Nike reacts, and how

I am a sneaker head — I wear sneakers 98 percent of the time, no matter the occasion.

Next to living with my pets, driving cars, my next best thing to do is try out the latest sneakers on the market.

Last Sunday it was off to a fun run at UP Diliman for the launch of a second release of Nike Epic React Flyknit.

Following its Feb. 22 debut, the new Nike Epic React Flyknit colorways, including Pink Matcha, an off-white Alloy (for women) and Horizon (glowing red for women and a dark gray for men), were made available in select Nike stores.

If there is one virtue I truly love about Nike and its sneakers it is that it constantly asks runners (for the Flyknit series) what they look for in a running shoe.

Here’s what the Nike runners asked for: better cushioning, better energy return, lightweight technology and durability.

Time for the test

As I took my first few strides with the Nike Epic React Flyknit I did notice how light and bouncy the sneakers were. A clear sign for me that these shoes were made for running.

I am not a hard-core marathon runner. I am what I like to call a fitness runner — this means I include a five-kilometer outdoor run in my workout schedule at least once a week. On other days, I use the treadmill at the gym for a 20- to 30-minute interval training run-walk-run.

But, today was for a three-kilometer fun run — so I was sure I would get a good feel of just how well my knees would be protected with the Nike Epic React Flyknit.

I mention knees, because when you reach your 50s the knees are the first to buckle if the shoes are not the best for running.
Well, the React’s dynamic is quite straightforward. For starters there is the design, (looks are almost everything when it comes to good kicks, nowadays) so the one-piece Nike Flyknit bootie seems to be precision-engineered for support, flexibility and breathability in the spots where runners need it the most. With all the running technology it is equipped with plus its cool design, the shoe hugs the foot and gives it good support just where it is needed.

More running time

I also love that the Nike React Flyknit, like all Nike sports shoes today, are gender-specific. So, the Nike Epic React Flyknit Women’s Running Shoe allowed me a good run, with no tightness or pinching on my foot — and all these as I hit my stride with the shoe.

I guess this can be attributed to the Nike React foam cushioning, which is responsive, lightweight, durable and soft. 

The Nike Epic React foam is the real deal and made for folks who love to pound the pavement — real runners.

As I joined the warm- up before the run, I noticed how the Flyknit upper fit my foot just right. And, as I did a few foot stretches, my knees and ankles liked that the Flyknit bent the way I wanted it to — not too soft and pliable even when I did a few pivots with my ankles.

My verdict

The Nike Epic React is a lightweight all-around daily training shoe that can take on every workout you can throw at it: from long runs to speed work on the track and treadmill.

With the Nike React Flyknit, Nike has raised the bar by creating a running shoe that feels different, and better.

From an aesthetic standpoint, this shoe is artful, and I think that it will stand as a classic in both design and aesthetic.

But, since I am a fitness junkie, I value functionality, comfort, and durability — even over looks.

source: philstar.com

Warriors use big second quarter to pull away, rout Pelicans

OAKLAND, Calif. — Kevin Durant and Draymond Green ignited a brilliant second quarter with their defense and all-out hustle plays, then Golden State got rolling in transition and Oracle Arena started rocking the way it does this time of year.

The defending champions are dominating again, and now Stephen Curry is ready to rejoin the mix and make them that much better.

Durant had 26 points and 13 rebounds, Green dazzled all over the floor with his fourth career postseason triple-double, and the Golden State Warriors thoroughly overmatched the New Orleans Pelicans for a 123-101 win in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Green finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks and just with his hustle and energy helped the defending champions pull away with a superb, decisive second quarter.


“If we can push the tempo and try to get stuff in transition that’s big for us, so that was key and obviously that starts with stops,” Green said.

Now, they likely get Curry back for Game 2 on Tuesday night and all that he brings — even if in a limited role initially.

Anthony Davis had 21points and 10 rebounds, scoring 10 in the first quarter before having a tougher time generating shots the rest of the way to finish 9 for 20. Jrue Holiday was held to 4-for-14 shooting and 11 points.

Golden State again played without two-time MVP Curry, who has been sidelined since March 23 with a sprained left knee. Coach Steve Kerr called it “very likely” Curry would play Game 2 in the best-of-seven series.

“We’ve adjusted to life without him. Hopefully he comes back Tuesday but we still have to have the same mindset if he isn’t,” Klay Thompson said. “Even if he does come back, it’s natural human emotion to be kind of relaxed because we have so much production coming back in our lineup but that’s going to be a test for us just to put that away in our minds and just focus on the task at hand and not depend on Steph to save the day. He’s done it plenty of times but we have a very deep team, playmakers all around.”
Thompson, who led Golden State with 27 points, hit back-to-back 3-pointers late in the first half that made it 76-48. But New Orleans ended the second on a 7-0 run and Darius Miller’s 73-foot heave at the halftime buzzer counted, getting the Pelicans within 76-55 at the break. They hit another buzzer-beater to end the third but by then it was way too late.

Rajon Rondo had nine points and dished out 11 assists for New Orleans.

“Well, that didn’t go as planned ,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said.

Once Golden State got going in transition, the crowd became deafening and the Pelicans couldn’t keep pace — with tempo being something the Warriors know is key this series.

“It was probably the loudest I’ve heard Oracle all year,” Kerr said.

Davis, who averaged 33 points, 12 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in a first-round sweep of Portland, made 5 of 7 shots in the opening period. The weeklong layoff hurt, Gentry said.

Green has been brilliant on the boards as Golden State keeps taking its defense up a level, and the Warriors improved to 26-0 when he has a triple-double, 4-0 in the postseason. He had games of 19 and 18 rebounds in the final two matchups of a five-game series with San Antonio in the first round.

“The bottom line is he almost had a triple-double by halftime. That’s not a good situation for us,” Gentry said.

Nick Young started at forward for the Warriors while 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala remained in the starting lineup in place of Curry as Golden State won a franchise-record 13th straight postseason home game.

The Warriors swept the Pelicans in the only other playoff meeting between the franchises in the 2015 first round as Golden State went on to capture its first championship in 40 years.

HIGH-FLYING W’S

Golden State had its highest scoring postseason first half as well as second quarter. The 76 points topped 73 against Phoenix on May 4, 1994, while 41 in the second bested 40 scored against Utah on May 11, 2007.

Golden State shot 13 for 20 in the second, making four 3s and 11 of 14 free throws.

CURRY OUT

As usual, Curry insisted he “feels great and he’s ready to go,” said Kerr, who is encouraged his superstar point guard feels so good.

“Just made the decision based on giving him the extra few days and the fact he only scrimmaged yesterday,” Kerr said. “You’ve been out five weeks and we’re playing in the playoffs, I don’t think one scrimmage is enough, even though he feels great, he wants to play and pleaded his case. ”

Curry returned to full practice with contact Thursday and only scrimmaged 5 on 5 for the first time Friday, and Kerr prefers that Curry get additional on-court time at full speed Sunday.

source: philstar.com

SC asked to stop Boracay shutdown

MANILA, Philippines — On the eve of the six-month closure of Boracay Island, the Supreme Court (SC) was asked yesterday to halt the government-mandated shutdown aimed at cleaning up the world-renowned tourist destination.

In a 29-page petition, three residents of the island – Mark Anthony Zabal, Thiting Estoso Jacosalem and Odeon Bandiola – sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the closure.

The petitioners questioned the authority of President Duterte to close the island to tourists and non-residents, accusing him of violating constitutional rights to travel and due process, and arguing that only Congress can shut down the island.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said only a court TRO can stop the shutdown of Boracay. But the SC is in recess and may not be able to issue a TRO today even if the petition might have merit.

Through lawyer Angelo Karlo Guillen of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL)-Panay chapter, the petitioners argued that the order violated the separation of powers under the 1987 Constitution since the executive branch has no authority to close down the island based on its supposed police power.

“Police power is exercised through legislative bodies. It is the plenary power vested in the legislature to make statutes and ordinances to promote the health, morals, peace, education, good order or safety and general welfare of the people,” the petitioners argued.

They alleged that Duterte stepped on the power of Congress in issuing the closure order.

“Despite having the highest position in the land, President Duterte simply cannot, under our system of law, arrogate unto himself a power which the Constitution does not give him,” they stressed.

They further argued the order is unconstitutional insofar as it restricts the movement of the people within the country in violation of their right to travel under Article III Section 6 of the Charter.

“In this case, the ground for the restriction (of right to travel) has not been shown to exist. There is no national security, public safety or public health situation calling for the curtailment of the right to travel,” read the petition.

The petitioners also claimed violation of their right to due process under Article III Section 1 of the Constitution, which they said includes their “property rights and right to work and earn a living.”

“The petitioners and all those who work, do business or earn living on the island are deprived of their livelihood,” they pointed out, adding the closure order is “unreasonable, arbitrary and excessive,” especially since the government has not provided a clear alternative to the 17,000  registered workers affected by the measure.

The petition named President Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Department of the Interior and Local Government officer-incharge Eduardo Año as respondents.

Guillen explained the implementation of today’s closure order would not make their prayer for issuance of TRO moot since the SC could still issue a status quo ante order upon hearing the petition.

Inherent power

The government is preparing to shut down Boracay starting today to rehabilitate the world-famous island resort.

President Duterte has ordered the holiday destination off-limits to tourists, saying the tiny island has become a “cesspool” tainted by sewage.

“Unless a TRO is issued, the planned closure of Boracay to tourists shall proceed,” Roque said.

Roque shrugged off the petition, saying the government can impose the closure since the island is owned by the state. He added the stay of private persons in the area was just allowed by the government.

“While the President respects the Court, we see absolutely no merit for any private party to restrain the closure of Boracay to tourists given that SC itself has previously ruled that Boracay is owned primarily by the state,” Roque said.

“We see no reason how private persons can allege and prove irreparable injuries, a prerequisite for TRO, given that their stay on the island is by mere tolerance of the state,” he said.

Roque invoked the government’s inherent police powers for the closure. He said the government has the “inherent police power of the state to protect the environment in Boracay.”

In a speech last March, Duterte warned courts against issuing TROs in the cleanup while he geared up for the declaration of a state of calamity in Boracay due to sewage and environmental concerns.

Duterte invoked public safety, interest and health issues in ordering the closure of the world famous island resort.  

Boracay was known as the crown jewel of Philippine tourism with its world-famous powdery white sand, but unchecked tourism and environmental degradation made it far from the tropical paradise it was decades ago.

Authorities said some of the hundreds of hotels and restaurants use the island’s drainage system to send untreated sewage into its surrounding turquoise waters.

The closure threatens the livelihood of 17,000 hotel, restaurant and other tourism workers, plus about 11,000 construction workers.

The island saw some two million visitors last year, pumping roughly $1 billion in revenue into the Philippine economy.

The government has promised to release P2 billion to help the estimated 35,000 workers affected by the island’s closure. 

On the eve of the closure, restaurants and bars had put up signs offering discounts, with most items on the menu already unavailable. 

Vendors slashed 50 percent off sunglasses and selfie sticks while tourists scrambled to get hold of Boracay souvenir shirts sold at half price.

“We call it the closure sale. We used to sell key chains in a buy one, get one promo. But now we sell ‘Buy one, get 10’,” said vendor Jenie Dagunan.

“We can’t eat these bracelets, might as well turn them into money,” she said.

Oversight

Malacañang said the President has not issued the proclamation placing the island under state of calamity as of yesterday, a day before the temporary closure of the tourist destination. 

Officials, however, claimed the funds for the rehabilitation of Boracay can be released pending the issuance of a proclamation.

Roque said the document can be released even after the island has been closed for rehabilitation. 

“They know that it (proclamation) will come out. So it’s a matter of issuing the document. So there is no problem with that. Before the implementation of the closure, it will come out. Even after the closure, it can still be issued because the closure will serve as the legal basis to fast track all the projects in Boracay. 

Otherwise, they will be subjected to regular processes of government procurement,” Roque told GMA News. 

“These projects will not start at once. My point is they know what will happen and anytime, the President would issue the proclamation,” he added. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Oscar Albayalde said they would push through with the order to close Boracay today.

While acknowledging that the closure would adversely affect the tourism industry, Albayalde stressed it would just be temporary.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, for his part, said they have started implementing the emergency employment assistance to displaced workers in Boracay.

He added some 2,500 workers on the island were given emergency livelihood assistance.

Lawmakers, on the other hand, said they will closely watch the rehabilitation work on Boracay to make sure the closure will not be wasted.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said they will exercise oversight functions, especially as the closure comes at huge costs, particularly the loss of revenues and jobs.

“We will conduct oversight if the government really kept its promise,” Pimentel said.

He said the closure, which is viewed by many as a step backwards for tourism, could turn out to be “two steps forward.”

“We need to do this – if that is cleaned and we open and reintroduce the brilliant Boracay, then it will become precious again,” Pimentel said.

While Congress may come up with new legislation to prevent a similar degradation of the country’s other tourist attractions, Pimentel stressed the responsibility lies primarily with the concerned local government units (LGUs).

“That’s why we want to find out why despite the many complaints from Boracay, the LGU did not act,” he said.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said the closure order on Boracay was just a “knee-jerk” reaction on the part of the government.

Alejano claimed the government had no concrete plans on how to address the problem on environment and congestion in Boracay.

Alejano said if a certain place is closed for the purpose of rehabilitation, there must be activities in that area from day one to six months.

“There must be daily activities but to them, there is none,” Alejano said. “What would they do? What’s the purpose?”

Alejano stressed the closure of Boracay should have been done in phases because thousands will be affected by a complete closure.

Overkill

Alejano added the closure should not be implemented all at the same time.

“This is like overkill. There are military, police and coast guard in the sea. It’s like martial law in Boracay. It’s really overkill,” he said.

The police preparing to implement the closure of Boracay staged drills in riot gear yesterday, startling the laid-back beach community as workers mounted a last-ditch effort to halt the six-month closure.

“The capability demonstration exercises were done to ensure that we have the appropriate and well-crafted response to any contingency that may arise as a result of the temporary closure of the world-renowned island,” Western Visayas regional police director Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag said.

Some residents in the island, however, were not enthusiastic.

“I think it’s too much. We don’t think that any resident of Boracay would be swayed to go into protest or conduct violent actions against the closure,” said Elvira, a Boracay resident.

Facebook user Bill McGrath said, “This can’t happen in reality.”

Another netizen, Martina Sacapaño, said the police and military exercises might show that Boracay island is preparing for war.

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao agreed the security measures the administration has taken in Boracay were an overkill.

“The Navy, Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should deploy their ships and personnel to patrol the West Philippine Sea, not Boracay,” he said.

He said state agencies were imposing “overacting” security measures.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said Duterte is imposing “virtual martial law” in Boracay.

He said restricting the entry of residents, businessmen and workers and requiring identification cards for them “violate their constitutional rights.”

Zarate added journalists are limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. coverage, and are required to be escorted at all times and to get out of the island before darkness sets in.  – With  Alexis Romero, Christina Mendez, Jennifer Rendon, Paolo Romero, Eva Visperas, Artemio Dumlao, Jess Diaz, Rainier Allan Ronda, Sheila Crisostomo, AFP

source: philstar.com

Science Says: Amount of straws, plastic pollution is huge

WASHINGTON  — Cities and nations are looking at banning plastic straws and stirrers in hopes of addressing the world's plastic pollution problem. The problem is so large, though, that scientists say that's not nearly enough.

Australian scientists Denise Hardesty and Chris Wilcox estimate, using trash collected on U.S. coastlines during cleanups over five years, that there are nearly 7.5 million plastic straws lying around America's shorelines. They figure that means 437 million to 8.3 billion plastic straws are on the entire world's coastlines.

But that huge number suddenly seems small when you look at all the plastic trash bobbing around oceans. University of Georgia environmental engineering professor Jenna Jambeck calculates that nearly 9 million tons (8 million metric tons) end up in the world's oceans and coastlines each year, as of 2010, according to her 2015 study in the journal Science .

That's just in and near oceans. Each year more than 35 million tons (31.9 million metric tons) of plastic pollution are produced around Earth and about a quarter of that ends up around the water.

"For every pound of tuna we're taking out of the ocean, we're putting two pounds of plastic in the ocean," says ocean scientist Sherry Lippiatt, California regional coordinator for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's marine debris program.

Seabirds can ingest as much as 8 percent of their body weight in plastic, which for humans "is equivalent to the average woman having the weight of two babies in her stomach," says Hardesty of Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

Organizers of Earth Day, which is Sunday, have proclaimed ending plastics pollution this year's theme. And following in the footsteps of several U.S. cities such as Seattle and Miami Beach, British Prime Minister Theresa May in April called on the nations of the British commonwealth to consider banning plastic straws, coffee stirrers and plastic swabs with cotton on the end.

McDonald's will test paper straws in some U.K. locations next month and keep all straws behind the counter, so customers have to ask for them. "Together with our customers we can do our bit for the environment and use fewer straws," says Paul Pomroy, who runs the fast-food company's U.K. business.

The issue of straws and marine animals got more heated after a 2015 viral video showing rescuers removing a straw from a sea turtle's nose in graphic and bloody detail.

But a ban may be a bit of a straw man in the discussions about plastics pollution. Straws make up about 4 percent of the plastic trash by piece, but far less by weight.

Straws on average weigh so little — about one sixty-seventh of an ounce or .42 grams — that all those billions of straws add up to only about 2,000 tons of the nearly 9 million tons of plastic waste that yearly hits the waters.

"Bans can play a role," says oceanographer Kara Lavendar Law, a co-author with Jambeck of the 2015 Science study. "We are not going to solve the problem by banning straws."

Scientists say that unless you are disabled or a small child, plastic straws are generally unnecessary and a ban is start and good symbol. These items that people use for a few minutes but "are sticking round for our lifetime and longer," Lippiatt says.

Marcus Eriksen, an environmental scientist who co-founded the advocacy group 5 Gyres, says working on bans of straws and plastic bags would bring noticeable change. He calls plastic bags, cups and straws that break down in smaller but still harmful pieces the "smog of microplastics."

"Our cities are horizontal smokestacks pumping out this smog into the seas," Eriksen says. "One goal for advocacy organizations is to make that single-use culture taboo, the same way smoking in public is taboo."

Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council, said people can reduce waste by not taking straws, but "in many cases these plastics provide sanitary conditions for food, beverages and personal care."

The key to solving marine litter, Russell says, is "in investing in systems to capture land-based waste and investing in infrastructure to convert used plastics into valuable products."

Even though Jambeck spends her life measuring and working on the growing problem of waste pollution, she's optimistic.

"We can do this," Jambeck says. "I have faith in humans."

___

AP Retail Writer Joseph Pisani contributed from New York.

source: philstar.com

Wolves top Rockets 121-105 in Game 3, cut series lead to 2-1

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s slow-to-develop, up-and-down defense has finally started to shine, against this high-octane Houston team no less.

There’s been no wait quite like the one for a win by the Timberwolves in the playoffs, though.

Jimmy Butler hit four 3-pointers among his 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns snapped back from a bad start to the series with 18 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Timberwolves past the Rockets 121-105 in Game 3 on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) for their first postseason victory in 14 years.

“This city deserves being in the playoffs a little bit longer,” Butler said. “We’ll see what we have. But as long as we guard, as long as we defend, we’ll put ourselves in a good enough position to win.”

Jeff Teague scored 23 points and Andrew Wiggins pitched in 20 points with another four 3-pointers, helping the Timberwolves match the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team with 15 makes apiece from long range. Minnesota took 27; Houston launched 41.

“I tell everybody all the time, as long as you’re in rhythm, no matter if somebody’s in front of you or not, it’s a good shot for you because we think that you can make that,” Butler said after the Wolves shot 50 percent overall from the floor.

Not to be left out was Derrick Rose and his 17 points off the bench, including 10 points in nine minutes before halftime. The Wolves closed the third quarter with a 26-14 run and produced spurts of 15-3 and 11-2 in the final period, perfecting their plan to play at a faster pace.

“We’ve got to do a better job of imposing our will at the beginning of the game,” said James Harden, who led the Rockets with 29 points.

The Rockets made four 3-pointers on their last seven possessions of the first half to turn an 11-point deficit to just one in less than 3½ minutes up until the break. Butler twisted his left ankle during that stretch, causing him to clutch his foot in pain and create some brief anxiety in the arena, but he didn’t require, or at least accept, any medical attention. There was no hint that he was hurt in the second half.
“He’s the heart and soul,” said Teague, who made three 3-pointers himself. “When he’s out there competing, it rubs off on everybody.”

Taj Gibson hounded Harden and forced an airballed 3-pointer, prompting the apex of the noise throughout the night with the Wolves ahead 77-70. Towns powered his way past Ryan Anderson for a layup and a three-point play with 1:57 left in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 10 points, and he flexed his biceps to the crowd after the whistle as he walked like King Kong to the corner of the court in celebration. There was no letdown in the fourth quarter, either.

“Give them a lot of credit. A lot of their 3s were butt naked, too. We were giving them uncontested 3s, and you know we’ve got to be better,” said Chris Paul, who fouled out with 17 points.

For the first time since May 29, 2004, the fifth game of the Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA playoffs descended on downtown Minneapolis. The shine of this long-awaited return to relevance by the 29-year-old franchise was dulled a bit by the team’s fade down the stretch to finish eighth in the conference and draw the most daunting matchup available against a Rockets team that won all four regular season games by an average of 16 points and took the first two games of this series in Houston.

The occasion was still plenty special, though, with the memory of late coach and executive Flip Saunders not far from the minds of the Target Center regulars, and the sellout crowd matched the moment to make the arena louder than it had been all season.

“It was crazy. All the fans were in the game the whole time,” Wiggins said. “They helped us gain momentum going forward.”

HARD FOR HARDEN

Harden, who had 44 points in Game 1 but lost his rainbow jumper in Game 2 and finished only 2 for 18 from the floor for 12 points, wasn’t a whole lot sharper in Game 3. He went 9 for 21, including 3 for 8 from 3-point range.

“We stooped to their level, playing slow,” said Rockets sixth man Eric Gordon, who went 5 for 16 from the floor. “We didn’t create.”

GOING TO TOWNS

After totaling only 13 points over the first two games, Towns was constantly double-teamed by the Rockets and didn’t attempt a shot in the first quarter. The 7-footer’s energy got going soon after that, though, with an emphatic dunk on Clint Capela after peeling away from the post-up to snag a high pass from Teague.

“You let the game tell you what to happen,” Towns said. “Just trying to find different ways to score.”

source: philstar.com

Trump flips on trade pact, weighs rejoining Pacific-Rim deal

WASHINGTON — In a striking reversal, President Donald Trump has asked trade officials to explore the possibility of the United States rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a free trade deal he pulled out of during his first days in office as part of his "America first" agenda.

Trump's request comes as he faces pressure from farm-state Republicans anxious that his protectionist trade policies could spiral into a trade war with China that would hit rural America. Trump spent the 2016 presidential campaign ripping into the multi-national pact, saying he could get a better deal for U.S. businesses by negotiating one-on-one with countries in the Pacific Rim. Now, faced with political consequences of the action, Trump appears to be reconsidering.

"Last year, the president kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama Administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers," the White House said in a statement. The president assigned his top trade advisers, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his new chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, "to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated."

Trump first disclosed his request Thursday to a group of lawmakers at a White House meeting on trade. Lawmakers have been pressing Trump to shift course after escalating trade threats, including China's plan to slap tariffs on soybeans and other U.S. crops.

The apparent decision comes after the 11 other TPP countries went ahead last month and signed the pact in Santiago, Chile — without the United States. The agreement is meant to establish freer trade in the Asia-Pacific region and put pressure on China to open its markets to compete with and perhaps eventually join the bloc.

It was not immediately clear how committed Trump was to embarking on a new path of potentially thorny negotiations. Trump frequently equivocates on policy when faced with opposition, only to reverse course later.

"I'm sure there are lots of particulars that they'd want to negotiate, but the president multiple times reaffirmed in general to all of us and looked right at Larry Kudlow and said, 'Larry, go get it done,'" said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who attended the meeting.

The president has mused publicly about rejoining the deal before, suggesting he would re-enter if he could negotiate more favorable terms. He has not said precisely what provisions he would want changed.

It's unclear how willing the other 11 countries would be to reopen the agreement and make concessions to lure the United States back, though its economic power would likely be an appeal.

"If the Trump administration doesn't pose too many demands, it is likely that the other TPP members will see the value of the bringing the U.S. back into the fold," said Eswar Prasad, Cornell University professor of trade policy. "Undoubtedly, a TPP that includes the U.S. would be stronger and more formidable than one that does not."

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have been renewing their pitches for TPP — rather than Trump's threats of steep tariffs on steel and other products — as a way to counter China on trade. Sen Ron Johnson, R-Wis., was among a handful of senators who recently visited China to meet with government and business leaders there. He said it's time to work with a coalition of trading partners to increase pressure on China.

"I have to believe President Xi is smiling all the way to regional domination as a result of our pulling out of TPP. I don't think we can get back into the TPP soon enough," Johnson said when talking to reporters about the trip.

Meanwhile, administration officials are escalating their pressure campaign against China. Kudlow said last week the U.S. may soon release a list of products that would be subject to the new tariffs Trump has threatened to slap on $100 billion in Chinese goods. And the U.S. Treasury is working on plans to restrict Chinese technology investments in the United States.

Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, which was highly critical of U.S. involvement in a pact it viewed as lowering labor and environmental standards, said Trump's reversal on the issue would signal that the president "cannot be trusted on anything," said Lori Wallach, the group's director.

The U.S. International Trade Commission, an independent federal agency, has projected in 2016 that TPP would increase economic growth and create jobs, but the gains would be small: After 15 years, the deal would add just 128,000 jobs, an increase of less than a tenth of 1 percent. Exports would increase, but imports would increase more. Agriculture and the business services industry would see gains, but manufacturing output and employment would decrease slightly under TPP.

In the meeting with farm state lawmakers, Trump also suggested the possibility of directing the Environmental Protection Agency to allow year-round sales of renewable fuel with blends of 15 percent ethanol.

The EPA currently bans the 15-percent blend, called E15, during the summer because of concerns that it contributes to smog on hot days. Gasoline typically contains 10 percent ethanol. Farm state lawmakers have pushed for greater sales of the higher ethanol blend to boost demand for the corn-based fuel.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said Trump made some "pretty positive statements" about allowing the year-round use of E-15 ethanol, which could help corn growers.

The White House meetings came as an array of business executives and trade groups expressed concerns at a congressional hearing about the impact that tariffs will have on their business. Still, there were some supporters, too.

"Withdrawing the threat of tariffs without achieving results would be tantamount to waiving the white flag of trade surrender," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.

__

Associated Press writers Catherine Lucey, Jill Colvin, Paul Wiseman and Matthew Daly in Washington and James MacPherson in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed.

source: philstar.com

Key points from Facebook-Zuckerberg hearings

WASHINGTON, United States — Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg testified for nearly 10 hours over two days on Facebook's privacy and data protection issues before committees of the Senate and House on Tuesday and Wednesday (Wednesday and Thursday, Manila time).

Here are key points:

Protecting the platform

"It's clear now we didn't do enough," Zuckerberg said on the protection of private user data and to prevent the hijacking of data on millions by Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg said Facebook was built as "an idealistic and optimistic company" to help people connect but failed "to prevent these tools from being used for harm... that goes for fake news, for foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy."


He said that by the end of the year Facebook would have 20,000 people working on security and content review and would also step up use of artificial intelligence to weed out fake accounts and inappropriate content.

Regulation

Zuckerberg said regulation of social media companies is inevitable, but warned that rules could also hamper the industry's growth.

"The internet is growing in importance around the world in people's lives, and I think that it is inevitable that there will need to be some regulation," he told lawmakers.

"But I think you have to be careful about putting regulation in place. A lot of times regulations put in place rules that a company that is larger, that has resources like ours, can easily comply with, but that might be more difficult for a smaller startup company."

Zuckerberg said the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to come into effect on May 25 was more stringent than what was currently in place at Facebook and suggested it could serve as a rough model for US rules in the future.

Facebook is implementing the GDPR standards for European users next month, and some of its rules will be extended to US and other users later, he confirmed.

"The GDPR requires us to do a few more things and we are going to extend that to the world," he said.

Facebook model

Zuckerberg maintained that Facebook users deserve protection of private data but appeared to argue that its controls make it possible to determine how information is shared.

He claimed that "there's a very common misperception... that we sell data to advertisers," adding that "we do not sell data to advertisers. We don't sell data to anyone."

But he maintained that advertising enables Facebookto offer a free service and that targeted ads based on user categories were more acceptable to users, even if they could opt out.

Zuckerberg also said the company believed in an ad-supported business model, but appeared to leave open the possibility of a paid version.

"There will always be a version of Facebook that is free," Zuckerberg told the hearing.

Russian manipulation

The 33-year-old CEO said Facebook was in a constant struggle to guard against Russian manipulation of the Facebook platform to influence elections in the US and elsewhere.

"There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems and other systems as well," he said.

"So this is an arms race. They're going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too."

Zuckerberg has previously acknowledged the social network failed to do enough to prevent the spread of disinformation during the last US presidential race.

"One of my greatest regrets in running the company is that we were slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016," he said.

"We expected them to do a number of more traditional cyber attacks, which we did identify and notify the campaigns that they were trying to hack into them. But we were slow at identifying the type of — of new information operations."

He added that Facebook is cooperating with the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

"Our work with the special counsel is confidential. I want to make sure in an open session I don't reveal something that's confidential," he said.

source: philstar.com

‘I lost it at 19 to an older girl’

Sexy Talk with Derrick Monasterio, star of Almost a Love Story

A case of art imitating life?

You might say that when you watch Almost a Love Story starring Derrick Monasterio and Barbie Forteza, directed by Louie Ignacio for BG Productions International and GMA Films (in cooperation with Salento Films of Italy).

You see, Derrick and Barbie almost figured in a real-life love story when they were younger.

“I did court Barbie,” admitted Derrick, “but sobra pa kaming bata noon.”

While Barbie has a boyfriend (Jak Roberto), Derrick is mum about his love life. But he’s “open” about his beautiful body which he maintains by working out regularly. He’s mighty proud of it as he shows in this Sexy Talk.”

What is sexy to you?

“Sexy for me is confidence.”

What makes you feel sexy?

“When people make eye contact with me.”

When do you feel sexy?

“When I am swimming.”

When did you lose your innocence?

“When I was 19.”

To a younger girl, older girl or a girl your age?

“An older girl.”

Lights on or lights off?

“Lights off.”

Sexiest sound (musical instrument)?

“Saxophone.”

Sexiest song?

“Earned It by The Weeknd.”

Sexiest book?

“Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Sexiest food?

“Salad.”

Sexiest part of your body?

“My forearms.”

 Sexiest part of a girl’s body?

“Her legs.”

Sexiest part of the house?

“Bedroom.”

Sexiest time of day?

“Midnight.”

Sexiest billboard?

“Bench billboard.”

Sexiest face of a woman?

“Alexandra Daddario.”

Sexiest clothes?

“For a woman, lingerie. For men, boxers.”

Sexiest perfume?

“Blackwater.”

Sexiest TV show?

“American Idol because that’s all I watch.”

Sexiest fantasy?

“Doing a blindfold scene.”

Sexiest scene that you’ve seen in a movie?

“Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet)’s love scene in Titanic.”

Sexiest thing you have done to yourself?

“Got an oiled massage.”

Sexiest thing you have done to or with somebody?

“Give her an oiled massage.”

Three women that you find sexy.

“Angelina Jolie, Alexandra Daddario and Barbie Forteza.”


source: philstar.com

Thunder's 'big three' powers Oklahoma past Houston

The Oklahoma City Thunder adopted a simple mantra for Saturday’s game (Sunday in Manila) against the Houston Rockets with their playoff fate still up in the air.

“We just better not lose,” Paul George said.

For one night at least, it worked.

George and Russell Westbrook each scored 24 points, and Oklahoma City snapped Houston’s 20-game home winning streak with a 108-102 victory.

The Thunder were down one with about seven minutes left before scoring the next 11 points.

Oklahoma City (46-34) is tied with San Antonio and New Orleans for fifth in the loaded Western Conference, a half-game behind idle Utah. The Thunder can clinch a playoff spot with a victory at Miami on Monday.

“This game was important but the Monday game is just as important as this game because if we don’t take care of business Monday then this game doesn’t really mean anything,” said Carmelo Anthony, who had 22 points.

The Thunder took two of three in the season series against the NBA-best Rockets.

James Harden had 26 points for Houston, and Chris Paul added 17.

“I thought we tasted the playoff atmosphere because these guys are fighting for their lives and we’re not,” Houston coach Mike D’Antoni said. “It’s human nature, there’s no reward in winning.”

Paul hit a step-back jumper and Gerald Green scored to give the Rockets a 92-91 lead with 7:09 left. But Westbrook scored five quick points to start an 11-0 run by Oklahoma City that made it 102-92 with about four minutes remaining.
Houston went scoreless for more than four minutes, missing seven shots and committing three turnovers as Oklahoma City pulled away. The Thunder also blocked three shots in that span.

“Just doing what you’ve got to do to win, honestly,” Westbrook said.

The Rockets scored five straight points with less than a minute left to get within five, but George made two free throws to help secure the win.

Anthony made three of the Thunder’s 10 3-pointers. He said it was important for them to be in attack mode right from the start.

“It was one of those days, understanding the situation that we’re in and just trying to be aggressive out there on both ends and go after it from the beginning,” he said.

The Thunder led by as many as 11 in the first half, but Houston used a 5-1 spurt take a 62-61 lead at halftime.

source: philstar.com

McIlroy off to solid start at Masters, keeps Slam in sight

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy wanted to get off to a solid start at the Masters, his latest shot at a career Grand Slam.

Saving par on the final three holes in the opening round Thursday helped him keep it in sight.

McIlroy shot a 3-under 69, breaking 70 in the first round at Augusta National for the first time since 2011. He shot a 65 that year and looked like he would win a green jacket before a final-round meltdown.

McIlroy heads into the second round Friday three shots behind Jordan Spieth, who made five consecutive birdies on the back nine to build a two-stroke lead over Tony Finau and Matt Kuchar.


"You look at it and not anyone is really getting away," McIlroy said. "Jordan had a pretty strong finish there. But this is my best start in a few years. And, yeah, it's such a hard golf course to play catch-up on. If you start to chase it around here, that's when you start to make mistakes.

"But to be right up there and have the ability to stay patient because of the position I'm in, that's a nice luxury I have over the next few days."

He can thank a few timely shots down the stretch.

McIlroy sank an 8-footer for par at No. 16, holed a sweeping, downhill, 13-footer for par on the next green and then chipped to a couple feet to save another par on 18.

"It's not always the birdies that stick out in your mind," McIlroy said, calling those shots the highlights of his round. "Those three holes. Big for momentum. I don't feel like I'm going out trying to get those two shots or whatever back (Friday) morning. I can just be relaxed going on to the first tee, not being too concerned about trying to get those birdies back. So, yeah, they were huge."

The first time McIlroy had a chance for the Grand Slam at the Masters, he opened 71-71 and found himself 12 shots back because Spieth ran away with it.

"Obviously it was very benign for us coming in the last few holes," McIlroy said. "I'm not surprised about (Spieth) at all. He loves this golf course. He plays well around here. He always has. And he's going to be tough to beat this week."

source: philstar.com

NKorean leader Kim watches performance by SKorean pop stars

SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on yesterday watched a rare performance by South Korean pop stars visiting Pyongyang, media reports said, amid thawing ties between the rivals after more than a year of heightened tensions over the North's nuclear program.

A South Korean artistic group including K-pop singers flew to Pyongyang on Saturday for two performances in the North Korean capital. Their trip comes before Kim is to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at a border village on April 27 and with President Donald Trump in May in separate summits.

South Korean media pool reports from Pyongyang said Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, watched yesterday's performance by the South Korean group at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater. The reports said Kim's younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, and other top officials, including nominal head of state Kim Yong Nam, were also present.

Kim clapped his hands during the event, and he shook hands with South Korean performers and took a group photo with them after their performance, according to the reports.

South Korean pop singers performed in the North during a past era of detente, but it was the first time for a North Korean leader to attend such a South Korean performance. Before yesterday's performance, South Korea last sent a pop singer to North Korea in 2005.

The pool reports cited an unidentified South Korean official as saying that Kim had initially planned to watch the second performance, set for Tuesday, but changed his plan due to a scheduling conflict. On Tuesday, the two Koreas plan to hold a joint performance.

The ongoing cooperation steps between the rivals began after North Korea took part in February's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. During the games, a North Korean art troupe performed in South Korea, and Moon and his wife watched it with visiting senior North Korean officials including Kim Yo Jong, who became the first member of the North's ruling Kim family to visit the South since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

source: philstar.com