Sunday, August 31, 2008

FREE PICTURES- The Green Bag




FREE PICTURES - Mug




FREE PICTURES - The Waiting Mother and Child




Friday, August 29, 2008

CHAPTER 15 - UMMA AYAM SINSANA (WHERE ARE YOU NOW?) The First Time


“ ….just like in a prima facie case where the minimum evidence is adequate to establish an inference about the accusation….” Atty. Lagum was sauntering around the classroom like a caged monkey.

“ If I were to accuse Mr. Lagaton of robbery…what do you think are the evidences that would be considered in a prima facie case?” he stopped right behind Benny.

Benny’s mind was half attentive and half preoccupied with the events of yesterday.

It was the first time he and Julia had a “fight”.

“ You are supposed to watch over him!” Julia’s voice was up by a notch.


“ I was. I just went to the other room to get this book.”

Andre was wailing and there was a big, ugly bump on his forehead.

Julia was near to tears as they both tried to rock Andre to appease him. But it was apparent that he was hurt by his continuous crying.

They decided to bring him to the nearby hospital.

They were both upset and terribly worried that they almost forgot to bring the house keys.

“Apply an ice pack 3 times a day until the bump subsides. Observe him for 24 hours. If he vomits or becomes febrile, you’ll have to bring him back immediately,” the Doctor instructed.

On their way home, they didn’t speak to each other.
Benny was thinking, "Did she have to shout?"
Julia was thinking, "He should have been more watchful."

Andre slept soundlessly after taking in his medications, unaware of the growing tension between his parents. That night - for the first time in their lives- Benny and Julia slept apart like strangers.

Benny had been stressed out with the assignments from school. He had to read several excerpts of a topic from 10 different books AND - baby sit simultaneously because Julia was busy cooking in the kitchen AND - washing clothes too.

It was how Julia shouted at him that Benny didn’t want. Nobody ever shouted at home. Every misunderstanding was resolved calmly. Andre falling off his high chair was an accident.

Granted that it was his fault, still - it does not warrant being shouted at. It was simply unacceptable to him.

“ Mr. Lomiwan…?”

Benny was alert in an instant. “ the prima facie evidence would depend on the charges…,” he answered.

“ I said robbery charges Mr. Lomiwan…” the Professor was eyeing him sternly.

Benny vainly searched in his mind the answer to the question at hand. “ The accused maybe indicted if the weapon used and the goods stolen are found in his possession.“ It was a shot in the dark but common sense dictated that it was the best he can come up with under the circumstances.

“Correct, but this fact should be established beyond reasonable doubt,” the professor was visibly not impressed.

Benny‘s breathing grew steady.

“What if I say Mr. Lomiwan , that you have a tail at the base of your spine because you’re an Igorot?” Professor Lagum just wouldn't give up.

Someone snickered at the back, but the rest of the class became deathly quiet as Benny’s back turned stiffer.

“How can you disprove the allegation through evidence presentation?” the professor threw the question to the whole class.

It was high school all over again, Benny thought. he could still remember the taunting he had received from his peers because he belonged to a cultural minority.

The air in the room was increasingly charged with apprehension as the silence grew longer.

Benny slowly stood up and towered over the smaller professor. “I can show you the evidence Professor if you can assure me that I have the permission of everyone here in this classroom; and that you would vouch I won’t be charged with indecency.”

Their eyes met and clashed. An interminable minute passed one after the other. The professor’s beaded eyes looked down first, and he moved forward like a squirrel scampering for cover.

Benny didn’t sit down though; “I want all of you to know that I indeed have a tail, but it’s not found at the base of my spine, but in front of me - between my two balls. If you want evidence I would gladly show you this particular “tail".”

Laughter erupted in the classroom and the professor went red in the face but he said nothing.

Photo by Lin Pernille ♥ ...


Just then the bell rang and Benny left without talking to anyone.

He went straight to the school library to research more about their assignment.

He knew now that the professor won’t make life easier for him after his unabashed pronouncement in class.


Sunday, August 24, 2008

REMEMBER WHEN

By: TASHA BUD

I know that Father's Day is long passed, but as I said before in my Unspectacular Quirks post, I'm seldom punctual.

So, today, I'd like to dedicate this post to the love of my life.

Hon, I know that I haven't been a perfect wife, but still you loved me unconditionally.

Photo by Sabrina Campagna

Out of the young and gorgeous women in your life who wanted to be with you, you chose to be with me instead.

Young, naive, and poor as I was, you took me into your life and showed me the world.

You loved and nurtured me, patiently, until I blossomed into the woman I have become who can truly give and reciprocate the love you so deserve.

We've had our ups and downs along the way as many married couples have. But I admire you in your steadfastness and commitment to our marriage, even when, at times, I'd like to leave and just throw everything away.

Within the first year of our marriage, I asked you to send me back home to the Philippines.

Having never been away from home and away from my family, I felt homesick and despondent.

Even at 22, you had the maturity to tell me to give ourselves a chance, before resorting to what I'd asked of you.


Photo by E-Rocks

From different cultures and backgrounds, you and me, you thought we needed time to adjust and to get to know each other better.

When you first learned that we'd be parents, you were ecstatic, beyond comprehension.

As much as you loved hunting and other outdoor sports, you gave them up to dedicate your time to fatherhood.

The children's activities with school, martial arts, basketball, volleyball, and soccer games had replaced hunting and other outdoor sports you loved doing with your friends.


Photo by …†∆†¡∆µ∆ 

Almost thirty-one years of marriage, two children, and one grandson and a granddaughter on the way later, you're
still standing by me, loving me and supporting me while I achieve my dreams and goals in life.

I dedicate this post to you, my love, along with this beautiful song by Alan Jackson--Remember When. And if the time of my demise arrives before yours does, I'd like for you to play this song at my funeral to remember me by.

With All My Love,
Tootie


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


"I'm a dreamer, a risk taker, an adventurer, a hopeless romantic, and a Taurean who hopes that one day soon be a successful published Romance Novelist."

This is what TASHA BUD has to say for herself.

She has never written a novel but you wouldn't know this because she writes beautifully; her current work has faithful readers from all over the globe. She maintains two blogs namely;
The Big Picture (her home blog for her novel with the same title) and Tasha's Take ( where she writes her other thought provoking posts).

She knows how to put her heart into her writing that leaves readers clamoring for more. She is a rising star worth watching out for.

Let's put our hands together for a superb romance novelist - Tasha Bud.

The Hut in the Mountains




UPDATES ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INSPIRATIONAL BOOK



Well folks here's an update on the stories submitted for the inspirational book.
As of this moment there are 3 (three) official entries:

1. INSPIRATION by: NICHOLAS CHASE
2. SHE DIDN'T DANCE by: ROY DE LA CRUZ
3. REMEMBER WHEN by: TASHA BUD ( Not published on this site but will be published soon)

I need at least 25 stories, and my target publication will be August 1, 2009.

I'm inviting all writers for this book as I know it would be a good book for people who are willing to take time to read. I still offer the 5,000 credits as incentive. It may not be much but "money is not everything."

Wish me luck. I invite all of you to be a part of my quest in fulfilling this dream of a lifetime.

Thanks for all the support and encouraging words.




Monday, August 18, 2008

She Didn't Dance - Conclusion

By: Roy dela Cruz

(You may want to read Part 1 & 2)

Whew! I was glad that was over. Next would be the talent portion. But my baby was number twenty-eight. Would she be able to hold and wait for her turn? Meanwhile, friends and relatives had arrived to support Angel. Everyone - wanting to hold her, hug her, kiss her, or play with her while it was not yet her turn.

Angel (older now) in one of her "model" poses -10 yrs.old

As we watched the proceedings of the program, other children performed without any problem.
I had hoped the same would be true with my baby. It was almost nine o’clock and candidate number twenty or twenty-one was performing on the stage. My wife asked me to talk to Angel; she wanted to go home.

Not again! I didn’t know what happened, but Angel was cranky. Maybe her aunties and cousins unwittingly pressured her young mind by telling her to do well. Or maybe she just got impatient and didn’t want to dance. I took her backstage and tried to talk to her.

Number twenty-five was on the stage. I asked her to do it just once and promised her that I would never allow her mommy to put her in a contest like that again.

The Author and Angel -May 2008


It was harder to talk to her this time, but through patience and daddy’s charms, I was able to convince her. Candidate number twenty-seven was almost finished.

I kissed and hugged my baby for the last time. As they called her name.

I handed her to the usherette and tried to rush to the front to take her picture. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the ushers and usherettes calling me.

When I looked back, Angel was crying! What now?! I rushed to Angel’s side trying to talk to her. She was still crying.

In the meantime, the emcee kept on calling Angel’s name, I was asking for two minutes.

Then, out of nowhere, the daycare teacher came urging Angel to dance on the stage.

Angel in grade school (11 yrs.old)

Imagine that! My baby was crying and all this teacher could think of was the talent portion!
Then came Angel’s aunties and cousins, all convincing her to perform her talent.

I was literally pushed-out of the picture. My baby was crowded! My baby was mobbed! And she was crying! The talent portion was called off. My baby never got to perform her number.

Then there was an intermission. The gown portion followed.


I was able to convince my baby to wear her gown, which she personally picked, and continue with the contest. She was on the stage together with the other twenty-seven young ladies.

Waving and smiling to the audience, although there were still traces of tears in her eyes.

We knew she won’t get anything for all her efforts, but we still want her to finish the contest. The finalists were chosen, special awards were given, until all the winners were announced.

For all those proceedings, I wasn’t really concern; I just wanted it to be over with.

Finally, it was all over. It was time for us to get our baby back and go home.

Angel, Christmas 2004

On the way home, everybody in our group was quiet.

Well, not really quiet, but they were not as enthusiastic as they were three or four hours earlier.

Each one trying not to talk about the contest and the talent portion.

I was carrying my baby, she was happy and smiling. We were kissing and hugging each other along the way.

She didn’t win, but in my heart she’ll always be my little princess. One thing we learned on that day is that, my baby’s charms, talents and wit, was only ours to behold.

My baby didn’t dance. She didn’t have to. She’s my Angel, and I love her very much.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Wordy Wednesday, A Meme From Eric of Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy



I picked up this Meme from Eric of "Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy" and "Chihuatude".

Eric is a great, generous and dynamic blogger who have introduced new concepts into the world of blogging. Read his posts: Monday's Writers of the Web, to understand what I mean. It's only him who has this series of visiting blogs and writing about them in his blog, every Monday.

This Meme that Eric has created is good for writers because you can learn new words and enjoy the challenge of putting it into use. It also allows you to interact with other writers in the blogging world.

The idea is to pick a word from Eric's list, and leave a comment informing the author of the word. The author then must use the word in the commenter's blog. The comment using the word should be related to the most recent post of the blog. (Did I get it right, Eric?)

Just like Eric, I won't pass this on. Anyone who wants to be tagged is welcome.

Just copy the Meme and rules on your own site and leave a comment on this post so I can come and visit you with the challenge of commenting on your latest post- using the word you've selected.

I decided to use Eric's choices as I find them good words and saves me from searching for new words.

Happy blogging !

Words of the day.

1. chichi

\SHEE-shee\, adjective:
Affectedly trendy.

2. enervate

\EN-ur-vayt\, transitive verb:
1. To deprive of vigor, force, or strength; to render feeble; to weaken.
2. To reduce the moral or mental vigor of.

3. provenance

\PROV-uh-nuhn(t)s\, noun:
Origin; source.

4. exalt

\ig-ZOLT\, verb:
1. To praise, glorify, or honor.
2. To heighten or intensify.
3. To raise in rank, character, or status; as, "exalted the humble shoemaker to the rank of King's adviser."

5. tittle-tattle

\TIT-uhl TAT-uhl\, noun:
1. Idle, trifling talk; empty prattle.
2. An idle, trifling talker; a gossip.

6. vexillology

\vek-sil-AHL-uh-jee\, noun:
The study of flags.

7. asperity

\as-PAIR-uh-tee\, noun:
1. Roughness of surface; unevenness.
2. Roughness or harshness of sound; a quality that grates upon the ear.
3. Roughness of manner; severity; harshness.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

LET'S SUPPORT A NEW BLOGGER



Conchita- a mother from Miranda, Venezuela - has started to blog. For someone who has English as her second language, she writes very well. Her blog "Small Shrine" has only 3-4 interesting posts but I know this blogger will succeed eventually.

Here is what she has to say for herself:

Start of excerpt:

" Mother and self-taught graphic designer. This my first attempt at blogging and in English which is not my mother tongue. I apologize for any mistakes that may slip. "

In the center of the castle of Brahman, our own body, there is a small shrine in the form of a lotus flower and within can be found a small space. We should find who dwells there and we should want to know him. And if anyone asks, “Who is he who lives in a small shrine in the form of a lotus flower in the center of the castle of Brahman?” We can answer: “The little space within the heart is as great as this universe. The heavens and the earth are there; the sun, the moon, the stars; fire and lightening and winds… For the whole universe is in Him and He dwells within our hearts.” ~ Chandogya Upanishad 8 : 1

End of excerpt.

So guys, let's support a fellow blogger and visit her blog to show her the world is still a better place to live in.

Hooray for you Conchita and welcome to the blogging world!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

BOOK 2 - CHAPTER 14: UMMA AYAM SINSANA (WHERE ARE YOU NOW?)

Dusk was approaching and the evening lights were starting to appear like distant stars being uncovered slowly by hovering clouds. There was a slight drizzle - enough to dampen Benny's clothes.

He was wearing a light blue polo shirt and a tie which complemented well with his dark blue slacks. He was on his way to the University. He had thought, it wasn't going to rain so he did not bother to bring additional clothing.

The bright lights at the Professional School - which was the tallest building on that side of the street - came on.

On the right side of the imposing building, there was a sprinkling of various establishments- the Jollibee fast Food, the Glaxo Internet Cafe, the DJ drugstore and a series of small eateries where most students whiled their time away.

On the left side was the spacious parking lot for the University's diverse clientele.
Benny had enrolled in an evening class in Law School because he worked as a paralegal "gofer" during the day.

The money the native folks had contributed had been deposited at the Land Bank and Benny refused to touch a single centavo.

It was not his ego which came into play in this one, it was his sense of responsibility; he wanted that the hard earned money of the old folk would be able to earn them interest.

To return the money would be considered a slap to the faces of the elders. He knew the old folks were happy to know that they took active part in his education, and they did.

Their concern was heart warming that it had fed the burning desire in his heart to pursue his studies. He had to make it on his own finances or he could never claim he had succeeded. Julia stayed mum on the topic after she realized nothing could persuade him to use the money.

Benny momentarily paused in his tracks as he remembered Julia- Ah- Julia! His adorable wife was still able to arouse him so intensely. With a one year old child, he had thought the passion would fade. On the contrary, they were more ardent in making love now more than ever: exploring new erotic zones and experimenting on unique wonderful ways of expressing their ardent love for each other.

Andre was one of the most wonderful things that happened to their lives - The boy displayed initiative and courage even at his very young age. Once he toppled precariously because he was trying to pick a cat out of a bicycle's path.

Julia almost fainted when he saw the wheels of the bicycle almost on top of her son's face. The person had stopped in time to save both boy and cat. He was a precocious, adventurous tot that surprised even him and Julia.

Benny smiled inwardly as he remembered how Andre had inherited his looks but had Julia's round, dark brown eyes. He always looked forward to spending time with the two most precious persons in his life.

The evening shadows played on the contours of his face. He had noticeable lines now on his forehead and on the corners of his eyes. His wavy hair had grown longer and had curved inwardly towards his face. The fierce intensity in his eyes had now the knowing look of someone who had seen more than the ordinary at his age and time. His muscular and lean physique had not changed a bit in spite of the lessened physical activity- he no longer walked very long distances- but he jogs every morning before reporting to work.

Enrolling in the Juris Doctor Program had not been easy as there were several prerequisites he still had to finish, and finished he did. Now he had finally made it! It was the third day of classes and Benny found it to be taxing but challenging nevertheless.

Photo by misocrazy
Research assignments were given everyday and he did not have ample time to do extensive research. He found Introduction to Law relatively easy with their happy-go-lucky Professor, Atty. Miranda.

In Criminal Law 1; however, they had an extremely strict disciplinarian - Atty. Lagum as their professor. He treated them like undergraduate students. Benny knew, Atty Lagum wanted to intimidate them, for what reason - he still could not fathom.

And Criminal Law 1 was his first subject that evening. The first assignment was on Evidence Gathering.

There was a string of questions to answer : "Who are the primary persons involved in the crime?" " What were their specific roles in the crime?" " Why did they act the way they did? etc, etc, " It seems like he was in a psychology class and not in a law course.

But the professor insisted that as future lawyers, they had to be familiar with the machinations of the complex human mind.

(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME

Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Anglican Affirmation of Androgynous Authority

By: DURANO LAWAYAN





Beneath the cassock of religious conservatism, the Church of England's ruling General Synod has demonstrated the successful attempts of its more progressive members by voting conclusively to consecrate women as Bishops.
The affirmation of this major reform agenda establishes the androgynous authority of the Anglican Church over its members and parishioners.

The vote also rejected a counter proposal by conservative members to create male "Super-Bishops" for members against the reform, for reasons that it will develop a two-tiered episcopacy and render the women Bishops second class clergy that would institutionalize divisions.

The long drawn out debate on the controversial measure was settled at the Lambeth Conference last July 8th, in an emotion packed assembly that exposed the cracks within the denomination.

The Lambeth Conference ( Lambeth, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury where the conference used to be held), a gathering of about 800 members from around the world is essential in helping to unify the largest protestant church grouping in the world.

It is the only meeting of all Archbishops and Bishops globally called every 10 years, presided by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams.

During the voting on women Bishops, 1,300 clergy have threatened to bolt the Anglican Church and join the Roman Catholics, in what is seen as a fight between traditionalists and modernizers. But their distinctive positions have been blurred by the arguments favoring their own interests.
The General Synod

The Vatican has also expressed its reaction to the vote and warned that it could undermine talks of Unification.

The Church of England has approved the ordination of women priests since 1994 amid protests from the traditionalists, who at the time also voiced their intent to bolt the church. But the threat did not materialize.

The current vote and the recurring threat could also be empty and meant to foster their preference for the continuation of male domination. There are currently 2,000 women priests in the Anglican Church, but their desire to serve God has come at a steep price.

A survey of 6 dioceses have found that several hundred women priests have endured bullying and harassment by clergy.

It also uncovered evidence of women priests being physically injured in disputes with male colleagues, and in a small number of cases, sexually assaulted.

Women priests continue to struggle with their calling and a majority have found acceptance.

The question is: will the Church of England tolerate blatant discrimination?

The vote is a first step in the right direction, but the consecration of a woman Bishop may not be fulfilled until 2015. Until that time, a lot can transpire.

It is outrageously illogical to disqualify women from becoming Bishops after they have been ordained as priests, and have earned all the requirements to be so consecrated.



As it stands, 14 of the 38 Anglican Churches have already made the decision favoring women Bishops; but traditionalists insist there is no biblical precedent for women bishops since Christ's apostles were all male.

They also believe it is wrong for women to have authority over men in a religious capacity. This argument puts Jesus in a bad light as a chauvinist and definitely diminishes his status as a Divine Being.



It would be inconceivable for Jesus in all his Divinity to endanger the women at a time when the culture, mores, values and attitudes were largely different from today.
Women Priests
He would not risk them being harmed senselessly. The Bible cannot be invoked for chauvinism nor discrimination as it would destroy the very concept of God, justice, equality, and respect for all humanity.

When the phrase "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men" is expressed, does it exclude women? Is it only hell on earth for them? Were they only made to suffer?

The Vatican response is even more pathetic. It merely reinforces the assertion of its objection to Catholic Women priests, much less the consecration of Catholic Women Bishops.

If it had no opposition to the ordination of women priests in the Anglican Church, why should it now lament the vote on women Bishops for the Church of England?

Is this not fostering an injustice?

Are they exerting their influence to perpetrate male domination of all clergy?

Was the Catholic Church pushing for the revocation of the ordination of women priests in the Anglican Church as a condition for unification?


Dr. Rowan Williams – Archbishop of Canterbury

There is a need to further strengthen this enacted reform as it remains fragile until a woman Bishop actually emerges.

Opposition may continue in more subtle forms to thwart or delay the consecration of the first woman Bishop.

The traditionalists have lost this battle and are constrained to accept the results. Or, they may split from the Church and form their own denomination.

When that happens, it wouldn't be far fetched for the confused members to disregard their faith altogether.

The exasperation could make religion obsolete.

John Lennon would be vindicated.

Haarrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


He is a prolific writer who can discuss any topic with flair that only a veteran could dish out.
He was previously a management consultant, but is now into a more nobler profession based on what I can discern from his posts.

According to him and I quote:
"There are many things we have been made to accept, drummed into our brains since we were kids; that these were true, unchangeable, and permanent. Well nothing is permanent and anything can be changed. What was true before may be uncovered today for the phoniness that it was and is. I keep a questioning attitude and a persistent orientation, balanced by a positive outlook. I love to laugh and enjoy life, and hope the pain brought about by what is wrong in this world is somehow diluted by this merriment. "
- Unquote
Some compelling and thought evoking articles he had written are: Freedom From Fantasy A Generation in Gathering Gloom. Visit his site and read more of his superb articles.
Thank you Durano for exerting effort to send your article as promised, even if you're right now at the ends of the earth where communication is almost impossible.
I appreciate it a lot. Mabuhay ka kabayan! ( All the best!)