Inquisition

2006-09-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

Conspiracy Theory: Will it forever remain a theory? (Remembering 9/11)

Its been five years now.. I still remember I was sitting by the sofa.. eating some junk food.. and i thought my folks were watching an action film or something..

A number of people have expressed skepticism about the official account of events surrounding the 9/11 attacks Various consperacy theories have been suggested to explain the events.

In an address to the U.N. on November 10, 2001, President Bush denounced the emergence of "outrageous conspiracy theories ... that attempt to shift the blame away from the terrorists." Since that time, a number of websites, books, and films have emerged in support of various theories, largely dependent on the Internet for promotion and distribution.

Although these theories received little attention in the major media following the attacks, by September of 2006, two major polls had indicated that half of New Yorkers believed US Leaders had foreknowledge of the attacks and "consciously failed" to act, and that one third of all Americans suspected a 9-11 government conspiracy. Consequently, just prior to the 5th anniversary of the attacks, a flurry of mainstream news articles on 9-11 conspiracy theories were released. In its coverage of the theories, Time Magazine stated, "This is not a fringe phenomenon. It is a mainstream political reality." Mainstream coverage generally presents these theories as a cultural phenomenon and is often very critical of their content.

At the same time, similar efforts were made by government agencies and the Bush Administration to refute 9/11 conspiracy theories, including a formal response by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to questions about the destruction of the World Trade Center Towers, a new State Department webpage to debunk the theories, and a strategy paper reference by George Bush in a September 6th speech which declares that terrorism springs from "subcultures of conspiracy and misinformation," and that "terrorists recruit more effectively from populations whose information about the world is contaminated by falsehoods and corrupted by conspiracy theories. The distortions keep alive grievances and filter out facts that would challenge popular prejudices and self-serving propaganda."

Some have argued that the origin of the conspiracy theories is the official account itself since it involves more than one person in the planning and execution of crime. But for the purposes of this article it will be useful to distinguish the popular sense of the term from the legal sense. While al Quaeda did "conspire" to carry out the attacks according to the official version, the essential element of the popular sense of "conspiracy theory", which will be used here, is the presence of a network of powerful figures, working within the US government.

Since belief in the existence of such a network predates the 9/11 attacks, it may be argued that 9/11 conspiracy theories originated before the attacks themselves. Independent journalists like Alex Jones and Michael Ruppert, for example, who were already reporting on the covert operations of government agencies against US citizens, were not disposed to blaming an independent al-Qaeda for the attacks. Indeed, Jones says he predicted both the attacks themselves and the use of Osama bin Laden as "bogeyman" in July of 2001.

9/11 conspiracy theories generally start with dissatisfaction with the official explanation of 9/11. But criticism of the official story does not in and of itself constitute a conspiracy theory.

One non-conspiratorial set of criticism suggests merely that government agencies, including the military and intelligence communities, dealt incompetently with the 9/11 attacks. Such criticism may go as far as suggesting that the 9/11 Commission was a "cover-up" of those alleged incompetencies. Where claims are made that government agencies responded ineptly to prior warnings of the attacks, and that individuals responsible subsequently have attempted to gloss over these failings, no conspiracy to do so is necessarily implied.

While 9/11 conspiracy theories do often begin with similar indications that individuals within the government knew of the attacks before they happened, such theories then go further to suggest intentional activities that either facilitated or directly caused the attacks. There are two main categories of 9/11 conspiracy theories.

Key individuals within the government and defense establishment "let it happen on purpose" (LIHOP). That is, they knew the attacks were coming (though there is a range of opinion about how specific their knowledge was) and undertook to weaken America's defenses sufficiently to ensure a successful major terrorist attack on home soil.
Key individuals within the government and defense establishment "made it happen on purpose" (MIHOP). That is, they planned the attacks (and here there is a range of opinion about what the plan was) and ultimately carried it into action.

Some theories go on to identify the people who had the power to either make it or let it happen purposefully. This list of suspects also varies considerably across theories.

Shortly after the attacks, David Schippers, the chief prosecutor for the impeachment of Bill Clinton, stated that the government had been warned in 1995 about a future attack on a government building and that later he was contacted by three FBI agents who mentioned uncovering a possible terrorist attack planned for lower Manhattan.

According to the story, as the agents informed their superiors they were briefed not to pursue the issue and threatened with prosecution. David Schippers declared, "Five weeks before the September 11 tragedy, I did my best to get a hold of Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft with my concerns." According to Mr. Schippers, Ashcroft responded that they do not start investigations at the top.
Mr. Schippers has said the information dated back to a 1995 warning that indicated a possible terrorist attack planned for lower Manhattan using a nuclear device.
Author William Norman Grigg furthered the Schippers story in his article "Did We Know What Was Coming?" According to the article, three unnamed veteran federal law enforcement agents confirmed "the information provided to Schippers was widely known within the Bureau before September 11."

Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) has asserted that over a year before the 9/11 attacks, a classified US intelligence unit known as " Able Danger" identified Mohammed Atta and three other future 9/11 hijackers as likely members of an Al Qaeda cell operating in the US. (Able Danger was a SOCOM exercise.)

The team recommended that the information be shared with the FBI, but the military's Special Operations Command rejected the recommendation. (New York Times, Four in 9/11 Plot Are Called Tied to Qaeda in '00, 8/9/2005)
Pentagon officials said they have found three more individuals who recall an intelligence chart identifying Mohamed Atta as a terrorist one year prior to the attacks.
FBI agent and Al-Qaeda expert John P. O'neal warned of an Al-Qaeda threat to the United States in the year preceding the attacks. He retired from his position in mid 2001 after an undisclosed source leaked information to the New York Times about an investigation into an incident that had occurred 13 months earlier. He was then recruited to be chief of security at the W.T.C. His body was found in a staircase inside the south tower rubble.

On September 12, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that San Franscisco Mayor Willie Brown may have gotten an early warning of the attack, because Brown had said a phone call from his airport security eight hours before the attacks advised him that Americans should be cautious about their air travel. He did not cancel his flight plans until he became aware of the attacks.
Of the call, Brown said it "didn't come in any alarming fashion, which is why I'm hesitant to make an alarming statement. It was not an abnormal call. I'm always concerned if my flight is going to be on time, and they always alert me when I ought to be careful."

Allegations of insider trading by people with foreknowledge

News accounts in the aftermath reported a suspicious pattern of trading in the options of United and American Airlines as well as Morgan Stanley and other unusual market activity.

In a statement to the 9/11 Commission in 2003, Mindy Kleinberg, of the 9/11 Steering Comittee said:

"Never before on the Chicago Exchange were such large amounts of United and American Airlines options traded. These investors netted a profit of at least $5 million after the September 11th attacks. Interestingly, the names of the investors remain undisclosed and the $5 million remains unclaimed in the Chicago Exchange account."

However, according to the 9/11 Commission, the SEC and FBI examined each trade, the trades were innocuous, and no evidence of a connection was found:

A single U.S.-based institutional investor with no conceivable ties to al Qaeda purchased 95 percent of the UAL puts on September 6 as part of a trading strategy that also included buying 115,000 shares of American on September 10. Similarly, much of the seemingly suspicious trading in American on September 10 was traced to a specific U.S.-based options trading newsletter, faxed to its subscribers on Sunday, September 9, that recommended these trades.

Numerous conspiracy theorists express doubts that the Commission was actually able to explain worldwide trading patterns around the 9/11 attacks.

World Trade Center towers

Overview

The the collapse of the World Trade Center was a surprise to the engineering community. "No experienced structural engineer watching the attack," wrote Zdenek P. Bazant and Mathieu Verdure, "expected the WTC towers to collapse. They also noted that no skyscraper had ever before collapsed due to fire. Osama Bin Laden has also said the best he had hoped for was the collapse of floors above the point of attack. The task for engineers has been to explain how the local damage caused by the airplanes was able to bring on a global progressive collapse.

While an explanation has now been "generally accepted by the community of specialists in structural mechanics and structural engineering," Bazant and Verdure also identify a dissenting view, which is held by "a few outsiders claiming a conspiracy with planted explosives". Indeed, the "controlled demolition hypothesis," which was explicitly rejected by the official NIST report, plays a central, albeit not essential, role in the conspiracy theories surrounding 9/11.

Van Romero, a demolitions expert in New Mexico, at first said that the collapses looked "too methodical" to have been brought on by the impacts and subsequent fires and proposed explosives in the building to account for the images he saw on television. He later retracted his suggestion and insisted elsewhere that he had "only said that that's what it looked like." Jeff King and Jim Hoffman were early defenders of the controlled demolition hypothesis and published their observations online. David Ray Griffin included it in his comprehensive survey of anomalies in the official story. It received its most notable proponent to date in early 2006, when Steven E. Jones, a physicist at Brigham Young University, argued that a "gravity driven collapse "(i.e., one without explosives) would , according to him, defy the laws of physics and fail to account for the full range of available evidence.

There is a range of opinion about the most likely sort of explosives, the way they were distributed, and how they were successfully brought into the building. Proponents of the hypothesis sometimes cite reports of unusual power outages, maintenance work and emergency drills in the weeks leading up to 9/11. Like any controlled demolition, the role of the explosives would have been to remove the main structural supports in order to let gravity and the weight of the building do the rest. Many today follow Steven Jones in suggesting thermite perhaps in combination with other devices.

Proponents of the controlled demolition hypothesis argue that it better explains the data than the official account, as presented in the NIST report and various engineering papers. They often emphasise the speed (near freefall), symmetry and completeness of the collapses; the reported sounds of explosions going off before the collapses began; the shooting out of debris and smoke (so called "squibs") in the videos of collapses; and reports of molten metal. They also argue that the fires were not hot enough, and did not burn long enough, to significantly weaken the steel in the buildings to a point of collapse. Finally, they say that WTC 7, which was not hit by a plane, also collapsed on that day, displaying many of the features of a controlled demolition.

The total progressive collapses of WTC 1, 2, and 7 have not been modelled with the intention of either refuting or proving the controlled demolition hypothesis. The NIST report provided a finite element analysis of the structural response of the building up to the point of where "collapse was inevitable" due to the "enormous" weight of the buildings above the damaged floors, but did not similuate the structural response of the lower floors, which are of primary interest to supporters of the demolition theory. Bazant and Zhou had provided some rough estimates to support this characterization, concluding that the weight was at least an "order of magnitude" over that required to occasion total collapse. This was then reaffirmed by Bazant and Verdure. Alternative calculations of the forces involved have been produced to suggest the oppositive conclusion, namely, that the structure underneath the impacts should have easily withstood the failure of the top floors, stopping the progress of the collapses, in which case the tops of the buildings would have, at most, 'fallen off' the towers, rather than straight through them.^[40] Such analyses have not found their way into any academic engineering discussions.

There is widespread agreement, however, about the significance of the controlled demolition hypothesis, even among those who don't endorse it specifically or conspiracy theories in general. The necessary explosives could only have been planted well in advance of the September 11 attacks and would have required extraordinary access to three highly secured buildings. These housed not only some of the most important financial infrastructure in the United States, but offices of government agencies. If it were to be demonstrated that the collapses were in fact demolitions, it would give much credibility to the idea that 9/11 was an "inside job".

Much of the support for the controlled demolition theory comes from interpretations of videos and photographs. Some eyewitnesses also reported seeing, hearing and feeling multiple explosions, and explosions in sequence. Many conspiracy theorists have highlighted the following as evidence for the theory that planted explosives brought down the WTC towers:

New leaseholder

Building 7 owner, leaseholder, insurance policy holder for the remainder of the WTC Complex Larry Silverstein has come under scrutiny by 9/11 conspiracy theorists for at least two reasons. One being a statement he made in a documentary which conspiracy theorists say is suggestive of the intentional demolition of Building 7, and one being the timing of his bids and potential financial gains he was likely to make with the loss of the buildings.

Financial gains from Towers' destruction

As stated on the Larry Silverstein page:

In January 2001, Silverstein, via Silverstein Properties and Westfield America, made a $3.2 billion bid for the lease to the World Trade Center. . . . Silverstein's bid for the lease to the World Trade Center closed on July 24, 2001, just seven weeks before the buildings were destroyed in the 9/11 attacks.

The insurance policy also contained a clause that in the event of a terrorist attack, the partnership could collect the insured value of the property and be released from their obligations under the 99-year lease.

Controlled-demolition theory

The NIST reports did not analyze the actual pattern of the WTC's collapse; the scope of the investigations was limited to the events leading up to the collapse: "The focus of the Investigation was on the sequence of events from the instant of aircraft impact to the initiation of collapse for each tower. [This report] includes little analysis of the structural behavior of the tower after the conditions for collapse initiation were reached and collapse became inevitable." The FEMA Report some say, also did not analyze the actual pattern of the collapse.

Skeptics of the progressive collapse, or "pancake" theory, say that there is ample evidence that the towers collapsed due to the systematic destruction of internal supports. Jim Hoffma, a conspiracy theorist and software engineer, says that the telltale signs of controlled demolition, present in the WTC collapse, are:

Radial symmetry: The Towers came straight down, blowing debris symmetrically in all directions.

Rapid descent: The Towers came down just slightly slower than the rate of free fall in a vacuum.
Demolition waves: The Towers were consumed by synchronized rows of confluent explosions.
Demolition squibs: The Towers exhibited high-velocity gas ejections well below the descending rubble.
Pulverization: The Towers' non-metallic components, such as their concrete floors, were pulverized into fine dust.
Totality: The Towers were destroyed totally, their steel skeletons shredded into short pieces, most less than 30 feet long.
Molten metal: A stream of liquid metal was videotaped flowing out of the corner of 2 WTC moments before collapse, and eyewitnesses observed and reported pools of molten metal in all three rubble piles.

Steven E. Jones, a physics professor at Brighham Young University, and Judy Wood, a mechanical engineer at Clemson University, say that without the use of explosives to destroy the buildings' internal support structure, the fall of the towers violates conservation of momentum. In addition, Dr. Jones says the angular momentum of the top of the South Tower as it began to collapse could not simply disappear, unless the center of mass of the top was somehow shattered and destroyed. In addition, he says that the collapse of the towers at near free-fall speed indicates that the central core below the impact zone had lost its structural integrity and provided almost no resistance to the falling debris. The theory is also advocated by Jones's group, Scholars for 9/11 Truth.

The NIST responds that they do not support the Pancake Theory either. Rather, the

"WTC towers collapsed because:

"(1) the impact of the planes severed and damaged support columns, dislodged fireproofing insulation coating the steel floor trusses and steel columns, and widely dispersed jet fuel over multiple floors; and

"(2) the subsequent unusually large jet-fuel ignited multi-floor fires (which reached temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees Celsius) significantly weakened the floors and columns with dislodged fireproofing to the point where floors sagged and pulled inward on the perimeter columns. This led to the inward bowing of the perimeter columns and failure of the south face of WTC 1 and the east face of WTC 2, initiating the collapse of each of the towers. Both photographic and video evidence—as well as accounts from the New York Police Department aviation unit during a half-hour period prior to collapse—support this sequence for each tower."

The NIST also concludes that the momentum of the upper level structures was so large that the lower level structures would offer little resistance and therefore the building would fall at nearly the free fall rate. The building's structure was only designed to support the static load, not the dynamic forces of collapse.

Molten metal

In the weeks and months after the collapse, there were reports of workers pulling steel beams from the burning rubbles of the WTC, dripping with molten metal. According to reports by FEMA and NIST, molten metal dripped out of the South Tower just before it collapsed. Having analyzed the color of the molten metal,Steven E. Jones believes the metal was at least 1000°C. Others claim the molten metal may simply be aluminum from the aircraft, which melts at about 650°C. Jones has rejected that theory, as according to him molten aluminum is a poor emitter of black body radiation and should appear silvery-gray under daylight conditions. According to Jones, the presence of molten metal at 1000°C would contradict the mainstream collapse hypothesis, according to which that fires in the buildings reached temperatures high enough to weaken the steel, but not to melt it.

In addition to the molten metal, the initial FEMA investigation team found sulfur on parts on the structural steel in the towers and 7 WTC.FEMA was unable to find the source of sulfur, and the NIST report does not mention it. Conspiracy theorists including Steven Jones believe this sulfide may have been caused by the use of a thermite reaction to melt and destroy the steel within the structure. Others have suggested the sulfur originated from gypsum wallboard.

Thermite reactions can reach temperatures of up to 4500°F (2500°C), well beyond the temperature (approximately 1500°C) required to melt structural steel, and with the addition of sulfur can cause an eutectic reaction within such steel. Such a eutectic reaction was observed at WTC and according to professors Ronald R. Biederman and Richard D. Sisson Jr. was "capable of turning a solid steel girder into Swiss cheese." Thermite could explain the presence of the aforementioned molten metal seen dripping out of the South Tower. Steven E. Jones believes this metal is actually molten iron, a byproduct of the thermite reaction.

The NIST concluded that the source of the molten material was aluminum alloys from the aircraft, since these are known to melt between 475 degrees Celsius and 640 degrees Celsius (depending on the particular alloy), well below the expected temperatures (about 1,000 degrees Celsius) in the vicinity of the fires. Aluminum is not expected to ignite at normal fire temperatures and there is no visual indication that the material flowing from the tower was burning. Pure liquid aluminum would be expected to appear silvery. However, the molten metal was very likely mixed with large amounts of hot, partially burned, solid organic materials (e.g., furniture, carpets, partitions and computers) which can display an orange glow, much like logs burning in a fireplace. According to NIST, the apparent color could have been affected by slag formation on the surface.

In response to NIST, Steven E. Jones says he conducted experiments to test NIST's "orange glow" hypothesis. He says that by using several different approaches to mixing organics into molten aluminum, he found that organic material refused to mix and, instead, floated to the top. He says when the mixture was poured, the molten aluminum remained silvery, not orange (with the exception of rougue embers). He claims the outcome of these experiments directly contradict what he describes as NIST's theory that the molten metal seen pouring from the World Trade Center consisted of aluminum alloys.

Symmetry and Squibs

1, 2, and 7 WTC also fell straight down with, according to 9/11 conspiracy theorists, remarkable symmetry. Without explosives, they say, this symmetry would violate the 2nd law of thermodynamics. 9/11 conspiracy theorists of the collapses also point to photographs and videos of what they believe are demolition "squibs", which are tightly focused horizontal plumes of smoke and debris being ejected from the twin towers during the collapse. The official theory is that the squibs were merely the ejection of material due to the evacuation of air as the floors collapsed; the plumes, however, appear approximately 10 stories below the area of main destruction and are ejected only from the centers of the towers. These plumes appear in both towers, at regular intervals, and from multiple camera angles. Conspiracy theorists say the presence of these squibs indicate secondary explosive devices, activated just ahead of the collapsing material, removing the structural support and allowing total collapse. Some 9/11 conspiracy theorists also believe that squibs were seen in the destruction of 7 WTC, running rapidly up the Southwest corner of the building. They argue that while a possible theory is that the 7 WTC squibs simply result from the floors collapsing, the time between the events is much too rapid to be due to gravitational acceleration.

Ejected debris

Griders of weight up to 4 tons each were ejected sidewards and found 600 feet from the WTC2. A calculation of ejection speed needed for girders to land so far away is used as an argument for explosives blowing up inside.

Oral History Support for Demolition

As evidence of controlled demolition, some 9/11 conspiracy theorists point to eyewitness descriptions of the events before the collapse of the towers which appeared consistent with explosives, such as "It seemed like it was going all the way around like a belt, all these explosions," and "You see three explosions and then the whole thing coming down," etc.

In addition, William Rodriguez, a high profile survivor was located in the basement of the North tower, when he reported a large explosion on Sublevel B3, before the plane impacted. Rodriguez escaped the building, and escorted several people to safety.

His testimony was told to the 9/11 commission, but no explanation was ever given for the explosions.

Molecular and Chemical Support for Demolition

Recently, Professor Steven Jones conducted molecular analyses to ascertain the presence of explosive residues on steel samples from Ground Zero and in the released dust and indicates that chemicals consistent with thermate are present. Other environmental studies have been done on the particulate matter and dust released by the collapse (including a study by the DELTA group at UC Davis), and none have indicated the presence of explosive residue.

Pulverization

Software engineer Jim Hoffman suggests that gravity alone exerts too little energy to explain the pulverization of non-metallic building contents into fine powder, or to explain the yroclastic flow-like cloud of dust which billowed down the streets of lower Manhattan in all directions.

Lack of Collapse Precedents

Furthermore, since no steel high-rise building has suffered a total collapse as the result of fire before or since the 9-11 attack, theorists allege the collapse of 1, 2, and 7 WTC are anomalies. The WTC towers burned for less than 102 min (1 WTC) and 56 minutes (2 WTC), during which both towers were stable after the impacts. Theorists consider the following hi-rise fires to be the most similar for comparative purposes:

1 New York Plaza (1970) - burned for more than 6 hours, no collapse.
First Interstate Bank (1988) - burned for 3 1/2 hours, gutted 4 floors of the 64 floor tower, no collapse.
One Meridian Plaza (1991) - burned for 18 hours, gutted 8 floors of the 38 floor building, no collapse; later had to be demolished.
Torre Este de Parque Central (Venezuela) (2004) - burned for more than 17 hours, spread to over 26 floors, no collapse.
The Madrid Windsor Tower (2005) - a partial collapse of some steel sections building while the concrete framework prevented a complete collapse.

Some 9/11 conspiracy theorists say these fires are particularly relevant to WTC which was not struck by planes and which suffered damage only from fires and falling debris from the collapse of 1 and 2 WTC.

The Caracas Tower, First Interstate Bank and 1 New York Plaza were constructed using the conventional steel girder system consisting of a grid of steel columns and trusses connecting the columns. The Windsor Tower, however, was constructed with concrete columns and a concrete core for the first 16 floors, steel girder and concrete core for the floors above that, and two additional concrete slabs to provide additional strength.

Steel temperatures

Conspiracy theorists have compared the heat of the fires in the twin towers and the fires' effect on steel to actual fire tests in open sided car parks carried out by steel manufacturer Corus (formerly British Steel) on unprotected steel beams. The highest recorded steel temperatures in open sided car parks when exposed to the hydrocarbon-fuelled fires was 360°C, well below the estimated 800°C temperature of the steel supports in the twin towers (which were not open sided car parks) at the time of the fires.

Several studies made by NIST also showed that temperatures were relatively low. Paint study show that neither perimeter, nor core columns were exposed to temperatures exceeding 615°C for longer than 15 minutes and mostly temperatures were below 250°C.

Independent experiments and fire models (or "standard fires") used to evaluate the integrity of structural components demonstrate that hydrocarbon fuels are capable of producing temperatures of 1100°C, and even more when a mix of flammable materials such as office furniture is present. However, these tests do not necessarily duplicate the conditions of real fires, or the behaviour of materials exposed to real fires, and are used primarily as a means of rating materials by using a standardised testing procedure.

Attempts to Debunk Conspiracy Theories

Those attempting to debunk 9/11 conspiracy theories have compared the WTC collapses to the Ronan Point disaster, in which one corner of Ronan Point collapsed after a gas explosion. Although Ronan Point was found to be structurally unsound (unsafe), the building did not totally collapse. 9/11 Conspiracy theorist Jim Hoffman has said that the section of the Ronan Point building that collapsed were nonstructural - the short cantilever sections were supported by the building's main structure, making any comparison with the WTC towers unsound. Hoffman states, "The problem with the progressive collapse theory is that it's very difficult to actually build something that will exhibit this behavior."

Following pressure from technical experts, industry leaders and families of victims, the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology conducted a three year $24 million investigation into the structural failure and progressive collapse of several WTC complex structures. The study included in-house technical expertise and drew upon the knowledge of several outside private institutions for aid to include:

Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
National Fire Protection Association
American Institute of Steel Construction
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Structural Engineers Association of New York

Opponents of the demolition theory cite this government report which presented evidence on how and why the buildings collapsed. The report also said that "NIST found no corroborating evidence for alternative hypotheses suggesting that the WTC towers were brought down by controlled demolition using explosives planted prior to September 11, 2001." Though this report said there was no such evidence, professor Steven Jones, as well as others, continue to say that it did not address any of the specific analysis arguing for the demolition hypothesis.

The FEMA and NIST reports have yet to resolve all disagreements among engineers. Although not advocating the theory that a controlled demolition occurred, New Civil Engineer published several articles regarding the collapse. One such article, Row Erupts Over Why Twin Towers Collapsed, cites one party saying "the towers would have collapsed after a major fire on three floors at once, even with fireproofing in place and without any damage from plane impact". Another quote from the same article states, "World Trade Center disaster investigators are refusing to show computer visualizations of the collapse of the Twin Towers despite calls from leading structural and fire engineers…Visualizations of collapse mechanisms are routinely used to validate the type of finite element analysis model used by the investigators.”
In addition to the above articles, other theorists continue to say critical aspects of the NIST report in the engineering community. In 2005 fire engineers B. Lane and S. Lamont stated: "This lower reliance on passive fire protection is in contrast to the NIST work where the amount of fire protection on the truss elements is believed to be a significant factor in defining the time to collapse. There is no evidence in NIST's preliminary report that this is backed up by structural modeling in response to fire. It appears that only heat transfer modeling considering different levels of fire protection have been carried out and the failure of the individual elements has been related to loss in strength and stiffness only. Thermal expansion and the response of the whole frame to this effect has not been described as yet."
In August of 2006, NIST produced a webpage titled Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, which addressed many of the questions pertaining to the demolition theory. 9/11 conspiracy theorist Jim Hoffman responded to the FAQ with his report, A Reply to the National Institute for Standards and Technology's Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Dr. S. Shyam Sunder, head of the institute’s Trade Center report, recently addressed many of the issues 9-11 conspiracy theorists have with the study. Dr. Sunder replied, "Yes. I am sympathetic. But our report . . . it is extensive. We consulted 80 public-sector experts and 125 private-sector experts. It is a Who’s Who of experts. People look for other solutions. As scientists, we can’t worry about that. Facts are facts.”

source: wikepedia.com

2006-09-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've come to this point wherein I totally as in TOTALLY don't know what to do with my life.. HELP! Anyone?

This is freakin' scary!!! Ohhh The Horror!!!

2006-09-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

people come people go.. thats life.. nothings permanent.. one day we'll just past away.. never knowing what hit us.. and if we'll ever walk this part again.. so swift.. one second you're up.. next you're at your worst.. so mysterious no one knows what tommorow may bring.. so while you're at your best do everything you wanna do.. cuz no one knows if there really is a cross road.. and if ever there is.. you dont know where it may lead..

2006-09-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

i hate mondays! i dont know why.. i just hate it period..

2006-06-24T23:31:00.001-07:00

One of my childhood deams fulfilled..

Yay D.j. na ako!!! hehe for those within pangasinan area.. do catch me on air uhmm sa month ng july 5 days ako mag gueguest d.j. sa 93.5 campus radio dagupan.. will be aired mondays to saturdays 1pm to 3pm sa segment na talk to papa.. =)

2006-06-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

The War

I thought it would start at the exact date.. I under estimated the enemy.. The attacks were launched thousands of years ago.. But the battle that was about to to take place today, had been started months before.. I was caught off-guard.. what kind of soldier I am? I even gave in to thier bribe.. I must be ashame of myself.. but still I was given a second chance.. a second chance I wont waste.. I was given this task by Him.. so whom shall I fear???

*A war is going on.. war between light and darkness.. whose side are you in?*

LEAD ME NOT INTO TEMPTATION.. AND DELIVER US.. ..

2006-03-21T23:26:00.000-08:00

Wepee!! P2 Member at last!!!

http://pangya.com.ph/community/p2_missjoshie.asp ^^

2006-03-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

Its my birthday!!

haha almost forgot it lolz.. thanks to my cuzin prince for reminding me lolz ^^

2006-03-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

PangYa!!!

Its golf time!!!

My first game.. My first hole! >.<

note: see my level ^^

Meet "missjoshie" my in-game character

"missjoshie" my lucky charm.. same game, eagle at hole 9 of 18 holes

www.pangya.com.ph

2006-03-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

quite busy.. semi finals kasi.. and busy doing our mirc channel's webbie www.manilawebmaster.tripod.com or www.manilachatzone.cjb.net uhmm.. marami ako natatanggap na email about may december post.. kung sino daw ung girl.. unfair naman kung mag iisip kau na si ganito or si ganyan ung girl.. now to clear things up eto first name nya.. Nadine.. there sana matahimik na tong issue na to and hope wag na tayo mag isip ng masama about people who got nothing to do with this un lang po =) ..happy summer!!

2006-02-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Full Heart, Empty Arms

Thoughts of you illuminate my spirit..
Never a flicker of flame, but with
Arching bolts which strike with a force
That disturbs my equilibrium..

My mind races as waves of passion flush over
My pale skin, causing me to gaze upon visions
Of impossible romantic possibilities..

Pathetic is this man who anticipates the
True rhythm of love, with a woman she will never hold..

My imagined discourse of thoughts leave me suffering..
As my lips quiver with the words I shall never speak
to her: "I have loved you more than anybody in this world.."

2006-02-13T02:38:00.000-08:00

I Want To Fly

The night I met you in words only on a screen.. I knew I had to have you.. not only in my dreams! The words that we have shared have caused my heart to care.. At first I was a little frightened to share myself with you.. but you showed me ways tomake my nights brighten..You loved my soul over and over again.. you took me to heaven and made me live again! I have come to want to devour you not just on this place.. but I want to touch your body and feel you near I want to hold you tightly not just in words but face to face... I want to pleasure you in all the ways we shared, I want to do things to you that others would only dare.. I want to make our fantasies all come truefor, baby, I want to fly to you.. I want to fly with you..

2006-02-06T02:31:00.000-08:00

Time Killer!!!

survey? or mean addiction?

=) Buong pangalan?
~ Joseph Gregor D. Espinosa.....

=) Anong nararamdaman mo ngayon?
~ gutom, malungkot

=) Bakit yun ang nararamdaman mo?
~ since 8 m pa ako naka babad sa pc para lang antayin si miss mean.. eh wala pa siya uhmm 6:30pm na

=) Saan mo gusto pumunta ngayon?
~ sa cebu

=) Kung may yayakapin ka ngayon, ano o sino?
~ si mean.. i could hug her forever..

=( Kung may chance kang bumuhay ng tao,
sino?
~ shakespeare? haha gusto ko sumulat siya ng romeo and juliet part two.. un nga lang ako ung re-incarnation ni romeo tas ..uhmm gusto kaya ni miss mean?

=) Anong kanta ang lagi mong kinakanta?
~ marami.. ung mga kantang kinanta sa akin ni miss mean nung friday.. hayy..

=) Sinong katabi mo ngayon?
~ wala.. pero wish ko andito si miss mean ngaun..

=) Kung papipiliin ka, sino pipiliin mo:mahal mo
na di ka mahal, o mahal ka na di mo mahal?
~ diko alam.. hmm.. pero nsa first situation ako eh.. mahal ko siya pero di ko alam kung mahal nya ako oh hindi..

=) Sinong gusto mong makausap ngayon?
~ si miss mean..

=) Kung hindi ka ikaw ngayon, sino ka?
~ si en-en waah wag sana!!

=( Ano pinakamalungkot na nangyari sa'yo?
~ magmahal at masaktan.. lagi naman..

=) Anong talent mo?
~ i paint, i sing, i can play the drums.. uhmm i write poems..

=( Ma-pride ka bang tao?
~ oo.. pero.. pag para sa taong mahal ko maa awa ka sa akin sa pagpapaka martyr ko ganun ako mag mahal..

=( Anong isang bagay na gusto mong makuha
ngayon?
~ si miss mean!! haha sana akin na lang siya..

=) Sino ang kinakainisan mo ngayon?
~ si miss mean din! di ko kasi nakita eh usapan namin meet kami lunch =(

=) Anong pelikula ang gusto mong panoorin?
~ kahit anu basta kasama ko si miss mean..

=) Kung bida ka sa isang pelikula,sino gusto
mong leading man/lady mo?
~ si miss mean!!!

=) Kung di mo pangalan ang pangalan mo, ano ito?
~ uhmm.. fake name? lolz di ko gets sensya na!

=) Kung may gusto kang balikan sa nakaraan
mo, ano yun?
~ uhmm gusto ko sana mas maaga ko nakilala si miss mean..

=) Masaya ba ang kwento ng buhay mo?
~ ups and downs lang ang buhay everyone has to
live wit it.. hehehe

=) Kung papayagan kang pumatay ngayon, sino
ang papatayin mo?
~ nyak.. hmmm.. marami eh hahaha joke!

=) Sino ang pinakaimportanteng tao ngayon sa
buhay mo?
~ family.. and miss mean? uu naman.. =)

=) Ano ang pinaka-pangarap mong maging nung
bata ka pa?
~ mamuhay ng simple at masaya kasama ang pinakamamahal ko

=) Kung singer ka, sinong singer ang gusto
mong maka-duet?
~ si miss mean!!! haha magaling kumanta yan..

=) Sa tingin mo, bakit kailangang magmahal?
~ di ko alam eh.. normal lang talaga yan.. anu ka ba?! hehe
if you dont know how to love then you are not
human. . . bow. . .

=( Isang pelikula na talagang iniyakan mo?
~ wala pa.. hehe babae marami lolz

=( Ano ang pinaka-ayaw mong ugali ng isang
tao?
~ sinungaling

=) Anong theme song ng buhay mo?
~ teenage dirt bag - wheatus? lolz uhmm.. good riddance - green day! =)

=) Kung pwede mong i-rewind ang oras,wat g2wn
mo?
~ ha! sana nga di ako tatamay dito ng 8am to 7pm para lang mag antay ng wala

=( Kaya mo bang pakawalan ang taong mahal
mo?
~ kung para sa ikabubuti at ikaliligaya nya why not?

=) Motto mo tungkol sa love sa mga oras na ito?
~ love means mean hahaha..

2006-01-25T06:54:00.000-08:00

January Rain

Its pouring hard outside, makes me feel lazy going to school. But I must!!! Midterms still up and got 3 more subjects to attend to. Wish I could sleep a little more longer.. *sigh* I hate this kind of weather, makes me feel gloomy and lazy.

2006-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Midterms up!!!

Yeah! ya'll heard me right midterm examinations here! I haven't attended any of my classes yet since Christmas break, causing me to miss all of my midterm lessons.

Photo from "School Rumble"

What the f&*^ will I put on these test papers? *_* SOMEBODY HELP!!!

2006-01-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Manny!!!

Manny Pacquiao vowed there would be no excuses this time. It turned out he didn't need any.

Throwing punches at every angle, Pacquiao avenged his defeat 10 months ago and handed Erik Morales the worst beating of his career before finally stopping him in the 10th round Saturday night of their 130-pound showdown.

It was the first time Morales had ever been stopped in what had been a spectacular career, and it came with a spectacular performance by a Filipino who never stopped punching.

The end came at 2:33 of the 10th round when Morales, who had barely gotten up in time from the first knockdown of the round, was knocked back down with a flurry of punches and referee Kenny Bayles wasted no time in stopping the fight.

"I saw I hurt him every time I hit him in the body," Pacquiao said.

Morales face was a mess of welts and he had lumps on his forehead and head after taking the beating of his career. It was the third loss in the last four fights for the Mexican who had held titles in three different weight classes but has been in some bruising fights.

"I was tired because of making weight and I was tired because of all the tough fights I've had," Morales said.

Morales (48-4) had beaten Pacquiao in a 12-round decision last March, a loss Pacquiao blamed on problems with his promoter, his taxman and his gloves. He went into the ring Saturday saying he was 100 percent and that there would be no excuses, win or lose.

The first fight was a 12-round brawl, and the rematch promised to live up to expectations early with both fighters trading freely and landing clean shots to the head. Pacquaio was busier, though, and seemed to win some early rounds through sheer volume of punches.

No title was at stake, but a lot of national pride was in a bout that drew 14,618 fans to the UNLV campus arena, many cheering their countrymen on.

As the fight went on it was Pacquaio's supporters doing the most cheering as Pacquaio wore down Morales and landed shot after shot to the head and body.

"I could see he was having problems taking my punches," Pacquaio said. "I had no problem taking his."

Pacquaio (41-3-1, 32 knockouts) landed a big punch in the second round, a left hand that sent Morales backwards and forced him to grab onto the top rope to stay up. Morales also appeared ready to go down at the end of the sixth round after a series of punches in the corner, but bounced off referee Kenny Bayless and stayed upright as the bell sounded to end the round.

As the fight went on, Pacquaio kept the pressure on, and Morales looked increasingly weary. Between rounds, he complained that his legs hurt and his cornermen rubbed them.

Morales' corner tried to get their fighter to keep the pressure on, saying Pacquaio didn't know how to fight backwards. But Pacquaio didn't have to because he stayed in front of Morales, bouncing back and forth and throwing punches at every angle.

"The tide turned in the sixth round," said Pacquaio's trainer, Freddie Roach. "I could see Morales was fading from all the body punches and Manny's right hook was beautiful."

Morales was known all his career as a big puncher who never backed up. But for the last 20 seconds of the ninth round he ran from Pacquaio, trying not to take anymore punishment.

"He's all gone," Roach told Pacquaio after the ninth round.

Roach was prophetic as Pacquaio came out and kept the pressure on Morales, whose face was marked by the sheer volume of punches he took. Midway through the round, Pacquaio landed a huge left hand in the middle of a combination that put Morales on the canvas.

Morales stayed there with his arm over a ring rope before finally getting up at the count of nine. Pacquaio was then all over him, landing a flurry that put a defenseless Morales down and ended the fight.

"He hit me with a lot of real good hard shots," Morales said. "I got hit in the head a lot."

Pacquaio made $2 million for the fight, but more importantly kept his stature as a national hero in the Philippines.

"I know everyone in the Philippines is happy," he said.

You really did Manny.. you really did.. =)

Photos from Sports Illustrated

2006-01-20T01:20:00.000-08:00

The Classic

A movie review

"The Classic" is director Kwak Jae-yong's long-awaited follow-up to his 2001 smash hit "My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeogin geunyeo)". In addition to becoming one of the most well recognized films to emerge from South Korea, "My Sassy Girl" made the director an A-list player and vaulted the careers of actors Jeon Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyeon into the realm of superstardom. Thus, it is not surprising that expectations would have been high for "The Classic", with many moviegoers expecting something akin to "My Sassy Girl 2".

But unlike its predecessor, "The Classic" is as the title suggests-- a classic Korean romantic melodrama, as opposed to the bombastic fusion of romantic comedy, genre parody, and melodrama that made "My Sassy Girl" a breakout hit. And though "The Classic" more-or-less succeeds in what it sets out to do, the end result ends up being somewhat diminished by some lackluster performances and an over-extended second half.

"The Classic" begins with college student Chi-hye (Son Yeh-jin of "Chihwaseon") cleaning house and stumbling across a box containing an old diary and some love letters belonging to her mother. Though some of the letters are from her late father, Chi-hye's interest is piqued when she sees some letters written by a man named Chun-ha. The story then jumps back about four decades to detail the love triangle that formed between Chi-hye's mother Chu-hui (also played by Son), her future father Tae-su (Lee Gi-wu), and Tae-su's best friend Chun-ha (Cho Seung-woo, seen recently in "H"). Though Chi-hye fell in love with Chun-ha after a chance meeting in the countryside, she was already betrothed to Tae-su in an arranged marriage.

Meanwhile, in the present, Chi-hye has some romantic entanglements of her own to work out. She is in love with Sang-min (Jo In-seong), the boyfriend of her narcissistic best friend Su-kyeong (Lee Sang-in), yet finds herself unable to express her true feelings. As the story moves from past to present and back again, parallels are drawn between the heartbreak, lessons learned, and travails of mother and daughter, whose destinies are inextricably intertwined.

Right off the bat, fans of "My Sassy Girl" will notice the shades of that film permeating "The Classic". Besides having a similar soundtrack, there are a number of scenes that mirror sequences in Kwak's earlier film, particularly a scene in which Chu-hui and Chun-ha are caught in the countryside during a storm, which viewers will recognize as the melodrama parody in "My Sassy Girl". In addition, the character of Chi-hye shows some signs of 'sassiness', as does the humor in the film, which plays with audience expectations of the genre, such as Chi-hye's response to some doves that have landed on her windowsill in the film's opening scene.

Story-wise, "The Classic" spends most of its running time in the past, detailing the on-and-off-again relationship between Chu-hui and Chun-ha. It is here that the film gets most of its emotional weight, and it is no doubt helped by the strong performances of Son and Cho, who are earnest and affecting in their portrayals of the star-crossed lovers. Lee, as the goofy and not-too-bright Tae-su, straddles the line between bathos and pathos as Chu-hui's would-be suitor who is torn between the ties of friendship and the obligations of family. The Lee Joon-kyu cinematography and attention to detail in the historical set pieces are also a boost to these scenes.

Unfortunately, the drama is not as compelling in the present-day story thread. While this is due in part to the fewer complexities that Chi-hye faces in her pursuit of Sang-min, it is also sabotaged by Jo's relatively lifeless performance as Sang-min. Likewise, Lee's turn as the self-centered, arrogant, and undeniably one-dimensional Su-kyeong is similarly disappointing. Thankfully, Son does more than her fair share in salvaging these scenes with her portrayal of Chi-hye, which displays equal parts of vitality and vulnerability.

The film also runs into some problems in the over-extended second half, at which point it is rather obvious where the story is going given the numerous hints provided along the way. While Kwak's enthusiasm for the material is admirable, the film starts to drag as the melodrama becomes overwrought and emotionally manipulative. In addition, the story ends up taking a backseat to some big-budget set pieces, particularly a detour into Vietnam that will tempt viewers to shout, "Run, Forrest, Run!" and be on the lookout for Bubba.

Execution issues aside, one of the more fascinating aspects of "The Classic" is how Kwak compares and contrasts South Korea of the Sixties and the present. On the one hand, the worlds that mother and daughter inhabit are on opposite extremes, with Chu-hui growing up under a military dictatorship and subject to traditional Confucian norms (such as arranged marriages), while Chi-hye is a product of South Korea's recent democratic and social reforms, with the will and latitude to chart her own future. However, despite the changing times, it seems that some things remain the same, such as the internal and social pressures that prevent Chu-hui and Chi-hye from expressing their true feelings.

Along these lines, "The Classic" also shares some thematic resonance with the films of the 'love across time' genre (such as "Il Mare", "Ditto", and "Failan"), which revolve around protagonists who develop an emotional connection bridging two different time periods. But whereas the 'love across time' genre explores the need to embrace the past in order to understand the present (an apt metaphor for how the growing pains of the past five decades have shaped and become an integral part of the Korean identity and nation), the story of "The Classic" illustrates the simple wish of any mother for their child-- that sons and daughters accomplish in their lives what their parents could not. Thus, on a grander scale, "The Classic" speaks to how the unfulfilled aspirations of past generations, whether they are democratic reforms or gender equality, are being realized in today's South Korea, as witnessed by the contrast made between the worlds that mother and daughter inhabit.

While "The Classic" may not share the exuberance and originality of Kwak's breakthrough hit "My Sassy Girl", it is still a decent entry into the romantic melodrama genre, buoyed by strong showings from lead actors Son and Cho. In addition to fulfilling the emotional demands of the genre, Kwak has also crafted a film that works on a deeper level, poignantly illustrating the aspirations of parents for their children, as well as South Korea's achievements as a nation. It may not be quite "The Classic" it aspires to be, but it comes pretty close.

Images courtesy of Cinema Service. All rights reserved.
Special thanks to Anthony Leoung for the casts' names and for other infos provided
This movie is available for purchase from DVDAsian.com

- 5 star rating. In case you're asking why? why not watch it?

2006-01-16T00:56:00.000-08:00

"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)"

by: Green day

---

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road

Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

So make the best of this test, and don't ask why

It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time

---

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

---

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind

Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time

Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial

For what it's worth it was worth all the while

---

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

---

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

---

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

2005-12-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

A Sin of Passion..

(The following entry contains scenes or materials which are not suitable for young audiences.. reader's discretion is higly recommended.. or better.. DONT READ!)

Baby I'd fly to where you are right now if I could.. ..Yes I could.. "Love can move mountains" then it might as well make me fly.. oh god.. I'm so in-love with you..

Then I did.. sat beside you.. I can't find the right words to say.. speechless.. I stood up.. walked out.. waited outside the cafe where our eyes first met.. a magical moment.. two strangers yet so in-love with each other..

"tara punta tau sa room ko.." lil devil.. lets see how far this insanity would go.. and so we did go.. I dont wanna do something stupid.. As far as I know.. shes in-love with me.. and that I too love her (as of the moment).. I sat beside her.. teasing her by staring lovingly into her eyes.. I don't want to make any move.. I dont wanna ruin the moment.. I want it to be a perfect one..
minutes.. hours passed.. I guess shes getting bored.. yeah she is.. she is bored.. Still dumbstruck.. I don't know what to do or say.. I'm not liking this.. now I'm trapped in a mudpit and I can't get out..

Then she started talking.. "Joseph the truth is.. I don't love you.. I don't know.. I still am having a hang off my ex boy friend.." "I'm sorry.. I know its unfair" then I told her.. "urrrr.. me too.. I don't know.." "what you just said .." "I'm not hurt.. I'm not even bothered.. I guess I'm better off knowing it.." She smiled.. no.. she laughed.. I too laughed.. suddenly everything went quiet.. I broke the sudden silence.. I have to.. "This is crazy.. can I hug you?" and then I kissed her.. not the sloppy kind of kiss I gave her while ago.. Then it went on.. flames of passion burning us up.. then she asked me to stop.. "No! shh.. its alright.." then I whispered in her ears.. "Baby I want you.." kissed her.. licked her skin.. my hands slipping inside her shirt.. touching her softness.. uhmm.. then she pushed me.. "stop".. "no.. I'm sorry I wont.." pulled down her pants.. then pulled down the only thing thats standing between me and her sacredness.. I tried to kiss her.. she pulled me up.. But still I went down.. taking off her hands.. holding them both to stop her from pulling me up.. oh.. shes wet.. maybe thats the reason why she doesn't want me to be down there.. but still.. I kissed her.. licked her.. brushed my face against her.. she's moaning.. not the kind of moan pleading me to stop.. but vulgar words.. letting me know that she's hot and that she loves what I'm doing.. She came.. then I went up.. asked her "So how was it?" she just smiled.. asked me to put it on her.. I missed the spot.. she laughed.. we both laughed.. then I teased her.. I went down again.. this time she's crying.. tears of pleasure.. "no.. come here.. put it on me.." then it happened.. we made sweet love.. and then it stopped..

Her brother send her an SMS message hes gonna come over soon.. Were both messed up.. I have to hurry dress-up.. we went out of her dorm.. as if nothing happened.. I offered her some drinks.. we talked.. and there we are.. back to where it all began.. I wanted to formally say goodbye but seems that I wont be getting the chance.. oh well.. Life goes on as it normally does.. But I'm sure not gonna forget this pretty girl named..

"Maybe I loved you.. maybe I did'nt.. who knows? no one knows.. someday we'll know.."

2005-12-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Politics, Showbiz and Movies

Its been a while.. anu nga ba meron? sheeshze.. sa halos araw araw kong pag-tambay sa computer cafe di ko na alam kung anu nangyayari sa labas ng mundo lolz.. si GMA pa pala president natin? kala ko iba na lolz.. wala na ring kwenta maki usyoso sa problema ng bansa natin eh.. compare our politics here sa ating bansa with other countries.. ang layo di ba? pero siyempre wag nyu naman compare ung mga countries na bumabangon pa lang after thier fall down like Iraq etc. hayys.. wala na talaga pag asa.. i guess our country would rise up uhmm siguro after a hundred years kung di nila babaguhin sytema.. whew.. tingin ko sa politics natin parang showbiz na eh hehe and damn i hate showbiz i mean ung mga tipo ng "The buzz" and other fil showbiz oriented talk shows.. yay tingin ko sa kanila parang clowns.. hehe.. oh well.. uhmm this week anu ba nangyari na kakaiba? uhmm nanuod ng sine with my weird friend jaysen.. saka si junnel hay di ko ma take.. kalain mo sa dami ng action filled, adventures etc mga tipong testosterone films eh ang napili ba namang pasukan eh korean movie na title eh "My Little Bride" pif! kakatapos pa nga lang ng "My Sassy Girl" eh nga pala kaya lang nila ako napapasok sa "My Sassy Girl" eh kasi nagkataon na like ng isang special friend ko ung movie.. hayys.. eh aun nga pumasok kami tatlo watched the film.. pagkatapos ng movie nag lights on na.. guess what lahat ng mga audinces eh paired! lolz para kaming tanga hahahaha.. pero ok lang.. masaya naman ang gulo kasi ni jaysen saka ang lakas mangasar ni junnel lolz.. la lang ngaun ko lang na realize.. maganda pala manuod ng mga films na people would say na "KORNY" or "BADUY" hehe kasi ganito yan eh bat nila i jujudge ung film eh di pa nila napanuod? di ba? saka ung mga iba naman nanunuod lang ng movie para maging "in" para lang makasabay sa kwentuhan.. pero sa totoo lamang lang ung movies na mga un sa budget and nice special effects pero pag i-rereview mo ung story line eh.. aww walang pinag kaiba dun sa mga napanuod mo nuon.. hayy.. anyways la lang.. yan lang naman eh mga pag mumuni muni ko.. uhmm then kahapon lang nag solo ako watched two films una eh pambata.. a walt disney flick titled "Chicken Little" hehe ok siya hehe ang cute ni fish saka nakakatawa sya.. ganda rin ng ending.. lolz la lang medyo hirap lang me maka relate kasi la me dad hehehe.. then ung second.. jackie chan movie siya.. ung "The Myth" err nakornihan ako di ko na pinatapos.. predictable kasi ung ending nya.. sayang lang pera ko.. i mean nasayan na nga pera ko bat ko pa sasayangin time ko di ba? ewan lang kung magustuhan nyu sya iba iba naman tau ng taste.. hehe cge gtg prelims ko pa eh.. aus noh? exams na exams nag sisine hahaha ja matta atode!!!

2005-11-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

First day funk

Today, I officially started attending my classes. Well, it should have been yesterday oh I mean last week hehehe.. pero tinamad ako eh! anu pa nga ba? hehehe.. pero ok lang naman I've got the feeling na I'm gonna do good this semester cuz ok ung mga professors ko hahaha mukhang tatagal ako hanggang March na di nakakatulog lolz.

2005-11-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Classes officially started last monday, november 14..

I feel lazy getting up and start doing school works..

Give me one more week..

Night night..

2005-10-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sembreak..

"argh!!! too lazy to move.. too lazy to type.. gotta go.. sleep.. again.. zzzZZZzzzZz.."

Do you guys picture it? How about this? ..Keep on playing the same slow mp3 song on my player.. again and again.. Haven't seen any wee spec of sunlight for uhmm 3 days.. Laundry is piling up.. My muscle is starting to shrink.. My head grows heavier as each hour passes by.. oh!?! not only my head but my whole body.. ..Gaining weight.. 1 pound per hour.. Some strange invisible chemical reaction makes me grow roots connecting my body to my bed.. ..My sight is growing dim.. dimmer.. blackout.. pow!?!! togsh!!?!! Kablog!!.. zzzzZZZzzzZZZzzz

"Background music: Wake me up when this sembreak ends"

2005-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Scars..

What would you do if one day a past lover ran to you?.. crying?.. asking for your comfort?.. telling you how badly hurt she is.. Telling you all her misseries with her current lover.. the same misseries she gave you.. What would you do? Would you try your best to comfort her? or would you laugh and say.. "Buti nga sayo karma mo yan!" hayy.. I'm in that situation right now.. and I'm full of mixed emotions.. I dont know what to do.. I lovED her.. more than I have loved anybody else.. pero kung gaano ko siya kamahal noon eh ganun rin katindi kung kamuhian ko siya.. I mean I love her.. and at the same time I hate her as much as I love her.. wah.. complicated noh? And now shes telling me how sorry she is for treating me that way.. for hurting me.. wtf?! She wants me back! Now I'm standing at a crossroad leading to two destinations.. one leading to a dark past where I could make the difference by fixing it.. (or fail "again").. and the other road.. to new and unexplored lands.. which could lead too to two paths.. A happy ending.. or a tragic one..

"give me a sign.. oh, Lord be my guiding light"

2005-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Going back..

I'm leaving Chaos "again".. Its a tough call.. But I guess I'm no longer needed there.. Or worse maybe I never was needed at all.. After knowing the reason why she came back playing our game (un-confirmed but I'm not that stupid not to know it..).. I'm sure gonna miss her.. She's the sole reason why I got hooked up with this game.. The reason why I turned my back on fame, riches and power.. I admit.. It is because I love her.. I love her that I'm wiling to sacrifice everything.. But there is this one thing I couldn't do.. Sit at a corner and pretend I'm not affected when I know shes hurting.. Many times I tried to take her away from all these hurtings.. but she just keeps on coming back.. Maybe she isnt hurting at all.. Maybe she really is happy with how things are going.. haha I know many who feels happy when they are hurt.. I WAS one of them.. ..I'm leaving.. And this time there is no turning back.. I'm not saying goodbye to her.. 'cause Im scared.. I'm scared tears from my eyes would fall.. and I'd hate that.. I'll just sit here.. pray.. pray that someday I'd bump to her next time I'd go online Lydia.. Then maybe things would be better from then on.. But for now.. I'd just dream on.. 'cause it's the only thing I can do..

2005-10-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Heritage is here!!!

Attention all Philippine Ragnarok players!! Be prepared for the ultimate adventure. Get all the info you need for job change quests, walkthroughs, Transcendent Job skills, abilities, and more! The OFFICIAL EPISODE 10: HERITAGE site is now up! Soon, Level Up! will update the site with more info for Adoption system, quests, items and even godly weapons. Take the Path to Heritage. Your journey starts here. Pass the word! Sarap Dito http://www.ragnarokonline.ph/episode10/news1.htm <--Click here for more info =)

2005-10-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bartender and Blind guy.. Lets see who's smarter

story by: Kaung Layy

"Hey bartender, I bet you five hundred pesos I can bite my eye."Bartender looks at the guy and lays 500 pesos on the bar. The drunk pops out his artificial eye and bites it, then takes the 500 pesos. The bartender realizes he should have seen that coming."Hey bartender, I bet you 500 pesos I can bite my other eye."Bartender saw the guy park his car and walk in the bar and thinks to himself that there's no way the guy has two artificial eyes, and accepts the bet.The drunk takes out his false teeth and bites his other eye and grabs the 500 pesos while chuckling under his breath. The bartender again realizes he should have seen that coming.The drunk then gets up from the bar and seems to be quite secretive about talking to the other people sitting around at the tables. Once again, the drunk steps up to the bar and says, "Hey, bartender? Do you want a chance to win your P1000 back?" Hesitantly, the bartender asks what he has in mind."Well, it's like this. I bet you I can get up on one end of the bar and place a shot glass at the other end. I can pee from the end I'm standing on and get it in the shot glass at the other end without spilling one drop."The bartender looks at the length of the bar and decides that no one could pee that far and accepts the bet. The drunk hops up on the bar and begins to pee. He pees all over the bar not even coming close to the shot glass. The bartender begins to laugh and happily scoops up the P1000 quite proud that he has won the bet.The drunk hops off the bar and smiles at the other people which makes the bartender suspicious so he asks the drunk, "Hey! You come in here and bite your eye and win five hundred pesos, then you bite your other eye and win another 500 pesos. Now you knew before you bet me that you couldn't pee the length of this bar. Why are you so happy about losing????"The drunk says, "Before I bet you about the shot glass, I went around the bar and bet everyone in here P1000 that I could get up on your bar and pee all over it..... and you'd be happy about it!"

2005-10-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

The best semester ever..

One week to go and I'd light up firewoks lolz. Whew! Whatta semester it has been. This would probably be the best college semester I'd ever had lolz!!! Hmmm.. lemme count.. argh! I only attended less than 50% of our class meetings the whole semester and I haven't got any classcard dropped!!! Whooopie!!! Astig noh?? wahahaa.. Got one serious problem remaining though.. Ilan kaya ang pasado ko???? wahahahaha.. I got hooked up kasi sa dotA Frozen Throne na yan!!! lolz B.I. ka jaysen!!! haha just kidding.. >.< gotta go my class pa ako ng 4:00 eh! lolz and i'd be fifteen minutes late lolz (WAHHH ABSENT NA YUN! ^^) I'll inform you na lang kung ilang subject ang bumagsak, next week lolz.

2005-10-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Skit..

Almost done.. uhmm.. fixed the links, archive, and added the comments link below each entries.. mga add ons na lang like clock etc. to make it look good then poof tapos na hehe..

2005-10-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Something unusual..

This morning something weird came up.. Funny, last night before I slept, I wished for something really weird. I wished that my grandparents from my dad's side would come into my dreams from the other side para makakwentuhan, I never saw them since birth kasi eh. Then around 12 midnight I had a uhmm.. I dont know what you call it.. that thinggie when you wake up and could'nt move, when you thought you are awake but the truth is your just dreaming that you are awake. Argh I dont know whats the right term for it. But 'nyways I just got myself back to sleep and stop fighting that "I am awake but I'm not" feeling. Intro lang yan, heres the weirdest thing that ever happened to me.. For the very first time in history.. Yes my dear friends walang labis walang kulang.. My mom, yes you heard me right, my dear mom had a fight with my evil wicked aunt.. Wanna know the cause of this early morning brawl? My mom tried to save my ass!! haha.. I dont know if I should be thankful or uhmm basta nagulat ako.. lolz usually they would conspire kasi and beat the hell out of me till I'm fully deteriorated hahaha. but no no, not this time.. First time ever.. my mom took sides with me.. haha.. simpleng bagay lang eh.. my aunt insisted that they should wage world war 3 against me for staying up late.. They were not concerned about my health or anything that would benifit me.. she, my aunt, was just worried about the fucking electric bill.. haha cause she thought.. or maybe she just made it up, that I was awake all night watching dvds yay! and waddafook!! I dont even live at the same house they live in.. (FYI FLASH BACK: I have saved this lil amount of money when i was in highschool and spent it to build my own cozy home near the house my folks live in.. where I moved in last 3 years.. haha home alone baga!) hayy.. I dont know what is with these people.. Just one thing.. ang weird talaga.. my mom? rooting for me?? argh! wish this isn't a dream hahaha.. aight gotta go.. got to get to work.. my finals examination is fast approaching.. and I need to hustle some dough to get myself and my future family a nicer and much better future..

"Since birth you left me for granted.. I stopped dreaming for you to love and care for me too and even so little, to acknowledge me as your son.. don't bring my hopes too high now for I might fall again.. I wont take it.. I swear I'd die."

2005-10-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

"Josh" as told by Sakura..

Hom: Short for Tamahome, all you anime lovers know who he is so no need to explain further. Its like Josh's inner child. My 1st love >.<

Sonic: The most Joshie side but more agressive.

Agent P: Short for Agent Pato haha. His alter ego and his sly devil side.

Noname: I hate him, evilest af all evil. Well lagi ako inaaway ni enen (short for noname) naiinis ako when he's there talaga. pero outnumbered naman siya so no worries.

Minsan lang naman anjan c Sonic at Agent P. Si Hom lagi anjan saka c Enen. Ewan ko lang ngayon. Si Hom malambing pero naughty din hihihi.

Tapos theres an angel, a girl and a kuya. These are the ones na di ko masyado nakakasalamuha.

G: The angel, bihira siya makta kasi madalas andun siya sa langit hahaha.

Ren-ren: The girl in him, the fighter haha funny noh? kung sino ung girl side niya siya pa ung fighter.

Swoosh: Ang kuya ng lahat. Siya yung pinakamabait next to G siyempre hehe.

2005-10-13T00:31:00.000-07:00

My Warning..

If you want, I can take you there..
to that quiet place where I will share
the side of me, I never let anyone see..
No, do not thank me for my generousity..

Once you know, you can never go back..
You'll sit mesmerized as white fades to black..
then it will be akward never quite sure what to say
on sight of me, you'll turn the other way ..

I tried to tell you, it wasnt a pretty sight..
but what was it you said, "It will be alright.."
perhaps now you understand why I remain bound,
to keep you from seeing the beast when it comes around..

I tried to tell you, but you wouldnt believe..
that the otherside of me, was an atrocity..
I see you staring at the floor when I say Hi!
I see your body shudder as I go by..

but then.. ..

I told you, You don't want to know me..

2005-10-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

Another day passes by..

Another day passes by.. Another day filled with nothing.. I stare blankly at this monitor screen.. listening the clock ticking.. waiting for something special to happen.. waiting for my inspiration to show up.. i've waited here for 48 hours.. maybe shes with someone else.. someone who deserves her better.. someone.. someone special.. someone.. someone not me..

"Maybe I'm not the one for you"

2005-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

My soul won't keep secrets..

I held my secret inside of me so no one would find the time to worry..
i told myself to keep quiet and never let them see me bleed..
I didn't want you to know me, now i am open and you see who i am..
my soul cannot keep secrets, and my face is its playmate..
together my soul and body breed, birthing babies full of sadness and moments dark and lonely.. please don't start to worry..

i tried to laugh today, as the tears melted my joy..
I tried to try today, but i was consumed by the noise..

i never meant to bring you here; i don't want you to see..
shut your eyes close your mouth, don't even breathe..
shhhhhh...i will close my wounds, clear the air..
i won't let you witness my secrets; for they come with the burden of having to care..

Just tell your soul to keep this secret and i'll tell mine shut its mouth..
my day will come it always does and we will breed our souls together and i just might let you see me for all that i am not..

2005-10-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Top 10 things you dont know about Josh
by: Scarlet
He longs for his parents although he never admit it.
He thinks he is very unlucky in this world but actually realize how lucky he is.
He is very seloso.
Emotional being.
You don't actually hate girls, but only have bad encounters with them.
You can't stand a girl cry specially not your mom.
You are not thrifty and havo no idea how to save.
You're vain
You're scared of being alone.
He loved me.

2005-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

A secret I'd keep 'til the day I die..

I'm missing someone.. Lately shes been running circles inside my head.. Yes, I do love her.. But it is wrong.. I mean.. Its complicated.. *sigh.. This insanity must stop.. But I cant.. Its too late.. I've lost control over my heart..

"My Moonlight Flower.. I love you.. I really do.. And I'm sorry.."

2005-05-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

re posted the question a very special friend asked me.. with it rises much complicated questions.. i don't know.. i can't answer it all.. though i'd really love to.. i couldn't find the answers.. where am i?.. who am i?.. what have i become??... these past few days.. weeks.. months.. i've turned to something different.. something.. not me... as i've said earlier.. i don't know the answers to these questions.. im getting older as each minute passes by.. im running out of time.. but.. i cant move.. im helpless.. ..somebody.. anybody.. help..

2005-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

2005-02-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

Join the RPC 2005 Regional Legs Now!

Date Posted: Feb. 04, 2005 by www.levelupgames.ph

The quest to determine the best pRO PVP players begins as RPC 2005 tours the Philippines.

Starting first week of February to March 4, 2005, Ragna fanatics from all over the country can register and participate in the biggest MMORPG tournament lottery draft. Form an all-star selection of 9 players (plus 2 alternates) and find a Café to be your sponsor. You don’t necessarily need to belong in the same server. Tournament set-up shall be WOE-style, LAN pRO format (similar to last year’s RWC Philippine Finals BUT with 2-2 jobs!)

At the Amatsu and Kunlun launch this March, LU! will draw 32 teams each from the four (4) Regions (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila). And from April to June, RPC 2005 will hold Regional Qualifiers where the lucky teams will battle it out for four (4) slots to the Finals and will have the chance to win over P500,000 in cash prizes!

Regional pride and café dominance are at stake as the best of the best collide in mortal combat! Register now! Registration period is from February 4, 2005 to March 4, 2005 only!

Our Business Relations Officers will be going from café to café to start collecting application forms all across the country!

Also, the Regional qualifiers is just the start of more things to come for RPC. It’s only ONE of THREE ways to join RPC 2005. There’s the Royal Midgard Guild Siege and the new Wild Card ( 2 per server!). Get more info on the official RPC 2005 website.

Download the RPC 2005 application form now.For more information, email us at: rpc2005@levelupgames.ph

MECHANICS:

Regional Legs

I. Registration

1. Map out your strategies and join the turf wars for the 4 RPC Regions: Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

2. Gather your friends, form a team of nine (9) plus two (2) alternates and join the Regional Legs. Members must at least have a level 30 pRO character. But for the Regional Legs and the Ragnarok Philippine Championships, participants will be using pre-generated characters (refer to Game & Character Limitations).

3. Get an internet café to sponsor your team. Only one team can be sponsored by a café in a particular area (e.g. one team sponsored by Netopia SM Megamall and another team by SM Dapitan) so start scouting for a café to back you up. View the list of internet cafes per area.

4. As your team’s sponsor, the café shall shoulder all expenses and costs of the team in the RPC 2005 Regional Legs.

5. Fill up a Regional Qualifier Application Form available at key internet cafés and downloadable here.

6. Be reminded that you are allowed to register only under one (1) team and one (1) café.

7. Regional Leg applications are open from February 1 to March 4, 2005. Submit the application form together with the following documents: - Eleven (11) team members’ application forms- Photocopy of each player’s birth certificates- Photocopy of each player’s valid IDs (passport, driver’s license, school ID, etc.)- Photocopy of sponsoring café’s business permit OR official letter of endorsement from sponsoring café with proof of billing

8. Mail or hand-carry complete requirements to: Level Up!, Inc. 8th Flr. Pacific Star Bldg., G. Puyat Ave., cor. Makati Ave., Makati City

9. For Visayas and Mindanao residents, applications may be sent to:Level Up!, Inc. CEBU Rm. 503 Denaque Bldg., Osmeňa Blvd., Capitol Site, Cebu City Level Up!, Inc. DAVAO2nd Flr. Boyztrek Café, Bolton St., Davao City

10. You may also hand over applications to your area’s LU! Business Relations Officer (BRO). Ask your Cafe Sponsor for the name of the BRO in your area or check out the list at the RPC website (coming soon).

11. All registration entries are subject to verification. If an entry has false, misleading information, and/or incomplete requirements, the player and/or team will be disqualified. A team with below than 9 members will be disqualified from the tournament.

12. A lottery will determine which teams would qualify for the Regional Eliminations. You may check out how many teams per area will be drawn in the lottery below (see AREAS).

13. The Regional Qualifiers Lottery will be held in public and done simultaneously from different locations on March 12, 2005 at the Amatsu and Kunlun: A Tale of Two Cities Launch.

14. The last two (2) slots of the Metro Manila Leg will be given to the members of last year’s champions, the Philippine team Unholy and Rebirth. As a requirement, each of the guilds should enlist at least 50% (or 6 of 12 players) of the original members, lest their slot would be given to waitlisted teams.

15. Four (4) additional teams per region will be drawn and put on the waiting list

16. Qualifying teams will be contacted via e-mail and phone by an authorized LU! representative. Teams, on the other hand, must confirm their participation on the tournament on or before March 4, 2005.

II Tournament Set-up

1. A team should be composed of nine (9) players, two (2) alternates and must choose among the thirteen (13) second job classes available in pRO, excluding Super Novice.

2. There should be no repeating job class per team.

3. Only registered team members are allowed in the tournament. In case of an absence, the two (2) alternates must be present to play as substitute.

4. Regional Eliminations per area will last for two (2) days. The thirty-two (32) team leaders will be asked to draw lots to determine which teams will be playing on the respective tournament days.

5. Each tournament day, 16 teams will fight on a single-match, sudden death round. Once the vying teams are narrowed down to two (2), matches will be on a best of three basis.

6. The winning team on the first tournament day gets to challenge the winning team on the second day.

7. In the Regional Finals, teams will compete on best of five matches.

8. The Regional Masters from Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao win slots to the Ragnarok Philippine Championships 2005, where they will compete with the four (4) Server Sovereigns.

III. Character and Game Limitations

1. The team lineup will be given pre-generated characters. Hunters, wizards, priests and their Juno alternate classes (bards, dancers, sages, monks) will be provided a level 85 character; while knights, assassins, blacksmiths and their Juno alternate classes (crusaders, rogues, alchemists), a level 90 character.

2. Competing teams must comply with the weapons and items restrictions. Only those that are included in this list may be used in the tournament.

3. Matches will be held at a WoE map. Thus, WoE map restrictions will apply.

4. NPCs will be available for replenishing of stocks in between matches.

IV. Tournament Proper

1. Regional games shall be hosted on a special tournament server.

2. All matches are a team vs. team (9 vs. 9) single elimination PVP match. Schedules will be determined by a draw of lots.

3. Teams are expected to come on time. Latecomers are allowed a 2-minute grace period to get to the tournament location. Non-appearance in a scheduled match means disqualification.

4. Each team will be given 15 minutes to assign stats, skills, consumables and equipment. Keep in mind that configurations will be reset after every match.

5. After logging in, players will be asked to place their hands off their keyboards and wait for the head marshal’s instructions.

6. A countdown will signal the start of a match. During this time, players may start casting support spells. 7. Each match lasts for 15 minutes.

8. In case of disconnection due to external force (includes network & hardware problems), the match will be stopped and then restarted. Only marshals have the authority to stop a tournament.

9. The team that eliminates all or most of the opposing team’s members when they reach the time limit wins the match. 10. In case of a tie, the team with the lowest total levels of surviving characters wins. If by chance the competing teams have equal levels, a 5-minute sudden death match will follow. This tie-breaker will be repeated until a team wins.Prizes:RPC 2005 Grand Champion: P 500,000 + P500,000 donation to a public school of their choiceRunner Up: P 100,000Regional Masters: P 30,000 / team (4 teams) + all expense paid trip to Manila for the championships i-Cafés:Sponsoring Café of Regional Masters: 1 high-spec PC / café (4 cafés) Sponsoring Café of Regional Qualifying Teams: P 2,000 / café (36 cafés/region), Café signage upon attendance in the Regional Legs + all expense paid trip to Manila for the championships

cool di ba? whatcha waiting for? sign up na!! and RoK oN! =)

2005-02-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

Virginity Issues..

Its time to speak up!!! argh!!!..

Lately ive been recieving loads of i.m.-s from girl "friends" asking me tips and advices on this so called "de-virginity" thingie..

Here are some of the few consequences having premarital sex..

case #1
fear of being accepted by their future partners..
AbysmalPoring: virgintiy has nothing to do with love.. and not all men look for virgin partners.. hek hek hek

case #2
pregnancy..
AbysmalPoring: poooing!?! it is'nt your baby's fault.. do the right thing.. or suffer the pain of guilt and the lashes of your conscience forever..

case #3
Health risks..
AbysmalPoring: S.T.D... A.I.D.S... need to say more?

These are just some of the few things to consider before "doing that thing".. now think..
Is a few moment of lust and pleasure worth the risk?

For those "too late" cases..
It's not the end of the world sistah.. made your wrong move.. took the wrong turn.. got lost.. why not find the right path and start living your life the way you should?

Based on our culture, Filipino culture.. Premarital sex is a deviant act.. sex is something sacred..
only done after marriage.. but hell! i dont really care if my future wife is a virgin or not.. I dont add that up to my standards on looking for "the perfect lifetime partner".

"Trippin' by accident is alright.. but stumbling twice on the same spot is STUPIDITY"

2005-02-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

pif pif pif!.. Its an awful morning.. to begin with.. i came in late for my comp prog semifinals exam.. aint got my test booklet.. pen malfunctionng.. annoying classmates (most of 'em GIRLS) doing their witchy noise teeheeheeheehee arghhh!! for christ's sake they're f**kin' college students and not kinder garten pupils.. could'nt they have the decency to act like one?? oh well.. wuteva!..
"women haters will always be women haters"

2005-02-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

red is everywhere.. love is in the air.. roses, balloons, chocolates, candlelit dinning and sweetie, mushy, huggy, lovey stuffs are scattered everywhere..

haha.. im wearing black.. got no time for love.. hehehe.. gotta prepare my wizard skills in preparation for the war of emperium this 7pm midgard time..

Sorry nga pla sa mga hindi ko nabati nitong valentines.. i dont see this day as a special day kasi eh hehehe.

"Let every single day of the year be a day of hearts"