peace through power

It's all a waste of time. Having "peace talks" with people who have all but declared their burning desire to have you crash and burn is at best a pipe dream. Accommodating those who use the promise of peace as leverage to get what they want yet stab you in the back again and again AND AGAIN is plain stupidity.

When people actively work to bring you down and destroy you, would you try to talk to them? And if you did, could you get them to lay down their arms, shake hands, and let bygones be bygones? You would have to be a saint, a martyr, or absolutely moronic.

You do not talk peace with such people. To do so would be like digging your own grave. Real peace is not just the absence of conflict, it is the presence of justice. Justice, in this case, is best served with overwhelming firepower.

Fourteen brave men died last week. That should have been enough, but no, the powers that be want restraint. They wish to protect a ceasefire agreement which was all but trampled upon in that treacherous ambush in Basilan.

Scores of people have died in the past. That should have been enough, but no, hypocritical ideologues and activists want to turn a blind eye to reality. They wish to repeal a law which, weak though it is, defines and penalizes terrorism.

We have all seen the signs and the evidence. We have all been witnesses before. Should we let such cancers as the Abu Sayyaf, the MILF, the CPP-NPA, and all their ilk continue their reign of terror? Should we accommodate their duplicitous offerings of peace, or should we speak to them in the one language they understand?

Enough talk. Wipe them out. All of them.

a break in the clouds

I love this weather. It's cool outside, and I have the perfect excuse to wear my favorite jacket.

My life is nearing some sort of normalcy, as my schedule is achieving some regularity. Yep, it's now normal for me to leave home at 9 in the morning and be back by 8 in the evening. My academic life takes up most of my time, and my social life is squeezing into whatever gaps my subjects and readings leave behind. This leaves barely enough time for my online life, hence the dearth of any serious posts.

A lot of things have been happening around me. I have a lot of things to do, foremost is my job as Finance Cluster Coordinator of the UP Astronomical Society.
*oooh... that felt good... cha-ching! hehehehe...*
I don't count the academic work here because, quite frankly, it's not worth mentioning. All I have to do is to read, read, read, read some more, maybe write a bit, speak up some, read even more, (did I mention read?) and pass some exams. I just blew through my Nat Sci 2 first exam last Thursday, and I didn't even break a sweat. Of course the semester has only just begun, and things are bound to change.

I plan on joining the UP Debate Society (while I have a chance!) to further enhance my chances of getting into the UP College of Law some two years from now, assuming I get into a decent course by next semester.

This is probably the longest post I've written in a month as I have had to compete for ample computer time at home, hence the spate of one-liner posts and random photo uploads. I'm using Erika's laptop to write this one. Yes, I'm now into outsourcing.

It really is relaxing to just let your thoughts flow from your mind. If only I could feel as relaxed when speaking to a group of people or in class... Effective communication translates into power; power to affect views, power to influence thoughts, power to change the world.

Hala. Ayan na. Tama na muna. Hehehehe...

here comes the rain

Being stranded by the pouring rain at the Katipunan LRT station along with fellow commuters was a most enjoyable experience punctuated by moments of joyous exaltation and fruitful conversation.

I need new shoes. Toss in a new umbrella and jacket. Maybe even add a car. Thanks.

monday morning blahs

Tinatamad na ako.

It's Monday, and the virus spawned by my ill-advised and hasty decision to skip class last Friday is manifesting itself once again.

My head hurts. I want to lie down. I want to sleep more. I want to rest.

My coffee is still too hot, but I have to get going in 15 minutes. I can't afford to be late again. Here's to another caffeine rush.

I feel like I'm being pushed to the limit. I want to push back. I want to strike back. I want to- nah... I'll keep that one for myself - in places no one will find.

070707

Wala lang. Still nice to have a record of such a unique date though.

Hehehehehe...

Labo ko talaga...

now this is cute... :p

This is one of the cleverest
E-mails I've received in awhile.
Someone out there either has too much
spare time or is deadly at Scrabble.
(Wait till you see the last one)!

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER

DESPERATION: When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES: !
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:

MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER

Yep! Someone with waaaaaaaaaaay
too much time on their hands! (Probably a son-in-law).
Bet your friends haven't seen this one!!!

outsourcing

I'm using a public computer for the first time in months.

Go figure.

thoughts on a saturday

What's worse than waking up at 5:30 in the morning just so you could get to your 8:30 class on time and then finding out that said class was cancelled?

Waking up at 5:30 in the morning ON A SATURDAY just so you could get to your 8:30 class on time and then finding out that said class was cancelled!

It was a good thing that my dad drove me to school this morning; if I had commuted I would have been doubly frustrated and annoyed at having to go to school on a Saturday. Yes, it's my fault for enlisting in a Saturday class. However, bad enough as my one-day weekend is, the alternative is even worse.

Well, look at the bright side. I got some other things done. My English 1 readings are complete, my hair is back to normal length, and I got some bread for the table. Too bad the computer shop near our home was packed; I could have gotten in two hours of Command & Conquer 3.

My reading and writing skills have been in demand for the past few days. Aside from papers and assignments for class, I've been writing some parts and editing almost all of the documents needed for our org's recognition. Maybe I've found my true calling... Hehehe...

I'm still adjusting to the new school year. I have always been late for my first class of the day, which, by the way, is at 10 in the morning. I seem to have trouble getting out of the house; the computer monitor is just so hypnotic...

***
I've been giving some thought to what I've posted before. Easy subjects plus multi-hour breaks equals a lot of thinking time. I really don't think it's going to be an effective deterrent, given some of its shortcomings.

A CIWS (close in weapon system) is just that: close range only. Targeting, tracking, and shooting are limited to line-of-sight only. What I really need to deter would-be blood-suckers plus the more maneuverable flies and the tougher-skinned cockroaches is a mini SAM (surface to air missile) system.

With an even greater engagement range than the aforementioned Phalanx CIWS, the ability to home in on locked targets, and the capability to deliver high explosives to the targets, a SAM system would effectively deny the airspace around me to any annoying insect.

Of course fighter jets are needed to maintain complete air superiority, and once I get some I plan to keep a full combat air patrol around me at all times. However, in their absence a SAM battery would do quite well in keeping me safe from dengue and malaria.

I need a new computer. Obviously, I need to get some things out of my system. Hehehe...

university of pila

So much for the first week of class. I got my PI 100 class, but the cost was just too much. I spent half of my day in a long, winding line at Palma Hall. It was hot, it was tiring, and it was all a waste of time. I spent nearly two hours standing there, only to be told that I had to go to another line at the University Registrar, where chaos and confusion reigned.

It was a good thing that Erika kept me company for most of the time, as I was already fuming and foaming at the mouth for having been forced to hop from building to building in a vain effort to find out just where the hell I had to go to get my change of matriculation assessed. And as if just to add insult to injury, all the waiting and walking was just so someone could write ''910" on my Form 26. I could have done that myself! Of course there's probably some bureaucratic purpose for all the building-hopping and waiting in line but spend some time in my shoes and I'm sure you would understand why I spent the last few hours in an evil mood waiting for a chance to snap at somebody -anybody- just to be able to blow off all the frustration welling up inside me.

''Vents" did appear from time to time, and light moments prevented my mood from getting worse. However, I still haven't paid for my PI 100 class, and I'm afraid that I would have to once again endure the endless lines which rightfully give UP the moniker ''University of Pila".

***
So what else is new...

The mosquitoes are currently feasting on my royal blood. I'm back to my Sunken Garden moments, thanks to my very open schedule. Of course this would mean more time for me to complete my requirements, but somehow I feel that... Nah... It's still too early in the sem to be thinking about that.

Someday I'll develop a miniature anti-aircraft gun which I'll carry everywhere with me. Think of a Phalanx CIWS gun, only the size of a 10-peso coin. I'll have someone else develop nano bullets and a virtual reality targeting system. Killing mosquitoes will never be the same again, or at least until I get my hands on a squadron of micro fighter jets... Won't that be sweet...

deterrence

While checking my email this morning, an article on Yahoo! News caught my eye:

Studies say death penalty deters crime

Hmmm... Interesting.

What the article says is that several studies over the last few years have shown that the death penalty DOES act as a deterrent to murder.

'They count between three and 18 lives that would be saved by the execution of each convicted killer.'

If the analysis and the conclusions of these studies are proven correct, they would make a very compelling reason to cut short the moratorium on executions imposed by President Arroyo here in the Philippines.

I have always been a proponent of the death penalty, more so after I was mugged on the way to school - even more so after hearing news of people being killed in their own homes.

In a supposedly Catholic country like ours such a view would be frowned upon. But how such barbaric acts as murder and rape still happen here escapes me.

There is the argument that crime is created by poverty, and that fixing up the economy rather than executing criminals would eliminate the crime problem. Fine. I agree, to some extent. However, explain to me why congressmen and mayors are in jail for rape and murder. Explain to me why a former President is being tried for plunder and corruption.

The pro-life movement and the Church would rather have death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. With our jails being packed with even more inmates, Amnesty International and other 'rights' groups would complain about the welfare of criminals.

The welfare of criminals.

What about the welfare of their victims?

I believe that convicted criminals should have no rights at all, especially those found guilty of capital crimes. They forfeited their rights the moment they violated the rights of their victims.

Of course everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but once proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt... Well... There you go. I prefer hard labor for lesser criminals, and the electric chair for the bigger ones. A firing squad would do for the more high-profile criminals. (A more detailed entry on my views on this can be found in an earlier Blogger post)

Justice, swift and sure, would do much to prevent more criminal acts in the future. A few 'examples' here and there would probably obviate the need for a death penalty. Yes, take the esteemed congressman-rapist from his luxurious "jail cell" and put him up against the wall. Or strap him to a chair. Just don't use the syringe; it's too humane.

Deterrence worked well in keeping the Cold War from turning into World War Three; having an answer to the other guy's big guns seems to have done the trick.

Deterrence today would make our streets and our homes safe.

what's your style?

Andre, you've got a Cool 'n' Casual style

Fashion is a balancing act for a mellow mind like yours. Comfort reigns supreme, and you won't sacrifice a lot of it just to stock up on what will likely be a passing fad (Ugg boots, anyone?). Your closet is probably filled with more classic styles, colors, and looks than anything else.

After all, you try to make your look fun and don't take fashion too seriously. But that's exactly what makes you so stylish and interesting. Your look highlights who you are — and that's the hottest thing going.

what color do you need?

You Need Some Black in Your Life

Black will make you feel powerful, in control, and not bound to what other people think of you. And with a little black, you will project an aura of mystery, rebellion, and dominance. If you want people to respect you, you've got to get a little black in your life! For extra punch: Combine black with orange or red. The downside of black: People won't be able to "read" you - and may perceive you as more aggressive than you actually are. The consequences of more black in your life: You'll become a figure of intrigue and speculation. You'll be better prepared for life's unknown path. You'll rest better and free yourself of expectations.

What Color Do You Need?

my signature color

http://i.emode.com/tests/signaturecolor/images/sterling_s.gif" alt="Take this test at Tickle" border="0" height="115" width="120">

Andre, your signature color is Sterling Blue

You've got a good head on your shoulders and you're not afraid to use it. Serious, intellectual types like you meet their match with a cool color that sparkles with the same striking intelligence as you do. That's why Sterling Blue is the ideal match for you! This is not to say that you've always got your head in a book. Not by any stretch. While you may not be the person at the party kicking off the karaoke, you're probably the one starting up stimulating conversations and making your cohorts chuckle with your quick wit. You're likely to have an insatiable curiosity that's catchy, and friends who know that you are a great person to turn to when they need a logical head to help them sort through their problems. So keep it up with your sterling hue of blue. You probably have a way of keeping things deep that people truly appreciate!

What's Your Signature Color?
Brought to you by Tickle

three years ago...

Let's take a break from blogthings shall we? Hehehehe...

Tickle naman! (Thanks Ly!)

The tests below were taken three years ago [hence the title(obvious ba?)]. Yes. I'm posting three-year old test results from my just reactivated Tickle account. Phd-certified daw e. (Nagpaloko naman ako... hehehe...)
Let's see if I've changed much in the past few years...

***
Andre, on a scale of 1-100, your Power Quotient is 90!

This number is based on how you answered the questions in this test and how you compare to others.
Your power style is Fearless. This means you're the kind of person other people look to for answers. You speak your mind and are a natural leader. Your blunt, no-nonsense style and your ability to get the job done command the respect and admiration of those around you.

***
Andre, you're a Bargain Hunter

In your life, you're willing to go the extra mile in order to find a good deal. Whenever possible, you hold out until you can find the least expensive version of something you need. Your patience and persistence generally leads you to significant savings, which you likely take great pride in. While some may mistakenly think you are cheap and puzzle over why you prefer thrift stores to overpriced boutiques, you're content to let them squander their cash while you chase down a great bargain.

When it comes to your financial state, you tend to feel like you're about where you think you should be.

***
Andre, you're a Politician!

Your personality is actually determined by two personality sub-types - your primary, or dominant sub-type, and your secondary sub-type. You are a Politician which means you are a Success / Golden Your primary sub-type is defined by "Success" characteristics and your secondary sub-type is defined by "Golden" characteristics.

That means you're forceful, innovative, and popular with the masses. Chances are you aggressively pursue your goals, and you enjoy impressing people. You've always been surrounded by friends and loved ones and have a natural sense of showmanship.

***
Andre, your IQ score is 102

Your overall intelligence quotient is the result of a scientifically-tested formula based on how many questions you answered correctly. But it's only part of what we learned about you from your answers on the test. We also determined the way you process information.

The way you think about things makes you an Intuitive Interpreter. This means you are a highly conceptual thinker. Rather than focusing on facts and figures, you look at the big picture. You are less inclined to need to walk through something step by step to understand the logic behind it. This also lets you make connections between something you learned three weeks ago and something you are learning today. While other people need those types of connections pointed out for them, you just naturally make them.

***
Normal posting will resume (probably) next week. Hehehehe...

what kind of chocolate are you?

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds. You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life. Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

are you a cheapskate?

You Are a Cheapskate

You're so cheap, you probably turn your underwear inside out to wear it the next day ;-)Seriously though, while times may be tough - you need to work on being a little more generous.No one likes a cheap person. So give what you can, and scale back on the things you truly can't afford.

Are You a Cheapskate?

are you a perfectionist?

You Are 78% Perfectionist

You are a true perfectionist. You are both demanding of yourself and others. While it's great to have goals and standards, they don't need to be sky high!

Are You a Perfectionist?

here's the kicker

You Are 68% Addicted to Blogthings

You lead the pack when it comes to posting Blogthings. And your friends (mostly) thank you for it. It's cute that you insist on being called your Japanese name. Just stop bragging about your IQ score!

How Addicted To Blogthings Are You?

***
hehehehehe... :p

inside the room of your soul

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are a warm hearted and open minded person. It's easy for you to forgive and forget. You are not a very grounded person. You prefer dreams to reality. For you, it's all about possibilities. You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you. Your near future is still unknown, and a little scary. You'll get through wild times - and you'll textually enjoy it. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

are you immature?

You Are Somewhat Mature

You definitely act like an adult sometimes, but a big part of you is still a kid at heart. While your immature side is definitely fun, you're going to have to grow up sooner or later.

Are You Immature?