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Superheroes Art Print - by Danny Haas
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Single versions
Spider-Man | Superman | Iron Man | Batman
Cool superhero art.:)
(Source: herochan)
A reason for you to get on Google+
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Project: Manila Paper
by Sol Palakol, Lala Torres, Mots and Raffy Parcon, this is their version of Ben Heine’s Pencil vs Camera.
(via akosimangpedring)
(Source: motsmots.blogspot.com, via relativelycalm)
Dog competitions…
Where dogs get shocked too. :)
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Blood stains. I saw them everyday for months during a certain period in my life.Blood on the floor, on hospitals gowns and on previously pristine white sheets. The room could almost be a set of a horror movie if not for the dozens of crying babies and nursing mothers..
For weeks it was always the same routine. Everyday, I would march the hallway armed with my medical artillery. Thermometer, stethoscope, a sphygmomanometer and a piece of paper. The whole bond paper will be filled with vital sign statistics after my round was done. Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. One column for the mother, one column for the baby. Multiplied by a hundred.
I would always brace myself upon entering the ward because I know an hour of repetitive vital signs taking will pass before I get to leave and inhale fresh air again. Imagine this: 12 single sized hospital beds, 4 mothers per bed plus baby. Sometimes we get a 2-3 pairs of mother and child per hospital bed on a good day, but 6 pairs on a toxic shift. And yes, you did the math correctly. That’s a dozen people sharing one mattress. They would sleep while sitting down. Sometimes, the brazen ones would sleep on the bare floor.
I have to give credit to the hospital for doing the best they can. A few times per day, someone would wipe the floor with a heavily scented disinfectant, gather soiled hospital gowns and change the blood stained bed sheets. But with mothers and babies pouring in like giving birth is the newest craze of the nation and there is a million pesos to be won if a baby came out of your womb, there was still a lot to be done.
The odor of lochia mixed with the sharp sterile smell of industrial antiseptic would always haunt me on my way home. It stuck to my uniform and even my hair. While riding a jeepney, thoughts of these mothers cramped all together in clumps while their babies cried in discomfort occupied my mind. Furthermore, snippets of their stories would replay in my head like some eerie documentary montage about the status of women in some God-forsaken country. But this was not some African jungle miles from where I live, this was home.
I remember once overhearing a conversation, while giving medication, between my patient and her mother. A newborn baby girl was sleeping at their side. The grandmother was scolding her child because she would not stand up for herself when her husband got angry at her for giving birth, for the 3rd time, to yet another girl. He told her that he still wanted to try to have a boy, despite his meager income. I tried butting in to say that the father always determine the sex of the baby and it was not and will never be the mother’s fault for giving birth to a beautiful baby girl but they looked so heated I didn’t dare trespass.
Social Services was always in our part of the hospital. It turned out, there were too many mothers who cannot pay the hospital fees to be able to go home with their child, hence, they get left behind to stay in the ward until they have the adequate finances to settle the bills, therefore occupying precious space that was supposed to be for newly arrived patients. Many of these families have more than 3 children to raise and take care of. And I wonder, if they cannot settle a less than 5,000 php hospital fee, how much harder would it be to feed, clothe and educate their existing children?
Thirteen. The youngest post-partum mother I’ve ever cared for. Giving birth at thirteen was not record breaking by any means, but it was still bewildering for me to think how much different her life would be compared to other girls her age. I witnessed an instance one time where her baby was crying and she didn’t even know how to pick up her own child from the bed. Her ‘bedmates’, veteran mothers with 3 or more children and counting were trying to teach her how to carry her baby but all she looked was lost and defeated.
I always enjoyed watching mothers fill-out the birth certificate forms in the lying-in area. The choice of a child’s name must have been an important decision for the couple that most commonly include both party’s ideas. It will be the name the baby would be forever identified with. However, I was shocked by the percentage of women who would look at their husband’s / unwed father’s faces in a clueless haze asking him what he wanted to name the baby and even to the point of what spelling should the name be spelled in. It was the image of absolute reliance and incapability to decide that struck me the wrong way.
See, I grew up in an environment where women held all the cards and did all the decision making that has to be done. I couldn’t understand how these women could just depend everything on their spouses without having an opinion of their own. More than once, the mothers would always pass the birth certificate form to the father despite our request that they fill it up themselves. I could sense their hesitation and awkwardness in handling something important and it pained me to witness how crippled their sense of self worth were. Empowered, these women were definitely not.
She was 16, pregnant on her second trimester and was having respiratory problems. During my night shift, I went into her room almost every hour because she was having a hard time breathing despite already being administered Oxygen via nasal cannula and positioned in high Fowler’s (almost sitting). I took her Vital Signs more frequently and in the process, got to know her, and the father of the child who was watching her, a little better. She was a sweet girl, well-mannered, soft spoken, with lovely eyes. I thought that she shouldn’t be undergoing this kind of life-threatening condition at her age, that maybe, a little more guidance and information could have made a long way, but I do commend her strength in such adversities.
Shift ended. I endorsed the situation and went on my way. It was the last day of my stay in the ward and I felt pretty accomplished. I learned a lot and got to meet interesting people along the way. I wished the best to all the patients I’ve met during my stay and said a little prayer for those who may be needing a tad more help than others. I slept soundly that night. The next day, I learned that Lovely Eyes and her baby died in the delivery room due to respiratory complications.
So call me whatever names you want, threaten me with eternity in the fiery depths of hell.
These are the reasons why I support the RH Bill.
http://orchestroscopy.blogspot.com/2011/05/blood-stains-smell-of-disinfectant-and.html
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hey tumblr
it’s been a while. but i can’t update you yet. i don’t want to learn how. i’m still busy minding other people’s business in other social networking sites.
at least i remembered my password.:P
For those of you who are left undecided for the upcoming elections, check this link out.=) It made my mind work for something again.=) It’s meant for sharing, and hopefully, everyone who can vote would actually vote for someone. A wasted vote is not a vote for a losing candidate, but rather, a vote for no one.
The link has 2 parts. Just click the next topic for the second part.:)
…NBA Playoffs Predictions…
I should be packing my bags, really, but I don’t think I’d have time to make a blog in Bora to make it in time to make predictions. Last year’s predictions were a couple of games off (had Orlando pushed by PHI, but losing to BOS/CLE ultimately or something like that), but at the end of it, I got Lakers winning it all. This year’s playoff match-ups are actually quite interesting, and I’m really excited about it. If only I could be a bum for the rest of the playoffs to watch the games, I would. Anyway, I’ll make predictions for the first round, and go with Dallas and LA going for the West, Cleveland and Orlando (wishing Miami would be there though) for the East, and ultimately, Orlando winning it over Dallas (it’s time to get over the hump, Dirk). But of course, that’s my perfect world. Reality points to Cleveland winning it all, but I’d rather piss people off by not picking them. I hate favorites.
East Picture:
(1) Cleveland vs (8) Chicago
Chicago’s match-up with Boston last year was epic. This season, they clinched the 8th spot only with the last game of the season. I like that team, but they pretty much underachieve after every season. They show flashes of brilliance by the end of their seasons, acquire talent in the offseason, then fail miserably, acquire sparks at trade deadlines, then make a push, only to fall short in the playoffs. This matchup is an easy call, but not to say that Cleveland won’t get a scare.
Winner: Cleveland in 4
Watch Out for: Antawn Jamison gelling for Cleveland. If that works fast, this team is scary good.
(2) Orlando vs (7) Charlotte
My dark horse for the season is Charlotte. To some extent, I think Jordan’s acquisition of the franchise re-energized them. Stephen Jackson may not be “superstar” material, and Gerald Wallace is no LeBron, but then again, they’re coached by Larry Brown, who steered the “superstar-less” Detroit Pistons to a title. But I think the hunger is going to win this series. Charlotte got their first playoff berth in franchise history, so that’s an achievement for them this season. Orlando still has a chip on their shoulder, falling short last year, and proving nothing by reaching the playoffs.
Winner: Orlando in 6
Watch Out for: Falling 3’s everywhere. Charlotte won’t give much lay ups, and Orlando is going to make them pay for that. JJ Reddick is emerging as the shooter that he was expected to be.
(3) Atlanta vs (6) Milwaukee
There were doubts with Brandon Jennings when he chose to play in Europe rather than go to college. There were times in the season when he looked raw, then he scored 55, then became ordinary. Now, he’s an integral part of the rotation, and has handled the point pretty well. However, without Andrew Bogut, “Fear the Dear” isn’t such an accurate slogan for them. Atlanta’s going to devour them.
Winner: Atlanta in 5
Watch Out for: Jamaal Crawford’s first playoff appearance. He could be jittery, but hey, that’s why Joe’s there, to be the main guy. Jamaal can focus on being the spark off the bench.
(4) Boston vs (5) Miami
When Boston revamped their roster to get Garnett and Ray Allen, they did so with the idea that they were building a dynasty. Just a couple of years removed from their championship, they don’t look as invincible as they were when the Big Three was first formed. It’s not just Garnett’s injury woes, nor is it just their age, I think it’s more on the glue that makes them stick together. Only there do you see the value of a PJ Brown and a James Posey. Dwayne Wade has been going crazy leading his team, since going 35-34, they made a 12-1 push to end the season. Sure, they had an easy schedule, and that one loss came from a struggling Detroit team that lost 13 straight prior to that win, but hey, in the NBA, every team is as dangerous as any other. It could work both ways for the heat: either they’re too tired or they got their groove on and got used to winning.
Winner: Miami in 6 (oh yes, fanboy in me says that.)
Watch Out for: The Truth vs Flash is the matchup to see, of course, but what would dictate the winner here will probably fall more on no.2 pick Micheal Beasley, who seemed like a dud compared to Derrick Rose’s emergence in Chicago.
West Picture:
(1) LA Lakers vs (8) Oklahoma
I like Oklahoma. They even had a chance to gain homecourt advantage in the first round, at least, but fell short. Durant has been a monster, and Russel Westbrook is looking like a Jason Kidd lite, getting triple doubles almost at will for a stretch of games. But LA is LA, and Kobe is still Kobe. Oklahoma has been the surprise team of the season, and with their talent (and LA’s depleting point guard depth), they probably might go on surprising people. If LA doesn’t get its act together, this is going to be an upset.
Winner: LA in 7
Watch Out for: No, not Andrew Bynum. Most people say that Andrew Bynum will be the X-factor for LA winning it all, but I think it will be more on the two other forwards, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. These guys were franchise players before coming to LA (Odom for Miami, Gasol for Memphis). They carried their teams to win, and now take a backseat to the Lakers alpha-male in Kobe. Now that Kobe’s production has dipped since his finger injury, these two have got to step up if they want to win it all.
(2) Dallas vs (7) San Antonio
A Texas showdown. San Antonio has been a powerhouse for the longest time that it seemed weird that they almost didn’t make the playoffs. Hats off to Pop for dealing with the injuries that he’s had to deal with and still make the playoffs. But watching the Spurs, it has been a Manu Ginobili show. The guy’s playing like it was 2004. And now that Tony Parker’s back, they’ve got bench depth again. But Dallas didn’t retool for nothing. They don’t have a player on their roster who isn’t capable of scoring 20, and with Jason Kidd quarterbacking the team, it’s possible.
Winner: Dallas in 6
Watch Out for: Brendan Haywood. San Antonio will bully much of the inside, with Dajuan Blair and Tim Duncan, and Eric Dampier doesn’t stand a chance manning up to those two, but deadline-acquisition Haywood probably can. He gives Dallas that dimension in their team that “EricA” was expected to, but never really provided.
(3) Phoenix vs (6) Portland
Steve Nash is playing better than his 2 MVP seasons, and Amar’e has just been a monster. Portland was plagued by injuries all season long, and just when things were looking great, Brandon Roy gets injured. It’s sad, really, that Portland had to deal with everything they had to deal with. Funny how Phoenix is a desert, but apparently, the fountain of youth is there.
Winner: Phoenix in 5
Watch Out for: Nicolas Batum. He’s got the skills, and he’s got to step up for Portland. For Phoenix, I think Robin Lopez will be a big factor in their success.
(4) Denver vs (5) Utah
George Karl is doubtful to re-join the team for the first round. Adrian Dantley has done a solid job keeping the ship afloat, but I think not having Coach Karl on the sidelines hurts Denver’s chances. Utah, on the other hand, was one of the hottest team after the All Star break. Boozer is doing an Amar’e, playing like a monster on a contract year.
Winner: Denver in 7
Watch Out for: This is probably the closest series in all, as it could easily go either way. Utah has bench depth that will bring them to the second round if they were matched up with, say, Portland, probably, or any among the top 5-8 teams in the East. But still, you can’t count Carmelo Anthony out. And now that their team is relatively complete (I don’t know who else is injured, but Kenyon’s back), they’re going to be a force inside (Nene, K-Mart, Birdman), and will have to force Utah to the perimeter. Problem is, Utah IS a perimeter-shooting team. So, I say Denver, just because of Melo, but Utah could provide an upset. Look for Deron Williamsto be the superstar, and Chauncy’s steady leadership in Denver to keep his team’s head in the game.
…Of Poor People and Bullying…
A couple of years back, I bitched about the weak/disabled: how they use their disability to gain the upper hand on just about everything, without making it seem like they’re demanding too much. People would just say “pagbigyan na, kawawa naman eh.” I got tired of that. To re-read the hate blog, I had to go back to my Friendster account (which means it was THAT long since I wrote it)..
http://voltz2911.blog.friendster.com/2006/03/kalokohan-ng-mga-mahihina/
Ngayon, dahil eleksyon nanaman, puro na lang “para sa mahirap” o “galing sa mahirap” ang mga kandidato. Nakakatawang isipin na pinagkakalandakan ni Gloria ang mga nagawa nya upang “palakasin” ang ekonomiya ng bansa, pero sobrang dami pa rin ng “mahihirap” na inaapilahan ng mga kandidato ngayon.
Pero hindi ito ang punto ng blog na ito. Babalik ako sa kalokohan ng mga mahihinang ito, ang mga mahihirap.
Ilang beses ka na bang nagmaneho at nakatukan ng malakas ng mga pulubi? Ilang beses ka na bang nahingan ng naglalakad na gusgusin habang nakikipagkwentuhan sa mga kaibigan mo sa labas ng building?
Masama siguro ako sa pag-iisip ng ganito. Alam ko na may mga taong kailangan talaga ng tulong, tulad na lang nun lalaking kuba na kamay na ang ginagamit na panglakad na namamalimos sa Julia Vargas, o yung mamang bulag dati na nakaluhod habang namamalimos sa Magsaysaya. Pero sabi nga nila, hindi naman kasalanan ang ipinanganak na mahirap; pero kasalanan mo na kung tumanda ka na’t matatapos ang buhay mo nang mahirap ka pa rin.
Tila walang pinagkaiba ang mga mahihirap na namamalimos sa mga siga; bibigyan mo ng pera ang siga dahil natatakot ka’t baka saktan ka, samantalang bibigyan mo ng pera ng mahirap kasi gusto mo na siyang umalis, o naawa ka sa kanya. Minsan talagang nakakabastos na rin yung mga nanglilimos, at kadalasan ay binibigyan na lang sila para lumayo na. Hayup mangalabit kun nakatayo ka lang sa labas, kung nasa kotse ka naman ay didikitan ng mukha nila ang bintana ng kotse mo. Pag binigyan mo ang isa, dudumugin ka ng iba pa.
Ang pamamalimos ay trabahong tamad. Awa lang ang hinihintay mo para makakain ka sa araw-araw. Init lang ng panahon ang kalaban mo, pero ang gagawin mo lang naman ay ilalabas ang kamay mo at bubuksan ang palad para magkapera. Hindi dapat sinasanay ang mga namamalimos sa “awa” ng may konting baryang kayang ibigay.
Ang mga bata, kung pinipilit lang sila ng mga magulang nila, o ginagamit ng sindikato, ay dapat lumapit na sa mga MMDA o DSWD o Bantay Bata para kupkupin na sila dun. Kahit na wala akong tiwala sa gobyerno, gusto kong maniwala na ang mga institusyong ito ay ginagawa pa rin ang kanilang makakaya para gawin ang dapat nilang ginagawa. Kahit na ibig sabihin nito ay iiwanan nila ang kanilang pamilya, dapat isipin nila na habambuhay silang mamamalimos para sa makakain nila kung mananatili silang kasama ng kanilang pamilya.
Ang mga binatilyo, siguro makakakuha ng raket sa pagiging kargador o runner ng mga bodega, o kahit janitor sa eskwelahan para maging scholar. Ang mga nanay na karga karga pa ang mga anak habang namamalimos ay dapat iniisip na pag may ginawa sila eh may posibilidad na mabuntis sila. Ang mga tila siga talaga na malakas mangalabit pag nanlilimos eh pwede rin sigurong maging kargador or something.
Punto, kung may lakas pa ang katawan nila, sa ibang bagay nila dapat ginagamit ito, at hindi sa pangingikil sa mga tao. Hindi pwedeng tumanda na lang sila nang namamalimos. Hindi dapat sinasanay ang mga namamalimos na nabibigyan sila parati. Wala silang pinagkaiba sa mga siga noong mga bata pa tayo na nangingikil ng piso piso. Habang ang araw araw mo ay pinapasakit ang ulo mo o katawan mo sa kakatrabaho, lalapitan ka ng mga pulubing to para hingan lang ng pera, at ikaw naman, bilang “mabuting” tao, ay magbibigay. Hindi mo tinutulungan ang pulubi sa pagbibigay ng konting barya sa kanya. Hindi aangat ang estado ng buhay nya sa palima-limang piso na binibigay mo. Mabuti pang bilhin mo na ang bente pesos na sampaguita ng batang nagbebenta kesa bigyan mo ng limang piso ang batang kumakatok lang.
Kung gusto mo talagang makatulong, bigyan mo sila ng pagkain, para alam mong sa pang kain ang paglilimos nya.
Pero para bigyan mo sila ng limos? Binibigyan mo lang ang siga ng dahilan para kikilan ka nya ulit bukas.
…Of Vampires and Dreams…
I couldn’t sleep again last night.
My heart was pounding, and I was freakin scared. I was one of the last few people on Earth that hasn’t been turned into a vampire. I hide in closets in our house to hide my “living” scent by using all the clothes in there as a blanket. I couldn’t wake up even if I wanted to. I wanted to believe that it was just a dream, but it was so real. I actually fell asleep on my bed, blanket all over me, and all 4 pillows on top of me, just to cover myself up. Then when I woke up, the pillows were all over the place, and I wasn’t covered by my blanket anymore. That’s normal, considering how I normally sleep. But that’s not ok, considering the streets are being walked on by the living dead looking for flesh to eat. I ran to the closet and closed it as fast as I could, and got all the clothes hanging there. Then someone/something opened the closet, all teeth fanged and salivating for some flesh, nose trying to find that scent of the living. It closed the closet upon smelling nothing but stocked up clothes.
Then I woke up, feeling relieved that everything was just a dream. But then again, I woke up in the closet, which meant nothing was ok, and that was actually reality.
I didn’t want to give up, because I still am the same person I was; afraid of death, of the unknown.
…and then it was 7AM. Time to get up for work.
This isn’t the first time I dreamed about vampires and monsters roaming the streets, so this is weird for me. I don’t dream/fantasize about vampires or about being one of them like most Twilight freaks fanatics. My idea of them is limited to some vampire movies, True Blood, and Sookie Stackhouse books. But I don’t go searching the net for them. I enjoy what is already there.
Oh yeah, call me superstitious, I guess I’m blogging about this because they say you have to tell someone about your dream so that it won’t happen in reality.
It just so happens that I had a de ja vu moment with my brother last night. :|
