Things I saw when I was out and about on the internet today.

Kevin Kim had a thought-provoking post dealing with the philosophical questions regarding the “right” way to give to others. He delved into the religious aspects of charity for charity’s sake and how that true generosity is not contingent on getting something in return. Good stuff, go give it a read.

I left a comment on Kevin’s post regarding my own selfish motivations for helping others:

I’m living comparatively rich in a poor country. When I first started visiting here I’d feel guilty and get depressed about all the poverty that surrounds me. So I resolved that when I moved here I’d find ways to make a difference for some people at least. I help a few in various ways which perhaps makes their lives a little easier. I get the satisfaction of knowing my presence here has made a small improvement for them. I’m honest about the selfish nature of my charity, but to me, it’s a win-win. Since religion plays almost no part in my life I sleep just fine at night despite my doctrinal failings.

I really hope I don’t come off as engaging in virtue signaling. I mean, I do what I do and it may not be much, but every little bit helps I hope. I’m certainly not looking for any attaboys, but doing what I do makes me feel better, I honestly don’t give a flip what others may think of me or my activities. I can’t recall where or when I first heard this anecdote but it still resonates with me:

There was a big storm and after it passed thousands of starfish were washed up on the beach as far as the eye could see. A young boy was standing near the water and throwing the starfish back into the ocean one by one. An old man approached and said: “Little boy, why bother? You can’t save all these starfish.” The boy responded as he picked up antoher starfish and threw it into the sea: “Maybe not, but I saved that one!”

We all just need to do the best we can. Leaving things better than we found them is a worthy accomplishment. Let’s move on, shall we?

You can’t open your browser without encountering hysterics and doomsday platitudes concerning that mysterious virus that magically just appeared in the world. It would be racist to actually say where it came from, or so I’ve been told by folks who claim their intellect is superior to mine.

But despite all the bullshit, occasionally you can ferret out a tidbit or two of truly useful information. Imagine the comfort I took when I saw a pillow that looked exactly like mine:

On a more serious note, I came across a writeup on an expat forum I read that pretty closely echo my sentiments. Well, except for the part about bailing on the Philippines. I’m not ready to give up on this country just yet.

Just a heads up on lockdown in a major city in the Philippines. Lots of insanity and madness at all levels. The country had major problems and human rights issues prior to the so called corona virus, now it’s all just snowballed. Millions of the poorer people’s lives have been made worse than they already were. Without the monthly pay check they are basically screwed. Lots of problems getting food. A lot of the aid hasn’t reached them, and possibly been pocketed by those in power, as people have suggested. Yet so many people just go about their daily lives.

This is the first time I have ever heard some Filipinos say this is a shit country. Usually they are quite patriotic. That’s not to say a lot of the masses are speaking out. The average poorer Filipino is not often found to think for themselves or question or do their own research. So many reactions to this whole so-called pandemic have been nothing short of disturbing indeed. As a society it has got to be one the most easily scared and manipulated that I have ever witnessed, especially in the lower classes.

In my opinion, the people of authority here often have no idea what they are doing. What I commonly see here is people in positions of authority that clearly do not possess the intelligence or common sense to make decisions that affect people’s lives. The main problem with people like this is that they think they are smart, but they are not. It’s a common trait here, maybe a form of narcissism.

It is what it is and hopefully at some point sanity will prevail. Here’s hoping!

Anyway, Olongapo begins the general quarantine rules on Saturday. I’m not sure that it will matter much, still no bars to go hang out in.

In other news, it looks like I’ll be able to stop complaining about the heat soon:

Scott posted some photos he took of yesterday’s walk on his Facebook page. He’s better with the camera than I am. Here are a few for your perusal:

Alright, enough of that. Let me leave you with this:

I do recall the dyslexic bank robber who burst inside and shouted: ÖKAY MOTHER STICKERS, THIS IS A FUCK UP! GET YOUR ASS IN THE AIR OR I’LL BLOW YOUR HANDS OFF!”

You are welcome.