PHL aims for US defense deal before Obama visit

 News
Apr 122014
 
PHL aims for US defense deal before Obama visit

The Philippines said Friday it hopes to complete a new defense accord with the United States ahead of a visit by President Barack Obama this month, as a territorial dispute with China simmers. The chief Philippine negotiator, defense undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, said in a statement the latest round of discussions about an increased US military presence in the country was “very productive”. “This round brought us much closer to finding full consensus and the draft provisions on key points of an enhanced defense cooperation will be submitted to the president for his review,” Batino said. Philippine negotiators on Friday said the eighth round of talks on a proposed military agreement had seen both sides “finding consensus on key points of a draft”. The agreement proposes allowing more US troops, aircraft, and ships to pass through the Philippines, as well as storing equipment in this country that could help mobilize American forces faster – particularly in the case of natural disasters. The accord would provide “critical and timely support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (and the) achievement of the country’s minimum credible defense posture,” Batino’s statement said. The deal would not allow the US military to “establish a permanent military presence or base” or bring nuclear weapons into the country, in line with the Philippine Constitution. The proposed agreement could be signed before President Obama visits the Philippines this month, a foreign department spokesman said. “We aim to conclude the negotiations before the Obama visit,” Read More …

Palace dares solon: Prove reward for Tiamzon couple's arrest was skimmed

 News
Apr 112014
 
Palace dares solon: Prove reward for Tiamzon couple's arrest was skimmed

Malacañang on Saturday challenged a lawmaker to substantiate his claims that some government officials may have pocketed part of the reward money for the capture of top officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte questioned the basis of Bayan Muna Rep. Isagani Zarate in claiming secretaries Voltaire Gazmin (defense) and Manuel Roxas II (interior) may have kept part of the money. “We don’t know what the basis is for that and I have not seen the good congressman make any statement (kung) ano ang basehan at ano ba yan,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. “We’re certain that is not true,” she added. A report on Manila Standard Today had quoted Zarate as saying the two secretaries may have kept almost half of the reward money for the arrest of Wilma and Benito Tiamzon. Zarate claimed documents from the Defense and Interior Departments showed the bounty for the Tiamzon couple was pegged at P10 million each, or P20 million total. But he claimed the Armed Forces of the Philippines “understated” the amount and said the reward collected was P11.52 million, or P5.6 million per head. Zarate said Gazmin and Roxas have been quiet about the AFP’s understated funds for reward money. “This involves a total of P41.45 million, of which amount, the AFP claimed to have collected only some P22.4 million. So where is the rest of the reward money?” he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News 

RH law advocates: We’re the bigger winner

 Entertainment
Apr 112014
 
RH law advocates: We’re the bigger winner

President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD (and who is probably telling the president that “you won this time” after the Supreme Court upheld the Reproductive Health Law, following the Thanksgiving Mass for the Reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 09, 2014) (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Both the advocates and opponents of the Reproductive Health Law are claiming victory following the decision of the Supreme Court (SC), but the measure’s supporters believe they are the bigger winner. Former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, one of the staunchest advocates of the divisive measure, said RH Law advocates have the bigger reason to celebrate after the SC declared the measure ”not unconstitutional” except for eight of its provisions. ”Kumbaga nanalo man pareho, makikita natin kung sino ang mas nanalo ng malaki, sa laki ng ngiti at tawa ng mga pro-RH at anti-RH groups,” Cabral said. The high court on Tuesday announced that the law is not unconstitutional except for provisions that ”require ‘private health facilities and non-maternity specialty hospitals and hospitals owned and operated by a religious group to refer patients, not in an emergency or life-threatening case…to another health facility which is conveniently accessible”; and allow minors who have suffered miscarriage to have access to family planning without parental consent. The SC also struck down provisions punishing a health care provider who refuses/fails to disseminate information on reproductive health Read More …

California Food Banks Have Crucial Need for More Milk

 Entertainment
Apr 112014
 
California Food Banks Have Crucial Need for More Milk

The Great American Milk Drive Launches to Provide Local Food Banks with Gallons of Milk (photo screenshot courtesy of www..gotmilk.com) San Clemente, Calif. – That gallon of milk you consider a staple in your refrigerator is missing in many of California’s food banks.  According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, milk is one of the items most requested by food bank clients, yet it is rarely donated. That will soon change with today’s launch of The Great American Milk Drive, the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most. Hunger impacts 1 in 6 Americans, including 12.5 million families who do not have access to adequate nourishmentto help them reach their full potential. The facts are even more alarming locally with 1 in 4 Californians suffering from poverty, the highest rate in any state. Over 6.5 million California residents experience food insecurity and due to the perishable nature of foods like milk, Feeding America food bank clients receive, on average, only one gallon of milk per person per year and obtain less than the suggested servings of milk to fulfill a well-balanced diet. To help combat this, Feeding America has teamed up with the dairy industry, including the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of got milk?, to launch The Great American Milk Drive and alleviate hunger in local communities. “Food insecurity is a big problem throughout the United States, including for millions of Californians who Read More …

Henares: I hope Pacquiao will win vs Bradley

 Entertainment
Apr 112014
 
Henares: I hope Pacquiao will win vs Bradley

Manny Pacquiao, right, from the Philippines, connects with a right to the head of Timothy Bradley, from Palm Springs, Calif. , in their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Despite what many believed was a fight won by Pacquaio resulted in a split-decision loss to Bradley. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares and Sarangani Lone District Rep. Manny Pacquiao may have locked horns in the past due to the Filipino boxing champ’s P2.2 billion tax woes, but with the Pacman’s impending April 13 fight with WBO Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, Jr., Henares said she is one with the nation in wishing for Pacquiao’s victory. The tax commissioner said she should be the least of Pacquiao’s concerns as he prepares for the fight. “May laban siya (Pacquiao) ngayong linggo; hindi ako ang dapat iniisip niya … I was asked about him; kung hindi ako tinatanong, hindi naman ako magsasalita. “Sana manalo siya,” Henares said. Henares said she hopes Pacquiao has already learned his lesson, and would accurately declare and pay his taxes from earnings in the Bradley fight. Henares also said she hopes Bob Arum would get an interpreter so he would understand all her pronouncements in Filipino about Pacquiao’s tax woes. “It’s Holy Week, [we] should be more tolerant,” Henares added. (MNS)

2014 Hyundai Veloster earns top safety rating from NHTSA

 Entertainment
Apr 112014
 
2014 Hyundai Veloster earns top safety rating from NHTSA

2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Gets Torque Vectoring Control FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded an overall five-star crash test rating, the highest rating given by the organization, to the all-new 2014 Hyundai Veloster. Separated by test, the vehicle received four stars in front and rollover crash tests, and five stars in the side crash test. This is the first time the Veloster has been rated under NHTSA’s tougher tests and five-star rating system. The Veloster employs exceptional levels of standard safety features by means of a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS). For 2014, the Veloster comes in several configurations: Veloster, Veloster Turbo and, new for 2014, the RE:FLEX and Veloster Turbo R-Spec. All variants utilize Hyundai’s 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, while Veloster Turbo and Veloster Turbo R-Spec receive a force-fed diet of high-pressure air through a new, twin-scroll turbocharger. With a combination of safety, sportiness and fun, the Veloster continues to breathe new life into the subcompact car category. “The Veloster nameplate was designed to bring a new, unconventional look to the subcompact car segment without compromising occupant safety,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Through the employment of high-tech safety systems like Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and the use of high-strength, yet lightweight materials during construction, we are able to deliver a package that is unique, but safer than ever.” All Velosters are given Hyundai’s Read More …

Effortless Easter Ham

 Entertainment
Apr 112014
 
Effortless Easter Ham

Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham (Family Features) This year, make your Easter ham effortless by ditching the oven and using your slow cooker instead. While most people think about slow cooking for staples like chili and stew, it’s also perfect for center-of-the-plate feasts — like an Easter ham. Using the slow cooker, you can minimize both prep time and cleanup time, leaving plenty of room in the day for church, hunting eggs and enjoying time with your loved ones. Ham is a tradition for many families this time of year, and because it pairs well with a multitude of ingredients, you can create a unique dish every time. For a fresh spin on the classic ham, try this Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham recipe from the National Pork Board. Apple cider and bourbon (or vanilla extract, if you prefer) combine to create a rich flavor complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar. Round out your Easter menu by pairing your ham with classic sides such as oven-roasted carrots, asparagus wrapped in bacon and mashed sweet potatoes. To get inspired by more ham and Easter meal ideas, visit PorkBeinspired.com or Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired. Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes Enter the National Pork Board’s Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes at PorkBeinspired.com/EasterHam for the chance to win an Easter gift basket with everything you need for this year’s celebration. Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham Yield: 12 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 4 to 8 hours 1 bone-in fully cooked ham, about 5 1/2 pounds 1 cup apple cider Read More …

Green tea boosts working memory, study suggests

 Entertainment
Apr 112014
 
Green tea boosts working memory, study suggests

Among the many health benefits associated with green tea is an improvement in memory and cognitive function.©Humannet/shutterstock.com (Relaxnews) – A beverage with multiple benefits, green tea has inspired a number of research projects in recent years. One of the latest studies on the subject, published in the journal Psychopharmacology, offers additional evidence on how the drink can improve working memory and cognitive performance. According to various studies, the antioxidant-rich beverage may help in maintaining a healthy weight and fighting bad cholesterol, in addition to improving memory and preventing cognitive decline. The latter benefits in particular were the subject of a key study by Chinese researcher Bai Yun published in Food Science and Molecular Nutrition and Food Research in June 2012. Eager to evaluate claims of green tea’s power to improve memory and to identify the mechanism behind it, researchers in Basel, Switzerland asked a group of healthy volunteers to consume a soft drink with green tea extract before solving a series of working memory tasks. The test subjects’ brain activity was analyzed using an MRI machine. The researchers, led by Christoph Beglinger and Stefan Borgwardt, of the University Hospital of Basel and the Psychiatric University Clinics respectively, observed improved connectivity between the frontal and parietal brain regions in the test subjects who were given green tea extract. This improved connectivity between the two brain regions correlated with enhanced performance of the memory tasks. “Our findings suggest that green tea might increase the short-term synaptic plasticity of the brain,” Borgwardt indicated. In the Read More …

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