Sage advice for us plodding on in the 21st century

One word that may sum it up: decency

Should the lady whose image appears above be unfamiliar to you, it is quite easy to find out all about her and the things she stands for. Fortunately, in this day and age in which the development of technology happens much faster than the passing on of values such as decency, that technology gives us the opportunity to look up that which we ought to know and live.

If the other name included in the advice above is unheard of, you may look it up as well. Or not.

By nature

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, 

through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.

~George Washington Carver

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
~Albert Einstein

Gunfire & explosives -- and combatting extremism with 'Rick Astley'

The number of fatalities is often one of the factors which determine whether or not an incident makes it on the news. It's lamentable, but that's reality. Sure, "hundreds killed" grabs more people's attention than saying that the death toll numbers half a dozen. But then lives mean individual persons, and each person matters, so here is news about some of last week's ISIS-related attacks in Africa, regardless of the body count. Nigeria (Nov. 17 and 18), Mali (Nov. 20), Cameroon (Nov. 21)



Female suicide bombers strike Nigeria with second mass casualty attack in two days
Two female suicide bombers launched a deadly attack that killed an estimated 15 people at a packed mobile phone market in Kano, Nigeria, on Wednesday. Kano is the largest city in Northern Nigeria. The explosion ripped through Farm Centre market just after 4:00pm local time and comes only a day after a terrorist attack killed 32 and wounded 80 in the Northeast city of Yola.


Mali hotel attack: Hunt for three suspects

Malian security forces are hunting three suspects connected to the attack on a hotel in the capital, Bamako, on Friday, in which 19 were killed.

Two militants were also killed, after special forces stormed the hotel, freeing dozens of trapped guests.


Eight dead after suspected Boko Haram attack in Cameroon
Four civilians were killed in northern Cameroon on Saturday in a suicide bomb assault by suspected Boko Haram militants in which three female attackers and one man blew themselves up, security officials said.


Belgian police mount raids in Brussels and other towns

Belgian armed police mounted raids across the country late on Sunday after the prime minister announced another day of lockdown in the capital for fear a new, Paris-style mass attack may be imminent.Shortly before midnight, the public broadcaster, announcing several arrests, said the operations had concluded and the mayor of a Brussels borough that is the focus of a manhunt for a key suspect in the Paris attacks said shots had been exchanged.

And, via a story included in a previous post, Anonymous -- the group of online hackers -- is taking on ISIS online. Now the group has started its quest with a spunky method: by "rickrolling" the terrorists' online presence. If the goal is to disrupt communications between the terrorists and to foil as many attempts at promoting its cause as possible, it certainly is accomplishing much -- and with some entertainment along the way.

Federer, the weather, Anonymous hackers.... plus others

Some news can make our day, while others tend to make us stop and lament over what the world seems to be coming to. Then we can hear of some things that are just the things we need to give us a laugh for a few minutes before plunging into the next task of the day. Whatever the case, it pays to inform ourselves -- and do what we can to be part of the solution, from where we are, with what we have.

Here's a glimpse of some things that have happened during the past several weeks in different parts of the planet --

Federer hands Djokovic first loss at ATP World Tour Finals since 2011


Faith on the football field -- Fargo high school stands up for religious freedom


 ISIS claims responsibility, calls Paris attacks 'First of the Storm'


Victims bare NAIA extortion in 'tanim-bala' probe


Lego is now making extra-padded Lego-proof slippers because they feel your pain


October breaks global heat record


Abortion facility shuts down on Halloween, becomes a pro-life clinic


 9/11 hero's widow returns 'Woman of the Year' award over Bruce Jenner 'insult'


Anonymous hackers could be Islamic State's online nemesis

* Photo of Roger Federer from Tennis

* Photo of Guy Fawkes mask associated with Anonymous from  Mail & Guardian

* * * * *

If you fancy a look at another post of various headlines from a month ago, they're here

When it's love that saves the day (or the kid)

Silver bullets for the bullet-planting

Now that I'm looking at that title up there with (almost) undivided attention, I'm certain it's more the result of too much viewing of zombie-ghost-vampire-murderer fare than a manifestation of what I actually think of the people responsible for the bullet-planting happening in Manila's main international gateway (and for the lack of action being taken to deal with the situation).

This post isn't to provide updates on the situation, but to share a couple of articles that may prove useful to anyone passing through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport while the situation is still basically the same. It pays to be informed and prepared. Go ahead and read, and feel free to share with others who may need this information:

An American shares his 4 effective tips for curbing Laglag Bala modus in NAIA  is a quick read and was supposedly written by a retired police officer.

Evidence-planting rife at NAIA -- How to defend yourself from Laglag Bala scam contains practical tips as well while providing legal information about your rights, relevant portions of the law, etc. Infographics and some videos also equip you with pertinent information. This one was written by a lawyer.

And here's something posted by a Persida Acosta on Facebook on Nov. 2, 2015 which may just come in handy (you'll never know!):

Attention OFWS/ Travellers: Re: Laglag Bala in Airport
Please call PAO hotline 929-94-36 or 029299436 in case you are being charged of alleged "laglag bala". Any incriminatory act of planting evidence can be criminally charged of "incriminatory machinations" under Article 363 of the Revised Penal Code (arresto mayor) and Section 38 of the Comprehensive Firearms Act R.A. No. 10591 Re- planting of ammunitions punishable of the penalty of reclusion perpetua(30yrs).

If you'd like an article to give you the lowdown on the issue, I believe this one dated Nov. 2, 2015 is exhaustive enough.

Bon voyage!