THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Making sense of the past --

The purpose of the Great Wall of China, the monumental fortification separating China from Mongolia, was not especially to keep out the Huns from the north. The Huns could easily find places along the stretch that they could scale with ladders. But they couldn't get their horses across. Without their horses, they weren't very effective conquerors.

GENIUS!

"Geniuses are the luckiest of mortals
because what they must do is the same
as what they most want to do."

W. H. Auden

Galileo

Descartes

I believe geniuses help shape the world, but not all them are lucky.

Read through --

Genius is often linked with misery. Galileo lived in exile, wandered from city to city, and ended up in prison. Descartes also lived in exile, had to serve as a soldier, and died in a foreign land.

Vesalius

Copernicus

Kepler

The French anatomist Andreas Vesalius lived a vagabond's life, was accused of heresy, body-snatching, and dissection, and was on the threshold of execution; he was forced to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and he died in a shipwreck. Copernicus did not dare to publish his discoveries. Kepler never received the pension promised by the emperor.

TOUCHING MOMENTS!!

Many thanks to my friend,
Adele Hernandez Tirona,
for sharing this very unique "love story"!

Who can withstand the power of love!

How I wish all couples are like this....
Not leaving someone behind....

Hey, wake up! wake up!

A dog was knocked down by
a car and died on the middle of the road.

Later, this dog is seen beside the corpse
of the dog, he tried to wake his wife up using his leg.

Let's move to the safer side of the road...
I will move you to the safer side!

When his attempts to wake his wife failed,
he tried to push his wife to the side of the road.
But the weight of his wife was proven too heavy for him.

Anyone help, tell me what to do.

Though the traffic is busy and dangerous,
he just will not go away from his wife.
Just stand beside his wife howling and crying.

A lot of people saw this incident and feel very touched.
How even a dog can show his loyalty and love to his wife.

"Sometimes someone says something really small,
and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart."

OF NUMBERS

Did you know that when Arabic numerals were invented they did not win immediate acceptance. In the year 1300, their use was forbidden in European commercial dealings because they could be forged more easily than Roman numerals. Changing "1979" seems to be simpler than changing "MCMLXXIX". Arabic numerals were not completely accepted throughout Europe until 1800.

AEROPHOBIA

One interesting reading --

A 50-year old man who boarded a plane on a domestic flight decided at the last moment that there was no way on God’s green earth that he was going to take that flight. So he ran. The man took off down the aisle, down the stairs, onto the tarmac and onward. Security personnel caught up to the old man and questioned him. He said, a strange sound coming from the side propeller of the small commercial aircraft gave him second thoughts about flying. As far as anyone could tell, the strange sound the old man heard was what others might call “the sound of the engine preparing for takeoff”. Eventually the old man was released after police realize that he was just a harmless man struck by a last-minute fear of flying. He was allowed to leave, to drive to his destination.

Aerophobia is the fear of flying. It is not the inability to travel in a plane. Most fearful flyers do actually fly, although, they find it very uncomfortable experience. Fear of flying differs considerably from person to person, from mild to strong.

Are there ways to overcome the flying phobia? Of course, there are many ways to dissolve phobia, as much as the other phobias. We should always remember that fear of flying like all other phobias, is a learned response. We were not born as a nervous flyer, we learned to feel this way. We have to decide once and for all that we do not have to learn to live with this fear.

Remember the much quoted exhortation, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”.

JUDGING OTHERS!

Everybody is a critic, but nobody wants to be judged or condemned. Then why is judgmentalism so rampant, even among Christians? "Thinking the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty.

"He who judges his neighbor favorably
will be judged favorably by God."

How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually "off the mark" because we can't see inside the person, or we don't have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself.

HI

Hello, Princess KL!
Prince E says, Hi! to you!

Hi is such a little word,
two letters that is all,
but to friends it means a lot,
when they hear that friendly call!

COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The magic “human touch”
means more in life than most of us!

Rachel being presented with a medal
and certificate for her academic accomplishments!

Agawan naman ng eksena ang dotir at pakyawin
ang lahat ng sampaguita leis sa Quiapo!

Who wouldn't be proud, said Rufino and Rose!
Rachel has worked hard to earn the distinguished
honors she's received.

To Rachel,

Well, well, well! That’s my first reaction
to the great news your wonderful Mom shared with me.

It was a thrill and a pleasure to be among the very first to hear of your great achievements. It is so much like that I felt as if your Mom was right here with me, bright and happy and bubbling over, telling me with happy tones and swings all about your academic accomplishments.

There is nothing else quite like high school graduation and the big step out into the world of reality and hard facts, with the challenge that is always there. However, graduating with academic record and promise of future service deemed outstanding by the school faculty is another thing. It's so wonderful! The feeling is so magnificent and elating! You have made a record to be proud of, and, with many others, who think highly of you, I am very proud, too. We know you will keep your fine achievements in the bigger world that’s waiting for you. Rachel, you best represent the ideal student par excellence.

How does it feel to be a young lady of the world now? Definitely, the world will be a little better for you stepping out into it. Whatever your choices are as your field, we know that you will make your mark, and that they will certainly hold endless possibilities today. Whatever profession you endeavor will surely need many more like you. You have already shown such marked ability; there will always be great things ahead for you.

With this very special entry, comes a very special congratulation on this very special occasion. You see, everything is special. And why not? You are so special to your loving parents, all your dear ones, all friends, and to me, too. It is an honor most highly deserved.

I know well your Mom and Aunt Jazmin will have many interesting things to report in the days to come about you.

Hearty congratulations also on “Number 18”, and may you have many more.

All the best! Kudos!

FOOLISH PRIDE

Pride or fear prevents many from seeking needed advice. As a result they are hurting more seriously as they go along in life. It takes humility to admit faults and limitations. It takes courage to do something about them. Will you be a fool and avoid the aid of those who can help you?

May we never refuse to others the sympathetic understanding and assistance which we would want if we were in their troubles.

JUNGLE BOOK

"Take this script," Rudyard Kipling said to the nurse who had cared for his firstborn child, "and someday if you are in need of money you may be able to sell it at a handsome price." Years later, when the nurse was actually in want, she sold the manuscript--of the first Jungle Book--and lived in comfort for the rest of her life.

SANDSTORM - Part 2

Sandstorms continue to play havoc in the GCC countries!

It's orange all around!
Can you handle sand clouds?

HEALTHLINE - Part 1

There is a strong evidence to date that heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol could also contribute to Alzheimer's disease. A research reveals that there is a relationship between healthy aging and a reduced risk of Alzheimer.

Face with eczema

Asthmatic

Obsessive washing said to be bad for children's health. Parents who are obsessive about keeping their children clean may be putting them at a higher risk of developing eczema or asthma. Research has found a direct link between the frequency of washing and the incidence of eczema and wheezing. There is a theory that suggests that coming into contact with simple grime and dirt may be good for us. There is concern that lack of such contact, perhaps due to the fact that children spend more time indoors and parents use more anti-bacterial products around the home, may lead to allergies and conditions, such as eczema and asthma.

HEAVEN AND EARTH

The Scriptural expression, "heaven and earth" means all that exists, creation in its entirety. It also indicates the bond, deep within creation, that both unites heaven and earth and distinguishes the one from the other: "the earth" is the world of men, while "heaven" or "the heavens" can designate both the firmament and God's own "place" - "our Father in heaven" and consequently the "heaven" too which is eschatological glory. Finally, "heaven" refers to the saints and the "place" of the spiritual creatures, the angels, who surround God.

QUIET REFLECTION

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection.
From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action".

Peter Drucker

GUILTY - NOT GUILTY

"Ignorance of the law excuseth no one!"

Here are some legally-defined charges --

The homicide charges can be only broadly defined, since they vary in meaning from one jurisdiction to the next. Furthermore, the dividing line between one charge and another sometimes requires fine distinctions that are really a question of sophisticated legal interpretation. Following, then, are the general categories:

Murder in the first degree. This refers primarily to the malicious and premeditated killing of another human being, or to a homicide that occurs in the process of some other crime, such as burglary or rape. In some states, this designation is reserved for the killing of police officers, prison guards, etc., in which case this category would be defined as murder in the second degree.

Murder in the second degree. Frequently referred to as a "crime of passion," second-degree murder is not premeditated, but nevertheless results from an intend to physically harm the victim.

Voluntary manslaughter. Very similar in most respects to second-degree murder. In voluntary manslaughter, however, there is either intent to do bodily harm but not cause death or the victim is considered to have given the defendant good cause for anger (though, of course, no sufficient grounds for murder). The classic example is the man who kills his wife's lover upon surprising them in bed together.

Involuntary manslaughter. Usually, the accidental killing of another person in the process of committing an unlawful act of a lesser nature--for instance, killing a pedestrian while driving at 50 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. This charge can also apply to the commission of a lawful but reckless act that nevertheless results in a death of an unlawful nature.

STRENUOUS TRAINING

A word of caution!

Some forms of strength training may be harmful if you have osteoporosis (the loss of bone that can accompany aging). Even slight lifting or pushing can increase your risk of fractures, particularly in the bones of your back.

Women at or past the age of menopause may be at special risk of osteoporosis.

VANITY IN DAILY LIFE

Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity for those who do not love Him, or refuse to follow His commandments. Nothing is permanent under the sun. When you love anything for its own sake, you are a victim of vanity.

It is vanity to strive too intently for perishable riches and to fix your homes on them. It is vanity also to be over-eager for honors, or to consider yourself better than others. It is vanity to follow blindly the desires of the flesh and to want things which will bring a great penalty later on.

It is vanity to wish for a long life while caring little about living a good life. It is vanity to give your entire attention to the present life without thinking of the life which will come later. It is vanity to love only what is speedily passing away, instead of fixing your heart on Heaven--the home of endless joy.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -

"Forget past mistakes, forget failures,
forget about everything except what you're going to do now--and do it."

William Durant

FINNY FRIENDS

This one is for Ting and my buddy, Dong!
Both want something fishy in their lives!

You guys should be ready to answer the following questions if you wish to have a nice, cozy looking aquarium: What kind of fish would you like to put in your tank? How many fish would you have? What is the ideal tank size? What basic equipment do you need? How about the water? The finishing touches?

Get the biggest tank you can afford and have room for. For a stable environment, a 20-30 gallon tank provides good viewing, offers flexibility in fish selection. A long, low tank provides fish with more oxygen than a short, high one.

A combination under-gravel and outside power filter helps maintain a clean tank environment. Spread two to three inches of gravel on the bottom. To complete your accessories, you will also need a heater, a thermometer, an air pump, and tubing. Tanks over 20 gallons need a dual valve pump. A fluorescent tank lights provide better quality light. A hood reduces water evaporation while keeping the fish in the tank. If you have a cat, it keeps it out of it.

Live or plastic plants add touchy colors. Real plants require more maintenance but they retard algae growth. Fish need something to swim around and for hiding.

The rule of thumb is “no more than one inch of fish per gallon of water.” Tropical fish range from one-half to two inches long, so a 20-gallon tank holds up to 20 fish. It’s better to have fewer fish than to overcrowd—and kill—them. Good starter fish include platys, swordtails, tiger barbs, zebra, goldfish, and tetras. Aggressive fish shouldn’t be mixed up with gentle ones.

The water environment for your tank can come straight from the tap. If your water is chlorinated, remove the chemical with dechlorination tablets. To avoid the stress on your fish caused by toxic buildup, change 25 percent of the water every two weeks.

After first setting up your tank and stocking it, wait at least three weeks before adding other fish. This will give helpful bacteria time to become established. Before adding new fish to your aquarium, keep them isolated in a five- or 1—gallon quarantine tank for at least two weeks, watching for white spots (ich), or other signs of disease. Place the open, water-filled bag in which you bought fish in the tank for 15-30 minutes until the two water temperatures have equalized. Then transfer fish to the new water with a net. To avoid polluting your tank, stick to items purchased from a store, such as treasure chess, sunken ships, and mermaids. Choose toys, which will be safe for your fish.

New Tank Syndrome takes two forms, gray cloudiness caused by bacteria or green cloudiness caused by algae. For a bacterial problem, change half of the water daily until the syndrome dissipates. With an algae bloom, check to see if your water is too high in nitrates, which algae feed off. If so, reduce the concentration by cycling the fresh water. Also, reduce the amount of light.

Reference: Pets by Bradford Swift

A SAFE HAVEN

Today, hospitals are thought of as places involved with medical and surgical care and cure. In the Middle Ages, "hospital" meant a place of shelter and rest for travelers, and, later, a charitable institution providing for orphans, the aged, and the infirm--a "hospitable" place. This early meaning survives in our words "hostel" and "hotel."

HIGH NOON

This is the story of two men

One, an ex-convict

The other, a man of honour

The ex-convict vowed while in prison

To kill the man of honour,

"I can't be a coward"

He says, to his fair-haired beauty!

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin',

On this, our wedding day.

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin',

Wait; wait alone.

I do not know what fate awaits me.

I only know I must be brave.

For I must face a man who hates me,

Or lie a coward, a craven coward;

Or lie a coward in my grave.

Excerpts from the song, High Noon,

and theme song from the movie of the same title,

starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly.

The word noon comes from the Latin nonus, which means "nine." Originally, it referred to the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise, which, on the year-average, is at 6:00 a.m. This put nonus at 3:00 p.m., or halfway between midday and sunset. What was originally the middle of the afternoon has come to mean the middle of the day itself.

TRIVIA - OZONE

The word "ozone" got its name from the Greek ozo, which means "I smell." Ozone is the most reactive form of oxygen. It is an unstable, pale bluish gas with a penetrating odor.

LEGAL TERM

Did you know that one legal term for having s...x with someone else's spouse--i.e., adultery--is "criminal conversation."

“knowledge is power”

BUMBLE BEES

Bees have been known to cure rheumatism. A number of sufferers have been given relief through controlled stinging. Several bees are placed in an inverted glass over the aching limbs; they soon sting, irritated by their captivity.

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

One group of people, and only one, has been found to be totally free of cancer in any of its forms. They are the Hunza in northwest Kashmir, who also are known for their longevity.

LOVING IS GIVING

Who taught us a dramatic lesson in giving with love?

Love doesn't calculate; it spends lavishly! But how can someone in poverty give more than someone who has ample means? The answer is very simple: love is more precious than gold! Real giving must come from the heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display loses most of its value, but a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is invaluable. The amount or size of the gift doesn't matter as much as the cost to the giver.

What we have to offer may look very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the His disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then He can do with it and with us what is beyond our reckoning.

Do you know the joy and freedom of giving liberally to God and to neighbor with gratitude and love?

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving".

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - COMMITMENT

The quality of a person's life is
in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence,
regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.

Vincent Lombardi

LIVE WITH JOY

What is the good life, and the ultimate end or purpose of life? Is it not happiness, which is none other than the complete good, the sum of all goods, leaving nothing more to be desired? Do you seek the highest good, the total good, which is above all else?

How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? Poverty of the spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and spiritual oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world.

Thomas Aquinas said: No one can live without joy. That is why a person deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures. Do you know the happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?

A TRUE PERSON

There is only one way in which a person's sincerity can be proved, and that is by one's practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true or false, and good or evil. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it will cost you? Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you pain or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable before God, neighbor, and oneself. Such a person's word can be taken as trustworthy.

What can keep us from falsehood and disaster?

BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATION

What kind of foundation are we building our lives on? Who is the sure foundation of our lives?

The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster!

If we make the Lord and his word the rock and foundation of our lives, then nothing can shake us or keep us from God's saving presence and help. Is the Lord Jesus and his word the sure foundation of your life?