Alternative Fuel Sources and New Inventions Needed

In one of his State of the Nation (or is it Union?) Address, President George W. Bush, the Texan-in-boots mentioned in his speech the word “addiction to oil” which, according to him would be given importance by adopting new strategy to find alternative fuel sources and gradually give America some relief from oil dependence.

But after that promising speech was made, addiction to oil remains a big problem not only to the Americans but to the entire world. Apparently addiction to oil will stay even if fuel prices continue to go up in record highs because OPEC, speculators and high demands make it so. The oil price is nearing the $200 mark and it sends great anxiety to poorer nations.

And for how long addiction to oil will stay? Maybe political will is needed by all governments in partnership with scientists and inventors to take action. Maybe it depends on greedy government officials and auto and heavy machine makers to accept new concepts or ideas that would replace oil from being traded and from being used to run machineries and industries that rely on OPEC oil.

It is high time to level the playing field. Development of alternative fuel sources must be sustained. Support new inventions like machines run by water, hydrogen and electric power. Recently, Japan unveiled its new concept car run by water. Mass production of said water-powered car is a big help not only to ease the burden from addiction to oil but to preserve the environment.

These new inventions including the flying saucer invented in Israel need the support of all sectors from around the world. Smear campaign discrediting new inventions and alternative fuels created by lobby groups of oil producers in association with big oil companies from around the world must be rejected and opposed.

Addiction to oil must be controlled or eliminated once and for all by the global village held hostage for centuries by oil producing countries. The US plan to sue OPEC is a positive move to take seriously the skyrocketing oil price manipulated by said greedy oil cartel.

RP Still Uses Age-Old Maritime Communication Equipment

In spite of alacrity and dedication to their duties, the Maritime Agency or the Philippine Coast Guard in particular, is not always ready to give immediate action to any sea going vessels having trouble while sailing in the country’s territorial waters.
This after local media found out that the agency is still using the age-old two-way radio; 1VHF and 1 SSB or Single Side Band radios, which is no longer suitable to the current standard of GMDSS being used by countries from around the world.
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System or GMDSS is the most accurate and reliable communication equipment available today. In 1998, the Philippines acquired 19 units of GMDSS at a cost of 1 billion pesos. But unluckily the procurement process hit a snafu because of unseen hands that grabbed dirty money out of it. The unused equipment was left to rust.
Made worse by the lack of GMDSS was that some of the vessels like the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars do not have weather satellite of their own. No wonder that the frequency of sea disasters in the Philippines is high. Most of the time, the ship owners/ management & crews rely on weather forecast issued by local weather bureau.

Crime Buster in the Airwaves

Radio Mindanao Network DZXL, an AM Radio based in Metro Manila could be described as different from any other AM Radios operating in the entire Philippine archipelago. RMN DZXL is known for its various programs serving different listeners with different tastes and views.

Although the said AM Radio employs few known personalities in broadcast media, one of its programs attracts more listeners from all over the country, from as far as north down to the southern tip of the Philippines. The program is called “WANTED” which practically denotes a firm and brave stand in going after criminals, abusive employers, educated bigots, misfits and erring military, police and government officials.

The anchor of “WANTED” is the indefatigable, gutsy, tough and fearless Raffy Tulfo, the other side of the known and tough “Tulfo Brothers.” His assistant is Nina Taduran, also a tough lady broadcaster. The program “WANTED” tackles various problems and issues affecting the nation.

The tough broadcaster Raffy Tulfo had been credited for helping and solving numerous cases of violence and maltreatment of female domestic workers committed by their rich and abusive employers. He harshly criticized and rebuked abusive employers that employs underpaid workers particularly maids, private security guards and the less educated employees.

Tulfo calls and confronts on-air misfit military, police and government officials who are not performing their sworn duties to serve the public. He always reminds them to put the public interests as priority.

He reprimands policemen for ineptitude and lapses in doing their job; the Public Attorney’s Office for not giving their services in inquest proceedings and the Prosecution Office for not conducting proper investigation that warrant the offending party to be charged and put in jail. Often, the poor and the illiterates end in this kind of (not) legal proceedings.

Hardened and ordinary criminals are likewise not excused from Tulfo’s tough guy personality. He hit them hard in his program to aid the authorities to act with precision and decisiveness. He is also critical of educated bigots in society.

For this, the listeners and the ordinary people have found protection from Raffy Tulfo, through his radio program WANTED. His program is being aired from Monday to Friday at 2:00-4:00 in the afternoon on RMN DZXL AM Radio.

Shaq O’Neal Stripped of His Police Deputy Badge

The mainstream media reported that Phoenix Suns star player Shaq O’Neal was stripped of his police deputy badge. This after O’Neal was accused of using foul language in his latest rap song. The report said that it was Kobe Bryant who is the one being referred to by O’Neal’s number.

The brouhaha met different reactions from the US public which prompted concerned authorities to removed O’Neal from their lists of deputized police officers. Shaq was given his side to explain but it was too late for the big fella to keep his badge of authority.

The big fella explained that it was just part of being a rap artist to add some stinging lyrics to his song like rappers do. But the critics did not buy his antics instead they made sure that Shaq O’Neal be stripped of his police deputy badge.

For being a man of reputable character, O’Neal should’ve act responsibly and sensitively. He should learn a lesson or two from his mistakes. Foul language, garbage ideas and all of the same stuff is not in anyway acceptable to any polite society. Every individual has the responsibility to respect and adhere to moral and social standards.

Nonetheless, Shaq O’Neal is just like anybody else, he commit mistakes once in a while and save for his being one of the pillars in the NBA, his explanation and apology must be appreciated.

Decency

The English dictionary defines decency as propriety in conduct, speech, or dress; modesty. That which in conformity with moral standards: behavior or an attitude that conforms to the commonly accepted standard of what is right and acceptable. Men and women of different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds commonly inherit decency.

Decency, in simple understanding is also about respect and accountability that anyone could posses and practice at heart. But, sad to say, decency almost always relegated to the back burner. Most of the time decency is dismissed by people that lack the attitude of good behavior and good breeding.

Obviously, it can be seen with distinction that people who dismissed decency are the ones having high status in life. The ones who look-up to their selves as superior to others; who pretend to be intelligent; who practiced the Aryan doctrine; who loves to hate and discriminate; confrontational and cantankerous and who are educated bigots.

The people that lack decency often resort to psychotic behavior like; trash talk, intimidation, cheap shots, name calling, use of obscene language and child-like tantrums caused by arrogance and bigotry-infected mind.

The GroundReport foundation of democracy, freedom and peace was almost shaken by the unwanted individuals who hate decency by posting their comments full of garbage diatribes, contorted and spiteful views which are hard to please by common sense.

Thank goodness the noisy individuals ceased their stinking ballistic tirades and stopped disturbing the relative peace in GroudReport.

Zimbabwe Needs Help

The situation in Zimbabwe is getting worse by the day as ordinary people and the oppositions continuously suffer threats of arrests, beatings and executions. The frightened citizens could do nothing but cower in fear. The opposition has already withdrawn their participation in this year’s election.

The international community could do nothing to at least intervene and ease out the sufferings and miseries of the people. In a recent moved taken by Robert Mugabe, he warned that only God can removed him from office. His predisposition to remain in office is what keeps Mugabe to hold onto power.

He curtailed all the freedoms and rights of his people to engage in any activities concerning social, economic and political issues. He is absolutely in control of everything, not even the superpower can persuade Mugabe to relax his tyranny.

As the lone superpower, the US could not afford to intervene militarily in Zimbabwe. Uncle Sam doesn’t want to get embroiled in another military campaign given the fact that he was blamed for ousting Sadam; for revealing the genocide committed against the Kurds and the Shiites; for helping Iraq to redeem its freedom at the hands of tyrants.

All Zimbabweans could do is to keep silent, pretend to be blind and deaf as what bigots wants them to be. Incidentally, the poor Zimbabweans are not alone in fighting the egotistic bigots. Bigots can be seen elsewhere in the world and they prowl like wolves ready to kill in an instant. But Zimbabwe really needs help.

Ill-Fated Vessel 4th for the Shipping Lines

Sulpicio lines, the owner of the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars made a new record for having the most ships sunk in sea disasters. Despite of the operational lapses in the past, Sulpicio lines continued to operate until another one of its vessel sunk while sailing on its way to the Visayas, courtesy of typhoon Frank that pounded the Philippine archipelago days ago.

It can be recalled that Sulpicio Lines became a household name when the then M/V Dona Paz sunk in 1987, killing 4,375 passengers. It was considered as the worst sea disaster in the history of the Philippines maritime industry. In 1988, another Sulpicio Lines vessel, the M/V Dona Marilyn met the same tragedy with 540 passengers died. Ten years later in 1998, M/V Orient of the Sea met disaster with 150 confirmed dead.

And for the fourth time, Sulpicio Lines made history when M/V Princess of the Stars capsized as typhoon Frank shakes the ill-fated ship repeatedly. Government agencies are now conducting search and rescue operations. Investigations started to look into the culpability of Sulpicio Lines. The story ends there.

Relatives of the victims won’t be getting favorable result because shipping lines in the country holds enough clout in government. And if all things settle down and anger subsides, Sulpicio Lines would be allowed to sail again. That’s how tragic incidents in the country easily put behind by concerned government agencies.

Typhoon Frank Batters RP

Strong winds and heavy rains repeatedly hit the Philippine archipelago for two days as typhoon Frank unleashed its might, causing deaths and damages to agriculture and infrastructures in Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon. The reported deaths and missing in the Visayas are high. Damage to agriculture and infrastructures are estimated at billions of pesos, mostly major roads and bridges and building structures. The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila suffered major and minor damages with few deaths reported.

Meanwhile, as typhoon Frank, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gustiness of 150 kph battering inlands, a passenger vessel named M/V Princess of the Stars sunk in Sibuyan Island off the coast of Romblon Province, South of the Philippines. The ship left Manila for Cebu onboard an estimated 800 passengers and crews.

The sunken ship sailed despite of bad weather which unfortunately caused the death of four passengers with 700 missing and a reported 28 survivors. This tragic incident is not new because the Philippine Coast Guard and the shipping companies were not following the astute law or authority that governs the shipping industry in the Philippines.

While the country is under calamity, the Chief Executive accompanied by her big entourage is having good times in the U.S. of A. The President tag along with her 59 congressmen, two senators, 10 cabinet secretaries, aides and a number of junketers to visit Uncle Sam a.k.a. President George W. Bush.

But not all will be meeting with Bush; they are there to watch the fight of their idol Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nevada this coming Sunday. While there, they will be checking-in in expensive hotels along the strip joints of Vegas. What a fortune and extravagance can give for being in government. Back in the Philippines, the affected citizens of typhoon Frank are lost in the dark thinking of what might happen next. How sad indeed.

Rumble in Vegas

Another blockbuster championship fight is about to bring excitement to the boxing fans around the world. Former US Olympian and WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz will be facing Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao next Sunday, June 28, 2008 in Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Rumble in Vegas is a test of nerves for both fighters hence, not only the championship belt is at stake but a place in the history books of boxing. David Diaz must show to the world that he is the real champion in the Lightweight division. Pretenders like Pacquiao must be given a hell of a fight and beatings for invading the 135 lbs. division.

David Diaz must overcome his underdog status to stop and defeat the Pacman juggernaut inside the ring and to make a dent to Pacquiao’s divisive and partisan private life. A win for Diaz on Sunday is a win for the Filipino people who have suffered enough under the present PGMA government which Pacquiao ardently support.

As a boxer, Pacquiao failed to stand true to his billings as the “People’s Champ.” Instead he sided with the misfits in high places. He always comes to the rescue and defends his corrupt government and friends in power. A defeat for Pacquiao is a defeat for his misfit friends in 2010 general election.

Hopefully Diaz will dispose Pacquiao to at least diminish his popularity and attractiveness among misfits, politicos, crocs and scheming bigots in high places.

Murder She Cares

What made a woman flirt and make love to her man and all of a sudden murder the fruit of their sexual tryst? After carrying out their sex drive and pretentious love to each other, the woman who is the one most affected by the carnal foolishness, would be carrying the burden of unwanted pregnancy which eventually leads to Angel’s death: Abortion and infanticide.

Abortion actually is part of social change that ultra liberals and murderous moms and dads are promoting the world over. Although the West is on top of this social change, the Philippines is closely behind not only in abortion but in infanticide. In a span of weeks of this month alone, a number of newly born babies were murdered and left behind to die by their sexually active and yet irresponsible moms.

One newly born baby was thrown out of the window in a 9^th floor condo unit. The baby died in an instant. The other one was likewise thrown outside from a moving taxi cab by a 15 year old mom. Thank goodness the baby was saved. These two cases is only part of the growing incidence of unwanted babies being killed by their own mothers. All of the cases happened in Metro Manila.

This social change is alarming as shown by the latest survey conducted  nationwide which says that there are an estimated 400,000 incidence of abortions and baby killings every year. Although, abortion is illegal in the Philippines, it happens all the time. Youths are now becoming sexually active and they do it carelessly. Heard about the high school teens in Massachusetts, all were impregnated by their sex buddies. What next, abortion? Damn.