Biyernes, Setyembre 7, 2012

FLESH EATING BACTERIA


Read our main article on necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria and flesh-eating disease 
Media reports have popularized the term "flesh-eating bacteria" to refer to a type of very rare but serious bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection that starts in the tissues just below the skin and spreads along the flat layers of tissue (known as fascia) that separate different layers of soft tissue, such as muscle and fat. This dangerous infection is most common in the arms, legs, and abdominal wall and is fatal in 30%-40% of cases.
Although necrotizing fasciitis may be caused by an infection with one or more than one bacterium, in most cases the term flesh-eating bacteria has been applied to describe infections caused by the bacterium known asStreptococcus pyogenes. The term flesh-eating has been used because the bacterial infection produces toxins that destroy tissues such as muscles, skin, and fat. Streptococcus pyogenes is a member of the group A streptococci, a group of bacteria that are commonly responsible for mild cases of sore throat (pharyngitis) and skin infections, as well as rare, severe illnesses such as toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. Most infections with group A streptococci result in mild illness and may not even produce symptoms.
Sometimes, other bacteria or even a combination of different bacteria may produce necrotizing fasciitis. A case was reported in 2012 of a young woman who suffered a zip-lining accident on a river in West Georgia. She contracted an infection with the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila, which produced a necrotizing infection that resulted in the loss of a leg and part of her abdomen.
The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Blisters may be seen in the involved area of skin. Fever,nausea, vomiting, and other flulike symptoms are common. Another characteristic of necrotizing fasciitis is that the symptoms develop very rapidly, usually within 24 hours after a wound in the skin has allowed the bacteria to invade the tissues beneath the skin. The pain is described as being more severe than would be expected from the appearance of the wound. Late symptoms can include death (gangrene) of affected areas with scaling, discoloration, or peeling of the skin.
Many of the people who have developed necrotizing fasciitis have been in good health before developing the condition. People with chronic medical conditions (for example diabetes and cancer) or who have weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis. Recent wounds (including surgical incisions) and recent viral infections that cause a rash (such as chickenpox) also confer an increased risk.
Necrotizing fasciitis is treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is critical. Hospitalization, usually with treatment in the intensive-care unit (ICU), is required. Surgery to remove infected fluids and tissue may be necessary, along with medications to treat shock and other potential complications.
REFERENCE:

Schwartz, Robert A. "Dermatologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Fasciitis." Medscape.com. June 9, 2011. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1054438-overview>.

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Huwebes, Agosto 23, 2012

Troubleshooting Motherboards - CompTIA A+ 220-702: 1.2

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sAd LoVe StOrY

May isang girl waiting for her boyfriend...

On the first day, she sent a message to the guy saying, "miss you na! what time ka ba pupunta?"

She's waiting for the reply.. but the guy didn't reply.

Second message: "I text you kaninang morning bat di ka nagreply... what time ka ba pupunta?! I need your answer asap..."

She waited for 5 hours, la paring sagot... Sa sobrang asar, ini-off nya ang CP nya and said, "I will not open this cellphone unless pumunta cya dito.." After a few minutes, nakatulog na yung girl...

Second day, she's still waiting for her boyfriend. Magpaparing sa fone tapos baba. She told herself, "Did he love me pa ba?!" He Knows naman pag napgpaparing ako..

She's expecting that the boy will call him back.. untik its evening and no one came, no one called.. her CP still off...

Third day, she's still waiting. Nagpaparing. After a few hours, the phone rung... She answered it quickly... "Hello" On the second line, "Hon, I love you very much.." Biglang nag busy. Galit na galit na umupo sa sofa at nanood ng t.v.

After a few minutes, may kumakatok. She stood quickly and opened the door. She opened the door. She was surprised when she saw her bf standing at the door. With good looks, white long sleeves and white pants...

The guy said, "Come with me... hayaan mo akong bumawi sayo..."

She answered, "Wait, I'll just..."

"Come let's go..." After a few minutes, they're on some place. Sa house ng guy.. kinabahan cya..

She's asking.. what happened?.. bat and daming tao.. at may red light.. What's that?... (she stopped for a while). "Your mom" walang sagot... The guy only looking at her face...

Biglang may tumawag sa kanya. She's shocked when she saw the guy's mom crying and embraced her...

"Come with me! Sa buong pag aakalang nakasunod sa kanya ang guy. On the door, she's shocked when she saw a dead person infront of her... She looks at her back.. but the guy is gone.. where he went, di nya alam... La naman siyang nakita dumaan infront of her..

The mother said, "Bat ngayon ka lang pumunta kahapon pa ako ng text sayo! Pero naka off ang phone mo.. She opened her CP and sat for a while and read the messages...

There are 5 unread messages... She opened the first message... "Hija, my son is now 50/50. Come here, he needs you..."

The second message: "Please come here or reply... I need it now.."

Third message: "My son is on comatose... Can you visit him now?... You're his strength.."

Fourth message: "Hija, my son is dead" and then she cried to think that her love is now gone in her life... Naisip nya yung nangyari...

She's with the guy the past few hours.. But she kept on thinking.. hangang dumating ang kanyang pag-iisip sa guy... "Come let's go"... "Dalawin mo naman ako.. kahit sa huling araw ng lamay ko..."
 
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Best Pick Up Lines of Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago

Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago Funny Pick Up Lines:

“Sana naka off ang ilaw para tayo na lang mag on”

“nakalimutan ko ang pangalan mo eh
pwede bang tawagin na lang kitang akin?”

“Pagwala ka buhay ko’y parang lapis na di pa natatasahan, pointless”

Kung magkakaroon ako ng sariling planeta, gusto ko ikaw ang axis nito, para sayo lang iikot ang mundo ko.

Sana FB status ka na lang, para pwede kitang i-like.

Ibenta mo na bahay mo, total nandidito ka na, nakatira sa puso ko.

Sana naka-off ang ilaw, para tayo na lang mag-on.

Noodles ka ba, kasi Lucky Me?

Parang see-saw, pag wala ka, down ako.

Para kang hold-upper, lahat ibibigay ko sayo, wag mo lang akong saktan.

Galing mo din, ano? Di mo pa ko binabato tinamaan mo na ako.

Maglaro tayo ng kahit ano, wag lang taguan, kasi a girl like you is hard to find.

Sana exam mo na lang ako, para sagutin mo rin ako.

Bastos ka rin, ano? Di ka man lang nagpapaalam tuloy-tuloy kang pumasok sa puso ko.

Google ka ba? Lahat kasi ng hinahanap ko sayo ko natagpuan.

Nakalimutan ko pangalan mo, eh. Pwede bang tawagin na lang kitang… akin?

Nakalunok ka ba ng kwitis, kasi pag ngumiti ka, may spark


Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago Taray Pick Up Lines:

“Hindi ko sinasabing maganda ako, ang sinasabi ko lang pangit ka”

When someone told me “ang ganda mo”
I answered “sana ikaw rin”

In a swimming pool:
Classmate 1 – I’m sure lulutang ka
Classmate 2 – Bakit dahil payat ako?
Classmate 1 – Hindi, dahil plastic ka

Masasabi mo bang bobo ako
Kung ikaw lang naman ang laman ng utak ko

Sana magkasama tayo sa pila para
Pag may sumigaw ng “next” at hindi mo narinig
Tatanungin mo na agad ako kung “Tayo naba?”

Ako na ang magbabayad ng tuition fee mo
Pag aralan mo lang na mahalin ako

Pangalan mo palang kinikilig na ako
Pano pa kaya kung magka apelyido na tayo?

Ang pag ibig ay parang ketchup,
matamis pero maraming nakiki sawsaw

Straw ka ba?
Kasi sipsip ka na plastic ka pa
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Lunes, Agosto 13, 2012

The Major Motherboard Components or Parts and their Functions


A motherboard showing some major components
A motherboard showing some major components

THE MOTHERBOARD

The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the Motherboard. It is also known as System Board, Main Board or Printed Wired Board (PWB). It also sometimes abbreviated or shortened to mobo. Attached to it, we have numerous motherboard components that are crucial in the functioning of the computer.
The motherboard acts as the connection point where major computer components are attached to. It holds many of the crucial components of the system like the processor, memory, expansion slots and connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.
The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on system speed and expansion capabilities.

MOTHERBOARD COMPONENTS

The motherboard holds all the major logic components of the computer. Here we are going to see with no particular order, some of those major motherboard componets and their function in a computer or to be more precise in your computer.
A core 2 Duo Intel Processor
A core 2 Duo Intel Processor
CPU- Central Processing Unit
It is also known as the microprocessor or the processor. It is the brain of the computer, and it is responsible for fetching, decoding and executing program instructions as well as performing mathematical and logical calculations.
The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer; and this information is usually inscribed on the processor chip e.g. Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386, Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, (old processor types) Intel Core 2Duo e.t.c.
If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket 1 to Socket 8, LGA 775 e.t.c. This can help you identify the processor that fits in the socket. For example a 486DX processor fits into Socket 3.
Memory Modules
Memory Modules

Main Memory / Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random access memory or RAMmost commonly refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data when you are working with your computer to enhance the computer performance. In other words, it is the working place of your computer where active programs and data are loaded so that any time time the processor requres them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the hard disk which will take a longer access time.
Random access memory is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off. This is different from non-volatile memory such as hard disks and flash memory, which do not require a power source to retain data. When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in random access memory is returned back to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, and with files opened by the user a process called booting.
BIOS- Basic Input Output System
BIOS is a term that stands for basic input/output system, which consists of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware. Most people know the term BIOS by another name—device drivers, or justdrivers. In other words, the BIOS is drivers, meaning all of them. BIOS is essentially the link between hardware and software in a system.
All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is separate from the main system memory used for loading and running software. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.
The system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used by the computer during the startup routine (boot process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being supplied to the computer.
CMOS Battery
CMOS Battery
CMOS-Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips which is kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.
CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Information about the PC’s configuration e.g.
  • Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
  • CPU
  • RAM size
  • Date and time
  • Serial and parallel port information
  • Plug and Play information
  • Power Saving settings
The Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is updated by a Real Time Clock (RTC).
L2 Cache on an old Motherboard
L2 Cache on an old Motherboard
Cache Memory
It is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and passing it to the processor on demand.
Most CPUS have an internal cache (in-built in the processor) which is referred to as Level-I cache memory or primary cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache memory fitted on the motherboard. This is the Level-2 Cache memory or secondary cache. Some CPUs have both L1 and L2 cache built-in and designate the separate cache chip as Level 3 (L3) cache.
PCI Slots
PCI Slots
Expansion Buses
An input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices typically made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) plug into the bus. PCI is the common expansion bus in a PC and other hardware platforms. Buses carry signals, such as data; memory addresses, power and control signals from component to component.
Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in their computers in form of adapter cards that are slotted in expansion slots.
The different types of buses include PCI, ISA, and EISA expansion bus.
Chipset
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from key components of a PC. This includes the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary cache and any devices situated on the buses. The chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks, and other devices connected to the IDE channels. A computer has got two main chipsets:-
  • The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is way it is located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.
  • The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller orexpansion controller) handles communications between peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O Controller Hub). The tem bridge is generally used to designate a component which connects two buses.
Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, OPTI e.t.c.
Cpu Clock
The clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow of pulses. For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second from the clock. A 2 GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in a communications device, a clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses between sender and receiver.

A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps track of the time of day and makes this data available to the software. A "timesharing clock" interrupts the CPU at regular intervals and allows the operating system to divide its time between active users and/or applications.
Dip switch on an old motherboard.
Dip switch on an old motherboard.
Jumper pins with a cap on
Jumper pins with a cap on
Switches and Jumpers
DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit board that can be turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very small and so are usually flipped with a pointed object such as a screwdriver, bent paper clip or pen top. Care should be taken when cleaning near DIP switches as some solvents may destroy them.
Jumper pins
Jumpers are small pins on the board with plastic or metal devices that go over the pins. This device is called a bridge or a jumper cap. When the bridge is connected to any two pins via a shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been achieved.
Jumper cap
A metal bridge that closes an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are sometimes used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper plug over a different set of pins, you can change a board's parameters.
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Will the world end in 2012, like the Mayan Calendar?


One theory suggests a galactic alignment which would create chaos on Earth because of the gravitational effect between the Sun and the Black hole called Sagittarius A, which is located at the center of our galaxy.
Another theory involves a 'polar shift', which means a reversal of the north and south magnetic poles. Scientists believe that the Earth is overdue for a geomagnetic reversal. However this can take up to 5,000 years to complete and does not start on any particular date.

Just a new beginning

NASA scientists have been thoroughly studying and analyzing the possibility of the Earth ending in 2012, but concludes that 21st December 2012 it will be nothing more than a normal December solstice.
There is simply no scientific evidence to support any claims of an apocalypse on Earth in December 2012.

No planetary alignment

In response to theories about planetary alignments leading to an apocalypse on Earth on December 21, 2012, the scientists say no planetary alignments will occur in the next few decades. But even if they did, the effects on our planet would be negligible.
NASA also say the 'polar shift' theory is totally impossible. Although continents move slowly throughout time, a magnetic reversal is very unlikely to happen in the next few millennia and wouldn’t cause any harm to life on Earth.
The scientists conclusion is that the end of the Mayan calendar does not imply the end of the world, only the end of the Mayan long-count period. The 'long count' is a part of the Maya calendar shaped like a wheel. When we reach the end of the wheel, it will simply turn to the beginning again, just like our modern Gregorian calendarstarts again every January 1.
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Linggo, Agosto 5, 2012

parable

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'

"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found'" (Luke 15:11-32).

The Parable of the Prodigal Son – The Meaning
The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most well-known stories of Jesus. It is more commonly referred to as the story of the prodigal son, though the word prodigal is not found in Scripture. To characterize the son as “lost” emphasizes that sinners are alienated from God; to characterize the son as “prodigal” casts an emphasis on a wayward lifestyle. In truth, this particular parable has many points to bring out concerning the nature of man and God.

The word prodigal may be defined as “rashly or wastefully extravagant”; the son in the story exhibited this behavior with his handling of his share of his father’s estate. Having prematurely gotten hold of his inheritance from the father he “squandered his wealth in wild living” then, “began to be in need.” The natural state of unregenerate mankind is always toward lust and greed and extravagance of all kinds; without God we squander our resources and energies until we are void and empty. When the younger son found himself in this state, he remained in the far country working in a contemptible job and willing to eat the food he was feeding to the pigs which were under his care. When we remain in a place of alienation from God, we descend into futility, darkness, and humiliation.

The parable of the prodigal son indicates, however, that we do have the opportunity to make a change; we do not have to stay in our hopeless state; we can come to ourselves. The lost son realized that in his father’s house there was sustenance for him; he humbled himself, willing, if necessary, to be his father’s servant, and started back home. This turning in our lives is the first indication of God’s love for us. Even recognizing our sinful, hopeless state is initiated in us by God, Himself. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

The parable of the prodigal son makes it obvious that God was at work. That he was able to see the younger son when he was still a long way off means that the father was watching for his son, waiting for him, longing for him. The father runs to him, embraces him, loves him and gives him gifts; he seems totally oblivious to the fact that his son has disrespected him, acted outrageously, and lost everything. The father lavishes upon him, celebrates over him. This is a wonderful picture of the great love of God towards us. He seeks after us, reaches out to us. When we come to Him, He washes away all our evil deeds of the past, not holding them against us. “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).

The parable of the prodigal son also shows the attitude of the self-righteous sinner, pictured by the older son. He quarreled with his father that the younger son had messed up and yet the father had prepared for him the “fatted calf.” Because he considered himself better than the younger son, he could not share in the father’s joy. “My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” The older son’s hardness of heart made him unaware of the riches available to him in his father’s house. This son complained that he had “slaved all these years.” He had no more love for the father than the younger son; nor did he avail himself of all the good things the father freely provided for him at all times. Both sin and self-righteousness separate us from God. We all require God’s grace, His unearned, unmerited love for us. The father went out to the disgruntled older son. God is He who always continues to seek after us, regardless of the state we are in.


The moral is that even those who stumble and fall, or sin will always be received by God with open arms when they realize the error of their ways (repent), and go back to Him.



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Sabado, Agosto 4, 2012

DID JESUS EXIST?

Did Jesus Exist?

“This is all well and good, but if the Bible IS the word of God, then why don’t we have evidence that Jesus existed?”

First I must point out that, despite the fact that most scientists and historians have atheistic leanings, and despite the fact that atheists would in general love to discredit the existence of Jesus at all, the wide majority concede that He did in fact exist. Please research it for yourself. You’ll find that they believe He was only a normal man of course, but they believe that an actual person named Jesus lived in Judea around the time the Bible claims. That by itself says a great deal, since if they could prove He never existed they would gladly do so.

But let’s not take anyone’s opinion at face value; how can we KNOW Jesus existed? It’s a fair question. First let’s ask, what you would accept as evidence? How do you know that anyone existed that you never met personally? Say, Julius Caesar – did he exist? Or Aristotle, or Buddha or Mohammad – you were not there, you cannot possibly find an eyewitness still living that you could ask. You would have to rely on history. Preferably contemporary eyewitnesses.

But history can be a vague subject – some people are mentioned in passing in histories, others write their own books. But as often as not those books were changed by copyists, sometimes accidentally, sometimes intentionally to twist the viewpoint to the copyists idea. So how can you KNOW that a person existed?

We only have two real options; archaeological evidence, and contemporary historians. Archaeology is difficult in this area because people seldom had stones inscribed in their honor unless they were governors, kings, or extremely wealthy; so the odds of finding actual archaeological evidence of Jesus would be slim in any case, particularly since if the Bible is true, Jesus left no body behind for us to unearth. The best we can do is confirm the existence of people in the Biblical record.

Archaeology has done wonders in that area, with solid proof of towns mentioned in the Bible once thought by skeptics to be mythical, artifacts left by Pontius Pilate, Herod, Caiaphas, and many other figures and facts have been confirmed. There are references to the apostle Paul throughout all of Asia Minor. And recently a bone-box (called an ossuary) of of Jesus’ brother has been unearthed; despite a massive effort on the part of a few people to prove in court that it is a fake, every evidence still points to it being genuine.

Bone Box

This bone box is dated to A.D. 63. It bears the inscription “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus”. The James ossuary was on display at the Royal Ontario Museum from November 15, 2002 to January 5, 2003.

The significant part for our case is that it mentions “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus”; while Jesus was a common name, it was NOT common for someone to mention “brother of…” on their tombstone. In the absence of last names, ancient cultures usually distinguished between people with the same first names on the basis of their father’s name; as is done here, “James, son of Joseph”. The ONLY reason to mention a brother would be if the brother was well known – perhaps even more well known than the father. The odds of having more than one person from that area named James, with a father named Joseph and a brother named Jesus – a famous brother at that – are very slim

This provides a strong evidence of the existence of Jesus. As I said, considering the nature of Jesus as a non-militant leader, disrespected and killed by the people with power in the community, there is very little chance of any direct evidence being found, whether He existed or not; for this, we must rely primarily on history.

But historians, no matter how well intentioned, are always biased. An American history of WWII would be quite different than a German or Japanese version. An American history of WWII written today would be quite different from one written in 1948, because the viewpoint changes with perspective and what is more “popular” to believe at the time. This has been a flaw with history from the very beginning.

All that said, there are two good ways to be sure any historical figure actually existed; lots of eyewitness accounts, saved in as many different copies in as many different places as possible; and accounts by historians who are antagonistic towards the viewpoint. For instance, so what if I say I didn’t commit a crime; of course I could be lying. If my best friend says I didn’t do it, that is a little better, but still – he likes me, and so he might lie too. But if someone who HATES me, someone who would LOVE to see me go to jail, says I’m innocent – well, that’s a strong point in my favor. If HE admits I didn’t do it, with no motive at all, then I probably didn’t do it.

So when a “Christian” says that Jesus existed, well duh! Of course they’d say that! It’s their own viewpoint and to their best interests to say it, true or not! But if a Roman, or a non-believing Jew, or anyone else opposed to Christianity admits that Jesus existed and confirms other events spoken of in the Bible, you would KNOW that Jesus really did exist!

We have plenty of positive witnesses; those who claim Jesus never existed on the grounds that “there are no contemporary accounts” seem to ignore the fact that the Bible wasn’t written by a single person. Luke was there for the events in his gospel and the book of Acts. Matthew, Mark and John all write first-hand accounts of events that happened only twenty to sixty years before that they personally saw. These events were fresh in everyone’s memory. Paul was violently opposed to Christianity before converting and writing most of the new Testament. James, Jude, Peter, all were eyewitnesses and wrote their own separate books. Many times hundreds of other witnesses, still living, are mentioned, for instance in:

1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he [the resurrected Jesus] was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep [dead].

So let’s be clear; there ARE witnesses to the events in the life of Jesus. But these witnesses were all grouped together in the end of the first century, probably by the apostle John, into one collection we call the New Testament; but saying these are all irrelevant is deceptive and prejudicial. No serious modern historian believes the New Testament was written by the same author, or spuriously compiled by a lunatic in the 5th century. These were separate books, and must be treated as separate accounts, and separate witnesses.

But these witnesses all agree with the principles of Jesus, and so cannot be trusted implicitly, since they had a vested interest in what they record. So let’s find antagonistic witnesses. Josephus was a soldier who lived from 37 A.D., to about 100 A.D. He was not a Christian and was not really interested in Christianity. His principle writings were concerned with a history of the Jews from the earliest times up until his own day, and he only briefly touched upon events in the within the time frame of the life of Jesus.

Still, his writings corroborate the existence of many figures mentioned in the Bible such as Annas and Caiaphas the High Priests; Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, Herod the Great, King Agrippa, as well as confirming the existence of religious sects such as the Sadducees who are mentioned in the Bible. He even speaks of John the Baptist who figured prominently in the Gospels (see Jewish Antiquities book 18, chapter 5, 2). But he has two references which touch on Jesus;

Jewish Antiquities 20.9.1 …so he [Ananus, the high priest "Annas" of the Bible"] assembled a council of judges, and brought before it the brother of Jesus the so-called Christ, whose name was James, together with some others, and having accused them as law-breakers, he delivered them over to be stoned.

First, note that the wording “the brother of Jesus, named James”. James was the subject, but Jesus was treated as the more “famous” person. James was identified through his relationship with Jesus, just as we might say “the brother of John F. Kennedy, Robert”. What is important is that this is the EXACT SAME WORDING as was used on the Ossuary pictured above! The burial box ALSO dealt with James as someone who was important because of his relationship with his brother, Jesus!

Even skeptics admit that the bulk of this passage is authentic and came to us unchanged from Josephus’ pen. They however claim that the phrase “the so-called Christ” was added by a later copyist. First of all, there is no evidence of this; every copy of Josephus we have access to reads the exact same way. Secondly, if a lone copyist changed this passage, he could hardly have changed every copy in existence at the same time – when they were scattered in libraries across the world.

So there is no evidence that it is an addition. But even if it were, it would have had to be by an antagonist to Christianity, for the use of “so-called” implies that the writer did not believe Jesus was the Christ! But there is simply no motive for an antagonist to ADD proof of Jesus’ existence to a book!

So since the passage is genuine, we see an independent, non-Christian writer, Josephus, confirming that Jesus was “the so-called Christ”, confirming that Jesus did in fact exist, and that James was his brother, and that James and “some others” were in heavy disfavor by the Jewish priesthood – all facts that are in the Bible!

Most importantly, this passage mentions Jesus first. Yet Jesus was not involved in this issue. (He was dead by this time, if the Bible is correct). The only reason to mention Jesus first is that He was a well-known figure, one who claimed to be “the Christ”, a claim which Josephus disbelieved!

The next quote is probably at least partly spurious, since it is different in some early copies available to us, and is widely disputed today. I’ll not go into the debate here since I don’t have space and it really doesn’t matter. The fact is, nearly everyone believes that at least some of it is true, and practically any portion of it proves that Jesus at least existed.

The consensus (if such a word can be applied to any Christian-Atheist debate) is that the bulk of the statement is original, but key portions of it, those which speak of the divinity of Christ, are later additions by copyists; those portions are underlined in brackets in the quote below:

Antiquities 18.3.3 “Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man [if it be lawful to call him a man], for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. [He was the Messiah.] And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him [for he appeared to them alive again at the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him]. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this date.

You can take the quote for what it’s worth and make up your own mind. You might ask, if Jesus did all the things the Bible ascribes to Him, why didn’t Josephus mention more of Him? A better question would be why He said anything at all. For the ten years around Jesus’ death, Josephus devoted only SEVEN pages in two separate books!

Remember, the Bible says Jesus went out of His way on many occasions to avoid notice. He was not trying to get involved in politics, or to encourage the overthrow of Roman rule, although many times His disciples pressured Him to do so. After His miracles, he regularly said “Go and tell no man”, (Matthew 8:4, etc). When He realized the publicity He was getting for baptizing, He moved someplace else (John 4:1-2). He kept a low profile most of the time and seldom made a scene unless He was confronting the priesthood of the Jews – something that the soldier Josephus would not likely have cared about. To quote one passage in the New Testament that sums up His attitude:

Matthew 12:15-19 (Phillips) … Large crowds followed him and he healed them all, with the strict injunction that they should not make him conspicuous by their talk, thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy: … he shall declare judgment to the gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; neither shall anyone hear his voice in the streets.

This is why we know of Him primarily through His followers. But we need more than Josephus, and more antagonistic witnesses, so we can be certain Jesus really did exist! The Roman historian Tacitus, with a strong anti-Christian bias, wrote the following early in the second century:

Tacitus, Annals, 15.44 [Nero was being blamed for setting fire to Rome...] Hence to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christus [the Latin word for Christ], the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius: but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also …

This passage is incredibly important, because Tacitus hated Christians and would never confirm their beliefs if there was any doubts that they were true; so when Tacitus says that Pilate condemned Jesus to death in the reign of Tiberius, we can trust that he had no ulterior motive for saying so. He also speaks of the persecution of Christians in Judea, probably that of Saul (who later became Paul) and the Jewish priests written about in the early part of the book of Acts. He then records that the sect revived (probably after the conversion of Paul), and that it spread to Rome – which is recorded in Acts 28:16-31. An independent, antagonistic historian confirming all these facts is quite a support to our belief that Jesus truly existed.

The best part of all is that there is very little doubt among modern historians that this passage is in any way falsified; practically all agree that there is every reason to believe these words came to us direct from Tacitus. And those words said that Pilate killed Jesus Christ in Judea, which started the Christian religion.

There is also a later reference by the historian Pliny that applies to Jesus obliquely, but it isn’t important enough to quote here. Lucian is a critical historian originally from what is now Turkey who wrote in Greek in the mid-second century. For reference, his perspective on Jesus’ execution and the subsequent Christian movement is similar in timeframe to our perspective on World War I. Meaning that most of us have spoken to people who fought in it, or at least knew of it secondhand.

Lucian is a confirmed pagan and tells the story of Peregrinus who became a well respected Christian leader early in the first century, and was revered as a God … “after [or "second to"] that other, to be sure, whom they [the Christians] still worship, the man who was crucified in Palestine because he introduced this new cult to the world.” (Lucian, Passing of Peregrinus, 11).

Certainly only one man was ever worshiped by the Christians, the founder of the Christian cult, and crucified in Palestine. Lucian was antagonistic to Christianity and known for rigorously checking his facts. If he had any doubts that Jesus WAS Crucified in Palestine 100 years ago, he would likely have been mocking Christians for being tortured to death for their belief in a myth.

Lucian continues “The poor wretches [Christians] have convinced themselves, first and foremost, that they are going to be immortal and live for all time, in consequence of which they despise death and even willingly give themselves into custody; most of them.

Note how Lucian mocks the “poor wretches” who believe in eternal life and are willing to be imprisoned and even killed for their beliefs!

Furthermore, their first lawgiver [an allusion to Jesus], persuaded them that they are all brothers of one another [compare to Matthew 23:8] after they have transgressed once, for all by denying the Greek gods and by worshipping that CRUCIFIED SOPHIST HIMSELF and living under his laws. Therefore they despise all things indiscriminately and consider them common property, [compare to Acts 4:32] RECEIVING SUCH DOCTRINES TRADITIONALLY WITHOUT ANY DEFINITE EVIDENCE.”

Now notice! Lucian thinks Christianity’s doctrines are foolish! He says they have NO evidence for their doctrines! In other words, they have no proof of an afterlife or the other beliefs – BUT HE SPEAKS TWICE OF JESUS AS CRUCIFIED IN PALESTINE, WITHOUT CASTING THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT ON THE FACT THAT IT HAPPENED!

Lucian says that their doctrines are moronic, but that this man WAS CRUFICIED IN PALESTINE! To quote it again, he said they worshiped “the man who was crucified in Palestine because he introduced this new cult to the world.” – there is not a hint of doubt in those words from this skeptic!

So there must have been every reason to believe Jesus existed, it must have been common knowledge from memories fresh in the minds of every grandparent and great-grandparent – just as we all know about World War I!

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