The day a civil engineer destroyed a building

Remember this day in world history? This is the day the Lord has allowed a madman to demolish the World Trade Center in New York. And reduced it to Ground Zero.

* * *

More than 2,800 people died in that horrible demolition job seen all over the world on television for free. It was so sudden it didn't give sufficient time for enterprising tv merchants to go into a pay-per-view business.

* * *

Did you know that Osama bin Laden has a degree in civil engineering? He ignored the engineer's slogan I saw on the wall of the Mapua Institute of Technology some years ago that said: "The Engineer Builds." He destroyed!

* * *

E-mail from Ronnie Falconeri: "Sir Jabat, let me share with you and your women readers these tips on how to avoid being a victim of violent crimes."

* * *

   • "If attacked in a public place, scream 'Fire!' People respond faster to a threat of fire."

   • "Make sure that your body language exudes confidence. Walk with your head up and with a purposeful stride. Attackers prefer to prey on women who appear meek and weak."

* * *

   • "When leaving the malls or public venue, get in your car and immediately drive away. Going through your purse, writing or doing your checkbook gives the bad guys ample opportunity to jump in the passenger side and attack or rob you."

* * *

   • "If your car breaks down, roll up the windows and phone for help. Do not accept assistance from strangers, no matter how harmless or well-meaning they appear."

   • "In public buildings, always take the elevator rather than the stairs."

* * *

   • Reader Falconeri said the tips are just a part of the many tips given by Nick Romancini, a former policeman who travels around the United States hosting seminars on safety and self-defense.

* * *

   A reader has observed that more politicians and local government units haveexpressed their sorrow over the death of Ka Erdy Manalo than over the passing of Cory Aquino. "Nakakita man tingali ka sa mga dagkong ads in national dailies where the politicians expressed their sympathy to the family of Ka Erdy and the Iglesia ni Cristo community."

* * *

   Yes, Sir, I have seen and read the condolence ads or obituaries in the broadsheets. The politicians seem to be competing in the size of obituaries they put out to show their love

for Ka Erdy.

* * *

   I have been indisposed for some time now because of my spinal injury. But I continue going about my usual job as a therapy of sorts. That's why you continue to read this column three times a week even if sometimes I could not hit the keys in my computer's keyboard. Hehe.

* * *

   I'm telling you this for no other reason than the need for me to fill up the remaining space of my column. Hehehe.

* * *

Email: [email protected]