When I first heard the news about US government shutdown, I was surprised or shall I say confused: How could that be? The land of milk and honey will face another challenges and I was much concern because my sister lives there with her hubby. I just hope this will not have a greater impact around the globe. The infographics below shows three agencies that have been closed since 1st of October this year: Medical Research, Museum and Parks and the Environmental Protection Agency. I haven't read anything so far if this closure will just be temporary or for good. Though other departments and agencies are open but they will likely to furlough some staff.

Like what I said, I was really confused about the issue. Anyway, let me share a part of the article from Yahoo! news regarding this issue:

The US leader is scheduled to leave for Asia on Saturday, but the trip now depends on how the first US government shutdown in 17 years plays out.

So far, the signs are not encouraging, as Republicans and Democrats in Washington appeared no closer to reaching agreement on a spending bill to keep the government running.

For a second day, federal workers will stay off the job without pay and tourists will be turned away from Washington's museums and monuments, amid national exasperation that the nation's elected officials were unable to avoid the impasse.

Obama on Tuesday accused conservatives in the House of Representatives of waging an "ideological crusade" by making government funding conditional on gutting his landmark health care law.

His top foe, Republican House Speaker John Boehner, said Obama was pursuing a "scorched earth" policy by refusing to negotiate, as the rhetoric hit new heights and hopes faded for a swift end to the standoff... click HERE for more

Oh, ObamaCare, is this the reason behind this crisis? Filipinos who stayed in US was solicited for reaction by the newsgroup and some were happy about this health care law that was authored by President Obama himself, which was also the reason for disagreement between Dominican and Republican officials.

Well, I am confident that President Obama can take care of this. Wherever this issue may lead, it is my prayer that all Filipino workers and immigrants in the US will always be safe from the effect of this issue.

God bless America!

My husband at work

Local election is fast approaching and many aspiring candidates are already preparing their jingle, which, I guess, only happens in the Philippines. I remember how my husband earned money out of it together with selected members of the choir group in our congregation. A certain politician, who is also a common friend of our minister, approached them once asking them to make an election jingle for him. He preferred to choose them because he wants to come up with a wholesome election jingle that will leave a lasting impression among his constituents. In short span of time (as requested), the jingle was completed with only two vocals, and a multiplex. But the output was like the jingle was done with a complete set of accompaniments like drums on the background. My husband did the tricks with his little knowledge in audio and music editing.

My husband’s passion for music doesn't limit him to just playing the guitar, beating the drum or any other musical instruments. I was amazed on how he can edit background music with audio or musical effects. He can add effects like it was really real or done actually. I know most of the guys knew about it yet, my man doesn't really have a formal training on this area. He is only a sound technician in our church. But his curiosity brought him to learn beyond the ordinary. He loves exploring the net to find tips on how to improve such skills. Right now, he is also curious about bfd2 and hopes to have one so he could really maximize his potentials.

I already posted this on my other blog and I love to feature it here as well. I just can't get enough of Megan Lynne Young, my ultimate bet for Miss World 2013. She was my bet not only because she has a Filipino blood and she was representing the Philippines, she was my bet because she is beautiful inside and out.

I wasn't able to watch the Coronation because we don't have a cable TV, I just learned the news from Facebook updates. But before this day comes, I already followed her updates through Yahoo news and I learned that joining a beauty pageant was one of her ultimate dreams and indeed she doesn't fulfilled it, she really succeeded on winning it as well! Aside from winning the crown, she also won the Top Model competition during the Pre-Pageant.

Megan Lynne Young, the 1st Filipina to win Miss World title

I already admired her since she joined the Star Struck couple of years ago in GMA channel, her beauty was exceptional. I am also very proud how proud she is for being a half-Filipino. This Fil-Am girl is not only beautiful, she's very humble too. And because I was so busy waiting for the Miss World updates, i forgot to watch The Voice showdown. Well, so far, these are the two major events happening in the Philippines that has been trending in most social media accounts.

My sister- in- law is so excited because my brother who is working in Dammam, Saudi Arabia will be sending her a complete set of personal computer for their kids. My nephew who is in 7^th Grade right now really needs to have one because their old PC isn’t working properly anymore. Since my nephew got a lot of school requirements that needs internet research, he has to spend an hour or two in the internet café every day.

My brother told them that the package will probably be shipped within two months because express shipment that will only take a month is very expensive. I was wondering then what would happen to the package for such longer period of shipment? Anyway, if the courier company is using the appropriate packaging for shipping, then maybe items as delicate as PC will be safer. Hopefully, the company uses anti-static foam to keep the package really safe.

My hubby's first time experience in fun run is so successful and he really have fun last Sunday together with our church mates. This coming Sunday will be Milo's Annual Marathon event and my hubby is so excited to be a part of it too. He is aiming to run for 5K because the Milo Marathon's 3K is for kids only.

Joining this kind of event will be a sure fun especially for my hubby who will be joining Milo Marathon for the first time. Running is a good exercise and I know he can really benefit from it.

By the way for those who are interested, find below the race map

Milo National Marathon Race Map

 

The Christian Church and other religious groups have long been associated with doing charity work wherever such ministry is needed. Constantine was a Christian emperor of Rome, and he is the first ruler on record as having funded the Christian Church's alms work. In the 1800s in England and the United States, the first government programs began for social work that paved the way for the work and education of social workers today. 

England was a leader in establishing laws and programs to help the poor and needy within its borders. The laws provided for low-income and less fortunate people to fit into categories that would serve them in the best way. As examples, the able-to-work poor were in a different category from the infirm and helped according to their need. 

In the United States, a growing problem was the overwhelming number of immigrants who arrived in the country and had no money or means of support. Aid programs sprang up and individuals and organizations donated time, supplies, food and medical help to the stricken people. Eventually, hospitals saw the need for some type of social workers and hired skilled nurses for the task. Massachusetts General Hospital was the first with others soon to follow that employed nurses as social workers. 

Today, social workers are often on the front lines in the fight against social injustices. They work with the poor and needy and strive to protect human rights. Those interested in a career in this field find many private and public colleges and universities that offer social work degrees. These institutions of higher learning are a positive presence in local communities, and they advertise on radio and television as well as in relevant printed material and webpages. They will sometimes list their bachelor's degree and masters degree in social work in the advertisements. Especially do they advertise social work coursework to target audiences on the internet. 

Social workers hours or benefits might be cut when the economy is struggling, and more social workers may be hired during times of economic highs. However, those in government realize that the poor need the social work programs in place. Schools offering education for careers in the social work field encourage students to enter this career path by showing the accomplishments and rewards of working for social needs. Certainly, government-funded social work and programs will continue into the foreseeable future.