Iran opposition stages protest in a cemetery
Coinciding the 40th day of the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, the martyred Iranian oppositionist killed in a riot on July 20, 2009, protest against the regime was held on Iran’s biggest cemetery. Thousands of reformists gathered in the burial site to pay tribute to Neda and those who died in the riots. They continued their campaign against the heavy-handed leadership of the cleric-dominated Islamic government.
Breaking the government’s order banning public assemblies, the protest movement had become a nationwide fight against the rigged reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the June 12, 2009 voting. Demanding human rights, the oppositionists called for the release of political detainees and called for "Death to the dictator," referring to Amadinejad.
Since the protests began, many were arrested, incarcerated, beaten, and mercilessly killed by the powerful security forces of the current regime. In its unrelenting crack-down against dissent and freedom, the Iranian government announced that trials for arrested “rioters” will on August 1, 2009.
Relatives of those who died complained that authorities forced them to sign documents saying their loved ones died of natural causes, not a result of the brutality of the police. It appears the government will face more dissent from the opposition. To keep control, leaders are likely to use more inhumane and hard measures against those considered as “enemies” of the Islamic state. (Photo Credit: Iran 360; Reuters/ Saygin Serdaroglu) =0=
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Race-relation in the White House: mending the “stupid” comment of Pres. Barack Obama
As a photo-op to mend the racial controversy sparked by Barack Obama’s siding with his friend, the black Harvard professor Henry Lewis Gates, Jr, the White House welcomed the two warring personalities----Cambridge police officer Sgt. James Crowley who was accused by Obama to have acted “stupidly” in arresting Professor Gates. The teacher was rowdy, belligerent and angry after being asked to produce an ID, prompting Crowley to arrest him..
Sgt. Crowley went to Gates’ house in response to an alleged break-in the latter’s residence. He found the black teacher suspecting the white police officer of “racially profiling” him. In truth, Crowley was just there to help.
The supposedly educated black Harvard mentor escalated the simple situation by raising a race issue----something he professed to be an “expert” of. Many viewed this case as a “Do you know who I am?” kind of thing by a teacher known to Obama which brought the incident to national attention.
In the White House on Thursday, July 30, 2009 Crowley and Gates got time with Obama. They talked and tried to mend fences over a drink of beer.
What resulted was an embarrassment for Obama who joined the controversy by siding with Gates without first knowing the facts. So they had to meet in the South Lawn of the presidential house, most likely to minimize the negative backlash. There were criticisms against the president from the police force nationwide for his “uncalibrated” comment against the police officer.
In simple terms, I believe, Obama didn’t have to meet the two in the White House. He has more important national issues to tackle. Instead of trying to deflect the real issue from himself and his black friend, he could just have apologized for a mistake----a racial bias (a Freudian slip of sorts) he expressed against Crowley. The public is smart to understand. (Photo Credit: CBS/ AFP/ Saul Loeb) =0=
RELATED BLOG: Obama backtracks from “stupid” statement against a white Cambridge police officer Posted by mesiamd at 7/27/2009
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GMA meets with Barack Obama
The meeting of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo which is drummed up in the Philippines as "historic" occured Friday, July 31, 2009. In spite of high hopes of Filipinos that something big will happen to such a meeting, it barely made a stir in the US media.
Arroyo's and her coterie of 20 congressmen beheld the face of the US president and defended their travel with familiar justifications of advancing the diplomatic relationship of the Philippines with the US, an old time ally. Philippine authorities speak of a 45-minute talk on the economy, security, the Mindanao conflict and regional cooperation among Asian nations---something glowing that makes the trip look essential. Few disagree except fot the money to spend.
Yet, it is hard to quantify what benefits ordinary Filipinos will get from this recent US travel. In the fading days of her presidency, GMA is beset with poor popularity, charges of corruption, human rights violations, and a weak economy. With some gains, many look at the White House visit as another political move which combines government business with pleasure.
As before, many legislators and administration supporters scramble to join the travel wagon to be part of an official trip underwritten by taxpayer's money. Many of them include in their travel side trips to Las Vegas, tourist attractions, and shopping malls in various cities of America. It is unclear what this group of GMA companions will do after the Washington DC meeting with Obama. =0=
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After a “life of splendor” Madoff’s wife is sued to turn in $45 million
A trustee representing the victims of the notorious Ponzi artist Bernie Madoff sued the swindler’s wife Ruth. Irving Pickard, the appointed trustee of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York, claimed Madoff’s wife who led a “life of splendor” got $44.8 million in six years prior to her husband’s financial downfall. He wanted the money to be seized for the benefit of the scam victims.
"While Madoff's crimes have left many investors impoverished and some charities decimated, Mrs. Madoff remains a person of substantial means. The inequity between Mrs. Madoff's continuing financial advantages and the economic distress of Madoff's customers compels the trustee to bring this action."----CNNMoneey.com (07/29/09, Smith, A.)
After federal authorities seized the assets of Bernie Madoff, his wife who was not charged of a crime, was left with $2.5 million. Her swindler-husband who pleaded guilty of bilking his trusting clients in a decades-long $65 billion pyramid scheme is serving a sentence of 150 years in the Butner Federal Correctional Institution in North Carolina. The huge financial fraud left thousands of investors in financial ruin.
The money involve in this Madoff crime reminds us that America has become dishonest and extravagant in its spending. There are many US citizens who live a high life way beyond their means at the expense of others. They are not used to simple living. It augurs badly on their adaptability in the face of financial hardship.
One can just point to the billions and trillions being spent by the government that many cannot fully understand. With mismanagement and lack of accountability, it is likely to compromise the financial future of taxpayers and the next generation.
The budget deficit of the country is at an alltime high that even China is starting to question USA's ability to pay. The extravagant spending of the Obama administration doesn't match his rhetoric of belt-tightening and cost-cutting---his campaign promise during the election. There is a time when America is thought to be too big to fail, but in times of economic crisis, even the strong can slump down on his knees. (Photo Credit: NY Post) =0=
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Islamic sectarian violence in Nigeria
In the past few days, heavy fighting in the northeastern part of Nigeria raged as sectarian violence erupted leading to the burning of houses and death of hundreds of people.
Government troops are battling Islamic militants headed by a radical cleric and forcing thousands people to escape to avoid the chaos. Reacting to the disturbance which left many dead on the streets, the president of Nigeria Umaru Yar'Adua says the situation is under control.
“The violence, which the authorities said began with an attack on a police station in the town of Bauchi on Sunday that left at least 39 people dead, quickly spread across four states in a heavily Muslim region long troubled by religious unrest. In this instance it appeared to have been led by an obscure fundamentalist opposed to what the authorities call “Western education.”---New York Times/ AFP (07/28/09, Nossiter, A.)
Nigeria is populated by about 140 million composed of 50% Muslims mostly in the North and 50% Christians in the South. Since the imposition of strict Muslim Shariah law in 12 northern states a decade ago after years of military rule, about 10,000 died in the ensuing religious conflict. Extremists allied with the Muslim radicals wage war against western education.
An analyst believes the root cause of the problem is the severe economic difficulties rocking the area. In spite of richness in oil and fuel reserves of Nigeria, unemployment and hunger are prevalent.
According to the World Health, 54% of Nigerians subsist in less than $1 per day budget. The people are frustrated with the government for the lack of electricity, water, healthcare and other basic human services. (Photo Credit: AFP/graphicis; AFP/ Utomi Ekepei) =0=
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St. Lorenzo Ruiz Mass in New York
Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) is sponsoring the 6:30 pm mass @ the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz this coming Saturday, August 1. The group is inviting everyone to join the celebration at the chapel located in Chinatown at 378 Broome St., New York, New York (between Mulberry & Mott Streets) Tel No. 212-966-1019. Website: www.chapelofsanlorenzoruiz.org.
Please advise if you're coming so we can prepare enough refreshments for everyoone. Hoping to see you there. =0=
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OLPDA unveils schedule of 2009 Penafrancia Fiesta in Northeast
Boy Cabaero, this year's chairman of the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) in cooperation with fellow officers and members of the organization announce the planned celebration of the feast of Ina this coming Septermber 2009 in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut (Tri-State) Area.
Devotees, families and friends of the Patroness of Bicol are cordially invited to take part in the annual festivities which include a 9-day novena honoring Mother Mary. The prayers commence on September 11, 2009 and end with a grand fiesta on September 19, 2009.
OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA 20TH ANNUAL FESTIVITIES
SEPTEMBER 11 – 19, 2009
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
DATE/DAY PLACE NOVENA MASS TIME & SPONSORS
Sept. 11,2009 - Our Lady of Victories Church Rosary & Traslacion
5:45 pm Friday
2217 JF Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City
From lower level Church to upper level Church.
1st day-Sept. 11 - Our Lady of Victories Church Catanduanes
7:00 pm Friday
2nd day-Sept.12 - Our Lady of Victories Church Sorsogon
7:00 pm Saturday
3rd day-Sept. 13 - Our Lady of Victories Church Camarines Sur II (Rinconada Partido)
5:30 pm Sunday
4th day-Sept. 14 - Our Lady of Victories Church Masbate
7:00 pm Monday
5th day-Sept. 15 - Our Lady of Victories Church Albay
7:00 pm Tuesday
6th day-Sept. 16 - Our Lady of Victories Church Camarines Norte
7:00 pm Wednesday
7th day-Sept. 17 - Our Lady of Victories Church Camarines Sur I
(Railroad/River/Central 7:00 pm Thursday
8th day-Sept. 18 - Our Lady of Victories Church Naga City, Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association
7:00pm Friday
9th Day-September 19, 2009 GRAND FIESTA
1:00 pm Saturday
Liberty State Park
CRRNJ Terminal Bldg., 1 Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Fluvial Procession Concelebrated Mass
(Photo Credit: Princess_Laya; colnago c 40;)
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Another US trip for Pres. Gloria Arroyo
In an astonishing display of enthusiasm to travel, RP president Gloria M. Arroyo left for a 4-city tour to the United States. In her 16th official trip to USA, a meeting with Pres. Barack Obama was scheduled on July 30. She boarded a commercial Philippine Airlines plane two days earlier and will be back on August 2, 2008
Accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, and a delegation of 20 congressmen, the president will meet with the American president on “peace and security issues.”
This foreign trip is the 72nd travel of GMA abroad, one among 41 countries she visited during her term. Her expenses have ballooned to an estimated P8 billion prompting critics to question whether such expense brings enough benefit to a country reeling in poverty. There are allegations that some of her trips with bloated claims of success have turned into "vacations" for her family, political allies, and friends.(Photo Credit: GMAnews.TV/ Galvez, J.) =0=
RELATED BLOG: Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned Posted by mesiamd at 6/28/2009
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Pres Arroyo slashes price of 5 common drugs
On July 27, 2009, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo signed Executive Order (EO) 821 to reduce the price of 5 common medicines which manufacturers resisted to put down. The essential drugs include anti-cholesterol drug atorvastatin, anti-hypertensive amiodipine, antibiotic/antibacterial drug azith-romycin, anti-neoplastics/anticancer drugs cytarabine and doxorubicin.
“Last week, pharmaceutical companies acceded to government pressure to cut in half the prices of the 16 other essential medicines which the health department found to be exorbitant.
These are medicines for hypertension, diabetes, common bacterial infections, amoebiasis (a leading cause of diarrhea) and cancers (such as leukemia, the top killer pediatric cancer). But the drug companies refused to give in to the appeal of the Department of Health (DoH) for a 50-percent price cut for the five other medicines on the list."---Inquirer (07/27/09, Pazzibugan, D; Esguerra, CV.)
A welcome respite to the poor and supported by the Department of Health (DOH,) the implementation of Arroyo's drug plan starts on August 15, 2009. However, it remains to be seen if this rule will be followed. High cost of drugs are among the reasons why Filipinos are unable to maintain their medicatons leading to longer patient morbidities and premature deaths.
The maximum retail price (MRP) of drugs has been a source of contention between the manufacturers and the consumers. The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), composed of drug companies promised they will support the new price regulation but believes it would have been better if free market---competition dictates the price of the medicines.. (Photo Credit: Techfever) =0=
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GMA lauds her government for “strong” economy in SONA, but critics disagree
In spite of high joblessness that hovers to 27.9% and a hunger index of 23.7 percent of household (2008 SWS Survey,) the rising pressure for Filipinos to seek jobs abroad, and a poor rating in governance, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) told her people that the country enjoys a strong economy under her leadership.
The president's State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered last Monday, July 27, 2009 left the public thinking if what they heard was what they had been living. There had surely been gains in her leadership, but the stark economic hardship of Filipinos remained. GMA blamed her critics for the lack of appreciation to her accomplishments.
Praising the president in her last SONA was Speaker Prospero Nograles who according to the Daily Tribune, said, “The President’s Sona is tough in refuting her critics but it is also solidly based on real and factual achievements. Her Sona is undeniable proof that of all the Presidents that have come and gone, her administration is probably the most accomplished in the actual delivery of all her commitments in each of her Sona in the past nine years."
Nograles’ opinion was quickly junked by former Pres. Joseph Estrada saying, "Are we better off today than in 2001? In terms of moral recovery, we are now number 1 most corrupt in the world. In terms of economics, our foreign debt stands at P4 trillion, our farm output is half of what it was in 2000. We are now the biggest importer instead of exporter of rice" and "in terms of peace and order, there has been zero progress under Arroyo," he said, stressing that her achievements are in making the Philippines the most corrupt country; the second most dangerous country for journalists; a shabu exporter and the top importer of rice.---Source: Daily Tribune, (07/28,2009, Baldo, G.; Manalo, C.)
Theere is a widely disparate assessment by Arroyo and those who don't agree with her. It appears someone is lying again when a rosy picture of the country is put forth, while at the same time, others experience the opposite in their life. What is certain is the public can’t escape truth. Improvement of economic life, advancement, and prosperity remain unreachable to many Filipinos.
Manila Archibishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales warned the president to tell the truth. If only the “good news” GMA brought to the people was as truthful as the pompous dress she wore---like those of the lady senators' attires, perhaps, many would believe what they heard in the SONA was credible. (Photo Credit: Sunnexfor2; TCO3) =0=
RELATED BLOG: GMA told to tell the truth in SONA Posted by mesiamd at 7/27/2009
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Iglesia Ni Kristo marks 95th Founding Anniversary
The religious group that Erano Manalo established 95 years ago celebrated its anniversary with a gathering of its members in Metro Manila and other cities in the country. A huge crowd of thousands assembled in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex as an expression of thanksgiving, solidarity and faith.
“These enormous gatherings in Metro Manila are but two of the 14 celebratory religious assemblies simultaneously held in key cities in 12 regions of the country, plus five more gatherings in four other countries.” Philstar (07/27/09, Araneta, S.)
The special day was observed with the charitable offering of free medical and dental services, distribution of food to the needy and outreach to underserved and poor villages in the country. Similar gatherings were held in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy and elsewhere abroad. (Photo Credit: Jalexanderdh) =0=
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Cebu Inmates Dance to the Tune of MJ’s “Dangerous” as Tribute to the King of Pop
Expressing their continuing facination to their fallen idol, the deceased mega- performer Michael Jackson, inmates of the Cebu Penitentiary who found attention in their group dances, wiggled at the tune of "Dangerous." Clad in black and orange garbs, the dancing inmates added another dimension to their rehabilitation while serving time in jail.
Serving like a “therapy,” dancing has a calming effect on the Filipino prisoners. Their performances after practice have attracted the attention of approving spectators throughout the world. You Tube displayed their hilarious and entertaining presentations which had become popular in the internet.
In their earlier repertoire was Michael Jackson’s famous "Thriller" which brought 10 million hits since it became available in cyberspace. Another was a reenactment of scenes and songs from the movie Sister Act.
The 1,500 inmates thankfully attributed their fame to the phenomenal King of Pop whom they idolize. Boredom and trouble in their jail quarters had been low since they started dancing. (Photo Credit: Huffington Post/ Byron Garcia) =0=
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Michael Jackson touches the hearts of Filipinos
In these two faded photographs, Michael Jackson, the recently deceased phenomenal King of Pop, visited the Philippines in the '70s. In a noontime show "Student Canteen" hosted by Eddie Ilarde, Jackson and company woowed his audience with his electric presence and a song. The photos were sent to me in an egroup. (Photo Credit: Karan Mae Gutierrez) =0=
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Sarkozy faints during jogging exercise
We like leaders to be in the pink of health. We want to see Pres. Barack Obama play golf or take a deep to swim in a beach, We don’t want to see North Korea’s Kim Jong Il gaunt and wasted after he was reported to have suffered a stroke. We’re glad to see French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a running and cycling fan, do his exercise the way Pres. George Bush did when he was still in the White House.
However, last Sunday, July 26, 2009, during his jogging, Sarkozy fainted prompting him to undergo medical tests which were thought to be normal.
“ Sarkozy, 54, was elected in 2007. He last underwent a medical examination July 3, when his cardiovascular and blood tests were normal, the Elysee's medical service said.
His first medical bulletin issued shortly after his 2007 election said Sarkozy's health was "good" and compatible with his presidential duties. Since his election, Sarkozy has maintained a frenetic pace, travelling the world and performing political activities, as well as divorcing his second wife and marrying his third, the former fashion model and singer, Carla Bruni.”----www.iol.co.za/ zapa / AP (07/27/09)
The French leader was brought by military helicopter to the medical facility for observation. He had to stay in the hospital to be sure nothing was medically serious. (Photo Credit: CBC.CA) =0=
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Baao, Camarines Sur & its Grand Pintakasi
ABANGAN!
“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)
As the feast of St. Bartholomew in August draws near, the people of Baao, Camarines Sur in Bicol are preparing for the traditional revelry that marks the celebration!
Miles away from home, in the West Coast of continental US, Baaoenos are eager to do the same. Watch out for a commemorative piece about Baao and its Pintakasi, an interesting town fiesta by people with a strong sense of community, fondness for neighbor, and love for wholesome fun. =0=
"Baao, sa kanakong kalipungawan, ngowan na aldow, di ta ika maling’wan."
RELATED BLOG: News from UP Ibalon Bicol and Friends Posted by mesiamd at 5/17/2009
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“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)
As the feast of St. Bartholomew in August draws near, the people of Baao, Camarines Sur in Bicol are preparing for the traditional revelry that marks the celebration!
Miles away from home, in the West Coast of continental US, Baaoenos are eager to do the same. Watch out for a commemorative piece about Baao and its Pintakasi, an interesting town fiesta by people with a strong sense of community, fondness for neighbor, and love for wholesome fun. =0=
"Baao, sa kanakong kalipungawan, ngowan na aldow, di ta ika maling’wan."
RELATED BLOG: News from UP Ibalon Bicol and Friends Posted by mesiamd at 5/17/2009
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GMA told to tell the truth in SONA
On the eve of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s delivery of her last State of the Nation Address to the joint Congress on Monday, July 27, 2009, the Archibishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales advises her to tell the truth. The Catholic prelate believes that mentioning her accomplishments is as important as being straight with the mistakes and failures of the government.
In another vein, Sen. Francis Escudero challenges the president to tell the real situation of the country. The public has become leery over Arroyo’s honesty. UP teacher Randy David also predicts of the usual “boasting” of the Arroyo government in the SONA and urges citizens to assess Arroyo’s supposed economic accomplishments.
Since the start of the year, Pres. Arroyo has been dogged by poor approval ratings, the lowest among presidents for years. In spite of attempts to prop up her image, poll shows she has been suffering from lack of trust from the constituents she serves. In the final analysis, her achievements must show in progress and improvement in the lives of the Filipinos. (Photo Credit: lavegaskodak) =0=
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Obama backtracks from “stupid” statement against a white Cambridge police officer
Without knowing the circumstances between in the altercation between a white police officer and a black Harvard professor, Pres. Barack Obama, jumped in siding with the black professor----only to learn later he should know better. The police officer wasn’t stupid and he was just doing his job.
Sgt. James Crowley, the police officer responding to a break-in report in the home of Harvard teacher Henry Louis Gates Jr. found himself dealing with a belligerent acidic professor who didn’t want to show his identification. It boiled down to Gates’ unfounded paranoid suspicion that he is being “racially profiled’ by Crowley.
Pres. Barack Obama who is a friend of Prof. Gates reacted quick without knowing the facts:
"I think it's fair to say, number one, any of us would be pretty angry," Obama said. "Number two, that the Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof that they were in their own home. And number three -- what I think we know separate and apart from this incident -- is that there is a long history in this country of African-Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately, and that's just a fact."---http://wb.tv (07/23/09,
In truth, the Cambridge police officer was there to help black teacher----but Gates probably expected that people like Crowley should first know him because he is a “Harvard professor(?)”. Call it hubris in the academe's ivory tower, a demand for respect or an overreaction, but in the police report, Gates was described as tumultuous, uncooperative, and upset.
It is disgusting that this happens in America on people who are supposedly educated. This kind of “Do you know me?” challenge by people of influence and arrogance commonly occurs on simple folks who need to deal with the “VIP’s” like fragile porcelains. Self-importance and inappropriate reaction are most likely operant here.
People like Gates are absorbed in their self-awareness and that a simple showing of identification to a police officer becomes a race issue or a contention to start an argument. The black professor is said to be an “expert” on racism---and in my opinion he has carried his expertise too far.
I am amazed, a US president went down so low to quickly comment erroneously on an issue that is parochial and least deserving of his attention. This split second decision to defend a friend by the president offers clues on what goes on the way he thinks of race relations. Is the preferential option for friends becoming common in the Obama administration?
As a consequence of Obama’s rushed response, he has to patch up,---short of an apology, admitting that he could have used a "calibrated" response. He is correct that the police disproportionately arrest blacks and hispanics more than other races. The reason is obvious--- Blacks and Hispanics have high rates of criminality than other races.
Sgt. Crowley could have over-reacted in arresting this black teacher, but the officer isn’t pleased by the president’s partisan reaction---and so are his colleagues in the police force who try to do their duty as officers. The irony of it all, Crowley, in his career, has been a resource person on avoiding "racial profiling" and in the past, tried to revive a black guy in an emergency, by mouth to mouth resuscitation. (PHoto Credit: WBZ.com) =0=
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Dengue death toll in Cagayan Valley rises to 21
Lending proof that Dengue, a hemorrhagic viral illness is deadlier than the H1N1 flu, the Department of Health in its regional office in Tuguegarao City reported 21 deaths of Dengue since the onset of the year. The mosquito-borne disease which surges during the rainy season in endemic areas such as the Philippines, has infected at least 546 people. The latest mortality are two boys with ages 3 and 8 who died in the town of Ramon.
“Several villages in Ramon, meanwhile, had been observed to have rising dengue cases, among them Barangays Ambatali, Bugallon Norte, Bugallon proper and Raniag.
Already hitting 14 percent more than the number of cases last year, dengue has been most monitored in the provinces of Isabela (including Santiago City) and Cagayan, the regional health office in Tuguegarao City said.” ----Daily Tribune (07/26/09, Boehnert, T.)
It is said that majority of the Dengue infections happened in May and health authorities asked the help of the public to destroy the breeding grounds of the carrier mosquitoes. A cleaner environment plus spraying to kill mosquitoes are helpful in lessening the spread of the disease. Most morbidities and deaths in Dengue are observed in children. (Photo Credit: Kozzmen) =0=
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St. Agnes Academy of Legazpi temporarily closes vs. H1N1 influenza
After 5 of its students tested positive for the H1N1 virus, St. Agnes Academy in Legazpi City stopped operations to contain the spread of the disease. Classes ceased in the elementary and high school levels and are expected to resume on August 2, 2009. Of the five ill students, 2 have recovered and 3 continue to get medical treatment.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ordered local health officers to work hand in hand with school authorities as they monitor and try to curtail the spread of the disease.
In the world front, pharmaceuticals are rushing the production of the H1N1 vaccine in anticipation of a possible disease resurgence when the winter season arrives. At least `160 million vaccines are being rushed in United States. According to experts, up to about 40% of Americans may get ill from the swine flu. Yet, so far it behaves in a benign fashion similar to the seasonal flu. According to reports, there are increasing number of viral resistance to treatment which needs close monitoring.
The H1N1 flu has the potential to infect the elderly, the sick, those who are immunocompromised, and the very young. Deaths from these susceptible groups have been reported. (Photo Credit: AP/ Gregory Bull) =0=
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32,617 out of 77,901 pass the June 2009 nursing board test
The Professional Regulations Commssion (PRC) announced that 32,617 out of 77,901 passed hurdled the recent licnensure for nurses. The result was released on Saturday The staggering number of successful test-takers represents 42% of the total examinees. was announced on Saturday, July 25, 2009.
Topping the test which was given in multiple testing sites in the country was Golda Manto Yap of the Felipe R. Verallo Memorial Foundation with a grade of 86.80. A Naga College Foundation graduate from Bicol Clarissa Leonor Tible Escobar placed 4th in the examination.
The successful examinees, just like their predecessors will be facing joblessness that remains uncorrected by the government. Many will try to seek jobs abroad or assume positions that are off the line of their professional training. The low 42% passing rate adds more strain to the nurses whose job prospects aren't good at this time. (Photo Credit: tsehqui) =0=
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Crash of another Iranian aircraft
A little more than a week when the Caspian Airways flight 7908 with 168 passengers aboard en route to the Armenian city of Yerevan crashed this month, another Iranian aircraft owned by Aria Airlines skidded in an airport and crashed on July 24, 2009, Northeast of the country, killing at least 17 people and injuring about 20 people. The airline was carrying 153passengers.
The crash could be the result of poor maintenance of planes in a country plagued by economic sanctions. Spare parts for Iran’s aging aircrafts, many Russian-made, had been difficult to procure.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the availability of airplane parts had been a problem for the outdated aircraft fleet now susceptible to mechanical problems. Iran experienced difficulty buying plane parts even in Europe. Source: AP (Photo Credit: Sheltercrow) =0=
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Double registrants, impostors, and flying voters removed from voter’s list in Bicol
In preparation for the coming 2010 national election, the Commission on Eleection (COMELEC) has started removing names of double registrants, impostors, and flying voters which compromise the integrity of the election. To make the election credible, in Bicol, about 200,000 of such voters have been excluded from the voting list according to Atty. Zacarias Zaragoza, Comelec’s regional director.
“Camarines Sur had the highest number registered voters that actually voted with 615,477; followed by Albay with 503,032; Masbate, 308,556; Sorsogon, 282,335; Camarines Norte, 174,625, and; Catanduanes 109, 577. “---Bicol Mail (07/23/09, Barcia, R.B.)
It is observed that young citizens eager to exercise their right of suffrage are registering in huge numbers. If they continue to list themselves before the national election, the Bicol region is expected to have 2.8 to 3 million eligible voters at the time of national electon.
But the need for cleansing of the voter’s roster is obvious. Each election, complaints of fraud have brought doubt on the reliability of the political exercise which leads to quarrels, sometimes resulting to violence.
A stolen election isn’t a good foundation for a successful public service. It’s a quick pathway for graft and corruption. Cheating brings down the trust of the people and inhibits the progress of the entire nation. (Photo Credit: WorldNews/ Janice) =0=
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Putting Obama on notice: a clue to more brazen graft and corruption in America?
There is a time lag between identifying crime, the arrest of criminals and their prosecution. In the case of the New Jersey, it took 10 years of surveillance to apprehend 44 individuals, among them government officials and members of the Jewish clergy. Probably the biggest graft and corruption incident ever reported in the state, they are accused of serious crimes including money laundering, bribery, extortion, and the illegal transport and sale of human organs.
“Five rabbis were among suspects, along with the mayors of Hoboken, Secaucus and Ridgefield, the Jersey City deputy mayor and council president, two state assembly members, and numerous other politicians, prosecutors said.” AFP (07/24/09, Smith, S.)
The organized crime was busted in a stunning after-dawn raid shown in television. Acting US attorney Ralph Marra said the apprehensions showed the pervasive nature of public corruption in the state.
In a scale that rivals the legendary mafia, the crime ring allegedly operated internationally from New Jersey and New York to Israel and Switzerland.
Among those taken by police was rabbi, Levy Izhak Rosenbaum who was believed to be part of a notorious group of corrupt, shameless, and greedy people with strong government connections (said to be mostly affiliated to the Democratic party) that procure kidneys from poor people and sell them for $160,000 for transplant to ailing patients. He used religion as a cover.
The decade-long illegal activity was cracked open by the efforts of Republican Chris Christie, a former US attorney who had been against the administration of NJ Gov. Jon Corzine (D). The crusading prosecutor and many New Jersey citizens had been critical of the governor whose leadership was blamed for the poor handling of the state’s economy.
The graft and corruption is getting rampant and freely laid in the open in the United States. There is a shift in the ethical and moral standards of the nation as secular progressives and believers of relativism influence the psyche of the nation. If not corrected, America is in danger of losing its long-held values---its credibility, leadership, and moral standing in the world. (Photo Credit: AP/ Mel Evans x 2) =0=
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Legislation stalled: Americans question Obama's healthcare overhaul plan
The attempt of Pres. Barack Obama to hasten the approval of his universal health care plan met significant opposition when Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced the floor will take up the contentious matter after the August recess. At the earliest, the legislation will be voted, in September 2009 to allow time for legislators and citizens to think.
“Obama envisions legislation that would, for the first time, require all Americans to be insured. A new government insurance program would compete with private insurers, and insurance companies would be barred from excluding people with pre-existing conditions. The goals are to hold down costs and extend coverage to most of the 50 million uninsured. The price tag: $1 trillion-plus over a decade.”----AP (07/24/09, Werner, E.)
But a growing number of citizens and leaders from both sides of the political aisle are questioning the huge price tag of healthcare overhaul plan----exactly the reason why USA is pushing for a change. Many are resentful, appalled and worried that the reform will lead to rationing of medical services as 47 uninsured will be included. The danger of overtaxing the system is there---leaving doctors, nurses and caregivers overworked, underpaid, and unable to deliver the quality of care America expects.
Taxes which Obama promised to keep low, are likely to rise astronomically to subsidize at least 10 million illegal aliens who will crowd the system. The elderly and disabled may suffer denial or delays of service as the government wants to give the young and socially productive the priority in health services.
Through government machinations planned by a few supposed medical experts, many tests, procedures and treatments are in danger of being denied from the seriously sick, chronically ill, and those who suffer from rare diseases. This practice has begun even in the current system and is expected to be greater when the Obama plan takes effect.
Doctors often complain of being slowed by insurance disapprovals and delays to the detriment of their patients' health. Reimbursements of claim from medical services have been cut or denied on top of over-regulation. People have suddenly realize the creeping interference of government in their lives.
So therefore, it is easy to understand why enough time must be given for study and deliberation before a decision is made. There are reasons to doubt Obama and his contentious plan. As it is, his proposal for reform doesn't fly with the people he wants to serve (53% disapproved vs. 46 approved as one recent poll shows.)(Photo Credit: Reuters/ US Health Politics/ Reed, J; AP/ Burke, LV) =0=
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US economic recovery & the uncertainties Americans face ahead
In spite of Pres. Barack Obama’s eloquent words, the US economy is still on the edge. The ambitious social engineering of the Democratic party has started to fray---- ahead of the economic recovery that it promised. The president who built high expectations since his election campaign is losing his approval and credibility at a fast rate.
Healthcare Dilemma
The country is spooked by the healthcare overhaul plan which will likely be rationed, endangers the independence of doctors to decide for their patients, and may lead to treatment delays and astronomical costs which can rob the future of generations.
Though most Americans agree that a change in healthcare is needed, Obama’s plan to pattern the delivery of American system of healthcare to Canada and Europe is met with growing opposition. His universal healthcare plan threatens the structure that makes medicine in USA the best in the world.
American medicine brings leaders of foreign countries to come to the US for treatment. With all its faults, it is the pre-eminent leader in innovation and the advance of medical science. Though expensive, the fast delivery of medical services for difficult health problems makes it outstanding.
Yet, cutting costs will bring undesired consequences. These, the Americans are grappling to understand. They don't know how much it will cost them in insurance premiums and what medical services will they get in return. They are seriously thinking how much of their income must realistically be alloted to medical care.
Even the Obama government shows poor grasp on the details of the change the "experts" are pushing, making the public doubt whether the rush to tinker with the current system will make their life better. It seems Obama wants the health plan to be voted upon soon while the public hasn't absorbed its hidden ramifications. In a speech, he mumbles of the same generic old tunes that don't clarify the uncertainties of his plan. To President Obama's and California legislator Nancy Pelosi's disappointment, the senate recently stalled the health reform bill for September after the August recess.
For one, they even haven’t tackled how to prevent billions that are lost in Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Many lawmakers who bat for more government intrusions in private life haven't read the legislation or discussed the health proposal. It's just like when Capitol Hill voted the $700 billion plus economic stimulus in haste and the public is left guessing. They don't know where the huge public money is going. Without giving evidence, the financial decision-makers say they "averted" the total collapse of the US economy while at the same time, they warn for another stimulus package if the initial strategy doesn't work.
The administration wants to tax the people so that it can subsidize the insurance of at least 10 million illegal aliens, part of the 47 million people who are uninsured. At the expense of the elderly who may be denied of certain diagnostic tests and medical treatment, the government wants to give medical coverage to those who ignored the law and gate-crashed into America.
Obama plans to control the approval and denial of services, putting the lives of the old, disabled, and those with chronic and rare disease in limbo. It is likely, the sick who are young with high chance for full recovery and are able to go back to work will be given priority over those who are old, recurrently sick, and those without hope of improvement. As a result of the expected decline of health service, according to political analyst Dick Morris, author of a new book "Catastrophe," this health plan will displace the elderly with poorer care, it may lower the life expectancy of the Americans in the next decade as well.
Joblessness still on the Rise
In the meantime, in spite of the outrageous spending that puts USA at the edge of bankruptcy, under Obama’s watch, the joblessness in the heartland doesn’t abate. The budget deficit continues to rise, prompting America to finance its runaway spending from debts abroad. If Obama’s plan fails, there will be many apologies, but almost no accountability---just the way it happened when bankruptcies occured in the housing sector, financial services, banking, and auto industries.
Newly laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits increased last week, consistent to the forecast by the Federal Reserve that unemployment will rise beyond 10%. Bolstering this prediction, the Labor Department announced that the initial claims for unemployment insurance went up by 30,000 this week, raising the number of idle workers to 554,000.
With these, the sword of Democles hovers precariously over the heads of US citizens, not used to having no control over their lives. Unlike before, Obama can blame his predecessors as the cause of the economic mess, but as time passes, it is looking more like his own. The free fall of his popularity may be one to tell. Those who slobber and blindly support him is likely to find disappointment. (Photo Credit: iQoncept) =0=
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Prayers pour in for ailing Pres. Cory Aquino
From simple Filipino folks to no less that Pope Benedict XVI, many are praying for the healing and comfort of Pres. Cory Aquino who is stricken ill by terminal colonic cancer. The former President, who is a pillar of fortitude, honesty, and grace, has been diagnosed with the deadly malignant abdominal disease last year.
Apostolic Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope’s secretary of state, sent a message as follows:
“The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers. At the same time, he invokes upon you the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in pledge of healing and comfort.” ----Philstar (07/24/09, Macairan, E.)
Having refused further treatment, Aquino, the 76-year old devout Catholic who led the country during the dark days when Pres. Ferdinand Marcos was kicked out from office, is confined at the Makati Medical Center. She was reported to have lost appetite and weight.
Her daughter Kris Aquino said, she had been suffering pain as a result of the cancer. On her hospital bed at one point, she summoned her 5 children to be with her. Yellow ribbons hang outside the hospital and elsewhere in Manila to pay homage to Ninoy Aquino's widow--- reminiscent of her days when she led the country from the tyranny of Marcos rule. The ailing president was erroneously reported as dead, obviously by irresponsible person(s) not authorize to speak for the Aquino family. (Photo Credit: ManilaRyce/ Time) =0=
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Government calls for MILF ceasefire before GMA’s SONA
In a waxing and waning way of handling the Mindanao separatist movement, the Philippine government again suspended its military offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF,) about 5 days before Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo delivers her state of the nation address (SONA) on July 27, 2009.
Spokesmen from the administration are ecstatic over the ceasefire which they believe will allow about 300,000 civilians to return home to their farms.
But the heavily unpopular president with a poor approval rating was quickly criticized for using the ceasefire to prop up her image---- that her handling of the decades-old Mindanao rebellion had significant gains and in the right direction.
To air their grievances, a 15,000-strong protest-rally are being readied by oppositionists from Manila and other provinces to complain against President Arroyo's final State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“It’s all media-hype. I’m sure her decision will not change the situation in Mindanao. Undoubtedly, she is creating a situation that is favorable to her SONA," Political analyst Ramon Casiple, executive director of the non-government Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. GMANews.TV (07/23/09)
Many observers in the protracted peace process are cynical about the outcome of the conflict. The question of sincerity hangs. They see the same pattern of political maneuvers and hollow claims of peace gains that aren’t far from why the Israel-Palestinian problem has not been resolved for many decades. (Photo Credit: Manolet Santiago/ Malaya) =0=
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Sina’sa: sarong masiram na kakanon haleng Rinconada
Minsan-minsan, pag-sawa na kita kan mga pagkakan sa Amerika, naiisip ta an mga masisiram na mga kakanon na hale sa lugar na tinubu’an. An sakong ina na hale sa Rinconada may paboritong kakanon na dae ko maling’wan sa kasiraman!
Por medio ta an Baao, Camarines Sur, parte nin Rinconada sa Bicol (Baao, Balatan, Bato, Buhi, Bula, Nabua, Iriga,) harayo sa dagat---kadaklan kan kakanon na aram kan ina ko, hale sana sa natad, kua sa paroyan, sapa, dakop sa mata’bang na tubigan----danao kan Baao, Bato sagkod Buhi.
An talusog /snakehead (Channa striata,) hito (Clarias sp.,) tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), carpa (Cyprinus carpio,) puyu (Anabas testundines) and sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis) iyo an mga sira na gusto kan sakong ina, kaya ako muya man magkakan kan sina’sa.
"There are times when we lose taste for food that is distinctly American. And we think of the tasty food which comes from our place of origin---our home. My deceased mom who comes from Rinconada, has some tasty native food that I can't forget.
Because she is from Baao, Camarines Sur, part of the Rinconada towns in Bicol (Baao, Balatan, Bato, Buhi, Bula, Nabua and Iriga,) she is far from the sea---mostly the diet my mom knows comes from the yard, ricefields, streams, and from the freshwater lakes of Baao, Bato and Buhi.
The snakehead, catfish, tilapia, carp, climbing perch, and sinarapan are fishes that she likes---I too like to eat the sina'sa."
Pagluto nin Sina’sa
Lima (5) o anom (6) sanang pulgada an pakadakula, an saradit na puyu (martiniko; climbing perch) inaasal niya sa kalayo na may baga. Pwede man gamiton an talusog sagkod ibang mga sirang hale sa ta’bang lalo kun daradakula. Pwede man pritoson. Pero mas gusto ni Mama an matunok na puyo na inasal. Hinahale niya ang tutong na kiskis. Mas manamit, lalo na kun luto sa baga nin suro kan niyog.
Hinahali’an niya nin mga dugi an puyu pakatapos asalon, dangan hinahalo nin dakul na preskong kamatis, siling labuyo, sibulyas, sibuyas, tunuktok na laya! Garo hambura (retrato sa itaas)!
Hinahalo’an niya nin suka o lemonsito. Pina-pa-uranan nin asin para makompleto ang timpla.
Napa-kalaga-kaga siya nin ugbos kamote na hale sa natad. Iguang mahamot, mainit na maluto hale sa patag. Presto! Masiram na an karakanan lalo na kun iguang batag sagkod may-malipot (may-hielo) na tubig: contra sa managom na demonyo---init kan siling labuyo!
"Five (5) or six (6) inches in size, the small puyu (climbing perch) is roasted in an open fire. Other fish like the snakehead and those caught from freshwater can be used, especially so if they are bigger. The fish can be fried, but by my mom's stamdard, the roasted perch is better. She removes the burned scales. The fish is tastier, especially if cooked in charcoal made from the coconut's fruit shell.
She removes the perch's fishbones after the roast. She mixes them with lots of fresh tomatoes, hot red peppers, onions, scallion, and a dash of finely chopped ginger. It's similar to fresh tomato salad (see picture above).
She puts vinegar or lemon juice and dusts it with rock salt to taste.
As an option, she boils fresh camote tops harvested from the yard. Cook fragrant white rice harvested from the valley. The food in combination is scrumptious--- particularly if there is a ripe latundan (banana) and ice-cold water---to ward off the red pepper's devil in one's burning tongue.." (Photo Credit: Noonch; Puyu; TonieS; Elsie Bauer) =0=
Fried Tilapia Version of Sina'sa
Sa ta'bang na mga sira sa Bicol
Talusog/Snakehead
Puyu/Martiniko
Tilapia
Carpa/Carp
Hito/Catfish
(Photo Credit: Stryker; aquamojo; Stryker; aquafish.net; beautiful victory; hexion x 2; jdmpics.com; mayopersoncount.net) =0=
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Puyu/Martiniko
Tilapia
Carpa/Carp
Hito/Catfish
(Photo Credit: Stryker; aquamojo; Stryker; aquafish.net; beautiful victory; hexion x 2; jdmpics.com; mayopersoncount.net) =0===============================================================
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