The Aston Martin Vantage V12 S gets a new box of tricks

 Entertainment
Apr 062016
 
The Aston Martin Vantage V12 S gets a new box of tricks

Serious drivers rejoice, the fastest production Aston Martin, the Vantage V12 S, is finally getting a proper manual transmission for real driving fun plus a latest-generation infotainment and navigation system to help keep things on track. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S with manual transmission© Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. Aston is calling the new model the ultimate analogue Vantage but a better term would be acoustic. Because the addition of a manual box means the company is listening. A car this compact yet with a 563bhp V12 engine should be the perfect recipe for serious drivers with the finances to make a buying decision simply with their hearts rather than bank manager approval. “The true purist will always hanker for the tactility and connection offered by a manual transmission, so it has been a real pleasure to offer just that in our fastest and most focused model,” said Director of Product Development, Ian Minards. And to show how serious it is at pleasing purists, the transmission is a seven-speed box complete with a ‘dog leg’ first gear. That means it’s across and down from the rest of the set because it should only very rarely be needed, leaving the important gears in a perfect ‘double H’ formation for the fastest changes. However, Aston couldn’t resist adding a touch of technology. The popularity of paddle-shift systems in exotic cars means heel-toe gear changing is a dying art. So the company is adding something called AMSHIFT which will blip the throttle on Read More …

Cholesterol drug fails to improve heart health: study

 Entertainment
Apr 062016
 
Cholesterol drug fails to improve heart health: study

An experimental drug that greatly increases levels of “good” cholesterol has no effect on heart health, a comprehensive clinical trial found, leaving researchers shocked and disappointed. © Silvrshootr/Istock.com It is also a blow to patients who were hoping for an alternative because they cannot or will not take statins, which can cut low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. The study involving more than 12,000 patients at high risk for serious cardiovascular problems found that the drug evacetrapib had no benefits, according to research presented Sunday at the American College of Cardiology conference in Chicago. Manufacturer Eli Lilly stopped the trial in October when the drug was found to be ineffective. But now experts have given a comprehensive explanation of what happened. Two other drugs in the same class as evacetrapib, known as CETP inhibitors and designed to raise levels of HDL cholesterol — high-density lipoprotein, the “good” type — have also failed, presenting experts with a quandary. – ‘Disappointed and surprised’ – “We have a paradox: here we’ve got an agent that more than doubles the levels of good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol and yet has no effect on clinical events,” said lead author Professor Stephen Nicholls. “We were disappointed and surprised by the results,” added Nicholls, of The University of Adelaide in Australia and cardiologist at Royal Adelaide Hospital. On average, patients taking evacetrapib daily for at least 18 months lowered their LDL cholesterol by 37 percent and increased their HDL cholesterol — high-density lipoprotein, the “good” type Read More …

30 Edison scholars to receive $1.2-M; Each scholar gets $40,000

 Entertainment
Apr 062016
 
30 Edison scholars to receive $1.2-M; Each scholar gets $40,000

“As the daughter of field workers, I knew that the only way to get ahead in life was to earn an education. Thanks to Edison, I am.”– Diana Valenzuela, Edison Scholar(photo screenshot courtesy of http://www.edison.com/) ROSEMEAD, Calif.,   — Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, congratulates 30 high school seniors who have been named 2016 Edison Scholars, each winning a $40,000 scholarship. Students will learn of their scholarship award April 11-15 when SCE staffers make notifications that will include surprise visits to some schools. “Congratulations to these deserving Edison Scholars,” said Janet Clayton, senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Edison International and SCE. “Their academic excellence has earned each of them a $40,000 scholarship. We wish them continued success as they pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or math.” Each year, the $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program awards $40,000 scholarships paid over four years to 30 high school seniors who want to become engineers – electrical, mechanical, civil, computer, industrial, computer sciences/info system, environmental or environmental sciences — and plan to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or math, the STEM fields, full time at a four-year college or university. Since 2006, Edison International has awarded $5.3 million in scholarships to520 students in its service territory. Edison Scholars are also eligible to apply for summer internships at SCEafter completing their second year of college. Edison International’s support of charitable causes such as the Edison Scholars Program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations. Read More …

Interpretative and legislative rules: Drawing distinctions

 Economy
Apr 062016
 

Due process is the cornerstone of democracy. It safeguards our right to life, liberty and property against the arbitrary or excessive use of the state’s power. In a recent decision (CTA Case No.8593, 9 February 2016), the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) reiterated the doctrine that when an administrative rule is not merely interpretative in nature, the issuing agency is strictly required to accord the process to those directly affected before the issuance is given the force and effect of law. In context, a rule is not interpretative when it goes beyond merely facilitating the implementation of the law and instead, effectively increases the burden of taxpayers.

Confessions of a Negative Person

 News
Apr 062016
 
Confessions of a Negative Person

Chinkee Tan What if I go bankrupt? What if I fail? What if nothing happens? Why do I always think of the negative? Why is it so hard to think about the positive? Are you tired of negative people? Are you dismayed with their never-ending rants? Negative thoughts here, negative thoughts there. Complain here, complain there. It can be so tempting to shout sense into them and shake them into realization! You want them to wake up to the reality that it is not all negative in this world. You want them to know that they have the ability to change their mindset They know they are negative but they seem to not be able to do anything about avoiding negative thinking. Why are there people like these? ENVIRONMENT Environment plays a big factor in a person’s outlook in life. If, for instance, when as a child all you heard was “no”, “don’t do that”, or “stop it”, then you would most likely end up having a negative overview of life. You will not gain the confidence to embrace life’s realities because as a child, you were limited. PEOPLE THAT SURROUND YOU Another thing that can affect a person’s outlook is the company you are with. If you are often among complainers, then you will most likely become one. If they always respond in anger to situations, then you will also end up with an angry outlook. If they tend to use cuss words all the time, then you will Read More …

PHL-US war games begin as China warns ‘outsiders’

 Entertainment
Apr 052016
 
PHL-US war games begin as China warns ‘outsiders’

Chinook in Flight: An Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook takes off during Balikatan 2016 in Subic Bay, Philippines, April 3, 2016. The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen interoperability and partner-nation capabilities for the planning and execution of military operations, and advance regional security operations. U.S. photo by Lance Cpl. Damon A. Mclean Manila, Philippines | AFP |   – US and Philippine troops began major exercises on Monday as China’s state media warned “outsiders” against interfering in tense South China Sea territorial disputes. The official Xinhua news agency gave the warning as Manila and Washington launched the 11-day Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises with a low-key opening ceremony in Manila. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter is to fly to the Philippines next week to observe live-firing of artillery and visit US Navy ships taking part. Some 5,000 US troops are taking part along with nearly 4,000 Philippine soldiers and 80 from Australia. “The… exercises caps Manila’s recent attempts to involve outsiders in (a) regional row,” China’s official news agency Xinhua said in a commentary. It cited Japan, which sent a submarine on a visit to the Philippines last weekend, and Australia. “However, a provocation so fear-mongering and untimely as such is likely to boomerang on the initiators,” Xinhua added. “A big country with vital interests in Asia, the United States should first clarify the targets of its Pivot to Asia strategy, which so far has featured no more than unscrupulous inconsistency between fear-mongering deeds and peace-loving words.” China lays claim to almost all of the South Read More …

Lea happy for Rachelle Ann’s success in theater

 Entertainment
Apr 052016
 
Lea happy for Rachelle Ann’s success in theater

Lea Salonga (MNS photo) Broadway star Lea Salonga is thrilled that Rachelle Ann Go is carving a name for herself as thespian. “It’s now turning into more and more opportunities for her and I’m so happy. I’m very proud that she’s doing this, doing what she loves to do and they just keep coming,” Lea said in an interview. Note that Rachelle Ann won in the Best Performance in a Long-Running West End show category of the Broadway World UK awards for her performance as Fantine in “Les Misérables.” She was also a big winner at the Broadway World awards, having been named Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Gigi in the revival of “Miss Saigon.” Rachelle Ann is in the Philippines for the Manila run of “Les Misérables.” “It’s fantastic that now, there’s an official production of ‘Les Misérables’ running here in Manila, and in a wonderful theater, so I’m very happy,” Lea said. Rachelle Ann Go (MNS Photo) Lea, who starred as Kim in the original West End and Broadway productions of “Miss Saigon,” is excited to know who will appear in the new version of the musical set for return on Broadway in 2017. The Manila auditions for “Miss Saigon” happened two weeks ago. The singer-actress said at the time of the interview, “I got to speak to Cameron Mackintosh a little bit last night at the (‘Les Misérables’ opening night party). He was very excited about some people that he found, and Read More …

Kidapawan rallyists want to ‘hostage government,’ says PNP chief

 Entertainment
Apr 052016
 
Kidapawan rallyists want to ‘hostage government,’ says PNP chief

Human rights groups protest the violent dispersal of farmers in Kidapawan City at the Department of Agriculture on Friday. Two people died and over a hundred were injured when members of the Philippine National Police clashed with activists and farmers affected by drought in Mindanao.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – There were “so many” dialogues conducted with protesting farmers in Kidapawan City in Cotabato but they want nothing else than to “hostage the government,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said Monday. “They will not settle for anything else. Gusto nilang i-block ‘yun. Gusto nilang i-hostage ang government,” Marquez told reporters. Marquez, along with Interior Sec. Mel Sarmiento, was present at the turnover of fire trucks and patrol jeeps on Monday to be led by President Benigno Aquino III at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Marquez said the PNP is planning to file charges especially that one of its officers detailed at the rally is still unconscious. “We will file charges of course kasi ‘yung isang pulis namin unconscious pa hanggang ngayon. ‘Yung isang pulis namin may tama ng bala…The police were there in a legimitate situation,” he said. As more farmers are reportedly gathering at the rally site, the PNP chief said they will do everything to clear the highway citing affected business establishments and tricycle drivers unable to ply the route. “We will make sure na ‘yung highway na ‘yun ay bukas kasi kaya nagkaroon ng law enforcement operation. It has inconvenienced so many people already. We Read More …

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