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[
"Kathryn Vasel"
] | 2016-08-30T17:40:56 | null | 2016-08-29T02:15:51 | Dreaming of a vacation but can't afford to buy the plane tickets? You can now get financing on airfare on CheapAir.com. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fpf%2Fcheapair-airline-tickets-monthly-payments%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fedition_travel%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNNi%2B-%2BTravel%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160829123506-airfare-financing-780x439.jpg | en | null | CheapAir now offers monthly payments for airline tickets | null | null | money.cnn.com | Dreaming of a vacation, but don't have the cash for the airfare? You can now pay for your plane tickets in monthly installments.
CheapAir.com has teamed up with financial services company Affirm to allow fliers to take out three, six and 12-month purchase plans to cover their airfare.
Here's how it works: After selecting flights on CheapAir, customers can choose to make monthly payments on the checkout page. They have to provide their name, email and street addresses, date of birth, cellphone number and the last four digits of their Social Security number to help Affirm run a credit check. The check will not affect a customer's credit score.
The interest rate on the loans are based on credit worthiness and range from 10%-30% APR.
The average APR on new credit card offers was 15.19% last week, according to CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report.
Related: What's going with airfare prices this summer
Travelers will get approval within seconds, according to CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee, and there's no limit on how many tickets you can request financing for. But financing is only available for tickets that are $100 or more.
The new payment method is aimed at travelers who don't have a credit card or can't afford their trip.
"When you want to take a vacation, it's a lot of money to put up out front and you might not be able to manage it all at once," said Klee. "Spreading it out ... makes it become more easy to manage."
Related: Airfares are down, United says
Klee said CheapAir has been "aggressive" about embracing payment alternatives to credit cards. The website also allows customers to pay with Bitcoin and cash through Western Union.
"Anything that competes with credit cards I think is a good thing," he said. "This is one more option, and the more options, the better."
Despite more travelers hitting the skies, airfare prices have been dropping recently thanks to lower fuel costs and more capacity. Airlines have been expanding their routes and adding flights in the wake of lower oil prices.
Airfare prediction app Hopper expects airfare will continue its descent this fall, with domestic tickets decreasing 8.2% to hit $213 in October. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/29/pf/cheapair-airline-tickets-monthly-payments/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fedition_travel+%28RSS%3A+CNNi+-+Travel%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/c7d2475e96ae2610e4e1880c2fe91207f50b50841c2322f0be273f422861f9e1.json |
[
"Chris Isidore"
] | 2016-08-30T19:37:47 | null | 2016-08-30T01:58:57 | Martin Shkreli, the reviled drug company CEO who faces federal criminal charges, nearly doubled his $3 million investment in KaloBios. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fnews%2Fcompanies%2Fshkreli-kalobios-profit%2Findex.html%3Fsection%3Dmoney_news_international%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fmoney_news_international%2B%2528CNNMoney%253A%2BInternational%2BNews%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160503075040-marktin-shkreli-780x439.jpg | en | null | Martin Shkreli scores $2.7 million payday | null | null | money.cnn.com | Martin Shkreli, the controversial ex-drug executive now facing federal criminal charges, nearly doubled his investment in KaloBios, the drug company he briefly controlled and ran last fall.
Shkreli started buying shares of KaloBios (KBIO) last November when it was a penny stock, about a month before he was arrested. At the time, the company was in bad shape, winding down operations and liquidating its assets.
Shkreli paid just over $3.2 million for a controlling stake in the company, according to an SEC filing last fall.
Related: Martin Shkreli's E*Trade account takes a huge hit
The company announced on Monday that Shkreli sold his entire stake in the company a private transaction. He received $3.10 a share, according to a filing, which comes to a total of $5.9 million. That means he made a $2.7 million profit on his initial investment. Shkreli could not be reached for comment.
News of Shkreli's investment back in November briefly gave new life to the stock and the company, lifting its shares 400%. He was named CEO and promised to hire back employees who had been laid off before he bought his controlling stake.
But within weeks federal authorities arrested Shkreli, charging him with running a Ponzi scheme and looting funds from another company he had run. He is still awaiting trial on those charges.
Following his arrest, Shkreli was out as CEO of KaloBios, and also stepped down as CEO of Turing Pharmaceutical, a position he held simultaneously. It was at Turing that he became famous, and reviled, for raising the price of a drug needed by AIDS patients by 5,000%.
Soon after Shkreli's arrest KaloBios filed for bankruptcy. It emerged from bankruptcy earlier in June. Shkreli retained a major stake in the company through the bankruptcy process. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/30/news/companies/shkreli-kalobios-profit/index.html?section=money_news_international&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_news_international+%28CNNMoney%3A+International+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/84e3c1652b1cd4678d1bed45f7040e964e083bf991e6ef0e348eeea27b1a9cdb.json |
[
"Matt Egan"
] | 2016-08-29T21:40:13 | null | 2016-08-29T04:51:26 | The owner of Cadbury said on Monday it's no longer pursuing a deal to acquire Hershey. The news sent shares of the iconic U.S. chocolate maker plunging 11% in after-hours trading. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Finvesting%2Fhershey-stock-crashes-mondelez%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/151002171905-hersheys-chocolate-780x439.jpg | en | null | Hershey stock crashes 11% after chocolate merger talks end | null | null | money.cnn.com | So much for that much-hyped chocolate marriage between Hershey and Cadbury.
Hershey's (HSY) stock crashed 11% Monday evening after Cadbury owner Mondelez (MDLZ) revealed it's no longer pursuing a deal to acquire the iconic American chocolate maker.
In June, Hershey rejected a $107-a-share takeover offer from Mondelez. The offer represented a 10% premium to Hershey's closing price at the time.
The two companies continued talking, but Mondelez said merger talks are now over. The snack giant said it determined there's "no actionable path forward" for a combination.
Related: A Trump presidency would benefit these businesses
Mondelez cited "recent shareholder developments at Hershey," without elaborating.
The comments likely reflect reluctance from the Hershey Trust, the powerful shareholder that controls Hershey, to sell the candy giant. The Hershey Trust owns the vast majority of Hershey's votes and has been unwilling to sell in the past.
Hershey didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In an effort to "sweeten" the deal, Hershey reportedly promised to protect Hershey jobs, move its global chocolate headquarters to Hershey, Pa. and rename the combined company Hershey. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/29/investing/hershey-stock-crashes-mondelez/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/aadc824199f49f9c2e02394a2f5817b231e24677024b41585f1c483d67f7c280.json |
[
"Alanna Petroff"
] | 2016-08-30T09:37:43 | null | 2016-08-30T05:13:07 | Here's what you need to know about the markets before you start your business day. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Finvesting%2Fpremarket-stocks-trading%2Findex.html%3Fsection%3Dmoney_news_international%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fmoney_news_international%2B%2528CNNMoney%253A%2BInternational%2BNews%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/140422133431-nyse-premarkets-042214-780x439.jpg | en | null | Premarkets: 6 things to know before the open | null | null | money.cnn.com | It's been smooth summer sailing in the markets this month.
But things could get choppy today.
Here are the six things you need to know before the opening bell rings in New York:
1. Biting into Apple: The European Commission will demand Tuesday that Ireland recover unpaid taxes dating back many years from Apple, according to multiple media reports. A spokesperson declined to comment but the Commission has scheduled a news conference for 6 a.m. ET with its chief antitrust official.
The EU watchdog has been probing the tax arrangements of Apple (AAPL, Tech30), Amazon (AMZN, Tech30) and Starbucks (SBUX) in European countries over concerns the firms were getting a special deal from governments hoping to attract companies.
Apple has already warned that the investigation could force it to pay a decade's worth of back taxes to Ireland.
Related: Apple's next iPhone will likely be unveiled Sept. 7
2. Bitter sweet: Hershey (HSY) stock plunged in extended trading after Cadbury owner Mondelez (MDLZ) said it was abandoning attempts to acquire the iconic American chocolate maker.
In June, Hershey rejected a $107-a-share takeover offer from Mondelez. The offer represented a 10% premium to Hershey's closing price at the time.
The two companies continued talking, but Mondelez said merger talks are now over.
3. Aviation observations: There's a lot happening in the airline industry right now.
Shares in American Airlines (AAL) were looking soft in extended trading after the firm said its president, Scott Kirby, was switching companies to work at United Continental (UAL).
United said Kirby will take over "operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning and revenue management" at the airline.
In a letter to employees, United CEO Oscar Munoz said this "will allow me to sharpen my own focus as CEO on the core mission of driving United's overall strategy, business innovation and financial performance."
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is also in the spotlight after it reached a tentative compensation deal with 8,000 unionized pilots following four years of talks.
The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association said Monday that the union reached an "agreement in principle" with the airline that would give raises to about 8,000 pilots.
Related: Fear & Greed Index
4. Ones to watch -- ITT, ARM, retailers: Shares in the for-profit educational provider ITT Educational Services (ESI) could take another big fall Tuesday after it announced it had stopped enrolling all new students.
This comes just days after the U.S. Department of Education announced it was banning the institution from enrolling new students that use federal financial aid. It's also stepping up oversight of the company because of concerns about "organizational integrity, financial viability and [its] ability to serve students."
Shares in the company have lost more than 80% of their value in the past week.
ARM Holdings (ARMH, Tech30) shareholders are voting Tuesday on SoftBank's (SFTBY) major takeover deal.
Softbank has offered £24.3 billion ($32 billion) in cash for the British tech firm, making it the biggest foreign takeover by a Japanese company.
A number of U.S. retailers are reporting earnings ahead of the bell. Get ready for market reaction to results from Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), Christopher & Banks (CBK) and DSW (DSW).
5. Economics: The main U.S. economic reports out today will focus on housing and consumers.
The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index for June comes out at 9 a.m. ET, giving insight into the state of the U.S. real estate market.
Then the Conference Board will release consumer confidence information for August at 10 a.m. Similar data released in Europe showed consumer confidence dipped in the eurozone in August.
And in the U.K., new data from the Bank of England shows mortgage approvals sank in July following the country's vote to leave the European Union. Mortgage approvals for home purchases were down 11% last month compared to the average of the previous six months.
Related: CNNMoney's Tech30
6. Global markets overview: U.S. stock futures are holding steady.
European markets are mostly positive in early trading, though mining companies are weighing on the main U.K. markets. Asian stocks are generally fairing well.
On Monday, The Dow Jones industrial average gained 0.6%, while the S&P 500 added 0.5% and the Nasdaq inched 0.3% higher. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/30/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html?section=money_news_international&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_news_international+%28CNNMoney%3A+International+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/99fcd8cad3af9aebb35dcb99340803d6ad6c69cc4a12532fe49b17eac04a679a.json |
[
"Mark Malloch-Brown"
] | 2016-08-31T13:40:51 | null | 2016-08-31T08:39:09 | Companies must change they way they behave if they want to avoid fueling a growing revolt against business and political elites. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fnews%2Feconomy%2Fworld-economy-reboot-opinion%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160829173517-business-reboot-global-economy-780x439.jpg | en | null | Opinion: Business must lead reboot of global economic model | null | null | money.cnn.com | "The Establishment" is feeling the heat. Political and business elites are being caught up in a revolt against globalization and growing inequality of wealth and opportunity.
When the richest 1% own more than the remaining 99%, and where affordable housing, education and decent paying jobs are out of reach for so many people, this growing political trend is perhaps less surprising than the fact it took decades to materialize.
Throwing up trade barriers and walls at home, and doubling down on national self-sufficiency, however, are unlikely to solve the problem. The answer is a more inclusive global economy that expands opportunities and addresses the sources of risk and uncertainty, such as unsustainable energy policies or migrant pressures.
A better, fairer, and more managed version of globalization is likely to put the world and its politics back on a more optimistic path. And business must be the key partner to governments in rebooting the global operating model.
Related: The rich beat others on investments too
Most of the finance, innovation and entrepreneurship necessary for this task are to be found in the private sector. But companies and governments need help navigating their way to a future where political trust is restored and business can operate without becoming an object of suspicion and scorn.
The Sustainable Development Goals can provide the map. A set of 17 global objectives negotiated at the United Nations, and based on consultations with millions of people, the Global Goals aim to create a world that has eliminated poverty and reduced inequality by 2030.
They may not provide the crisp strategic direction a chief executive might seek, but the goals are gathering recognition as the best opportunity to ensure no one is sidelined by economic progress. No organization can tackle all the goals with equal priority; instead, each will focus on those most relevant to their own sector. It will, therefore, take a collective effort to put the world firmly on an entirely different path.
Related: How EpiPen came to symbolize corporate greed
There is a massive financial incentive for companies to do this. At the Business & Sustainable Development Commission, our early research shows that achieving the Global Goals has the potential to unleash trillions of dollars in new opportunities across major sectors such as energy, cities, food, agriculture, and health.
Business leaders have a choice: to pursue the current model, whose failures since the global financial crisis have become ever more evident, or jump the tracks to a new model of more equitable investment and economic growth.
But achieving the Global Goals will require business, government and society to work more closely together. And it requires a shared vision among investors and board members that goes far beyond quarterly earnings and other short term priorities that cramp the private sector.
It will take a new social contract between business, government and society to tackle the tremendous challenges the world faces: Labor and environmental standards must be met, human rights respected, and corruption vigorously resisted.
Related: EU hits Apple with $14 billion tax bill
Companies must also pay their fair share of taxes, be fully accountable for their actions, work with government to create jobs, and innovate to provide affordable, sustainable goods and services in health, housing, education, transport, energy and food.
Business leaders and globalization are on the defensive. These leaders now need the courage to become part of the answer, and not remain part of the problem. A better world needs better business, not business as usual.
Mark Malloch-Brown is a former United Nations Deputy Secretary General and chairman of the Business & Sustainable Development Commission. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/31/news/economy/world-economy-reboot-opinion/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/13c54cc43a1e7100ff1bd7e6fbc1b8334eb4b8d4695d100a2065641b13f37942.json |
[
"Patrick Gillespie"
] | 2016-08-26T14:59:54 | null | 2016-08-25T03:32:43 | Global trade growth this year is slowing down to a pace last seen in 2009 when the world was just inching out of the Great Recession. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fnews%2Feconomy%2Fglobal-trade-slows%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/151123090420-oil-tanker-shipments-780x439.jpg | en | null | Global trade at slowest pace in 7 years | null | null | money.cnn.com | Companies across the world are pumping the brakes this year on shipments and new purchases from overseas.
Global trade volume only rose 0.1% in June compared to a year ago, according an analysis of government global trade data released Thursday by Panjiva, an analytics firm.
It's the lowest monthly gain since 2009.
"We've have some pretty clear signs that global trade has slowed down," says Chris Rogers, a research analyst at Panjiva.
The numbers come a day before the U.S. Census releases data on July U.S. trade.
American exports in June were down 5% from a year ago and its trade balance declined for the third straight month, Census data shows. Another region pulling down global trade is Latin America. Its total trade volume decreased in June too, Panjiva found.
Related: Trade turmoil: $1.3 trillion at stake in Brexit breakup
The strong dollar remains a major headwind for American companies that sell computers, cars and other products overseas. A strong currency makes U.S. products more expensive -- and less attractive -- to foreign buyers.
China's slowdown, weak growth in some developing countries and low demand remain persistent problems for trade too.
Not everyone is down on global trade. A recent survey by American Express and the Economist Intelligence Unit found that 66% of international firms believe trade with the U.S. will increase over the next few years.
However, one challenge on the horizon is Brexit, the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union. It will force the U.K. to rewrite a litany of trade agreements and could cool down trade ties between the U.K. and some of its major trade partners in Europe. That would spell bad news for the global economy, which is already growing at a "fragile" pace, according to the IMF. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/25/news/economy/global-trade-slows/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/cdf88f5b1bae16459cfa8509509281ed8dadf4c8fb4bad41d7bd27f623c7684d.json |
[
"Matt Mcfarland"
] | 2016-08-26T17:39:20 | null | 2016-08-26T12:12:26 | Domino's shows it can deliver pizza to customers with a drone in New Zealand. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ftechnology%2Fdominos-drone-new-zealand%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160825184107-dominos-drone-delivery-780x439.jpeg | en | null | Domino's delivers pizza by drone in New Zealand | null | null | money.cnn.com | In New Zealand, pizzas will soon be dropping from the heavens.
Domino's demonstrated its ability to deliver food via a drone Thursday in New Zealand and plans to test actual deliveries to customers next month.
"It doesn't add up to deliver a two kilogram package in a two-ton vehicle," said Scott Bush, a general manager for Domino's Pizza Enterprises, which is independent of the U.S. chain and operates in seven countries. "In Auckland, we have such massive traffic congestion it just makes sense to take to the airways."
A Domino's customer who requests a drone delivery will receive a notification when their delivery is approaching. After going outside and hitting a button on their smartphone, the drone will lower the food via a tether. Once the package is released, the drone pulls the tether back up and flies back to the Domino's store.
Related: Domino's pizza delivery robot is coming to your door
Initially there may be an extra charge for drone delivery, Bush said, but in the long term he hopes to deliver at no added cost.
Bush said test deliveries to actual customers will begin September 26 out of one Auckland store. The drone flights, powered by American drone company Flirtey, will be automated, but a human will be nearby to supervise. There are limits on how far Domino's will be able to deliver. New Zealand's drone rules don't currently allow a drone to fly farther than the drone's operator can see, but Domino's said it's working with authorities to remove barriers.
"We want to push it as hard as we can and roll it out globally throughout our seven markets," Bush said.
U.S. customers hoping for a pizza to land in their front yard shouldn't get too excited, given that Domino's in New Zealand operates separately from the U.S. chain. The other countries that drone delivery could expand to include Australia, Japan, The Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany.
The company plans to broaden its New Zealand drone delivery in early 2017, including at night.
Related: Drone helps find man suffering from heart attack
Domino's has previously shown an interest in alternative delivery services. This spring it begin using a robotic cart that wheeled along sidewalks in Australia to make deliveries.
In New Zealand, Domino's only sells pizzas in one size, which simplifies the challenge of a drone trying to fly in windy conditions with a large pizza box. Bush said Domino's would be able to carry loads up to 5.5 pounds. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/26/technology/dominos-drone-new-zealand/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/3b8c54daff68d585ad21e5d390f12895aacca42e1b6e148a1f33fdcb08543b49.json |
[
"Ivana Kottasova"
] | 2016-08-29T13:39:41 | null | 2016-08-29T08:38:48 | Talks on President Obama's free trade deal with Europe, the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, have "de facto failed," a top German politician said. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fnews%2Feconomy%2Fus-europe-free-trade-deal-ttip-dead%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160829112346-stop-ttip-protest-780x439.jpg | en | null | Top German official says EU-U.S. free trade talks have failed | null | null | money.cnn.com | President Obama's free trade deal with Europe is going nowhere, a top German politician has said.
"The negotiations with the U.S. have de facto failed," Sigmar Gabriel said during an interview with German television ZDF.
Gabriel is Germany's minister for Economic Affairs and Energy and also deputy to Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) was meant to be one of Obama's legacies, but talks with the European Union have stalled as opposition to the deal grows.
Gabriel said he was a supporter of free trade because German exporters, large and small, would benefit but such a deal could not be done "at any price."
The deal was supposed to span Europe and the U.S., covering more than half of the world's economic output and 800 million people. It has been in the works since June 2013 and Obama's administration is still hoping to reach an agreement before the president leaves office in January.
But the negotiations have been moving at glacial pace. The 14th round of negotiations wrapped up in July, without a significant breakthrough on the most problematic issues.
"We Europeans cannot subject ourselves to American demands, there's no movement there," Gabriel said.
The European Commission, which is leading the negotiations on behalf of EU states, insists a deal is still possible by the end of 2016.
"The ball is rolling right now and the Commission is making steady progress...provided the conditions are right, the Commission stands ready to close this deal by the end of the year," said Margaritis Schinas, the chief spokesperson of the European Commission.
Related: 5 reasons why Europeans hate Obama's free trade plan
But Schinas repeated a statement made by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker two years ago that officials would not "sacrifice Europe's safety, health, social and data protection standards or our cultural diversity on the altar of free trade."
Supporters say the deal would create more than a million jobs. The European Commission says it would be worth 545 euros ($620) to each European citizen every year.
But more than 3.2 million people have signed a petition to stop TTIP, and another EU trade deal with Canada.
They are angry that the talks are being held in secret. The TTIP draft has been kept under wraps -- which is not unusual for big trade agreements. WikiLeaks has offered 100,000 euros ($114,000) for the documents.
European labor unions and pressure groups argue the deal will give too much power to big U.S. corporations, because it would make it easier for them to sue governments over laws they claim hurt their business.
Opponents also say the deal could lead to more privatization of public services, including education and healthcare. European Commission says these sectors will not be included in the agreement, but leaks from the negotiations suggest the U.S. is pushing hard for access.
Many in Europe are also worried the deal could lead to a watering down of Europe's existing regulations on food safety and environmental protection, which are often a lot stricter than in the U.S.
Related: Trade turmoil: $1.3 trillion at stake in Brexit breakup
Opposition to TTIP is also growing in the U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized free trade agreements, including NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, saying they are "an attack on America's business."
Hillary Clinton backed big free trade agreements when she was Secretary of State, but she too is now voicing concerns. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/29/news/economy/us-europe-free-trade-deal-ttip-dead/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/b53cefac2540f4be13086f4bcef019d9fcc993a7e3bd2452c7cb7c67ad4723dc.json |
[
"Patrick Gillespie"
] | 2016-08-26T15:48:36 | null | 2016-08-26T10:00:42 | Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signaled in a speech in Jackson, Wyoming, that an interest rate increase could be on the horizon. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fnews%2Feconomy%2Fjanet-yellen-federal-reserve-jackson-hole%2Findex.html%3Fsection%3Dmoney_news_international%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fmoney_news_international%2B%2528CNNMoney%253A%2BInternational%2BNews%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/151216153202-yellen-rate-hike-dec-16-780x439.jpg | en | null | Janet Yellen: Fed rate hike odds have 'strengthened' | null | null | money.cnn.com | Janet Yellen is getting closer to raising interest rates.
The Chair of the Federal Reserve signaled that a rate hike this year is still on the table.
"I believe the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in recent months," Yellen said in a speech in Jackson, Wyoming.
But Yellen was vague on timing. The Fed's committee next meets in late September. It also has a meeting in early November, however, it's unlikely the Fed would raise rates right before the U.S. elections.
Plus, such ambiguity from Yellen may indicate that the Fed will wait until its meeting in December to raise rates.
After all, Yellen said in May that a rate increase would be appropriate over the summer months. She then changed course when the May jobs report was shockingly weak. Now she's giving no time reference.
But the job market bounced back in June and July, adding over a half million jobs in the that period. Yellen highlighted the job market's improvement and "solid growth" in consumer spending. Experts agree.
"The consumer is actually doing pretty good and there are elements of the labor market doing better," says Phil Orlando, senior portfolio manager at Federated Investors in New York. Orlando believes the Fed is likely to hike next in December.
Related: The U.S. economy's biggest problem: the smartphone?
She spent much of her speech on the Fed's tools that it has used to respond to the Great Recession. The Fed put interest rates at zero in December 2008. Low interest rates made it easier for businesses to borrow money and hire new workers.
But low rates were also a key reason behind the stock market's strong rally over the last seven years. Since investors earn very little interest on safe investments like U.S. treasury bonds, the Fed's policy may have caused investors to take more aggressive risks.
Yellen said if future Fed leaders kept rates near zero "they might inadvertently encourage excessive risk-taking and so undermine financial stability."
Stocks didn't react much to Yellen's comments on Friday. The Dow and S&P 500 remained slightly positive.
Related: Top Fed officials talk up rate hike odds
Even though economic growth has only averaged about 1% this year, Yellen sees the glass half full.
"While economic growth has not been rapid, it has been sufficient to generate further improvement in the labor market," she said.
The Fed raised interest rates last December for the first time in nearly a decade. At the beginning of the year, the Fed projected it would raise rates four times this year.
But falling oil prices, China's slowdown, rocky stock markets and the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union -- Brexit -- forced the Fed to revise its plans, not to mention warning signs like the May jobs report.
Currently, the Fed projects it will raise rates twice this year, though Fed officials have only been talking about one increase in recent weeks. Some say Yellen gave enough hints about a rate hike without showing all her cards on Friday.
"Yellen succeeded in leaving the door open to almost anything," says Kathy Jones, chief fixed income strategist at Charles Schwab. "Unless there's a huge rise in jobs in the next jobs report, [a rate hike is] still probably more likely in December than September." | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/26/news/economy/janet-yellen-federal-reserve-jackson-hole/index.html?section=money_news_international&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_news_international+%28CNNMoney%3A+International+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/1e96343e109ef195f22c622d41934e0291499f8fb8ef27842fc355c9f6a47e69.json |
[
"Sophia Yan",
"Elizabeth Joseph"
] | 2016-08-30T07:40:12 | null | 2016-08-30T02:08:48 | Internet mogul Kim Dotcom, who's wanted in the U.S. on criminal charges, has won permission for his court battle to be streamed online. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Ftechnology%2Fkim-dotcom-hearing-livestream-new-zealand-us%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/151223113308-kim-dotcom-780x439.jpg | en | null | Kim Dotcom wins fight to live-stream court hearing on YouTube | null | null | money.cnn.com | Internet mogul Kim Dotcom, who's wanted in the U.S. on criminal charges, has won permission for his court battle to be streamed online.
Dotcom is fighting extradition from New Zealand to the U.S., where he's accused of reproducing and distributing copyrighted content on a massive scale.
The New Zealand court hearing his appeal on Tuesday granted his request to have the proceedings live-streamed on YouTube.
"This is breaking new ground," Dotcom tweeted in response to the news. "New Zealand at the forefront of transparent justice!"
Live streaming of my hearing is a milestone. We're breaking new ground. Please treat the court with respect. Let's make this the new normal. — Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) August 30, 2016
Dotcom has hired a cameraman to start filming the hearing from Wednesday onward. The online broadcast will be delayed by roughly 20 minutes in case any sensitive information is disclosed in court.
His lawyer, Ira Rothken, said the streaming will improve transparency in the judicial process. "This is an important public interest case," he told CNN. "It's important for people who can't make it to New Zealand."
Lawyers appearing on behalf the U.S. government had opposed the idea, arguing that material that might appear in the broadcast could prejudice potential jurors for any trial in the U.S., New Zealand media reported.
Dotcom is the millionaire founder of file-sharing site Megaupload, which was shut down by the U.S. government more than four years ago. He and some of his co-workers were arrested by New Zealand police acting in conjunction with U.S. authorities.
Related: New Zealand judge rules Kim Dotcom eligible for extradition
After years of legal wrangling, a court ruled in December that Dotcom and three of his former business associates could be sent to the U.S., where they face charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering and money laundering.
The four men have appealed the decision, and the current hearing is expected to last as long as six weeks.
Born in 1974 as Kim Schmitz in Germany, Dotcom has argued that Megaupload was simply a file-sharing website and that he shouldn't be blamed for what others were uploading to it.
On Tuesday, he appeared to be relishing the prospect of the appeal hearing broadcast.
"Let's have a live streaming party about the live streaming judgment," he tweeted. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/30/technology/kim-dotcom-hearing-livestream-new-zealand-us/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/0ab4efd85e1e797f6b6929466549dc1d43c841a2880f13449bdc0be29abbe110.json |
[
"Heather Kelly"
] | 2016-08-26T13:26:49 | null | 2016-08-24T06:26:56 | Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is going to Rome to hold a live Q&A Monday, following this week's large earthquake. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Ftechnology%2Fmark-zuckerberg-italy%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fedition_world%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNNi%2B-%2BWorld%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160412130628-zuckerberg-facebook-f8-2-780x439.jpg | en | null | Mark Zuckerberg headed to Italy after earthquake | null | null | money.cnn.com | Mark Zuckerberg is flying to Rome to chat up local Facebook users, days after a devastating earthquake struck central Italy.
The Facebook (FB, Tech30) CEO announced his trip on Wednesday afternoon and said he will hold a live question and answer session while there on Monday. Anyone who has a question, Italy-related or otherwise, can leave it in the comments section of his post.
Related: In case of emergency, open Facebook
It's unclear if Zuckerberg will visit any affected towns during his trip. He said he was "looking forward to spending time with our Italian community after last night's earthquake in central Italy." He also said Rome was a special city to him. He and his wife Dr. Priscilla Chan honeymooned there, and Zuckerberg says he studied Latin and Classical history.
Usually the act of a politician, visiting a country after a disaster would fit with his recent push to paint himself as a sort of Silicon Valley statesman. Zuckerberg has been carefully crafting his public image through Facebook posts, Q&As and public trips to places like China. The posts are a mix of personal (but professionally photographed) updates, promotions for the latest Facebook news, and light activism.
Related: Italy earthquake leaves at least 132 dead, rescuers racing against time
The social network has also taken on an unexpected role in international disasters. After events like earthquakes, hurricanes, or bombings, people let friends and family know they're OK with Facebook's Safety Check feature. Launched in 2014, the tool started a side project and has quickly grown into a important feature for anyone trying to reach family.
Facebook activated Safety Check in Italy Tuesday night after the 6.2-magnitude earthquake, which has left at least 132 people dead. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/24/technology/mark-zuckerberg-italy/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fedition_world+%28RSS%3A+CNNi+-+World%29 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/8a43b0fede4d9bf031d3bcf26814691b9009e80139f640fdb2c68cd3793a237f.json |
[
"Brian Stelter"
] | 2016-08-28T23:37:06 | null | 2016-08-28T10:49:58 | Legendary newsman Charles Osgood is stepping down from "CBS Sunday Morning," the weekly magazine program he has helmed for the past 22 years. His final day as host will be September 25. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fmedia%2Fcharles-osgood-retiring-cbs%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fedition_us%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNNi%2B-%2BU.S.%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160115081216-charles-osgood-sunday-morning-780x439.jpg | en | null | Charles Osgood retiring from 'CBS Sunday Morning' | null | null | money.cnn.com | Sunday mornings will not be the same.
Legendary newsman Charles Osgood is stepping down from "CBS Sunday Morning," the weekly magazine program he has helmed for the past 22 years. His final day as host will be September 25.
Sources said earlier this year that Osgood was contemplating retirement.
"I'm here to tell you that the rumors are true," he said at the end of Sunday's show.
"For years now people -- even friends and family -- have been asking me why I keep doing this considering my age. I am pushing 84. It's just that it's been such a joy doing it! Who wouldn't want to be the one who gets to introduce these terrific storytellers and the producers and writers and others who put this wonderful show together," he said. He concluded, "Between now and my last Sunday morning I'm going to practice singing that old Weavers song -- 'So long, it's been good to know you. So long, it's been good to know you. So long, it's been good to know you. What a long time since I've been home, and I've gotta be driftin' along."
"CBS Sunday Morning" is far and away the highest-rated Sunday morning news program on TV -- and it has been growing at a time when many other shows have been shrinking.
On Sunday morning Osgood thanked the viewers and said "the time has come" for him to say farewell.
CBS News said he will continue to make "occasional appearances" on the program, however. And Osgood will continue to host his daily news commentaries for CBS Radio.
After a remarkable 22 years, our beloved host #CharlesOsgood has announced his retirement https://t.co/77F6exZv3v pic.twitter.com/HUWUdIeqT8 — CBS Sunday Morning (@CBSSunday) August 28, 2016
The Sept. 25 broadcast of "CBS Sunday Morning" will be a "special edition" dedicated to Osgood's career, the network said.
The show's longtime executive producer, Rand Morrison, said in a statement, "Working with him truly has been an honor, a privilege and a joy. We look forward to paying tribute to him and his legendary career in September — and, of course, seeing him on the radio."
Osgood's contract was set to expire in December.
CBS made no immediate announcement about a successor. But Jane Pauley, a contributor to the magazine program, is seen as the most likely contender.
David Rhodes, the news division president, said Sunday morning that Osgood's "impeccable commitment to quality inspires all of us at CBS News." | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/28/media/charles-osgood-retiring-cbs/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fedition_us+%28RSS%3A+CNNi+-+U.S.%29 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/967e7dcaa8b4f029d6296792e1ec28177012de40cf51e5a160bb318f603af093.json |
[
"Dylan Byers"
] | 2016-08-30T21:40:38 | null | 2016-08-30T04:51:19 | Donald Trump's blacklist The Washington Post, BuzzFeed and other media outlets may be over -- or it may have just loosened slightly. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fmedia%2Ftrump-blacklisted-outlets-pool%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160614033925-trump-blacklists-media-780x439.jpg | en | null | Trump lifts ban on media outlets, at least for pool duty | null | null | money.cnn.com | Donald Trump's ban on The Washington Post, BuzzFeed and other media outlets may not be over -- but it does appear to have loosened.
Four of the news organizations that Trump has blacklisted from covering his campaign events -- The Post, BuzzFeed, Politico and Huffington Post -- are all listed on the September rotation for a new print press pool that will cover Trump.
"We are pleased to announce that after some start-and-stop negotiations with the Trump campaign, we are debuting our full print pool this week, starting with BuzzFeed today in Washington," read an email to the pool, first obtained by Politico.
News outlets use press pools to streamline the reporting process: Each day, a reporter from one outlet provides the others with a running summary of the candidate's activities and remarks on the campaign trail.
This year, Trump and his campaign have placed bans on Univision, BuzzFeed, Politico, The Daily Beast, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post and The Des Moines Register because he took issue with their reporting or believed they had an anti-Trump bias.
While the ban was meant to prohibit reporters from being in the press area at campaign rallies, it was never razor-tight. Several reporters from the blacklisted media outlets were able to attend rallies as private citizens, and others were occasionally admitted to the press area despite the ban.
Still, the ban allowed Trump to gin up support and anti-media fervor from his partisans, while angering the press, media ethicists and First Amendment advocates.
Hope Hicks, a Trump spokesperson, did not immediately respond when asked via email if the pool rotation indicated a complete lifting of the ban. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/30/media/trump-blacklisted-outlets-pool/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/ed025856a6052271648996ef435790ab84b0095d1bbfa4f8ab4233d8ba619779.json |
[
"Sara Ashley O'Brien"
] | 2016-08-30T19:40:37 | null | 2016-08-30T03:14:44 | Uber has hired on Jeff Jones, formerly chief marketing officer of Target, to serve as president of the company. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Ftechnology%2Fuber-jeff-jones-target%2Findex.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fcnn_latest%2B%2528RSS%253A%2BCNN%2B-%2BMost%2BRecent%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160830142212-uber-jeff-jones-target-780x439.jpg | en | null | Uber snags Target exec Jeff Jones | null | null | money.cnn.com | Uber wants to tell a better story about its business -- and it's nabbed a top marketing exec to do so.
On Tuesday, Uber said it has hired Target's (TGT) chief marketing officer Jeff Jones to be its new president.
Jones will be responsible for Uber's ridehailing operations, marketing and customer support, according to a blog post from Uber CEO Travis Kalanick.
Jones worked at Target for four years, a period that included the company's high-profile data breach.
Prior to that, he's worked at iconic brands like Gap (GPS) and Coca-Cola, expertise that Kalanick noted.
"[M]arketing is becoming more and more of a thing, and it was clear we needed a real infusion of talent on that front. So we went big," wrote Kalanick, adding that the company realized that its marketing efforts need to be more intertwined with its city operations.
Related: Uber bleeds more than $1 billion in six months
Jones will be taking over roles previously filled by Ryan Graves, an early Uber employee who became the company's senior vice president of global operations.
Graves won't be leaving Uber, though. He'll continue to be "our resident entrepreneur and builder" working on other products like UberEverything, which includes on-demand meal delivery service UberEats, and on-demand courier service UberRush.
Uber is the most valuable privately-held companies in the world. It's raised a total of $16 billion to date, according to a source familiar with the matter. The company was last valued at $68 billion, according to CB Insights. But some are questioning whether Uber is a sustainable business.
The company lost $1.27 billion in the first six months of 2016. The vast majority of its second quarter losses were a result of subsidies in China, according to a source familiar with the matter. But earlier this month, Uber sold its China operations to rival Didi Chuxing, so those won't continue to show up on Uber's income statement.
Kalanick said that he first met Jones in February and "within minutes we were debating how Uber could improve its reputation," he wrote. "I love Jeff's optimism about, and enthusiasm for, our mission." | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/30/technology/uber-jeff-jones-target/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/d1284b78199850f69b8f35fb0650decc599a5c1feac0b066e75c89cd0a6975da.json |
[
"Heather Kelly"
] | 2016-08-29T01:36:51 | null | 2016-08-26T06:19:52 | The controversial Trending feature will now show articles picked by software instead of people following accusations of political bias. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ftechnology%2Ffacebook-trending-humans-algorithms%2Findex.html%3Fsection%3Dmoney_news_international%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Brss%252Fmoney_news_international%2B%2528CNNMoney%253A%2BInternational%2BNews%2529.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160629164512-facebook-political-bias-newsfeed-780x439.jpg | en | null | Facebook ditches humans in favor of algorithms for trending news | null | null | money.cnn.com | Facebook is removing the troublesome humans responsible for manually writing news descriptions and headlines for its Trending box. The company is turning the job over to algorithms that automatically select topics and generate text.
The announcement comes months after Facebook (FB, Tech30) was accused of political bias in in its "trending topics." A Gizmodo article claimed the freelance editors responsible for picking the news and writing headlines were favoring liberal topics over conservative ones.
Related: Facebook finds no evidence of trending bias, but makes changes anyway
Following an inquiry from the Senate Commerce Committee, Facebook conducted an internal investigation in May. The company said it found no evidence of any bias, but still said all employees would have to undergo political bias training. Mark Zuckerberg even invited top conservatives to Facebook to learn more about the process.
The trending box shows a list of popular news topics and is intended to "help people discover interesting and relevant conversations happening on Facebook, about breaking news and events from around the world." The lists are automatically personalized based on an individual's location and interests.
As of this writing, the top trending topics on my page were Go Topless Day, Al Roker, and musician Yung Joc, who recently got a haircut.
As part of the overhaul, the box will now only show key phrases instead of headlines and summaries. Below each name or topic, there will be a number of how many people are discussing it on the social network.
Related: Facebook's 'trending topics' spark debate and distrust
The team of contract journalists that was previously hired to manage the trending feature has been disbanded. However, some people will still be manually involved with the process to "ensure that the topics that appear in trending remain high-quality," according to Facebook's post.
For example, "lunch" trends everyday around lunch time, but will not appear in the box unless there is some news-related reason, like Al Roker and Yung Joc eating lunch topless.
Facebook says switching from people to algorithms will make it easier to scale up the feature and deploy it around the world.
"This is something we always hoped to do but we are making these changes sooner given the feedback we got from the Facebook community earlier this year," said the company. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/26/technology/facebook-trending-humans-algorithms/index.html?section=money_news_international&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_news_international+%28CNNMoney%3A+International+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/723b4928b6bc0aa212badd7f514ac46adc6436a9b81b8393c88ed5701ba8bea1.json |
[
"Alanna Petroff"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:18 | null | 2016-08-26T08:08:35 | Richard Branson said he's happy to be alive after crashing his bike in the British Virgin Islands. | http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fnews%2Frichard-branson-bike-crash%2Findex.html.json | http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/160826125556-richard-branson-bike-crash-accident-780x439.jpg | en | null | Richard Branson bike crash: 'I thought I was going to die' | null | null | money.cnn.com | Richard Branson says he's happy to be alive after a harrowing bike crash earlier this week.
The outspoken billionaire behind Virgin Group said his life flashed before his eyes as he was launched off his bike while cycling on the British Virgin Islands.
Branson said he was heading down a hill when his bike hit a speed bump, throwing him into the air.
"I really thought I was going to die," he said in an online blog post. "Fortunately my shoulder and cheek took the brunt of the impact, and I was wearing a helmet that saved my life."
He suffered a cracked cheek and some torn ligaments, he said. The British entrepreneur posted photos of his bruised and bloody face.
Branson has a taste for adventure as well as a flair for business. He crossed the Atlantic ocean in a hot air balloon in 1987. He also set a record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle in 2004.
The cycling trip was part of his training for a month-long Virgin-branded fundraising event.
Branson said he's trying to see the bright side of the accident.
"My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you're moving forward. All you have to do is get back up and try again. At least I'm practicing what I preach -- though a little too literally!"
Branson said the crash happened on the fifth anniversary of a fire in August 2011 that destroyed his Necker Island home in the Caribbean.
-- CNN's Mahatir Pasha contributed to this report. | http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/26/news/richard-branson-bike-crash/index.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | money.cnn.com/363e67436182001fadd310008de585e19c01d66d7d78904a1dc7471a5b3cb343.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:51:21 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Ema postitas ausad ja ehedad fotod sellest kõnekast kontrastist, mis jättis tema kehale märgi. Kui enne rasedust ja sünnitust olid naisel toonuses kõhulihased, siis pärast emaks saamist oli tal lötendav ja kortsuline kõht. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohtuleht.ee%2F756256%2Fraakimata-tode-rasedus-viis-toonuses-kohulihased-ja-jattis-lontis-kohunaha.json | http://p.ocdn.ee/40/i/2016/8/30/gzmsfpbd.4gp.jpg | en | null | RÄÄKIMATA TÕDE: rasedus viis toonuses kõhulihased ja jättis löntis kõhunaha | null | null | www.ohtuleht.ee | 2 pictures taken moments apart. The pic on the right is one that might resemble what you see as you scroll your Instagram feed each day. The pic on the right probably reminds you of the ones you think you could never possibly share with the world. Polar opposites ~ but guess what, I've decided that both pictures MAKE ME PROUD. Everyday we are surrounded by images that are supposed to represent 'perfection' but why can't the pic on the left represent perfection too?! The pic on the left represents what my body is capable of ~ growing 2 babies, yes! Little humans that have come into the world and made me the happiest mumma in the whole wide world! It's not easy for me to do this, I promise you as I post this I am no joke absolutely shit*ing myself but the reason I'm doing this is to show you we're ALL REAL! We all have things we wish we could change, it's easy to get caught up in the perfect world of social media but DON'T! Because behind every image is someone that has things they wish they could change too. Be proud, be kind, love your body for what it has done. Stretch marks, loose skin, bellies and saggy boobs - embrace it mummas because you are BEAUTIFUL 💕🙌😋
A photo posted by Anna Strode ~ Fit Twin Mama (@bubs2bikinis) on Aug 3, 2016 at 3:29am PDT | http://www.ohtuleht.ee/756256/raakimata-tode-rasedus-viis-toonuses-kohulihased-ja-jattis-lontis-kohunaha | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.ohtuleht.ee/6ba8d57588d2f98d67eeba271466552952ef25e44c5544e4ca594bad766f835d.json |
[
"Jonathan Daniel"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:07 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Korvpalliliiga NBA superstaari Dwyane Wade'i nõbu, kes oli nelja lapse ema, hukkus Ameerikas Chicago linnas toimunud tulistamises. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohtuleht.ee%2F755825%2Fnba-superstaari-sugulane-hukkus-ameerikas-tulevahetuses.json | http://p.ocdn.ee/40/i/2016/8/28/htggrgny.c0e.jpg | et | null | NBA superstaari sugulane hukkus Ameerikas tulevahetuses | null | null | www.ohtuleht.ee | My cousin was killed today in Chicago. Another act of senseless gun violence. 4 kids lost their mom for NO REASON. Unreal. #EnoughIsEnough | http://www.ohtuleht.ee/755825/nba-superstaari-sugulane-hukkus-ameerikas-tulevahetuses | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.ohtuleht.ee/5f5a899f71987f042d50b469a2721c174b91c0cd31fa60af2a34867f729c5731.json |
[
"Ken Mckay Itv Rex"
] | 2016-08-26T20:48:57 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Menukas telekokk Jamie Oliver lisas oma restoraniketi menüüsse pasta amatriciana ja annetab roa müügist teenitud raha Itaalia Punasele Ristile, vahendas Daily Mail. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohtuleht.ee%2F755711%2Fjamie-oliver-kogub-maavarinaohvritele-raha-amatrice-linnast-parit-roaga.json | http://p.ocdn.ee/40/i/2016/8/26/3egyrjz1.txm.jpg | et | null | Jamie Oliver kogub maavärinaohvritele raha Amatrice linnast pärit roaga | null | null | www.ohtuleht.ee | Hi guys in support of the victims of the earthquake in Italy me and my 700 chefs at Jamie's Italian are cooking the specific dish from the area "Pasta Amatriciana" it will be on the specials board tonight at @jamiesitalianuk for a month £2 pound from each dish will go straight to the international red cross and I think we can easily make thousands and thousands of pounds to help.... Many restaurants are getting involved and this could really make a difference, money will go to supporting to Fire Fighters in the digging set up of tent camps for homeless and provision of food and clothing and medical assistance to people injured, old, kids, pregnant. Sadly this activity will run for months to come as it will take time to relocate people in new accomodations. But we can support for the same time - every bit of help will count big love to all and big love from me and my teams to our Friends in Italy we love you x X X X X 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 #eatforitaly @elbi #terremotocentroitalia #every1counts
A photo posted by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) on Aug 25, 2016 at 7:37am PDT | http://www.ohtuleht.ee/755711/jamie-oliver-kogub-maavarinaohvritele-raha-amatrice-linnast-parit-roaga | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.ohtuleht.ee/88d84db1fa13e96124258f4c8a4fe262b82c7c5669bc3cfc49ae9cb7513fdedd.json |
[
"Twitter"
] | 2016-08-26T16:48:28 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Rein Taaramäe pidi Vuelta velotuuri katkestama, sest talle sõitis ühe meeskonna auto otsa. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohtuleht.ee%2F755676%2Frein-taaramaele-soitis-auto-otsa-ja-ta-pidi-vuelta-katkestama.json | http://p.ocdn.ee/40/i/2016/8/26/tzhdzd2p.ryr.jpg | et | null | Rein Taaramäele sõitis auto otsa ja ta pidi Vuelta katkestama | null | null | www.ohtuleht.ee | Bad luck for @reintaarame Hit by a team director’s car in race. Bike broken. Rein had to abandon. He is “OK". More news to follow. #LV2016 | http://www.ohtuleht.ee/755676/rein-taaramaele-soitis-auto-otsa-ja-ta-pidi-vuelta-katkestama | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.ohtuleht.ee/1a6ccb9720d84cf913794b3d1f1b513705c4c1a9dab30f108d32346ec3b2955c.json |
[
"Oh Seda Enesepettust"
] | 2016-08-29T08:50:46 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Naine avalikustab foto, mis peaks tõestama, et õnn ei sõltu sinu kilodest ja kaalust. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohtuleht.ee%2F755937%2Fnaine-toestab-kaotatud-kilod-ei-tee-sind-onnelikuks-inimeseks.json | http://p.ocdn.ee/40/i/2016/8/29/3kl51xkd.xud.jpg | en | null | NAINE TÕESTAB: kaotatud kilod ei tee sind õnnelikuks inimeseks | null | null | www.ohtuleht.ee | I think it's fitting to do another #TransformationTuesday today. For my new friends especially because you may not know my story. I began my journey with restrictive eating, body dysmorphia, yo-yo dieting, and body image issues when I was 14. By the time I was ready to graduate college I had shrunk myself to a size 2/4. But I never saw that girl in the mirror. There was always something wrong with her, no matter how hard I worked. After my wedding in 2008 I slowly gained back all the weight and continued to berate myself for allowing that to happen to my body. I never felt confident to put myself out there because I was always worried about the way I looked and how others viewed me. The picture on the left is from 2013, 9 months after the birth of my second child. I was still subscribing to the diet culture and waiting for that even better after photo until I could truly live my life and love my body. And then something happened. I realized I didn't know who I was. I didn't have an identity because all this time I had just been worrying about fixing my body. I had so many gifts to give and a path that God had intended for me, but instead I was wasting it telling myself and everyone else that we would all feel better if we were 10 lbs lighter. It's not true. What I know to be true is that we'll all feel better if we start to get in tune with our true purpose here on earth and stop giving a fuck about what we are SUPPOSED to look like. So that brings me to the photo on the right, a few sizes larger and a million times happier. The last three years were quite the journey. I cried a lot. Relationships were put on hold. I questioned myself every day. But I didn't stop uncovering the beautiful soul that I now know and love so much. It's not about your size or your weight. It's not about what you did or didn't eat. It's about how you feel about yourself, your journey on this earth and how you give back to others. I LOVE MY BODY. I love that it is my vehicle to change the world. I love that it can inspire so many. I love that it can do harder things than I can even imagine. And I love that it is mine. Have a great day loves! And as always- I'm here via DM! Xoxo💋
A photo posted by 🌴 ALLISON 🌸 Girl Power Guru 🙌🏻 (@allisonkimmey) on Aug 16, 2016 at 6:05pm PDT | http://www.ohtuleht.ee/755937/naine-toestab-kaotatud-kilod-ei-tee-sind-onnelikuks-inimeseks | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.ohtuleht.ee/d030f537e676390402a0d445e703611e2efa0a680fa367ad3bc4f7fef72a8d70.json |
[
"Loic Venance",
"Hindrek Pärg",
"Olümpia",
"Jalgpall",
"Philip Ojisua",
"Yves Herman",
"Jagiellonia"
] | 2016-08-28T20:50:12 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Ilusat nädalavahetust kõigile! Augusti viimane pühapäev toob spordihuvilistele vormel 1 Belgia GP etapi Spa-Francorchampsi ringrajalt. Lisaks on Euroopas võistlustules mitmeid meie jalgpallikoondise jalgpallurid. Püsige lainel! | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohtuleht.ee%2F755815%2Fnii-see-juhtus-rosberg-voitis-intriigiderohke-belgia-gp-hamilton-naitas-voimu.json | http://p.ocdn.ee/40/i/2016/8/28/2fhiuj4g.0va.jpg | et | null | NII SEE JUHTUS | Rosberg võitis intriigiderohke Belgia GP, Hamilton näitas võimu | null | null | www.ohtuleht.ee | Aitähh Otepää! For some weird reason I really enjoy shooting down targets and (roller)skiing around the loop as fast as I can #estonianbiathlonteam #otepaa2016 #thankyouthankyouthankyou @hendrikosula
A photo posted by Johanna (@johannataliharm) on Aug 28, 2016 at 9:11am PDT | http://www.ohtuleht.ee/755815/nii-see-juhtus-rosberg-voitis-intriigiderohke-belgia-gp-hamilton-naitas-voimu | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.ohtuleht.ee/24d7d18ae35ac04b6259419a497017e972c103c59a08eddad346b9f6834609ec.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:34 | null | 2016-08-31T22:15:27 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fmartial-law-survivors-activists-face-off-marcos-loyalists-supreme-court-gate%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/P1230237.jpg | en | null | Martial law survivors, activists face off with Marcos loyalists at Supreme Court gate | null | null | bulatlat.com | “Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani will not heal our wounded country.”
By DEE AYROSO
Bulatlat
MANILA – Even as President Duterte said the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) is meant “to heal” the nation, his decision only opened an old wound, one that has to do with bringing the tyrant and his family to face punishment for their crimes against the people.
Outside the Supreme Court gate today, Aug. 31, that gaping wound divided demonstrators into two groups: those who oppose the LNMB burial, and those who support it. The demonstrations were held as the high court heard the oral arguments for the six petitions filed opposing the Marcos burial.
But the groups may as well be divided according to what they hold to be truths: victims and activists who say that Marcos was one of the most corrupt despot in the world who plundered the nation’s coffers and committed crimes against humanity, and the Marcoses and supporters who dismiss all these as lies.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and the Campaign against the Return of the Marcoses in Malacañang (Carmma) led martial law activists and other progressive groups to show support for the petitions against the Marcos burial in LNMB, which, they said, completes his family’s return to Malacañang – the consequence of the failure of post-martial law administrations to bring the Marcoses to justice.
“Along with the dictator’s remains, the Marcos family also wants to bury the memory of the crimes of martial law. They want to bury the lessons of history, specially the atrocities committed by the dictator. In burying the truth about Marcos. They hope that their family will rise again to occupy the highest post of the land,” said Renato Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary general.
Danny Dela Fuente, spokesperson of the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda), and one of the petitioners, said the Marcoses and their supporters have “refused to move on” because they long to return to power. The late dictator’s son and namesake, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. lost the vice presidency by a small margin to Leni Robredo in the recent elections.
“The Marcos family and their cronies could not move on from the fact that the Filipino people toppled the Marcos dictatorship due to its puppetry to the US, massive plunder of public funds, oppression of already impoverished Filipinos, and human rights abuses. The Marcos family could not move on from the fact that even the US Hawaii court found Marcos guilty of human rights abuses on 9,539 counts,” he said.
Dela Fuente said the Marcoses even refuse to accept Republic Act 10368, the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, which gives financial compensation to martial law victims, using the $10 billion recovered Marcos ill-gotten wealth.
Arrested, tortured, killed
Several national leaders of progressive groups, such as Elmer “Bong” Labog, chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), attested to how they became victims of the Marcos dictatorship as youth activists.
Labog was a 17-year-old freshman at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and a member of the Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan (SDK) when he and scores of other student activists were “invited” by Marcos to Malacañang on Sept. 23, 1972.
“PC (Philippine Constabulary) men came to the campus in truckloads, and brought us instead to Camp Vicente Lim,” he told Bulatlat, where they were tortured and detained for a year. Another massive arrest came in 1982, when hundreds of trade union leaders were arrested, including KMU leaders Crispin Beltran and Bert Olalia.
Before the oral arguments started, one of the petitioners, Trinidad Herrera-Repuno spoke at the program outside the SC gate and recalled how soldiers tortured her by electrocution, with wires tied to her thumb, and later to her nipples.
Dr. Beng Rivera-Reyes, secretary general of the Health Alliance for Democracy recalled how her Uncle Claudio was killed by soldiers as he went out at dawn to bring the carabao to pasture in their village in Capaz, Tarlac in 1979.
“It was a very quiet funeral, no one was speaking,” Reyes recalled, then only five years old. It was common to hear about other villagers getting killed, arrested or disappeared. After Marcos was ousted, she realized how such were meant to spread fear and repress the people.
But arrests, torture, killings and disappearances continue after martial law, said Evan Hernandez of Hustisya, whose daughter Beng was killed by paramilitary men and soldiers in 2002.
“Marcos started it all,” she said. “And now he will be buried a hero?”
‘Mabuhay ang Martial law’
“You communists, listen up. If Marcos did not declare martial law, we would all be communists now. You were arrested because you were communists!” said a woman’s voice on a loud speaker on the side of the “loyalists.”
Among the Marcos loyalist groups were the foundation, Friends of Imelda R. Marcos, or FIRM-24 K. Its members came in uniform red shirts, from as far as Angono, Rizal province and Laguna. Several women in their sixties told Bulatlat that they are “Imelda supporters,” who have been meeting regularly in Luneta, Manila for the past 11 years. Other groups carried the initials “BBM,” such as the Buong Bansa Magkaisa.
The Marcos loyalists danced and flashed the “V” sign, as they played blaring music accompanied by live drums. The activists played the song “Makibaka, huwag matakot” on their own sound system.
“Marcos, Hitler, diktador, tuta!” chanted the activists.
“Marcos, Marcos pa rin,” chanted back the “loyalists.” One even shouted “Mabuhay ang (Long live) martial law!”
The scene was almost reminiscent of the time after the Marcos ouster, as their supporters tried to rally themselves to pave the way to bring the dictator and his family back to the country.
“Burying the dictator in the LNMB will not heal our wounded country,” said a joint statement by the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, Institute of Social Order, and John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues. The groups said it “buries peace by erasing the memory o the violence that his regime inflicted on our nation.” | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/31/martial-law-survivors-activists-face-off-marcos-loyalists-supreme-court-gate/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/dd75ca8af9fd890343ad9b18d181a32a74543d64d0daa700a186b0ee486d8c00.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:56 | null | 2016-08-26T06:33:34 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fgrp-ndfp-peace-panels-agree-6-points%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/7-1.jpg | en | null | GRP, NDFP peace panels agree on 6 points | null | null | bulatlat.com | By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA
Kodao Productions/Bulatlat
OSLO, Norway — The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panels have already agreed on six major issues barely into the fourth day of their scheduled five-day talks.
Moving with surprising dispatch, both panels already initialed their joint drafts of the affirmation of previously signed agreements, reconstitution of NDFP’s list of Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig)-protected personnel, acceleration of the peace negotiations, the mode of interim ceasefire, general amnesty of NDFP-listed political detainees, and the convening of the Joint Monitoring Committee of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
All six agreements are currently being combined and will be issued as a Joint Statement at the closing ceremony scheduled at eleven o’clock in the morning of Friday, August 26.
“We are happy with the results of the talks now. These six points are the products of the talks. And the atmosphere is great. Very friendly and cordial,” NDFP chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said.
For his part, GRP negotiating panel chairperson Silvestre Bello III said, “It turned out that both panels did not have many differences in opinion, so we reached an early consensus.”
Bello said they will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the issuance of a general amnesty to all political detainees included in the list submitted by the NDFP.
Both panels have also agreed to hold their next round of formal talks in the second week of October in this city. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/26/grp-ndfp-peace-panels-agree-6-points/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/ab019b808f08d7fbfd10e42f2d9e88d23df31f8baccbb9ff024ac3954fde8e1a.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:46:36 | null | 2016-08-28T12:57:27 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fyear-surigao-sur-lumad-bakwets-set-return-home-decry-army-camp-communities%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015_Sept1-Mil@entrance-of-ALCADEV-and-front-of-Han-ayan-Tribal-School-e1441257976557.jpg | en | null | Surigao Sur Lumád bakwets set to return home, decry Army camp in communities - Bulatlat | null | null | bulatlat.com | Their ruined homes await their return, but so do the soldiers who have encamped there for a year.
By DEE AYROSO
Bulatlat
MANILA – Various groups of Lumád and human rights advocates are calling on President Duterte to order the pullout of soldiers in their communities, as the Lumád bakwets (evacuees) of Surigao del Sur province prepare to return home after a year since they left.
The tragedy of the Lianga massacre is still fresh in their minds, but what pains the Lumád even more are the soldiers who are still encamped in the communities of Kilometer 9 and Han-ayan in Diatagon village, where two Manobo leaders and the director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (Alcadev) were killed on Sept. 1, 2015.
On that day, the communities left in haste after the dawn rampage by the military-backed Magahat-Bagani militia group which killed Manobo leader Dionel Campos, Datu (chieftain) Juvello Sinzo and Alcadev head Emerito Samarca. The paramilitary men had threatened to massacre the communities if they stayed.
Last week, on Aug. 24, a multisectoral group from government agencies and progressive groups made an ocular visit to 11 communities in the towns of Lianga and San Agustin and found two military encampments by 75th Infantry Battalion soldiers.
“Our hearts were crushed upon seeing our houses damaged, our once productive farms covered with weeds and our schools rendered unusable… Above all, we were enraged upon seeing the large military camps in our communities in Kilometer 9 and Han-ayan,” said Tenia Garay, acting chairperson of the Manobo group Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (Persevering Struggle for the Next Generation, or Mapasu) in a statement to media Aug. 27.
Mapasu decried how the military has disregarded the communities’ demand for their withdrawal, as well as the unilateral ceasefire declared by the President on the New People’s Army.
“Despite knowing that President Digong Duterte has assured us of our safe return home, despite there being a ceasefire between the CPP-NPA-NDF, despite the ongoing peace talks and despite President Duterte’s directive that the military respect the ceasefire, Col. Isidro Purisima remains deaf and blind to the command,” Garay said.
“They (the military) are the ones stopping us from returning to rebuild our communities, farms and schools,” Garay said. This was the longest time that Surigao Sur communities have been away from their homes, which they repeatedly evacuated to evade intense military harassment and operations.
A broad multisectoral group is set to have a dialogue on Aug. 31 with Col. Isidro Purisima, commanding officer of the 402nd infantry brigade, to demand the “turnover” of the communities and the soldiers’ return to barracks.
Some 2,000 bakwets will be coming home on Sept. 3, to be accompanied by supporters and Lumad advocates who will help kickoff the rebuilding of communities.
The multisectoral group that conducted the ocular visit was composed of 268 people from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, National Commission on Indigenous People, Alcadev, Mapasu, Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur and various church groups.
Burned houses, damaged schools and utilities
Garay said that, ironically, Col. Purisima claimed that the soldiers were meant to guard the houses, and that if they leave, any destruction of properties might be blamed on them. But the most damaged and looted structures and facilities were the ones closest to the soldiers’ camps.
In its summary report, the multisectoral group painted a dismal picture of the 11 abandoned communities they visited: all houses were damaged and looted, at least 10 were burned; six schools were damaged, school supplies, books and equipment were destroyed beyond repair; farms and vegetable gardens overrun with weeds. Machineries such as corn mill, abaca stripper machineries, and generators were intentionally destroyed, as paint and salt were poured in the fuel tanks.
“Houses and schools including those that were under construction or newly constructed at the time of the evacuation were dismantled; wood, nails, GI sheets, pipes, water hose and even toilet bowls taken and strewn around, used as firewood or (removed),” the report said.
Among those missing from homes were kitchen utensils, farm tools, store supplies, generator and motorcycle spare parts. Some houses were also vandalized.
“The water system and electrical connections have been rerouted to the military camp and others destroyed, some deliberately, some because of the long period of displacement. Several water pipes and hose cut from its previous installations in the houses and public water tub were found in the pathway going to the military camp in Kilometer 9,” the report said.
The report noted that some of the damages were not there in October 2015, when an international fact-finding mission conducted ocular in the area.
In Han-ayan, Garay said that soldiers built a camp inside the school grounds of Alcadev, just at the back of home of slain Mapasu chairman Dionel Campos.
“Dionel’s house had several bullet holes. The wooden boards and timber of his brother’s house nearby have been removed. They even put up a checkpoint at the entrance of the Alcadev school grounds, as if they own the school,” Garay said.
“As the military has been staying there, we hold them responsible for the damage to our houses, schools and teachers’ cottage of TRIFPSS. We hold them responsible for using the eight houses in Manluy-a, Simowao and Kilometer 16. There are clear indications that these were recently used because dirty dishes, fresh ash and cigarette butts were found in these houses. The ocular team even chanced upon a person inside one of the houses, who immediately left upon seeing us,” Garay said.
The Lumád’s cry for justice
While the groups appealed for assistance in the rehabilitation of communities, they also called on Duterte to help hold those accountable for the injustices on the Lumád communities, particularly disbandment the Magahat-Bagani paramilitary group and the the arrest of their leaders, Calpet Egua, Marcos Bocales and Marcial Belandres.
A year since the massacre, none of the identified perpetrators has been arrested, in spite of a warrant of arrest issued by a Lianga court. Lumad and human rights groups have said that the killings were done in collusion with soldiers, whom they have accompanied during operations. Military officials have denied any link with Lumad paramilitary groups.
“Relieve and conduct impartial investigation on commanding officers of the AFP
responsible for the September 1, 2015 Lianga Massacre, including Col. Isidro Purisima,” the multisectoral group said.
For the Lumád bakwets, their time away from their ancestral lands has been enough suffering, and they are ready for whatever hardship they face home.
“We will take back our lands! We will get justice! We will persevere to realize our aspiration of going home at the soonest possible time,” Garay said. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/28/year-surigao-sur-lumad-bakwets-set-return-home-decry-army-camp-communities/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/e8de90fb2d60b2d8d6249fc7f0b17e296c6d2fe33b89840ccf8df40734363726.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:24 | null | 2016-08-18T07:38:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F18%2Fpoverty-is-down%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/08_16_16-Poverty-is-down-coz.jpg | en | null | Poverty is down | null | null | bulatlat.com | Send to Email Address
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Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/18/poverty-is-down/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/3edc270638c47162101863e401c2f619f325b529286b561977744c909fc78491.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:46:52 | null | 2016-08-26T19:24:05 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fgrp-ndfp-ok-ceasefire-release-political-prisoners-fast-tracking-agenda%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bello-and-jalandoni.jpg | en | null | GRP, NDFP ok ceasefire, release of political prisoners, fast tracking agenda | null | null | bulatlat.com | By RONALYN V. OLEA
MANILA – The first round of formal peace talks between the Duterte administration and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ended today, Aug. 26 (6:30 p.m. Manila time) in Oslo, Norway with both parties agreeing on several points.
The negotiating panels of both parties signed the “Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Peace Talks in the Peace Negotiations” at the Saga Hall of the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel.
Both parties reaffirmed previously signed agreements. These include The Hague Joint Declaration, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), among others.
The GRP has also agreed for the NDFP to reconstitute its list of Jasig-protected individuals or those who should be given safety and immunity guarantees.
The NDFP’s original Jasig list could no longer be opened when diskettes containing pass keys were corrupted following a raid by the Dutch police of its international office in Utrecht in August 2007.
The new list contains 54 publicly known figures and 87 aliases.
Both parties also agreed to accelerate the peace process and set the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks. These include: socio-economic reforms; political and constitutional reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
In particular, the reciprocal working committees on socio-economic reforms will strive to finish their work within six months.
Working groups on other substantive agenda have set their respective agenda, mechanics and timeline of their work.
Both parties agreed to reconvene the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) for the implementation of CARHRIHL.
Release of political prisoners
The NDFP thanked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for fulfilling his promise to order the release of the NDFP consultants in pursuit of peace.
The NDFP said it looks forward to the release of prisoners who are sick, elderly, overly long detained and women based on humanitarian grounds.
The GRP panel agreed to recommend to Duterte the issuance of an amnesty proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress. The amnesty will cover political prisoners who are listed by the NDFP and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the ambit of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs.
Upon the end of the ceasefire order on August 27, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NDFP will issue an indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia.
Both parties agreed to work through their respective ceasefire committees to reconcile and develop their separate unilateral ceasefire orders into a single unified bilateral document within 60 days from today.
Such ceasefire agreement will be considered interim in relation to the outcomes of negotiations leading to a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.
In his closing statement, Luis Jalandoni, chairperson of the NDFP peace panel said, “We cannot achieve this successful and very significant step forward in the peace negotiations without the strong commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the spirit of goodwill and friendliness of our counterparts: the GRP Negotiating Panel, its Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello, the panel members and other members of their delegation.”
The next round of formal talks is scheduled on October 8 to Oct. 12, 2016 in Oslo, Norway. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/26/grp-ndfp-ok-ceasefire-release-political-prisoners-fast-tracking-agenda/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/4eba8518bbc937a7dfe1496c0606acf790ee4dd67202936eea17204bf6d810e3.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:46:30 | null | 2016-08-27T14:10:50 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Ffull-text-joint-statement-resumption-formal-talks-peace-negotiations-grp-ndfp%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bello-and-jalandoni.jpg | en | null | FULL TEXT: Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Talks in the Peace Negotiations between the GRP and NDFP | null | null | bulatlat.com | The Philippine government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines signed this Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Talks in the Peace Negotiations between the GRP and NDFP last Aug. 26 in Oslo, Norway.
Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Talks in the Peace Negotiations between the GRP and NDFP by Bulatlat Multimedia on Scribd | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/27/full-text-joint-statement-resumption-formal-talks-peace-negotiations-grp-ndfp/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/c65da1fcade5dcae9fc49d6002456e9076e76a49b5ad31ebc73ad91e3f718794.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:55 | null | 2016-08-17T00:28:06 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F17%2Fsystem-rigged-not-way-trump-thinks%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/rigged.png | en | null | The System is Rigged (Only Not in the Way Trump Thinks) | null | null | bulatlat.com | by ANDREW LEVINE
CounterPunch
Politicians lie; like her husband, Hillary Clinton lies more than most.
Donald Trump lies too, of course; but most of the false claims and nonsense assertions he makes aren’t lies. Lying requires awareness and intent; Trump says whatever pops into his head.
Nevertheless, as from the mouths of babes, words of truth do sometimes come forth from the Donald’s out-of-control rants.
An example: his contention that “the system is rigged.” He is right about that; it is rigged. But not in the way he seems to think.
The Donald’s Dilemma
It would be difficult to imagine a more implausible tribune of the people than Donald Trump.
It is harder still to think of him as an elected official of any kind, much less a President.
But the man does have certain strengths. He is shrewd, for example; and to be shrewd, he must be at least somewhat in touch with reality.
To the extent that he is, he has to be wondering what the hell he was thinking when he threw his hat into the ring.
My guess is that he thought of a run for the White House in the way that, years ago, he thought about becoming a TV personality. He saw it as a way to promote himself and his brand.
Had his campaign foundered from the start, as everybody thought it would, he might have been right. But, egotist that he is, he must also have thought about what would happen if his campaign somehow took off.
Did he take the unrelenting scrutiny he would then have to endure into account? Did he stop to think about what it would be like to be demonized by America’s political, economic and media elites?
We will probably never know.
Perhaps he couldn’t pass up a chance, however remote, for adulation. But how could he not have been wary of the harm that his campaign could do to his reputation and his brand?
A wiser Donald would have gotten out while there was time, but wisdom is not Trump’s forte.
If it were, he’d have gone back to building over-the-top pleasure domes, flaunting his wealth, and parading around with his trophy wife, relying on tabloid journalists to tell the world of his exploits.
Instead, he unleashed a process that has he can no longer control.
Could it just be that he cannot stand to lose – especially to a girl?
Losing to Hillary must really get his goat. The Donald has known the Clintons too long, and dealt with them too many times, to have any respect for either of them.
So the poor bastard is stuck.
To motivate people to vote – for Hillary, but also “down ticket” — Democrats want people to think that Trump could actually win. Because it is good for their ratings, media moguls are helping them all they can, calling on Washington “insiders” too dense to know better to make their case.
But Trump is on track for losing big in November; and, at some level, he must realize what lies in store.
Losing big must seem even more galling to him than the fact that Hillary will be the one to bring him down.
Therefore, his best recourse, even at this late date, might just be to drop out.
Surely this thought has dawned on him; it has dawned on everyone else. Now that the conventions are over, rumors that he will drop out are cropping up everywhere.
This may be nothing more than wishful thinking on the part of revanchist Republican grandees, or the desperate hopes of down ticket Republicans. Even so, where there is smoke, there sometimes is fire.
Call it “the Donald’s dilemma”: should he go forward with what he started and get trounced? Or should he defy his nature, buck up, and cut his losses?
From where he stands, both options are unthinkable.
Trump has had a lot of experience with real estate deals gone sour. He knows how to come out all right when they do — how to use bankruptcy laws and legal intimidation to impoverish others and enrich himself.
But there is no working this system: losers are just losers; and quitters are losers too. Whichever horn of the dilemma he opts for, Trump will not end up looking good.
There is a slight chance that Republicans, facing disaster, will somehow force him out of the race; the more outrageous Trump becomes – when, for instance, he calls on “Second Amendment people” to solve the Hillary problem or when he says that Obama founded the Islamic State – calls for ousting him mount.
But there is no way he could be ousted, with or without his consent, without wrecking the Republican Party even more than Trump already has. Trump will either persevere or quit; there is no third way.
And so, with no other recourse, there is nothing now for Trump to do but fabricate excuses – as he keeps on digging his own grave.
Calling the system “rigged” is a fine excuse, not least because it is true. But, again, it is not true in the way that Trump thinks.
He says that it is rigged against him; in fact, the opposite is the case. Trump got where he is because of a system that favors wheelers and dealers with political influence and inherited money, and that generates wealth through harmful and unproductive activities like gambling and real estate speculation.
However, the system is rigged against the kinds of people for whom Trump purports to speak.
The Donald could care less about that; he has no quarrel with that “system.”
His concern is just with the coming election, and his claim is just that it is rigged against him.
It is, or rather it was – unsuccessfully.
As it became clear that Trump was doing better in the primaries than anyone had expected, the Republican establishment did try to derail his campaign — in league with the plutocrats who back them and Fox News. They failed spectacularly.
They were unable to rig the election because too many of the people that used to listen to them finally realized that they were being used, and refused to go along.
The only candidate who can rightfully claim that the primary elections were rigged against his candidacy is Bernie Sanders. Circumstantial evidence of this had been overwhelming from Day One; the DNC emails that Wikileaks published established the point definitively.
No wonder that Democrats don’t want to talk about the content of those emails; that they’d rather deflect attention to unsubstantiated allegations about Russian hacking.
Expect to see a lot more of that sort of thing once Hillary moves back into the White House. When events turn sour for her, her first instinct, neocon that she is, is to demonize Vladimir Putin.
Hillary’s fondness for all things military and her Cold War instincts constitute a clear and present danger. This, not Trumpian “fascism,” is our future.
It is our future because the Democratic Party establishment succeeded, where their Republican counterparts failed. They held onto their power; at least, for now.
What about the general election coming November 8; could that be rigged?
Barack Obama nailed that one: talk about rigging a Presidential election is nonsense because elections are organized on state and local levels, making coordinated efforts to rig them impossible to organize.
Neither “the system” nor the coming election is rigged against Trump, but claiming otherwise serves his purpose. Insofar as he is resigned to accept reality, he needs excuses, and this one is the best around.
We can therefore expect Trump to spout off about it more in the weeks ahead, and for as long after that as anybody still cares.
But the System is Rigged
Regardless what Trump meant, what he said, taken literally, is true: the system is rigged – against democracy, against government of, by and for the people.
It was designed that way.
Real democracy involves more than competitive elections. In a real democracy, basic rights and liberties would be shared equally and to the greatest possible extent, and citizens would be equally empowered and therefore, in principle, equally influential.
American “democracy” is not like that at all.
In America today, the main, but not the only, obstacles in the way of the genuine article are economic inequality and institutionalized racism.
This has always been the case, though the impediments are not as transparent as they used to be.
At first, only white property holders could vote, then only white men, then only men, then finally women too; but it was not until 1965, when Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, that most African Americans in the South could finally exercise the voting rights that were theoretically theirs.
It took a very long time, as Martin Luther King said it would, but the arc of history did indeed slowly “bend towards justice.” Even so, voting rights for people of all hues and genders are still, in many respects, more theoretical than real.
Paradoxically, the closest the United States has ever come to implementing the ideal was in the early days of the republic, when citizenship rights were most restricted.
It was the same in Greek antiquity. For democratic theorists, Athenian democracy has always been a model. But the majority of adult Athenians were women or slaves, not full-fledged citizens. Only a tiny fraction of Athens’ inhabitants enjoyed any semblance of citizenship rights.
In the American case, legal and extra-legal restrictions on the franchise are not, and never have been, the whole story.
The republic’s founders also contrived institutional impediments of various kinds to keep democracy at bay. The most important is the legislative branch’s upper house, the Senate, in which each state, regardless of size, has the same representation.
There is also the Electoral College, which effectively makes the citizens of all but a dozen or so “swing states” passive observers of presidential elections.
The founders wanted to safeguard private property. They were therefore loath to empower the propertyless masses. It wasn’t until several decades after they drew up a Constitution for the republic they founded that their successors came to appreciate how useful elections could be for sustaining private property regimes.
The founders also wanted to join together states whose economies depended mainly on slavery and states whose economies depended more on commerce and “free labor.” Even after the Civil War transformed that situation fundamentally, the institutions they contrived continued to bear the mark of their origins.
Thus we still accord inordinate power to sparsely populated states; the half million or so citizens of Wyoming have the same number of Senators as thirty-nine million Californians. And yet we claim that American institutions are “exceptional” in their respect for democracy – and uphold them as models for the world.
All this drags our politics to the right – effectively guaranteeing outcomes that favor the status quo. One of many ways it does this is by marginalizing voices that come from outside what Tariq Ali has aptly called “the extreme center.”
Thus the system is indeed rigged – against efforts to democratize it, and otherwise change it for the better.
What Northern merchants, many of whom were involved in the Atlantic slave trade, and Southern slave owners started, Democrats and Republicans went on to perfect.
The duopoly party system they concocted has effectively replaced public deliberation and debate with manipulative marketing campaigns in which candidates vie for votes in the way that Coke and Pepsi compete for shares of the soft drink market – but with the difference that the Dr. Peppers of the sugar-water world stand a better chance of doing well than independent or third party candidates.
Not long ago, the situation seemed hopeless. However, we now know that it is possible, after all, to break through the duopoly’s stranglehold; both the Trump phenomenon and the Sanders insurgency demonstrated that.
Trump ran as a Republican; and he won the Republican nomination. But, in doing so, he struck a blow at the Republican Party; one from which it may never recover.
“Combinations” in restraint of trade or political influence are, like chains, only as strong as their weakest links. For his own warped and self-serving reasons, Trump inadvertently damaged, and maybe even broke, one of the links on the chain that disables democracy in the United States.
Were he not now supporting what he ostensibly ran against, Bernie Sanders could have achieved a similarly historic breakthrough. Deliberately and for democracy’s sake, he could have split the Democratic Party. And had he accepted the solicitations of Jill Stein and others, he could have helped move the Green Party out of the margins of American political life.
In other developed and not-so-developed countries, especially ones with parliamentary systems, it would be almost expected that someone in Sanders’ position would bolt from a party that treats his views, and those of his supporters, with such contempt, and that is on such a god awful course.
But our Democrats and Republicans have seen to it that independent and “third” party initiatives are non-starters.
The election was rigged against him, more effectively than it was rigged against Trump.
But had he somehow won the nomination even so, the rigged system, the one from which Trump has always benefited, would have come after him too – not because he was proposing anything more radical than many Democrats of the pre-(Bill) Clinton era supported, but because, his campaign took on a “people power” aspect that could, if unchecked, relieve them of the good deal they have going for themselves and the plutocrats they serve.
Republican elites have it in for Trump for much the same reason. But the Donald is, in the final analysis, their class brother. This is why if efforts to oust him prove unavailing, as they surely will, and if he won’t drop out on his own, as he probably won’t, most of them will end up siding with him – at least officially.
The Sanders campaign, on the other hand, threatened more than just one political party’s leaders and backers; it threatened the entire power structure of the United States. As of the time Sanders defected, the threat was still too milquetoast to threaten elite interests, but there was a danger of radicalization that defenders of the status quo could hardly ignore.
What would the power elite have made of a Sanders versus Trump contest? Would the riggers of the system complain that the system is rigged? We will never know.
We can be confident, though, that the unalloyed venom of the titans of finance, industry, and corporate media will fall upon the Green ticket of Jill Stein and Ajamu Baraka, the moment it starts to look as if they could do well enough to matter.
The wrath of God, or rather “the billionaire class,” will come down upon them not so much to help Hillary against Trump — she doesn’t need help with that because Trump is more than capable of defeating himself — but to keep forces that promote real democracy, socialism, and meaningful environmentalism from becoming important factors in American politics.
If ideas were what mattered, the Stein-Baraka ticket would pose a more profound threat to the status quo and therefore to the few who benefit from it at the expense of everyone else than the Sanders campaign, at its zenith, ever could.
Their proposed Green New Deal is every bit as egalitarian and ecologically sound as Sanders’ “democratic socialism,” and, unlike Sanders, Stein and Baraka are not liberal imperialists and military hawks. They oppose what Sanders supports: the course American foreign policy is on.
But the Greens have been around seemingly forever and gotten nowhere. Even today, talk to people about Jill Stein and the most likely response will be “Jill who?”
Maybe, though, with the right kind of jolt, they, like Trump, could do what no one would have thought possible. How ironic it would be if Sanders’ endorsement of Clinton had that effect! And how wonderful!
It has been clear for a long time that the Democratic Party is beyond redemption; it is even clearer now. By supporting Clinton and therefore Clintonism (neoliberalism, imperialism and war) Sanders is making himself beyond redemption too.
But, like God, History works in mysterious ways.
Sanders relinquished his role in moving the arc of history forward when he went over to the enemy side.
But after the resistance his supporters demonstrated at the Democrats’ Philadelphia convention, and now after the Greens’ convention in Houston, the idea that the movement that got going under the aegis of his campaign can survive Sanders’ tragic – or was it treacherous? – defection is starting to look more like a serious possibility than an idle hope.
If that comes to pass, then “the system” may finally become less rigged than it presently is.
Unless and until a real revolution – not the kind Sanders talked about, but the real deal – comes back onto the agenda, a revolution that would transform “the system” itself, not just humanize it a little, this is about as good as our politics can get.
Capitalism with a human face is still capitalism, but it is way better than the Clintonite version; and the larger the role of Stein-Baraka politics in American political life, the better the prospects become for moving beyond its horizons.
Reposted by
ANDREW LEVINE is a Senior Scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies, the author most recently of THE AMERICAN IDEOLOGY (Routledge) and POLITICAL KEY WORDS (Blackwell) as well as of many other books and articles in political philosophy. His most recent book is In Bad Faith: What’s Wrong With the Opium of the People. He was a Professor (philosophy) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Research Professor (philosophy) at the University of Maryland-College Park. He is a contributor to Hopeless: Barack Obama and the Politics of Illusion (AK Press). | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/17/system-rigged-not-way-trump-thinks/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/dfe4dc7e468ecde10d75fa9b67a9d4b0af739c5fcd1c722f5a8f8c96fa02744c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:39 | null | 2016-08-03T08:04:48 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F03%2Fover-300-ngos-call-for-human-rights-based-approach-to-drug-control%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/by-kathy-drugs-05.jpg | en | null | Over 300 NGOs call for ‘human-rights based approach to drug control’ | null | null | bulatlat.com | By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – More than 300 civil society organizations from all over the world condemned the surge in extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines and called on President Rodrigo Duterte to adopt a ‘human-rights based approach to drug control.’
In a letter dated Aug. 2, the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) urged the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to call for an immediate halt to the killings.
Statistics on drug-related deaths vary. According to ABS-CBN, 704 people have been killed between the May 10 until July 29. The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s “Kill List,” meanwhile, recorded 465 deaths between June 30, 2016, the day Duterte assumed office, and August 1.
Data from the Philippines National Police indicate that police killed at least 192 such criminal suspects between May 10 and July 10. Police have attributed the killings to suspects who “resisted arrest and shot at police officers.”
“Instead of ensuring the protection and rights of people who use drugs, including the right to health and provision of voluntary, evidence-based drug treatment and harm reduction services, President Duterte has called for them to be killed,” the consortium said in a letter addressed to UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov.
The consortium cited the April 2016 UN general assembly resolution on the world drug problem, which states, among others:
– to promote effective supervision of drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities by competent domestic authorities to ensure adequate quality of drug treatment and rehabilitation services and to prevent any possible acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in accordance with domestic legislation and applicable international law;
– to promote and implement effective criminal justice responses to drug-related crimes to bring perpetrators to justice that ensure legal guarantees and due process safeguards pertaining to criminal justice proceedings, including practical measures to uphold the prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention and of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to eliminate impunity, in accordance with relevant and applicable international law and taking into account United Nations standards and norms on crime prevention and criminal justice, and ensure timely access to legal aid and the right to a fair trial.
The consortium maintained that the approach taken by President Duterte “clearly deviates from important global norms for the implementation of drug control policies.”
The consortium called on the UNODC and INCB to communicate the following messages to the Philippine government:
– Assert that President Duterte’s actions to incite these extrajudicial killings cannot be justified as being in line with global drug control. All measures taken to control drugs in the Philippines must be grounded in international law;
– Request that President Duterte put an immediate end to incitements to kill people suspected of committing drug-related offenses;
– Encourage President Duterte to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the right to due process and a fair trial is guaranteed to all people suspected of committing drug-related crimes, in line with the conclusions of the 2016 UNODC World Drug Report;
– Promote an evidence-based and health-focused approach to people who use drugs, including voluntary treatment and harm reduction services, instead of compulsory detention, in line with UNODC’s guidance; and,
– In line with the international human rights obligations of the Philippines – and with the official position of both the UNODC and the INCB – call on the Philippines not to re-impose the death penalty for drug offenses.
In a statement, Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said, “International drug control agencies can play an invaluable role in halting the rising body count of suspected drug dealers and users killed by both police and unidentified vigilantes.” “The current status quo in the Philippines puts human rights, rule of law, and the safety and security of Filipinos in immediate peril.” | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/03/over-300-ngos-call-for-human-rights-based-approach-to-drug-control/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-03T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/98124fc7e0888f0db7cd64302a19028993a4b61cdd64e7bfa32add3e796adfe7.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:47:45 | null | 2016-08-30T16:35:20 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fveterans-losing-war-home%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/annjones_they_were_soldiers.jpg | en | null | How Veterans Are Losing the War at Home | null | null | bulatlat.com | Making America Pain-Free for Plutocrats and Big Pharma, But Not Vets
By ANN JONES
TomDispatch.com
A friend of mine, a Vietnam vet, told me about a veteran of the Iraq War who, when some civilian said, “Thank you for your service,” replied: “I didn’t serve, I was used.” That got me thinking about the many ways today’s veterans are used, conned, and exploited by big gamers right here at home.
Near the end of his invaluable book cataloguing the long, slow disaster of America’s War for the Greater Middle East, historian Andrew Bacevich writes:
“Some individuals and institutions actually benefit from an armed conflict that drags on and on. Those benefits are immediate and tangible. They come in the form of profits, jobs, and campaign contributions. For the military-industrial complex and its beneficiaries, perpetual war is not necessarily bad news.”
Bacevich is certainly right about war profiteers, but I believe we haven’t yet fully wrapped our minds around what that truly means. This is what we have yet to take in: today, the U.S. is the most unequal country in the developed world, and the wealth of the plutocrats on top is now so great that, when they invest it in politics, it’s likely that no elected government can stop them or the lucrative wars and “free markets” they exploit.
Among the prime movers in our corporatized politics are undoubtedly the two billionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, and their cozy network of secret donors. It’s hard to grasp how rich they really are: they rank fifth (David) and sixth (Charles) on Business Insider’s list of the 50 richest people in the world, but if you pool their wealth they become by far the single richest “individual” on the planet. And they have pals. For decades now they’ve hosted top-secret gatherings of their richest collaborators that sometimes also feature dignitaries like Clarence Thomas or the late Antonin Scalia, two of the Supreme Court Justices who gave them the Citizens United decision, suffocating American democracy in plutocratic dollars. That select donor group had reportedly planned to spend at least $889 million on this year’s elections and related political projects, but recent reports note a scaling back and redirection of resources.
While the contest between Trump and Clinton fills the media, the big money is evidently going to be aimed at selected states and municipalities to aid right-wing governors, Senate candidates, congressional representatives, and in some cities, ominously enough, school board candidates. The Koch brothers need not openly support the embarrassing Trump, for they’ve already proved that, by controlling Congress, they can significantly control the president, as they have already done in the Obama era.
Yet for all their influence, the Koch name means nothing, pollsters report, to more than half of the U.S. population. In fact, the brothers Koch largely stayed under the radar until recent years when their roles as polluters, campaigners against the environment, and funders of a new politics came into view. Thanks to Robert Greenwald’s film Koch Brothers Exposed and Jane Mayer’s book Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right, we now know a lot more about them, but not enough.
They’ve always been ready to profit off America’s wars. Despite their extreme neo-libertarian goal of demonizing and demolishing government, they reportedly didn’t hesitate to pocket about $170 million as contractors for George W. Bush’s wars. They sold fuel (oil is their principal business) to the Defense Department, and after they bought Georgia Pacific, maker of paper products, they supplied that military essential: toilet paper.
But that was small potatoes compared to what happened when soldiers came home from the wars and fell victim to the profiteering of corporate America. Dig in to the scams exploiting veterans, and once again you’ll run into the Koch brothers.
Pain Relief: With Thanks from Big Pharma
It’s no secret that the VA wasn’t ready for the endless, explosive post-9/11 wars. Its hospitals were already full of old vets from earlier wars when suddenly there arrived young men and women with wounds, both physical and mental, the doctors had never seen before. The VA enlarged its hospitals, recruited new staff, and tried to catch up, but it’s been running behind ever since.
It’s no wonder veterans’ organizations keep after it (as well they should), demanding more funding and better service. But they have to be careful what they focus on. If they leave it at that and overlook what’s really going on — often in plain sight, however disguised in patriotic verbiage — they can wind up being marched down a road they didn’t choose that leads to a place they don’t want to be.
Even before the post-9/11 vets came home, a phalanx of drug-making corporations led by Purdue Pharma had already gone to work on the VA. These Big Pharma corporations (many of which buy equipment from Koch Membrane Systems) had developed new pain medications — opioid narcotics like OxyContin (Purdue), Vicodin, Percocet, Opana (Endo Pharmaceuticals), Duragesic, and Nucynta (Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) — and they spotted a prospective marketplace. Early in 2001, Purdue developed a plan to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars targeting the VA. By the end of that year, this country was at war, and Big Pharma was looking at a gold mine.
They recruited doctors, set them up in private “Pain Foundations,” and paid them handsomely to give lectures and interviews, write studies and textbooks, teach classes in medical schools, and testify before Congress on the importance of providing our veterans with powerful painkillers. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration considered restricting the use of opioids, fearing they might be addictive. They were talked out of it by experts like Dr. Rollin Gallagher of the American Academy of Pain Medicine and board member of the American Pain Foundation, both largely funded by the drug companies. He spoke against restricting OxyContin.
By 2008, congressional legislation had been written — the Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvement Act — directing the VA to develop a plan to evaluate all patients for pain. When the VA objected to Congress dictating its medical procedures, Big Pharma launched a “Freedom from Pain” media blitz, enlisting veterans’ organizations to campaign for the bill and get it passed.
Those painkillers were also dispatched to the war zones where our troops were physically breaking down under the weight of the equipment they carried. By 2010, a third of the Army’s soldiers were on prescription medications — and nearly half of them, 76,500, were on prescription opioids — which proved to be highly addictive, despite the assurance of experts like Rollin Gallagher. In 2007, for instance, “The American Veterans and Service Members Survival Guide,” distributed by the American Pain Foundation and edited by Gallagher, offered this assurance: “[W]hen used for medical purposes and under the guidance of a skilled health-care provider, the risk of addiction from opioid pain medication is very low.”
By that time, here at home, soldiers and vets were dying at astonishing rates from accidental or deliberate overdoses. Civilian doctors as well had been persuaded to overprescribe these drugs, so that by 2011 the CDC announced a national epidemic, affecting more than 12 million Americans. In May 2012, the Senate Finance Committee finally initiated an investigation into the perhaps “improper relation” between Big Pharma and the pain foundations. That investigation is still “ongoing,” which means that no information about it can yet be revealed to the public.
Meanwhile, opioid addicts, both veterans and civilians, were discovering that heroin was a cheaper and no less effective way to go. Because heroin is often cut with Fentanyl, a more powerful opioid, however, drug deaths rose dramatically.
This epidemic of death is in the news almost every day now as hard-hit cities and states sue the drug makers, but rarely is it traced to its launching pad: the Big Pharma conspiracy to make big bucks off our country’s wounded soldiers.
It took the VA far too long to extricate itself from medical policies marketed by Big Pharma and, in effect, prescribed by Congress. It had made the mistake of turning to the Pharma-funded pain foundations in 2004 to select its Deputy National Program Director of Pain Management: the ubiquitous Dr. Gallagher. But when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency finally laid down new restrictive rules on opioids in 2014, the VA had to comply. That’s been hard on the thousands of opioid-dependent vets it had unwittingly hooked, and it’s becoming harder as Republicans in Congress move to privatize the VA and send vets out with vouchers to find their own health care.
Cute Cards Courtesy of the Koch Brothers
To force the VA to use its drugs, Big Pharma set up dummy foundations and turned to existing veterans’ organizations for support. These days, however, the Big Money people have found a more efficient way to make their weight felt. Now, when they need the political clout of a veterans’ organization, they help finance one of their own.
Consider Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). The group’s stated mission: “to preserve the freedom and prosperity we and our families fought and sacrificed to defend.” What patriotic American wouldn’t want to get behind that?
The problem that concerns the group right now is the “divide” between civilians and soldiers, which exists, its leaders claim, because responsibility for veterans has been “pushed to the highest levels of government.” That has left veterans isolated from their own communities, which should be taking care of them.
Concerned Veterans for America proposes (though not quite in so many words) to close that gap by sacking the VA and giving vets the “freedom” to find their own health care. The 102-page proposal of CVA’s Task Force on “Fixing Veterans’ Health Care” would let VA hospitals treat veterans with “service-connected health needs” — let them, that is, sweat the hard stuff — while transforming most VA Health Care facilities into an “independent, non-profit corporation” to be “preserved,” if possible, in competition “with private providers.”
All other vets would have the “option to seek private health coverage,” using funds the VA might have spent on their care, had they chosen it. (How that would be calculated remains one of many mysteries.) The venerable VA operates America’s largest health care system, with 168 VA Medical Centers and 1,053 outpatient clinics, providing care to more than 8.9 million vets each year. Yet under this plan that lame, undernourished but extraordinary and, in a great many ways, remarkably successful version of single-payer lifelong socialized medicine for vets would be a goner, perhaps surviving only in bifurcated form: as an intensive care unit and an insurance office dispensing funds to free and choosy vets.
Such plans should have marked Concerned Veterans for America as a Koch brothers’ creation even before its front man gave the game away and lost his job. Like those pain foundation doctors who became self-anointed opioid experts, veteran Pete Hegseth had made himself an expert on veterans’ affairs, running Concerned Veterans for America and doubling as a talking head on Fox News. The secretive veterans’ organization now carries on without him, still working to capture — or perhaps buy — the hearts and minds of Congress.
And here’s the scary part: they may succeed. Remember that every U.S. administration, from the Continental Congress on, has regarded the care of veterans as a sacred trust of government. The notion of privatizing veterans’ care — by giving each veteran a voucher, like some underprivileged schoolboy — was first suggested only eight years ago by Arizona Senator John McCain, America’s most famous veteran-cum-politician. Most veterans’ organizations opposed the idea, citing McCain’s long record of voting against funding the VA. Four years ago, Mitt Romney touted the same idea and got the same response.
That’s about the time that the Koch brothers, and their donor network, changed their strategy. They had invested an estimated $400 million in the 2012 elections and lost the presidency (though not Congress). So they turned their attention to the states and localities. Somewhere along the way, they quietly promoted Concerned Veterans for America and who knows what other similar organizations and think tanks to peddle their cutthroat capitalist ideology and enshrine it in the law of the land.
Then, in 2014, President Obama signed into law the Veterans’ Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. That bill singled out certain veterans who lived at least 40 miles from a VA hospital or had to wait 30 days for an appointment and gave them a “choice card,” entitling them to see a private doctor of their own choosing. Though John McCain had originally designed the bill, it was by then a bipartisan effort, officially introduced by the Democratic senator who chaired the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Bernie Sanders.
Sanders said that, while it was not the bill he would have written, he thought it was a step toward cutting wait times. With his sponsorship, the bill passed by a 93-3 vote. And so an idea unthinkable only two years earlier — the partial privatization of veteran’s health care — became law.
How could that have happened? At the VA, there was certainly need for improvement. Its health care system had been consistently underfunded and wait times for appointments were notoriously long. Then, early in 2014, personnel at the Phoenix VA in McCain’s home state of Arizona were caught falsifying records to hide the wait-time problem. When that scandal hit the news, Concerned Veterans for America was quick to exploit the situation and lead a mass protest. Three weeks later, as heads rolled at the VA, Senator McCain called a town hall meeting to announce his new bill, with its “hallmark Choice Card.” His website notes that it “received praise… from veterans’ advocacy organizations such as Concerned Veterans for America.”
That bill also called for a “commission on care” to explore the possibilities of “transforming” veterans’ health care. Most vets still haven’t heard of this commission and its charge to change their lives, but many of those who did learn of it were worried by the terminology. After all, many vets already had a choice through Medicare or private insurance, and most chose the vet-centered treatment of the VA. They complained only that it took too long to get an appointment. They wanted more VA care, not less — and they wanted it faster.
In any case, those choice cards already handed out have reportedly only slowed down the process of getting treatment, while the freedom to search for a private doctor has turned out to be anything but popular. Nevertheless, the commission on care — 15 people chosen by President Obama and the leaders of the House and Senate — worked for 10 months to produce a laundry list of “fixes” for the VA and one controversial recommendation. They called for the VA “across the United States” to establish “high-performing, integrated community health care networks, to be known as the VHA Care System.”
In other words, instead of funding added staff and speeded-up service, the commission recommended the creation of an entirely new, more expensive, and untried system. Then there was the fine print: as in the plan of Concerned Veterans of America, there would be tightened qualifications, out-of-pocket costs, and exclusions. In other words, the commission was proposing a fragmented, complicated, and iffy system, funded in part on the backs of veterans, and “transformative” in ways ominously different from anything vets had been promised in the past.
Commissioner Michael Blecker, executive director of the San Francisco-based veterans’ service organization Swords to Plowshares, refused to sign off on the report. Although he approved of the VA fixes, he saw in that recommendation for “community networks” the privatizer’s big boot in the door. Yet while Blecker thought the recommendation would serve the private sector and not the vet, another non-signer took the opposite view. Darin Selnick, senior veterans’ affairs advisor for Concerned Veterans for America and executive director of CVA’s Fixing Veterans Health Care Taskforce, complained that the commission had focused too much on “fixing the existing VA” rather than “boldly transforming” veterans’ health care into a menu of “multiple private-sector choice options.” The lines were clearly drawn.
Then, last April, Senator McCain made an end run around the commission, a dash that could only thrill the leaders of Concerned Veterans for America and their backers. Noting that his choice card legislation was due to expire, McCain, together with seven other Republican senators (including Ted Cruz), introduced new legislation: the Care Veterans Deserve Act of 2016. It’s a bill designed to “enhance choice and flexibility in veterans’ health care” by making the problematic choice card “permanently and universally” available to all disabled and other unspecified veterans. You can see where the notion came from and where it’s going. By May 2016, when Fox News featured a joint statement by Senator McCain and Pete Hegseth, late of Concerned Veterans for America, trumpeting the VA Choice Card Program as “the most significant VA reform in decades,” you could also see where this might end.
As real veterans’ organizations wise up to what’s going on, they will undoubtedly stand against the false “freedom” of a Koch brothers-style “transformation” of the VA system. The rest of us should stand with them. The plutocrats who corrupted veterans’ health care and now want to shut it down, and the plutocrats who profit from this country’s endless wars are one and the same. And they have bigger plans for us all.
Ann Jones, a TomDispatch regular, is the author most recently of They Were Soldiers: How the Wounded Return from America’s Wars — the Untold Story, a Dispatch Books original. This piece is adapted from the keynote address she recently gave to the annual convention of Veterans for Peace. She is a member of the international advisory board of that organization.
Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Nick Turse’s Next Time They’ll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardt’s latest book, Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.
Copyright 2016 Ann Jones
Reposted by | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/30/veterans-losing-war-home/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/884553bfdfc8ed3b1f9ac8ae6e630072cf0107c958aa62ff9a906f36422a968c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:07 | null | 2016-08-24T15:42:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fmrt-harassment-commuters-rights-advocate-hit%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tren_angelo.jpg | en | null | MRT harassment of commuters' rights advocate hit | null | null | bulatlat.com | Poet and artist Angelo Suarez, a convenor of Train Riders Network (TREN) and an active #MRTbulokprotester, was arrested and detained last night by security guards of the MRT (Metro Rail Transit Line 3).
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Security guards and police at the MRT (Metro Rail Transit Line 3) arrested last night poet and artist Angelo Suarez, a convenor of Train Riders Network (TREN) and an active #MRTbulokprotester. Suarez was reportedly on his way home. In a statement, Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan, condemned the arrest as harassment.
The MRT security guards brought Suarez to the police, Anakbayan said. The MRT reportedly accused Suarez of “vandalism.”
But in truth, said Crisostomo, the case against Suarez is harassment of those protesting #MRTbulok and privatization of train services.
Rather than harass the critics of privatization and profiteering of railways, the government should immediately stop the privatization of trains, reverse the train fare hikes and improve the corrupt mass transport services in the country, Crisostomo said.
To bring about real change in transportation, he urged the government to ensure efficient, safe, reliable mass public transportation in the country.
Crisostomo and the Train Riders Network said the charges filed against Suarez are baseless and as such should be dropped. They call for Suarez’s immediate release.
In another statement, James Relativo, TREN Spokesperson, expressed disgust at how the state forces are “quick to arrest people who have done nothing but speak the truth, yet allow those who profit from illegal and unjust fare hikes, those who continue to plunge our government into debt due to privatization, those who keep our trains in their sorry state, to roam free. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/24/mrt-harassment-commuters-rights-advocate-hit/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/a572267be7e6181917dd434defc8f18594bb3cf5c44bf8404c3e3694286ef595.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:30 | null | 2016-08-26T17:47:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fstudents-protest-privatization-demand-accountability-outgoing-head%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_7459.jpg | en | null | UP students protest privatization, demand accountability from outgoing head | null | null | bulatlat.com | Some 200 students stormed the UP Board of Regents meeting in a protest Aug. 25.
By GINO ESTELLA
Bulatlat
Students from different campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP) on August 25 breached a meeting of the highest policy-making body in the system as they called out the outgoing university president on his policies on education.
Following a brief protest on the ground floor of Quezon Hall, around 200 students forced their way through lines of security to reach the meeting room of the Board of Regents (BOR), where UP President Alfredo Pascual sits as co-chairperson.
Pascual was then forced to face the students in a dialogue concerning students’ concerns on policies, such as the Socialized Tuition System and the eUP Project. The protesters were Diliman and Los Baños students from progressive youth groups Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students and Kabataan Party-list.
“As a member of the Board of Regents (BOR), we have raised the legitimate demands of the students several times during the BOR meetings,” UP Student Regent Raoul Manuel said. “But responses from the other BOR members, especially UP President Alfredo E. Pascual, have fallen short of addressing the concerns of the UP community.”
The eUP project is an initiative by Pascual in an effort to streamline information systems across UP campuses. It consists of core information systems for the use of each sector of the university, with the Student Academic Information System (SAIS) for the students.
SAIS, however, suffered glitches in its first implementation UP Manila in 2014. Similar cases of technical errors and crashes was seen in this year’s registration in Los Baños, sparking widespread disdain and a protest by 800 students to converge at the Main Library of the campus.
“The UP administration under Pascual has proven during the dialogue with students, faculty and staff that it will defend–until the very end–the university policies that have privatized campus services and raked in huge profits from the students themselves,” said Manuel. “This came at the expense of the rights of students to education, and the incentives that the faculty and staff deserve.”
Manuel further condemned Pascual’s neglect for the university’s primary stakeholders. Pascual’s continued implementation of the project despite widespread clamor for its junking is a reflection of his neglect to his duty as the head of the UP System, said Manuel.
An investigative thesis by two journalism graduates revealed the UP administration’s favor for software company Oracle, and said the administration mentioned the company’s software multiple times when it requested for procurement.
Thesis authors Ronn Bautista and Krixia Subingsubing said this was a direct violation of the Philippine Procurement law. The two further revealed the project to be over budget. Six years in the making, the eUP Project team has constantly reset its deadlines for the systems’ complete implementation.
Students, faculty and employees join ranks in protest
While the eUP Project has been implemented for six years, students also called for the junking of socialized tuition policies in their university system.
“It has been 27 years since the first occurrence of socialized tuition policies in UP, initially in the form of the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP),” said Manuel.
“Around the same number of student regents have taken their term and fought against this policy, but in all those 27 years, it all fell into deaf ears.”
Different sectors of the university, such as faculty and staff were present during the dialogue. Following a lack of resolution to talks on their Collective Negotiation Agreement, the All UP Workers Union and All UP Academic Employees Union said they were ready to take the case to the Ombudsman.
“The Office of the Student Regent is committed to seek accountability from the Pascual
administration and continue to fight with the sectors in UP whose calls remain unaddressed,” said Manuel.
During the dialogue, Pascual said he will be accountable for his actions during his term. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/26/students-protest-privatization-demand-accountability-outgoing-head/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/c7e563a210d2619e42f05351e02af755f090c7501143899eac2cab77eaebccd8.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:47:02 | null | 2016-08-29T09:00:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fpahiyom-sa-samin%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/bu-photo-of-d-wk-mark-04.jpg | en | null | Pahiyom sa Samin | null | null | bulatlat.com | Send to Email Address
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Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/29/pahiyom-sa-samin/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/1a22e29a5fba34bca7b544a6e84d1676f74c710dd884c6ac2ed1989d68033e92.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:47 | null | 2016-08-31T22:05:57 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fmartial-law-victims-speak-not-forget-suffering%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/P1230219.jpg | en | null | Martial law victims speak: ‘Do not forget our suffering’ | null | null | bulatlat.com | “Until now, we bear the trauma then we are told to forget about the past. What about us, the victims?”
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat
MANILA – Sixty-four year old Felix Dalisay broke into tears as he recounted the day he thought he would die.
Sometime in 1973, Dalisay, a member of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) in the ‘70s, was arrested and brought to Libis, Quezon City, then an isolated place. One of his captors pulled the trigger just beside his left ear he thought he would die.
Dalisay was one of the martial law victims and petitioners asked to testify at the Supreme Court today, Aug. 31 during the oral arguments on the petitions against giving the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos a hero’s burial.
“If Marcos would be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), they would also forget our suffering,” Dalisay told Bulatlat in an interview.
Like Dalisay, Maria Cristina Rodriguez was not at all prepared to recount what she went through during the Marcos dictatorship. She was arrested twice and was subjected to torture.
The moment her fellow human rights victims share their experiences, Rodriguez began trembling. “We were wiping our tears all throughout,” she told Bulatlat.
Re-traumatization
Rodriguez said allowing Marcos to be buried in the LNMB would cause re-traumatization to the victims.
Trinidad Herrera, an urban poor leader from Tondo who was arrested several times during martial law, told the Supreme Court justices how she was electrocuted: wires were attached first to her fingers until they bled; then on her nipples.
Former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales also said the electric shock was the worst. “Twenty-four hours continued torture, no sleeping. It went on and on until there’s an electric shock,” Rosales told the high court.
Another victim, Carmencita Florentino, said she was arrested along with her daughter and her husband from their home in Tatalon, Quezon City in June 1977. “I was almost raped,” Florentino told the justices. She added her daughter remains traumatized until now.
Dalisay said in Filipino, “Until now, we bear the trauma then we are told to forget about the past. What about us, the victims?”
Lina Castillo-Sarmiento said 75,000 victims filed their applications with the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB).
Created by Republic Act No. 10368, the Board is processing 17,000 cases.
Violation of reparation law
Lawyers for the petitioners maintained that a hero’s burial for Marcos violates several laws, including RA 10368.
Former Bayan Muna Neri Javier Colmenares said the symbolism of a hero’s burial for Marcos is the message in itself. “The victims will be forgotten, Marcos will be remembered forever,” he said.
Colmenares said giving Marcos a hero’s burial would render the right to reparation/ recognition of martial law victims practically diminished, if not obliterated.
CHR Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon, during interpellation by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, said that in both in domestic and international law, reparations should go beyond monetary payment.
Gascon said Marcos’ burial in LNMB would expose victims to re-traumatization. “A place of honor [for Marcos] creates a continuing offense on the part of the victims.
The Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law states that victims should be treated with humanity and respect for their dignity and human rights, and appropriate measures should be taken to ensure their safety, physical and psychological well-being and privacy, as well as those of their families.
The Philippines is a signatory to international human rights conventions and instruments, including the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.
Ephraim Cortez of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said, “Petitioners have been scarred for life your Honor, and seeing Marcos buried in LNMB will cause irreparable injuries.”
Cortez pointed out that RA 10368 recognizes the heroism and sacrifices of martial law victims.
Interpellating lawyer Ibarra Guttierez III, Sereno asked if Marcos’s burial would restore the victims dignity as stated in RA 10368. Gutierrez replied, “No. It does the complete opposite.”
Representative Edcel Lagman maintained the “cardinal sins of the late President nullified his status as soldier and President so he isn’t entitled to a hero’s burial.”
Lagman said giving Marcos hero’s burial will violate RA 289 or a law creating national pantheon for presidents and heroes. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/31/martial-law-victims-speak-not-forget-suffering/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/29e114bd16391de540db59ca42bf7d70a921fe837fccb5d3335821195eca9a25.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:47:20 | null | 2016-08-25T21:08:57 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fdaguma-sadyandi-continuing-story-dulangan-manobos-struggles%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Copy-of-IMG_3496.jpg | en | null | From Daguma to Sadyandi: the continuing story of the Dulangan Manobo’s struggles | null | null | bulatlat.com | By ZEPH REPOLLO
Kalibutan
I’m writing this from the lush montane forests of the Daguma Mountain Ranges of Mindanao, Philippines, where the indigenous Dulangan Manobo people are in an arduous struggle against logging and mining corporations encroaching their land. Twelve of these companies are part of the extractives conglomerate David M Consunji, Inc. (DMCI). The Dulangan Manobo, who have lived in this haven for centuries, are at risk of not just losing their land, but also their lives, livelihood, culture, and identity that are deeply connected to the forests of the Daguma Range.
I was part of an international solidarity mission composed of 33 people from the United States, Palestine, Philippines and nearby local communities who have come to hear the stories of the Dulangan community and help shed light on their plight. From our starting point of Cotabato City, it took a day and a half of ‘skylab’ motorcycle rides and treks through the ridges and rivers to reach the warm Dulangan welcome that awaited us.
After a fresh vegetable meal and a tour of the village, we gathered in the local chapel to hear the stories of Datu (chieftain) Samuel, who is the spokesperson of the Dulangan people’s organization Kesasabanay Dulangan Manobo (KEDUMA).
“Since Consunji entered our domain, we lost our right to our own land. They told us that it is legal. When was it legal to steal land from the Dulangan, Teduray, Tboli, and Moro?”, Datu Samuel asked.
History of plunder
The Dulangan’s struggle against private logging companies has its roots in the Spanish colonial trade which began logging our forests for lumber. It was during American colonial rule, however that logging in Mindanao scaled up considerably. In the reconstruction period after the Second World War, more and more foreign and local logging companies swarmed into this part of Mindanao.
In the 1970s, big businessman David Consunji consolidated most of the logging companies in the Philippines under one company, DMCI. Consunji, a close crony of the despotic President Marcos, rapidly dominated construction and logging ventures in the country through DMCI.
The Consunjis have consistently tapped paramilitary and military forces to assert control over their timber concessions, driving away the Lumad and other grassroots communities to the mountains. By use of force, they have silenced any form of resistance against their corporate interest.
Datu Samuel furthered, “One of our leaders, John Calaba, was shot last April 30, 2015, others are assaulted and threatened. Our homes have been burned and our crops have been slashed down. We will not allow the Consunjis and their military to reign over our ancestral land. They must pay for the crimes they’ve committed to our people.”
DMCI now also owns gold and coal mining concessions that are adversely affecting the T’boli tribe in Ned Village in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, a neighbouring province to the Dulangan domain.
“We do not agree with coal mining. It damages our lives, and our livelihoods. We are saddened about how the government quickly pays attention to the needs of mining companies, but are very slow, if they respond at all, when we Lumad are the ones in need,” said one of the T’boli leaders who joined the mission.
Logging in IFMAs
DMCI continues its massive logging regime through the scheme of Integrated Forest Management Agreements (IFMA). An IFMA contract is entered into between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and a qualified applicant wherein DENR grants exclusive right to develop, manage, protect and utilize a specified area of forestland and forest resources for a period of 25 years, and may be renewed for another 25-year period.
Twelve IFMA contracts were given to the Consujis covering more than 102,954 hectares. IFMAs are supposedly the national government’s means to regulate forest resource utilization, but it has nevertheless been used to legalize the unabated corporate logging operations in different parts of the country.
Ten municipalities in south-central Mindanao are directly affected and exploited by several companies owned by the Consunjis under their IFMA contracts, covering the towns of Esperanza, Bagumbayan, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig, Lebak, Palimbang, and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat province, and Ampatuan and South Upi in Maguindanao. It is within these supposed forest management areas where the gold and coal mining concessions are also located.
People’s rights
The Lumad communities confronting the extractivist empire of DMCI are being harassed, intimidated, and murdered for simply trying to stop the rampant plunder that continues to run roughshod over their own land. Communities across the country face the same attacks, as we have recorded at least 96 cases of extrajudicial killlings since 2001 across the Philippines involving environmental defenders, many coming from indigenous people’s communities.
Bringing with us the collective pain, grief, indignation, and hope of the Dulangan Manobo, we made the long journey towards Davao City for the International Conference of People’s Rights in the Philippines (ICPRP).
More than 400 participants gathered in this conference coming from people’s and social movements, faith-based organisations, the academia, and human rights organizations from different parts of the globe to reaffirm our people’s commitment to support and defend people’s rights, justice, and peace in the Philippines, and strengthen ties of solidarity and resistance between the Filipino people and people all over the world.
The keynote of Prof. Camilo Perez-Bustillos, Executive Director of the Human Rights Center in the University of Dayton, captured the urgency of sharing our solidarity with the Lumad people’s struggles amidst impunity:
“Over a hundred years ago, it was well understood that the struggle for independence and liberation of the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico from both Spanish colonialism and the menace of US colonialism and imperialism were completely intertwined and interdependent. So now, we must understand and come up with a shared vision of global liberation which will not be complete until each one of us is free.”
The plight of the Lumad reflects various people’s struggles worldwide, as we heard similar stories in Indonesia, Pakistan, China, Japan, India, and Palestine. Our struggle, indeed, is a shared struggle of the people of the world.
Climate justice
These are stories we rarely hear from narratives of climate movements, when it is these frontline defenders who are our last line of defense for our remaining carbon sinks and climate-adaptive ecosystems.
When we talk about climate justice, we shouldn’t just count carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere, but must address the roots of the climate crisis—from the problem of worsening global warming to the heightening climate impacts we are already experiencing. It is the global economic system that is breeding plunder, oppression, and violence against the exploited majority.The Lumad’s struggles are shaking the very foundation of this system.
Right now, 400 Dulangan Manobos are being prevented from joining 5,000 Lumad from other areas across the South-Central Mindanao region in a huge gathering dubbed ‘Sadyandi’, which celebrates their continuing history of resistance for land, life and environment. We join them in heart and spirit from miles away, for as long as we are united in struggle, we know that victory is certain for the democratic aspirations of the Filipino people.
Zeph Repollo is the international solidarity coordinator of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, and is the coordinator of the youth-led climate action group 350.org Pilipinas. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/25/daguma-sadyandi-continuing-story-dulangan-manobos-struggles/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/da91a54210c6f6a8275ba6055e968e54962556695fbbfa6d922456cbb1649ccf.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:46:03 | null | 2016-08-27T15:57:05 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fdswd-employees-sign-historic-cna-recognizing-moa-workers%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sweap-cna-signing-01.jpg | en | null | DSWD, employees sign historic CNA recognizing ‘MOA workers’ | null | null | bulatlat.com | “This is part of our aim of providing efficient, caring, and compassionate service. In order to do this, we believe that we must also give due attention to the situation of the employees.”
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development management and the DSWD-Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP) has signed a landmark collective negotiation agreement (CNA) on Aug. 26, which recognizes the right of longtime workers hired under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo led the signing of the agreement described by union officers as “most significant” as it gives recognition to MOA-hired workers who are not considered regular or contractual, in spite of being in the agency for more than a decade.
Ferdinand Gaite, president of Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) hailed the CNA as a positive development for the 26,400-strong DSWD workforce, specially since MOA-hired employees comprise the biggest number of employees in DSWD at 18,000, regular employees are at 2,000 and contractual employees number 9,000.
This was the fifth CNA signed by DSWD and SWEAP. The first was signed in 2001 while the fourth and most previous one was in 2013. Employees’ associations are the term used for unions in the public sector.
Although there are gains in the DSWD’s new CNA, Gaite said these will be futile if the employees will not assert their rights. He said by experience, problems arise in the implementation of the CNA in most unions in the government.
“MOA-hired employees, contractual and regular employees should act collectively to assert their rights,” Gaite said.
Aside from recognizing MOA workers, the new CNA also gives more benefits to employees, and gives a boost to unionism and public service education.
MOA workers are important too
“This is significant because the management has recognized MOA workers and there is a commitment to make them regular employees, most specially the workers, assigned in centers, who have served for 20 years or more,” Manuel Baclagon, SWEAP president told Bulatlat in an interview.
The CNA gave Baclagon more reason to celebrate, as it was signed on his birthday on Aug. 26.
The MOA workers were classified by Taguiwalo as “regular” and “special.”
“Regular MOA” are those working in centers and institutions under DSWD for more than a decade, while “special MOA” are those who are working in programs, such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services–National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP).
“Regular MOA” workers receive lower salary than the “special MOA.” Both do not receive benefits, like 13th month pay and hazard pay.
“There is one MOA-hired employee who was stabbed by a fork, but she has no hazard pay so she did not get anything,” Taguiwalo said during the program. She said these workers are the ones who compassionately give services to the poor and yet get too little. “A house parent in one of the DSWD’s center has been taking care of 25 babies,” Taguiwalo said.
A provision in the CNA forms a task force to “work for the MOA-hired employees’ welfare and benefits, towards possible regularization or the provision of appropriate benefits as may be allowed by law.”
This is a joint effort of the Association and the management, Baclagon said.
The following are salient features of the three-year CNA:
– Enhanced welfare program for the employees to include the improvement of the day care center; the provision of breastfeeding facilities for the use of the staff and clients; provision of gender-responsive facilities; institutionalization of a non-handicapping environment for persons with disabilities; programs for the solo parents; and, the provision of a comprehensive retirement package;
– The Department, to the extent possible, shall continue to provide office space, equipment and personnel to all regional SWEAP chapters (1 staff for regional chapter, and at least 3 personnel at the Central Office). The budget for this shall be included in the Work and Financial Plan of the Department;
– The provision of 120 association leaves for the national president; 50 days yearly for every other association national officer; 150 days yearly per association chapter (to be apportioned among themselves); and four days every year for every association member;
– The Department and the Association shall develop and implement a one-day mandatory “Serve the People” course for all DSWD employees that is consistent with the Department’s mandate;
Baclagon said these are part of the longtime vision of the association that only materialized under Taguiwalo’s term. Although provisions for the welfare of MOA-hired employees are included in the previous CNAs, however, it lacks commitment to make their conditions better.
“In the past it was all motherhood statements, now there are specific actions,” Baclagon told Bulatlat.
Taguiwalo also assailed the Performance-based Bonus which she said is divisive and discriminatory as it excludes MOA-hired workers.
“Pwede bang hatiin sa best, better and good ang isang ahensya na iniitsapwera ang mga MOA na syang katuwang natin para sa pagpapatupad ng vision and mandate ng ahensya? (Why do we have to classify agency workers into ‘best, better, good,’ and disregard MOA workers who are all part of implementing the vision and mandate of the agency?) Why are they not included in the PBB?” said Taguiwalo.
Recognition of the union
Taguiwalo said supporting the employees’ association “is also part of ensuring the provision of sincere public service.”
“This is part of our aim of providing efficient, caring, and compassionate service. In order to do this, we believe that we must also give due attention to the situation of the employees,” Taguiwalo said.
Taguiwalo pointed out, “Unionism is a recognition of the long struggle of previous workers for the development of the current labor force.”
Baclagon said this is what they have been pushing for: a genuine public sector unionism that also gives importance to the welfare of employees.
He said their gains are products of their collective work, which include lunch break protests and assemblies in the many years of SWEAP’s struggle. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/27/dswd-employees-sign-historic-cna-recognizing-moa-workers/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/19c019daddd0203e45aaea1967f8aa52df9b7efb389cdc2b002e8064c89c8538.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:24 | null | 2016-08-24T15:42:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fmrt-harassment-commuters-rights-advocate-hit%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tren_angelo.jpg | en | null | MRT harassment of commuters' rights advocate hit | null | null | bulatlat.com | Poet and artist Angelo Suarez, a convenor of Train Riders Network (TREN) and an active #MRTbulokprotester, was arrested and detained last night by security guards of the MRT (Metro Rail Transit Line 3).
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Security guards and police at the MRT (Metro Rail Transit Line 3) arrested last night poet and artist Angelo Suarez, a convenor of Train Riders Network (TREN) and an active #MRTbulokprotester. Suarez was reportedly on his way home. In a statement, Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan, condemned the arrest as harassment.
The MRT security guards brought Suarez to the police, Anakbayan said. The MRT reportedly accused Suarez of “vandalism.”
But in truth, said Crisostomo, the case against Suarez is harassment of those protesting #MRTbulok and privatization of train services.
Rather than harass the critics of privatization and profiteering of railways, the government should immediately stop the privatization of trains, reverse the train fare hikes and improve the corrupt mass transport services in the country, Crisostomo said.
To bring about real change in transportation, he urged the government to ensure efficient, safe, reliable mass public transportation in the country.
Crisostomo and the Train Riders Network said the charges filed against Suarez are baseless and as such should be dropped. They call for Suarez’s immediate release.
In another statement, James Relativo, TREN Spokesperson, expressed disgust at how the state forces are “quick to arrest people who have done nothing but speak the truth, yet allow those who profit from illegal and unjust fare hikes, those who continue to plunge our government into debt due to privatization, those who keep our trains in their sorry state, to roam free. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/24/mrt-harassment-commuters-rights-advocate-hit/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/3c9c37c024a9d3156d3c811690c4d8bfbfe8a4582ccd0adba1f3c7965f9ecb70.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:46:14 | null | 2016-08-27T14:51:25 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fsome-new-some-old%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/bu-op-icons-luis.jpg | en | null | Some new, some old | null | null | bulatlat.com | Rodrigo Duterte the candidate promised change across a wide spectrum of Philippine life and governance during the 2016 campaign for the presidency of the Republic.
He vowed an end to the drug problem and to crime within three to six months once he assumes the presidency. Together with the elimination of red tape in government services, he also promised an end to contractualization; the expansion of the conditional cash transfer program; free irrigation for farmers; the end of the nightmarish traffic congestion in Metro Manila; job generation; funding for micro, small, and medium enterprises; and the creation of a department of overseas Filipino workers.
While the realization of all these would undoubtedly make life a little better for Filipinos particularly the poor, the other changes he promised, if realized, would be even more significant. He also promised to resume peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) towards ending the 47-year guerilla war being waged by the New People’s Army (NPA), as well as to complete the Philippine government’s peace agreements with the various Muslim armed groups in Mindanao.
As a corollary to the final resolution of what Moro groups themselves refer to as “the Bangsamoro problem,” Duterte also vowed to pursue his advocacy of federalism through Constitutional amendments, under which the Bangsamoro would have the autonomy that they have been fighting for decades without the legal infirmities that have attended previous attempts to institutionalize Moro self-rule.
Duterte has since made good on both promises, at least initially.
He has engaged leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in several dialogues, and brokered these two groups’ reconciliation to assure the inclusivity that was missing during the Aquino administration peace agreement with the MILF that excluded the MNLF. Transforming the country into a federal state will of course take time, but for good or for ill, although only two months in power, the Duterte administration has set the process in motion through congressional discussions on Constitutional amendments.
Of equal or even greater significance have been the Duterte initiatives on peace talks with the NDFP, the army of which has been fighting for decades for the creation of a national democratic state both through the armed struggle as well as agrarian revolution in the areas under its control. The Philippine military has down played both the strength and influence of the NDFP, but there is no denying that its forces have not been defeated through arms because of the support it enjoys in many communities nationwide.
Although the prospects for the talks momentarily dimmed in the wake of his July 25 declaration of a unilateral cease-fire, the peace talks between the Philippine government and the NDFP formally resumed in Oslo, Norway, last Aug. 22, with the release of NDFP consultants and the declaration by both the Philippine government and the NDFP of unilateral cease-fires.
The release of NDFP consultants, and the government insistence that the NPA first lay down its arms, were major issues of contention in the stalled talks between the NDFP and the Aquino administration. But in an unprecedented display of goodwill, the Duterte administration did not demand that the NPA lay disarm — an option that the latter has rejected on the reasonable enough argument that to do so would mean its surrender, and would therefore make peace talks totally pointless. Neither did the Duterte administration balk at the NDFP request for the release of its consultants; it was Duterte himself who declared during the campaign that he would release political prisoners.
The consequence is the revival of hopes that a peace agreement based on a common commitment to the necessary social, economic, and political reforms that would transform Philippine society for the better by democratizing political power, industrializing the country, implementing an authentic agrarian reform program and charting a foreign policy independent of imperial interests.
But if the Duterte administration’s initiatives on the peace front have been among the changes that he promised were coming, little has changed as a result of his administration’s focus on other concerns.
As everyone — including overseas human rights groups as well as the United Nations — knows by now, Duterte was far from being facetious when he vowed to eliminate the illegal drug trade by physically eliminating drug dealers, as he declared during the campaign, and has kept on declaring in no uncertain terms whenever the opportunity moves him.
The Philippine National Police has proudly declared that things have indeed changed in the illegal drug front through the death, arrest, and surrender of drug pushers and users. The numbers would be impressive — if the number of those killed and incarcerated were the sole indicators of social progress.
The reality is that the rising tide of deaths is not something any country should be proud of, no matter how loudly the police and other Duterte die-hards proclaim them. They’re the exact opposite: shameful indicators of the perilous state of democracy in this country.
The numbers in fact suggest that nothing much has changed in the areas of contempt for the law and human rights, as well as the abuse and misuse of power in the ranks of the police, among whom, if the testimonies of witnesses are to be believed, the drug trade is as deeply embedded as in the poorest communities.
If the rule of law, due process, and human rights are crucial to the making of a democratic society, so is the country’s standing in the community of nations. In this it seems that Duterte has not morphed from the tough talking mayor he once was to the proclaimed leader of a country that, among others, has to honor its international commitments.
At some point in the campaign, Duterte vowed to change once he was president. It was a promise his subalterns and cohorts dutifully echoed. The presumption was that he would be more circumspect in his statements, less likely to shoot from the hip and to curse in public, and to call people he doesn’t like names, among other un-presidential attributes.
Unfortunately, that’s another area in which the present President of the Republic has not made good on his promise. How else look, for example, at his recent tirade against the UN, his calling its special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings stupid, and his threatening to bolt that body to form an alternative bloc with China — which, like the Philippines, is itself among the original members of an organization whose many agencies’ activities are deeply embedded in such local concerns as labor, disaster mitigation, health, children’s rights, education and culture?
Apparently change has come — but only in some areas of life in the country of our illusions. The question now is whether changes in those areas that have remained basically the same, or have even changed for the worse, or will eventually come, and if so, when. The health of what passes for democracy in these parts, and the way the country is perceived by the rest of the world — the last can be crucial in the way other countries will deal with the Philippines — are, if only partly, at stake, and it won’t do to brush off criticism of both the conduct of the campaign against drugs and Mr. Duterte’s tendency to say whatever comes to his mind without thinking of the consequences as the ranting of a disaffected few.
Luis V. Teodoro is on Facebook and Twitter (@luisteodoro). The views expressed in Vantage Point are his own and do not represent the views of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.
www.luisteodoro.com
Published in Business World
Aug. 26, 2016 | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/27/some-new-some-old/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/d251905895645c2552b1818f81a93c5ac7b94157c8420f9eeb0f3e634df28ea2.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:46:20 | null | 2016-08-27T14:35:53 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fgovernment-nurses-teachers-slam-budget-secretary%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACT-DBM.jpg | en | null | Government nurses, teachers slam budget secretary | null | null | bulatlat.com | “We only ask for what is just and humane for us.”
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat
MANILA — Public school teachers and nurses lambasted Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno who ruled out giving them wage increases and dismissing them as “too ambitious.”
Outraged public school teachers under the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) stormed the central office of Department of Budget and Management on Aug. 25 to reiterate their call for wage hikes: P25,000 ($538) for teachers and P16,000 ($344) for non-teaching personnel.
In a report, Diokno said, during the presentation of the P3.35 trillion ($72 billion) 2017 national budget at the House Committee on Appropriations, that there will be no pay increase for government nurses and teachers as they already get higher wages than their counterparts in the private sector.
“To increase it further…e todo ambisyon naman `yun (that is too ambitious),” Diokno said.
In reaction, Benjamin Valbuena, ACT national chairman, said they felt insulted and disappointed with Diokno’s remarks. They said Diokno is clueless about the economic situation of ordinary government employees.
“Another round of salary increase could be ambitious only for high-ranking government officials as they now enjoy high pay coupled with numerous benefits,” he said.
Valbuena said thousands of rank-and-file teachers and government employees “continue to suffer from the low pay level and minimal salary adjustment and deceptive reward system.”
The Filipino Nurses United said, “We were aghast to hear such unfounded and even callous remark from the Secretary who should have had a more acute grasp of the miserable plight of majority of our nurses.”
Eleanor Nolasco, president of FNU said nurses receive a starting salary of P18,000 ($387) a month while those in the private sector receive between P9,000 to P12,000 ($193 to $258) a month. Nolasco said this is “clearly way below” the P30,000 ($645) monthly basic cost of living for a family of five.
Nolasco asserted that the Nursing Law of 2002 mandates a P25,000 salary for entry-level nurses in government. However, government has not implemented and honored the law for the past 14 years, and in effect, has betrayed its commitment to the nurses.
Nolasco clarified that they have nothing against police and military personnel who will receive additional salaries. However, they pointed out that nurses also deserve equal treatment in recognition of their critical role in the health care of the country’s human resources.
“We have long wallowed in unjust and dehumanizing work conditions that many have been pushed to seek work overseas with grave implications on family relations and even the quality of care received by our fellow Filipinos as the more experienced and skilled nurses become priority export commodity,” Nolasco said.
“We work beyond the working hours. We provide beyond what is required from us. We only ask for what is just and humane for us. Pegging the entry pay of teachers to P25,000 per month is not ambitious. It is just and reasonable,” Valbuena said.
Still, the FNU expressed their optimism that President Rodrigo Duterte will remain true to his campaign promise of “change.”
Meanwhile, teachers challenged Diokno to “go down from his ivory tower and try to live the life of common teachers and employees.” | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/27/government-nurses-teachers-slam-budget-secretary/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/3bf4472771d4cceddb6a78300a38129d1a0f17666487f81e263c4b4e9db89a70.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T00:46:59 | null | 2016-08-29T08:01:21 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fdisappeared-ndfp-consultants%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aya_Santos.jpg | en | null | The disappeared NDFP consultants | null | null | bulatlat.com | With the new administration, Aya is hoping she and other relatives of the disappeared would get a chance to know the truth.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat
MANILA – As a volunteer for human rights alliance Karapatan, Lorena “Aya” Santos is in the thick of the campaign for the release of political prisoners.
When she saw Conchita Araneta-Bocala in Manila last week, Aya could not help but cry. Araneta-Bocala reminds her of her father Leo Velasco, also a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
Unlike relatives of other NDFP consultants who eagerly waited for the release of their loved ones, Aya has only memories to embrace. State security forces abducted Velasco on Feb. 19, 2007 in Cagayan de Oro City. He remains missing to this day.
With the new administration, Aya is hoping she and other relatives of the disappeared would get a chance to know the truth.
No closure yet
For the past nine years, Aya has been searching for her father.
After Velasco was abducted, Aya joined a fact-finding team in Cagayan de Oro. They were able to talk to two witnesses– a security guard and a street vendor. After a week, the two could no longer be located.
Aya also went to military camps, hospitals, courts and other government agencies. All the persons in authority told her they do not have her father.
Relatives of seven other NDFP consultants and staff are going through the same ordeal as Aya’s.
For ten years, Elizabeth Calubad has been searching for her husband Rogelio, also NDFP consultant and their eldest son Gabriel. The two were abducted by suspected military agents on June 17, 2006 in Calauag, Quezon.
Calubad was forced to raise her daughter and granddaughter all by herself.
If Calubad is searching for her husband and her son, Erloreb Mendez is looking for his parents Celina Palma and Prudencio Calubid who were abducted by military agents on June 26, 2006 along Maharlika Highway near Sipocot, Camarines Sur.
NDFP staff Ariel Beloy and Palma’s niece Gloria Soco, who hitched a ride back to Manila, were also taken by the perpetrators.
Like Mendez, siblings Malaya and Bayan are searching for their father Federico Intise and mother Nelly Intise. The couple has been missing since Oct. 26, 2006, together with Gloria Cañaveral. They were last seen in barangay Calumpan, General Santos City.
Other NDFP consultants and staff who are victims of enforced disappearances are Cesar Batralo, Leopoldo Ancheta and Philip Limjoco.
Batralo was taken by state security agents four days before Christmas of 2006. His daughter then was only five years old.
Meanwhile, Ancheta was abducted on June 24, 2006 in barangay Tuktukan, Guiguinto town in the province of Bulacan and Limjoco was abducted in Dau, Pampanga on May 8, 2006.
All participants to the peace talks should have been immune from arrest, detention, abduction and other forms of harassment according to the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig) signed by the government and the NDFP in 1995.
Moreover, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) also prohibits human rights violations including enforced disappearances.
Truth Commission
As the peace panels of both parties reaffirmed Jasig, CARHRIHL during the first round of the resumption of formal talks, relatives of the disappeared see a ray of hope.
Desaparecidos, of which Aya is part of, is calling for the creation of a Truth Commission that would look into the cases of enforced disappearances.
The commission, according to Desaparecidos, should be composed of individuals with credibility and integrity. They should be given access to military records and military camps and safe houses to search for the disappeared.
The Truth Commission is among the wish list of human rights organizations in the People’s Agenda submitted to the Duterte administration.
“We only want to know what happened to our loved ones,” Aya said.
For now, she takes solace in looking at the photograph of her father on her desk and sharing stories about him to her four-year-old son. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/29/disappeared-ndfp-consultants/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/4c1a7525cf30dc5a2483d41cda3265eb9e72ce2ed822bc73f994fcb59ac3b813.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:53 | null | 2016-08-30T21:50:52 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fnpa-releases-prisoners-surigao-city%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Jayroll-Bagayad-with-his-mother_byDavao_Today.jpg | en | null | NPA releases prisoners in Surigao City | null | null | bulatlat.com | MAT-I, Surigao City – After 34 days in captivity, three police officials and a non uniformed personnel were released by the New People’s Army on Saturday afternoon, August 27, in a village in Barangay Mat-i here.
At exactly 2:25 in the afternoon, Ka Lucas of the NPA’s Front 16 Guerrilla Unit-Custodial Force in Surigao City signed the release order for PO2 Caleb Sinaca, PO2 Jayroll Bagayad, non-uniformed personnel Rodrigo Angob, and SPO3 Santiago Lamanilao.
Residents from the neighboring towns walked uphill to witness the ceremony.
Prisoners of war, SPO3 Santiago Lamanilao, non-uniformed personnel Rodrigo Angob, PO3 Jayroll Bagayas, and PO2 Caleb Sinaca walk in the middle of the crowd to meet their families for the first time after 34 days of being in custody of the New People’s Army.
After meeting their families, the prisoners of war met with the third party facilitators who assisted their release.
The third party facilitators was comprised of the regional crisis management committee and various church groups.
Father Romeo Tagud of the Iglesia Filipina Indipendiente said that “being part of the third party facilitators is not an easy task.”
Fr. Tagud thanked the regional crisis committee lead by Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr.
“We hope that this will be the last, but as long as civil war exists, there will still be prisoners of war,” the priest said.
After Fr. Tagud’s message, the release paper was signed by the representatives from the New People’s Army, prisoners of war, and the third party facilitators.
At exactly 2:25 in the afternoon, the release order was signed, declaring the four prisoners of war, freed from the custody of the NPA.
Members of the revolutionary youth group, Kabataang Makabayan (Nationalist Youth) of Surigao City Cultural presentations were also part of the program initiated by
Text and Photos by EARL O. CONDEZA / Davao Today
Reposted by | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/30/npa-releases-prisoners-surigao-city/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/6588c00b4fe358fa4489e4d9b55c5b3d0a77dd7009b0638dfc15c779ee712d8c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:58 | null | 2016-08-25T16:26:20 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Flook-sovereign-guarantees-rather-vat-finance-dept-told%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/picket2.jpg | en | null | Look at sovereign guarantees rather than VAT, Finance Dept told | null | null | bulatlat.com | “Higher taxes for oil would create a domino effect that would spike the prices of basic goods and services like water and electricity.”
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Does a cut in income tax have to come with tax hikes elsewhere, with the likelihood of reducing the income of more people? Why not remove, instead, the tax cuts and incentives being enjoyed by the already rich?
This is the gist of the reaction of Makabayan lawmakers this week to proposals by the Department of Finance (DoF) to increase taxes, particularly the Value-Added Tax.
For the employed person who loses up to 32 percent of his or her income to taxes, the Duterte administration’s promise that at least 10 percent of that would be slashed has been hailed as a relief. But if the Finance Department would have its way, that relief would soon be replaced by a new burden. In a statement issued today amid budget deliberations in Congress, Anakpawis Partylist and Bayan Muna questioned the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increases.
Increased or expanded VAT threatens to cut down the income of far more number of people, the Makabayan lawmakers said. Referring to the proposal of the Department of Finance to increase the Value Added Tax on oil products, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said, “This proposal is anti-people and would definitely have an adverse effect on consumers.”
Anakpawis Rep. Ayik Casilao, meanwhile, told Bulatlat that any tax hike on oil products would raise prices. He said that taxes like the VAT are indiscriminate. A cut in income tax affects only those who have jobs and income deemed taxable by 30-percent. “But, a hike in oil VAT will increase the taxes being paid not just by the employed but also by the unemployed and without income,” Anakpawis Rep. Casilao said.
The Department of Finance is proposing to hike to P10 ($0.22) per liter the levy on regular gasoline and products such as aviation turbo jet fuel, lubricating greases and oils, leaded and unleaded premium gasoline, naphtha, as well as petrolatum and waxes.
For diesel and oil products currently exempted from excise tax, including asphalts, bunker fuel oil, denatured alcohol, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and processed gas, the DoF proposes an increase to P6 ($0.13) per liter.
If approved, the VAT on oil products would increase by 77 percent and 130 percent, Anakpawis Rep. Casilao said. Using even just a crude math analysis, he told Bulatlat that it is a big increase. It is a big increase that indiscriminately will affect more people. And it also dwarfs the would-be relief in income tax of the few employed.
VAT hike counterproductive
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the tax increase for oil products would be counter-productive and would wipe out or at the minimum, drastically reduce the benefits of lower income taxes.
“Higher taxes for oil would create a domino effect that would spike the prices of basic goods and services like water and electricity. Just imagine, how much a P10 increase in gasoline and P6 increase in diesel would affect the price of rice, fish and meat?“ Rep. Zarate said.
Instead of increasing VAT rates and coverage, there are other sources of funds, “nontax means,” according to Zarate. He urged his fellow lawmakers to look at the national budget for other ways to defray the lost tax revenue from lowering income tax.
He pointed to some examples: the Risk Management Fund, P30 billion ($646 M); the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy, P28.2 billion ($600 M); the Industry Competitive Fund, P5 billion ($108 M).
“Instead of increasing taxes or expanding the VAT, we hope that Finance Sec. Carlos Dominguez III would help us in scrapping VAT from basic services like electricity, water, oil products and even systems loss,” Zarate said.
As lawmakers deliberated on proposals that would further increase prices of oil products, pump prices of diesel and gasoline increased anew (P1.45 and P1.35 per liter respectively) on August 23, just a week after a P0.55 increase in gasoline and a P0.70 increase in diesel. Even without hiking the VAT or excise tax already imposed on oil products, the government gets a corresponding increase in tax take for every increase in oil prices. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/25/look-sovereign-guarantees-rather-vat-finance-dept-told/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/e3cb87f7f21e2fb45100898f46354d10239673dc42d734d8c5558325468efc88.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:00 | null | 2016-08-22T23:31:14 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2Fluisita%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cropped-boologo-2-1.png | en | null | Full Coverage: Hacienda Luisita | null | null | bulatlat.com | “Instead of ensuring the protection and rights of people who use drugs, including the right… | http://bulatlat.com/main/luisita/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/8bb285eece4ed41c0f491148fee97a23b37ac5144dddc8fdbfd0f38b309d2732.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:02 | null | 2016-08-20T16:52:34 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F20%2Fgrp-reciprocates-declare-indefinite-ceasefire%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/grp-ndf.jpg | en | null | GRP reciprocates, declares indefinite ceasefire - Bulatlat | null | null | bulatlat.com | By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat
MANILA — The Duterte administration has reciprocated the unilateral seven-day ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has restored the effects of unilateral ceasefire with the CPP, NPA and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Dureza said the ceasefire will take effect starting midnight of August 21 and will last “for as along as necessary to bring peace in the land and also in order to provide an enabling environment for the success of peace negotiations.”
Formal peace talks between government and the NDFP will start Aug. 22 in Oslo, Norway.
During his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte declared unilateral ceasefire, which he lifted after six days.
Dureza said the operational guidelines for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and other state security forces are restored.
“Our citizens deserve no less. They wish to live peaceful lives bereft of the costs and tragic consequences of armed conflict and violence,” Dureza said in a statement released to the media.
This week, 19 detained peace consultants of the NDFP have been released on bail.
As acts of goodwill, the NDFP also announced it would release eight policemen in NPA custody. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/20/grp-reciprocates-declare-indefinite-ceasefire/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/699308d16f2b31d6502a16cd72d294bdfac65cd50dda1f69c69d03e13f27b52c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:57 | null | 2016-08-24T17:19:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fifugao-npa-defense-mode-ph-army-intensifies-ops%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ph_locator_ifugao_tinoc.png | en | null | Ifugao NPA in defense mode as AFP intensifies ops | null | null | bulatlat.com | Soldiers from the 54th Infantry Battalion (IB), likely augmented by other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), are reportedly intensifying rather than ceasing military operations in the north.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – For more than a week now, a battalion of soldiers have been intensifying military operations in Nueva Vizcaya and Ifugao, despite President Duterte’s ceasefire order. According to a statement emailed to the media, the New People’s Army command operating in the area reported the military’s ‘insubordination’ to Duterte and “subservience to those who aim to impede the peace talks.”
Both the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Philippine revolutionary organizations represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) have declared ceasefire orders at the start of peace negotiations in Norway this week.
But a rebel Ifugao command estimated that 10 columns of the 54th Infantry Battalion (IB), likely augmented by troops from other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), are intensifying rather than ceasing military operations. Government soldiers are operating in the towns of Asipulo and Tinoc in Ifugao and in Ambagio in Nueva Vizcaya.
Wigan Moncontad of the NPA-Ifugao clarified that even as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) lauded the ceasefire order by the Duterte administration, the government should still ensure that it is being carried out on the ground.
“Although the CPP limits its own ceasefire order to just a week, all NPA fighters have been obeying the command,” Moncontad said. He added that this obedience is guaranteed hundred percent.
However, he said, the AFP’s violation of its commander-in-chief’s ceasefire order “does not encourage the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to prolong it (ceasefire).”
In light of the AFP’s continuing operations, Moncontad said, they are adapting an “active defense mode inside guerrilla fronts.”
Who is the real AFP commander?
In their statement, Moncontad said the “insubordination” of the Armed Forces raises questions as to who is its real Commander-in-Chief. He traced the record of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the terms of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Noynoy Aquino. They pointed to the government troops’ long history as “lapdogs of US imperialism.”
The establishment of the Joint US Military Advisory Group, the repeated Balikatan exercises, Aquino’s Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and Oplan Bayanihan — these are just a few glaring examples of the US’ tenacious grip on Philippine political-military affairs, Moncontad said.
Oplan Bayanihan was patterned after the United States’ Counter-Insurgency Guide.
The NPA’s Ifugao command said the Duterte administration’s pursuit of peace may not be sitting well with rabid anti-Communists. They warned that the US government would again use everything at its disposal to obstruct the road to a just and lasting peace.
Alluding to the surprise blockbuster film Heneral Luna, he said today’s Philippine Army deserves the hero Heneral Luna’s invocation of “Kapitulo Uno of that era.” Kapitulo Uno referred to the first provision of the Articles of War at that time. It states that insubordination is punishable with death. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/24/ifugao-npa-defense-mode-ph-army-intensifies-ops/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/b631dda3b00d87a944e7aa133264ee22503f1bc859576f2a029b78ba3be52f1c.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:48:03 | null | 2016-08-24T13:37:45 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Frights-groups-dutertes-war-drugs-stop-killings%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/by-kathy-drugs-05.jpg | en | null | Rights groups on Duterte’s war on drugs: Stop the killings | null | null | bulatlat.com | “It is through upholding the rights of the people, especially social and economic rights, that the people can repudiate the use and trade of illegal drugs.”
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat
MANILA – As the Senate started its investigation on Duterte’s so-called war on drugs, human rights groups called on the President to stop the killings.
From July 1 to August 19, 2016 alone, police have killed an estimated 712 suspected “drug pushers and users.” Philippine National Police Director-General Ronald dela Rosa attributed an additional 1,072 killings of alleged drug dealers and drug users to unknown vigilantes since July 1.
According to police statistics, 35 suspected drug pushers and users are killed per day during the last 50 days.
In its position paper submitted to the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, human rights alliance Karapatan said, “Duterte should say the word and act on it: Stop the Killings! Otherwise, his anti-drug quips encourage, rather than decisively halt the rampant killings without due process of suspects in drug-related cases.”
Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary general said the President should prosecute and hold accountable the perpetrators of the extrajudicial killings, including those from the police.
Amnesty International, meanwhile, said Dela Rosa’s disclosure on the drug-related killings “is a terrifying indication that the authorities are grossly failing in their obligations to respect and protect the right to life.”
“The unlawful and deliberate killing carried out by state order, or with state’s complicity and acquiescence is an extrajudicial execution,” Amnesty International said. “This is a crime under international law.”
The group said States have an obligation to investigate and prosecute credible allegations of murder and extrajudicial executions and bring those suspected of criminal responsibility before justice in fair trials.
‘Worse than Arroyo-era extrajudicial killings’
For Vicente Ladlad, one of the peace consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), Duterte’s war on drugs is worse than the extrajudicial killings of activists during the nine-year reign of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Karapatan recorded 1,190 victims of extrajudicial killings under the Arroyo regime, from January 2001 to March 2010.
In an interview with Bulatlat last week, Ladlad said that during the peak of extrajudicial killings under Arroyo, two activists were killed per week. Under the Duterte administration, Ladlad lamented that drug-related killings in less than two months number more than a thousand.
“Activists and drug suspects are all humans,” Ladlad said.
The NDFP consultant added, “nothing could justify the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users.”
“The sad part is that many of those killed belong to the poor while the suspected drug lords are the only ones given due process,” Ladlad said.
Ladlad noted a trend in police’s buy-bust operations – the suspects “resisted arrest”, suspects used one type of handgun; and, police confiscated a few kilograms of illegal drugs.
The anti-illegal drugs campaign of Duterte, Ladlad said, is turning out to be anti-democratic and anti-poor.
Solutions
Human rights groups proposed alternatives to dealing with the problem of illegal drugs.
Amnesty International said the drug problem should be treated as a public health matter. The group recommends repealing or amending laws and policies that inhibit the access of people who use drugs to essential health services.
For Karapatan, the drug menace can be eliminated without curtailing the basic rights of the people, especially of the poor. “In fact, it is through upholding the rights of the people, especially social and economic rights, that the people can repudiate the use and trade of illegal drugs,” Palabay said.
Karapatan said the government should instead strive to improve the living conditions of Filipinos, especially the marginalized, by providing them secure jobs with living wages, free education and health care, and land to cultivate. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/24/rights-groups-dutertes-war-drugs-stop-killings/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/11ca52d46e36b4311fb1ef5a3aaee036e5c167765996db6ddb84cdc710b33a98.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:21 | null | 2016-08-26T17:04:32 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fluisita-farmers-laud-dar-ruling-distribute-tadeco-lands%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/luisita-bungkalan.jpg | en | null | Luisita farmers laud DAR ruling to distribute Tadeco lands | null | null | bulatlat.com | Agrarian Reform Sec. Rafael Mariano ordered the distribution of the lands being controlled by the Cojuangco family through Tadeco.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Bulatlat
MANILA – Hacienda Luisita farmers hailed the recent ruling of the Department of Agrarian Reform, ordering the distribution of 358 hectares of Hacienda Luisita that are controlled by the Cojuangco family through the Tarlac Development Corporation (TADECO).
“Our kasamas (comrades) are in tears. They were very emotional when they heard our recent victory. This is a result of our struggle – our fellow farmers sacrificed their lives for this,” Florida Sibayan, Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Asyenda Luisita Ambala) chairperson, told Bulatlat.
In its ruling, Agrarian Reform Sec. Rafael Mariano ordered the distribution of the lands being controlled by the Cojuangco family through Tadeco. The decision was in response to a petition filed by the Ambala, seeking for the coverage of the land and in effect, denied Tadeco’s protest and supplemental protest for lack of merit.
Hacienda Luisita covers some 5,000 hectares, which has been the seat of a half-a-century bloody conflict between the powerful Cojuangco-Aquino clan and peasants and farm workers. In a historic ruling in 2012, the Supreme Court ordered the distribution of its 4,916 hectares to its 4,296 original farm workers.
Cojuangcos continue to evade land distribution
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chairperson Joseph Canlas said the DAR ruling is “an added weapon for the farmworkers against the Cojuangco family’s continuing scheme to evade land distribution.”
Canlas said the Cojuangcos consciously concealed the 358-hectare Tadeco land located in the villages of Balete and Cutcut from the Stock Distribution Option, which was implemented in 1989. In December 2013, the DAR notice of coverage included the land. But Canlas said the Cojuangcos opposed this and claimed that the lands are no longer suitable for agriculture.
However, DAR, in a press release, described the Tadeco-controlled lands as “prime agricultural lands.”
Apart from the Tadeco-controlled land, Sibayan said the Cojuangcos and big businesses continue to evade land distribution and maneuver their way out of the Supreme Court ruling in 2012, as in the case of the fenced lands being claimed by the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).
Sibayan said there is currently an ongoing construction in the fenced RCBC lands in partnership with the Luisita Estate Management, owned by the Cojuangcos.
“We cannot see what they are doing there. There were no announcements on what it is. But the people have seen bulldozers there,” she said.
Sibayan said these lands must also be distributed to the farmers of Hacienda Luisita.
Increased presence of military and Tadeco guards
While Luisita farmers welcome the distribution of Tadeco-controlled lands, Sibayan also expressed worries over the increased presence of military and private security guards who have been sowing terror in their villages.
Last Aug. 25, at least 16 soldiers in full battle gear were seen roaming Balete village at around 8 p.m.
“It is not even. They are armed and the farmers are not,” Sibayan quipped, adding, “They are terrorizing the people. It is as if there is war here. Ang tindi.”
In recent years, Luisita farmers have implicated Tadeco and their private security guards in various rights violations and in destroying their crops.
Sibayan has high hopes that the DAR ruling will be implemented soon. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/26/luisita-farmers-laud-dar-ruling-distribute-tadeco-lands/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/fca26bfac972eb2d01500bdfcefd17da415a7d3a301afd8cfa6e084b05441e4a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:50 | null | 2016-08-25T21:26:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fthe-matrix%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_7157.jpg | en | null | The matrix | null | null | bulatlat.com | By BENJIE OLIVEROS
Bulatlat perspective
After weeks of word war between President Duterte and Sen. Leila de Lima, which has been turning personal and ugly, the President has finally released the matrix of operations of the illegal drug trade emanating from the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP).
What the matrix shows is the interconnection of personalities that allegedly makes it possible for convicted drug lords to continue the illegal drug trade not only within the walls of the NBP but the whole country. And if the assertions of the President and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald de la Rosa are accurate, the main local source of illegal drugs in the country are the convicted drug lords currently serving their sentence inside the NBP. Thus, breaking the matrix is crucial in the war on drugs.
This is the first time in the country’s history where a high ranking government official, a former Cabinet secretary and currently senator Leila de Lima, has been tagged in a major crime case, the illegal drugs trade at that. The matrix also implicated a former Justice undersecretary, a lawmaker, and a provincial board member.
However, the matrix released by President Duterte is not a smoking gun. It is just that: a matrix. It did not present incontrovertible proof of the involvement of those implicated in the matrix. It appears that the release of the matrix is still part of the shame campaign rather than for the prosecution of those involved.
Actually anybody could come up with such a matrix, although I doubt if it was totally a product of the figment of the imagination of the President, given the seriousness of the accusations. Perhaps only the lawyers of the military have the gall to invent cases in order to harass activists and justify the detention of suspected communists.
It really is a mystery how the illegal drugs trade and the special privileges of convicted drug lords could persist without the knowledge of the Bureau of Corrections and its mother agency the Department of Justice. Sen. De Lima’s claim that she led a raid in the NBP is too weak an argument in her defense. If indeed the convicted drug lords enjoyed free rein and special privileges during her term as Justice secretary, it is either she condoned it or was ignorant of what was happening under her watch. .
However, since President Duterte released the matrix, which appears to be more of a product of intelligence work than a case build up, the burden of producing evidences to back it up lies with the government. Otherwise the release of the matrix would be viewed as a dud.
Being a lawyer, President Duterte knows that the release of the matrix would not be sufficient. Is it because he believes with certainty in the content of the matrix but knows that the evidences are not sufficient that is why he released it in public? It would not be surprising if this is the case. In his determination to curb the illegal drugs trade swiftly he has been known to do shortcuts, bringing him in conflict with rights groups. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/25/the-matrix/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/d7d8125b44437af3fddaa95b032c4f535355fb7b1762efe12684ab8f611b05c0.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:47:48 | null | 2016-08-30T16:47:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Ftomgram-ann-jones-didnt-serve-used%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/annjones_soldiers_wounded_pic2.jpg | en | null | Tomgram: Ann Jones, "I Didn't Serve, I Was Used" | null | null | bulatlat.com | By NICK TURSE
TomDispatch.com
America has been committed to supporting the veterans of its wars since long before it had “United States of” in front of it. “It was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fire… horrible was the stink and scent thereof,” William Bradford wrote after soldiers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony massacred a village of native Pequots. Later, the Pilgrims gave thanks to their veterans by passing a law to support wounded soldiers of the campaign. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) traces its spiritual roots to this ur-moment in 1636.
Today, citizens of the United States directly bear the burden of more than 150 years of warfare. As of May 2016, the VA was still paying benefits to one dependent of a Civil War (1861-1865) veteran, 88 dependents of Spanish-American War (1898-1902) veterans, nine dependents of veterans of the military campaign along the Mexican border early in the twentieth century, thousands of dependents of World War I (1917-1918) veterans, hundreds of thousands of World War II (1941-1945) veterans and dependents, hundreds of thousands of Korean War (1950-1953) veterans and dependents, around 1.8 million Vietnam War-era (1964-1975) veterans and dependents, and millions of veterans and dependents of the Gulf War (1990-1991) and of the ongoing War on Terror campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere (2001 to the present).
When President Abraham Lincoln took office in 1861, there were an estimated 80,000 veterans living in the United States. By 1865, the final year of the Civil War, there were so many more veterans in need of assistance that Lincoln called on Congress “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.” Lincoln didn’t live to see the end of that war and probably couldn’t have imagined we’d still be paying the direct costs of his request in 2016. Franklin D. Roosevelt didn’t live to see the end of the war he presided over either, but according to VA projections, 13,000 World War II veterans — to say nothing of their dependents — will be receiving benefits as late as 2034.
Given that the U.S. was still paying benefits to a dependent of an American Revolutionary veteran in the 1910s and to a Civil War widow as late as the 2000s, it’s anyone’s guess how long Americans will be paying the price of the dependents of all the veterans whose hearts were touched by fire in post-9/11 wars. In 150 years, will some writer be tallying up the number of widows and children still collecting on the wars, interventions, attacks, and raids in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Pakistan, Yemen, and elsewhere? Will these conflicts be as dimly remembered as the campaign against Pancho Villa along the Mexican border in the 1910s? Or will they still be fresh in the minds of Americans as a never-ending intergenerational campaign sees grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren fighting for elusive victories in the greater Middle East?
Today, TomDispatch regular Ann Jones, author of the highly praised They Were Soldiers: How The Wounded Return from America’s Wars — The Untold Story, takes up the questions of what and how we will pay (in every sense of the word) for the veterans of our current wars. In an adapted version of the keynote address she recently gave to the annual convention of Veterans for Peace, Jones takes aim at schemes seeking to use veterans for corporate interests and dismantle the VA system in the name of privatized profits. Caring for veterans is a burden whose long-term costs have rarely been considered in the context of America’s penchant for ceaseless warfare, but the costs of not properly caring for them, as Jones makes perfectly clear, may be even more dire. Nick Turse
How Veterans Are Losing the War at Home
Making America Pain-Free for Plutocrats and Big Pharma, But Not Vets
By ANN JONES
TomDispatch.com
A friend of mine, a Vietnam vet, told me about a veteran of the Iraq War who, when some civilian said, “Thank you for your service,” replied: “I didn’t serve, I was used.” That got me thinking about the many ways today’s veterans are used, conned, and exploited by big gamers right here at home.
Near the end of his invaluable book cataloguing the long, slow disaster of America’s War for the Greater Middle East, historian Andrew Bacevich writes:
“Some individuals and institutions actually benefit from an armed conflict that drags on and on. Those benefits are immediate and tangible. They come in the form of profits, jobs, and campaign contributions. For the military-industrial complex and its beneficiaries, perpetual war is not necessarily bad news.”
Bacevich is certainly right about war profiteers, but I believe we haven’t yet fully wrapped our minds around what that truly means. This is what we have yet to take in: today, the U.S. is the most unequal country in the developed world, and the wealth of the plutocrats on top is now so great that, when they invest it in politics, it’s likely that no elected government can stop them or the lucrative wars and “free markets” they exploit.
Click to continue reading | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/30/tomgram-ann-jones-didnt-serve-used/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/7f0a4956d768279cc53ae37276f45efe68f3b5191bc2aa9cdd5f2b2dddf4dda0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:34 | null | 2016-08-11T14:24:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F11%2Frevising-history-marcos-burial-at-libingan-ng-mga-bayani%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/boo-perspective-featured-image-copy.jpg | en | null | Marcos burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani - Bulatlat | null | null | bulatlat.com | By BENJIE OLIVEROS
Bulatlat perspective
When pressed about why he is allowing the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite the numerous protests, President Duterte justified his decision by saying: “He was a president and a soldier. Simple.”
Well and good if the matter is as simple as that. If Marcos were any other president or any other soldier, there could be no argument about allowing his or her burial at Libingan ng Bayani. After all, that cemetery has been reserved for them, and any soldier or veteran, whether a private or a general, has the privilege of being buried there, if the soldier or his or her family so wishes. I suppose the same is true for dead presidents.
But the case of the late president Marcos is far more complicated than what President Duterte makes it appear to be. By declaring martial law and usurping all power to himself, the late dictator Marcos plunged the nation in one of the, if not the darkest period in the country’s history.
Thousands of people, in the prime of their lives, were victimized: killed, forcibly disappeared, tortured, imprisoned, and forcibly displaced. Gross violations of human rights under the Marcos dictatorship are not myths or urban legends; these have been proven multiple times by the testimonies of the living victims and the relatives of the dead and the disappeared. Even the Federal District Court of Hawaii found, beyond reasonable doubt, that indeed the late dictator Marcos and his minions violated the rights of thousands of Filipinos. The Federal court awarded $1.9 billion in damages to the victims and their relatives.
Burying Marcos with full honors not only would rub salt to the wounds of the victims and their relatives, it would disregard the fact that thousands were victimized and worse, it practically would justify these violations.
Added to this, the callous act of burying Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani would deny the fact that the Marcos dictatorship plunged the country into deep political, economic, and social crisis. The country experienced an oil crisis, rice crisis, sugar crisis, dollar crisis, among others.
The late dictator’s son boasts of the infrastructure projects under Marcos, without revealing that these buried the country into debt, which the nation has been paying up to now. He boasts of the Marcos family’s version of unity, while ignoring the fact that the late dictator used the full machinery of the state to create an atmosphere of fear in the hope of eradicating all forms of opposition to its rule. The Marcos family boasts of eliminating the stranglehold of oligarchs on the economy, but centralized all wealth and established a monopoly of strategic, profitable businesses in the country.
The historical significance and political implications of the burial of the dictator Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani are not lost on the Marcos family. This is why they have been spending to preserve his remains for almost three decades already. They have the money to construct a mansion to bury his remains. They could even buy a whole memorial park to bury him there.
But they chose to wait. And burying the remains of the late dictator Marcos with full military honors would just as well be the launching pad for the return of the Marcos family to Malacañang through the son Bongbong.
While justifying his decision to allow the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani with what appears to be simple logic and legalities, the historical significance and political implications of this decision are likewise not lost on the Duterte administration. For one, President Duterte has, several times, publicly acknowledged his friendship with the Marcos family. He boasted that his father served under Marcos. During his campaign, Duterte declared that if he wins and then fails to complete his term, he would be more than willing to leave the reins of government to Bongbong. President Duterte has also declared that he would appoint Bongbong to a Cabinet position once the prohibition on losing candidates expires.
Just last Tuesday, in a tirade against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, President Duterte asked her if she would rather that he declares martial law, because of his perception that Chief Justice Sereno was blocking his anti-drug campaign by issuing a letter advising judges named by the president in his list of government officials allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade not to surrender without a warrant. Was the mention of declaring martial law a mere rhetorical question?
Last week, August 3, in a speech, President Duterte declared that his administration intends to destroy oligarchs then singled out businessman Roberto Ongpin. Is he emulating the purported campaign against oligarchs by the late dictator Marcos?
What about Duterte’s controversial anti-drugs campaign that has claimed the lives of hundreds of poor Filipinos, totally disregarding the principles of due process and human rights? Does this not reflect the mindset and ways of the late dictator Marcos?
Let us just hope that this is just a case of overreaction, and that the similarities between what Marcos did and what Duterte has been doing and appears to be intending to do stops here. But still, the historical significance and political implications of the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, with full honors, should not be lost on the Filipino people. After all, it is the people who shape history. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/11/revising-history-marcos-burial-at-libingan-ng-mga-bayani/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-11T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/289cdb73f6a4a39b7a8c3fcb1ce2898c5f99a0d5057a7a170c8ce7497d10c95a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:31 | null | 2016-07-31T16:11:13 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F07%2F31%2Fto-whom-will-he-really-listen%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Is-change-forthcoming-under-the-Duterte-administration.jpg | en | null | To whom will he really listen? | null | null | bulatlat.com | Send to Email Address
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Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/07/31/to-whom-will-he-really-listen/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-07-31T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/5e1debe91dc54e6a2d1a05754cb11037125e9b8504677d5b749da66001565eb8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:54 | null | 2016-08-26T17:12:09 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fgroups-duterte-look-root-cause-illegal-drugs-poor-communities%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/urbanpoor-rally-against-drug-related-killings-bykadamay-2.jpg | en | null | Groups to Duterte: ‘Look into root cause of illegal drugs in poor communities’ | null | null | bulatlat.com | Improving the quality of life of the people is the better option than violence.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Bulatlat
MANILA – An urban poor group is urging President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider its violent approach to end the proliferation of illegal drugs, especially in urban poor communities, by addressing the root causes of their impoverished conditions.
In a statement, Kadamay said the proliferation of illegal drugs in urban poor communities is “symptomatic of the extreme poverty levels being experienced by the people, and as such, improving their quality of life is the better option than violence.”
“Can the president conclusively say that violence and police operations are better solutions to the drug problem than raising the standards of living? With jobs, education and health services, most Filipinos will not need to turn to drugs or at the very least be able to afford the currently high cost of rehabilitation in the country,” Kadamay chairperson Gloria Arellano said.
Nearly a thousand has been killed in the name of Duterte’s war against illegal drugs. Rights groups and church workers have assailed that those killed, for supposedly resisting arrest, belong to poor families.
This week, an audio recording of a police operation in Pasay City surfaced in which pedicab driver Eric Sison amid police pursuit, was heard pleading “Ito po! Ito po! Susuko na ako” (Here I am! I will surrender) followed by a series of gunshots.
The police said they are already conducting an investigation. In a television interview, one police officer claimed that voice heard in the audio recording was not that of the pedicab driver but of a police officer. But the pedicab driver’s family and neighbors described the shooting as “overkill.”
Children most vulnerable in drug campaign
The youngest casualty of the illegal drug campaign, as described in news reports, is five-year-old Danica May, a granddaughter of tricycle driver Maximo Garcia in Mayombo village, Pangasinan who surrendered to the police after learning he was listed in its drug watch.
News reports said the Garcia family was having lunch on Aug. 23 when a man opened fired at their house, killing the child and wounding Garcia in the stomach. Garcia, 53, is recuperating in a hospital.
Children rights group Salinlahi assailed Danica May’s killing, saying that children belonging to families without decent livelihood in urban poor communities are exposed to such violence.
Salinlahi secretary general Kharlo Manano said, “We are one with the Duterte administration’s intention to eliminate illegal drugs in the country, but we should always consider the social context of poor children and their families. If the killings do not stop, more and more children will be caught in the middle of this bloody war.” | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/26/groups-duterte-look-root-cause-illegal-drugs-poor-communities/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/77040bbf4355c86a6d4b80ea221e88c8b89c61616fee8481be334b92b22ca64a.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:46:38 | null | 2016-08-28T14:39:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fbulatlat.com%2Fmain%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Freds-declare-interim-ceasefire%2F.json | http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/NPA.jpg | en | null | Reds declare interim ceasefire | null | null | bulatlat.com | The CPP’s Central Committee and the NPA’s National Operational Command said the interim ceasefire takes effect today and will remain valid during the course of peace negotiations until superseded by a joint ceasefire agreement or until a notice of termination of the said ceasefire declaration takes effect.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat
MANILA – Encouraged by the outcome of the first round of formal peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) declared an interim ceasefire, Aug. 28.
The CPP’s Central Committee and the NPA’s National Operational Command said the interim ceasefire takes effect today and will remain valid during the course of peace negotiations until superseded by a joint ceasefire agreement or until a notice of termination of the said ceasefire declaration takes effect.
The CPP and NPA’s unilateral declaration reciprocates the indefinite ceasefire issued by President Rodrigo Duterte last August 21.
The CPP said the interim ceasefire aims to further promote peace negotiations between the NDFP and the GRP and boost efforts to accelerate it.
No attacks, on defense mode
The CPP’s Central Committee and the NPA National Operational Command have ordered all NPA units and people’s militia to cease and desist from carrying out offensive military campaigns and operations against state security forces.
The CPP and the NPA said personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police who have no serious liabilities will not be subjected to arrest or punitive actions.
All units of the NPA and the people’s militias will be on defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels and maintain a high degree of militancy and vigilance against any hostile actions, provocations or movements of the enemy armed forces, the declaration stated.
“Active-defense actions shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger and actual armed attack by the enemy forces and only after exhausting counter-maneuvers to avoid armed encounters,” the CPP and the NPA said.
The CPP and the NPA called on all its leading organs and branches, commands and units of the NPA and people’s militias and revolutionary mass organizations to monitor any hostile actions, provocations or movements carried out by the enemy armed forces that undermine the spirit of the ceasefire declarations.
In a previous statement dated Aug. 26, the CPP criticized AFP units for maintaining their presence and continuing to make aggressive moves in and around the areas of operations of the NPA.
The CPP said that AFP units have maintained their presence in civilian communities in Kalinga, Isabela, Abra, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Compostela Valley.
“The presence and operations of the AFP in rural communities undermine the credibility of the Duterte government among the people as it projects an image of disunity within the GRP or refusal of the AFP to abide by the order of its commander-in-chief,” the CPP said.
The NPA will continue to enforce policies and laws of the people’s democratic government, perform appropriate functions of governance, and mobilize the people and resources in territories under its authority.
These include maintaining peace and order including suppression of criminal groups such as drug traffickers and operators of the drug trade and large-scale gambling, private armies and private armed groups of warlords, local tyrants and vigilante groups, as well as spies; enforcing local economic policies pertaining to land rent, usurious loans, wages and others; and, enforcing policies for the protection of the environment and defense of the interests of national minorities, peasants and workers affected by large-scale mining, logging and plantation operations.
The NPA will continue to dispatch its forces to carry out educational campaigns especially on progress of peace negotiations, cultural activities, medical missions and production support campaigns.
“The revolutionary forces in the Philippines look forward to vibrant talks in the course of the next few months to discuss (a) social and economic reforms, (b) political and constitutional reforms, and (c) end of hostilities and disposition of forces,” the CPP said in a statement.
The CPP said the issuance of interim ceasefire declaration is further encouraged by the prospective release of all political prisoners and remaining detained NDFP consultants. The CPP said these prisoners were arrested under the Arroyo and Aquino regimes in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.
During the resumption of formal talks held on Aug. 22 to Aug. 26 in Oslo, Norway, the GRP panel agreed to recommend to Duterte the issuance of an amnesty proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress.
Both parties reaffirmed previously signed agreements.
The GRP has also agreed for the NDFP to reconstitute its list of Jasig-protected individuals or those who should be given safety and immunity guarantees. The NDFP’s original Jasig list could no longer be opened when diskettes containing passkeys were corrupted following a raid by the Dutch police of its international office in Utrecht in August 2007.
Both parties also agreed to hasten the peace process and set the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks. These include: socio-economic reforms; political and constitutional reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. | http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/28/reds-declare-interim-ceasefire/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | bulatlat.com/fcee10c6f92ce0e97c3a7b10f818cf15867fdee217cbd072db91ca3c8b0687da.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:40 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Popular event will take place on Sept. 10, beginning at 3 p.m. at the 31st annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120865%2Fbuona-foods-to-sponsor-mushroom-eating-contest.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290178/gallery_mush_20eat_201.jpg?1472582980 | en | null | Buona Foods to sponsor mushroom eating contest | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 08/30/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
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Evenings at the Museum 09/06/2016 07:00PM — 08:30PM Join us to explore the museum behind-the-scenes and get up close and personal with our historic c...
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Parent's Night Out: Water Wise 09/09/2016 06:30PM — 08:30PM Enjoy an evening on Wilmington's Riverfront while the children have tons of fun at the DuPont Env...
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Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/20/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ... | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120865/buona-foods-to-sponsor-mushroom-eating-contest | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/1a3a6b7025972c6aa0de66b955c5e503f043b5e0c234f7dfbf380a7ee9010ff4.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:41 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Octoraro Hotel and Tavern scheduled to re-open Nov. 18 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120860%2Flocal-architect-lends-vision-and-ideas-to-landmarks-restoration.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290163/gallery_rahme_201.jpg?1472582981 | en | null | Local architect lends vision and ideas to landmark's restoration | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Local architect lends vision and ideas to landmark's restoration
08/30/2016 01:45PM, Published by Richard Gaw, Categories: Business, News, Today
By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer
The first time Ed Rahme of THINK Architecture walked into the historic Octoraro Hotel and Tavern in Oxford after the tragic fire it suffered in November of 2014, he uttered a few words that accurately described his shock and dismay at what he saw, none of which are printable in this newspaper.
On Nov. 4, 2014, a fire ripped through the 187-year-old building, severely damaging the first floor restaurant and leaving eleven adults and one child without a place to sleep. Thirty-one employees were also left without work as a result of the blaze, which fortunately did not hurt anyone.
Soon after, Rahme joined co-owners Brannon Seamon and John McGlothlin on a walk-through of the charred remains of what had begun as a 2013 acquisition and flourished over the next 18 months to become one of the social centerpieces of Oxford.
“[Brannan and John] bought the building, they were in business for a year-and-a-half, and business was going great,” Rahme said. “They were both tremendously excited, but as I walked through the burned-out building, I watched the looks on their faces, and it was like, 'How could this possibly happen? They went from high-high to absolute bottom.'
“I don't do a lot of work resulting from catastrophy. Most of my work is in the form of renovations and new buildings, but in this case, being there was like performing triage. The challeng was to find out how we could get that tavern back up and running again, as quickly as possible.”
Soon after Seaman and McGlothlin began discussions with Rahme in January 2015, the key goals of the recovery were to restore the tavern back to its former configuration and design; convert the third floor from what had once been eight hotel rooms into three one-bedroom apartments; and renovate the second floor in order to make it a rentable banquet space, complete with a bar and restrooms.
In addition, the new building will have an upgraded HVAC system, a new rear entrance to the tavern, and brand new flooring throughout the building.
“One of the things I enjoy about working with Brannan and John is that they are very concerned with longevity,” Rahme said. “They're not the kind of people who believe in just patching up and moving on. I've heard 'Let's do this right' umpteen times through this process.
“Their perseverance has been incredible. They have been pushing so hard to do things right. The original game plan was to patch up a few things, get the tavern back running, renovate the upper levels to make them apartments and banquet halls, and what we ended up doing was ripping out all of the floors in order to rebuild them, and replacing the roof structure.”
The restoration of the landmark facility has been replete with challenges.
“The Octoraro Hotel is a very old building, and building practices back then were not always well monitored, and building and safety codes were not as sophisticated as they are today,” Rahme said. “Much like in the case of renovating an old building or a home, when you open up one wall, you find three more projects.”
There is nothing in a restaurant owners' handbook that demands that he or she also has to be a whiz when it comes to the architectural details of their establishment, especially in the aftermath of a huge fire. For McGlothlin and Seaman, Rahme has served as a conduit between the building's re-opening and what needs to be done in order to get there.
“One of the things I enjoy about working with Ed is that we're dealing with something we've never had to deal with before, especially of this magnitude, given the money we're putting into it,” McGlothlin aid. “I am at ease every time I get off the phone with Ed. I always feel much better after our conversations. I have great respect for his attitude, his kindness, and the way he breaks it down for someone like me, in words I can understand. At every stage of our rebirth, he's walks us through the process.”
McGlothlin and Seamon have received support from the community after the fire. Residents contributed money, and several organizations including Oxford Main Street Inc. (OMI) and the Oxford Arts Alliance held fundraisers. The Oxford community's response to this adversity was immediate and strong: As soon as word about the fire spread, an online campaign to raise money for those affected was launched through youcaring.com. Kennett Area Community Services, the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center, and SILO (Serving Inspiring Loving Others) helped find temporary housing for those displaced by the fire.
In the beginning of the restoration, Rahme visited the site two or three times a week, but now that the construction is fully underway and the building has passed inspection and building codes, he now serves as a consultant, helping to answer contractors' questions, and suggesting cost-effective and long-term solutions.
McGlothlin said that the newly-restored tavern has an anticipated re-opening of Nov. 18, and credited Rahme for being one of the principal forces that will make a re-opening possible.
“With every stage and every facet of our restoration, he gives us time lines and tells us about every process, and the design has been amazing,” he said. “We are very blessed to have Ed with us.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120860/local-architect-lends-vision-and-ideas-to-landmarks-restoration | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/e9ebf3e0f03bdb0258af5a3418b7b107803d427eb3b90ca2ddbdf8520880252b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:47:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Classes begin Aug. 29 in Unionville-Chadds Ford schools | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2F120490%2Fu-cf-superintendent-sanville-welcomes-new-school-year-by-recalling-his-familys-experience.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/288622/gallery_uhs_20staff.jpg?1472230064 | en | null | U-CF superintendent Sanville welcomes new school year by recalling his family's experience | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/26/2016 12:19PM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: News
Unionville High School principal Jim Conley tweeted out this photo of the assembled high-school staff on Aug. 23.
By John Chambless
Staff Writer
In the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, school will start for the year on Aug. 29, but the week before students will arrive, district superintendent John Sanville spoke to the assembled teachers and staff at the annual Convocation ceremony. His remarks, posted at the district website on Aug. 25, addressed “The Power of Experience.”
“Experience is the foundation upon which our lives are built, and it starts the moment we are born,” Sanville said. “My parents were British, and both fought in World War II. Like many of the Greatest Generation, they did not talk about what happened. As a curious kid, I found my father’s uniform and flight helmet -- and would put them on -- pretending to be a Royal Navy pilot on the hunt for Nazi submarines.
“Dad’s real-life adventures dwarfed anything I dreamed up,” Sanville said. “He was stationed on the HMS Victorious and was part of the sinking of both the Bismarck and the Turpitz -- massive Nazi battleships. When the U.S. fleet was down to one aircraft carrier, the Victorius sailed to the South Pacific and was temporarily renamed the USS Robin – as in Robin Hood. Dad flew under the stars and stripes, supporting U.S. Marines before becoming a flight instructor for U.S. Naval pilots, first in Pensacola and then in Willow Grove, which is how my parents ended up in Doylestown.
“Mom was born into a military family -- her father was a brigadier general in World War I and met his wife while in France. … When the Nazis occupied France, Winston Churchill began a top-secret program known as the Special Operations Executive, whose mission was to train agents to work with the Resistance forces and create havoc for the Nazis. My mother was the perfect candidate – from a military family, bilingual and comfortable living in the country. After training, she was parachuted into France and worked with the Resistance through D-Day. She was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the field in the face of the enemy and was promoted to Major on the battlefield. She was one of about 200 in this operation – most were captured and killed. Mom kept all of this to herself.”
Sanville added that, “As the son of hidden heroes whose humility trumped egos, I saw first-hand the enduring value of dignity. Their survival of wartime instilled in me an accelerated appreciation of the little joys -- the charm in a tea box, a watchband that fits just right, and strawberry shortcake. Their move to America, putting an ocean between themselves and their homeland, taught me that sometimes starting over is the best option.
“Forty-something years ago, mom combed my hair, made sure my shirt was tucked in and that my shoes were shined, handed me my notebook and pencil case, kissed me goodbye and I left for the first day of school,” Sanville said. “Thus began my education, and my experiences multiplied exponentially.
“Education, at its best, affords students multiple opportunities to learn and grow in many ways via numerous means. I know that we will provide every child with what they need so that their experiences become part of what they carry forward. … All our students entering our schools will have access to creative, informational, and uniquely wonderful experiences provided by the most talented and dedicated staff and faculty anywhere – you,” Sanville concluded. “And for that, I thank you.”
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/26/120490/u-cf-superintendent-sanville-welcomes-new-school-year-by-recalling-his-familys-experience | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/fe4cc1028ebede2cb204cdaa578b2b98a295fe4c470c43e66442d5cae9478894.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:18 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | Registration links can be found at mushroomfestival.org | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2F119894%2Fregister-now-for-mushroom-festival-events.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/286565/gallery_street_20fair.jpg?1472216058 | en | null | Register now for Mushroom Festival events | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/19/2016 11:25AM, Published by Steven Hoffman, Categories: In Print, News
The 31st Annual Mushroom Festival is scheduled Sept. 10 and 11 in Kennett Square.
Registration is open for several of its special events, such as the Antique and Classic Car Show, the Mushroom Run and Fun Walk, or the Cute-As-A-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest, and the Community Parade. Many events offer discounts for pre-registration and include admission wristbands. All applications and online registration links are found at the Mushroom Festival's website, www.mushroomfestival.org.
Volunteers Needed: Volunteers receive T-shirts, admission wristbands, and parking passes. Help the festival half the day and enjoy the festival for the rest of the weekend.
Cute-as-a-Button: Entries are being accepted for the Cute-as-a-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest through Sept. 1. Take a photo of your precious Button (6 to 15 months old), Crimini (15 to 24 months old) and/or Portabella (2 to 3 years old) and send it with the application form. Festival attendees vote with their pocket change at the Cute-As-A-Button (Mushroom) booth near State and Meredith streets. The photo which collects the most funds is crowned this year's cutest. All proceeds will be donated to the A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital through WSTW's “Help Our Kids” radiothon.
Community Parade: Clubs, organizations, neighborhoods, and friends can come together and be a part of the festivities by entering a float, organizing a marching band, or coming as a marching unit. The parade's theme is “Mushrooms on Parade.” The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from State and Willow streets. Details are online.
Antique and Classic Car Show: Sit in the shade along Broad Street and display your antique or classic car for visitors to admire. This annual Saturday event is a festival favorite. Pre-registration is open until Sept. 1 for $20. Open registration on the day of the event is $25. The first 100 registrants receive a T-shirt, dash plaque, one admission wristband, and a free package of mushrooms. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mushroom Run and Fun Walk: This annual 5K run and two-mile walk starts and finishes in front of Kennett High School, and follows along the winding Red Clay Creek, passing a few of the area’s mushroom farms along the way. Online preregistration is open until Sept.8 for $20. Race day (Sunday, Sept. 11) registration is $25. Race participants receive a T-shirt while supplies last. Admission wristbands are included with registration. Prizes are awarded for first place overall male and female, and top walker. Medals are awarded for first, second, and third place in all age categories. Beverages and snacks are provided after the run. The race kicks off at 8:30 am on Sept. 11. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/19/119894/register-now-for-mushroom-festival-events | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/5c5eb1bfa9a8fb93d86aa8465e088e9897f13befaab1ae807990cb86e4f17b83.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:47 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | It is located in the former Rubinstein's location in New Garden Plaza II on Cypress Street | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120839%2Fkennett-copy-more-now-open-in-kennett-square.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290110/gallery_IMG_0659.JPG?1472582987 | en | null | Kennett Copy & More now open in Kennett Square | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/30/2016 12:25PM, Published by Steven Hoffman, Categories: In Print, Business, Today
In recent months, when Rhonda Thorpe and Lori Amway were setting up to open Kennett Copy & More, people would frequently stop by and say that they were so glad that an office supply store was opening in the former Rubinstein's location in New Garden Plaza II on Cypress Street.
“We heard that from so many people—'we're glad you're back.' It's definitely a good feeling to know that the community has embraced us,” Lori explained.
The two business partners are certainly perfectly suited to run their own office supply store. Lori was the manager of the West Chester location and Rhonda worked as the manager of the Rubinstein's store in Kennett Square until that location closed in June of 2015. After Rubinstein's in Kennett Square was closed, it took Rhonda and Lori just a few months to decide that what they really wanted to do was open their own store to serve the clients that previously shopped at Rubinstein's.
“Together,” Lori explained, “we have about 60 years of experience in the office supply business. We also have a good working relationship with each other.”
Their new store, which has approximately 3,800 square feet of space, features a lot of art supplies and office supplies, in addition to the copy center.
Kennett Copy & More offers art supplies for professional and amateur artists, including paints, paint brushes, easels, and canvases.
“All of our main art supplies are discounted,” Lori noted.
The store carries a little bit of everything, ranging from crafts for children to coloring books for adults. They have a selection of educational supplies, and will be expanding those offerings.
With all their experience in the business, Rhonda and Lori had some good ideas about what products they wanted to bring in initially, and now they are waiting to hear from customers about what other needs exist.
Lori explained, “We're going to focus on what the customer base tells us they want.”
They can do black and white or color copies for customers. They can also prepare copies of things like church bulletins or blueprints. Rhonda explained that customers want fast and reliable service when it comes to copies, and they can deliver on that. She also said that they will make it a point to get to know their customers so that they can better serve them. The store also offers fax services, and will soon be adding passport services to the list of offerings.
In addition to the aforementioned services, the store sells copy paper and ink cartridges, document shredders, and storage boxes.
Not only will they be listening to customers when it comes to making decisions about which products to carry, Lori also said that they can special order anything that customers might want.
Rhonda and Lori both said that they feel like the Kennett Square community has embraced the new store, and they want to return the favor. They have utilized local businesses for a variety of products and services as they have been starting up the business.
“Since we're a local business, we try to do business locally,” Rhonda explained.
She added that they have really enjoyed the new business venture so far.
“It's really been a lot of fun—even the hard work of setting up the store,” she explained.
“It's very exciting,” Lori added.
The two new business owners pledged to always make customer satisfaction a priority—that's a lesson that they've both learned during their experience in the business.
“We pride ourselves on customer service,” Rhonda explained. “We will always do our best for the customer.”
Kennett Copy & More is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each Saturday. The telephone number is 484-732-8066 and the email address is kennettcopy@kennettcopy.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120839/kennett-copy-more-now-open-in-kennett-square | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/202cbb8082c11bbe3b496d9aa27844de6a8b2135c0e3b0faf2cf38c9e6fa7713.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:50 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Resident's proposal leads to action | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2F120067%2Fsoil-ordinance-recommendation-for-township-reaches-compromise.json | http://cdn0.locable.com/assets/favicon-01526a03e76ee99373d957d3f48eb9c426ccc37e023838c62f4fd9cb76c11699.ico | en | null | Soil ordinance recommendation for township reaches compromise | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Soil ordinance recommendation for township reaches compromise
08/23/2016 09:45AM, Published by Richard Gaw, Categories: Business, News, Today
By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer
On Aug. 3, with the support of the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, Kennett Township John Wilkens requested that the township hold all developers of new residential properties to obtaining a Certificate of Soil Compliance from the township, which involves an approved environmental firm sampling of the soil to determine if they are above or below an acceptable level of arsenic.
Wilkens' request was in response to toxic arsenic being found at the Sweetbriar and Sinclair Springs developments, currently under construction in the township. Arsenic had once been used as a pesticide for apple orchards that had once grown and been cultivated at these properties.
Further, Wilkens requested that developers should provide documentation of the completion of any proposed soil remediation, including re-sampling and analysis of key points of contamination.
It was a good idea, the township's Board of Supervisors agreed, but they felt that creating an ordinance of this kind would overlap similar regulations and standards of enforcement being done by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and other environmental watchdogs.
At the board's Aug. 17 meeting, based on the recommendation of the township's engineers, the Board of Supervisors officially balked at creating a separate ordinance, but agreed that checks and balances should be in place. They approved the engineers' recommendations, which state that those who approach development in the township should be required to provide the township with an environmental impact statement related to their project. For simple applications, the statement can be a simple note, added to the record plan, stating that there are no known environmental issues found at the site.
For more complicated applications, developers would be required to provide a Phase I and Phase II environmental report that addresses any potential concerns or hazards on the site.
"(The township's engineers) feel that the DEP has the ultimate responsibility to provide permits for soil remediation, and do not suggest the township create an ordinance," said Township Manager Lisa Moore. "They recommended that if the township moves forward with the requirement of the environmental impact statement or report, that the township could make an amendment for future subdivision land development ordinance."
The supervisors agreed to authorize Township Solicitor David Sander to create a draft of the ordinance, which will be sent to the supervisors for review. If it is acceptable to the board, it would then be sent to the township's Planning Commission and the Chester County Planning Commission for review, and then be discussed at a public hearing.
"There will be certain pieces of information that have to be provided, so that the board can get an overall view of the environmental impact of the proposed development," Sander said. "Unless there is an ordinance section that says 'You shall do this' or 'You shall not do that' and it is violated, you can't reject or not approve a plan, but this gives you the information that you may need to add a condition that may be acceptable to the developer, in order to mitigate environmental impacts."
Sander said that initiating these checks and balances would add another layer of costs to developers who would pay for environmental studies, but the township would be on the hook, too, particularly on the analysis for two-phase studies, which would require the need for consultants.
It's expensive, but necessary, said Board Chairman Scudder Stevens.
"The fact that you have to spend money to get the information belies the fact that you need the information to be able to make appropriate judgment as to what you're doing," he said. "It may be unfortunate, but that's the game."
Stevens gave credit to the TLC and Wilkens for their work in introducing the need for a soil ordinance, saying that although the agreed-upon idea is different from what they had recommended in early August, "it goes to the same place, and I think that it would give us the flexibility without creating the potential overlap, which could actually be a detriment to what we're doing," he said.
"With great respect and deference to what you have already helped us to understand about the seriousness of the problem, your input would then be able to help us to properly approach it, so that we're more effective in getting to the common end that we want."
Stevens called for an all-hands-on-deck approach to tightening the township's proposed regulations, one that would enlist not only Wilkens and the TLC, but also members of the township's Environmental Advisory Committee.
Although the requirement of environmental statements and reports would add another step of approval for those who are considering the township for future development, Stevens said that it's all part of the "tension" of living in the 21st Century.
"You shut your eyes and throw a dart and you will hit a problem, whether it's global warming or the destruction our ground water or the quality of the air," he said. "We have to live with that tension and find resolution with it."
"The township in its greater wisdom is saying that there are certain standards we require, and those standards have been proposed externally, and they come from within the township, as well. It may be that this is a bridge too far. I don't think it is, but I don't know."
In other township news, the board voted unanimously to support the recommendation of the township's Historic Commission to reconstruct the existing front porch of historic Fussell House as is, rather than construct a smaller porch, reminiscent of a lithograph of the building, shown to the board, that dates back to 1881.
The township purchased the 190-year-old house, located on 723 E. Baltimore Pike in Kennett Square, in January, for the price of $200,000, through the township's Capital Fund. It is being considered as the future home of the township's police department, and renovations are now underway.
Sara Meadows, the chairperson of the Commission, said that rehabbing the current porch will be less expensive than demolishing it and building a new porch, and will also provide for easy accessibility for the disabled.
“This has to be a building that we can use,” she said. “The township has to justify this building. We can't just make it a museum that's going to be a recreation to a certain period. I don't think it's fair to the residents of the township.”
The house is one of more than three dozen Underground Railroad sites in southern Chester County, and part of the largest concentration of Underground Railroad sites in the United States. It once served as a refuge for runaway slaves to find safety, shelter, food and clothing along their journey north to freedom. More than 2,000 runaway slaves were helped to freedom there by Quaker physician and anti-slavery activist, Dr. Bartholomew Fussell and his wife, Lydia.
The commission is working with architect Todd Breck of Breckstone Architects on the refurbishing of the house.
By a 3-0 vote, the board approved Resolution No.2016-20 to approve the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis, recommended by the township's Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee. The study is being developed by the Conshohocken-based Remington Vernick & Beach Engineers.
Township Police Chief Lydell Nolt told the supervisors that the township has purchased a mobile digital sign, which will be used for a variety of purposes, including event parking, traffic direction, road closings and emergency services.
Nolt said that Chester County's Emergency Services unit announced that the Text 9-1-1 program is now fully operational. This will allow residents to text a 9-1-1 report directly from their mobile phone.
Nolt also thanked the board for their support of the township's involvement at the National Night Out event, held in the East Linden neighborhood in Kennett Square on Aug. 2.
“This is an important commitment for me personally, and it's so exciting to see political entities take the same interest in their community,” Nolt told the board. “The event was a huge success. We had kids not only from the borough but from the township, as well. We had members of the community, as well as representatives from the County Commissioners, the District Attorney's office, State representatives and many more people. This is a shining example of everyone coming together to build a better community.”
Eagle Construction was named as the low bidder for the Marshall Bridge Road Stabilization Project, with an estimate of $207,000. After proper review of the bid, construction to repair and support the stream banks that have worn away through erosion is expected to begin in September. Detour signage will be posted in the area of South Bridge Drive, Bucktoe Hills, Clifton Mills Bridge and the Five Points Intersection, and additional information about the work will be published on the township's website.
The township will host a meeting on Oct. 5, to elicit public comment on the possibility of adding Kennett Township to the Brandywine Creek Greenway, a project being coordinated by the Brandywine Conservancy.
The township is also scheduling a tutorial at the board's next meeting in September, to help residents navigate through its newly-designed website.
As part of a joint project with Kennett Borough, the township will take part in a meeting on Oct. 2 at the American Legion Building in Kennett Square, to present the economic study that is exploring business opportunities in areas that border both the township and the borough.
The Kennett Fire Company will host a special “Truck Housing” event at its facility on Aug. 27, to officially dedicate its newly-purchased fire vehicle.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/23/120067/soil-ordinance-recommendation-for-township-reaches-compromise | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/acba11c27cd92f837a25218eb013903779b0492b34403bdc899b88c213122e36.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:19 | null | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | New Township Manager Laurie Prysock sees many strong points in township | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F22%2F119988%2Ftaking-the-reins-in-east-marlborough.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/286806/gallery_laurie_20prysock.JPG?1472215878 | en | null | Taking the reins in East Marlborough | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/22/2016 09:22AM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: News, Today
Laurie Prysock has been named the new Township Manager in East Marlborough. Her first Board of Supervisors meeting is Sept. 12.
By John Chambless
Staff Writer
As she steps up to be Township Manager in East Marlborough, Laurie Prysock is excited about new possibilities, but keenly aware that her predecessor, Jane Laslo, is taking away 40 years of historical knowledge. Fortunately, Prysock said with a smile, “Jane has promised to pick up the phone when I call.”
During an interview last week at the township office, Prysock sketched out the path that has led her to this point. She grew up in Highland Township in Chester County, lived in the Washington, D.C. area for 16 years, where she worked in major political donor fundraising, ran her own planning consultant business for eight years, and then moved back to Chester County in 2007.
“From 2007 until 2013, I was the race director for the Willowdale Steeplechase, so I interacted with the township because of the race logistics,” she said. “I coordinated with Jane and Police Chief Clarke and some of the supervisors as well.”
Prysock's background in consulting and budgeting were strong credentials when she was brought on board in 2014 and appointed Assistant Township Manager in January 2016. “It was an easy transition in terms of the finance end of things,” she said. “I don't want to speak for Jane, but I think she had an idea that she would be retiring and she wanted peace of mind that when she retired, the township was not going to be in a position of, 'What now?'”
Prysock's husband is an attorney, and their three sons have attended Unionville-Chadds Ford schools. Two are now at Salesianum in Wilmington, Del., and one is at Patton Middle School. “I live here in East Marlborough. I could walk to work if I wanted to,” she said, “and on nice fall days, I plan on doing that.”
Working side by side with Laslo since 2014 has given Prysock insight into how township management works, and has connected her with each of the departments and commissions.
“I work well with this board of supervisors, and they found that my past experience and the role I've been playing for the past few years made me the best candidate,” Prysock said. “This is a very fiscally responsible board, and taxes haven't been raised in recent memory. Property values have increased, so we receive a greater portion from property taxes. The board wants to be sure that taxpayer dollars are being utilized in a way that is most beneficial to the township and the taxpayers. The board has done an extraordinary job of balancing services with a growing population, while maintaining the tax rate that we have.”
While Laslo also served as township zoning officer and treasurer, Prysock said she will be taking on additional roles as township treasurer and board secretary, but leaving the zoning work to be outsourced in the short term.
The office functions with a staff of three. “It's a lean -- not mean -- organization,” Prysock said, laughing. In 2015, the cost of the township manager and staff was $120,000. The general fund budget hovers around $2.2 million each year, a total which has remained fairly stable.
Encompassed in the township's 16 square miles is a wide diversity of properties – Longwood Gardens and the New Bolton Center, the congested commercial corridor of Route 1, horse farms and estates, and homeowners who are financially distressed. “The township has to provide services equally,” Prysock said. “From a township perspective, we provide public service – roads, sewer, safety. I don't know that it matters to anyone here whether it's for a millionaire or someone in foreclosure. We make sure that things are applied equally and uniformly.”
While East Marlborough is bordered by areas that have been struggling with drugs and associated crime, “As a resident, I can say there are concerns, because we hear about crime and drugs. Fortunately, I don't see it,” Prysock said. “I think the township is fortunate because a lot of it is unavailable to large-scale development because of the zoning. So yes, there is crime here, but it's mostly petty crime.”
While the open fields of East Marlborough are its calling card, there is a townhouse community under construction on Walnut Road, and another proposed on Schoolhouse Road. The trick is to keep hold of development so that it is done in a planned way.
“I'll let the board lead on projects,” Prysock said. “Township Manager is an administrative job. I have a lot of experience as a manager, and I bring that to the township. But the board will establish what their objectives are. I don't see that changing any time in the near future. I'm going to follow their lead and be the implementer.”
Prysock credits the extensive network of volunteers who serve Planning Commission and Historical Commission with keeping the township's historic assets in good repair while holding the line on any kind of sprawl.
She points to the new Unionville Park as a major plus in the township, as well as a tribute to the work of Laslo and others who led the project. “I can't wait to go walk there in the fall,” she said. “I go over there periodically to check on things, and there are a lot of people there walking their dogs, enjoying the park. It's being utilized.”
From working so closely with Laslo, Prysock knows how passionate residents can be about addressing problems in their neighborhoods. “We provide a public service, so people stop into the office to pay a bill or whatever, and they'll ask, 'When are lines going to be put back on the road that got repaved?' Or 'There's a tree down,'” Prysock said. “And that's fine, because that's sometimes the most efficient way to get the information through. There's comment at public meetings, and people stop in regularly.”
The township's active Facebook page is a great resource for news – everything from finding lost pets to announcing breaking news, such as the resurfacing of Route 1 from Greenwood Road to Schoolhouse Road. “It will happen in the evening, but it will be disruptive to people traveling that way,” Prysock said. “That's something we'll put on the Facebook page to get that information out quickly.”
Prysock said she appreciates how well the township has been run by those who came before her, and those who will be working with her in the coming years. “I'm a resident, so I've been a beneficiary of that,” she said. “Change is never easy. Jane's been the Township Manager for 40 years. I'm a firm believer that there's no need to reinvent the wheel. If it's working, great. But we'll miss Jane's historical knowledge. Everyone has been willing to say, 'Call me if you need anything.' I'm looking forward to that, and working with the board.”
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/22/119988/taking-the-reins-in-east-marlborough | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/2568cc46f1d94e0c1f19743bb0c69698d718e54d45ee6a267bd555d71ccb0e12.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:39 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Jones scores two TDs, rushes for 141 yards | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120862%2Ffirst-half-scoring-leads-to-avon-groves-35-7-rout-of-kennett.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290172/gallery_red_20devil_204.jpg?1472582978 | en | null | First-half scoring leads to Avon Grove's 35-7 rout of Kennett | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | First-half scoring leads to Avon Grove's 35-7 rout of Kennett
08/30/2016 01:49PM, Published by Richard Gaw, Categories: Sports, Schools, Today
By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer
Moments after his team recorded a convincing 35-7 victory over visiting Kennett on Aug. 26, Avon Grove head coach Harry O'Neill pointed to the digits on the scoreboard with vitriolic anger.
He excoriated his 104-member team for its poor execution, and suddenly, the kick-off win to the 2016 season meant very little to the players who gathered around O'Neill in a corner of the field.
The coach's message may not have been music to his players' ears, but it may set the tone for the remainder of the season.
“That was a terrible football game, and we can't accept that if we're trying to change the culture here,” O'Neill said. “I wasn't happy with our conditioning. We didn't get first downs when we needed to. We punted too many times and the defense gave us some short fields, but other than that, we didn't execute and we didn't look good.”
Let the record show, however, that the Red Devils did score 35 points in the first half, assisted in large part by Kennett's penalties, turnovers and the inability to capitalize on any scoring threats. Behind junior quarterback Joey Borcky, Avon Grove (1-0) got on the board on its first drive when a 21-yard run by Kevin Francis set up three consecutive runs by Nate Jones, the last leading to a 15-yard touchdown with 9:17 left in the first quarter.
With time slipping away in the first, Dillon Estes' interception of a pass by Kennett quarterback Jake Dilcher took the ball back to the Avon Grove 33 yard-line. A Borcky pass to Jones gained ten yards, and on the next play, Jones found the hole for a 46-yard run that got Avon Grove to the ten yard-line of Kennett. With 5:55 left in the quarter, Jones scampered ten yards for his second touchdown of the game.
On its next possession, Kennett (0-1) lost the handle again, this time when punter James Turley took a poor snap that pushed him back to the Kennett 20 yard-line. After a 17-yard Borcky pass to Jones got the ball to the three-yard-line, Francis plunged over the middle with 4:01 left in the first to give Avon Grove a 21-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Francis scored on defense, when he picked up a loose snap to Dilcher and bolted 78 yards for a touchdown with 3:41 left in the first half. Down four scores heading into halftime, Kennett mounted its only scoring of the game when passes to Jose Rodriguez, Myles Robinson and Kerry Tomasetti moved the ball from their own 36 yard-line to the 13 yard-line of Avon Grove. A pass interference call on the Red Devils moved the chains to the six yard-line, when Dilcher fired a strike to Tomasetti in the end zone with 1:29 remaining in the half.
With just 16 seconds remaining in the first half, Borcky found Brett Yurkovich on a perfectly-placed pass on a timing pattern in the corner of the end zone that rounded out Avon Grove's scoring.
If the second half play of his team frustrated O'Neill, one can imagine how Kennett head coach Doug Langley – who coached at Avon Grove in 2012-13 – must have felt. With time ticking down in the third quarter, Dilcher moved the Blue Demons to Avon Grove's three-yard-line, but the scoring threat was snuffed out by a tough Avon Grove defense. In the fourth quarter, Kennett's turnovers continued, when a fumble recovery by Niko Arhontakis and interceptions by Tyler Boyd and Hunter Luhowy ended subsequent drives.
For Avon Grove, Jones finished with 141 yards on 15 carries and Francis rushed for 52 yards on eight touches, while Robinson ran for 90 yards on 19 carries. Borcky completed six of seven passes for 65 yards, while Dilcher tossed for 202 yards on 16-27 passing that included three interceptions.
Despite a win in the books to begin the new season, O'Neill said there is a lot of work for his team to do in preparation for its Sept. 2 game against Oxford.
“We have to change the way we practice,” he said. “Oxford is going to be very physical next week, and we compare to them in terms of physicality. We have to execute better. We have to be able to throw the ball and get on the edge. Teams are going to load up the box on us, and we have to find another way to move the ball. Every game in our season is tough. They're all tough games. There's no cupcakes on our schedule. We have to prepare for each game like it's a battle. We got lucky by getting 35 points in the first half.
“Everyone is starting to buy into the culture. Football is starting to matter at Avon Grove again. It's a different vibe, but we can't be happy just winning games. We need to take the next step. We have to find the killer instinct.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120862/first-half-scoring-leads-to-avon-groves-35-7-rout-of-kennett | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/1c19258577092b23b43df88f7ab5bb8f07274725fff4737bc988157e3014c072.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:24 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | 'In the trenches and foxholes of our townships and municipalities, the outline of our future is being done by our citizen militia' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2F120068%2Feditorial-what-happens-when-residents-work-with-their-townships.json | http://cdn0.locable.com/assets/favicon-01526a03e76ee99373d957d3f48eb9c426ccc37e023838c62f4fd9cb76c11699.ico | en | null | Editorial: What happens when residents work with their townships | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Editorial: What happens when residents work with their townships
08/23/2016 09:48AM, Published by Richard Gaw, Categories: Business, Opinion, News
On Aug. 2, John A. Wilkens, a retired DuPont process engineering principal consultant and a resident of Kennett Township, sent his township a three-page idea for its future. Entitled “Soil Ordinance Research,” Wilkens spelled out the reasons why he felt that the township needed a soil ordinance on its books. An ordinance, he wrote, would hold future developers to assuring the land they were about to build on was below legal amounts of toxicity – about 12 mg/kg of arsenic, he suggested.
In his recommendation, Wilkens wrote that each developer would be required to submit a soil sampling from the property for analysis by environmental authorities. If the soil was found to be above safe levels, the developer would be required to be cap the soil by several inches of clean fill, an impervious surface, or remove the soil entirely. If capped, the organization that did the analysis would re-sample the property for compliance with the ordinance.
The township's board of supervisors discussed Wilkens' recommendation – which had been supported by the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County – at their Aug. 3 meeting. After a lengthy discussion, the board agreed that they would not enact any soil ordinance for the township, telling Wilkens that developers for residential sites should be held to conditions in compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as well as with Chester County regulations.
Despite their hesitancy, the board asked township manager Lisa Moore to forward Wilkens' proposal to the township's engineers. As expected, the board agreed with the engineers that laws of this kind should ultimately be in the hands of environmental watchdogs like the DEP, but the seeds of Wilkens' idea were already firmly in the soil. Rather than completely reject the proposal, the engineers encouraged the supervisors to adopt a requirement that those who approach development in the township should be required to provide the township with an environmental impact statement related to their project. For simple applications, the statement can be a simple note, added to the record plan, stating that there are no known environmental issues found at the site.
For more complicated applications, developers would be required to provide a Phase I and Phase II environmental report that addresses any potential concerns or hazards on the site.
A draft of this legislation is currently being written.
Through diligence, long-term vision and proper research, Wilkens' proposal kick-started a conversation that led to another conversation and then another. That's what happens when residents become actively involved in their township, when they tap into the skill set of their profession – like Wilkens – or the passion of their desire for the greater good. Through circumventing their ideas through the right channels, they begin to effect positive change. They rustle up the creative stagnancy that too often inflicts our elected officials and reduces them in definition to that of plodding bean counters, hesitant to offer up large ideas for fear of alienating a portion of their constituents.
In the trenches and foxholes of our townships and municipalities, the outline of our future is being done by our citizen militia, who have little at stake except the selflessness of their actions. From committees to commissions to the volunteer armies whose tireless work leads to solutions, we, the people who live on the receiving end of their ideas, are in fact redeemed ourselves.
“The intent of this ordinance is to prevent human contact with soil containing toxic contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and organic solvents when property is developed,” Wilkens wrote. “This is a significant issue when property is proposed to be re-purposed for residential use after a history of agricultural or industrial/mechanical applications.”
The residents of Kennett Township owe John Wilkens – and the Land Conservancy of Southern Chester County – a debt of gratitude for the research that is now on the front burner of township action. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/23/120068/editorial-what-happens-when-residents-work-with-their-townships | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/3c0d5b46faa1699a9201839c239cc57b8b1c32bbf9652e209cef255b2636cc67.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:26 | null | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | Issue is discussed at Board of Supervisors meeting | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F22%2F119990%2Fpipeline-work-to-begin-in-franklin-township-on-aug-29.json | http://cdn0.locable.com/assets/favicon-01526a03e76ee99373d957d3f48eb9c426ccc37e023838c62f4fd9cb76c11699.ico | en | null | Pipeline work to begin in Franklin Township on Aug. 29 | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/22/2016 10:42AM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: News, Today
By John Chambless
Staff Writer
The long-discussed work to add a natural gas pipeline in the Kemblesville area will begin on Aug. 29. At the Aug. 17 meeting of the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors, board chairman John Auerbach announced the date, and said he would attend a pre-construction meeting on Aug. 23 in Cochranville for more information.
The members of the township Historical Commission will submit comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding FERC's Environmental Assessment of Eastern Shore's planned 2017 work, which will be to the north and south of the work that begins this month, once they have determined which historic properties may be affected. The supervisors noted that Eastern Shore has presented its information well, and there seems to be very little public comment on the work to be started next week.
The board also heard from two representatives of the Christiana Watersheds Partnership Collaboration Project. The Department of Environmental Protection has charged the townships in the Christiana Watershed to remove nutrients and sediments from impaired streams. This collaborative program is attempting to unite townships in their efforts to remove the pollutants. Franklin Township will be working with London Grove Township, New Garden Township, London Britain Township and the boroughs of Avondale and West Grove.
Supervisor Steffen Torres submitted a plan from a landscape designer that would screen the township municipal yard as cars enter Municipal Lane to visit the post office, and provide screening where materials will be stored. Torres said he will will speak with the landscaper again and get more details on the types of plants to be used.
Township Manager Joan McVaugh presented a list of issues regarding zoning and land development ordinances. Among them is the issue of having two residences on one parcel in the Agricultural District. The current zoning allows for multiple houses on one parcel in the district. The board feels that only one additional house should be allowed, and the parcel must be large enough to meet setback requirements, host well and septic, and have the ability to be subdivided. The issue will be presented to the Planning Commission for review.
The issue of fences in the township was sparked by a resident who installed fencing in a stormwater swale, causing flooding. Township solicitor Mark Thompson said that if the swale was part of a subdivision plan, the township had the legal right to have the homeowner remove the fence.
The board also discussed dead trees which are in the right of way, and Thompson said that even if trees are in the right of way, they belong to the property owner and are the owner’s responsibility. However, if the property owner is not dealing with dead trees and causing a hazard, the township should have the right to take action. Thompson said he will draft an ordinance that enables the township to notify homeowners of the need to take down a dead tree. If the homeowner fails to do so in the allotted time, the township will be able to remove the dead tree and bill the property owner. The board authorized Thompson to draft and advertise an ordinance for adoption at the September meeting.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/22/119990/pipeline-work-to-begin-in-franklin-township-on-aug-29 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/a063c18bb640331e671ea55ac4e4222e91911f3c7d64e72ec1c9ae6a143f4f87.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:43 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | The Kennett Square organization serves children whose lives have been affected by HIV or AIDS | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120843%2Fcamp-dreamcatcher-makes-a-major-impact-on-young-lives.json | http://cdn0.locable.com/assets/favicon-01526a03e76ee99373d957d3f48eb9c426ccc37e023838c62f4fd9cb76c11699.ico | en | null | Camp Dreamcatcher makes a major impact on young lives | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/30/2016 12:34PM, Published by Steven Hoffman, Categories: In Print, Opinion, Today
In this issue of the Chester County Press, we feature a story about Camp Dreamcatcher, a Kennett Square organization that serves children whose lives have been affected by HIV or AIDS. Some of the children suffer from the disease themselves, while others have parents or siblings who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS.
Patty Hillkirk founded the organization in the mid-1990s to provide therapeutic programs and counseling services to children who are facing issues that many adults would have a difficult time with. For each of the last 21 summers, Camp Dreamcatcher has brought together children from all over the Mid-Atlantic region for a summer camp that blends the fun and friendships of a traditional summer camp with a variety of therapeutic programs aimed at helping the children mature into happy, productive adults. The children are wise beyond their years, their personalities inevitably shaped by their fortitude in the face of adversity.
The camp itself is a safe place where the children can forget about their troubles and feel loved. The children look forward to camp week, and many of them return year after year.
Many of the 200 or so volunteers, including camp counselors and medical staffers who care for the children during camp week, also return year after year because the experiences of interacting with the children is so rewarding and inspiring. The children have always been the most important part of Camp Dreamcatcher because it's their smiles and laughter and tears that make Camp Dreamcatcher what it is, which is a very large, extended family of people who care about each other.
Initially, the camp only served children between the ages of 5 and 13. But when the first group of children turned 13, no one wanted to stop caring for them so new programs were developed to address the needs of teenagers. Now, older teenagers and young adults serve as leaders-in-training or camp counselors and they share their experiences with the younger children, just as an older sibling would help out a brother or sister.
Through the years, more than 5,000 youngsters have benefited from the programs that Camp Dreamcatcher offers, a truly amazing number considering that all the work is accomplished by Hillkirk, a small but dedicated staff, and a small army of big-hearted volunteers. All the services are provided free of charge to the children, many of whom live in poverty.
Earlier this year, State Sen. Andrew Dinniman issued a proclamation honoring Camp Dreamcatcher for helping children for the last 20 years. Dinniman explained at the time that Camp Dreamcatcher illustrated the idea that all you need to change the world is a dream.
“What all of you are doing,” Dinniman said at the time, “is making the dreams of youngsters come true.”
We'd also like to congratulate the organization on reaching the 20-year milestone and for making a difference in the lives of so many youngsters. Kudos to Hillkirk, the Camp Dreamcatcher staff, and all the volunteers and supporters who make Camp Dreamcatcher a reality. It's a beautiful family that you all have. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120843/camp-dreamcatcher-makes-a-major-impact-on-young-lives | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/d1d29bb572085a7b512c708d0753379a268d7e5bfe4ac2b42cb00dec480212fa.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:37 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Henderson 24, Oxford 21 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120846%2Fhornets-impressive-but-stung-by-late-field-goal.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290122/gallery_DSC_0141.JPG?1472582977 | en | null | Hornets impressive, but stung by late field goal | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/30/2016 12:39PM, Published by Steven Hoffman, Categories: In Print, Sports, Today
Gallery: Oxford football [3 Images] Click any image to expand.
The Oxford Hornets and West Chester Henderson Warriors combined to win just four games in 2015, but this is a brand new day for the two vastly improved squads. A 30-yard field goal by Bryce McElhiney with just over six minutes to play in the fourth quarter propelled Henderson to a 24-21 victory over Oxford in an entertaining and hard-fought season-opener on Aug. 26. Both teams could take away plenty of positives as they look toward the rest of their schedules in the rugged Ches-Mont League.
Oxford head coach Mike Means said that his team had a very good off-season of work, and it showed early on as the Hornets delighted the large home crowd by marching 88 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. The drive got off to a sputtering start—the Hornets were flagged for three pre-snap penalties that backed them up inside their own five-yard line. But on third down, quarterback Chandler England threw a nice screen pass to Gavin Baumgardner in the middle of the field for a 14-yard gain that moved the chains and kicked the offense into high gear. Six plays later, the Hornets were in the end zone as running back Tim Davis scored on a four-yard carry.
With a strong offensive line and a fired up, attacking defense, the Hornets dominated at points in the first half. Defensive lineman Cole Gruver was in on a couple of nice plays, including dropping Henderson quarterback Joe Saulino for a three-yard loss in the backfield on one play. Defensive tackle Mike Weber forced Saulino into an incompletion with a big hit. Oxford's defense swarmed on the ball carrier on several other plays.
Henderson capitalized on a short field late in the first quarter when running back CJ Preston picked up 41 yards on four carries, including a 24-yard gain for the score. The game was tied, 7-7, after one quarter.
Momentum swung back toward the Hornets when they recovered a fumble on a punt return at the 21-yard-line of Henderson. After a nice pitch-and-catch from England to Nolan Benke that moved the ball eight yards, Brandon Holz picked up the first down with a three-yard gain to the 11. On the next play, England saw some running room in front of him and he raced through Henderson’s defensive line, avoiding defenders and reaching the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown. Oxford led 14-7.
The Hornets scored again on its next drive when Holz took a hand-off, broke a couple of tackles, and worked his way to the left sideline. He raced 31 yards to the end zone. When Ryan Hannum kicked the extra point it was 21-7.
Henderson answered right back with a big play as Saulino fired a pass to Preston, who eluded tacklers in the middle of the field and rumbled down to the 39 of Oxford. Five plays later, Preston scored on a run from one yard out. That cut Oxford's lead to 21-14.
A few minutes later, Saulino and Preston combined on another big play—a 48-yard pass play that resulted in another touchdown. With 34 seconds left in the first half, it was a tie game, 21-21.
England engineered a good drive on Oxford’s first possession in the third quarter. On first down, the quarterback rolled to his right and found Holz in the open for a 14-yard gain. Davis added a couple of nice runs and the Hornets moved the ball down to the 12 of Henderson. After a penalty against Oxford, England looked to get the ball to a receiver in the corner of the end zone, but Henderson defensive back Myles Cooper managed to get a good position and picked off the pass.
“You have to give them credit. The kid made a good play on the ball,” Means said of Cooper’s interception. “It was a huge play.”
The play was made even bigger when Henderson embarked on a 14-play drive that took up the rest of the third quarter and the first few minutes of the fourth quarter. Oxford’s defense rose to the challenge and kept the Warriors out of the end zone, but Henderson was close enough for a field goal attempt. McElhiney booted the kick through the uprights, giving Henderson the 24-21 lead.
The field goal, which came with 6:16 left to play, turned out to be the difference in the game.
The Hornets pushed the ball across mid-field one more time in the game, but a penalty left Oxford with a difficult fourth-and-long situation that Henderson successfully defended.
The Hornets were hindered by penalties, and Means said that they need to improve that going forward.
“We put ourselves in bad spots a lot of the night,” Means said. “You can’t do that against a good team.”
Even so, there were plenty of positives for Oxford to take away, from the hustle and hard work of players like Holz, Josh Freese, Mike Weber to the running of Davis to the play of England, a junior who was starting his first varsity game at quarterback.
“He’s a gamer,” Means said. “He comes to play. I thought, for a first varsity game, he played tremendously well.”
Despite the hard-fought loss, Means was proud of the effort—it reflected what he had seen from his players during the off-season, and he’s looking forward to seeing how his team will play against Avon Grove on Sept. 2.
“We are who I thought we would be,” Means said. “We had a great off-season. We have some great kids. The one thing left for us to change the culture is that we just need to learn how to win. That’s a big thing for these kids.” | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120846/hornets-impressive-but-stung-by-late-field-goal | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/62364e520894cd0eb3d77153ba1d4332da69e5a52fadf2ab84696e7f8ac7f53f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:51 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | Obituaries for: Donohoe, Dolack, Greer, Gallimore, Rosado, McLeod, Kirkpatrick, Baylis, Futty | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2F120241%2Fobituaries-for-the-week-of-aug-22.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/287946/gallery_ObituariesGraphic.jpg?1472215971 | en | null | Obituaries for the week of Aug. 22 | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/24/2016 08:46AM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: News, Today
BARBARA LOUISE DONOHOE
Barbara (“Bobbie”) Louise Donohoe, 86, passed on to her eternal, heavenly resting place on Aug. 14.
She was predeceased by her parents, Wade and Grace (Robinson) Wilson; and her eldest sister, Eva Manning. Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Philip G. Donohoe of West Grove; her son, Michael Donohoe (Terri) of Landenberg; her daughter, Jane Henry (David) of Avondale; and her sister and best friend, Evelyn Santucci of Landenberg. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua Whann (Amy) of Woodbridge, Va., Phillip Donohoe and Jacquilyn Donohoe of Landenberg, Lauren LaMack of New York, N.Y., Sarah LaMack of Avondale, David Henry, Jr. and Benjamin Henry of Avondale. In addition, Barbara will be deeply missed by many cherished family members, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and dear friends too numerous to count.
Sharing 64 wonderful years of marriage, Barbara and Phil had a beautiful bond of an unwavering faith in God and commitment to their loved ones. Together, they founded a mushroom-growing enterprise where she served as a business partner of a successful establishment that flourished for 27 years. They then went on to operating a retail establishment serving the mushroom industry until the age of retirement.
She was a graduate of Kennett High School and was a proud founding member of the Kennett High School Alumni Association. She combined her love of Christ and reading by participating in the Circle of Grace Bible Study group for many years while at her former parish, Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Hockessin, Del. She was also a member of several other community committees and a founding member of the SAGES senior group. Barbara shared her faith and happiness with others by becoming a Eucharistic Minister and a Catechist for this Catholic ministry. She shared her love of horticulture and gardening with many. For the past 15 years, Barbara lived at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community and was a member of the Assumption BVM Church in West Grove.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square), and again from 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 20 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). Her mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or the Jenner's Pond Benevolent Care Fund, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
WENDY LEE DOLACK
Wendy Lee Dolack, 56, of Nottingham, passed away on Aug. 10 at her home.
Born in Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Donald Earl and Elizabeth Rhodes Lawson. She was the wife of Richard A. Dolack, Jr., with whom she shared 28 years of marriage. Wendy enjoyed watching television, playing bingo and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband; one son, Donald Dolack, at home; three sisters, Donna Jean Lawson of Reading, Sandra Bates of Nottingham, and Cheryl Amey of Cochranville; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at New London United Methodist Church (1010 State Rd., West Grove). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
MARY MADELINE GREER
Mary Madeline Greer, 84, of Avondale, passed away on Aug. 15 at her residence.
She was the wife of James W. Greer, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Lansing, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Wiley and Martha E. Powers Blevins. She was a food service manager at Mary D. Lang school in Kennett Square, retiring in 1997 after 18 years of service. She was a member of the New London Baptist Church in Kelton. She previously sang in the church choir, was a Sunday school teacher, and worked in the church nursery. Madeline enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening, sewing, doing Word Search puzzles, and being with her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, James W. Greer, Jr. and his wife of Dorothy of Oxford; five daughters, Janet Barker and her fiancé John R. Porter of Landenberg, Joyce Rivera and her husband Roberto of Oxford, Jenny Taylor and her fiancé Bob Stoker of Avondale, Janice Perry and her husband Joseph of Avondale, and Julie Taylor and her husband Douglas of Kennett Square; one brother, Lonnie Blevins of Beloit, Ill.; two sisters, Zelma Miller of Woodbridge, Va., and Annabelle Damewood of Roanoke, Va.; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one daughter, Mary Lou Greer; two brothers, James Blevins and Ray Blevins; and two sisters, Yvonne Steed and Melissa Hale.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 20 at the New London Baptist Church (226 Pennocks Bridge Road, West Grove). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Madeline, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
THOMAS W. GALLIMORE
Thomas W. Gallimore, of Kirkwood, passed away at the age of 69 on Aug. 13 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Hillsville, Va., he was the son of the late Burton W. and Emily K. Gallimore. He moved to the Oxford area as a young boy and graduated from Oxford Area High School. He spent his lifelong career in the retail business, employed for many years by Totes, Isotoner, Inc., and was proprietor of Evan’s Unpainted Furniture in Quarryville for a few years. Thomas was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. His happiest times were spent on the water with family and friends, either surf fishing in Fenwick Island, snorkeling in Aruba or boating on the Chesapeake. His hobbies included collecting antiques, researching Southern Lancaster and Chester County history, woodworking, gardening, and restoring his ’55 Chevy.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Jean Watterson Gallimore, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage; beloved son, Evan T. (Kim); special granddaughter, Kaela; one brother, Terry (Christine); one sister, Linda Haney; two sisters-in-law, Judith Gallimore and Dorothy Moscardelli (Paul); several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, John.
He was sincerely grateful to all the staff (nurses, doctors, receptionists) at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster, for their outstanding care and support which helped him through many years of treatment. He was also grateful to the staff at National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md., whose research provided him the opportunity to participate in several innovative trials and surgeries and most importantly gave him hope and the will to survive.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Aug.19 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ANTONIO ROSADO
Antonio “Gin” Rosado, 70, of Kennett Square, passed away on Aug. 16 at the Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pa.
He was the husband of Aida Bonilla Sanchez, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Maricao, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Dolores Rosado and Eugenia Rivera. He had worked in the mushroom industry for many years. Gin enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, cooking, gardening, barbecuing, old Spanish music, and being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Patrick Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Miguel Rosado and his wife Lydoris of Lancaster; three daughters, Claribel Gomez and her husband Mario of West Grove, Aida Rosado and her husband Esteban Rosales of West Grove, and Lucero Rosado of Kennett Square; eight grandchildren, Jordan, Cheyla, Jonathan, Selena, Myraida, Esteban, Xavier and Zaimarie; four brothers and three sisters.
A funeral was held Aug. 22. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
MARY SUTTHOFF MCLEOD
Mary Sutthoff McLeod, 65, of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 11 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.
Born in Louisville, Ky., she was the daughter of the late L. Patrick and Lucille Conway Sutthoff. She was the wife of Jim McLeod, with whom she shared 42 years of marriage. Mary graduated from McNicholas High School in Cincinnati in 1969, and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1973. Since moving to Oxford in 1974, Mary had been an active volunteer throughout the community. She gave her time to groups such as the Oxford Home & School Association (PTO), Neighborhood Services Center, Lighthouse Youth Center, and the Oxford Area Senior Center, to name a few. In 2012, Mary was a recipient of an Oxford Mayor Citizen’s Award. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Oxford Contemporary Club. Mary was an avid sports fan, who could often be found cheering on the Oxford Hornets sports teams and the University of Dayton Flyers. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at their summer cottage on the Elk River.
She is survived by her husband, one son, Christopher McLeod (Jennifer) of Phoenixville; one daughter, Shelley Meadowcroft (B.J.) of Oxford; four grandchildren, Paige McLeod, Finn McLeod, Zoey McLeod and Lucy Meadowcroft; one brother, John Sutthoff of Sarasota, Fla.; one sister, Patty Gilb of Cincinnati, Ohio; six nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Mary S. McLeod Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Fulton Bank, 300 Commons Dr., Oxford, PA 19363. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior graduating from Oxford Area High School. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
SARAH CHALFONT KIRKPATRICK
Sarah (Sally) Chalfont Kirkpatrick passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Aug. 14.
She was born in 1924 in West Grove, and lived with her parents on a working farm near Kennett Square. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Edith Chalfont; her husband, William B. Kirkpatrick; and cousins, Chandler Irwin and Andrew P. Irwin. She is survived by her three stepchildren, William M. Kirkpatrick, Neil N. Kirkpatrick, and Ellen Kirkpatrick Bertram; five grandchildren, William B. Kirkpatrick, Karena Kirkpatrick Weil, Courtney Kirkpatrick Perry, Alexander Kirkpatrick Bertram, and Lauren Bertram Chrzanowski; two great-grandchildren, Norah Elizabeth Bertram and Kai Patrick Bertram; and two cousins, Robert Irwin and Anna Irwin Hicks.
She was a longtime member of the Avondale Presbyterian Church. She was an airline stewardess for Delta Airlines in her early years, and later became a Real Estate agent for a span of 50 years with Century 21. She was a member of the Rotary Club and The Newcomers Club. She enjoyed traveling and enjoyed playing bridge. She also enjoyed sailing with her husband.
A memorial service will be held at The Avondale Presbyterian Church on Sept. 30 at 11 a.m., with lunch to follow at the church. She will be buried with her parents at the Unionville Cemetery.
HELEN BAYLIS
Helen Baylis, 88, of North East, Md., passed away on Aug. 18 at Christiana Hospital.
She was the wife of the late Raymond B. Baylis, Jr. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late William L., Sr., and Marie C. Campbell Ewell.
She is survived by her three sons, Dennis W. Quinn (Diane) of Hampton, Va., Raymond B. Baylis III (Becca) of Peach Bottom, and Thomas M. Baylis (Faye) of Honey Brook; two daughters, Nancy P. Gamble (Thomas) of North East, Md., and Kellie Charlton (Rob) of Oxford; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Jane Broomell (Raymond) of Paoli. She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Pennell; sister, Anne Rohrer; and brother, William L. Ewell, Jr.
Funeral services were held Aug. 23. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ELIZABETH HARVEY FUTTY
Elizabeth “Betty” Harvey Futty, 90, of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 20 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.
She was the wife of Harold E. Futty, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Jacob Lewis and Edith Wickersham Harvey. Elizabeth grew up as a farm girl in Kennett Square. She was a graduate of Kennett High School and graduated from nursing school in 1943. She was a nurse for many years. She was a secretary for her husband’s business, Harold E. Futty, Inc., from 1947 to 1979. Elizabeth was an energetic hostess, always feeding and caring for family and friends. She was an active member in the community. She enjoyed square dancing, playing card games, and especially loved traveling across the U.S. with her husband in their RV. She was an active member of the Christian Life Center in New London. Elizabeth taught Sunday school, led a junior choir and was the lead prayer warrior of a prayer team. She was a spiritual leader to many and a blessing to all she met.
She is survived by her husband; two sons, Dennis Futty (Susan) of Chesapeake, Va., and Wayne Futty (Sandra) of Oxford; one daughter, Kay Kelsey (Raymond) of Tempe, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Harvey and Harry Harvey.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., New London Township), where family and friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SHINE organization at Chester County Hospital, 701 East Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. The SHINE organization provides multiple services to those undergoing cancer treatments to assist with hairpieces, counseling, transportation, and other needed assistance. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/24/120241/obituaries-for-the-week-of-aug-22 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/dc4cce6463c92c61796678219dd2eb4e5998069f06c346c1e145118ae890adc8.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:46 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Newly-formed Kennett Area Regional Library Task Force should have been organized years ago | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120863%2Funcle-irvin-15-years-late-.json | http://cdn0.locable.com/assets/favicon-01526a03e76ee99373d957d3f48eb9c426ccc37e023838c62f4fd9cb76c11699.ico | en | null | Uncle Irvin: 15 years late! | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 08/30/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Lt. Governor Forum 08/30/2016 06:30PM — 08:00PM Want to know the position of candidates running for office are on issues such as transportation, ...
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Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/20/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ... | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120863/uncle-irvin-15-years-late- | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/3bf2c2ef4183d463cc96aa51ea0623b2acd0dfb2f6999e896d8f9268ee252687.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:49:33 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | The Sept. 2 event will feature between 300 and 350 cars, as well as music, food, and fun for the entire family | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120847%2Fexcitement-builds-for-car-show-in-oxford.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290129/gallery_Car_20Show_20near_20NAPA.JPG?1472582973 | en | null | Excitement builds for car show in Oxford | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/30/2016 12:42PM, Published by Steven Hoffman, Categories: In Print, News, Today
Organizers now expect between 300 and 350 antique and classic cars to be showcased in the third annual car show in downtown Oxford this Friday, Sept. 2, as excitement continues to build for one of the town's most popular events.
According to David Ogino, a car enthusiast who serves on the Car Show Committee that oversees planning for the event, car owners from throughout the region have been registering their beloved Mustangs, Chevy Bel Airs and Cadillacs at record numbers for this car show. Approximately 140 vehicles were showcased in the first car show in Oxford in September of 2014, and the number of entries jumped to 260 vehicles last year, exceeding everyone's expectations. Ogino said that they are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather on the day of the show, which could drive the number of cars to the 300-350 range, and would bring out thousands of spectators.
“It is an exciting event and it continues to grow,” explained Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) executive director Donna Hosler.
Ogino, who readily described himself as “a car guy,” said that his favorite part of the event is meeting with other car owners and talking about their vehicles.
“They have these great stories about rebuilding a car, or you'll talk to someone who found his dream car...all those stories are fantastic,” he explained.
This year's car show, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., will have some new additions to enhance the experience for both the car show entrants and for the attendees. The area where cars will be parked has been extended in both directions on Third Street. There are now 35 VIP spots in the downtown that car owners can reserve if they want a highly visible spot for the show. Reserving a VIP spot also comes with nice extras, including gift items from local businesses and a VIP service where food and drinks can be brought right to the owner.
The judging format for the car show has been changed this year so that it is truly a people's choice event. Volunteers will be handing out and collecting voting forms so that spectators can choose their favorites of the show.
Ogino said that efforts have been made to plan activities that will offer fun for the entire family. There will be live music on two different stages, a remote-control race car track, and a full-size Sprint car simulator. Ogino explained that the remote-control race car track will be set up in a Broad Street parking lot. Each remote-control car will feature a decal of a local business that is sponsoring the event.
Additionally this year, Victory Weekend Ministries, a division of Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association, will be bringing its unique brand of positive, family-friendly events to coincide with the car show. Victory Weekend Ministries works in partnership with sports sanctioning bodies like NASCAR and the NHRA to hold outreach events in communities during racing events. The Lighthouse Youth Center will be holding a luncheon for the Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association.
A performance by Audra McLaughlin, a contestant on season six of “The Voice,” is also scheduled to take place on a stage set up in the parking lot at the Miss Oxford Diner. The band Shot In The Dark will be performing on the porch of the Oxford Hotel, too.
There will be more food vendors than ever before. Local businesses like the Bog Turtle Brewery will be providing a taste of what Oxford has to offer.
Ogino said that planning such a large event takes a considerable amount of work, and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. and Oxford Borough officials have helped immensely. Much of the planning for this event falls to the Car Show Committee, which also includes Lisa Burns, Heidi Kern, and Oxford police officer Scott Brown, who oversees all the planning related to public safety. Jerome Rodio, a business owner and president of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, was also very involved in the planning this year before he passed away in July.
Ogino said that they rely heavily on the efforts of volunteers to make the event a possibility.
“On the day of the car show, we're going to have 50 or 60 volunteers who help to pull it off,” he explained.
To accommodate the day's activities, streets in town will start to be closed to traffic at 11 a.m. Owners who have entered their vehicles in the car show can begin parking them along Third Street at 2 p.m.
The planned street closures include the following:
~ Third Street from Summit Avenue to Chase Street;
~ Hodgson Street from Penn Avenue to Commerce Street;
~ Market Street from Fourth to Third Streets;
~ Lincoln Street from Fourth to Market Street (in front of Union Fire Company);
~ Pine Street from N Third Street to Maple Street;
~ Lancaster Avenue from Pine to Second Street;
~ Locust Street from Third Street to Second Street;
~ Penn Avenue will be one-way from Hodgson Street to East Locust Street (northbound)
Additional road closures and detours may become necessary, as determined by the Oxford Police Department. Ogino said that there will still be plenty of parking around the borough for both residents and visitors throughout the event.
He added that the success of the car show illustrates the vitality of Oxford's downtown.
“There are a lot of people who are really working hard for Oxford,” Ogino said. “I think the car show really showcases how great Oxford can be.” | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120847/excitement-builds-for-car-show-in-oxford | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/b79b0c97050f3b28b70e9d0541efc8a0dc4a37aed2551d5a7072ecbb920924b1.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:49:57 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Get ready for the Mushroom Festival, new technology welcomes county visitors, Octoraro Hotel and Tavern scheduled to re-open Nov. 18, and more | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2F120867%2Fchester-county-press-aug-31-issue.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/290507/gallery_CCP_20cover_20083116.jpg?1472654997 | en | null | Chester County Press Aug. 31 issue | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 08/31/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Pajama Storytime 08/31/2016 06:30PM — 07:30PM Wednesdays at 6:30 PM - Join us for an evening of stories, songs, crafts, and fun to end your day...
Pro-Act's Family Education Program 08/31/2016 07:00PM — 09:00PM When someone is addicted to drugs & alcohol, the diease affects the entire family. Each month PR...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/01/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
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Steamin' Days at Auburn Heights 09/04/2016 12:30PM — 04:30PM Join us on the first Sundays, June through November for Steamin’ Days at Auburn Heights, when the...
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Debtors Anonymous 09/05/2016 06:00PM — 07:00PM In D.A., our purpose is threefold: to stop incurring unsecured debt, to share our experience wit...
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Evenings at the Museum 09/06/2016 07:00PM — 08:30PM Join us to explore the museum behind-the-scenes and get up close and personal with our historic c...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/07/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Pro-Act's Family Education Program 09/07/2016 07:00PM — 09:00PM When someone is addicted to drugs & alcohol, the diease affects the entire family. Each month PR...
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Clutterers Anonymous 09/08/2016 06:00PM — 07:00PM Clutterers Anonymous℠ (CLA℠) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strengt...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/09/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Plant Disease Management 09/09/2016 10:00AM — 02:30PM Gardening with nature requires knowledge of the various pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses t...
Parent's Night Out: Water Wise 09/09/2016 06:30PM — 08:30PM Enjoy an evening on Wilmington's Riverfront while the children have tons of fun at the DuPont Env...
Performance: Hay Fever 09/09/2016 08:00PM Four unsuspecting guests of the Bliss family discover that a weekend in the idyllic English count...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/10/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Milburn’s U-Pick Apple Adventures! 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 05:00PM This unique Adventure begins on Labor Day Weekend, and runs every Sat & Sun through the end of Oc...
51st Annual Chadds Ford Days 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM The 51st Annual Chadds Ford Days celebrates the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on Septe...
51st Annual Chadds Ford Days 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM The 51st Annual Chadds Ford Days celebrates the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on Septe...
51st Annual Chadds Ford Days 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM The 51st Annual Chadds Ford Days celebrates the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on Septe...
Propagating Native Ferns 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 12:30PM Discover how simple it is to grow ferns from spores. Steve Pyne, Greenhouse Assistant at Mt. Cuba...
Harvest Moon Festival 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 06:00PM Come spend the weekend enjoying nature and taking in great local art, music, and food. Local craf...
Barclay Friends 12th Annual Secret Gardens of West Chester Tour and Plant Sale 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 03:00PM Secret Gardens of West Chester is a walking tour of 10+ privately owned gardens located in the So...
Chadds Ford Days 09/10/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM Chadds Ford Days is a deep-rooted event originally started over 50 years ago to commemorate the B...
Insects: Hunters, Gatherers, and Grazers 09/10/2016 01:00PM — 03:00PM Take a closer look at the world of insects living in your garden. Learn to distinguish the ones t...
Performance: Hay Fever 09/10/2016 08:00PM Four unsuspecting guests of the Bliss family discover that a weekend in the idyllic English count...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/11/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Milburn’s U-Pick Apple Adventures! 09/11/2016 10:00AM — 05:00PM This unique Adventure begins on Labor Day Weekend, and runs every Sat & Sun through the end of Oc...
51st Annual Chadds Ford Days 09/11/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM The 51st Annual Chadds Ford Days celebrates the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on Septe...
51st Annual Chadds Ford Days 09/11/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM The 51st Annual Chadds Ford Days celebrates the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on Septe...
51st Annual Chadds Ford Days 09/11/2016 10:00AM — 07:00PM The 51st Annual Chadds Ford Days celebrates the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on Septe...
Chadds Ford Days 09/11/2016 10:00AM — 05:00PM Chadds Ford Days is a deep-rooted event originally started over 50 years ago to commemorate the B...
Taste Kennett Food Tours 09/11/2016 01:00PM — 04:00PM Taste Kennett Food Tours, creators of memorable, unique and fun food experiences, offer three-hou...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/12/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Debtors Anonymous 09/12/2016 06:00PM — 07:00PM In D.A., our purpose is threefold: to stop incurring unsecured debt, to share our experience wit...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/13/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Living History - Fair Hill 09/13/2016 06:00PM — 07:30PM The Fair Hill of yesteryear comes alive through the stories of its residents from the early 1700s...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/14/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Native Plants of Fall 09/14/2016 10:00AM — 12:00PM As the days get cooler and nights grow longer, attractive fall plants offer captivating flowers, ...
Antique Car Cruise and Drive-in Pit Stop 09/14/2016 01:00PM — 03:00PM Join Brandywine Senior Living at Longwood for an Antique Car Show with cars from Chester County A...
Pro-Act's Family Education Program 09/14/2016 07:00PM — 09:00PM When someone is addicted to drugs & alcohol, the diease affects the entire family. Each month PR...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/15/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Clutterers Anonymous 09/15/2016 06:00PM — 07:00PM Clutterers Anonymous℠ (CLA℠) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strengt...
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Tavern Talks: Creating the Perfect (Colonial) Selfie 09/15/2016 07:00PM — 09:00PM Today selfies may be all the rage, but in the 18th century portraits were the ultimate one! On Se...
Tavern Talks: Creating the Perfect (Colonial) Selfie 09/15/2016 07:00PM — 09:00PM Today selfies may be all the rage, but in the 18th century portraits were the ultimate one! On Se...
Tavern Talks: Creating the Perfect (Colonial) Selfie 09/15/2016 07:00PM — 09:00PM Today selfies may be all the rage, but in the 18th century portraits were the ultimate one! On Se...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/16/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Elkton Fall Fest 09/16/2016 05:00PM The Fall Fest weekend will be filled with a variety of food, crafts, games, and entertainment for...
Performance: Hay Fever 09/16/2016 08:00PM Four unsuspecting guests of the Bliss family discover that a weekend in the idyllic English count...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/17/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Elkton Fall Fest 09/17/2016 08:30AM The Fall Fest weekend will be filled with a variety of food, crafts, games, and entertainment for...
Walk for Life! 09/17/2016 09:00AM — 12:30PM Join us for a day at the park at our 2.5 mile Walk for Life. Bring the whole family and spend som...
Milburn’s U-Pick Apple Adventures! 09/17/2016 10:00AM — 05:00PM This unique Adventure begins on Labor Day Weekend, and runs every Sat & Sun through the end of Oc...
Milburn’s Grandparent’s Weekend! 09/17/2016 10:00AM — 04:00PM INCLUDED WITH BASIC ADMISSION: Hayrides Corn Maze (Bigger maze for bigger kids & adults) Bo...
Rejuvenate Your Garden 09/17/2016 11:00AM — 12:30PM Early fall is a great time to take stock of your yard and make changes for next spring. Look for ...
Performance: Hay Fever 09/17/2016 08:00PM Four unsuspecting guests of the Bliss family discover that a weekend in the idyllic English count...
Comedy Explosion@ Thorndale Inn 09/17/2016 08:00PM — 11:00PM Join us for comedy explosion on Saturday Sept 17, 2016 9pm@ Thorndale Inn 430 Bondsville Rd Downi...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/18/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Milburn’s U-Pick Apple Adventures! 09/18/2016 10:00AM — 05:00PM This unique Adventure begins on Labor Day Weekend, and runs every Sat & Sun through the end of Oc...
Milburn’s Grandparent’s Weekend! 09/18/2016 10:00AM — 04:00PM INCLUDED WITH BASIC ADMISSION: Hayrides Corn Maze (Bigger maze for bigger kids & adults) Bo...
Canoeing The Christina River And Marshes 09/18/2016 12:30PM — 03:30PM Explore the Christina River and its marshes. Watch for herons, ducks, beavers and more in the fre...
Taste Kennett Food Tours 09/18/2016 01:00PM — 04:00PM Taste Kennett Food Tours, creators of memorable, unique and fun food experiences, offer three-hou...
Performance: Hay Fever 09/18/2016 02:00PM Four unsuspecting guests of the Bliss family discover that a weekend in the idyllic English count...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/19/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Debtors Anonymous 09/19/2016 06:00PM — 07:00PM In D.A., our purpose is threefold: to stop incurring unsecured debt, to share our experience wit...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/20/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Green By Nature: Darting Dragonflies 09/20/2016 09:30AM — 11:00AM Join us on an easy walk around our boardwalk. Catch dragonflies with a net and bring them inside ...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/21/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ... | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/31/120867/chester-county-press-aug-31-issue | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/aff003b16f69e994fdd4df82bb651445eddd3196ee44c4efbff2ac91e25a828f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:51 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Kennett Square's Monty Wiradilaga is bringing the energy and enthusiasm of his alter ego to this year's Mushroom Festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2F120069%2Fall-aboard-the-moe-train.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/287456/gallery_moe_20train_201.JPG?1472216031 | en | null | All aboard The Moe Train | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | All aboard The Moe Train
08/23/2016 09:54AM, Published by Richard Gaw, Categories: Business, Home+Garden, News, Arts+Entertainment, Today
By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer
Imagine, if you can, what it must feel like to be moments away from emerging from the darkened tunnels of a massive indoor sports arena, where the only light you see is out there – in the bursting spectacle that you are about to be a part of.
In the dark, you hear them, the more than twenty thousand people who have come to see the big event, and they are drowning out whatever is left of the voice in your head that tells you that this is what an athlete must feel, or a rock star, who stand momentarily in the catacombs of silence, before the bell rings or the buzzer sounds or the first note is struck.
About the only thing you can feel inside your body are your nerves and your heart, and they are both competing to see which of the two will be the first to burst out of you. An usher comes up and asks if you are ready. You nod, the curtain is drawn back, and you enter a place generally reserved for very few, and the noise you hear is like thunder and ocean waves, and you disappear into it. On the early morning hours of Jan. 31, 2014 -- and again the following year -- Monty “Moe Train” Wiradilaga of Kennett Square entered into an avalanche of lights and sound at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to compete in Wing Bowl 22 and 23, the annual tribute to gastronomy and debauchery that pits competitive eaters in a contest to see who can consume the most chicken wings. Wiradilaga, adorned in a handsome black suit, sugar skull makeup, and his signature red bandanna, stood atop a float that served as a facsimile of a train. The next year, he entered the arena on a float that was a tribute to Mardi Gras.
After a successful debut in Wing Bowl 22, Wiradilaga made it into the second round of competition by consuming 108 wings in the first round and 72 in the second, and finished in 8th place, overall. If his first appearance at Wing Bowl served as the introduction of the Moe Train, then his second cemented his place as one of the event's most recognizable personalities.
“It was an incredible experience, an amazing party atmosphere that's absolutely insane,” said Wiradilaga, “I've always likened Wing Bowl to Wrestlemania. When you roll into the arena and see twenty thousand people screaming 'Moe Train!' it was like a light switch had just clicked on. It's pure madness, and it's all happening at six o'clock in the morning.”
It's the same kind of energy that Wiradilaga will bring to this year's Mushroom Festival, where he will serve as the master of ceremonies at the festival's fried mushroom eating contest. This year's event will no doubt resemble that of previous contests, but with a kicked-up sense of showmanship that Wiradilaga has become known for, beginning with the fact that he will be in full Moe Train regalia.
"I will intentionally turn on the intensity and really play up the crowd -- to get people on the Moe Train," he said. "When I put the make-up on and go into character, it's almost like I embody the persona that's a combination of The Ultimate Warrior and The Rock.
"The fried mushroom eating contest is definitely a highlight of the festival, and when the organizing committee asked me my interest in serving as MC of the contest, they asked me if I had any worries about being able to do this. I told them that if I can get in front of twenty thousand people atop an eight-foot float and play to the entire crowd like it was nothing, I know I can do this."
In addition to the Moe Train persona, Wiradilaga will infuse a few other new things to the contest. Through his contacts in the competitive eating field, he has recruited a number of professional eaters in the Pennsylvania-Delaware-Maryland-Virginia area to compete, which adds a lot of local flavor to the event. By August, he was already on pace to break the record of eaters, and increased the prize money for the top three finishers, as well as included bonus awards for those in the local eating category. Wiradilaga has been working not only with the festival committee but with Buona Mushrooms in Landenberg, who will donate their delicious fried mushrooms for the contest.
Every year, the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival serves as a love letter to the local mushroom industry, as well as to the people who call Chester County home, so it is only right that Wiradilaga take on the role of hosting one of the festival's showcase events. A father of three, Wiradilaga grew up in Kennett Square, where as a young boy, he realized that he had a love for performing in front of people. He was in the school play, he practiced his Michael Jackson dance moves, and he excelled at baseball. By the time he entered West Chester University, he was a Major League prospect, and although an arm injury curtailed his pitching career, he was the lead singer in a punk-reggae band.
Being in the band and performing after giving up baseball was not a step down but a climb back up -- energy, simply transferred, and achieved before an audience. After graduating, Wiradilaga created Moe Train's Tracks, a Podcast music show that regularly drew thousands of listeners per month, and regularly had a quarter of a million listeners on iTunes. As part of the broadcast, he would travel to major music festivals like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Rothbury and Mayhem Fest, and interview the likes of Chuck D from Public Enemy, Ziggy Marley, Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
"Throughout my life, I have chosen to go huge or just don't do it," he said. "When I started the Podcast, I quickly found that people really enjoyed my shows, telling stories and talking about music and entertainment. I wanted to show my viewers what these entertainers are really like, when it's more than just question after question. It was there that I learned the art of conversation."
Wiradilaga has brought the skills of conversation back home. He's hosting “Moe Train Eats: Kennett Square” a three-episode video series that will be broadcast on Podcast, Youtube and social media, begining in the fall. The show, produced by MAKE Productions in Wilmington, will capture Wiradilaga as he explores the food, fun and nightlife throughout Kennett Square.
In each hour-long episode, the team will visit five locations, and so far, the roster of the places he will visit reads like a who's who of Kennett Square must-sees: Kennett Design, The Creamery, the Kennett Brewing Company, the Half Moon Restaurant & Saloon and La Michoacana.
The second episode in the "Moe Train Eats” series will take Wiradilaga to the Victory Brewing Company, the Galer Estate and Winery, the Summer Concert Series in Anson B. Nixon Park and other locations. The third episode will showcase the 2016 Mushroom Festival.
For those who attend this year's fried mushroom eating contest, they will not only get to see Moe Train in action, but a long-time friend of Kennett Square.
"My vision is to bring an electric atmosphere to the festival, an energy level that will give more to the community than just an hour of entertainment," Wiradilaga said. "I want the crowd to come to the event knowing that they're not just getting a great show, but something they will walk away from talking about for the next year."
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/23/120069/all-aboard-the-moe-train | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/c268c3dd2666589776a5815515e842e9040ef66bf481485f3b16a8153654ddd3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:46 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Thousands flock to New Garden Flying Field to see flight demonstrations and antique cars | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2F120071%2Ffestival-of-flight-has-thrills-in-the-air-and-on-the-ground.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/287458/gallery_air_2010.jpg?1472215846 | en | null | Festival of Flight has thrills in the air and on the ground | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 08/26/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 08/27/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
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Evenings at the Museum 09/06/2016 07:00PM — 08:30PM Join us to explore the museum behind-the-scenes and get up close and personal with our historic c...
Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 09/07/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
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Elkton Fall Fest 09/16/2016 05:00PM The Fall Fest weekend will be filled with a variety of food, crafts, games, and entertainment for... | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/23/120071/festival-of-flight-has-thrills-in-the-air-and-on-the-ground | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/6c992dbe6c1005a655095597027fab6d6c87a69f066f67fef482b9efe991c6a6.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:49:13 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | The Mushroom Festival gained a national reputation as one of the best food festivals in the U.S. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2F120687%2Fthe-31st-annual-mushroom-festival-theres-a-little-bit-of-new-mixed-with-some-old-favorites.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/289308/gallery_street_20fair.jpg?1472496553 | en | null | The 31st Annual Mushroom Festival: There's a little bit of new mixed with some old favorites | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/29/2016 02:01PM, Published by Randy, Categories: In Print, Business, Home+Garden, Opinion, News, Sports, Schools, Arts+Entertainment, Today
Guests stroll down State Street and linking side streets to what the nearly 250 vendors are offering.
CLICK HERE OR SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW THE 2016 MUSHROOM FESTIVAL & VISITORS GUIDE
The Mushroom Festival gained a national reputation as one of the best food festivals in the U.S. It achieved this status over its 31-year history by building on tradition, changing with the times, and always finding new ways to celebrate the mushroom in Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World. This year is no exception. Many of the traditional events associated with this annual fungi celebration return for another year with a couple of tweaks that may make them even more interesting.
Kennett Square native and professional eater, Monty Wiradilaga, Jr., (a.k.a. Moe Train) is organizing this year's National Fried Mushroom Eating Championship, one of the newer and most popular events of the Mushroom Festival. He's encouraging his pro-eating friends to take a stab at the world record of devouring 11.5 pounds of mushrooms in eight minutes, while at the same time encouraging all residents within a 15-mile radius of Kennett Square to compete for a new local champion title. Come cheer all the contestants in the Special Events Tent on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. Want to be a last-minute contestant? Come to the Special Events Tent between 1 and 2 p.m. to see if any slots are available.
The first event of the Mushroom Festival, the Amateur Mushroom Cook-Off is now a qualifying event of the World Food Championship. The winner of the Mushroom Festival's cook-off will win a golden ticket to compete against 400 other competitive cooks at the World Food Championship this November in Orange Beach, Alabama. They will have the opportunity to win additional cash prizes, including the $100,000 grand prize. The theme for the Recipe Division of the World Food Championship and the Amateur Mushroom Cook-Off is “Breakfast.” The six finalists will start cooking at 10:30 a.m. Judging is at 11:30 a.m., shortly after that the winner will be announced. All are invited to cheer the contestants on as they create such dishes as Mushroom Stuffed Omelet Waffles with Cheesy Mushroom Drizzle, Sunnyside of ‘Shrooms, and Mushroom Biscuit Egg Sandwich with Mushroom Ragu.
Over at the Antique and Classic Car Show, they are expecting some spectacular cars spanning the last 100 years. Stroll along Broad Street and chat with proud car owners about their unique vehicles—everything from old delivery vans, to hot rods, to beautifully restored classic cars. New this year, the Antique and Classic Car Show is featuring two car clubs. Since Festival Saturday is also the start of Drive Electric Week, members of the MD Volt and the Eastern Electric Vehicle Club will show their electric rides together on the second block of the Show. It will be a great opportunity to talk with these drivers of electric cars about their modern day experiences. Also on display with the electric cars will be a restored 1916 Rausch and Lang electric car from the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights, in Yorklyn, Delaware. The Antique and Classic Car Show is only on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located on Broad Street from E. Cypress to Mulberry Street.
Extend your stay in Kennett Square on Saturday with the Saturday Evening Concert in the Special Events Tent. This year's concert features two well-known regional artists: Christine Havrilla, of Philadelphia, and Mason Porter, of West Chester. Christine is known for her unique musical style, a blend of folk, rock and country, as she tours the country as a solo act or with her band, Gypsy Fuzz. She'll take the stage solo for the Mushroom Festival's concert and present a combination of new and classic songs. Mason Porter's high energy bluegrass-country-rock sound will lift your spirits and keep your toes tapping for the second half of the evening. Discounted advanced sale tickets are available from the Mushroom Festival's website (mushroomfestival.org) and includes a coupon for a free admission wristband. Come early, enjoy the Festival and stay for the show. Gates open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Make sure to visit the Cute-As-A-Button (mushroom) Baby Photo Contest this year. This annual lighthearted competition is to crown 2016's “Cutest Button” (6 to 15 months old), “Cutest Crimini” (15 months to 24 months) and “Cutest Portabella” (24 months to 36 months). Each contestant/photograph has a donation jar where the public “votes” with their pocket change. The photograph that collects the most money is named this year's “Cutest.” New this year, all donations will go to the A. I. DuPont Children's Hospital through WSTW's “Help Our Kids” radiothon. Stop by with some pocket change, vote for your favorites and help the children at A. I. DuPont at the same time.
New this year at the Mushroom Run and Fun Gus Walk, electronic timing chips. For all the serious runners, this annual event is stepping up its game with more accurate and instant results. Runners of the 5K course know the course is a little more challenging than it looks as the course starts on a slight downhill course along the Red Clay Creek. The slight uphill return is a good workout to start Festival Sunday. There's a good chance the Festival's mascot, Fun Gus, will make an appearance to start his Festival Sunday with the walkers. Registration opens in front of Kennett High School at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. The race kicks-off promptly at 8:30 a.m. for the 5K and 8:35 a.m. for the 2-mile walk.
Children's Entertainment continues to add new activities for all to enjoy. This year StiltGirl (Samantha Hyman) will be in the center of town from 1 to 3 p.m. to meet and greet all guests. Miss Denise, the Happy Clown will return to the children's rides area to make balloon sculptures for the younger crowd. Entertainment on the children's stage includes the return of festival favorites, Dan and Galla, Josh Horton, and Larry Denberg (Check out the full schedule in the center of this guide).
The Culinary Tent has a great schedule of chefs. Saturday features Jen Daskevich, World Food Champion & Founder of Sandwich America, Christina Verelli, local competitive cook, food blogger, and on air guest for KitchenAid on QVC and MacGregor Mann, head chef and owner of Junto, Chadds Ford. Sunday brings Jen Daskevich back, with Robbie Jester, the head chef Stone Balloon Ale House in Newark, Del., John Moeller, former White House Executive Chef, now cookbook author and owner of State of Affairs Catering and Natalie Jenks, local caterer and owner of Natalie’s Fine Foods food truck.
As you cruise along the Street Fair, which will be filled with nearly 250 vendors, take a few minutes to stop by the rest of the Festival's featured events. Check out the creativity of local artists at the Painted Mushroom Silent Auction; there's even a People's Choice contest for you to vote for your favorite painted mushroom. Rest your feet a while and listen to some great local music at the Community Stage on Lafayette Street. Another great place to take a break is at the Masonic Lodge and have a cup of traditional mushroom soup, based on an old family recipe from one of the area's growers. Sunday, the Soup and Wine Event returns to the Special Events Tent with mushroom soup tastings from many local restaurants and wine tastings from the region's wineries.
Other mushroom-related fun includes the Growers' Exhibit. It is the best way to learn about how mushrooms grow from the area's mushroom growers. Be sure to stop by a Mushroom Sales Tent to place your order for fresh mushrooms to take home. They'll stay fresh in refrigerated trucks until you are ready to leave. Another great place to get fresh mushrooms is at Mushroom Judging event on Sunday. Once the mushrooms ribbons are awarded, the mushrooms are sold. Be there between 1 and 1:30 p.m. to snatch up some prize-winning mushrooms.
Together, all the events whether the same as previous years or tweaked a little for something new gives everyone – young and old – a great way to celebrate the delicious varieties of commercial mushrooms grown in Southern Chester County.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW THE 2016 MUSHROOM FESTIVAL & VISITORS GUIDE | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/29/120687/the-31st-annual-mushroom-festival-theres-a-little-bit-of-new-mixed-with-some-old-favorites | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/7e4b047c7973842efd835396b2b35219a7af9997e693a9daec237ed007a17413.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:45 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | Early plans announced for Islamic cemetery, a new leader in East Marlborough, pipeline work begins in Franklin Township, Oxford seeks funding for parking garage, and more. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2F120070%2Fchester-county-press-aug-24-edition.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/287957/gallery_CCP_20cover_20082416.jpg?1472216145 | en | null | Chester County Press Aug. 24 edition | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Wine Club 08/26/2016 12:00AM The Galer Estate family invites you to join our Wine Club, a community of members who enjoy fine ...
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Elkton Fall Fest 09/16/2016 05:00PM The Fall Fest weekend will be filled with a variety of food, crafts, games, and entertainment for... | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/24/120070/chester-county-press-aug-24-edition | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/3f7734b1a90880a8edbad6bd4582d179e88509ee33e9bee8a6df697971c8f4f9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:21 | null | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | In the welcoming spirit of the Arts Alliance, everybody gets a spotlight. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F22%2F119992%2Fmembers-exhibit-at-the-oxford-arts-alliance.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/286813/gallery_nightscape.JPG?1472215941 | en | null | Members exhibit at the Oxford Arts Alliance | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/22/2016 10:49AM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: News, Arts+Entertainment, Today
'Nightscape' (detail) by Jennifer Lex Wojnar.
Gallery: Oxford Members Show [8 Images] Click any image to expand.
By John Chambless
Staff Writer
You'll get a wide-reaching introduction to members of the Oxford Arts Alliance and Artist Connection at the Members' Show that opened last weekend at the Arts Alliance. The work ranges from first-time exhibitors to work by established, professional artists. In the welcoming spirit of the Arts Alliance, everybody gets a spotlight.
Martin May's pen-and-ink works are very well done. His huge “Red Rose Inn” captures the landmark in its modern heyday, with all of its additions in place. He also gets a nice texture of fish skin and lily pads in “Double Trouble.”
There's a table full of imaginative jewelry by Cheryl Gross using vintage parts combined in new ways, and Ki Crittenden's masterful painted and pierced ceramic vessel lights are wonderful, as always.
Reenie Chase's oil of overlapping sheep, “Traffic Jam,” is warm-toned and cute. Karen Delaney's steel sculpture, “Cool Edge Tower,” is an intriguing, weathered-looking piece that manages to combine the look of a cliff face and industrial ruins.
Kyle Whary's “Enchanted Evening” makes the most of a Dom Perignon bottle and glasses full of champagne on a monumental scale. Jennifer Lex Wojnar shows two fine acrylics on wood panels -- “Nightscape” is a shadowy, emerald green tree, field and mountains; and “Autumn Joy Sedum” is a ruddy, energetic abstract. Both are distinctive and well crafted.
Paula Graham's acrylic of sea life in an indigo ocean, “Deep Sea Diva,” is fun; and Lele Galer shows one of her bristling steel sculptures, “Key To My Heart,” that makes evocative use of its jagged steel.
There's a large charcoal drawing by John Sauers, titled “Nocturne,” that suggests all sorts of romantic scenarios with admirable subtlety. It has a timeless quality that's very interesting.
The exhibit continues through Sept. 9, so stop in and see the breadth of creativity in the region's artists. It's a great way to kick off the fall art season.
The Members' Show continues through Sept. 9 at the Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford). Hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.OxfordArt.org for more information.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/22/119992/members-exhibit-at-the-oxford-arts-alliance | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/f1dfa8544400d1a82b6088fa2a65d325b7cef04b0f567c2684c1edf29c0fdcb6.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:49:32 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Obituaries for: Anderson, Barlow, Prince, Moore, Dahl, Woodworth, Simpson | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2F120810%2Fobituaries-for-the-week-of-aug-29.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/289926/gallery_ObituariesGraphic.jpg?1472568572 | en | null | Obituaries for the week of Aug. 29 | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/30/2016 08:50AM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: News, Today
DANIEL J. ANDERSON
Daniel Jon Anderson, 46, passed very suddenly on Aug. 11 at his home from natural causes related to heart issues combined with diabetes.
He was the son of Jon Farra Anderson and Gloria Allendorfer Anderson. He was born in West Grove and lived most of his life in the Oxford area. Daniel was a free spirit and a compassionate person in his final years. He had become devoted to animal rescue (especially cats and kittens), was a NASCAR fan, and had been an excellent mechanic, auto body repairman, and auto refinisher prior to his illness. He was also a caring, patient, generous, and loving son.
Dan is sorely missed by his parents, who are also residents of the Oxford area; his children, Daniel Jr., Joanne Pucinello and family, Annemarie Anderson, Rebecca Anderson, and Richard Anderson. He had four grandchildren. Also surviving are Dan’s brother and sister, Kevin Anderson and Krista Anderson Callear.
Services were omitted at the request of the deceased. Online condolences can be made at www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.
ARCHIE BARLOW III
Archie Allen Barlow III, 37, of Coatesville, passed away on Aug. 22.
He was the husband of Jennifer Daley Barlow. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Archie Allen Barlow, Jr., and Linda Riggins. Archie was employed with R. Smith Paving, where he was a supervisor. They were like his extended family. He loved his wife and children and was a good father. He loved to take his kids fishing and enjoyed landscaping. Archie was always willing to help anyone he came in contact with. He was a hard-working man.
He is survived by his wife; parents; two sons, Archie Allen Barlow IV and Dalton Michael Barlow; one daughter, Alyssa Lee Barlow; brother, Lawrence Daniel Barlow; sister, Ashley Ann Kiraly; and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Aug. 27. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
MARY JANICE PRINCE
Mary Janice Prince, 70, of Airville, Pa., died on Aug. 22 at Hospice and Community Care in Mt. Joy, Pa.
She was the wife of the late George Lusby and the late Thomas Prince. Born in 1946 in West Chester, Janice was a daughter of the late Mary Blanche Steel and worked for many years as a service manager for ServiceMark Heating and Air Conditioning. She was a member of New Covenant Community Church of Delta, Pa., and enjoyed attending activities at the Delta Senior Center. Janice loved her dog Jebediah, writing, poetry, and playing rummy with Brenda at the cabin.
She is survived by two children, Brenda M. Rinard and her husband Samuel of Airville, and George John Lusby Jr. and his wife Karen of Nottingham; two sisters, Marcia Haldaway of Nottingham, and Dorothy Miller Taylor of West Grove; a brother, Larry Lewis of Delaware; six grandchildren, Bridget Berg, Michael Van Ess, Brian Lusby, Lauren Lusby, Amy Gallagher, and Alan Jones; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Rebecca Jean Lusby, formerly of Nottingham.
A memorial service will be held Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. at New Covenant Community Church (284 Slab Rd., Delta, Pa.). In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Delta Senior Center, 5 Pendyrus Street, Delta, PA 17314. To light a memorial candle or to send condolences, visit www.harkinsfuneralhome.com.
WAYNE G. MOORE
Wayne G. Moore, 68, of Kennett Square, died on Aug. 25 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a battle with male breast cancer.
He was the husband of Paula Maxwell, with whom he shared 15 years of marriage; and the late Kathleen Moore, who died in July of 1998. Born in DuBois, Pa., he was a son of the late Wayne and the late Margaret (Verbeke) Moore. Wayne was a two-year Vietnam War era Army veteran, serving as an artilleryman. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 1974. He was a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Public Accountant. He spent most of his career directing the global internal audit activities at E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (including Conoco and Consolidation Coal) after a stint in public accounting with Arthur Young & Company. He has been involved with Institute of Internal Auditor (IIA) committees and boards at the international level for over 35 years. Wayne was an avid hunter, golfer, and brought so much joy to all the lives he touched. He was a dedicated member of the Kennett Square Golf & Country Club. He chaired the Audit and Finance Committees and was president of the Board of Governors in 2015 and 2016. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his first wife, Wayne was predeceased by his granddaughter, Paige Moore. In addition to his wife Paula, Wayne is survived by his children, Stephanie and husband Stuart, Eric and wife Janice, and Melanie; his stepdaughters Perri and Danae; one brother, Greg; two sisters, Debbie and Marilyn; four grandchildren, Jacob, Josh, Riley and Logan; and so many family and friends.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31, and 9:30 to 10:30a.m. Sept. 1, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Catholic Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or pledge support to Wayne’s Warriors at http://tinyurl.com/hox4frk. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.
JAMES M. DAHL
James MacNeil Dahl, Ph.D., died on Aug. 24 at his home in Denver, Pa., a few months shy of his 80th birthday.
He was the beloved husband of Judith A. Nichol. Jim was born in Detroit. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science in engineering (1959), master of science in engineering (1961) and Ph.D. (1961), all in metallurgical engineering. He also attended the United States Military Academy (class of 1959). He later earned an MBA in marketing from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. (1978). In the course of his career, he worked for Fairchild Semiconductor (later Intel Corporation); Climax Molybdenum of Michigan; Varian Specialty Metals of Ohio; Amax Nickel of Connecticut; and lastly Carpenter Specialty Alloys in Reading, Pa. He was particularly proud of helping to promote Carpenter specialty steels and alloys to the aerospace industry.
He was active in community planning in Ann Arbor, and served on the boards of directors of the Adamstown Area Library and the Reading Symphony Orchestra. He thoroughly enjoyed travel, visiting Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East and all but two of the 50 states. His other passion was classical music, particularly orchestral and choral pieces. Through the years, Jim accumulated a collection of antique maps that he donated to the Stephen S. Clark Library at his alma mater, the University of Michigan, in 2012. Jim enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors and worked hard to make each of his several homes a showplace, paying attention to the lawns, shrubs and trees.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Catherine E. Nonnenmacher (and husband Paul Nonnenmacher) of Newtown, Conn., and Laura Jean Dahl (and husband Peter Wolters) of Concord, Calif.; and grandchildren Nicole Dahl Nonnenmacher, Joshua Dahl Wolters, Nathanael Saul Wolters and Lillian Ruth Wolters. He is also survived by a sister, Janice Brigham; the mother of his children, Sylvia (Mayers) Dahl; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Loren and Ruth (Crossan) Dahl, and sister, Catherine. Jim will also be missed by his feline companions, Sandy and Teager.
Jim’s family will always appreciate the care and support he received from Dr. J. Marc Aynardi and his staff, and Compassionate Care Hospice of Lancaster County. In lieu of flowers, make a contribution in Jim’s name to either the Adamstown Area Library, 3000 North Reading Road, Adamstown, PA 19501; or the Reading Symphony Orchestra, 147 North 5th Street, Suite 4, Reading, PA 19601-3494. Calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Sept. 4 at the Bean Funeral Home (3825 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, Pa.), followed by a celebration of his life. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.
DOUGLAS H. WOODWORTH
Douglas H. Woodworth, 99, of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 28 with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.
Born in Berwick, Nova Scotia, he was a son of the late Bruce E. and Bertha Wagner Woodworth . He played many types of sports, but his special love was baseball. He played for the Oxford Midgets and several other teams for many years. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II in North Africa and Italy. He and his beloved wife, Ruth, shared 70 years of marriage before she passed away in 2013. Doug graduated in 1950 from Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. He owned and operated the Woodworth Funeral Home from his home on Market Street, and also was the manager of the National 5 & 10 in Oxford. fter retirement, Doug's passion was gardening. He loved all flowers, but above all roses and dahlias. His spectacular yard full of floral delights (over 150 rosebushes and hundreds of dahlias) were the talk of the town, as were his annual displays of Christmas lights. He won several town awards for his Christmas displays.
He is survived by his loving daughter Cathy and son-in-law, David Sylvester, of Newark, Del.; as well as his granddaughter, Jaclyn Baker (Shanon); and three great-grandchildren, Jett, Aurora, and Hawk, of Savannah, Ga.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at the Edward L. Collins Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St.,Oxford), where friends and family may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
JEREMIAH D. SIMPSON
Jeremiah Darnell Simpson, infant, passed away on Aug. 22 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.
He is survived by his parents, Larry Simpson Jr. and Angel Vega of Oxford; sister, Anya Simpson; maternal grandparents, Faith Vega of West Grove and Eugene Vega of Avondale; paternal grandfather, Larry Simpson Sr. of South Carolina; and maternal great-grandparents, Conley and Barb Doss of West Grove and Gloria Santos of Avondale. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Jackie Carey.
A memorial service was held Aug. 27. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/30/120810/obituaries-for-the-week-of-aug-29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/b477b932fd136ab1e299687257d59855d5d277d522bff21a6ebe03d9b6e84929.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:49:12 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau unveils new touch-screen table in historic Kennett Square headquarters | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chestercounty.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2F120701%2Fwelcoming-visitors-with-cutting-edge-technology.json | http://locable-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/file/289656/gallery_display.JPG?1472503752 | en | null | Welcoming visitors with cutting-edge technology | null | null | www.chestercounty.com | 08/29/2016 02:45PM, Published by J. Chambless, Categories: Business, News
The 'bridge' video screens resemble a covered bridge.
Gallery: Tourist Information Center [4 Images] Click any image to expand.
By John Chambless
Staff Writer
The past has met the future at the headquarters of the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau.
The Tourist Information Center, housed in a historic meetinghouse that dates back to before the Civil War, now has a video display table that boasts the best 21st-century technology. At a ribbon cutting on the morning of Aug. 29, local officials and members of the bureau unveiled a touch-screen table that will allow visitors to scroll through everything the Brandywine Valley has to offer, calling up photos, videos and audio which spotlight the region's history, attractions and accommodations like never before.
“We are the official destination marketing organization for the county,” said Susan Hamley, the executive director of the Conference and Visitors Bureau. “Our job is to generate overnight stays. So we do that through commercials, print, billboards, social media, and special events. Once people come here, we want them to start their journey here. We know that 83 percent of our current visitors are day trippers, so we want to change that number and have them stay longer.”
The former layout of the visitors center had people enter the front door and feel like they were in someone's office – which, in a way, they were. Jan Reeps, the manager of guest and partner services, had a desk in the first room on the left, with the tourist brochures, so visitors never quite knew how to approach the information.
Now, there is a high counter in the room on the left, with a desktop computer and chair that welcomes visitors to explore listings of restaurants, attractions, museums and gardens on the bureau's website, or to pick up one of dozens of brochures displayed in the room. And there's always Reeps herself, who can answer questions or guide people to what they're interested in. But in the room to the right of the front door is the big innovation.
The double-sided video “bridge,” as it's being called, is the size of a large conference table, but it has a touch-screen panel that can be manipulated to access information on everything a visitor could want to know. Set up like a computer screen, the panel links to the Conference and Visitors Bureau website as well as a vast amount of other information, videos and sound clips.
Reeps explained, “before, visitors averaged two to five minutes” inside the visitors center. “Now, with this board, they feel more comfortable, and people are staying here 15 to 45 minutes. It's one thing for us to say, 'There's so much to do in the county' and give them brochures. But by letting them get hands-on, in the last two weeks, people have been leaving here saying, 'We're coming back. We're spending the weekend.' So already it has been extremely successful.”
Scott Sharadin, the creative director at Miller Designworks of Phoenixville, explained how his team created the new visitor experience.
“There's three pieces of technology going on,” Sharadin said. “One is a web kiosk that links to the website, but also engages the visitor to place a marker of where they're coming from, so we can get a record of that, and people can see that people are coming from all over. For the next part, we wanted to make things available that are happening weekly or daily, so we created a digital sign system that can be updated. The final piece is the table. It's a multi-touch table that's constructed like covered bridge.”
The support for the video screens is constructed from reclaimed lumber, and the peak of the two screens gives the structure the look of a covered bridge. What makes the device unique in the world is a motor that can lower the two video panels and convert them into a flat conference table when people want to have meetings. “It was a tricky piece of engineering, and we're very excited about it,” Sharadin said.
The touch screen “tells the story of Chester County in six parts,” he said. “Some goes very deep, some is just an overview. And all of it is intended to engage the user and to get them to ask questions. It's a jumping-off point for exploring the county.”
There are screens that give a 360-degree view of downtown Kennett Square, for instance, and another that rotates a 3-D model of a covered bridge so visitors can appreciate how they're built. Essentially, the new “bridge” takes what a top-end computer does and gives it a wow factor.
Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell cut the ribbon for the new addition, and said, “This is an example of government using technology to its best advantage. This makes the experience of Chester County come to life. That reality will have an impact on visitors. Of course, once they discover how much we have to offer, they want to move here,” he added, smiling. “That accounts for why we're the fastest-growing community in the Commonwealth. We are thrilled to welcome this partnership between technology and the Conference and Visitors Bureau.”
The Tourist Information Center is at 300 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square, near the entrance to Longwood Gardens. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.BrandywineValley.com.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com. | http://www.chestercounty.com/2016/08/29/120701/welcoming-visitors-with-cutting-edge-technology | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.chestercounty.com/3ad4eeb401a7d5da44aca0e8ef9465dd5c14d33ed84cc5ca9e72dc015cb41aec.json |
[
"Hannah Saunders",
"Special To The Gateway"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:37 | null | 2016-08-25T14:50:00 | The Swainston Homestead is an outdoor preschool, more commonly known as a “forest school,” that will open Sept. 5. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle97903917.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/827qlx/picture97903912/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/hogs | en | null | ‘Forest school’ set to open at Lakebay homestead | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article97903917.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/09c9207140801bbd9dc33de64e80ab4de41f3023aef8319b6d48ef578b96b523.json |
[
"Alfred Gunn",
"Contributing Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:50 | null | 2016-08-25T14:14:00 | Some 20 Gig Harbor leaders from the seven congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently gathered to train and inspire 44 young men who are preparing to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world as missionaries. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle97888997.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/i07ytp/picture97888987/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/IMG_2243 | en | null | Faith: Gig Harbor youths gather in preparation for missionary service to the world | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article97888997.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/018a1c4eeed9ac2bb6f48dc7da36d005a7a81edb7c11c31f27869dfb8374d549.json |
[
"Hannah Saunders",
"Special To The Gateway"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:52 | null | 2016-08-17T15:28:00 | The idea for “Underwear Throughout the Ages,” on display at the Fox Island Historical Society Museum until Sept. 1, came about because of the great amount of clothing donations to the museum from individuals in the area over decades. Curators also thought it would be a neat exhibit with intricate articles of clothing to put on display. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle96272852.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/ox31yj/picture96272847/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/gw_fi_museum%20(2) | en | null | Revealing exhibit at Fox Island museum focuses on changes to undergarments | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article96272852.html | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/ac5d55772793fc0098483bff8d1b2217a86d20e1c6178a5f4a687a55a24a3f51.json |
[
"Hannah Saunders",
"Special To The Gateway"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:30 | null | 2016-08-25T12:02:00 | Roy Peratrovich Jr.’s children’s book, “Little Whale,” was recently published by the University of Alaska. Peratrovich Jr., a Gig Harbor resident, is of Tlingit descent. The Tlingit are an indigenous people of the southeastern part of Alaska. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle97845502.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/7o5lnq/picture97845497/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/gw_Senior_author_001 | en | null | Alaskan native, Gig Harbor resident writes children’s book on Tlingit people | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article97845502.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/5af4b55bcdbdb647d0842175ca2cc20c4de17c444e47332f5f1f178e33c7c6a4.json |
[
"Jon Manley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:33 | null | 2016-08-25T11:54:00 | Peninsula High School 2013 graduate Cody Olson has had a pretty successful collegiate lacrosse career at Grand Canyon University. In 2015, Olson won a Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) Division-I National Championship with the Lopes. Last season, the team made it all the way to the MCLA semifinals before being eliminated. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-sports%2Farticle97843032.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/oj43je/picture97843022/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/image2%20(3) | en | null | Peninsula grad Olson boasts lacrosse national title at Grand Canyon University | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/article97843032.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/4caa6f09a5eb376b175b11e9ca6cd6de6dd74950c10543bc509ea0cfa798406c.json |
[
"Gateway News Services"
] | 2016-08-30T18:49:17 | null | 2016-08-30T09:37:00 | The 3rd Annual Cider Swig: The Great Peninsula Cider Festival — one of the largest cider-centered events in the Pacific Northwest — returns to Gig Harbor in September. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle98804952.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/static/images/thenewstribune/facebook.jpg | en | null | Cider Swig fundraiser aims to double last year’s donation to grant program | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article98804952.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/b54b93f014ddb8b436221e44a87a79c601436cdb0090bfa22ea77072a99e5aba.json |
[
"Colleen Slater",
"Contributing Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:41 | null | 2016-08-25T14:22:00 | Our recent family reunion was a scorcher as far as some of us native Washingtonians are concerned, but others loved it, especially those from California. We had at least 60 this year, with the inclusion of relatives who’ve never been to one or hadn’t been for many years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle97891562.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/static/images/thenewstribune/facebook.jpg | en | null | Slater: Summertime is a time for gathering | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article97891562.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/db71661e943aa7f5b44cc465c54fbc1d0b93eeacb21fbe51f3263f4eb4a62e52.json |
[
"Joan Cronk",
"Special To The Gateway"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:46 | null | 2016-08-17T15:39:00 | This year marked the fourth year for Obliteride and the third year the event has had a rest stop in Gig Harbor. Ellen Betit is the team captain, and she and her volunteers at the Gig Harbor Cares rest stop cheered and greeted the riders at Skansie Park on Saturday when they stopped for some food, water and a bathroom break. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-news%2Farticle96276347.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/nuec5s/picture96276342/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/IMG_9798 | en | null | Passion, energy emanate from Obliteride rest stop in Gig Harbor | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article96276347.html | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/a6123ebfe0eb225d0c7a2e57d75749e04df5467a3ac75a26702355a0048322d2.json |
[
"Andrea Haffly"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:29 | null | 2016-08-18T16:59:00 | Home is where the heart is, and this is especially true for Claude and Claudia Gahard — owners and operators of Trillium Creek Winery — who have been pouring their hearts into their home and their wine for the past 16 years. But the couple is now looking to sell the winery. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-news%2Farticle96549057.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/m6klci/picture96549022/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/gw_winery_0001 | en | null | Trillium Creek Winery brings a taste of France to Home | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article96549057.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/d4b8edb7f34eb1bfdc3ec6fbe8bb2055d58e87a030b22eec0652e6e0eb858d27.json |
[
"Andrea Haffly"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:37 | null | 2016-08-24T16:39:00 | Students in Kelly Bolender’s Building Communities class at Kopachuck Middle School combine shop skills and business skills to complete projects that benefit the community. A two-year project to construct a sign for Voyager Elementary was recently completed. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-news%2Farticle97690872.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/y11ts3/picture97690867/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/gw_Shop_Class_001 | en | null | Kopachuck Middle School shop class teaches students life skills, community connection | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article97690872.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/7ab35ca9c1199a2ba8bb6a186f7d743d024487113366f9494f2547ef0d029d47.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:06 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Farticle97684802.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/p04r7e-Fox-Island-resident-prepares-for-fundrasier-climb-of-Mount-Rainier/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/Fox%20Island%20resident%20prepares%20for%20fundrasier%20climb%20of%20Mount%20Rainier | en | null | Fox Island resident prepares for fundrasier climb of Mount Rainier | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | Police, firefighters, military personnel and even a few stormtroopers came together Tuesday night for National Night Out in Gig Harbor. | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/article97684802.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/b70b13a81b800d2e1030ec1e50a212dd6a17b56b577ce4ce76f96f7f5b35c117.json |
[
"Gateway News Services"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:52 | null | 2016-08-18T16:44:00 | Organizers have pulled out all the stops with the lineup for the 25th annual Olalla Bluegrass & Beyond Festival on Saturday (Aug. 20). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle96542557.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/745yt/picture96542552/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/trout-steak-revival | en | null | Big names highlight lineup for Saturday’s Olalla Bluegrass and Beyond Festival | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article96542557.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/0904de380fd736e14343f69ad3951f8d03a4391761960c5af17e054027d315c2.json |
[
"Jon Manley"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:28 | null | 2016-08-18T16:36:00 | Gig Harbor’s dragon boat team is improving quickly. The team had a strong showing at the 2016 Seattle Dragon Boat Festival in late July, taking first place out of four races and winning two medals. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-sports%2Farticle96538922.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/3zp5to/picture96538892/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/150604%20GW%20Maritime%20Parade03 | en | null | Gig Harbor dragon boat team medals at Seattle festival | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/article96538922.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/562ef38032c7a169374ddef9d5aeb1c12b76e344d7d27052b87517a4f6e5fb0d.json |
[
"Gateway News Services"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:06 | null | 2016-08-18T16:48:00 | The Peninsula Metropolitan Park District (PenMet Parks) and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound have announced a strategic partnership which will include joint use of the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center facility on Skansie Avenue in Gig Harbor. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-news%2Farticle96544687.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/static/images/thenewstribune/facebook.jpg | en | null | PenMet Parks and Boys & Girls Clubs announce strategic partnership | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article96544687.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/33c7b51a4baf84a4b0e2f30c0c1ac39248dae03130949dfbe2a9cb165f88a49b.json |
[
"Jon Manley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:17 | null | 2016-08-18T16:42:00 | The five-time national championship-winning club deserves a permanent home in Gig Harbor. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-sports%2Farticle96541492.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/emrl7/picture96541482/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/clo_paddlers%20cup_5 | en | null | Bullpen: The Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Race Team deserves a permanent home | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/article96541492.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/9c7e1ed6ae9913010153a638ae5930419fb8dffd016734c7f818cd0b1ef30b96.json |
[
"Jon Manley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:58 | null | 2016-08-18T16:35:00 | The whole gang from the 1996 Gig Harbor High School boys basketball team, which won the state title that season, was together again for a 20-year celebration at the high school last week. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-sports%2Farticle96538567.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/cjl11v/picture96538557/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/IMG_4063 | en | null | 1996 Gig Harbor basketball team relishes reunion | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/article96538567.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/52ddce268da332fe1bb82b67e9fc0b10fc1fc51a14ceb8bd62265ef9c86ae13c.json |
[
"Gateway News Services"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:32 | null | 2016-08-17T15:25:00 | The Chalk the Harbor competition, hosted by Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance, took place last month on the downtown waterfront and featured more than 250 chalk artists of all ages. The following contestants received a Certificate of Award for placing first in the category they competed in: | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle96272217.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/c5ijmc/picture96272212/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/chalkcontest | en | null | Chalk the Harbor contest winners announced | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article96272217.html | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/ba848e630edc578095914625c47e46ef740854114fb45e57f06f291a329643f3.json |
[
"Gateway News Services"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:51 | null | 2016-08-17T15:24:00 | Drivers who use the state Route 16 over the Narrows bridges are encouraged to plan ahead for weekend and weeknight delays in late August and early September. During the weekends of Aug. 26 to 29 and Sept. 9 to 12, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will reduce SR-16 to two lanes in each direction at the Narrows bridge for bridge paving. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-news%2Farticle96271637.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/68guw2/picture96271632/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/_O6O1374%20Lee%20Giles%20III%20phot | en | null | Paving project will cause Narrows bridge delays | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article96271637.html | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/c3c259e43a35485dd57449d88fa5d0ff20e5a73286bd3c2086019e83c2db668b.json |
[
"Jon Manley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:45 | null | 2016-08-18T16:38:00 | The Harbor Fire girls lacrosse program is following the path of local boys lacrosse and will represent Gig Harbor High School starting in spring of 2017. While the sport isn’t yet recognized by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, players will wear “Tides” jerseys and gear. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-sports%2Farticle96539892.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/o1tt3p/picture96539887/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/girls%20lax | en | null | Girls lacrosse will begin representing Gig Harbor High School | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/article96539892.html | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/d3259f23ea8839562c9d5e7103067b320ab6c8573c84d388a7c6ac51a0a65f23.json |
[
"Hannah Saunders",
"Special To The Gateway"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:36 | null | 2016-08-25T12:00:00 | After Alan Anderson, the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team coach and founder, retried earlier this year, Holm Schmidt took over the program. The program hasn’t missed a beat, capturing its fifth straight national title — Schmidt’s first has head coach — earlier this month. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-sports%2Farticle97845097.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/om9j5/picture97845087/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/gw_Kayak_Coach_001 | en | null | Kayak coach Schmidt off to stellar start in continuing program’s strong tradition | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-sports/article97845097.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/235c95335fb28c3821606d9a8be1674f5aeed2474167377358c826bc6baf0538.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:24 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Farticle95296987.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/gwyvfw-WATCH-Take-flight-on-a-visiting-B-25-Mitchell/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/WATCH:%20Take%20flight%20on%20a%20visiting%20B-25%20Mitchell | en | null | WATCH: Take flight on a visiting B-25 Mitchell | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | Police, firefighters, military personnel and even a few stormtroopers came together Tuesday night for National Night Out in Gig Harbor. | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/article95296987.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/7564912731cda1fc9f1ac62705ed062d4041d0976d6e8778de26a09a6de9a927.json |
[
"Andrea Haffly"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:11 | null | 2016-08-17T15:48:00 | The Gig Harbor Welcome Club made a donation to Harbor WildWatch on Friday. Harbor Wildwatch is a Gig Harbor based nonprofit marine environmental organization that provides educational activities to inspire stewardship of the Puget Sound. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-news%2Farticle96278057.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/tgpoa6/picture96278052/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/gw_Harbor_Wild_Watch | en | null | Harbor WildWatch receives donation from Gig Harbor Welcome Club | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | null | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article96278057.html | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/5ddf04f0b7e461cf2041530f2fe91401bcdef459cd4c9ee47f5d8da7bb36639d.json |
[
"Hugh Mcmillan",
"Contributing Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:13 | null | 2016-08-25T14:17:00 | Under the Lions International Youth Exchange Program, the Key Peninsula Lions Club has hosted Yuki Nakata from Fukuoka, Japan since Aug. 3. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewstribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fgateway%2Fg-living%2Farticle97890207.html.json | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/3fksby/picture97890187/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/IMG_1966 | en | null | Community welcomes exchange student from Japan with open arms | null | null | www.thenewstribune.com | 1:06 Friends, family honor memory of Braden Edgar at memorial Pause
3:18 Pete Carroll on Seahawks' win over Dallas in 3rd preseason game
2:28 Cascade Christian's speed, athletes have it planning for postseason
1:39 South Sound QB competition -- Sumner
1:58 Human remains found at Gig Harbor construction site
2:30 Fire-ravaged Puyallup school buses a grim sight
0:39 Allenmore offices evacuated because of odor
4:12 WATCH: Franklin Pierce QB Willie Patterson is small in stature, gargantuan in game
1:25 WATCH: South Sound QB competition – Franklin Pierce
1:24 Bethel teachers rally for contract | http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-living/article97890207.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thenewstribune.com/5e36dec2bd38f787eb61f1a89adde693fbebb0a98575b3f1e968e10c2e897371.json |
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