by magnolia_eic | Feb 16, 2010 | Headlines, National News, World
Manila, Philippines — Today, Feb 16, 2010 is the deadline for filing of Filipino World War II Veterans of their application for a one-time lump-sum payment under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In a video message posted by the director of the US Department of Veteran Affairs, Jon Skelly, he encouraged relatives of ailing veterans to help them meet the deadline for the filing of claims.
He said that there have been many questions lately about having to attach documentations in the application letter. “This is not necessary.” Skelly said. “Simply fill out the one-page application and my office will take care of the rest and will contact you if we need more information.” Skelly added in the video.
He also stressed that the law did not provide benefits for widows and children or any other heirs of veterans. However, certain widows of veterans who filed their applications but died while the papers were being processed were qualified to receive payments.
The law, signed by US President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, authorized the release of a one-time payment to eligible Filipino veterans to be made through the US Department of Veterans Affairs from a $198-million appropriation established for this purpose.
Click here for full article from Inquirer.net
by magnolia_eic | Feb 13, 2010 | Headlines, World
New York — Former US president Bill Clinton left the hospital Friday saying his surgery to open a blocked artery had been “miraculous”. He further said that he would return to his fundraising work for Haiti.
“Its miraculous with the stents,” Clinton said, referring to the devices used to clear a clogged artery during his operation on Thursday. Clinton, now 63, spoke publicly for the first time since entering the New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Clinton, who underwent a quadruple bypass surgery to free four blocked arteries in 2004, had been complaining of chest discomfort, which lead doctors to decide on the operation.
He has issued a written statement saying he would resume his work as UN envoy to Haiti and his role, together with former US President George W. Bush, in coordinating relief for Haitian earthquake victims.
Clinton was spending the weekend at home in Chappaqua, New York state. He was expected to be back at work Monday and could “resume his very active lifestyle,” his cardiologist Allan Schwartz said, underlining that Clinton had not suffered a heart attack. “His prognosis is excellent.”
Clinton’s wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and their daughter Chelsea rushed to his bedside Thursday and Hillary Clinton delayed by one day a trip to the Gulf.
Wishes for a speedy recovery poured in from President Barack Obama and others in the political world.
Click here for full article from Inquirer.net
by magnolia_eic | Jan 25, 2010 | National News, World
THE World Bank expects the Philippines to rebound from a modest 1.4-percent growth in 2009 to a considerable 3.5-percent expansion this year, the multilateral financial institution said in its latest report.
Earlier, the World Bank upgraded its growth forecast for the Philippines last year, reversing its previous estimate of a 0.3-percent contraction, as it noted that an expected global economic recovery would further lift the inflow of remittances, boost exports and encourage consumer spending.
In a press briefing, World Bank senior economist Eric Le Borgne said the low inflation environment, increased spending due to the May national elections, and the strong remittance inflows from overseas Filipinos would fuel the growth in economic activity.
However, he said growth could be threatened by the permanent erosion of tax revenues, improper timing in the exit of the government stimulus package, and a prolonged global economic recovery. (PIA)
by magnolia_eic | Jan 20, 2010 | Entertainment, World
from: the Asscociated Press
MOTION PICTURES:
_Picture, Drama: “Avatar.”
_Picture, Musical or Comedy: “The Hangover.”
_Actor, Drama: Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart.”
_Actress, Drama: Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side.”
_Director: James Cameron, “Avatar.”
_Actor, Musical or Comedy: Robert Downey Jr., “Sherlock Holmes.”
_Actress, Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia.”
_Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds.”
_Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the Novel `Push’ by Sapphire.”
_Foreign Language: “The White Ribbon.”
_Animated Film: “Up.”
_Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, “Up in the Air.”
_Original Score: Michael Giacchino, “Up.”
_Original Song: “The Weary Kind” (theme from “Crazy Heart”), (written by Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett).
TELEVISION:
_Series, Drama: “Mad Men,” AMC.
_Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, “Dexter.”
_Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife.”
_Series, Musical or Comedy: “Glee,” Fox.
_Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock.”
_Actress, Musical or Comedy: Toni Collette, “United States of Tara.”
_Miniseries or Movie: “Grey Gardens,” HBO.
_Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Bacon, “Taking Chance.”
_Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Drew Barrymore, “Grey Gardens.”
_Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: John Lithgow, “Dexter.”
_Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Chloe Sevigny, “Big Love.”
___
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Scorsese.
