Last week, David Henderson, founder of Idealistics Inc. and editor of Poverty Insights, posted an article titled “Does Blogging Really Matter?” I understand that his intention for writing the post was to question whether or not blogging has any impact on organizations in the social sector but for me, the title of his post prompted me to respond the way I did. See, for me Panerai Replica Watches, blogging DOES matter! Blogging helps introduce the local community to the human stories all around them that they otherwise wouldn’t know about. Let’s face it, when people are caught up in their day to day lives, how motivated will they be to talk to a homeless person they see standing on a street corner holding up a cardboard sign?

Well, a great way to motivate people to act is to expose them to images they haven’t seen before. That’s what Mark Horvath does with Invisible People Tv. If you’ve never heard of the site Tag Heuer Replica Watches, please go there and see for yourself but be forewarned; Mark’s videos show the raw reality of homelessness and the very real people it affects. For me, becoming an advocate sprang out of experiencing homelessness myself. I often wonder what I’d be doing right now if I hadn’t met Mr. Horvath and all the other wonderful folks I’ve run into that are actively doing what they can to educate their communities on the facts of homelessness and engage them into getting people off the streets and on with their lives.

Blogging about guys like Gandalf, a homeless vet dying of pancreatic cancer, inspired readers to donate funds to put Gandalf into a hotel through the Christmas holiday where I surprised him by reconnecting with his daughter, Michelle. It was the first holiday they spent together and may be their last. Blogging helped with little things too, like getting $25 together so that a disabled man in a wheelchair who is also homeless could get a state ID and stay in a hotel room instead of going into shock from the cold. Or getting 12 kids a room for a night instead of letting them sleep outside when the temps dropped to 24 degrees. Blogging isn’t always about asking for donations either. I am always pleasantly surprised when readers write back to me saying that because of one post they read, they went out and got involved in helping the homeless in whatever capacity they could.

When I blog about police behavior I have experienced and caught on video, it serves multiple purposes. The first is to educate the general public on what they don’t see or don’t want to see. The other is to document questionable behavior under the guise of “public safety” ordinances, something I will probably blog about in further detail at another date. I also take readers on a journey with me as I reach out to community organizations to get them involved with issues like asking churches to provide emergency shelter in their buildings if they aren’t already doing so or at the very least, provide safe parking at night for car dwellers. Long term goals are to provide permanent housing and support services that often go overlooked by a lot of programs. Reaching out to community leaders actively involved in social justice is another aspect of what I’m doing “out here” because it goes hand in hand with advocating for the rights of people, homeless or not.

Maybe David didn’t realize the title of his post would have a broader scope than he intended it to. Even so, I still say blogging matters!

By Colin Keatinge Tag heuer replica watches

Aug. 25 (Bloomberg) — Massmart Holdings Ltd. said its sales in the 52 weeks ended June 26 rose by 11.6%.

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To contact the editor responsible for this story: Colin Keatinge at ckeatinge@bloomberg.net

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By Bloomberg News

July 20 (Bloomberg) — Copper fell for the first time in four days in London as some investors viewed recent gains as excessive amid concern that the European debt crisis may slow global economic growth, hurting demand. Zinc also dropped.

Three-month copper shed as much as 0.7 percent to $9,773 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange, and traded at $9,797 at 4:47 p.m. in Shanghai. The contract gained 1.5 percent yesterday to a more than three-month high after U.S. housing starts were higher than expected. Zinc lost 1.1 percent to $2,462.25 a ton.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou travels to Brussels tomorrow to meet with European Union leaders as officials struggle to agree on measures to restore confidence in the euro region’s creditworthiness after the last year’s rescue of Greece.

“The gains last night were considered somewhat excessive, so we see some investors reaping profits today, given copper’s fundamentals and the market environment,” Pang Juan, an analyst at Jinrui Futures Co., said by phone from Shenzhen.

Copper for September delivery shed 1.2 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $4.4565 a pound on the Comex in New York. The most- active contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, for delivery in October, fell 0.2 percent to 72,680 yuan ($11,257) a ton.

European policy makers are divided on how to prod investors into financing a new bailout package for Greece. “It could be a make-or-break moment for where Europe is going,” Prime Minister Papandreou said in interview ahead of the summit.

Slower Growth

In China, the world’s largest copper user, demand for copper is growing at a slower rate than last year, Duncan Hobbs Omega replica watches, an analyst at Macquarie Group Ltd. , said by phone yesterday after a trip to the country. Copper is used in pipes and wires.

China should raise borrowing costs as real interest rates are negative, He Keng, a vice chairman of the financial and economic affairs committee of the National People’s Congress, said at a forum in Beijing today.

So-called real interest rates are typically defined as the nominal interest rate less inflation. The People’s Bank of China has increased interest rates five times since October to stem inflation that reached a three-year high last month.

In the U.S., work began last month on 629,000 houses at an annual pace, up 15 percent from May and the highest level in five months, figures from the Commerce Department showed. The U.S. is the world’s second-largest copper consumer.

Vale SA Tag heuer replica watches, the world’s largest iron-ore producer, won’t reach a target to produce 1 million tons of copper by 2015, according to Jose Carlos Martins, director for marketing and sales at the Rio de Janeiro-based company.

“We won’t be able to reach it. We would have to make acquisitions or new discoveries,” Martins said at an event in Sao Paulo. “The 1 million metric tons still exists, but it’s difficult to reach it by 2015.”

Aluminum was little changed in London to $2,548.75 a ton, while lead declined 0.7 percent to $2,751.25 a ton. Nickel shed 0.2 percent to $24,081 a ton, and tin dropped 0.3 percent to $27,800 a ton.

–Helen Sun. With assistance from Joao Oliveira in Sao Paulo. Editors: Jake Lloyd-Smith, Richard Dobson

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Helen Sun in Shanghai at hsun30@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Richard Dobson at rdobson4@bloomberg.net

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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Tax evasion charges were filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at the Justice Department on Thursday against 3 former governing board members of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

Charged were Oscar I. Garcia, Ferdinand P. Mahusay and Lorenzo S. Sulaik who were found to have concealed their true income "by their deliberate and willful failure to file their income tax returns (ITRs)."

The three sat as members of the Governing Board of the Corporate and Regulatory Offices of the MWSS.

Deputy Commissioner Estela Sales of the Legal and Inspection group bared that based on documents of the Commission on Audit (COA), Garcia earned P2.6 million, P3.5 million and P5.3 million from 2007 to 2009 but failed to pay the correct taxes amounting to P1.6 million in 2007, P1.982 million in 2008 and P2.7 million in 2009 for an estimated aggregate tax liability of P6.3 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests.

COA records showed Mahusay earned P897,220 for taxable year 2008 and P4.5 million for taxable year 2009. His total tax liability amounts to P2.715 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests.

Sulaik, meantime, earned P3.2 million and P4.5 million in 2008 and 2009 but failed to pay the correct taxes amounting to P4.051 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests.

Sales said the charges against the three were the result of separate investigations by the BIR following the Senate Committee on Finance inquiry on the "excessive salaries and unwarrante bonuses and allowances of GOCC (Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporation) and GFI (Government Financial Institution) executives."

The filing of separate criminal charges against Garcia Tag heuer replica watches, Mahusay and Sulaik are the 18th, 19th and 20th, respectively, under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR under the Aquino administration.

Tax evasion charges vs toy firm

Meantime, the BIR also filed tax evasion charges at the Department of Justice against a toy company for "willful attempt to evade or defeat payment of taxes and deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information".

Wanly Toys International Corp. (Wanly Toys) and its responsible corporate officers were found to have deliberately underdeclared its income for taxable year 2008 amounting to a tax liability of P26.398 million, inclusive of increments.

Wanly Toys officers charged before the DOJ include Imee Tan Yao, president; Haide Yao Breitling replica watches, corporate treasurer; and William Pan, Jr., certified public accountant.

Wanly toys is engaged in trading imported toys and other items on wholesale basis. Its offices are located at Elcano St., Tondo, Manila.

BIR Deputy Commissioner Estela Sales of the Legal and Inspection Group bared that data obtained by the bureau’s Reconciliation of Listings for Enforcement (RELIEF) System show that Wanly Toys made total sales amounting to P107.3 million in the year in question but underdeclared its income by P81.7 million or by 76.34%.

Under the Tax Reform Act of 1997, an underdeclaration of more than 30% is considered as "substantial underdeclaration" and constitutes prima facie evidence for a false or fraudulent return.

The case against Wanly Toys and its responsible officers is the 21st filed under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR under the Aquino administration.

Boxing promoter Edmund Lozano (Photo grabbed from Balitang America)

TEXAS – Manny Pacquiao has asked a Texas court to dismiss a lawsuit filed against him by a Mexican American promoter Tag heuer replica watches, Edmundo Lozano or Imperial Ed Promotions in Texas.

The lawsuit seeks damages over $1.8 million for a breach of contract. Lozano claimed Pacquiao failed to appear in various events in McAllen Rolex replica watches, Texas in September.

Lozano claimed that he had advanced Pacquiao the amount of $100,000.

In response to this lawsuit, a Texas court then issued a restraining order on the $1.5 million of Pacquiao’s winnings from his most recent fight against Antonio Margarito on November 13.

Pacquiao’s defense attorney, Lee Veness said the restraining order has expired. He spoke to Balitang America via phone to give further details.

MANILA Tag heuer replica watches, Philippines – Did the steamy love scenes of veteran actor Aga Muhlach and sultry actress Angel Locsin in the film "In The Name of Love" make actress-host Charlene Gonzales feel envious?

In an interview with Push.com.ph, the beauty queen-turned-actress vehemently denied the issue.

"No, no… From the moment I met Aga, magkaibigan na kami and ito na ‘yung trabaho niya. I understand dahil pareho ‘yung industriya that we go around. So sa akin, ok lang ‘yun," she said.

Instead, Gonzales lauded the entire film.

"And I understand na kasama lahat ‘yun sa work. It was beautifully done, very nice. I would say that it’s a masterpiece… Hindi ko sinasabi ito dahil nandito ‘yung asawa ko Rolex replica watches, but it’s really one of the best movies I’ve seen," she said.

When asked for her favorite part in the film, the host of "The Buzz" revealed: “Gusto ko ‘yung confrontation scene. ‘Yung eksena ni Aga with his kuya and his son. Ayoko naman sabihin lahat ng mga moments kasi there’s a lot of shining moments in the movie and kung sasabihin ko baka ma-spoil naman ‘yung mga moviegoers."

"I’m sure you’d come out inspired and mas lalo ka maniniwala sa pag-ibig," she ended.

MANILA, Philippines -  The government is studying how to deal with the excess supply of rice filling up the  warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA) , President Benigno Aquino III said on Sunday.

There are clamors for the NFA to distribute the rice surplus to the poorest areas nationwide Rolex replica watches, with some of the stocks allegedly already rotting. 

But Aquino said the Cabinet, particularly representatives of the Department of Budget and Management and the  NFA, will have to study several issues first before distributing the rice stocks.

Aquino  said there  are many requirements and processes that  have to be followed.

"Gusto nating gumawa ng maganda, pero kung hindi tama ang proseso, may kasalanan pa rin tayo dyan."

While Aquino assured that the rice held  in NFA warehouses won’t be allowed to further rot, he said the government needs to weigh in the interests of other parties that will be affected by plans to give out the stocks.

He said rice farmers will suffer as prices of unhusked rice or palay will be depressed.

"Kung ibebenta naman ng mas mura o ipamimigay, may epekto rin yan sa presyo ng bigas na ibebenta ng ating mga magsasaka."

Aquino said that because of existing oversupply of the commodity, the NFA’s sales have slowed down.

Previously, NFA Administrator Angelito Banayo had said that the agency has about 57 days of buffer stock Tag heuer replica watches, while households have 25 days worth of stocks, and the industry or private sector has reserves of 28 to 30 days.

"Pinag-aaralan natin kung pano mapapag-meet lahat ng conflicting desires, pero minimum sigurado po yan, hindi natin pababayaan na mabubulok ang mga bigas," said Aquino.
 

MANILA, Philippines – Despite their hectic schedules, actor Zanjoe Marudo has revealed that he and actress Bea Alonzo always see to it that they get to spend time with each other.

In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon,” Marudo said he and Alonzo are spending most of their free time in the golf course. He said he is happy that Alonzo is trying to learn how to play his favorite sport.

“Isa yun sa mga time na nakikita ko siya Tag heuer replica watches, nakakasama ko. Siguro lagi niya kasi naririnig sa akin and yung mga lakad ko kasi kung hindi naman trabaho, naglalaro talaga ako ng golf. Siguro naging interesado siya, gusto niya matuto. Sa ngayon ang dami niyang nasusubukan, nagbo-boxing siya, nagzu-zumba, nag-golf,” Marudo said.

According to the actor, he doesn’t want to hasten things but up but he is happy with how their "friendship" is going.

“Masaya kung nasaan man kami ngayon. Maligaya ako kung ano man ang mga nagagawa namin na mga bagay. Sana mas mag-grow pa kung saan man pupunta. Hindi ko naman minamadali,” he said.

Asked whether they are already exclusively dating, Marudo answered: “Basta ako ang comment ko lang diyan, ako I’m there. On the way na yata siya Rolex replica watches, ‘wag sana ma-traffic.”

MANILA, Philippines – Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) would like to present the benefits of the Tampakan copper-gold project to the economy and the government to President Aquino during its visit to Malacañang.

SMI is scheduling a Malacañang presentation but the company has not been given a schedule yet, Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Cristino L. Panlilio told reporters.

“This is a very good project. I am for responsible mining,” Panlilio who is also Trade undersecretary, said.

According to Panlilio, SMI is inviting the BOI when they make their presentation to the Office of the President. During this meeting Tag heuer replica watches, he said the firm will highlight their future contribution to the economy in the form of taxes, duties and franchise fee.

Based on the study of SMI Breitling replica watches, in the 25-year period of operations assuming a gross revenue of $45 billion, the firm will be able to remit $6.92 billion to the government. This represents 15.2% of the company’s revenue.

For instance the 30% tax on the earnings before interest and tax of the Tampakan project will be able to yield $2.77 billion for the government while the dividends withholding tax is already $1.79 billion

The Tampakan copper-gold project is located on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, approximately 65 kilometers north of General Santos City.

The project is situated on the boundaries of four provinces: South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur, and represents one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the Southeast Asia-Western Pacific region.

The Tampakan project is expected to contain a 2.4-billion metric ton deposit, containing 13.5 million metric tons of copper and 15.8 million ounces of gold at a 0.3% cut-off grade.

SMI submitted the mining project feasibility study for the Tampakan project to the Philippine government in April 2010 and is progressing with the Mine and Off-site Infrastructure Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). SMI expects to submit the Mine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) to the government by the second half of 2011.

Subject to all necessary community, government and shareholder approvals, SMI estimates that production from the $5.9 billion Tampakan project could commence by 2016. If developed, it is estimated that the project would contribute an average of P134 billion to the country’s GDP.

MANILA Breitling replica watches, Philippines – “Showtime” host Vice Ganda and Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairman Consoliza Laguardia have kissed and made up, the comedian announced.

"Nagpadala ng message sa akin si chairman through Ogie (Diaz, his talent manager) love niya ako. Love din kita Chairman Laguardia," Vice Ganda confirmed.

Vice Ganda recently lashed out at Laguardia following the MTRCB chief’s admission that the agency would elevate to the Supreme Court its case against “Showtime.”

This after the Court of Appeals (CA) junked the MTRCB’s appeal seeking to reverse the appellate court’s earlier decision to set aside a 20-day preventive suspension order it issued against the ABS-CBN afternoon program.

In dismissing the MTRCB’s motion for reconsideration, the CA pointed out that the agency failed to present new arguments that would justify a reversal of its April 28 resolution.

Vice Ganda also reacted to Laguardia’s statement that the MTRCB would monitor him because of his double-meaning remarks on television. "Siya ang nagbigay ng meaning sa sinabi ko siya ang dapat mag-eksplika kung ano ang mga inisip niyang masasama tungkol sa sinabi ko.”

The MTRCB’s case against “Showtime” stemmed from the controversial statements made by then guest judge Rosanna Roces on "Showtime" last January 7.

In the said episode Tag heuer replica watches, Roces uttered remarks that allegedly targeted teachers. Her remarks, which drew criticisms, prompted the network to remove her as a judge of the show.

The MTRCB then slapped “Showtime” with a 20-day preventive suspension, prompting the network to bring the case to the court.

ABS-CBN questioned the need for the MTRCB order, given its prompt action to remove Roces from the program.

BFF

Meantime, Vice Ganda laughed off rumors that controversial host-actress Kris Aquino had befriended him only because of his growing popularity.

"Asus, si Kris Aquino na yon, ewan ko ba sa kanila tigilan na nila ako diyan… Nakakatawa ‘yon, nakakatawa. Mayroon ba namang taong magsasabing mas sikat ako kaysa kay Kris Aquino? Ano ba yon, nakakatawa yon," he said during a press conference for his film, "Petrang Kabayo."

Vice Ganda, reportedly the new BFF (best friends forever) of Aquino, said he’s just happy to become one of the actress-host’s friends. He described her as “sweet” and “generous.”

"Sweet siya. ‘Yon ang pinaka-simple sa umaga magte-text siya sa akin, ‘yong personal shout out ko sa BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) ay aalamin niya lagi. Kasi sa BBM puwede mong sabihin kung sad ka, so aalamin niya lagi ‘o bakit ka sad?’

"May effort siya to connect with you. Hindi ‘yong ikaw lang nagsisiksikan sa kanya kasi nga Kris Aquino siya, di ba? Pero hindi, hindi niya pinapa-feel sa akin yon," he said.

He also said he is happy over Aquino’s announcement that she would sponsor a block screening for his movie "Petrang Kabayo," which will hit theaters nationwide on October 13.

The comedian and Aquino’s friendship started when they discovered they both love watching movies. They are now movie buddies.