PARADOXICAL

Important developments that I forgot to take note of in 2025: the establishment of Malasakit Centers nationwide, promising "zero balance billing" to indigent patients and superfast processing of documentary requirements.

***

LTO announced a planned ban on e-bikes and e-trikes in major roads nationwide.

***

A story about a missing bride-to-be went viral. There was also a story about a missing priest. But I got too busy with the holidays to even bother.

***

Fashion icon Giorgio Armani died.

***

NYC's Mayor Mamdani issued a statement in support of collectivism, alarming people who know their basic history of communism.

***

A Swiss bar caught fire, killing scores of people.

***

A historic church in Amsterdam was razed.

***

Puzzling development: US bombed Venezuela and captured its president due to "narcoterrorism." This violation of a country's sovereignty was met with outcry the world over. But, wait. The people of Venezuela were actually rejoicing, even jubilant about the arrest of Maduro.

Because of this, there was a widespread fear that Russia and China and who knows what else would be emboldened to follow suit or up the ante with what they have already done, so to speak. 

Some sectors also recalled how they were likewise kidnapped in the past. Imee Marcos during the EDSA 'people power revolution,' which reprised her mother Imelda's old version of the story, the Duterte children, who insisted their father was kidnapped by the ICC and requested for Trump to "kidnap Duterte" or "kidnap BBM as well." Even actress Melanie Marquez recalled her own old story of being a kidnapping victim.  I am afraid we need to review what real kidnaping means.

***   

Chuando Tan, a Singaporean photographer and former model, has become a global sensation for his youthful looks despite being born in 1966. At nearly 60 years old, he continues to stun audiences by appearing decades younger, often looking like he is in his 20s or 30s. His story has spread widely online, drawing fascination from fans who are amazed by his age-defying appearance.

Recent studies in long-lived populations like Sardinia reveal a surprising “cholesterol paradox” where moderately high LDL cholesterol around 130 mg/dL or higher is linked to longer life. In elderly adults, LDL may serve as a vital reserve for immune function, cell repair, and hormone production, challenging the idea that lower is always better. While high cholesterol is still risky for younger adults, these findings suggest that in older, healthy individuals, aggressive lowering may not be necessary. Experts now suggest focusing on overall metabolic health and ratios like Total Cholesterol to HDL rather than just LDL numbers for longevity.

In Japan, falling asleep at work is not considered a sign of laziness but a cultural practice known as “Inemuri,” which roughly translates to “sleeping while present.” Inemuri allows employees to take short naps during work hours as a way to recharge, maintain focus, and enhance overall productivity. Far from being frowned upon, these brief naps are often seen as evidence that employees are dedicated and have been working hard enough to need rest. The practice reflects a unique approach to workplace efficiency, emphasizing mental rejuvenation and the importance of balancing exertion with recovery.

***

An ancient entrance arch of the Binmaley Catholic Cemetery was being demolished when a lot of quarters raised a ruckus until the demolition was suspended.

***

posted by Resty Odon  # 2:15 PM