference on climate change is about to start, United Nations climate chief Yvo de Boer said an emergency $30 billion funding is needed by poor countries to help them deal with the effects of climate change. The funding which will largely come from rich donor-countries is endorsed by the European Union is needed to curb carbon emissions that are thought to be some experts to the main cause of global warming.

“Scientists say carbon gas emissions must be reduced globally in the next decade by 25 to 40 percent from 1990 levels to control rising temperatures. The European Union has pledged 20 percent cuts, and more if other nations agree.

China has proposed reducing its emissions by 45 percent from 2005 levels, while India has offered a 20 to 25 percent cut.”---VOA, (12/06/09) (Photo Credit: magazine.ucla.edu.)

Small and poor countries decry the fact that they bear the brunt of pollution that they are not largely responsible of. The aggressive move of rich countries to advance industrialization cause many parts of the world to suffer from pollutants brought by the destruction of the environment =0=

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Medical and dental mission in Albay

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 01:51:00 +0800

About 200 indigent medical and dental patients were treated in a mercy mission conducted by Ako Bicol and the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Concerns on Community Organizing for Development (ACCORD). The one day health mission was conducted by a team from the Municiapl Health Office MHO), 5th Regional Community Defense Group, Army reserve Command and the Philippine Army
at the Barangay Ilawod in Albay.

The civic organization Ako Bicol also extended its help to the village of Salvacion whose farmers and animal raisers benefited from a carabao deworming program initiated on December 2 to 4, 2009.

Projects like these are a big help to the impoverished residents who need periodic assistance only generosity and humanitarian care can give. (Photo Credit: Soot Goon) =0=

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Changing the guidelines of mammography may increase breast cancer mortality

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 20:30:00 +0800

The US Preventive Task Force, a panel of experts, none of whom are oncologists, has recommended the following which has stirred much confusion and controversy:

1. Raise the age of first mammogram from 40 to 50 years old
2. Mammogram will be done every two years instead of every year
3. Stopping mammogram when a woman reaches 74 years
4. Patients and doctors may not do breast examinations

Mammography has been recognized as a vital tool in breast cancer detection. I believe a delay of 10 years before the first mammogram will miss cancer at an early stage when it is treatable with the best chance of survival. The panel thinks greater morbidity and mortality can be avoided if patients talk to their MDs on the cost-benefit assessment of the procedure. It is doubtful if this is true.

Those who advocated raising the age of taking mammograms ignored the successes in the fight of breast cancer which were achieved in last 10 to 20 years. About 15% of women in their 40’s are diagnosed with breast cancer from routine mammogram screenings. Since the use of mammograms in the early 90s there had been a 30% drop in mortality, about a third of which were women with ages 40 to 50. The procedure had been mainstay to early cancer diagnosis and treatment in this age group.

The change from a yearly mammogram to every two years will miss breast cancers at an early age. And halting the procedure after 74 years (at a time when longevity is getting longer,) can lead to more women dying of mammary tumors in their old age. The panel rules the number of patients falling in these categories is negligible and therefore can be ignored. Yet, in truth, looking at these "negligible" patients as expendable groups (not as individuals) is unfair and inhumane. What if it is you, your wife, mom, or sister who has the risk of having the disease?

Not recognizing the utility of breast examination to diagnose cancer goes against the grain of experience in medical practice. There are instances when during breast exams, patients are alerted of tumors that turned out to be cancers. Therefore, breast examination still plays a role in cancer detection.

I believe the lowering of the frequency of mammograms and the delay of conducting the routine procedure for women will adversely affect the gains in the fight against breast cancer. Women in ages 40-50 are the most productive and to preserve their life, they deserve a the best medical care.

Obviously, the new guidelines that are recommended are flawed. They come at a time when the pressure to lower the cost of medical services is among the hardest to tackle in the healthcare reform. Many doctors don’t agree with the recommendation of the US Preventive Task Force. Even the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology voice their objections to the proposed guidelines. =0=

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Mrs. Celi Oracion celebrates 80th birthday

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:15:00 +0800

With gladness and thanks, Mrs. Celi Oracion, loving wife of Mr. Lossiette Oracion celebrated her 80th birthday at Torrance, California. She was feted by her dermatologist son Dr. Renato M. Oracion of Odessa, Texas, daughther-in-law Megs Oracion, and close friends including Drs. Estrella Azurin-Aguinaldo, Ray and Ma. Rhodora Gonzales. (Photo Credit: RMO)

Happy Birthday Mama Celi!

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Gate crashers enter the White House

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:59:00 +0800

In the US presidential palace where visits of movie stars and celebrities have become quite common, Michaela Salehi and her husband Tareq, a couple among Viriginia’s horse-country set were able to come close to Pres. Barack Obama during a state dinner honoring Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister. They were able to attend the event without being the guest list.

The coming to the White House of the Salehis without invitation was an insult to the secret service which was supposed to be thorough in protecting the president and the seat of American power. USA is just lucky that the guys were not part of a terrorism network which bombs and kills people. What if the gate-crashers brought with them biologic agents, toxins and deadly chemicals?

Eerily and perhaps a warning, Tareq Salahi is someone from the American Task Force on Palestine, a group that lobbies for Palestinian causes. According to reports the attention-getting couple who had “wonderful” moments with Obama were responsible for India joining for the first time in America's Polo Cup at the National Mall in Washington on June 11 and 12. Many security experts see the gate-crashing incident as serious breakdown of security. (Photo Credits: Getty Images) =0=

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Ferry sinking in Bangladesh brings 51 deaths

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:57:00 +0800

MV Coco, a passenger ferry with a capacity to carry 650 passengers capsized in Bangladesh on Friday, November 27, 2009 leaving at least 51 dead. The fatal accident occurred in Tetulia River near Nazirpur on Bhola Island, about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Dhaka. The overloaded boat with three decks and carrying 1,500 passengers keeled on its side, leaving panicked people to jump into the river.

Many of the dead were women and children. Authorities were seeking for more passengers who might have been trapped in the ill-fated ferry.. The accident coincided with Islamic holiday of Eid-al Adha. (Photo Credit: AP) =0=

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Dubai money woes augur a new phase in the economic crisis?

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:12:00 +0800

As if to remind the world of the fragile economy, Dubai, the Middle East country with an ambitious agenda to grow financially was spooked by its inability to meet debt obligations.

Dubai’s debt at $80 billion (£48 billion) is enough to worry the market in spite of assurances given to investors by several banks. Dubai World, the state-owned corporation asked a halt on its interest payments, a moratorium of 6 months, because it cannot meet its payments. Affected by the recession, the millionaire’s paradise has suffered a slump in real estate after its extravagant spending on fancy skyscrapers.

“Fears of a dangerous new phase in the economic crisis swept around the globe yesterday as traders responded to the shock announcement that a debt-laden Dubai state corporation was unable to meet its interest bill.

Shares plunged, weak currencies were battered and more than £14 billion was wiped from the value of British banks on fears that they would be left nursing new losses.”---TimesOnline (11/26/09, Hosking, P; Robertson, D.)

The desert kingdom's money problems mirror the economic meltdown still pestering the United States and the rest of the world. Optimistic investors trumpet the tanking of the economy is over, but a double dip recession in 2010 is a real possibility in the interconnected business world.

There is high uncertainty in the market. In spite of instruments available (i.e. Dubai help from the United Arab Emirates,) confidence in the economy is low, leading many to speculate on how many more vulnerable countries will be mired in the crisis. As much as the lesson USA now faces, no country in the planet can rationally buy its way to properity. By borrowing or printing paper money and spending beyond one's capacity people will end up poor in the long haul. (Photo Credit; MailOnline) =0=

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Miss Brazil is Miss Earth 2009

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:44:00 +0800

The 2009 Miss Earth beauty contest in Boracay Island, Philippines brought in a winner in Miss Larissa Ramos of Brazil who romped away with the crown and the cash prize.

Runner-ups in the pageant which promotes environmetalism, fights pollution, and spreads consciousness for the planet's preservation the planet are Miss Fire Alejandra Echeverria of Spain, Miss Air Sandra Seifert of the Philippines, and Miss Water Jessica Barboza of Venezuela. The top contenders for the Miss Earth title were selected from young participants from about 80 countries. (Photo Credits: Eric Ranodoc/ Reuters) =0=

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Terrorist attack suspected in Russian train blast

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:28:00 +0800

The blast in the Russian passenger train which left a crater on the ground and killed at least 39 people and wounded more than 50 is alluded to be the workings of terrorism. In August 2007, a similar detonation suspected to be done by Chechen rebels and ultranationalist groups injured about 60 victims.

The Nevski Express was cruising between Moscow and St. Petersburg on Friday, November 27, when it was disabled by the violent explosion.

Four train cars out of 14 went out their tracks. Their mangled steel wreckage was shown in television. Emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene to assist the wounded victims and bring them to the hospital. Anti-terrorism experts were sent to the crash site to investigate the bloody incident. (Photo Credit: Pravda) =0=

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Incredible aftermath of a massacre: 28 journalists among the dead

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:28:00 +0800

A list showing the names of the journalists who were massacred in Maguinadano Province on November 23, as compiled by GMANews.TV staff and the Center for International Law. The horrific incident, the worst ever in living memory, is shocking and disdainful. Twenty eight (28) had been confirmed to have died and one remained missing. Updated report puts the total death toll to 64. --- GMAnews.TV (11/27/09)

1. Ian Subang, Socsargen Today, General Santos City
2. Lea Dalmacio, Socsargen News, General Santos City
3. Gina De la Cruz, Saksi News, General Santos City
4. Maritess Cablitas, News Focus, General Santos City
5. Rosell Morales, News Focus, General Santos City
6. Henry Araneta, Radio DZRH, General Santos City
7. Neneng Montaño, Saksi News, General Santos City
8. Alejandro “Bong" Reblando, Manila Bulletin, General Santos City
9. Victor Nuñez, UNTV (senior correspondent), General Santos City
10. Mc Delbert “Mac-Mac" Arriola, UNTV (cameraman), General Santos City
11. Bal Cachuela, Punto News, Koronadal City
12. Ernesto “Bart" Maravilla, Bombo Radyo, Koronadal City
13. Ronie Perante, Gold Star Daily correspondent, Koronadal City
14. Joel Parcon, Prontiera News, Koronadal City
15. Jun Legarte, Prontiera News, Koronadal City
16. Rey Merisco, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
17. John Caniban, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
18. Arturo Betia, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
19. Noel Decena, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
20. Rani Razon, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
21. Jhoy Duhay, Gold Star Daily, Tacurong City
22. Andy Teodoro, Central Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong City
23. Jimmy Cabilo, Midland Review, Tacurong City
24. (missing) Reynaldo “Bebot" Momay, Midland Review, Tacurong City
25. Napoleon Salaysay, Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City
26. Jun Gatchalian, Davao City
27. Lindo Lupogan, News Media Gazette, Davao City
28. Jolito Evardo, UNTV (asst. cameraman and editor), General Santos City
29. Daniel Tiamzon, UNTV (driver), General Santos City =0=

Requiescat in Pace

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Tiger Woods suffers lacerations in a car crash

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:10:00 +0800

Tiger Woods crashed his 2009 Cadillac SUV against a fire hydrant close to his 2.4 million Florida home then to a neighbor’s tree on November 27, 2009. His wife Elin Nordegren Woods was inside their home when she heard the crash. She came outside, breaking one of the car’s window to free her husband.

Found unconscious for about 6 minutes with some facial lacerations by responding officers from the Orange County Fire rescue, the 33 year-old famous golf star was rushed from his Windermere home in an exclusive community to a nearby hospital

Initial fact-finding labeled the incident as an accident though the investigation is still in progress. It was unclear where he was going shortly before 2:30 AM. Police officers didn’t think the world’s most famous golfer was under the influence of alcohol. Woods was soon cleared and released from the hospital after treatment. Photo Credit: Keith Allison) =0=

UPDATE: Later report by TMZ points to domestic violence that brought injuries to Tiger Wouds. As investigation is ongoing, his wife is eyed as responsible for the cuts on his face after the couple had a heated confrontation about "another woman."

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Lack of forensic science logistics in the Maguindanao massacre probe

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:47:00 +0800

It is like what happened to the sinking of the passenger ship Princess of the Sea at the height of a typhoon which drowned 800 or more people on June 22, 2008. The Maguindanao political massacre is posing the same problem for the investigators. The basic lack of facilities to store 57 dead bodies has hampered the probe.

The government has not done anything new to prepare for instances of mass deaths. With the global outrage over the barbaric bloodbath, the Philippines is under pressure by the human rights groups and the United Nations (UN) to come out with a clean and fair pursuit of justice.

Dr. Ben Molino who works in the group CenterLaw Philippines said he feels sad for government doctors who have to face the lack of logistics to deal with the investigation of a massacre with so many fatalities. The working conditions of the probers are bad, endangeriing and probably compromising the integrity of the investigation results. Such helplessness and embarassment have obviously been ignored by the Philippine authorities.

The investigators quickly dug the bodies by a land-fill excavator and by hands without employing caution to preserve as much evidence. Gloves were hard to find. They employ the crude lime to retard the decomposition of the bodies, many wrapped in banana leaves in the absence of freezers.

“Dr. Molino lamented that there were no refrigerators to store the bodies, nor even just air-conditioning. In a CenterLaw Philippines report, he said: “They could have at least used lime to slow down the process of composition but I did not see any indication that they did that."”—GMAnews.Tv (November 21,/2009)

Obviously, the morale of the medico-legal investigators is low. It is reported that their autopsies have been “completed,” but the doctors refuse to be interviewed. Their initial findings point to gunshot wounds as the cause of the victim's death. But it is unsure whether they have identified the brutalized bodies for proper disposition.

I have occasions of working with Dr. Ben Molino in the 1980's in similar difficult probe situations. I feel there is nothing much which changed to improve the state of forensic science in the Philippines. It is an area that the government must urgently look into to bring justice and avoid embarrassing the country in the world.(Photo Credits: Erik de Castro/ Reuters x 2) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "The Ferry Tragedy: Lack Of Body Bags And The Dearth Of Forensic Expertise" Posted by mesiamd at 6/27/2008; Maguindanao Massacre: death toll climbs with 22 mediamen dead Posted by mesiamd at 11/25/2009; Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans Posted by mesiamd at 11/24/2009
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Advent retreat in preparation for Christmas

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:20:00 +0800

The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) composed of mainly Filipinos of Bicol roots in the Northeast is conducting an advent retreat this Satuday, November 28, 2009 at 10 AM to 3 PM in Our Lady of Victories School basement located at corner Ege Street and Westside Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey.

In preparation for the coming yuletide celebration, the religious recollection will tackle among others the relevance of the saving birth of Jesus Christ in the modern world. Topics include “Priesthood” and “The Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” FR. Joe D’ Amico, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Jersey City will be the speaker.

OLPDA extends its invitation. Those who wish to attend may contact Genevieve del Rosario at 201-435-2840. (Photo Credit: Boy Cabaero) =0=

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UP bags top recognition in an international computer programming tilt

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:53:00 +0800

For solving 10 out of 10 computer problems, the team “Mga Sogo ni E.T.) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City bagged the 2009 ACM International Colle giate Programming Contest held at the Ateneo de Manila.

“The ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) traces its roots to a competition held at Texas A&M in 1970 hosted by the Alpha Chapter of the UPE Computer Science Honor Society. The idea quickly gained popularity within the United States and Canada as an innovative initiative to assist in the development of top students in the emerging computer science.

The ACM ICPC is a team competition consisting of three collegiate students and a coach. Each team is given a set of programming tasks (from 8 to 10 problems) to be solved in 5 hours using a standard computer and programming languages such as C, C++, and Java.”---- Manila Bulletin.(11/25/09, Calimag, M.)

Coached Eric Tambasacan, the UP team was represented by computer science students Kevin Charles Atienza and Marte Raphael Soliza, and computer engineering student John Eddie Ayson.

There were 55 teams from four countries and 23 schools joined the the ACM ICPC Manila regional contest on October 22-23, 2009. Trailing the UP students for the second place was team “Passion” from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, in Vietnam whose members were Pham Tuan Vu, rinh Tran Dang Khoa, and Le Do Hoan Nam. Their coach was Dang Ngueyen Tien.

The third place went to team “NUSSOC1” from the National University of Singapore. Mentored by Steven Halim, the Sinngaporean team were composed of Victor Loh Bo Huai, Adhiraj Somani, and Doon Hanh Hung.

The winning of UP students indicates the talent and potential of Filipinos in the realm of programming and computer science. This is a beacon of hope for our young students to pursue challenging careers in computes. (Photo Credit; Napolinario) =0=

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Thanksgiving Kid

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:47:00 +0800

Noah Cannady, son of Mr. and Mrs. Matt and Jomarie Cannady of North Carolina, waits for the meaningful day of Thanksgiving.=0=

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

andygimpaya@gmail.com (Dr. Andy V. Gimpaya) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:31:00 +0800

For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Thanksgiving Hymn
(from the 1894 Agricultural Almanac)

"Have you cut the wheat in the blowing fields,
The barley, the oats and rye,
The golden corn and the pearly rice?
For the winter days are nigh."
"We have reaped them all from shore to shore,
And the grain is safe on the threshing floor."

"Have you gathered the berries from the vine
And the fruits from the orchard trees,
The dew and the scent from the roses and thyme
In the hive of the honey-bees?"
"The peach and the plum and the apple are ours,
And the honey-comb from the scented flowers."

"The wealth of the snowy cotton-field
And the gift of the sugar-cane,
The savory herb and nourishing root -
There has nothing been given in vain,
We have gathered the harvest from shore to shore,
And the measure is full and running o’er."

Then lift up the head with a song!
And lift up the hands with a gift!
To the ancient giver of all
The spirit of gratitude lift!
For the joy and promise of Spring,
For the hay and clover sweet,
The barley, the rye, and the oats,
The rice and the corn and the wheat,
The cotton and sugar and fruit,
The flowers and the fine honeycomb,
The country, so fair and so free,
The blessing and the glory of home,
"Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!"
Joyfully, gratefully call,
"To God, the preserver of men,"
The bountiful Father of all."

(Photo Credit: Richard Pigott)=0=

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