5 Things We Can Do to Help Typhoon Survivors

Ground Zero - Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, a category 5 tropical cyclone, just hit the country. Our countrymen in the Visayas region are struggling right now. Many have lost their homes, livelihood, and properties, many their entire families. Thousands of dead bodies are strewn along the country side while thousands more are still missing. But the most painful feeling for the survivors is guilt, the guilt of having survived.

Many are so devastated, coupled with hunger and hopelessness that they have decided to take desperate measures like looting. Anarchy and violence has spread throughout Tacloban. Even initial aid convoys from agencies like Red Cross have been attacked and ransacked.

Seeing the pictures of destruction and death you tell yourself, “This isn’t real! This only happens in apocalyptic Hollywood movies!” You close your eyes hoping that when you do open them up, all this was just a nightmare. But the truth remains, a truth we all have to face as a nation. 

Here are the 5 things we can do to help:

1. Let’s give what we can

These are the following things they desperately need:

a. Drinking water – dehydration is a constant threat to the survivors, that is why drinking water is a priority

For those who want to go the extra mile buy a device called LifeStraw. This device filters water from any source.

b. Clothes and underwear – our countrymen had all their clothing washed away. They need clothes and underwear. The Red Cross only gives clothes that are suitable for the Philippine climate. Do not give clothes that are too thick. Also, do not give clothes that are too intimate/revealing - something you cannot wear in an evacuation center. Also, do not give clothes that are too dilapidated and can't be used anymore.

This is the cold season, go the extra mile and send tons of blankets to help keep them warm.

c. Canned food and rice – food that won’t expire and won’t require water is a must. Biscuits and ready to eat food are highly favourable. Starvation drives honourable men to do dishonourable things for their family, for their children. High energy food will greatly help.

d. Medicine and antibacterial soap– people have been sick for days. Some need antibiotics for the gashes and wounds they sustained during the storm. People don’t need cosmetic soap! They need anti-bacterial soap!

e. Tents – with no suitable shelter, people are huddling under whatever they can. Nothing is shielding them from the elements.

f. Solar chargers, solar powered flashlights, candles, water proof matches – nights seem darker for the survivors.

2. Our 13th month – every amount counts. Maybe that new iPhone 5S you planned on buying can wait. That sacrifice can go a long way for people who are in need.

3. Christmas budget – maybe this Christmas season our relatives wouldn’t mind if all we can give are simple gifts/tokens of appreciation this year. I’m pretty sure Jesus wouldn’t mind if we used the money we have for helping our brethren, it is after all His birthday. Christmas isn’t about the gifts but the spirit of giving and being with the people you love.

4. Our time and strength – let’s go the extra mile to help. If we have given the things above, good for you, but if you haven’t, we can always help in the packing of the goods. Extra hands are always welcome in times like this because the time we give shortens the length of suffering for the survivors. We can also take our Vacation Leaves and go to these places and share our expertise. Currently Cebu Pacific and Air Asia Zest are giving out promo flights to assist volunteers and NGOs wanting to help.

We can also be creative in establishing businesses and fund raisers that will help generate the necessary funds to help. Hey even these two young girls are doing it, why can’t we?

5. Use social media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Youtube all these social media sites can help spread the news and information across the globe.

All these things will help the survivors not only physically but psychologically as well. The knowledge and realization that someone cares is enough for people to hope and be encouraged. This is just the beginning, the first step in a long road to recovery; yes, things will never be the same for the survivors and the country but hopefully for the better. May this calamity unite us all, set aside our selfishness and awaken our nationalism. We are a resilient people, we will recover and stand stronger than ever before. 

Mabuhay Pilipinas!

Engineering a President

For this week, we interrupt regular programming to discuss about this statement of our president. This statement clearly demonstrates lack of fundamental knowledge of how renewable energy works. We here at stain on paper found it queer that our president does not know the basics of energy engineering. This statement was said during an energy summit, and as such we would also believe that most of his cabinet members also lack the technical knowledge of an engineer.

On other side of the sea, our neighbor, CHINA on the other hand has 9/10 of their top officials as graduate of Engineering. Their expertise reflects on the fast growth of CHINA in the last 30 years.

We believe that engineers should step up as politicians. 

A.) It is in their nature to think systematically and logically which would help remove all the gray areas in decision making. 

B.) Engineers would also have a clear cut view of what is need to be done without being distracted by politics. 

C.) Best of all, they are very idealistic, not easily swayed by unneeded emotions or how they are perceived by the public.

This topic also would cover the very debate about who would make a better leader, an engineer or a politician. Each field has its pros and cons and we would demonstrate how each profession would handle a crisis. And to anchor it all in reality, all our actions are based on the differences in the views of the 2 countries. ( Philippines VS China) Let’s Begin..

1.) Renewable Energy – first in our list. Reason why this article came to being

a.) Politician ( POL ) – please a few big names a privatize Meralco, at the same time still reject renewable to keep the top dogs on top and electricity rates the highest in SouthEast Asia.

b.) Engineer ( ENGR ) – make the world’s biggest Hydro Electric Dam. ‘Nuff said. 

2.) PDAF Crisis

c.) Politician ( POL ) – proclaim that PDAF is cancelled but simply change it to another name. Delay the proceedings, then go to another country to escape trial.

d.) Engineer ( ENGR ) – make a simple cost benefit analysis of all the projects then allocate funds that would generate more benefits in the long term. Leave no gray area and put up feedback control systems. Criminals are shot.

"Stealing eh? Face the Firing Squad!"

3.) Bohol Earthquake

a. POL – ask for donations from the people and promise to alleviate sufferings. Oh! And don’t forget to call the media to take pictures after its all said and done.

b. ENGR – analyze earthquake zones all over the Philippines, so that the next earthquake would devastate no one.

4.) Traffic in EDSA

a. POL – “KOTONG COPS” to enforce the traffic and earn extra income.

b. ENGR – elevated train that doesn’t eat up extra space along the Highway. 

5.) War in West Philippine Sea

a. POL – bring the matter to international tribunal and just keep on waiting on the US for help.

b. ENGR – Start fishing the waters and building oil platforms and airstrips. That way, when international justice comes, you have gotten all the resources in the area already.

6.) Issue of Poverty

a. POL – use the poor people as scapegoats for various economic stimulus such as DAP and PDAF that are “released” and “intended” to benefit them.

b. ENGR – use the various funds as “seed money” and invest in various infrastructures, ports, and Special Economic Zones as well as much needed manufacturing bases.

So who would you rather have as your leader? 

ENGINEERS SPEAK UP AND ACT NOW!

References:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ieeeinsights/2012/03/28/engineers-our-government-needs-you/
http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/deans-office/dean/engineering-and-politics/
http://www.economist.com/node/13496638
http://bigpinekey.com/wp-content/uploads/firing-squad.gif
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/08/18/business/Bus/Bus-articleInline.jpg
http://hubei.chinadaily.com.cn/gov/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20111123/0023ae9897011036923806.jpg
http://spratlyforthephilippines.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/phvsch.jpg

To the World’s Most Beautiful

Here in Stain on Paper, we appreciate fine beauty as we appreciate fine engineering. This is a special tribute article to the world’s prettiest – Megan Lynne Young. This would not be an analytical article, but one that a fan boy writes for his ultimate dream girl.

And a cheesy one at that!

Megan Young is one of those rare gems in our modern world today. She’s the personification of all the values of both east and west. She’s born from an American Dad and a Filipino Mom. Thus, she possess all nice physical features in such a union –high cheekbones, perfectly pouting lips and that killer smile. She is both the new and old. Outgoing yet conservative. Risque yet delicadeza. Intelligent and interesting.  And perhaps the best trait of us Filipinos – the INDOMITABLE Spirit ( never say die attitude )

• First showbiz break was starstruck

• Miss World 2013

• Birthplace Alexandria, Virginia and moved to Olongapo City at age 10. 

• Graduated from Trinity University for Highschool and De La Salle – College of Benilde for college

Direct Attack to Megan herself

• YOU GO GIRL!!! Bashers are a sign that you have “MADE (not maid definitely )” it!! Enjoy your bashers. Don’t be affected and remember that in the world’s eyes, you are definitely the prettiest!!

An attack to the Philippines

• As was stated above, this surely is a testament to the rapid growth of the Philippines. I’m sure the world is aware that a big contributing factor to the growth of the Philippines is our OFW labor force. Our growth is 2nd in Asia at that! Plus it can be argued that, Philippines has both the most beautiful people and places.

An attack to the job of maids.

• Yet another pitiful attack. Maids are the backbones of most families abroad. They sacrifice a lot to help others. As we coin them our “MODERN DAY HEROES”, this crazy netizen degrades them. Long live our Maids!! Nothing to be ashamed, it is a decent job that everyone must be proud of. 

Megan started out as showbiz personality back in 2005, from StarStruck but thru her perseverance, became quite known in the entertainment circle. And this year, 2013, she made a big gamble for Miss World Philippines and as destiny would have it, eventually won Miss World 2013. 

And just as we thought things can’t go any better, out comes this.

This post is saddening. It has been posted by “Devina DeDiva” allegedly living in Singapore and studied at Manchester University. It has 3 main parts that attack 3 different groups. We know that it's useless but we feel the need to express our sentiments to this attack.

Obviously this poster is a hoax. Devina DeDiva doesn’t sound true, its merely a play on words. Devina DeDiva is what we call “the GARBAGE TRUCK”. She comes and dumps garbage on others. She’s full of foulness and want to spread this. In our world, we see “GARBAGE TRUCKS” everywhere, it will be our duty to avoid them and understand that as long as we keep ourself clean, their dirt will be of no effect to us. 

As we end this, we would like to dedicate a distinctly Filipino song for Ms. World 2013

Mabuti pa sa lotto..

May pag-asang manalo...

Di tulad sayo..imposible...

Prinsesa ka..ako'y dukha

Sa TV lang naman kasi may mangyayari

At kahit mahal kita...wala akong magagawa

Tanggap ko to

aking sinta..

Pangarap lang kita...

Parokya Ni Edgar - Pangarap Lang Kita Lyrics 

References:
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/86857/megan-young-embodies-the-best-of-philippines-us-says-us-envoy#ixzz2gZKHRSsz
http://www.gossip-gravy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Megan-Young-2.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkve3fXj6BxnCw11A5C9-hy8Xj-NBhssYGrFNT53gkm8pYdDjCmIqwxCZ2PzfkH9svAiAVIk_1GfUkQ70nE5-vlVIOz2Ey4EVS5CjDFDhMW1dtQt2GftPDVDMhpXkltOx3Kpu0HATxg7c/?imgmax=800
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/09/28/13/megan-young-miss-world-2013
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/510611/20131002/devina-dediva-calls-megan-young-smelly-maid.htm#.UkwYSdLPWGs
http://philnews.ph/2013/10/01/devina-dediva-comments-against-filipinos-after-megan-youngs-miss-world-victory/
http://www.metrolyrics.com/pangarap-lang-kita-lyrics-parokya-ni-edgar.html

Is the Philippine Flag Pole Project really worth 7.86 Million Pesos?

7.8 million pesos for a flag pole? This has been the outrageous question that netizens have been asking since the project was discovered during the Million People March last August 26. News reports and social media have been in disbelief due to the cost of this project. As engineers ourselves we had to ask ourselves if this price is realistic or not. Our first article will be to provide the logical facts about this project. Comments are greatly encouraged.

First is the back story of this project. This flag pole project is part of the “Beautification of Rizal Park” project proposed back in 2011. Under this project would include the following

1.)    Senior Citizen’s Garden

2.)    Restoration of Pedestrian Lanes

3.)    Restoration of Auditorium

This project is done purposely to commemorate the 150^th death anniversary of our national Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, namesake of the park itself. And as such, the old 105 ft flagpole was changed to a 150 ft one. 150^th anniversary, 150 ft. We just wonder if it will ever reach a thousand feet?

Going to the engineering part, we would show  how is a typical flagpole set up.

Why does it cost so much?!

First of all, every structure must be able to withstand every kind of force acting on it. In the case of flag poles, wind load factors in the most. According to the wind profile power law, as altitude increases, wind speed increases.

Below is a sample wind profile of the Philippines when experiencing “severely extreme” wind speeds.

Side note:

By the way, how high is 150 ft?

This means that the National Flag Pole will have to resist a great amount of force. The situation calls for sturdier components and some engineering.

To summarize,

Therefore, the taller the flagpole, the more costly it becomes.

How much does it cost to purchase and construct?

So here are our initial assumptions. Do you think the project is overpriced?

But wait, there’s more!!

Apparently, the winner of the contract, AKH construction and IBANAG HERITAGE FOUNDATION ( NGO headed by VP Jejomar Binay and Senator Enrile ) have the same contact numbers. They must be sharing the same landline. Plus the head of AKH construction is also an officer and board of trustee of the said NGO. What does this mean? Only one thing for sure. Kudos to our Vice President and Senator for supporting all BIG TICKET projects.

~quod erat demonstrandum (the conclusion of the demonstration)

References:

http://www.usflag.com/our-products-2/flagpoles/monster-flagpoles/

http://www.american-flag-superstore.com/150-Ft-MegaBig-Flagpole-Steel-150ftflagpole.htm

http://www.flagpolesetc.com/flagpoles/colossal-flagpoles.html

http://www.americanflagstore.com/media/wysiwyg/flagpolepartsdiagram.jpg

http://www.concordindustries.com/

httpwww.stadtentwicklung.berlin.deumweltumweltatlase_abbea403e01.gif

www.deq.mt.gov/energy/wind_atlas/atlas/pdf/Chapter5.PDF

http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/researchNDRB.html

http://www.modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/July_2007/30767_flagpole_web.pdf