St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City wears red for heart health awareness

St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City(SLMC-GC) supports the worldwide campaign for women’s cardiovascular health awareness as the St. Luke’s Heart Institute, together with the Women’s Heart Health Unit (WHHU),observes the celebration of Wear Red Day on February 1, 2013.



A red dress exhibit featuring the collections of top designers Avel Bacudio, Frederick Peralta and Renee Salud will be on display at the William H. Quasha Pavilion (main lobby) of SLMC-GC. The day will also include an intimate dinner at the Piano Lounge with members of the Heart Institute and dedicated supporters of heart health awareness from the private, business and entertainment community.



Wear Red Day was initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2003 to encourage women to pay more attention to their cardiovascular health. According to AHA statistics, coronary heart disease is the no. 1 killer of women aged over 25, but only 13% see it as a serious threat. The association thus decided to mark every 1st Friday of February as a day not only to wear the color red, but also for men and women to join forces and commit to combating the disease. Today, many countries have joined the AHA in this global effort to raise awareness.



Locally, statistics of the Department of Health (DOH) lists diseases of the heart and diseases of the vascular system as the number 1 and 2 causes of female mortality in the country. Sadly, majority of women in the country think that they would most likely die of cancer than of a heart attack, according to a study conducted under the Council on Women's Cardiovascular Health of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA).



For more information on Wear Red Day, contact Ms. Ly Pascua of St. Luke’s Heart Institute at (02) 7897700 ext. 2000/2010.

Press release from St. Luke’s Medical Center

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Intel to stop making PC motherboards

In what could be another sign that the world is entering the post-PC era, Intel Corp. is quitting the consumer motherboard business once it introduces its new central processing unit (CPU) product.

The company, which had prided itself on PCs with "Intel inside" since the 1990s, will wind down its Intel Channel Board Division in the next three years, Maximum PC reported.

“We disclosed internally today that Intel’s Desktop Motherboard Business will begin slowly ramping down over the course of the next three years,” Intel spokesman Daniel Snyder told Maximum PC.

He added that as Intel gradually ramps down its motherboard business, it will ramp up "critical areas of the desktop space."



These include the "integration of innovative solutions for the PC ecosystem such as reference design development, NUC (next unit of computing), and other areas to be discussed later."

While Intel has rarely turned heads with its motherboards, it managed to get attention with its Skulltrail motherboard that boasted two Xeon’s rebranded as Core 2 Extreme QX9770 chips.

But Maximum PC said that board became a political football between Nvidia and Intel over Nvidia's license to make  chipsets for the then new Core i7 CPUs.

It added the Skulltrail board was criticized as “ahead of its time” with other board makers emulating the Skulltrail to an extent with their own extreme dual-processor motherboards such as eVGA’s SR-series of boards.

"For the most part Intel boards have long been lauded as being 'Intel reliable' but also utterly forgettable by enthusiasts looking for the next hotness in motherboards," it said.

Maximum PC said the eventual shuttering of the board division will not likely impact Intel’s other board division known as the Customer Reference Board Group.

CRBG develops test motherboards for the companies new CPUs and even issues design guidelines and tips to third-party motherboard vendors.

Intel still values desktops

Snyder also stressed the move does not mean Intel believes that desktops are doomed.

“The Desktop segment continues to be a major focus for Intel with hundreds of products across many sub-segments and applications. Intel expects the broad and capable [desktop] motherboard ecosystem (i.e. Asus, Gigabyte, MSI and many others) to fully support Intel’s growing roadmap and large worldwide customer base,” he said.

He added Intel remains very committed to the desktop business and is making significant investments in the enthusiast platform with its K SKU portfolio and new third-generation Intel Core Extreme Processors.

"In fact, Intel’s roadmap includes 227 desktop SKUs at 34 different price points, offering desktop solutions for a wide range of customers. In addition, Intel is also significantly investing in the growing All-in-One ecosystem, contributing to 30 percent growth over the last few years,” Snyder said.

Top motherboard makers

Maximum PC said Snyder declined to say why Intel decided to shutter the division but speculated the division "wasn’t a huge money maker for the multibillion company."

It noted that as far as motherboard manufacturers are concerned, Asus presently leads with Gigabyte, Asrock, and then MSI next.

"Asus and Gigabyte combined account for roughly 70 percent of all motherboards sold worldwide, according to Taiwan-based news site, DigiTimes.com.  With these numbers, it’s no surprise that most enthusiasts didn’t even know Intel made motherboards.

Yet, Maximum PC said Intel's move is likely to reignite rumors and continual conspiracy theories that it planned to ditch desktop computing entirely.

Last month, it noted Intel was said to be abandoning all sockets for all future desktops once Haswell is released in favor of BGA products that would come soldered into motherboards.

Many had speculated such a move would signal a sea change for the do-it-yourself crowd who like picking and choosing their processor separately from motherboards.

"The rumor mill grew to such a fervor that Intel itself had to step in after AMD pledged that it would support sockets for the next couple of years by saying it would support sockets for the 'foreseeable future' too," it said. — LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Obama to launch immigration push in Nevada next week

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama plans to launch his second-term push for a U.S. immigration overhaul during a visit to Nevada next week and will make it a high priority to win congressional approval of a reform package this year, the White House said on Friday.



Obama, who met leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, intends to use his trip to Las Vegas on Tuesday to "redouble our efforts to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.



He said Obama's proposals would be based on a "blueprint" the president put forth in a 2011 policy speech he delivered near the U.S.-Mexico border. The administration never put much effort into turning that plan, which included a controversial path to "earned" citizenship, into legislation.



Immigration reform, largely sidelined by economic issues in Obama's first term, is part of an ambitious liberal agenda he laid out in his second inaugural address on Monday, which also includes gun control, gay rights and fighting climate change.



The chances of a bipartisan agreement to revamp the U.S. immigration system are looking brighter despite the strong political passions that surround the issue.



Obama wants a deal and so do many Republicans in Congress, after having seen Hispanics vote overwhelmingly for the president and his fellow Democrats in the Nov. 6 election.



Republicans have begun softening their stance after the party alienated many Latinos with hard-line rhetoric on immigration during the election campaign. Obama's unsuccessful Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, caused a stir by advocating "self-deportation" of illegal immigrants.



Republicans in Arizona and other states in recent years have pushed through tough laws cracking down on illegal immigrants.



Since the election, Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, and Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, have quietly undertaken a bipartisan effort to craft a bill.



"We are encouraged by efforts under way in Congress to move forward on this issue, to address it in a bipartisan way," Carney told reporters. "It is certainly a top legislative priority for the president."



Carney said Obama would use his event in Las Vegas to push the broad proposals he laid out in May 2011. Nevada has a fast-growing Hispanic population that helped Obama carry the state in the November election.



RENEWING OBAMA BLUEPRINT



Obama's earlier plan, which he unveiled in El Paso, Texas, called for creating a path for some of the 11 million illegal immigrants already in the United States to earn citizenship.



Some Republicans have argued that would amount to amnesty, but administration officials have denied that, saying it would include fines, payment of back taxes, a lengthy probationary period and other hurdles to obtain legal status.



Obama's previous proposals also called for strict border enforcement, tough penalties for businesses that hire illegal workers and creation of a guest-worker program to meet agricultural labor needs.



Last summer, Obama took executive action so that the federal government stopped seeking to deport certain illegal immigrants who arrived in the United States as children - a dramatic change that was celebrated in the Hispanic community and seen as key to his re-election hopes that November.



After winning the bitterly fought election, he promised to tackle the issue comprehensively early in his new term.



Obama told Hispanic lawmakers on Friday, "There is no excuse for stalling or delay" on immigration legislation and promised to "move this debate forward at the earliest possible opportunity," according to a White House statement.



"The president will be traveling to Nevada on Tuesday to redouble the administration's efforts to work with Congress to fix the broken immigration system this year," the White House said. Obama has also promised specifics on immigration in his State of the Union address to Congress on February 12.



Representative Xavier Becerra of California, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said afterward: "Immigration reform is not a matter of 'if' but 'when.' Now is the time and this is our moment."



Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat who has been part of Senate talks on immigration reforms, said Obama's leadership on the issue was essential.



"I applaud him for announcing his commitment at the very beginning of this term and hope that the bipartisan process that is ongoing in the Senate will lead us to passage of a bill he can sign," he said.



Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican often mentioned as a future presidential contender, has also begun drawing up his own set of proposals he hopes can appeal to conservatives. The White House has voiced interest in hearing more about his ideas.



Some political analysts have said Republicans must seize the chance to help achieve immigration reform or else forfeit the chance of gaining significant Latino electoral support for a generation or more.   — Reuters

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Rams hire Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator

The St. Louis Rams have hired former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to the same position, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Ryan was fired Jan. 8 after the Cowboys ranked 19th in total defense, but gave up the nine-most points in the NFL. His comments after being fired turned to be somewhat prescient.

"I inherited a team that was 31st in the league in defense and made them better," Ryan told ESPNDallas.com. "I (expletive) made them a hell of a lot better. I'll be out of work for like five minutes."

Ryan will inherit a defense that did not have a true defensive coordinator following Gregg Williams’ year-long suspension for his role as an assistant coach in the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal. Williams will not be with the team in 2013.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher has history with the Ryan family. He played under Rob’s father, Buddy, as a defensive back in Chicago. Fisher also served as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator for three seasons under Ryan, and for two others as a defensive backs coach.

source:  http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-01-25/rob-ryan-new-rams-defensive-coordinator-hired-former-cowboys-jeff-fisher

After Lance Armstrong's doping scandal, leading tennis players to get their way on doping controls

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and other leading tennis players calling for increased blood testing in tennis could get their wish in 2013 with the introduction of athlete biological passports to the sport.

In the aftermath of Lance Armstrong's admission last week that he was on drugs when he won each of his seven Tour de France titles, several top players at the Australian Open have revealed that they have received relatively few blood tests.





World number one Djokovic said last week that he had not been blood tested "in six or seven months".

The biological passport is a method of monitoring selected biological parameters over time, rather than trying to detect individual substances, and was considered one of the main reasons for the success in catching cheats in cycling.



"We're looking very, very closely at it and I think there's a reasonably good chance that will be operational probably towards the end of 2013," Dr Stuart Miller, the head of the International Tennis Federation (ITF)'s anti-doping effort, told BBC radio on Monday.



In 2011, the most recent set of figures available, the ITF conducted only 21 blood tests out of competition and 131 in total, a figure well outweighed by urine tests, which numbered 2,019.



At the Paris Masters last October, U.S. Open champion Murray led the calls for more blood tests in tennis, a view backed up in Melbourne by Roger Federer and Djokovic.



Blood tests are more expensive to administer than urine tests and Miller admitted that they were subject to financial constraints.



The Tennis Anti-Doping Program, which operates under the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) code is funded by the ITF along with the men's (ATP) and women's (WTA) tours and the grand slams.



On Tuesday, the ITF confirmed that the total investment in the anti-doping program was $2 million per year.

That included around $400,000 for the administration, paid for solely by the ITF, which covers staff, education, court costs and insurance.



Miller said tennis was doing everything it could to try to catch cheats.



"We are looking with our partners at the ATP, WTA and grand slams to identify areas we think we can improve," he said.



"We think we need to increase the proportion of blood testing we do under the program and we think we could also do with tending to increase the proportion of tests we do out of competition."



The ITF said it is committed to increasing its contribution in 2013 and former top-10 player Guy Forget, now the tournament director of the Paris Masters, said he believed drug taking was still happening in tennis.



"I don't think our sport is clean, I'm sure some guys are cheating," he told the BBC.



"I think it's a minority, probably, but that's why Roger and Andy are right to say we should put more money into blood tests and have more controls because we should fight this any way we can.



"I lost matches probably to guys who beat me with an unfair advantage because they were taking drugs.

"For sure it has happened. I can look in the mirror knowing I have never taken anything. But some guys might have done it.



"First of all some guys have tested positive, even if it's only a few, some have." - Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Meralco to implement POP rates for large power users

Large industrial and commercial power users are expected to save on their electricity charges starting next month through the Meralco's Peak/Off-Peak (POP) Program.

In a statement, Meralco, the country's largest power distributor, said it will implement the POP Program — formerly known as Time-Of-Use (TOU) — starting February following the recent approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The statement quoted ERC as saying in its decision that "an initial evaluation of the instant application disclosed that Meralco's proposed revised TOU rates will address its social commitment to its customers, especially, its large industrial and commercial customers, by enticing them to invest in the country by way of just and reasonable costs of electricity."

It said the program “will help boost the country's economic condition which will ultimately redound to the benefit of the consumers."

Meralco said ERC's timely approval of the program will provide an alternative to a significant number of Meralco’s large corporate customers who were previous availees of Napocor's TOU and the Ecozone Rate Programs, which expired last December 26, 2012.

The company said that for old and new subscribers alike, implementation of the POP Program is set to begin on February 1, 2013.

"We, in Meralco, appreciate the approval made by ERC and are happy of this development for our customers,” said Meralco senior vice president for customer retail services and corporate communications Alfredo Panlilio.

He added that with the POP Program, “affordable electricity rate options continue to be available to customers, especially to our large customers who, through said Program, can help contain cost of production and remain competitive in their area of business."

Eligible to enrol in the program are non-residential customers with at least five kilowatts monthly average demand.

Customers availing of the POP rates are expected to experience savings of up to 10 percent on the average versus regular Meralco rates in their monthly bills depending on their peak and off-peak consumption.

Meralco, controlled by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., has over five million customers in its franchise area. — KBK, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Prince Harry 'Thrilled' Over Royal Pregnancy

Prince Harry is on his way home from the war zone and says he "can't wait" to become an uncle.

"Obviously I'm thrilled for both of them," Harry, 28, says of his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate, joking, "It's about time."

In an interview in Afghanistan, where he served since September, the prince says he had chatted to the couple – and didn’t text or send them a letter, despite reports he had done so – when their news was released in early December.

"I spoke to my brother and her, and they're both very well and both very happy obviously," he says. "I think it's very unfair that they were forced to publicize it when they were, but that's just the media for you."

The royal couple revealed the pregnancy prematurely because of Kate's hospitalization due to severe morning sickness.

Harry, in charge of the weaponry on his crew's Apache attack helicopter, was interviewed about 10 days after the pregnancy was revealed, but his remarks were kept under wraps for security reasons, released now because he's returning to the U.K.

"I literally am very, very happy for them," he says, "but I just only hope that she and him – but mainly Catherine – hopefully that she gets the necessary protection to allow her as a mother-to-be to enjoy the privacy that that comes with. I seriously hope that's going to be able to happen."

Now that he's back from his tour of duty, is there some pressure on him to follow his brother and find a wife?

"I don't think you can ever be urged to settle down," he says. " If you find the right person and everything feels right, then it takes time, especially for myself and my brother."

But, as he has hinted before, it is hard to find the right kind of woman who isn’t going to be scared off by everything else that goes with being with a royal.

"You ain't ever going to find someone who's going to jump into the position that it would hold," he says. "Simple as that."

source: people.com

Yale physicists move closer to a working quantum computer

Physicists at Yale University have devised a way to give scientists greater control in the volatile realm of quantum mechanics by letting them observe quantum data without disruption —an important step towards building a working quantum computer.

 

A report on SciTechDaily said the scientists developed a new, non-destructive measurement system for observing, tracking and documenting all changes in a qubit’s state, preserving the qubit’s informational value.

 

“Our experiment is a dress rehearsal for a type of process essential for quantum computing,” said Michel Devoret, the Frederick William Beinecke Professor of Applied Physics & Physics at Yale.

 

“What this experiment really allows is an active understanding of quantum mechanics. It’s one thing to stare at a theoretical formula and it’s another thing to be able to control a real quantum object,” he added.

 

Devoret is also the principal investigator of research published Jan. 11 in the journal Science.

 

The SciTechDaily report said this could greatly improves the prospects of quantum computing, with quantum computers being envisioned to be exponentially faster than today's most powerful computers.

 

Other authors of the paper include S. Shankar, M. Mirrahimi, F. Schackert, K. Geerlings, T. Brecht, K.M. Sliwa, B. Abdo, L. Frunzio, S.M. Girvin, and R.J. Schoelkopf.

 

Support for the research was provided by the National Science Foundation, the United States Army Research Office, the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, the Agence National de Recherche, and the College de France.

 

Quantum systems

 

In quantum systems, microscopic units called qubits represent information, with qubits assuming either of two states 0 or 1, or both simultaneously.

 

While it is important to recognize and track their state for quantum computing, the act of monitoring them usually damages their information content.

 

But now, Yale physicists drew up a new, non-destructive measurement system for observing, tracking and documenting all changes in a qubit’s state, preserving the qubit’s informational value.

 

"In principle, the scientists said, this should allow them to monitor the qubit’s state in order to correct for random errors," SciTechDaily said.

 

“As long as you know what error process has occurred, you can correct. And then everything’s fine. You can basically undo the errors,” Devoret said.

 

Michael Hatridge, a postdoctoral associate in physics at Yale and lead author of the Science paper, added this is the key - “the ability to talk to the qubit and hear what it’s telling you.”

 

“A major problem with quantum computing is the finite lifetime of information stored in the qubits, which steadily decays and which must be corrected. We now know that it is possible to do this correction by feedback involving a continuous measurement. Our work advances the prospects of large-scale quantum computers by opening the door to continuous measurement-based quantum feedback,” he said.

 

The Yale physicists have successfully measured one qubit, but now the challenge is to measure and control many at once.

 

For now, the team is developing ultra-fast digital electronics for this purpose.

 

“We are on the threshold between the ability to measure and control one or two qubits, and many,” Hatridge said. — TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Goldman, Morgan Stanley to Pay $557M in Foreclosure-Abuse Settlement

Joining a broad settlement into alleged foreclosure abuse, Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS) reached a deal on Wednesday to pay $557 million to help mortgage borrowers.










The agreement is tied to a federal investigation into deficient practices in mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing such as robo-signing.

The Federal Reserve said Goldman and Morgan Stanley agreed to pay $232 million in direct payments to eligible borrowers as well as $325 million in “other assistance,” which includes loan modifications and forgiveness of deficiency judgments.

The deal paves the way for compensation for more than 220,000 borrowers whose homes were foreclosed on in 2009 and 2010 with former subsidiaries of Goldman and Morgan Stanley.

Compensation for eligible borrowers is expected to range between hundreds of dollars to $125,000, depending on the servicer error.

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have since divested the mortgage-servicing businesses in question: Litton Loan Servicing and Saxon Mortgage Services, respectively.

The Fed said eligible borrowers can expect to be contacted by the end of March by a payment agent who will be appointed to administer the process. Borrowers won’t be required to sign a waiver of any legal claims they may have against their mortgage servicer in exchange for payment, the government said.

The news comes a week after the Fed and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reached a similar deal with a range of banks, including Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), J.P. Morgan Chase (JPM), PNC (PNC), U.S. Bank (USB) and Wells Fargo (WFC).

Taking into account the agreement announced on Wednesday, the Fed said more than four million borrowers will now receive a total of $3.5 billion in cash compensation and an additional $5.5 billion for mortgage assistance.

The Fed said it is in talks to reach similar agreements with other mortgage servicers.

Shares of Goldman Sachs rallied 2.53% to $139.00 Wednesday morning amid enthusiasm for the company’s big fourth-quarter earnings beat, while Morgan Stanley gained 0.39% to $20.52.

source: foxbusiness.com

Take Care When Hiring an Adult Caregiver

When her 90-year-old father wanted to remain active and continue living in his own Los Angeles-area home, Tobi Rosen hired a caregiver with the help of a care manager from the geriatric care management firm LivHome. Rosen says she chose to go with a professional after taking care of her father herself. "Once we hired the caregiver, my dad and I had a better, more rewarding relationship," says Rosen.

Rosen says the agency helped her find the right person to assist with shopping, meal preparation, personal care and transportation. What made it even more rewarding was the relationship that developed between her father and his caregiver.

"They became instant friends, buddies and companions. I know my dad's life was enriched because of his caregiver," she says.

Recent estimates from a Pew Research Center study place the amount of individuals in this country who serve as caregivers for other adults at about 24%. That means nearly one-fourth of adult Americans take care of a parent or other elderly relative or their spouse. The typical family caregiver is a college-educated woman between the ages of 30 and 49, but other demographic distinctions such as income, employment and marital status don't seem to make much of a difference.

As baby boomers age, the number of adults who need some type of assistance will continue to rise. That leaves families facing difficult decisions, such as: Will you (and do you want to) provide this care yourself? Many will choose to hire a caregiver through a geriatric care manager, or GCM, or by finding someone on their own.
Types of Caregivers

Deciding to hire home-based care for an elderly relative is a deeply complex decision based on multiple considerations: your proximity to the relative in question, budget, the care available and personal preferences. But experts say you should also remember that not everyone has the same needs.

Some people require only a little help with housekeeping and transportation. Others need companionship, assistance with medication and help with meals and personal care. Still others must have ongoing medical attention. Although a caregiver's duties will vary from case to case, below are a few of the more common levels of caregiving.

    Housekeeper: Cleans and cares for the home.
    Personal care worker: Keeps house, but also assists with meals and possibly medication reminders. Can help with driving and doctor's visits.
    Certified nursing assistant or home health aide: Provides personal care assistance such as bathing and dressing, administering medications, supervising light exercise and monitoring health.
    Skilled care: Monitors physical condition and assists with physical therapy, wound management and other medical needs.

Where to Look for a Caregiver

Judson Kramer, a Santa Monica, Calif., graphic artist who works part time as a caregiver, started with an agency because he needed the extra money. Kramer stays with it because he likes his clients, though he admits it's taxing.

"The first year to two years were very draining," he says.

Caregiver burnout is a frequent complaint that's also shared by family members. Ruth Johnson, a North Carolina-based newspaper columnist, says both of her elderly parents required help. Johnson chose to take care of one parent on her own, but she hired a caregiver the second time around. Neither solution was perfect, but she says careful applicant screening is essential.

"You've got to have references and check them out," she says. Johnson says she's surprised at how many people hire caregivers without due diligence.

"I've known a lot of caregivers, and it's a revolving door out there. You really have to be careful; it's not a job that always attracts the best people," she says.

Where can you find caregivers? Experts point to these resources:

    Newspaper ads.
    Online job boards such as Care.com.
    Craigslist.
    Word of mouth (try asking around your church, at your job, etc.).
    Your state employment office.
    Temporary job agencies.
    A senior's doctor's office.

The Hiring Process

Experts say once you begin the hiring process you should remember not to divulge personal information about yourself or the potential client until you've thoroughly checked out potential caregivers. Here's a checklist to help in the initial hiring phase and early employment:

    Check applicants' identification -- don't hire anyone who can't give you a valid ID.
    Check references, run a background check and secure a criminal history and driver's record. You can sometimes do this at your local courthouse or pay a small fee to online services.
    Make copies of certifications to keep on hand.
    Talk to the elderly person's insurance company and make sure his or her homeowners insurance will cover the caregiver (for both in-home accidents and driving).
    Put rare art, expensive jewelry, guns and other valuable items in secure storage.
    Have mail diverted from the home to a secure location in order to monitor what's coming in, if necessary. This can protect an elderly person with dementia from scams.
    Keep a tight rein on finances. In particular, prevent access to credit cards and bank accounts.
    Make arrangements for regular consultations with the caregiver, and put a backup plan in position in case the caregiver doesn't work out or can't come in as scheduled.
    Try to include the elderly person in as much of the process as possible.
    Make frequent, unexpected visits to the home or have another person do so.

Hiring a Care Manager

The case for care management can be strong, but it's also costly. Care managers generally charge by the hour and some hourly fees can run upward of $100. However, hiring a manager can ensure higher quality.

Suzanne Modigliani, a GCM in the Boston area, says she starts by assessing a person's needs, then looks for the right person to meet them. "We strive to make a good match and then we troubleshoot case issues," says Modigliani.

The benefits of hiring a GCM are many: The manager or company has a backup system, so if a caregiver can't come in, another can be sent. They check references and backgrounds and supervise the workers. And they handle liability issues.

Bunni Dybnis, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked exclusively in the field of aging for the past 20 years and is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, says the most important part of hiring a caregiver is to first know what you need.

"Everybody's going to be different, and probably 65 (percent) to 70% of those who need caregivers will have dementia, which brings a whole different light to it," says Dybnis.

Copyright 2013, Bankrate Inc.

source: foxbusiness.com

Rocco Nacino enjoys 'leading lady' role in latest gay indie flick

After last year's Cinemalaya new breed entry, Ang Sayaw Ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa, kung saan gumanap siya bilang isang closet gay, muling mapapanood si Rocco Nacino sa isa na namang gay indie film.

This time, it's a comedy, titled I Love You, Pare Ko. Ang love interest ni Rocco dito ay si Rodjun Cruz.

"Nag-e-enjoy ako (in doing gay roles), pero, sabi ko, itong film na ito... last ko na itong pag-portray na gay.

"I don't want to be stereotyped as (onscreen) gay," sabi ni Rocco, sa panayam ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), noong January 18, sa GMA-7 studios.



But why so soon? In a matter of less than 7 months, may bagong gay movie appearance uli ang premyadong young actor.



"'Yun nga," naisip niya. "Kaya sabi ko... kasi nga, challenge siya. Parang ganun."

 "Comedy (naman), tapos ibang klaseng pag-portray ko. So, sabi ko, gagawin ko, pero last na."

 What if may dumating uling magandang offer, na kasing challenging.

 Hindi ba niya ire-reconsider?

 "It depends. But it will take time muna," sambit ni Rocco. "Hindi lang naman gay roles ang available, e."



RODJUN CRUZ's 'LEADING LADY.'  Earlier, sa promo-guesting nina Rocco Nacino at Rodjun Cruz sa show ni Kuya Germs (German Moreno's Walang Tulugan With The Master Showman), naging "game" naman si Rocco sa pagpapa-interview at pag-arte, bilang isang bading (gay).

 Tuwang-tuwa si Kuya Germs sa dalawang bida ng bagong gay indie film

Katuwang niyang naghu-host ang young actor-protege na si Jhake Vargas at ang dalawang mainstays ng show, na sina John Nite at new female TV host, Gaby (o Gabbie) Garcia, whom Kuya Germs introduced as the daughter of character actor, Emilio Garcia.

Tinanong ni Jhake si Rocco kung sino ang leading lady ng pelikula.

"Ay, naku! Gusto ninyong malaman kung sino ang leading lady dito?

 Ako!" lahad ni Rocco, sa tonong gay, much to everyone's amusement.

 "Yes, kaya yun po ang title ng movie, I Love You, Pare Ko.

 "Kaming dalawa po (ni Rodjun) ang bida rito. Ang leading lady ay yours truly.

 "Ang peg ko dito ay parang si 'Kuya' Roderick Paulate. Maraming twists (ang kuwento)."

Sabi naman ni Rodjun, "Ito ang dapat nilang abangan, dahil ito yung pinakabagong loveteam - 'RoRo' loveteam (for Rocco and Rodjun)."

Tanong naman ni Kuya Germs:  'Paano kung may ma-in love sa iyong "boy" (o gay man)?'

"Ako? Pag may na-in love sa akin?  Ahh... thank you," nangiting sabi ni Rocco.

 Dagdag niya, "Character lang po yung ginawa ko. Ibig sabihin, effective talaga yung ginawa ko..."


SOFT SPOT FOR 'INDIES.'  Meanwhile, masaya si Rocco Nacino sa paggawa ng indie movies, simula nang gawin niya ang nasabing Cinemalaya 2012 Filmfest entry.



"Of course, indie films have a place in my heart," aniya.

 "Nagsimula ako sa ... Sayaw Ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (by indie writer-director, Alvin Yapan)... dahil doon, nagkaroon ako ng tatlong awards," wika rin ni Rocco.

Dalawa sa mga iyon ay ang napanalunan ni Rocco, as Best New Movie Actor at Breakthrough Performance by An Actor awards ng PMPC (Star Awards for Movies) at Enpress (Golden Screen Awards), respectively.


MAINSTREAM ARTIST. Pero bilang isang Kapuso, si Rocco Nacino, na produkto ng reality-based artista search (StarStruck, Batch5) ay nananatiling mainsteam TV-movie actor.

Kasalukuyan siyang napapanood sa pang-hapong drama series, ang Yesterday's Bride, katambal si Lovi Poe; at tuwing Linggo, bilang isa sa male co-hosts-performer sa musical-variety show ng GMA-7, ang Party Pilipinas.


"After Yesterday's Bride, meron akong gagawin sa GMA Films," sabi ni Rocco.

Napag-alaman ng PEP, though unconfirmed, na ito'y may titulong My Lady Boss, a romance-comedy, na pagbibidahan diumano nina Richard Gutierrez at Marian Rivera.

As to GMA's other plans, Rocco informed, "Meron akong isang project na gagawin - special ng GMA News - a mini-serye which will run for three months.

"Tungkol sa (election) campaigns natin.  Maraming magaling na artista... (na kasali sa project)."

 Hindi niya binanggit ang dahilan, o kung iniiwasan man niya ang pag-participate sa campaign sorties ng mga politicians, pero wala nga raw ikakampanya si Rocco sa darating na eleksiyon.

"Wala," pagtukoy niya. "Dun sa project na gagawin ko, bawal akong mag-kampanya, so yun ang tinanggap ko." — William R. Reyes, PEP.ph

source: gmanetwork.com

6 Pinoys among workers killed in Algeria hostage crisis — DFA

Six Filipinos were among those killed while four others were reported missing in the hostage crisis that rocked Algeria last week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"Based on reports received from team in Algeria and embassy in London, 16 OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) accounted for and confirmed alive, six were confirmed dead, four were still unaccounted for," said DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez at a press briefing Monday.

He said the 26 Filipinos were working at the gas facility that was attacked by Islamic militants last week.

"The DFA is now notifying next of kin of the six confirmed dead and coordinating shipment of their remains. We are locating whereabouts of the unaccounted four," Hernandez said.

He said all the Filipino fatalities, who were killed "mostly by gunshot wounds and the effects of explosion" were male and were "mostly from Japanese companies."

It was not clear, however, if the six Filipinos were executed by the militants or were killed when Algerian authorities staged an assault on the facility to end the hostage crisis.

16 accounted for

Hernandez said of the 16 OFWs who were accounted for, four were in Al-Azhar clinic in Algiers, four were billeted in Mercure Hotel awaiting repatriation, four were repatriated and were on their way home, and four were vacationing in the Philippines when the hostage-taking incident happened.

On Sunday, dozens of Filipinos arrived home after being sent home by their employer in Algeria due to security fears following an Islamic militant attack at a remote gas plant.

A Reuters report Monday morning said Algerian troops found 25 bodies of hostages at the bomb-littered gas plant deep in the Sahara desert on Sunday, a day after ending the four-day siege. This raised the death toll of militants and their captives to at least 80.

Around 30 foreigners — including American, British, French, Japanese, Norwegian and Romanian citizens — are among those missing or confirmed dead after the siege, one of the worst international hostage crises in decades.

Algeria had given a preliminary death toll of 55 people killed — 23 hostages and 32 militants — on Saturday and said it would rise as more bodies were found.

Deployment ban?

Despite the incident, the Philippine government has yet to discuss whether a deployment ban will be implemented in Algeria.

"There are no discussions on that yet," Hernandez said. "As you all know deployment bans are decided upon by the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) governing board upon the recommendation of the DFA and our people on the ground." — KBK, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Glock leaves Marussia F1 team

LONDON - German Formula One driver Timo Glock has left Marussia with immediate effect and by mutual consent, the Russian-licensed team said on Monday.



They added that a replacement would be announced in due course. The team's other driver is British newcomer Max Chilton.



"The ongoing challenges facing the industry mean that we have had to take steps to secure our long-term future. Tough economic conditions prevail and the commercial landscape is difficult for everyone, Formula One teams included," said principal John Booth in a statement.



"We would like to thank Timo for working with us to reach this decision, especially as he had a valid contract, and also for the contribution he has made to our team."  - Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

HBO to produce third WWII series

HBO officials say the cable network, which won Emmys with "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," is developing a third World War II miniseries.

The as-yet unnamed series will focus on the 8th Air Force and will use Donald L. Miller's non-fiction book, "Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany," as source material, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg will again serve as executive producers for the project through Goetzman's Playtone production company and Spielberg's Amblin Television.

Graham Yost, who wrote several episodes of the first two series, said he's eager to join the third project.
A timeline for production and release date for the series was not reported.

"Band of Brothers" cost $125 million to produce and won six of the 19 Emmys it was nominated for in 2001.

"The Pacific" cost $200 million and won eight Emmys in 2010.

source: upi.com

Keys 'excited' by Super Bowl performance

Singer Alicia Keys said she's "incredibly excited" about performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in New Orleans next month.

"I'm very excited to perform at the Super Bowl," she told The Hollywood Reporter Friday at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. "It's really gonna set the game off. I feel really excited about doing that, and it's my first time really doing that -- the national anthem that really starts the whole game off so I'm incredibly excited."

 

The performance will be part of what Keys said is "gonna be a good 2013," which includes the release of the indie film "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete," on which she serves as executive producer and composer.

The film premiered Thursday at Sundance and stars Anthony Mackie, Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks.

source: upi.com

'Argo' scores sweet Golden Globe victory with two top awards

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Iran hostage drama "Argo" scored a sweet double victory at the Golden Globe awards on Sunday, winning best movie drama—the night's top prize—and best director for Ben Affleck on a night that left front-runner "Lincoln" with just one trophy.

Musical "Les Miserables" won the contest for best comedy or musical, as well as acting awards for stars Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.

 

But elsewhere, it was a night of surprises at Hollywood's second biggest awards show after the Oscars in February.

 

Actress Jodie Foster publicly acknowledged for the first time that she is gay, and former US President Bill Clinton appeared at the glitzy ceremony.

 

Yet the big story was the defeat of Steven Spielberg's drama about US President Abraham Lincoln's battle to end slavery— which went into Sunday's ceremony with a leading seven nominations—and the triumph of Affleck in the director's race.

 

Affleck was overlooked in the directing category when Oscar nominations were announced last Thursday, although "Argo" was short-listed for best film at the Oscar ceremony to be held on Feb. 24.

 

"Argo" combines the true story of the rescue of US diplomats from Tehran after the Islamic Revolution in 1979 under the guise of making a movie, with a satire on Hollywood.

 

"Argo" producer George Clooney told reporters backstage on Sunday that he was disappointed at Affleck's personal snub by the Academy Awards voters.

 

"I think he did a phenomenal job with the film. I felt that he should have been nominated, but you can't figure out what goes on in the Academy and he's still nominated for best picture...It's disappointing, but we're not out of the water just yet," Clooney said.

 

Daniel Day-Lewis sole victor for 'Lincoln'

 

British actor Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays Abraham Lincoln, got the only Golden Globe win for "Lincoln," which has a leading 12 Oscar nominations.

 

Instead, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organizes the Golden Globes, showed their admiration for Quentin Tarantino's slavery era Western "Django Unchained."

 

"Django" won two awards—for Tarantino's screenplay, and Christoph Waltz's supporting actor turn as a dentist turned bounty hunter.

 

"Wow! ... This is a damn surprise, and I am happy to be surprised," Tarantino said, accepting his screenplay award.

 

The Golden Globes are sometimes seen as an indication of sentiment ahead of the Oscars, but the two voting bodies are very different and Oscar nominations were announced this year before Sunday's ceremony.

 

In other key races, Jessica Chastain, won, as expected, for her role as a young female CIA agent who tracks down Osama bin Laden in thriller "Zero Dark Thirty."

 

"I have wanted to be an actor since I was a little girl...To be here now is a beautiful feeling to receive this encouragement and support," Chastain said.

 

In the best comedy or musical category, Jennifer Lawrence won best actress for "Silver Linings Playbook" while was best supporting actress.

 

"Thank you for this lovely blunt object that I will ever more use as a weapon against self-doubt," said Hathaway as she accepted her trophy. The actress lost 25 pounds in weight and chopped off her long brown hair to play tragic heroine Fantine in "Les Miserables."

 

Jodie Foster praises her co-parent, ex-lover

 

Comedians Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, hosting the Globes for the first time, scattered around jokes about some of the top Hollywood stars in the audience, along with impersonations of Johnny Depp and Julianne Moore.

 

Foster, 50, who won Oscars for "Silence of the Lambs" and "The Accused" was given a lifetime achievement award, and publicly acknowledged that she is gay.

 

"I hope that you're not disappointed that there won't be a big coming-out speech tonight because I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago (to friends and family)," Foster said.

 

Foster said she had never felt the need to bare her soul in public but praised her co-parent and the woman she called her "ex-partner in love."

 

Clinton got a standing ovation from the A-list Hollywood stars when he appeared to introduce clips from "Lincoln."

 

As the former president left the stage, Poehler quipped: "Wow! What an exciting special guest! That was Hillary Clinton's husband! That was exciting."

 

Unlike the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes also honor television dramas and comedies.

 

On Sunday they chose Showtime terrorism thriller "Homeland" as best drama series, and the show's Damian Lewis and Claire Danes as best actor and actress.

 

"Girls" won best comedy series and Lena Dunham, its star and creator, won best comedy actress. Don Cheadlewas named best actor in a comedy series for playing a devious management consultant in "House of Lies."

 

HBO's drama "Game Change" about Sarah Palin's 2008 run for US vice president won best TV film, while Moore won for her portrayal of the polarizing former Alaska governor, and Ed Harris won for his portrayal of Republican presidential contender John McCain. —Reuters

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Kate Winslet's husband wins UK photo court battle

 

LONDON - British actress Kate Winslet's husband won a court battle on Tuesday stopping The Sun newspaper printing photographs of him "semi-naked" at a private fancy dress party several years ago.

 

Lawyers for Ned RocknRoll, 34, who married the "Titanic" star last month, argued that there was no public interest in the Sun publishing the pictures, that it would be a breach of his privacy and it could lead to Winslet's children being bullied.

 

According to the Press Association, the judge at London's High Court ruled in favour of RocknRoll and ordered The Sun not to publish the pictures pending any trial, adding that he would give the reasons for his decision at a later date.

 

"We have stopped The Sun from publishing semi-naked photos of Ned taken by a friend at a private 21st birthday party a few years ago," the couple said in a statement.

 

"The photos are innocent but embarrassing and there is no reason to splash them across a newspaper," they added.

 

"We recognize that in the internet age privacy is harder and harder to maintain. But we will continue to do what we can, particularly to protect Kate's children from the results of media intrusion.

 

"We refuse to accept that her career means our family can't live a relatively normal life."

 

Winslet, nominated for six Academy Awards including the best actress honor she won for "The Reader", has a son and a daughter and has been married twice before.

 

She wed RocknRoll, who changed his name from Abel Smith, in New York in a small, private ceremony that took even family members by surprise.

 

RocknRoll is a nephew of airline tycoon Richard Branson and, the court heard, had been head of marketing at his space travel venture Virgin Galactic before he took up sheep farming.

 

His lawyer David Sherborne said RocknRoll was not a public figure and did no court public attention.

 

"It is simply because he is married to Miss Winslet," Sherborne told the High Court. "I am sure he would not mind if I described him as a relative nobody up until the point he married Miss Winslet." — Reuters

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Alden Richards denies courting Julie Anne San Jose

May bulung-bulungang balak daw ligawan ni Alden Richards ang kapwa niya Kapuso star na si Julie Anne San Jose.

Nagsimula ito noong nakaraang Pasko kung saan nagpalitan ng regalo ang dalawa—at nabigyan ito ng malisya ng ilan.

Binigyan ni Alden si Julie Anne ng neck pillow na may teddy bear head, at binigyan naman ng young singer-actress ng chocolates ang young actor.

Doon sila unang nagkatuksuhan.

At nang mag-guest si Alden sa Startalk TX nung Sabado, January 4, ay tinanong ito sa kanya.

Inamin niya ang exchange gift nila nung nakaraang Pasko. Pero itinanggi ng binata ang balitang nililigawan nito si Julie Anne.

“Sino ba naman po ang hindi mai-in love kay Julie Anne? Pero wala pa po… hindi pa po ako nanliligaw.

“Mabait siya, e. Napaka-down to earth. Walang arte, yung star complex," pagsalawaran nito sa Kapuso young singer.

Hindi pa masabi sa ngayon ni Alden kung balak nga ba niyang ligawan, dahil hindi naman daw siya nagmamadali.

Pero handa naman daw siyang ma-involve sa isang relasyon ngayong taon.

Kung si Julie Anne na ba ito, hindi pa raw niya masasabi dahil hindi pa naman daw sila nakakapag-usap nang masinsinan.

Sabi ng Kapuso heartthrob, “Nagkakasama lang naman po kami sa Party P [Pilipinas], minsan sa mga out-of-town shows—at doon ko siya nakita kung gaano siya ka-genuine na walang kaplastikan."

Ang isa pang inaalala ni Alden ay ang JuliElmo fans, ang hukbo ng tagahanga ng tambalang Julie Anne San Jose at Elmo Magalona.

“Yun nga po, e. Pero hindi ko naman po aagawin si Julie Anne sa loveteam nila," paniniguro ni Alden.

Sana raw maintindihan siya ng JuliElmo fans na baka magalit nga sa kanya.

“Kami naman ni Elmo, wala naman po kaming problema, e. Hindi pa nga po namin ‘to napag-usapan. Bahala na po," nakangiting pahayag ni Alden.

MALE BEAUTY PAGEANTS. Samantala, hiningan na rin ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Alden ng reaksiyon sa mga kumakalat sa Internet na mga dating litrato niya nung sumasali pa siya sa all-male beauty pageants.

Sabi niya, “Aware naman po ako, at saka okay lang po kasi naging part ko naman po ang pageant, e.

“That was three years ago, at wala naman po akong dapat ikahiya since ginawa ko naman po talaga siya."

May ilang mga litrato nitong naglalabasan na naka-swimming trunks at hindi naman daw ito isyu sa kanya.

Kung sakaling mabigyan siya ng proyekto na medyo daring, nakahanda naman daw siyang gawin ito.

“Twenty-one naman po ako, at least for a change po," napangiti niyang sagot.

Kung sakaling mabigyan siya ng proyektong kailangan niyang maghubad, okay naman daw siyang gawin iyon basta maganda lang ang material.

“Opo naman. Kung kinakailangan po sa story at kung nakakaganda sa project, why not?"

Pati gay role ay kaya naman daw niyang gampanan. Ang hindi lang daw siya handa ay makipaghalikan sa kapwa aktor.

“A, yung physical contact, hindi ko pa po kaya.

“Basta kung matinong gay role po na hindi kabastus-bastos at 'di nakakasira ng image, open po ako diyan," sabi ni Alden sa PEP. -- Gorgy Rula, PEP

source: gmanetwork.com

Battling Alzheimer’s in US, TOYM awardee Alberto Florentino thought of suicide

Exclusive of the Filipino Reporter, a content partner of GMA News Online

Alberto S. Florentino, one of the Philippines’ surviving literary treasures, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in early 2012 and has been suffering from depression ever since, according to his wife, Eva San Jose Florentino.

Formerly based in New York City, he is now residing at an assisted-living facility in Portland, Oregon.

Eva lives in a nearby apartment and regularly checks on him.

Born in Nueva Ecija on July 28, 1931, Florentino, now 81, is a prolific author and playwright who shot to fame in the 1950s with his work, “The World is an Apple,” one of the most performed plays in the Philippines to this day and which also gave him his first Carlos Palanca Award in 1954 when he was just 23 years old.

He is a contemporary of Nick Joaquin, Jose Garcia Villa and NVM Gonzalez.

Also known as the main scriptwriter of the award-winning TV drama series in the 60s and 70s “Balintataw,” he has written 100 plays for television and cinema, and more than 50 for stage, besides having published several collections of his own plays and more than 70 titles by other Filipino authors.

He became a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) awardee for literature in 1960, an honor he shared with then Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., (for public service).

In 2008, Florentino was given a Presidential Medal of Merit for being a distinguished literary giant.

Today, the former University of the Philippines (U.P.) professor is no longer writing and spends most of his time reading books at Laurelhurst Village, a senior care community in Portland.

“He loves to buy books on sale and get the old ones thrown out by libraries,” Eva told the Filipino Reporter in an exclusive interview on Christmas Day.

“Yun na lang ang kaligayahan niya sa ngayon.”

“He has no friends here because we just moved here and most of his surviving friends are either in New York or Manila,” said Eva, herself a writer, art curator and retired university professor.

The couple relocated to Portland to be close to their daughter Lisa, a voice teacher who has a private studio there.

Eva recalled that her husband’s depression came upon when his doctor told him he’s in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

The diagnosis was a result of a medical test after Florentino got lost twice and couldn’t find his way home from his regular trip to a coffee shop.

“Bert couldn’t accept the fact that he has Alzheimer’s which he knows is a progressive disease that has no cure,” shared Eva.

“He used to be so good at computers but he couldn’t write anymore and his depression only worsened. He started acting strange and even became suicidal, threatening to jump from a building.”

At one point, Florentino reportedly requested for an assisted suicide, which is legal in Oregon, as long as it is self-administered.

But Eva said the doctor told him he’s not qualified to receive it since he has Alzheimer’s which, by definition, robs its victims of good judgment and the capacity to understand consequences — and ultimately the ability to carry out their own deaths.

Florentino’s condition has taken its toll on their family, according to Eva, which was aggravated by the sudden passing of one of their daughters, Sonya, 52, who was found dead in her Manhattan apartment in November.

The cause of death was pneumonia.

“We all try to be strong for each other,” Eva said, “especially me, I already had quadruple bypass. I cannot die. Not now. Hindi ako puwede mamatay because my husband needs me.”

“I thank God we’re holding up well and my whole family is my source of strength,” she added.

“Like this Christmas, all of our children and grandchildren are here with us. Even our daughter Leila, who is based in Paris, flew in with her daughter Tess to be with us again.”

The Florentinos’ have a fourth daughter, Angeli, who is a social worker in New York City.

At present, Florentino is under medication and has been seeing a psychologist every other week.

“He’s okay as long as he taking his medication religiously,” Eva said.

“Aside from reading, he goes to concerts and watches movies. Like the the other day we watched the movie ‘Lincoln’ and he loved it. We talked about the movie.”

“He hasn’t lose cognition,” she added.

“He still remembers people and events. He stays in my apartment during weekends, but it’s better that he’s in the assisted-living facility where he is closely monitored.”

When the Reporter got a chance to talk to Florentino on the phone recently, he sounded coherent and even talked about his illness.

“The doctor told me I have Alzheimer’s...and I’m battling this terrible depression,” he said.

“But I’m aware of what’s going on around me. I feel fine and I feel normal. I know you...and I know all of my friends. Just pray for me.”

For those who want to get in touch with Bert Florentino, e-mail Eva at evasjflorentino@aol.com

To send him a card or letter, e-mail it to Eva’s apartment at 333 NW 4th Avenue, Apt. 327, Portland, Oregon 97209. - Filipino Reporter

 

source: gmanetwork.com

David Bowie breaks long silence with new music release

LONDON - British singer David Bowie released his first new song in nearly a decade on Tuesday in a surprise launch coinciding with his 66th birthday.

"Where Are We Now?", produced by his long-term collaborator Tony Visconti, is a mournful look back to the time he spent in Berlin in the 1970s with an accompanying video featuring black-and-white footage of the city when it was still divided.

The song, available on iTunes and free to view on his re-launched website, was recorded in New York and will be followed by his first studio album since 2003, "The Next Day", due to hit shelves in March.

Bowie's label Columbia Records said the new song was a "treasure" that appeared "as if out of nowhere", underlining the element of surprise from a release that ends years of speculation among fans over whether he would record again.

"Throwing shadows and avoiding the industry treadmill is very David Bowie despite his extraordinary track record that includes album sales in excess of 130 million not to mention his massive contributions in the area of art, fashion, style, sexual exploration and social commentary," the label said.

The album will consist of 14 songs, and a deluxe edition will feature three bonus tracks.

The glam-rock star shot to fame with "Space Oddity" in 1969, and later with his alter ego Ziggy Stardust, before establishing himself as a chart-topping force in the early 1980s.

Known for his constant desire to re-invent and experiment with different musical genres, Bowie is considered one of the most influential, and unusual stars of the pop era. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

How Safe is Your Life Insurance Company?

Dear Insurance Adviser,
What should I do with a single-premium life insurance policy that originated in the 1980s? The interest on the lump sum I put in is better than I would get from money market funds or certificates of deposit, but I have concerns about the viability of the company. How can I find out if my money is safe? How can I learn about the health of the company? I am 77 years old and would like to leave the money where it is, but as I age, I have concerns. Thanks for your advice.
-- Singly Worried



Dear Singly,
Nothing helps with anxiety better than a few facts.

First, find out if your state has an insurance guaranty fund. Most states do. In the event that an insurance company fails and is declared insolvent, policyholders with claims against the insurer can collect from the state guaranty fund.

If your state has such a fund, make sure its caps on claims are high enough to cover both your maximum life insurance benefit and the cash value of your policy. Even if the limits are high enough, collecting from these funds is a painful and long, drawn-out process. It would probably take at least a year to get your money.

Second, go to the A.M. Best Co. website to look up the Financial Strength Rating for your life insurance company. A.M. Best has been rating insurance companies for more than 100 years and is considered the gold standard. Click on the link for consumers to check on insurance company ratings, and put in your company's name. If your company is rated A, A+, or A++, it's on solid ground. If your company is rated B or worse, pack your bags, and head for the hills!

I have a question for you: Do you still need life insurance protection? It sounds as though you are interested primarily in the investment part of the policy. You mentioned that your interest rate is better than you can get elsewhere. But that's misleading if you don't need life insurance. The annual "mortality and expense charges" for the life insurance need to be deducted from your interest earnings in order to measure your true return. Mortality charges for a 77-year-old would be quite large and would significantly reduce the earnings on your policy.

If you do need life insurance still, perhaps you don't need as much as you have. Most life insurance companies with single-premium policies will allow you to reduce your death benefit and still keep the policy and interest rate. With a lower death benefit, the mortality charges being deducted from your earnings would be much smaller, so your earnings would improve significantly. I recommend that you talk to a financial adviser to help you with this decision.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

source: foxbusiness.com

Sears CEO to Step Down in February

Sears Holdings Corp said Chief Executive Louis D'Ambrosio will step down for family health
reasons after the U.S. retailer reported a 1.8 percent decline in quarter-to-date sales at stores open at least a year.

Edward Lampert will assume the role of Sears CEO in addition to his current role as chairman, Sears said in a statement late on Monday. D'Ambrosio became the chief executive in February
2011.

Total domestic comparable store sales for the nine-weekperiod declined 1.8 percent largely due to sales declines in the consumer electronics category at both Sears and affiliate Kmart,
the company said.
  
Kmart recorded a 3.8 percent fall in comparable store sales for the nine-week period. Kmart's quarter-to-date comparable store sales decline reflects a significant decline in consumer
electronics, besides weak sales in the pharmacy, grocery and household and drug categories.
  
Reported net loss attributable to Sears Holdings' shareholders for the quarter ending Feb. 2, 2013 will be between $280 million and $360 million, or between $2.64 and $3.40 loss
per share, the company said.

Excluding items, net income is expected to be between $132 million and $212 million, or between $1.25 and $2 per share.

source: foxbusiness.com

Oscars to feature special James Bond tribute

LOS ANGELES - The Oscars are jumping on the James Bond anniversary bandwagon, featuring a special salute to the 50-year-old franchise at the annual awards ceremony in February, producers said on Friday.

"We are very happy to include a special sequence on our show saluting the Bond films on their 50th birthday," Oscar show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a statement.

While no details of the segment were revealed, the producers added that "starting with 'Dr. No' back in 1962, the 007 movies have become the longest-running motion picture franchise in history and a beloved global phenomenon."

Friday's announcement was likely to fuel hopes for a best picture Oscar nomination next week for the current Bond film, "Skyfall," which has broken the $1 billion mark at the box office and become the biggest hit in the series' 23-film franchise. It was released by Sony Corp's movie studio.

The critically-acclaimed blockbuster got a big boost earlier this week when producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson were among nominees for the Producers Guild Award, alongside producers for such prestige films as "Lincoln" and "Zero Dark Thirty."

Bond films have historically received only a handful of Oscar nominations, most for technical categories or music, and the Producers Guild nod marked the first ever nomination from the influential Hollywood guild for a Bond film.

Nominations for the Oscars will be announced on Jan. 10 in Los Angeles.

The Oscars, the most coveted awards in the movie industry, will be handed out in a ceremony hosted by "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane and broadcast around the world from Hollywood on Feb. 24.  — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com