By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:04:00 05/09/2011
JAKARTA, Indonesia—President Aquino has left Jakarta after attending the 18th Asean Summit with his fellow Asean leaders over the weekend.
Mr. Aquino was originally scheduled to leave Indonesia at 7 p.m. on Sunday but inclement weather brought by tropical storm ‘Bebeng’ prompted his pilot and the weather bureau Pagasa to advice against flying into the Philippines that night.
President Aquino left an Indonesian military airbase at 7:15 a.m. (8:15 a.m. Manila time). He is expected to arrive at 12:15 p.m. in Manila.
On the chartered flight with President Aquino are House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, and Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ricky Carandang.
Mr. Aquino left Indonesia after spending the weekend attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
In one of the joint statements of the Asean leaders, they agreed to intensify and coordinate efforts against the illegal trafficking of persons, an initiative that President Aquino pushed during his participation in the meeting.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Radiators' last show at New Orleans' jazz fest
Associated Press
First Posted 09:43:00 05/09/2011
NEW ORLEANS—On the final day of this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, fans camped out early Sunday to get a great spot to hear the closing day set of The Radiators — one of the city's funkiest blues rock bands — who have been closing the fest along with the Neville Brothers for years.
The band — keyboardist Ed Volker, guitarists Dave Malone and Camile Baudoin, bassist Reggie Scanlon and drummer Frank Bua — formed in 1978 and are calling it quits in June.
Festival producer Quint Davis said that kind of longevity is worth celebrating.
"I've always been around them and a part of their journey," he said. "They're an amazing phenomenon. It's equally rare to have the same five guys playing in a band for this long and still have the unique chemistry that allows you to travel on what Ed calls 'a spirit ride.'"
Davis introduced the band Sunday evening, saying Professor Longhair and the Nevilles were the only other acts to regularly close the fest.
"We at jazz fest take our traditions as seriously as those in New Orleans," Davis said. "I thank them for giving us the times of our lives."
Cajun fiddler Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil made a guest appearance during the farewell set as did guitarist Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule.
The group walked fans through all their hits including "Red Dress," ''Never Let Your Fire Go Out
" ''Ride Me High
" and "Sunshine Down."
"They're always tight," said Lisa Troutt, of North Carolina. "It's heartbreaking to know they're breaking up."
The Radiators are calling it quits this year, with final performances set June 9-11 at New Orleans' famed music club Tipitinas.
At the festival, fans from far and wide expressed thanks for the opportunity to experience their music and regret that the music was coming to an end.
"They're what New Orleans music should be and is about," said Sean Sorenberger, of Monterey, Calif. "I thank them for educating me about New Orleans singers like Eddie Bo and Professor Longhair and bringing that sound across the country where you don't always get to hear bands like them."
"I love their energy and songwriting and their relationship with their fans," said Stacey Erdmann, of San Francisco. "I raised my daughter on this music."
Scanlon said that kind of fan loyalty is what he will miss most.
"I think that's our legacy," he said in an interview before the show. "We've been a catalyst for this amazing community of fans, who have formed around the country. These people have formed friendships that will last beyond us. These communities that have formed as a result of our music really shows that music can bring people together for more than just a gig."
Sorenberger said he planned to be at Tipitinas for the band's final shows. "It's ending so you've got to get it while you can," he said.
Though disappointed that the band was breaking up, he said he looked at it as inevitable.
"It's an end of an era for a lot of people. A lot of fans were teenagers when they first discovered The Radiators. Now they're grown, they have kids and mortgages. But that's the evolution of life."
"There's some sadness," said Erdmann, "but I wish them all the luck in the world."
Malone said he planned to take at least a month off before moving to the next musical stage of his life. What that might include is still a mystery. "Maybe something with my brother, Tommy, a guitarist with the Subdudes," he said.
Scanlon said one of his side projects — New Orleans Suspects — is scheduled to hit the road in July. "The idea of starting at the beginning again is cool and fun," he said. "Being together 33 years is like a marriage and sometimes you have to work to get that spark back. But with a new romance, you're all giddy and it's fun to have that kind of atmosphere around a new project."
Early Sunday, thousands who had staked out spots in front of the Gentilly Stage awaiting The Radiators' performance also enjoyed sets by Playing for Change, Papa Grows Funk and Michael Franti & Spearhead, who blends hip-hop with a variety of styles, including reggae, rock, folk, jazz and rock.
Franti's high energy show included a special appearance by Amanda Shaw, a young Cajun fiddler who joined him on a version of the Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" to the delight of fans.
"It was a sweet, sweet opener and they rocked it all the way through," said Valerie Bressman, of Portland, Ore., who was hula-hooping on the fringe of the crowd that stretched at least a quarter-mile.
Her husband, Eric, said he loves Franti's spirit and optimism that shines during his performances.
"He's a great songwriter and his lyrics really speak to me," he said.
First Posted 09:43:00 05/09/2011
NEW ORLEANS—On the final day of this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, fans camped out early Sunday to get a great spot to hear the closing day set of The Radiators — one of the city's funkiest blues rock bands — who have been closing the fest along with the Neville Brothers for years.
The band — keyboardist Ed Volker, guitarists Dave Malone and Camile Baudoin, bassist Reggie Scanlon and drummer Frank Bua — formed in 1978 and are calling it quits in June.
Festival producer Quint Davis said that kind of longevity is worth celebrating.
"I've always been around them and a part of their journey," he said. "They're an amazing phenomenon. It's equally rare to have the same five guys playing in a band for this long and still have the unique chemistry that allows you to travel on what Ed calls 'a spirit ride.'"
Davis introduced the band Sunday evening, saying Professor Longhair and the Nevilles were the only other acts to regularly close the fest.
"We at jazz fest take our traditions as seriously as those in New Orleans," Davis said. "I thank them for giving us the times of our lives."
Cajun fiddler Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil made a guest appearance during the farewell set as did guitarist Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule.
The group walked fans through all their hits including "Red Dress," ''Never Let Your Fire Go Out
" ''Ride Me High" and "Sunshine Down.""They're always tight," said Lisa Troutt, of North Carolina. "It's heartbreaking to know they're breaking up."
The Radiators are calling it quits this year, with final performances set June 9-11 at New Orleans' famed music club Tipitinas.
At the festival, fans from far and wide expressed thanks for the opportunity to experience their music and regret that the music was coming to an end.
"They're what New Orleans music should be and is about," said Sean Sorenberger, of Monterey, Calif. "I thank them for educating me about New Orleans singers like Eddie Bo and Professor Longhair and bringing that sound across the country where you don't always get to hear bands like them."
"I love their energy and songwriting and their relationship with their fans," said Stacey Erdmann, of San Francisco. "I raised my daughter on this music."
Scanlon said that kind of fan loyalty is what he will miss most.
"I think that's our legacy," he said in an interview before the show. "We've been a catalyst for this amazing community of fans, who have formed around the country. These people have formed friendships that will last beyond us. These communities that have formed as a result of our music really shows that music can bring people together for more than just a gig."
Sorenberger said he planned to be at Tipitinas for the band's final shows. "It's ending so you've got to get it while you can," he said.
Though disappointed that the band was breaking up, he said he looked at it as inevitable.
"It's an end of an era for a lot of people. A lot of fans were teenagers when they first discovered The Radiators. Now they're grown, they have kids and mortgages. But that's the evolution of life."
"There's some sadness," said Erdmann, "but I wish them all the luck in the world."
Malone said he planned to take at least a month off before moving to the next musical stage of his life. What that might include is still a mystery. "Maybe something with my brother, Tommy, a guitarist with the Subdudes," he said.
Scanlon said one of his side projects — New Orleans Suspects — is scheduled to hit the road in July. "The idea of starting at the beginning again is cool and fun," he said. "Being together 33 years is like a marriage and sometimes you have to work to get that spark back. But with a new romance, you're all giddy and it's fun to have that kind of atmosphere around a new project."
Early Sunday, thousands who had staked out spots in front of the Gentilly Stage awaiting The Radiators' performance also enjoyed sets by Playing for Change, Papa Grows Funk and Michael Franti & Spearhead, who blends hip-hop with a variety of styles, including reggae, rock, folk, jazz and rock.
Franti's high energy show included a special appearance by Amanda Shaw, a young Cajun fiddler who joined him on a version of the Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" to the delight of fans.
"It was a sweet, sweet opener and they rocked it all the way through," said Valerie Bressman, of Portland, Ore., who was hula-hooping on the fringe of the crowd that stretched at least a quarter-mile.
Her husband, Eric, said he loves Franti's spirit and optimism that shines during his performances.
"He's a great songwriter and his lyrics really speak to me," he said.
Nicklaus salutes 'great champion' Ballesteros
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 01:46:00 05/10/2011
LONDON—Jack Nicklaus paid tribute to Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros on Monday, saying the sport had lost one of its greatest entertainers and ambassadors.
Ballesteros, who won five majors in a pioneering career, died aged 54 in the early hours of Saturday morning following respiratory failure.
His death came three years after he underwent a series of operations to remove a brain tumour.
"Golf has lost a great champion and a great friend," said Nicklaus, arguably the sport's greatest player with a record 18 major titles.
"We also lost a great entertainer and ambassador for our sport," added the American in a statement issued by the Laureus Sports Academy, whose members help promote charitable sporting initiatives around the world.
"I have always had wonderful respect for Seve’s ability, how he played the game, and the flare he brought to the sport while achieving the success he did," Nicklaus said.
"It was his creativity, his imagination, and his desire to compete that made him so popular not only in Europe but throughout American galleries, too.
"He was a great entertainer. No matter the golf that particular day, you always knew you were going to be entertained. Seve's enthusiasm was just unmatched by anybody I think that ever played the game."
It was Nicklaus who suggested the biennial Ryder Cup team tournament be opened up to include players from continental Europe following a series of lopsided United States wins over Great Britain and Ireland.
Ballesteros, the first European to win the US Masters in 1980, did much to revive interest in the Ryder Cup, helping Europe lift the trophy in 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1995 before captaining them to another victory at the Valderrama course in Spain two years later.
"Seve was, without argument, a terrific player -- his record speaks for itself -- but more important was his influence on the game, especially throughout Europe," Nicklaus said.
"Through the years, his involvement with the Ryder Cup, as both a player and captain, served to further elevate the stature of the matches. He was probably the most passionate Ryder Cup player that we've ever had.
"I think his team-mates always rallied around him and that passion of his. He was Europe's emotional and spiritual leader, the heart and soul of their team. The Ryder Cup was something that was very, very special to Seve. And Seve was very special to us.
"We can only imagine how difficult this battle has been for him and his family the last few years, but I know Seve faced it with the same grit, fight and spirit he approached his golf career.
"Speaking on behalf of my wife Barbara, Seve and his family are very much in our hearts, on our minds and in our prayers."
First Posted 01:46:00 05/10/2011
LONDON—Jack Nicklaus paid tribute to Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros on Monday, saying the sport had lost one of its greatest entertainers and ambassadors.
Ballesteros, who won five majors in a pioneering career, died aged 54 in the early hours of Saturday morning following respiratory failure.
His death came three years after he underwent a series of operations to remove a brain tumour.
"Golf has lost a great champion and a great friend," said Nicklaus, arguably the sport's greatest player with a record 18 major titles.
"We also lost a great entertainer and ambassador for our sport," added the American in a statement issued by the Laureus Sports Academy, whose members help promote charitable sporting initiatives around the world.
"I have always had wonderful respect for Seve’s ability, how he played the game, and the flare he brought to the sport while achieving the success he did," Nicklaus said.
"It was his creativity, his imagination, and his desire to compete that made him so popular not only in Europe but throughout American galleries, too.
"He was a great entertainer. No matter the golf that particular day, you always knew you were going to be entertained. Seve's enthusiasm was just unmatched by anybody I think that ever played the game."
It was Nicklaus who suggested the biennial Ryder Cup team tournament be opened up to include players from continental Europe following a series of lopsided United States wins over Great Britain and Ireland.
Ballesteros, the first European to win the US Masters in 1980, did much to revive interest in the Ryder Cup, helping Europe lift the trophy in 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1995 before captaining them to another victory at the Valderrama course in Spain two years later.
"Seve was, without argument, a terrific player -- his record speaks for itself -- but more important was his influence on the game, especially throughout Europe," Nicklaus said.
"Through the years, his involvement with the Ryder Cup, as both a player and captain, served to further elevate the stature of the matches. He was probably the most passionate Ryder Cup player that we've ever had.
"I think his team-mates always rallied around him and that passion of his. He was Europe's emotional and spiritual leader, the heart and soul of their team. The Ryder Cup was something that was very, very special to Seve. And Seve was very special to us.
"We can only imagine how difficult this battle has been for him and his family the last few years, but I know Seve faced it with the same grit, fight and spirit he approached his golf career.
"Speaking on behalf of my wife Barbara, Seve and his family are very much in our hearts, on our minds and in our prayers."
Clothing firms 'sexualize' pre-teen girls—study
First Posted 09:16:00 05/10/2011
Close this PARIS—Some clothing firms in the United States are marketing sexy garments for pre-teen girls, reinforcing a destructive stereotype of female attractiveness, research released on Monday said.
Girls as young as six are being pitched clothing that highlights their breasts, buttocks or slimness or sends a message of sensuality, the study says.Agence France-Presse
Researchers led by Sarah Murnen, a professor of psychology at Kenyon College in Ohio, looked at 15 websites of popular clothing stores, ranging from bargain to high-end sectors of the junior US market.
Using 38 college students, they devised a system to assess the sexiness of various garments, and used this system to grade 5,666 clothing items.
was rated according to whether it had only childlike characteristics; revealed or emphasised an intimate body part; or had characteristics that were associated with sexiness.
An example of a "childlike" characteristic would be a top with a butterfly print in pastel colours.
In contrast, a bikini was coded as "revealing" because it exposed the waist and part of the chest. The bikini was considered "emphasising" if, for instance, it outlined each breast with triangular pieces of fabric.
Similarly, highly-decorated back pockets on trousers -- adorned, for instance, with a bird or sequins -- were deemed "emphasising" because they drew attention to the buttocks.
Material that was lingerie-like (such as in slinky red or black fabric) or in leopard or zebra prints was categorised as having characteristics associated with sexiness.
Sixty-nine percent of the clothing assessed in the study had only child-like characteristics.
Four percent had only sexualising characteristics, while 25 percent had both sexualising and childlike characteristics. One percent had neither sexualised nor child-like characteristics.
The researchers said the biggest sexualisation was in clothing sold by "tween," or pre-teen stores, especially Abercrombie Kids, which came under fire in 2002 for selling thong underwear in children's sizes with "wink wink" and "eye candy" printed across the front.
The paper appears in a specialist journal, Sex Roles, published by Germany's Springer publishing house.
Its authors say girls face escalating demands placed to meet the Western stereotype of slimness and sexiness. The pressures of "self-objectification" can lead to body dissatisfaction, depression, low confidence and poor self-esteem.
"The co-occurrence of sexualizing and child-like characteristics makes the sexualization present in girl's clothing covert," it says.
"Confused parents parents might be persuaded to buy the leopard-pink miniskirt if it's bright pink. Clearly, sexiness is still visible beneath the bows or tie-dye colors."
Close this PARIS—Some clothing firms in the United States are marketing sexy garments for pre-teen girls, reinforcing a destructive stereotype of female attractiveness, research released on Monday said.
Girls as young as six are being pitched clothing that highlights their breasts, buttocks or slimness or sends a message of sensuality, the study says.Agence France-Presse
Researchers led by Sarah Murnen, a professor of psychology at Kenyon College in Ohio, looked at 15 websites of popular clothing stores, ranging from bargain to high-end sectors of the junior US market.
Using 38 college students, they devised a system to assess the sexiness of various garments, and used this system to grade 5,666 clothing items.
was rated according to whether it had only childlike characteristics; revealed or emphasised an intimate body part; or had characteristics that were associated with sexiness.
An example of a "childlike" characteristic would be a top with a butterfly print in pastel colours.
In contrast, a bikini was coded as "revealing" because it exposed the waist and part of the chest. The bikini was considered "emphasising" if, for instance, it outlined each breast with triangular pieces of fabric.
Similarly, highly-decorated back pockets on trousers -- adorned, for instance, with a bird or sequins -- were deemed "emphasising" because they drew attention to the buttocks.
Material that was lingerie-like (such as in slinky red or black fabric) or in leopard or zebra prints was categorised as having characteristics associated with sexiness.
Sixty-nine percent of the clothing assessed in the study had only child-like characteristics.
Four percent had only sexualising characteristics, while 25 percent had both sexualising and childlike characteristics. One percent had neither sexualised nor child-like characteristics.
The researchers said the biggest sexualisation was in clothing sold by "tween," or pre-teen stores, especially Abercrombie Kids, which came under fire in 2002 for selling thong underwear in children's sizes with "wink wink" and "eye candy" printed across the front.
The paper appears in a specialist journal, Sex Roles, published by Germany's Springer publishing house.
Its authors say girls face escalating demands placed to meet the Western stereotype of slimness and sexiness. The pressures of "self-objectification" can lead to body dissatisfaction, depression, low confidence and poor self-esteem.
"The co-occurrence of sexualizing and child-like characteristics makes the sexualization present in girl's clothing covert," it says.
"Confused parents parents might be persuaded to buy the leopard-pink miniskirt if it's bright pink. Clearly, sexiness is still visible beneath the bows or tie-dye colors."
Ugandan lawmakers hold hearings on anti-gay bill
By Godfrey Olukya
Associated Press
First Posted 08:59:00 05/10/2011
KAMPALA, Uganda—A Ugandan parliament committee has held a second day of hearings on a controversial anti-gay bill that attracted international condemnation for its harsh penalties. Lawmakers indicated the bill could be voted on this week.
The bill was first proposed in 2009 but made little progress after a storm of criticism over a death penalty provision in the original bill. A committee meeting last Friday was its first public airing since its proposal 18 months ago.
The bill's author, David Bahati, told The Associated Press last month that the death penalty provision in the bill was "something we have moved away from." The bill is now undergoing debate and negotiations, so a new version would likely be presented before a final vote is held.
One of the bill's backers, an anti-gay pastor named Martin Ssempa, told the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Monday that he does not support the death penalty provision. He said instead that gays should face up to seven years in prison.
"The parliament should be given the opportunity to discuss and pass the bill, because homosexuality is killing our society," Ssempa told the committee.
Retired Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo said the bill will not stop homosexuality but would instead turn Uganda into a police state and could increase the spread of HIV/AIDS because gay Ugandans would fear seeking treatment.
Senyonjo also disputed a common claim by backers of the anti-gay bill, who say school children are being recruited by gays.
"They naturally become so," he said.
Homosexuality is highly unpopular in Uganda, and pastors in this Christian country speak out loudly against the practice. Bahati has said he thinks the bill would become law if voted on by legislators.
Gay activists say anti-gay sentiment in Uganda has increased since the bill's introduction. More gays are being harassed because of media attention and because church leaders have been preaching for the bill's passage.
Bahati's original bill carried harsh provisions. The original bill would mandate a death sentence for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape. "Serial offenders" also would face capital punishment. Anyone convicted of a homosexual act would face life imprisonment.
Anyone who "aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage of acts of homosexuality" would face seven years in prison. Landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals also could get seven years.
Some, all or none of those provision could change during parliament's negotiations.
The New York-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission said in a statement last week that it was concerned that the "heinous" piece of legislation could become law.
"Governments, world religious and political leaders, and HIV prevention experts have all appealed to Ugandan parliamentarians to put their distaste and fear of LGBT people aside and use their better judgment," said Cary Alan Johnson, the group's executive director. LGBT stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender."
Johnson said the bill was being debated now to divert attention from recent political demonstrations in Uganda that have attracted police crackdowns. Human Rights Watch says security forces killed nine people in the recent marches.
Stephen Tashobya, the head of the parliament committee, said it is time legislators give the bill priority. He said a report on the bill would be ready by Tuesday and could be presented to parliament by the end of the week.
"Due to public demand the committee has decided to deal with bill," Tashobya said. "The bill has generated a lot of interest from members of the public and members of parliament and that is why we spared some time deal with before this parliament ends."
Frank Mugisha, the director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a gay rights group, said that if parliament takes up the bill he believes it will be passed. However, parliament's session ends this week and it is not clear if there is enough time to deal with the legislation this session.
Bahati has said the bill can be dealt with next session if parliament runs out of time.
Associated Press
First Posted 08:59:00 05/10/2011
KAMPALA, Uganda—A Ugandan parliament committee has held a second day of hearings on a controversial anti-gay bill that attracted international condemnation for its harsh penalties. Lawmakers indicated the bill could be voted on this week.
The bill was first proposed in 2009 but made little progress after a storm of criticism over a death penalty provision in the original bill. A committee meeting last Friday was its first public airing since its proposal 18 months ago.
The bill's author, David Bahati, told The Associated Press last month that the death penalty provision in the bill was "something we have moved away from." The bill is now undergoing debate and negotiations, so a new version would likely be presented before a final vote is held.
One of the bill's backers, an anti-gay pastor named Martin Ssempa, told the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Monday that he does not support the death penalty provision. He said instead that gays should face up to seven years in prison.
"The parliament should be given the opportunity to discuss and pass the bill, because homosexuality is killing our society," Ssempa told the committee.
Retired Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo said the bill will not stop homosexuality but would instead turn Uganda into a police state and could increase the spread of HIV/AIDS because gay Ugandans would fear seeking treatment.
Senyonjo also disputed a common claim by backers of the anti-gay bill, who say school children are being recruited by gays.
"They naturally become so," he said.
Homosexuality is highly unpopular in Uganda, and pastors in this Christian country speak out loudly against the practice. Bahati has said he thinks the bill would become law if voted on by legislators.
Gay activists say anti-gay sentiment in Uganda has increased since the bill's introduction. More gays are being harassed because of media attention and because church leaders have been preaching for the bill's passage.
Bahati's original bill carried harsh provisions. The original bill would mandate a death sentence for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape. "Serial offenders" also would face capital punishment. Anyone convicted of a homosexual act would face life imprisonment.
Anyone who "aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage of acts of homosexuality" would face seven years in prison. Landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals also could get seven years.
Some, all or none of those provision could change during parliament's negotiations.
The New York-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission said in a statement last week that it was concerned that the "heinous" piece of legislation could become law."Governments, world religious and political leaders, and HIV prevention experts have all appealed to Ugandan parliamentarians to put their distaste and fear of LGBT people aside and use their better judgment," said Cary Alan Johnson, the group's executive director. LGBT stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender."
Johnson said the bill was being debated now to divert attention from recent political demonstrations in Uganda that have attracted police crackdowns. Human Rights Watch says security forces killed nine people in the recent marches.
Stephen Tashobya, the head of the parliament committee, said it is time legislators give the bill priority. He said a report on the bill would be ready by Tuesday and could be presented to parliament by the end of the week.
"Due to public demand the committee has decided to deal with bill," Tashobya said. "The bill has generated a lot of interest from members of the public and members of parliament and that is why we spared some time deal with before this parliament ends."
Frank Mugisha, the director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a gay rights group, said that if parliament takes up the bill he believes it will be passed. However, parliament's session ends this week and it is not clear if there is enough time to deal with the legislation this session.
Bahati has said the bill can be dealt with next session if parliament runs out of time.
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