Oil Sands . . . . . .

Oil reserves that are being sucked on a daily basis have reached critical levels with oil rigs reaching maximum production capacity and with the uncertainty that the supply line can keep the machines of the world running from the period of 2015 up to 2030.

Economists and other experts have predicted that the oil in the Middle East will soon dry up, pushing oil prices to record highs and eventually triggering a global recession. The robust growth of the world economy will never be enough to cushion the effect of a global meltdown led by the falling inventories of crude and the rising demand for oil in the world market.

In line with this, the only way I can see that will keep the market stable is if one, other supply sources where discovered and two, consumption of oil lessens. Definitely, we cannot tell the citizens of the world to stop using their cars, companies to halt manufacturing operations and countries to hold the development of their industries. We can only suggest ways on how to conserve and maximize the use of these energy sources. However, with the current state of the world, I doubt it if anyone will listen.

The only solution left, which is the most applicable one, is for companies to look for alternative sources of fuel and develop new supply lines to ensure the continued flow of energy resources. From this, the use of oil sands stemmed out. Although it is much more expensive to produce oil from this source rather than drilling it, companies are now allocating their capital to the region where this energy supply can be found. It requires oil giants to invest a minimum of $ 15 billion dollars to look for an alternative to the oil fields in the Middle East. Their response, its all worth it.

Soon, the main energy supply line of the world will no longer be the desert and sands of Alibaba. The industry will soon focus its attention from the hot and humid deserts of the cactus laiden countries in the Middle East, to the cold and breezy temperature of Canada and Russia. It is inevitable that they look for new sources in the sands of these nations rather than be left with a huge burden of running an oil business without oil.

Furthermore, we can truly say that these events will continue to shape the future of our world and our children. With the stability and security of the region now dependent on something we used to take for granted, sands . . . .

I can’t believe the fate of the world economy now lies in oil sands . . . . .

The mailman retires and the miller time ends . . . . .

For basketball enthusiasts, the game is not just about 4 quarters of action. Its not just about dribbling the ball and scoring in your opponents court. Its just about the excitement of a 360 degree slam dunk. Its all about passion and love for the game.

I have been a basketball fanatic ever since I was a child. I started to dribble the ball when I was 3 years old and I joined basketball tournaments at the age of 8. During those days, the game was all of my life up until the time that I went into college. The icons of those days where magnificent and the way they defied gravity was outstanding.

From the grace and finesse of a no look pass from Magic Johnson, to the sweet shooting hand of Larry Bird, to the creativity and hang time by his royal airness Micheal Jordan, I can truly say those were the standards of which basketball excellence was measured.

The funny thing though was the fact that basketball would have been extremely boring and dull if these icons where left to stand alone. Every protagonists need an adversary in order to spice up the battle and give more flavor to the war. A good character needs someone who will try to stop him from achieving success. Therefore someone must play the role of the bad guy who will spark the conflict in this 4 quarter story.

All men will take on the challenge, but few will accept the role. Of course these people will also become icons themselves. And two of these known characters are none other than Karl Malone and Reggie Miller.

The Mailman’s brute strength and power overshadows the trojan army. While the announcement of Miller time signifies the bombardment of long range bombs that will leave you in shock and awe. Yes, imagine if these people were involved in an invasion. I am definitely sure that they will strengthen the arsenal of a military force.

For us basketball fans, this is how we picture the game. And the game was never perfect without these two people. Whenever Micheal was aiming for a championship run, Reggie will pull the trigger and stop him with a three. If Micheal tries to takeover a game, Karl will counter him with an outstanding barrage of jumpshots and powerplays.

Karl and Reggie played with skills that were scientific and highly technical. They belonged to an era of legends where basketball was a sytematic process of shooting, dribbling and passing. Defense is also an important concept of the game and these two individuals portrayed their excellence in keeping their opponents at bay.

On the court, they displayed strong leadership and manifested their passion to win. Off the court, they were excellent role models and ambassadors of basketball to people all over the world. The reputation they as human beings are respectable because they were never involved in any activities that will affect their integrity. Furthermore, the have contributed alot to the growth of the game and deserve their stature in the hall of fame.

Karl and Reggie gave us a reason to watch the game of basketball. In fact they gave us options of who to admire and comparison in the level of play. We may adhere to the fact that all things, no matter how great they may be must come to an end. As their careers unfold, it is evident that they will leave with respect and gratitude from their co-players, other team organizations, and the fans that have watched them through the years.

The legacy lives on for all of us basketball enthusiasts, let this chapter be as it is, the mailman retires and the miller time ends . . .

Rude Oil prices . . . .

The world market was caught by surprise in the recent events in Iran. The sudden unknown explosion in the Southern part of the country led to various speculations and imaginations from different citizens around the world. Rumors started flying indicating that the nuclear facilities were attacked, the U.S has sent drones to destroy the sites and Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear reactor.

The effect, HIGH OIL PRICES! It is understandable that many people are now jumpy and tensions are up because of the uncertainty that lies ahead. The volatile situation in the Middle East is something to watch out for because any alterations and untoward events may affect the world economy especially developing countries like the Philippines.

The stock market in Japan fell and even Wall street had mixed reaction when the news got out. The rising demand for crude oil, the strained supply line from Iraq, the obvious scheme of OPEC to lower its production to prevent prices from falling and the uncertainty in the political stability of the Middle East are the main reasons why the world is jittery at this point.
With the current state of the world market, you may ask, why am I so affected with these events? Why would Juan dela Cruz also worry from Rude Oil Prices? Lets review, basically if oil prices go up, manufacturing cost also goes up, sales operations will definitely increase and prices of commodities in effect will end up higher. If this is the case, consumer spending will go down, giving rise to people not buying these products and in return, these companies will cut down on operational expenditure. Hence who will be the first target of cost cutting, employees. Lets take it in a more practical context. If oil prices increase, people will limit their movements. Meaning to say more will choose to stay at home, won’t eat outside, won’t spend much money, won’t go to the malls etc. The result, business establishments will lose money, adapt cost effective measures, close down the business or lay off some employees therefore making jobs less available.

So, aren’t rude oil prices something to worry about? Yes it is. The delicate balance that exist within the economy is something to watch out for. This affects all of us and it will also dictate the economy of our country. Unless of course we found another source of energy, then that will be the day the we can totally say that we are self sufficient. But until then, in the current world order, it seems that Rude oil prices are something to watch out for. But as the saying goes, no matter how rude, we must learn to live with it. . . .

Lets think about the road . . . .

“Traffic, too bad nakaka bad trip . . . . .” Remember the commercial jingle? Rush hour in Metro Manila is one of the most gruelsome events during the day. Everyone is on a hurry. Bus cutting jeepneys, jeepneys cutting cars, cars cursing those whose cutting them and MMDA officials desperately looking for a vehicle who is in violation of the color coding scheme.

Yes, it is totally chaotic. Only in the Philippines can you find motor vehicles, people waiting for a ride, animals, bikers, traffic enforcers and pedestrians all in the same road. When I was a little kid traffic was bad, when I was a student, it was worse, now that I am a young professional, well, traffic has never changed and it had gotten worst. Leaders come and go, administrations change, policies change and even laws are continuously ammended. Flyovers were built, expressways were renovated, overpass were constructed, traffic signs were put into place and even former coastline were converted into roads. But has these events eased up the pain that has been hurting us Filipinos for the past decade?

Statistics will say that the reason why traffic in the metropolis is worse than ever is due to the fact that our city is “overpopulated”. The transportation sector will say, no, it is because “there are alot of vehicles and jaywalkers on the road”. Pedestrians will say, well, you’re wrong, “there are not enough roads”. Experts will argue we need more “overpass, flyover and under pass”. Economists will comment, well, this is a sign of “growth and progress”. Politicians will grand stand and say “it’s the inefficiency of the government and the party running it”.
If I was asked I will say, trafficis a pain that never eases. We can all have a long standing debate on why traffic in the metropolis is terrible and what are the measures we can do for it to be solved. But still, we will be left with no answers and no clue. Lets face it, we have numerous laws, determined leaders, ample number of traffic enforcers and our streets is filled up with alot of overpass and other channels for people to pass by. If you are telling me that we need more of these, I would definitely disagree.

The only solution left for all of us to do is change from within. We don’t need more of these and that. We already have too much. What people should realize is that we should focus ourselves not on what we must have but rather on what we do have, the road.
If I was to ask you, what’s the first thing that comes into your mind when driving? I wonder what you will answer. Going to work, work at the office, the tasks to be done for the day, the appointment with the client, the exam, the argument at home, my wife, my girlfriend, my dog, my quota for the day, my relatives coming over for dinner, my in laws, my problems, my happy thoughts, parking space and other stuff that we always think about.
It is interesting to note that we almost always consider driving as very stressful. I have a different paradigm regarding this activity. For me, it is a zen-like experience. Why? Because I do not think of anything other that controling the steering wheel, shifting the gear, stepping on the gas pad to accelerate, stepping on the brakes to stop, looking at the moon trails on the road, be alert on the vehicles cutting me off and staying focus on driving and getting to my destination.

If you try to analyze it, public utility drivers are very reckless, very inconsiderate, always undisciplined and very unreasonable most of the time. In all these points, I have to agree with you but hey, come to think of it, they are trying to make a living. Imagine yourself in a position where you are thinking of hitting your quota for the day so that you can feed your family, wouldn’t that affect your driving skills? Think of that and I am sure you will forget everything about safety on the road. Put yourself in the position of a jeepney driver, running his vehicle in a traffic laiden highway at the same time computing the payment given by one of the passengers, wouldn’t that drive you mad?

Imagine you are a private motorist with a very important meeting and you are late for it, wouldn’t you be more inclined to think of reaching your destination, wondering what your clients are feeling right now rather than focusing on the road? Today while driving to work, the inner lane was filled up because everyone was going for a u-turn but no one realized on the other end, vehicles were also heading for a u-turn. No one saw that the best way to get to the other side was through another u-turn slot 50 meters up ahead. If you were concentrating on the road rather than having your mind somewhere, wouldn’t the drivers have seen of the better option that was a few meters ahead?

Given all of these facts, would you agree that thinking about the road more rather than giving much attention to our other thoughts while driving or even crossing the street will be the best way to go?

If all people will focus their awareness on the path where they are going and concentrating on the operation of the machine known as a vehicle, traffic wouldn’t be a problem. Related accidents will also be lessened and most importantly, we will all have a different point of view about driving. Imagine if a bus driver will just set his sight on a bus stop and not think of ways on how to get more passengers, I don’t believe they will be reckless at all.

Let us not complicate simple things. Sometimes the practical approach is the best approach. We should not focus our attention on how to solve this aching problem in a macro scale. I tell you, there are no short cuts and it will be definitely be frustrating because there are no means for it to be changed overnight. No research can solve it and neither can complaining do alot about it. The best way to go is to get the most out of it.

Take something positive about this day to day endeavor and I tell you, it will be rewarding. Lets start with ourselves and hopefully we can suggest this simple advice to other
motorists . . . . . .
Lets think about the road.

Don’t wait for God to bomb you . . . . .

Last night was a different valentines day celebration. It was not a day of frolics, dating, making out, saying something sweet, expressing corny stuff, professing your love and affection. It was not a night of special gift, gimicks, cute antics, cholocates or flowers.

For the whole Philippines it was a tragic day. Valentines day has always been marked as an event not only for couples enjoying themselves but also by families getting together and doing stuff. Now, February 14, 2005 will be remembered as another terrorist’s event showcasing there talents in killing people. Yes, a dozen were killed, numerous were injured and countless lives have been horrified by these recent events.

I have been wondering all my life why there are ideologies measuring up to these terroristic activities just to be heard? Why do these deranged individuals want to inflict casualties on their fellow Filipino citizens? Why would you kill non combatants who are on their way home from work, excited to see their family and friends on a day we all believe as an event for love? I have been a rational individual all my life. I have looked at all sides from an objective stand point. But these acts, I can never understand and tolerate!

Death and destruction? War? Is this the language you people understand? Who will we blame this time? Ourselves? The government? Don’t tell me we will again include other nations as well. If you are fighting for a cause, so are we. We are all trying to make a living. Everybody who died and was injured on this event was fighting for a noble reason, their quest for a comfortable life. Isn’t that reason enough for their struggle to be respected and never be caught in a cross fire of a decade long conflict?

As I was driving along EDSA, I cannot imagine the horror that the families and relatives of these people have. I cannot even digest the motive you have for such an act.
Isn’t this an example of a war crime? Don’t you consider this as genocide? This is the same as that of Hitler in World War II. You are destroying people who are not fighting you. You are killing innocent lives. Lives that are also trying to feed their family and children. Lives that are trying to achieve their goals and ambitions. I tell you, it was never our fault that we were born this way, with this way of life, with this culture and with these beliefs. And in no way can you force us to think in the same manner as how you people are thinking.

Don’t think that we despise you because of your different perspective but neither should you despise us. The activities that you did was never the will of God. You are trying to play God yourself. If you do not fear or respect the sovereign laws that were created to govern this land, then you are in trouble. Because the voice of the people is the voice of GOD!. Never has violence been the voice of the Lord!

Don’t wait for God to bomb you! Don’t wait for the innocent blood that you spilled hunt you down! Because there is a weapon more potent than bullets, bombs, knives, or mortars. It is the will and the resolve of the Filipino People!