The bandwagon defense

“JOURNALISTS are NOT the story. We tell the story. We merely chronicle our country’s comings and goings in the best way we can. This is how we serve the country.” – Marites Dañguilan-Vitug In a report from Rappler.com, The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) has opposed the request of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s defense team…

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On Phlebitis and DVT

What is Phlebitis? Phlebitis (also called thrombophlebitis) is a condition where there is inflammation in the walls of the veins, most commonly the leg veins, and usually clots form in the walls and valves of the veins. DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) is when the veins in the deeper areas of the legs, groins and pelvis…

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USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grant Opportunity

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the availability of a competitive grant opportunity designed to promote immigrant civic integration and prepare permanent residents for citizenship. This year’s program will offer approximately $5 million in funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. Through this grant opportunity, USCIS seeks to…

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The power of the Cross

EVERYONE’S life will always be beset by some trials and difficulties, however prosperous, successful and pleasurable it is. We cannot run away from the Cross; it will always be a part of us. That’s the reality of life. As we often hear, “it is for what it is.” Now, this may be sound pessimistic for…

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What exactly is my employer for the H-1B?

QUESTION: I have someone who wants to petition me for an H-1B, but am confused as to whether it will qualify. Can you help? Answer: The H-1B regulations currently require that a United States employer establish that it has an employer-employee relationship with respect to the beneficiary, as indicated by the fact that it may…

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Pills vs surgery for reflux

Good news for those with reflux esophagitis! A recent open, parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled study in Sweden (LOTUS – Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Anti-reflux Surgery) showed that drug (Esomeprazole) is equally effective, if not more, than surgery for reflux, according to the September 2008 issue of GUT. What is Reflux Heartburns? Reflux Heartburns…

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Pills vs surgery for reflux

Good news for those with reflux esophagitis! A recent open, parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled study in Sweden (LOTUS – Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Anti-reflux Surgery) showed that drug (Esomeprazole) is equally effective, if not more, than surgery for reflux, according to the September 2008 issue of GUT. What is Reflux Heartburns? Reflux Heartburns…

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Don’t spit, quit!

While the image of a puffy-cheeked ball player might first come to mind when mentioning chewing (“spit”) tobacco, the reality is that smokeless tobacco is also a daily habit to millions of everyday North Americans, both young and old. It’s important to know that, just because chewing tobacco is smokeless, it’s far from harmless. In…

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Discretionary relief from removal

NORMAN is a 19-year-old high school senior and a legal permanent resident for 4 years. One evening, he and his friends decided to go on a “dare,” and his friends dared him to go inside a Target store and “pick up” a video game and a packet of gum. He was charged with, and pled…

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Paying taxes on a 1099-MISC

WE SEE these too often among our kababayans in the home care or home health business. Receiving 1099-Misc seems to be the overwhelming means of income reporting in this field of work. If you are an independent contractor or a self-employed person, the company or the employer whom you provided your services will issue you Form 1099-Misc,…

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From blindness to grace

BEING blind is absolutely a terrible fate that one can have. Imagine one’s self not being able to see the world – its life and colors. Imagine not being able to see the faces of loved ones especially those of one’s children or one’s spouse. Imagine not being able to see one’s features – one’s…

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Looking after the welfare of OFWs

Considered as the living heroes of the Philippines, Filipino migrant workers all over the world have long been contributing to the economic growth of the country. With their families as their inspirations, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have also suffered a great deal of emotional and physical pain just to be able send money back at…

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What is recruitment in PERM?

QUESTION: I have been sponsored for the PERM. I’m not sure what must be done with the recruitment. Can you specify. What exactly is recruitment? Answer: Recruitment is necessary in order to submit the PERM electronically. It shows that you advertised for the position in question. Question: What is the SWA? Answer: This means State…

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Aspirin and colon cancer

One medication present in almost every household around the world is a wonder drug called acetylsalicylic acid, popularly know as aspirin. Besides acting as a mild blood thinner, taken by millions to help minimize the risk of blood clot formation in heart arteries and the chances of a heart attack, aspirin has been found to…

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Aspirin and colon cancer

One medication present in almost every household around the world is a wonder drug called acetylsalicylic acid, popularly know as aspirin. Besides acting as a mild blood thinner, taken by millions to help minimize the risk of blood clot formation in heart arteries and the chances of a heart attack, aspirin has been found to…

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Misconstrued

IN his interview with David Letterman last week, actor Taylor Kitsch shared having a “moment” with a local customs official, when he (supposedly) came to the Philippines to shoot scenes for his upcoming film, Savages. According to the Canadian actor, the official almost didn’t let him through, just because the there were “not enough pages”…

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Chance or capability

During the commemoration of the 26th year of the EDSA People Power Revolution last February 25, President Benigno Aquino III disproved speculations that his administration is going lax on leading the country towards economic progress. Aquino was proud to say that during the 19 months of service as President, things have started to look up…

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The battered spouse

Sylvia came to America carrying her hopes and dreams for a better life. Sadly, those dreams quickly turned into a nightmare. While working as a volunteer back in the Philippines she met Gordo who was the nephew of one of her patients at the hospital. Gordo was a US citizen who having been laid off…

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Education for all

EDUCATION is at the crossroads for the future of Filipinos. It plays a crucial role in promoting poverty alleviation and economic growth. It reflects the aspirations of the people for a successful integration into the global economy in an ever-changing world. It seems that the winds of change are blowing in the direction of the…

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From nuts to eggs and red meat

WHY are nuts the super snack? Nuts, in general, are super food items, which provide the body protein, fiber, minerals, anti-oxidants, cholesterol lowering mono-saturated fats, immune and brain boosting nutrition. Each nut confers different benefits, so it is best to indulge in a variety of them within the week. But don’t go overly nuts on…

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Good, better, best or perfect?

NOWADAYS when you ask people how they’re doing, most likely you’ll get the answer, “I’m good.” This response has often intrigued me because I’m used to hearing more familiar responses like “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”. To me, “I’m good” gives a greater sense of pride and certainty. It prevents the person asking the question…

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Are tax refund loans any good?

INCOME tax season brings with it promises of easy and quick access to money. We have often heard some tax preparers, even the big chains, offering Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). With a RAL, the preparer promises you get your refund money within 2 days. RALs are private loans to taxpayers provided by financial institutions. The…

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Fight vs Faith

BESIDES the long overdue fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather (which, up to now still hangs in the air), Pacquiao’s “renewed sense of faith” has also been making headlines, not only in Philippine media, but in various media outlets here in the United States. “Will it (Pacquiao’s upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley) be the…

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USCIS Hosts Entrepreneurs in Residence Information Summit

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas hosted an Information Summit today at the NASA Research Park in Moffett Field, Calif., to launch the USCIS Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) Initiative. “Today USCIS gained invaluable insights from prominent entrepreneurs and industry leaders on immigration issues critical to our nation’s economic prosperity,” said Director Mayorkas….

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