Writer’s Block

No, no, no, Arroyo will not listen… but we will howl nevertheless. In the two years she remains in power, we will howl her in the streets, howl her in the courts, and howl her out of office. We will howl like mad, and make all of government tremble with fear… (more…)

Throughout the world, the end results have been the same. Dictators who were overthrown either have the sympathy of the new strongman, or have entered ill health as to no longer be held accountable for their crimes… In record, I can count maybe one or two who were actually tried and executed for atrocities… (more…)

Sunset,
The sounds of anguish
Anguish
Souls unredeemed
Their souls cry out
There is darkness
No light
Upon them
But the sunset
On their backs

Chains
They are prisoners
In a cage of steel
And wood, and blood
Their throats are parched
Dry
But there is no life
No balm
No dream

Death
Only Death surrounds them
In their sleep She visits
But they do not dream
No light upon them
But the sunset
On their backs.

Since Vladimir Putin’s accession to the Presidency, Russia has fought a long, uphill battle to maintain its status as a global heavyweight. Despite their best efforts, they have lost the fear and impression of the states around them… (more…)

Hasbro, the manufacturer of the famous board game, Monopoly, is holding a contest for online voters to vote which cities the new board game is going to include.   People from all around the world have been voting for their capital cities; there was even a controversy that arose.

I say let’s put Manila on the map. You just go in, register and vote.  The instructions are not so complicated.  In the latest list of leading wild card cities there’s only one Asian country represented, several Polish and Australian cities, and a varied allotment. But what’s a world map without Manila represented?   This is a call out to all of you out there.  Make your vote, once in the last five days.   For once, let’s make the Philippines count.

Movie Reviews

There are currently three forms of Democracies existing now, each with their specific flaws. The United States model stands out; yet, is all really as it seems? Here, then, is the first part of the “Searching for Democracy” series. (more…)

Everywhere there seems to be a feeling of fatigue for one failed system after another, and movements (like Obama’s, which seems to be sweeping the United States) have begun to spring up, maybe not with real platforms, but change for change’s sake. Until recently, we’d never have seen Thai soldiers suddenly meeting on closed doors with the blessings of their king, to topple a corrupt leader. We’d never have seen protesters taking to the streets of Myanmar in opposition to that country’s junta. (more…)

We are forever frustrated by the continued existence of Gloria Arroyo as President. But would you have stood up to Hitler’s Germany? And can you really stand up to Arroyo’s Philippines?

(more…)

Have you ever looked in the eyes of a mother, after giving birth to her child? If you stood close to her when she was in labor—the one without anesthetics, the natural labor—you would see her heaping curses at everyone. She would be screaming in absolute pain; at one point, she would experience emotional extremes of ups and downs. And when finally you hear the gentle, faint cry coming out of her womb, and watch child and mother, caught in an emotional and spiritual embrace, look into her eyes. And you will see why. (more…)