Horrific tragedy averted

By Alex P. Vidal

“I like to complain and do nothing to make things better.”— Kurt Cobain

ILOILO residents and motorists should be “thankful” they have been alerted by the sinking flyovers in Ungka and Aganan in Pavia when they were first opened in September.

If the impairment was not detected on time, it could have endangered the lives of both the residents in that area and the motorists.

Since it is a gigantic infrastructure project, the damage on the lives and property would have been catastrophic.

We’ve seen the horrors of some flyovers and bridges in other countries that collapsed due to structural aberrations where motorists were badly maimed and mangled. Ilonggos are still luckier.

Since it would reportedly take a year or beyond to overhaul or repair the newly built P680-million flyover project initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the traffic woes of the Ilonggos will be far from over. Indeed, it’s back to square one.

We are interested to hear the explanation of the contractors and other agencies involved in this embarrassing project. There must be accountability and thorough investigation from the House of Representatives.

What a waste of time and the taxpayers’ money.

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STRENGTH IN A BOTTLE? A stomach enzyme could make as stronger. Protease, a digestive enzyme that helps our body break down proteins, appears to lessen muscle inflammation that occurs after resistance training, says Baylor University researchers.

BRAIN FOOD. We could cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by a whopping 42 percent Columbia University researchers found when they analyzed the diets of 2,136 adults over 65 that meal plans with highest intake of lefty greens, tomatoes, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower plus fish, nuts, and vinaigrette-type salad dressing, with only small amounts of full-fat dairy products, cut their odds of Alzheimer’s.

TWILIGHT INSIGHT AND OUR YOUNGSTERS. Why are teens fascinated by these fanged creatures? “Vampires are alluring. They’re neither completely human nor dead; they don’t belong in either world. Teenagers identify with them because they often feel like outsiders, too, as they transition from childhood into adulthood,” says Dr. Kathy Ramsland, author of The Science of Vampires.

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SHE’S NOT IMPRESSED. Tough guys don’t wow women. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology shows that women find a man more appealing if he walks away from a jerk instead of responding aggressively.

‘OPTIMAL SEXUALITY. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality has defined 8 major components of “optimal sexuality.” Based on interviews with 44 individuals who reported having great sex, plus 20 sex therapists, a team of researchers identified 8 key factors–being present, connection, deep sexual and erotic intimacy, extraordinary communication, interpersonal risk taking and exploration, authenticity, vulnerability and transcendence.

ARTIC BLAST. CNN has reported that more than 25 million people across much of the central and northwestern US are under wind chill alerts. Heavy snow is expected today in several states including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and most of Minnesota—where the high temperatures will remain below zero, according to the National Weather Service.

This week, more than 80 percent of the Lower 48 will experience temperatures below freezing, with cities as far south as Atlanta, Houston and Orlando currently included on that list. Forecasters are also predicting some in the Midwest could experience their coldest Christmas Day in nearly 40 years, with air travelers likely facing cancellations and delays.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)