As Nigel Tufnel Says He Has This Much Talent

Post by Showbiz Government.

Kia Motors, Manny Pacquiao and the PBA

Post by GetRealPhilippines.COM.

Key to Semi Happiness

Sometimes the best way to deal with people and keep sane is to have expectations as high as Billy Barty's knees. #wordsofwisdom
— Ed Lopez (@edrlopez) October 7, 2014

Does Not Fall Far From The Tree

Earlier this year I was at church.  A teenager was playing a game with his iPhone in the middle of the mass. I looked over at his nearby mother and she herself was simultaneously composing a text on her iPhone. So heartwarming to see the first and third commandments being taken seriously. 


Ed

Three Reasons To Still Be A Noytard After 4 Years

By Nigel Pope 

 To the best of my knowledge there are only three possible reasons for someone being a noytard after the past four years of corruption and incompetence:

1. They're noytards because they really are ignorant and they think that this nation's average IQ of 86 is something their family will achieve in a few generations.
2. They're noytards because they and/or their families are corrupt and thus are benefiting from this corrupt and incompetent maladministration.
3. They're noytards because Malacanang pays them to post statements of support on social media. Of course, that also means they are either ignorant (see answer 1) and/or corrupt (see answer 2).

The only reason for asking the noytards which of these categories they fall into is to determine whether we should treat them with condescending pity or supercilious contempt. Either way, they're completely unworthy of the respect of anyone who wants the Philippines to reverse its decline.

You Don't Worship A Basketball Team And People Want You Dead

Post by GetRealPhilippines.COM.

Noynoy Says New York Times Does Not Know

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/29/opinion/political-mischief-in-the-philippines.html?_r=1

The Opinion Pages | Editorial

Political Mischief in the Philippines

AUG. 28, 2014

Continue reading the main story

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President Benigno Aquino III of the Philippines is now hinting at running for a second term in 2016, which would require a constitutional amendment. He has also suggested limiting the power of the Supreme Court, which, on July 1, declared parts of Mr. Aquino’s economic program illegal. That, too, would require adjusting the Constitution. These threats jeopardize Philippine democracy.

Mr. Aquino wants more time to complete his reform programs, but there will always be unfinished business. The 1987 Constitution limits the president to a single six-year term. The Constitution was promulgated under his mother, Corazon Aquino, after the overthrow of the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Despite her efforts, the presidency remained a fount of patronage and a source of corruption. Mr. Aquino’s two immediate predecessors, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada, were charged after they left office with illegally feeding from the public trough. Ms. Arroyo was charged with misusing state lottery funds. Mr. Estrada was removed from office and convicted of various corruption charges, but he was pardoned in 2007.

Mr. Aquino believes that the Supreme Court has grown too powerful and that someone needs to reassert executive authority. By a 13-to-0 vote, the court struck down a spending program he created to stimulate the economy. It ruled that he had exceeded his authority in disbursing funds and that parts of the program consisted of irregular pork-barrel spending.

Mr. Aquino came to power in 2010 vowing to rid the Philippines of corruption. At that time, the country ranked 134th in Transparency International’s corruption index. In 2013, it ranked 94th. Mr. Aquino should uphold the Constitution of a fragile democracy if only out of respect for his father, who was assassinated in the struggle against Marcos, and for his mother, who died in 2009 after leading the “people power” that triumphed over the excesses and abuses of the presidency. In practical terms, that means he should stop butting heads with the court and gracefully step down when his term is up.

A version of this editorial appears in print on August 29, 2014, in The International New York Times. Order Reprints|Today's Paper|Subscribe

http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/dap-funded-coa-chief-fails-to-explain-missing-saros

DAP funded CoA chief fails to explain missing SAROs

• Written by  Ninez Cacho-Olivares
• Wednesday, 03 September 2014 00:00
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Commission on Audit Chairman Grace Pulido-Tan during a recent budget hearing in the House, lamented that the CoA’s budget was cut in half, and wailed about the agency’s lack in establishing provincial satellite offices where auditors will be housed to preserve their independence due to the slash in the budget and there would be no computerization too.
Yet she was given some P144 million from Noynoy and Butch Abad’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) for the same purpose, but this money was spent on cars and other stuff that had nothing to do with getting the agency computerized. Now she asks for the same thing when she had the money to do so, as per her request for additional funds from DAP? And this, despite the fact that there was a pool of CoA savings in the millions, which she never used to employ more auditors.
And she has the nerve to even claim the need for more money for the agency to become independent? She is so frlagrantly partisan to even try to be independent.
Hell, even a Sandiganbayan justice, who was so frustrated at the selective audits of the CoA, even branded the CoA as incompetent.
How incompetent CoA is under Grace Tan can be gleaned from what was said during the budget hearing, where she was questioned on the audit Tan had conducted on 3,158 allegedly questionable special allotment release orders (SAROs) worth more than P1 trillion issued under the Aquino administration.
During the agency’s budget hearing Monday, the CoA chairman pointed the finger at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as the best agency to explain the missing SAROs.
If she was truly independent and had not relied on the word of Abad that the SAROs of the allies were missing or lost, then she could have come clean with the public, especially the Senate, that her special audit on the pork barrel does not represent the true picture of the alleged scam. Heck, she even gave Noynoy an advance copy of the audit when he had no business seeing it first, since this was the Senate’s business.
It is probably more accurate to state that she was in on the Palace and its allies move in the Senate to frame the three opposition senators, since she could have obtained the copies of the SAROs from the resident auditors and not just rely on the claims of Abad, who was obviously protecting the allies, especially Noynoy, Mar and himself from being implicated in the pork scam. Absolutely no SAROs existing for them?
Abakada partylist Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz had been asking the audit body to disclose the records of the SAROs, saying the delay in doing so “is putting the entire audit process in a bad light and fuels public skepticism about the drama now unfolding about the misuse of public funds.”
CoA never responded.
“For a constitutional body, the present CoA leadership is wading into politicized territory. It does not augur well for our democracy, worse, it seems it is getting its cue from the budget department, which still has to submit its record as well,” De la Cruz added.
Based on the CoA report, De la Cruz said there were “missing, unaccounted for, double numbering and skipping of control numbers for 3,158 different SAROs as of Dec. 31, 2011.”
“The CoA report showed that the validity of 42,193 SAROs issued to government agencies totaling P1,942,286,355,788.38 remained doubtful due to gaps in the number series resulting in 3,158 unaccounted SAROs,” de la Cruz said.
“We consistently hear of budget cuts or shortage of funds for various purposes from the government. But here is more than P1 trillion in missing monies and the CoA is not giving it high priority,” De la Cruz said.
And what does the CoA chief say? She told the budget panel: “When we gather disbursement vouchers and other (pieces of evidence), we put them in sacks or just leave (them) in the office. Over time, how can you retrieve the documents which are all over the place? There are instances where we can’t produce it anymore because the documents are already lost.”
Good grief. Tan and Heidi Mendoza should be tarred, feathered, shot and spit upon by the people for being so cavalier about keeping records that could prove just where the public money went, and hold whoever accountable for this.
And what she did instead was to ensure a selective audit that would frame with a crime of plunder the three opposition senators, while the rest of the allies’ SAROs were conveniently lost, misplaced and no longer retrievable.
Who buys such a story of only the opposition senators having their complete files of SAROs, while the allies’ SARO records were lost or missing?
She’s no independent auditor. Worse, she is such an incompetent auditor.



 http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/08/29/1363094/new-york-times-slams-pnoy-over-term-extension-clipping-sc-powers

New York Times slams PNoy over term extension, clipping SC powers

 (philstar.com) | Updated August 29, 2014 - 12:10pm

 

President Benigno Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III's hints at term extension and his proposal to limit the powers of the Supreme Court are "threats" that "jeopardize Philippine democracy," the New York Times warned in a recent editorial.
In the opinion piece Political Mischief in the Philippines published online on Thursday, the New York Times criticized Aquino for his openness to amend the 1987 Constitution, which was promulgated under his mother, the late president Corazon Aquino.
The New York Times said Aquino should uphold the Constitution of a "fragile democracy" out of respect for his parents, both of whom are regarded as democracy icons.
"In practical terms, that means he should stop butting heads with the court and gracefully step down when his term is up," the New York Times said.
In an exclusive interview with TV5 early this month, Aquino first expressed his openness to Charter Change, citing the need to clip the immense powers of the Supreme Court.
In another exclusive interview aired on Thursday, this time with Bombo Radyo, Aquino said the Supreme Court meddles too much in political issues, making it more difficult for him to run the government.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

"Perhaps judicial reach needs to be reviewed and limited," Aquino said.
The President said the high court's power to check other branches of government should be used sparingly and with restraint "but what seems to be is happening now is it is used often."
Aquino's suggestion to amend the Constitution due to the supposed judicial overreach fueled speculations that he is also open to the idea of lifting the president's single, six-year term limit.
But in the Bombo Radyo interview, Aquino clarified that his support for Charter Change has nothing to do with term extension, adding that he is looking forward to relinquish the presidency.

"Ako ba ang nag-aambisyon na pahabain [ang termino]?" Aquino said.
Aquino, however, still left open the possibility of seeking a longer term, reiterating that he listens to the orders of his bosses, the Filipino people.
He recalled that there have been ordinary people telling him to stay in office.
The President admitted that he is now consulting various sectors on how to ensure that his reforms are continued beyond 2016.

The New York Times editorial said "Aquino wants more time to complete his reform programs, but there will always be unfinished business." -Louis Bacani

Why Robin Williams Sang in the 2000 Oscars

I will only post on a cliche topic when I can bring something unique. So far in 36 hours no one I know said this. Here is Robin Williams in the Oscars that was dominated by American Beauty performing Blame Canada. He was not in the South Park movie. Why was he there then?? Because the original singer of the song Mary Kay Bergman who was brilliant with comical voices killed herself about 4 months earlier. As far as voices is concerned a female Robin Williams. Parallels eerie. At least for me.

Ed


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjoNucs20Vw

Writing A Business Story

 What you see below amounts to an audition for The Manila Times. Yes I do my fun pieces and my rants here and elsewhere but I have not had this mindset in writing since working at the high school newspaper. Those numbers are real from the PSE website and that quote is real. Who knows I may have a few more in me? Speaking of karmic justice, I hope to be a recipient in this life after doing a lot of this in a previous life.

 Ed

PSE's Bouncing Trend Continues Into July

As of midday July 3 2014, the PSE's performance seems to be still taking its cue from June. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed up 43.70 points, or  .64 percent higher at 6,894.30, while the wider all shares added 24.57 points, or 0.60 percent to finish Wednesday’s morning session at 4,129.06.

Ali Yu, President of brokerage R.S. Lim and Company said that the trend of bouncing between 6500 and 6900 has been going on for a while. Traders have been treating 6900 as a sign to get out. However if the market breaks through 6500 with volume "all bets are off". Yu added that that the political mood can affect trading in the coming weeks. He specifically mentioned karmic law seems to be working its way to our local scene. What was being done to the former president seems to be finding its way to the current president. 

 All  the sectoral indices paused in   positive territory  at  the midday break. Lead by the property index   advancing 29.33 points or 1.13 percent to   2,618.68. Followed by the financial sector rising by 13.17 points or 0.80 percent to    1,659.26.  Industrials climbed by 56.09 points or 0.54 percent to    10,408.87         .  Mining and Oil is up 76.79 or .47 percent to 16,591.68.  Holding Firms up 28.83 points or 0.46 percent to 6,266.50. Services sector up 8.62 points or 0.42 percent to  2,060.31.

Total volume at the break is 746,306,935 shares coming from 19,336 transactions for a total value of 2,979,599,115.00 pesos. Number of advancers double the number of the decliners 113 to 57 while 43 stocks remain unchanged. 

Stocks seeing the most trading in the morning were Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., ending up  0.34 percent at P2,988.00;  Universal Robina Corp., up 1.31 percent at P155.90; Bank Of The Philippine Islands., up 1.60  percent at P95 ; Alliance Global Group, Inc., down .25 percent at P29.10.  Finally Metropolitan Bank., up 1.25 percent at P89.40.

 On Thursday , the PSEi closed the morning session  up 43.70 points, or  .64 percent higher at 6,894.30, . The wider all shares added 24.57 points, or 0.60 percent to finish Wednesday’s morning session at 4,129.06.

Edward Lopez

Comic Geek Problems

Very well circulated picture. But it is wrong. Superman could always fly as in up up and away. The Hulk can not fly, just makes mega jumps. Wonder Woman has the ability to ride the air currents.  So essentially the difference between Superman flying and Wonder Woman is like comparing a Cessna to a glider. She can't go up up and away. Therefore making this elevator picture totally false. Aren't you glad you know that now? 

Ed

Ejercito Family Convention

Since Jinggoy has been all the news I was reminded of a story I read 14 years ago. I tried to find it using Google and alas no where to be seen. I was prepared to type it from memory then luckily it was sent to the email that I had back then. Here it is in all it's glory. 

 Ed 



  3,000 Ejercitos meet in Erap's residence in Greenhills for a "Ejercitos Are Not Stupid" Convention. President Erap says, "We are all here today to prove to the world that the clan of Ejercitos are not stupid. Can I have a volunteer?" Jinggoy gingerly works his way through the crowd and steps up to the stage. Erap asks him, "What is 15 plus 15?" After 15 or 20 seconds Jinggoy says, "Eighteen!! Obviously everyone is a little disappointed.Then 3,000 Ejercitos start cheering, 

"Give him another chance! Give him another chance!" 

 Erap says, "Well since we've gone to the trouble of getting 3,000 of you in one place and we have the world-wide press and global broadcast media here, gee, uh, I guess we can give him another chance." So he asks, "What is 5 plus 5?" After nearly 30 seconds Jinggoy eventually says, "Ninety?" Erap is quite perplexed, looks down and just lets out a dejected sigh-everyone is disheartened - Jinggoy starts crying and the 3,000 Ejercitos begin to yell and wave their hands shouting,

 "GIVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE! GIVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE!" 


 Erap , unsure whether or not he is doing more harm than damage, eventually says, "Ok! Ok! Just one more chance-- What is 2 plus 2?" Jinggoy closes his eyes, and after a whole minute eventually says, "Four?". Throughout the stadium pandemonium breaks out as all 3,000 Ejercitos jump to their feet, wave their arms, stomp their feet and scream...

 "GIVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE! GIVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE!"

Motorino Pizza Now In Makati

This had a life span of about twenty minutes. And I was by myself. 

I enjoy writing but not about food. I usually just destroy anything in my path as long as it is not fruit or pork. I finished that anchovy pizza pictured above by myself. Yes, fold it as they recommend. 

Others who will give you a more rounded observation on the place:

• Facebook page
• Heart2Heart
• Instagram
• Pepper.ph

 

When you get there, mention my name and prepare to get puzzled looks.

Ed

It Is WE not ME

 

They are still trying to figure out how to do it consistently together. They are at that age when someone says  "be aggressive!" they hear  that "go for my shot!". The maturity of basketball comes when you understand  the we of the game over the me of the game. It does not mean you are always looking to score but you are trying for our score instead of my score. Not my shot but our shot. The teams that get that are the ones that cut down banners.

Jay Bilas on ESPN SVP and Russillo radio show Feb 14 2014

I feel  totally great that I wrote this.

Ed

For What It's Worth

I have been playing Call of Duty Black Ops II for three weeks now. The one player campaign and the online Multiplayer. The other night I played against and with three players with the same clantag [pnoy]. That would be the coolest thing if those three players were Noynoy, Josh and Bimby.

Ed