The stream of history

Posted by josephivo on January 30, 2017 · 75 Comments 

By Josephivo In our turbulent times, it might be difficult to see in what direction history is taking us. What are the long term trends? What will last? How will the world or mankind look like a (few) generation(s) from now? History gave us some clues. History was not a steady stream of changes, driven … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Economy, Education, Religion, Technology/Internet

What is your role in building a strong, upright, unified nation?

Posted by JoeAm on January 27, 2017 · 46 Comments 

By Joe America Let’s start with some brief definitions to get on the same line of thought about what a strong, upright, unified nation looks like. Strong means safe and wealthy enough to promote opportunities for citizens and durability for the State. Upright means morally sound, committed to the kind of “right” that helps people while avoiding the … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

China’s 9 Dash Lines and the demise of the $ (Part I)

Posted by chemrock on January 23, 2017 · 108 Comments 

By Chemrock I had wanted to do a follow up on my November 2016 blog on the Rube Goldberg US$ printing machine, but following Distant Observer’s article on “Scarborough Shoal, it’s not about fishes or oil, it’s about power”, I decided to tie 2 issues together. Due to its length, I’ll publish in 2 parts. … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

HALL OF SHAME – SSS PAYOUT HIKE

Posted by chemrock on January 9, 2017 · 133 Comments 

By Chemrock Of all the economic planning that the government undertakes, policy decisions regarding SSS payout hike are actually the easiest. The simple reason being they are based on actuarial sciences. The actuary works on certain assumptions like life expectancy, demographics, interest rate, inflation rate, when a person retires, etc etc. Re-calibrate anyway we want, … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Enter the New Year, on hope, superstition and maybe a prayer

Posted by JoeAm on January 1, 2017 · 80 Comments 

By Joe America Best wishes to all for the New Year. Resolutions are important, I think. I hope that you will strive for high values based on knowledge, and will have the discipline to align your acts with your values. If you do that, it will be hard for anyone to expect any more from you, … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Philippine Government, Religion, USA/Americans