Medical Blimp: Cholera cases rise in Haiti...


The number of cases on Cholera in Haiti has risen to 2,679, bringing widespread fear. So far only five cases have been reported in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, but there is a growing feeling that the number will rise in the coming weeks. Over 200 persons have already died from the outbreak.The CDC will be sending a team to Haiti to assess the situation this week.


Cholera is a deadly disease that can kill a victim within hours if untreated. It is a bacterial infection of the intestines. Cholera can be contracted by drinking water or food contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms include, diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps.


Let's keep a close eye on this one, we need to send up prayers for the people of Haiti, it is very worrying. Remember the Walters family who are in Haiti... 

A scripture to ponder...

"Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man."
Ecclesiastes 9:15

Lessons from Aging.....

"A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction."
Ecclesiastes 4:13

As another birthday draws near and I pray that God will spare my life to see it, I often spend my time looking back at the events of time. Aging for me is like a clock that never stops ticking. You wake up one day and you look at yourself and you say, "what's going on here?". You dig deep into your thoughts, wondering what you have achieved?. It gets sad when you realize that with all your achievements there are so many things you want to do, but will God grant you more time. The bible always teaches that with age comes wisdom, and you sit alone in the dark sometimes pondering over all the mistakes you have made. "Have I gained wisdom Lord?". That question streams like live video before your eyes.

Aging is a complex process in my mortal head. I'm not like ordinary people I guess. At times I worry more about others than myself, some may say this is admirable, but in my estimation, you must also look out for you as well. I've found that lately I struggle with the fear of losing my parents one day. They are getting older and it frightens me to think that they will be gone one day. Now let's be practical now, I can go before my parents, my life is just a mist remember that, but I no doubt worry.

There are times when even my wife gets annoyed at me, when she is saying something to me and I block  out, thinking, pondering about this life. As I age I recognize that the things I thought were so bad, were actually better than I could imagine. I thought a flogging from my Mom/Dad was cruelty, but I now appreciate their love for me. Nowadays, these so called 'modern day parents' constantly miss the mark, by thinking that punishment with an object is wrong. And trust me I am not advocating abuse, but seriously I believe that if there is no punishment for misbehavior in terms of a child, then that child never learns that there is a consequence for their actions. And we wonder these days why our prisons are so full, hmmm, think on that for a sec.

Lately the aches and pains have begun, signalling that age is catching up. It may also mean that I need to do more exercise, but I have been lazy lately. That is one of the problems of living in a cold climate like Canada, you find it hard to drag yourself from your house into the cold and then to the gym. Remember you have to layer yourself, then remove all that layer, its painful. I am the captain of my soccer team, and even soccer is getting harder for me. I still have the same intensity, but the legs don't move as fast anymore.

Aging has brought some wisdom, but the innocence I had as a child has been lost. Daily I search and pray for that innocence to return. Being exposed to so much has corrupted my mind, but I continue to ask God to cleanse me daily. I am his child and being his child requires me to think like a child in terms of purity and love. Aging will never end, but the time I have now is priceless in making my life a model for others to follow.

Sports Blimp....




Manning Cup heating up...


Manning Cup 2010 is heating up as the competition nears the second round. Defending Champions, St. George's College have shown that they will not be easy to beat. They have only lost one match this season and cannot be underestimated. They have arguably one of the best coaches in Manning Cup, Neville 'Bertis' Bell. He has guided them to back to back titles and is gunning to win another title this year.


However, they will be hard pressed by Norman Manley, Excelsior, Bridgeport and Jamaica College. Bridgeport is one of the best team in the competition, going into the second round with an impressive record. They are a slick moving and technically sound team and will be hard to beat. They have an unbeaten record this season and have been scoring at will. Excelsior and Norman Manley are the 'dark horses', having well balanced teams they should add some drama, and they may be good enough to go all the way to the final.


Jamaica College also has one of the best teams in the competition, and have been given the brand of favorites. However, any football fan know that it is only results that matter. JC has looked good, having drawn one game and won all their others. They have been troubled this year by Waterford, who held them to a draw at home. Jamaica College cruise through
JC's star baller, Ashani Walker steps past his opponent


When the return match was played Waterford were actually leading 1-0 when the match was called off because of rain. Since that match JC has turned on the charm and has been in devastating form, beating all in their way, advancing easily to the second round. They will play Waterford again, and that result will determine how far they reach in the competition.


The Walker Cup is set to start soon and the top teams will face off before the Manning Cup second round. JC is the defending champion, and they will be aiming to add another trophy. However, the luck of the draw often determines which team advances to the final. JC looks set to play either Norman Manley/Penwood. These are two tough teams, which will no doubt be a treat for fans.


Manning Cup is always full of drama and the pressure on teams is reaching fever pitch, go out and watch a match today, you will not be disappointed.

Quote of the day...


"Blessings will flow when you allow God to guide your path."
DCA

Lessons from disappointment...

"Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope." Psalm 119:116

Nowadays, the times are often filled with disappointment. It is in these times that one's faith tend to waver and is severely tested. However, it is in these moments that we must draw closer to God in prayer. He will sustain us in the hardest of times, no matter how hard we think it is.

Throughout my short years on this rock, I have faced many disappointments. At times I totally wanted to give up on everything, forgetting that I am not in charge of my destiny. It is when disappointments come that we believe we have the answers. The truth is that God holds the key to our tomorrow and that we are mere mortals. It may sound easy, but it is by no means easy, and anyone who says it is has never really experienced true disappointment.

Disappointment eats away at your soul, it puts doubts in your mind, bringing thoughts that you never knew you had. It opens a portal for the dark one to creep in, pulling you further into the ditch of hopelessness. What a joy that we can call on God in these times. I am often drawn to his words when these disappointments come. I always remember what Job went through, which was more than I could ever bear. Imagine losing everything then being afflicted with sores from head to toe, that was Job's life at one time. In all that affliction though, he never cursed God but glorified his name, trampling the devil underfoot.

That is the type of attitude we should all have, and this is the attitude I am trying so hard to nurture. It's still a work in progress but daily I am learning to deal with my disappointments, by leaving it all in God's hands. The devil is always close by trying to intervene, but I know that God see and knows all, and he will help me through.

Quote of the day...

"When you go away for any length of time, its always good to return in good health."
DCA

The Commonwealth Games 2010 Nightmare



With over a week to go before the start of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, there has been disaster after disaster. For example, the bridge connecting the village collapsed then one of the arenas caved in. Added to that is the fact that many of the venues are unfinished, and most of the living quarters are substandard.

With the Organizing Committee making the mistake of having the Games in October, this has resulted in top athletes like Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt, the triple Olympic and World Championship gold and world record holder being on the list of absentees. One has to wonder with monsoon rains and the threat of dengue fever on the alert what is on the mind of the organizers. We know that hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in the Games, but who had the oversight on the projects. Most of the venues had major cost overruns, indicating the kind of problems faced in India.

Another worrying factor has been the food on offer at the Games; it has been nothing short of pathetic based on reports. The British team has not even bothered to stay in the Village due to the poor standards. The Canadian team has left for the Games and it’s a pity, and we all hope that they will be safe. The fact is terrorism is also a major threat for our athletes. They have intensified security around the venue, but based on the lack of professionalism demonstrated so far, one only has to hope for the best.

Most countries have decided to go ahead with their plans of being at the Games, but this cannot be an easy decision for these athletes. When one considers the many negative factors so far, it has truly become a nightmare.

It is clear that the host country was just not ready for an event of this magnitude. For something like this, there is no time for trial and error, and someone should be held accountable for this debacle. Heads should roll at all levels, especially at the top.
The eyes of the world are now focused on these Games and the several athletes which are taking grave risks to be there.

We hope that the Canadian camp will ensure that they provide their own security and carefully look at the needs of the athletes. One cannot depend on the host country in this case; they are overwhelmed by so many issues, that it will be miracle if they get all the venues ready. One thing that is obvious is that the venues may not be at a world class level.

One thing that is sure is that the Commonwealth Games 2010 will go down as the worst in history. The nightmare has started and it will take years for everyone to wake from this one.

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