Show Time

Tonight is a big night here in Danao City – it’s New Year’s Eve. Most folks will cerebrate by shooting off fireworks well past the strike of midnight or the passing of 2008 to the new year of 2009. I know it’ll be quiet until the day turns to night and then the fireworks will start. It’s show time! Now let me tell you the firecrackers here are not all like the firecrackers back in the states. While they are going off it’s much like the sound a bomb making an explosion noise. When I first heard the noise or noises I thought for awhile we had gone to war. I’d like to say whenever these home grown firecrackers are exploding that sometimes they’ll take out a piece of the street pavement. So I’m preparing myself to the night. With cotton in my ears - I wish you all a Happy New Year’s for 2009!

Love – That special day

Today is our sixth wedding anniversary. Yes it was a nice day to be married. I married my sweet Filipina belle right here in Danao City. We had a garden wedding ceremony on a clear day in a lovely resort nearby. I almost swallowed my heart when I saw my bride with her parents drive up to the resort’s main gate. Was this beautiful woman through and through going to be my wife I ask myself. I knew immediately once I looked into her smiling eyes. She was an enchantress, the queen of my heart. Ah yes, I remember that special day as if it was only yesterday.

IRELAND

There's a dear old land of leprechaunsAnd wondrous wishing wells;And no where else on God's green earth,There be such lakes and dells. No wonder that the angels loveThat shamrock covered shore;It draws my heart home again,And I love it more and more.

2008 'Boom year' for hi-tech criminals

Despite the down turn in the economy, it seems one sector is still making money, and growing. That is the criminal sector.

The newest scam is setting up fake Internet background check companies. These companies are for small businesses to do background check on potential employees. But in truth they collect the data from employment applications and use it for ID theft. This not only makes the potential employer liable for the losses but also makes the potential employee subject to being not hired by other companies because of id theft and a bad credit history caused by the id theft. This could even cause the job applicant to get arrested for fraud done by the ID thieves. In addition this could cause the company using the fake background check company a lot of money if they are sued by the job applicant.

I think it’s sad that many people don’t read

I recently read that 80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year. As an avid reader it sort of put me to shame since I’ve not been reading that much lately. So I decided to do something about it. Now I’m not as fast as I use to be and sometimes I fall asleep during my readings. But a few weeks ago I started re-reading “The Winds of War,” by Herman Wouk. This is my fifth or sixth time I’ve read this particular novel, and I still enjoy his work as I did the first time so many years ago. It definitely beats out cable TV. And sometimes some rewarding information has come to me from a reading particular story.

Three movies I enjoyed in 2008

Hancock.









The Dark Knight.










Jumper.

Christmas gifts and a phone call

The day after Christmas I talked to my son Thomas who lives on Orcas Island and wished him a Merry Christmas. As always he cheered up his “old man.” He was our missing family member during our festival and celebration here in the Philippines. I know his life is where he is but I can’t help missing him. As he grew up I remember all the Christmases we spent together – only the two of us. Beng, Junior and I really miss him. As far as my Christmas presents – I received one the nicest Christmas gifts I ever from my son Junior - he gave me a nice picture frame with a photo of Beng and me embrace together a few months before we were married six years ago. It really touched me!

Winter land on Orcas Island

Thomas with a happy smile on Christmas Day - probably wishing he was back on the warm sand beaches of the Phippines












His Truck "Big Blue" waiting for who else...Santa












Snowed-in

Software Is Being Pirated

If you’re familiar with computer history, you might have heard of Bill Gates' famous 1976 letter to the Homebrew Computer Club. The letter was written to address rampant piracy of Bill's earliest product, Altair BASIC, which was being passed around quite freely by hobbyists in paper tape form, without any sort of payment to Microsoft (or, as it was then called, Micro-Soft). Bill was understandably upset about this state of affairs. It's an interesting figure: less than 10% of the "users" had actually purchased a copy; the other 90% had pirated it.

One Big Santa Claus

A 25-foot (7.57 meter) tall sand sculpture of Santa Claus, created by Indian artist Sudarsan Pattnaik sits at the Golden Beach in Puri on Christmas Eve. (yahoo.com)

The Construction Crew 12/24/08

The carpenter and painter crew














The Dinning Room













Stairs to 2nd Floor














The crew once again

The "Boss" with her cousin Nancy in the Kitchen

Jelly Bean showing off her stuff

My dog "Jelly Bean" who loves Ritz Crackers

Pictures taken from a second floor window

Neigborhood.













Our Subdivison - Taboc Camaligbato

A River of Time

Please remember us, now we are weary, confused adults. When the girls, somehow always eluded us, as we smoked for the first time....

The Day after Christmas

It is a quiet here, the parties are over with - now comes the clean up. The fireworks are over with - now peace and quiet. The Christmas presents have been given and exchanged now our pockets are empty. But there is nothing like an old fashion Filipino Christmas. Ah yes, Christmas festival and celebration were held at our new home’s unfinished first floor. Gathering around the large dinner table thirty or so ate heartily. Afterwards everyone gathered near the rented Karaoke Machine to dance and sing. My tired wife Beng awoke early this morning to begin cleaning up. The carpenters and painters are back working downstairs as I set upstairs I listen to their sounds which is music to my ears,

Juneau's Solitary Winter Wolf

Romeo, a black wolf without a pack is shown sitting in the snow near the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska on March 15, 2008. Romeo baffles area biologists and naturalists with his refusal to find a pack or a mate, choosing instead to return each winter, clearly at ease with humans walking within a few hundred yards.

Intramuros History Town Philippines 5 to 31 Dec 2008

Craft demonstration & workshops, Pinoy handicrafts & delicacies, light and sound museum.
Venue: Intramuros, Metro ManilaTime: 11.00am to 9.00pmTel: (632) 523-8411Cost: Free Admission

CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

‘Twis the night before Christmas, and all throughout the city of Danao…
No noses were frozen, no snow fluttered down.
No children in flannels were tucked into bed….
They all were wore their shorty pajamas instead.

To find wreaths of holly was not very hard …
In front of the houses were Daddys and Moms…
Admiring the bushes and coconut palms.

The slumbering kiddies were dreaming in glee…
And hoped they’d find a toy or two under the tree.

They all knew that Santa was well on his way…
In a slick red jeepney instead of a sleigh.

And soon he arrived and started to work…
He hadn’t a second to linger or shirk.

He whizzed over the streets and zoomed over up the dusty roads…
In his shiny new jeepney delivering his load.

The tropical moon gave the city a glow…
And lighted the way for Santa below.

As he jumped from his jeepney, he gave a wee chuckle…
He was dressed in red Bermudas with a silver buckle.

There weren’t any chimneys, but that caused no gloom…
For Santa came through the front door.

He stopped at each house and stayed only a minute or two…
Until emptied his sack of the stuff that was in it.

Before he departed, he treated himself…
To a glass of papaya juice that was on the shelf.

Then he turned with a jerk and bounced back to the jeepney…
Remembering he still had to go very far.

He stepped on the gas and put it in gear…
With a toot of his horn he drove through our streets singing with cheer.

And I heard him exclaim as he went on his way…
“Ho, ho, ho…Merry Christmas, Danao City, I wish I could stay.”

The Merrimon Family, Danao City, Cebu, Philippines

Christmas Inside Us All

There will be reunions and parties across the land. Children will be sitting on the lap of a jolly old man dressed in a red suit, confessing their deepest desires. And finally, the morning of December 25th, children world over will be greeted by a shining trees filled with presents. There will be precious gifts wrapped in brightly colored paper under a cedar tree sitting here in front all, adorned with tiny lights shiny garlands, and delicate ornaments. Sitting surrounded by family. Gifts will be exchanged. You see, the material things sitting under that tree are not what we have given them. Those things can be broken or stolen or lost. What is more important is the love they represent in some woefully inadequate way. Christmas will slim this year for many. We know that the tree itself is a borrowed pagan symbol of the Winter Solstice festival. So are the lights, representing the stars on a cold cloudless winter night. None of that matters either. We all know what it is and WHO it is we celebrate. Christmas night, I will go to bed and lie there, deep in my thoughts. I will be thinking of all those who have so much less than I do. I will be saying quiet prayers for those who have lost a loved one at this worst possible time of year, for those who do not have a shelter over their heads, and for those shivering in worst cold than we will have. I will pray for peace for everyone who is angry. I will pray that those who are suffering around the world will have their suffering eased somehow. And I will again offer myself to be an instrument in easing any suffering I come across, as I do every year. Finally, I will drop off to sleep, probably in mid-prayer, thankful for the things we do have. For we have so much...

Merry Christmas to each and every one who reads this. May you all find that inner happiness and joy that exists within you. And may the New Year bring you peace and comfort in all you do, and success in all you attempt.

Not a good night sleep

Have you ever fallen out bed while you’re sleeping at night? Probably not would be my guess. I think it’s reserved for old men and for the very young. As I rolled over in my sleep last night in bed the next thing I became aware of that there was nothing between me and the floor but only thin air. As gravity took over I soon found myself lying on cold tile floor. I’m fortunate I didn’t break anything – I have to admit that it’s the third or fourth time this past year. I’m sore all over but all in one piece. Thank God.

Test in Faith

I know GOD tests our faith as he continually tests mine (witch lately has been weak), but be make aware that none of us are not alone. As Christmas approaches I will be thinking of those who are in need to endure a trial which tests their faith, and pray for those who to endure. As I look at those who are less fortunate nearby the Spirit of Christmas sends tingling chills throughout my body and raised the hair on my arms. It has helped awaken my dormant, suppressed spirit which is a gift given me by Him who we celebrate. My family whether here or in far off land, to those far less fortunate and to your family and you will be in our hearts and prayers along with the rest of those who suffer.

The adventures of Daisy – somewhere in the future

Daisy woke up early that morning, to go search for a hero. She loaded her donkey with water flasks, sacks of lentils, a basket of apricots, and a woolen rug. This was all she owned, all they had left her. Leading the donkey on a rope, she began to walk down the path, through the field of dead thorns she would hide in so often. The dirt was hot, but her feet were callused. Dust rose from between her toes. Locusts buzzed around her, and the sun baked her mahogany-red hair so hot it hurt to touch. Never did she look back at her hovel. Nothing was left for her there, only memories too beautiful to recall. Daisy blinked, clearing her eyes of tears. Moisture was life in these summer days, especially since the Rat People had taken the wells, and allowed each person but a gourd of water a day. Daisy took her tears on her fingers and sucked them, bringing them back into herself as if she could bring back her old life. Squinting against the blinding sun, she raised her eyes, and in the vast, bleached sky she saw nothing. She looked down again. She did not like to see these things of the Rat People. They had come for her husband Johnny, had come for her sons on one dark night. They had come for all the men of this dry, troubled land she called America. Closing her eyes she remembered the day she met her beloved husband…

Traffic In Manila

Metro Manila, Philippines - Elevated Light Rail Track LRT and traffic

Lighted Candle Placed in Window

Did you know that….
“For centuries it has been a practice in Irish villages to set the kitchen table after the evening meal on Christmas Eve. On it is a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door is left unlatched. Thus, hospitality is extended to the Holy Family or to any traveler that might be on the road. Also it is said that the candles were "kindled to guide the angels who on Christmas night direct the New Born from the Heavens."

The adventures of Daisy – somewhere in the future

The adventures of Daisy – somewhere in the future will soon be here!

Good idea? Bad idea? Any suggestions? Thanks...

Moving day is final over

Thank God for our new home and thank God the moving days are over with. Now comes the unpacking and finding a place to put everything – this has to be my last move it seems as if I moved my entire life; first when I was a kid growing up as my Dad always had itchy feet wanting to know if the pastures were any greener on the other side the mountain. Me, I have to admit wasn’t much better since I lived and worked in places such as in Alabama, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and some other places in between. I guess my biggest move of all was moving from the states to the Philippines. Now that I’m almost 73 years old all I want is peace and quiet and love my wife Beng and my three sons.

Children

"We must protect, nurture, and love all children. We are all responsible for all of the children, all of the time."

Fiesta for our construction crew

Christmas is almost here and our big family Christmas is our new home... all 5,000 square feet of it. On Saturday afternoon we gave our construction crew a fiesta consisting of a roast pig (which is the all favorite dish of most folks here in the Philippines) and rice, and of course ice cold beer. Followed by a raffle and the lucky winners either drew a baseball cap, or a pack back and the rest drew 50 pesos. They all were very grateful for the special Christmas celebration my wife prepared for them and all left with a smile on their faces. We are so gratefully too for the excellent workmanship each man has given us.

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants

Looking for self improvement? Or better job? Or want opportunities with bright future? I have great news for everyone! Become a part of the exciting Medical Assistant field. St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants they specialize online educational courses. Medical Assistant courses are so convenient that you can complete the entire program at your own pace and study all classes online at anytime around the world and are committed to provide their students high-quality on line education. Medical Assistant Schools is now very convenient: Just enroll online, attend online classes at your convenience, take the online medical assistant exam at the end of the program and earn your certificate in as little as 6-8 weeks! Just that easy! According to the United States Department of Labor, "job prospects are excellent for Medical Assistants. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training. Most Medical Assistants work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics or other health care settings.” Please remember this "anytime e-Learning" distance education program allows you to study online at your own pace and take classes at your convenience. All programs are available online 24 hours and 7 days a week.

Smoke that cigarette

I’d like to first say that I am a very happy ex- smoker; I haven’t smoked since 1979 – however, I’m sorry to say up to then I was a two pack a day chain smoker. I have a brother-in-law here in Danao City who smokes and is sick with lung problems. Recently I offered him financial help to purchase his necessary medicine. Then the light went off in my head realizing his medicine wouldn’t help since he smoked. To make a long story short I told him I’d help but he’d have stop smoking first – well we all know that story as he continues to puff on his cigarettes. I know from my own experiences it’s hard to stop puffing on cigarettes.

The Mysteries of Sex

I have heard of many pagan cults and religions that worship sex, what I want to know is why exactly? Is there some special form of consciousness that comes about when we make love in our minds or in our bodies? I understand a body wanting sex to reproduce our species, but why worship it as a sacred act.

Chicken Little, The Sky is falling!!!

I can't remember a time when there was this much gloom and doom news and propaganda out there. What can be done to uplift the tone in our world? I try to keep everyone I spend a lot of time with on the positive side because it only takes one wet blanket to make you cold. These are tough times no doubt, but the cool thing about tough times, is they get better and when they do you appreciate them so much more. Every morning when you get up, remember all the things you have to be thankful for, set you intent for the day and everything will go your way.

Third Day of our Big Move

Good morning - The other day I think I got too much heat and sun and then I became sick and spent most the time down either in bed or just not up to 100 percent. And soon I became a grumpy old for awhile but I think the worst is over with. So I hope today I can start unpacking. Of course my excuse has been I’m a senior citizen – I’m as bad as our typical teenager son. There is always a little humor in life, isn’t there? Beng, her sister Neng-Neng, our helper Gina, Nancy a cousin, two relatives from Camotes, her Uncle Hermie and Nancy’s husband Allen plus George who has worked for us for four years off and on are doing all the moving. Me, as they packed I had to stay out of the way or otherwise I’m afraid I’ll be put in a box and packed too. And I know I’d still be packed away yelling “help,” all the while my wife would be looking for me. Now since my family and I are living the second floor – meanwhile the carpenters, painters are busy like Santa’s Helpers sawing lumber, pounding nails and painting the first floor walls and ceiling. It’s all music to my ears because I’ll know they’ll soon done inside and our big house will be finished! Hooray!

Second Day of the Big Move

My wife Beng has been busy organizing and is in charge of our big move. I know she has a lot of stress on her shoulders and sometimes I don’t help. Some days I get really cranky and angry at little things that shouldn’t bother me – which I don’t understand why. I think sometimes she wish she could put me in a corner and out of the way – not like the days earlier in my life at all, when I was a take charge sort of guy. But I guess that’s apart of life which I don’t like it… the best way to explain it is sort like telling a race horse he can’t race any more and has been turned out to pasture to dream of better days… Junior is a typical teenager and as a teenage I don’t expect much out of him. Like most teenagers he is clever in ways to avoid work at any costs.

Teacher tells 7 year-olds Santa's Fake

I don't look at Santa Claus as a lie at all. I see nothing wrong with letting children believe in something magical, especially in a world where there is very little left to believe in.

Moving Day

Moving day here in Danao City…. We’re packing and to be honest with you I am surprised how much stuff we have. I know we’re crowd in our little house but I had no idea how much and that about 40 percent of it we really don’t need. Smart our IP has reconnected my computer to the information highway otherwise I wouldn’t be here on the Internet. I guess I’ll be like King Tut once we’re in and settled. Finally after all the years of on and off construction, typhoons, droughts, and always looking for money to finish the project we started back in 2005 we’re about 99 percent done.

Name Change

Hello Folks; as you can see I changed the name of my blog from The Rottweiler News to Chuck Says. Why did I change the name you might ask me? I like the name The Rottweiler News but the name is too aggressive and a turn off to many and doesn’t meet the spirit I want on this blog. I certainly don’t a mean sounding name – that’s for you. So I changed it. Enjoy your time you spend on my blog, set back and take a sip of coffee and a finish off your morning toast and enjoy your day.

PROOF That Santa Claus is REAL

Hello and Happy Holidays to Everyone... A lot has been said about the 'Myth' that is Santa Claus but have we had any real hard evidence that he exists? We all know that if enough people believe it does give something 'reality' and millions of kids and adults around the world cannot all be wrong can they? The US Post office does indeed handle mail to Santa... has anyone (other than the movie) ever asked "Where does it go?" So here we have one government agency that recognizes his existence.

The Blue Marble

This snapshot taken by astronauts on December 7, 1972 is one of the most widely distributed photographic images in existence. The image is one of the few to show a fully lit Earth, as the astronauts had the Sun behind them when they took the image. I remember these exciting times as America raced to the moon.


On a warm day in July, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface, I just couldn’t believe it! Men landing at the Sea of Tranquility! As I watched this event before my eyes on a tiny black and white TV I was breathless. I was so very proud of these three brave men flying the distance from earth to moon in the airless cold outer space and then they returned back home afterwards.

What a dumb idea!

Guys: In my lifetime I’ve witnessed over the years that most politicians are a slimy, slippery bunch, aren’t they? No wonder no one trusts them. I read that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on Tuesday by the FBI on charges he brazenly conspired to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder as part of what federal prosecutors called a "political corruption crime spree." I’m 72 years old and through the years I’ve seen politicians come to bad ends. I’ve seen them become drunks, I’ve seen them become crooked, sex scandals, money scandals, abuse of their power – one after another will one the dust. They never learn, do they?

Pictured above -Maybe this should happen to the good governor!

The Job Site or the “Big House”

This was where the "Big House" stands today - 2004.



This afternoon I visited the job site where our “big house” is under construction. The plumber is on his final touches inside although we still have to install the outside stainless steel water tank… Our electrician has pretty much finished his work upstairs but yet has to install the circuit breakers while the carpenters are putting on the final touches on the downstairs area. Well, the painters are painting everything in sight and are sloppy with paint on the floor. Our 5,000 s.f. house should be ready to move in on or around the 18th. After four years of on and off construction and countless dollars the big house is taking shape and we are all excited and energized. What a Christmas present. WOW! Papa Chuck

The realm of fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things

""The realm of fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there; shoreless seas and stars uncounted; beauty that is an enchantment, and an ever-present peril; both joy and sorrow sharp as swords. In that realm a man may, perhaps, count himself fortunate to have wandered, but its very richness and strangeness tie the tongue of the traveller who would report them. And while he is there it is dangerous for him to ask too many questions, lest the gate should be shut and the keys be lost."
-- J.R.R. Tolkien, "On Fairy-Stories," in The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essaysand filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there; shoreless seas and stars uncounted; beauty that is an enchantment, and an ever-present peril; both joy and sorrow sharp as swords. In that realm a man may, perhaps, count himself fortunate to have wandered, but its very richness and strangeness tie the tongue of the traveller who would report them. And while he is there it is dangerous for him to ask too many questions, lest the gate should be shut and the keys be lost."
-- J.R.R. Tolkien, "On Fairy-Stories," in The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays

Del Toro admires 'Che' thinking, but not violence

“HAVANA – Actor Benicio del Toro says he admires Ernesto Guevara but the revolutionary icon he plays in the recent film biography "Che" would not need to resort to armed struggle if he were alive today. Del Toro told a news conference Sunday at the Latin American Film Festival in Havana that he respects the Argentine-born Guevara as a "man of consequence," but personally opposes armed struggle. He said revolutionaries can use elections and other nonviolent methods to promote change in an era when a black man can be elected president of the United States.” (Source: Yahoo.com)

Those were the days!

Hello Folks: At outbreak of the Second World War my family moved from Kansas to the West Coast. We settled in Vallejo, California, where my Dad worked as a pipe fitter and my Mom worked as a storekeeper at the Mare Island U.S. Naval Shipyard. Soon after the war, our family moved lock, stock and barrel to Salem, Oregon, where my folks purchased a five-acre farm five miles outside of Salem. Before long we were moving in and unpacking all our meager belongings and settling in our cozy white two bedroom house… later my Dad would build an add-on room that was my bedroom. The kitchen had a big Franklin cast-iron stove, which my Mom cooked on. Until then I had never lived in the country so this was a new experience for me. As I now remember our farm had a large grove of walnut trees and two fields of hay. The sky was as blue as a new baby’s blue blanket and our farm had a deep well. If you can believe it the family well gave us sweet drinking water that tasted like a fresh honeydew melon. Oh, how the air smelled so sweet too. The land was made up of dark rich fertile soil that could grow almost anything a person wanted to plant. I have admit to you those memories are not lost and if I think hard enough I can still smell the sweet air and taste the water pleasurable. Papa Chuck

Camotes Island Banana Plantation 4 Sale

3,516 square meters Banana Plantation is located in Esperanza/San Francisco, Camotes Island. You can reach it by ferry from Danao City or from Cebu City. The plantation has about 150-170 healthy banana trees. The plantation is near unspoiled emerald blue southseas.