Crackdown in Virginia: Employment Authorization Cards no longer valid as proof of residence

By Ted Reyes, FilipinoExpress.com
posted February 22, 2011

NEW YORK– In the absence of a federal solution to the pressing illegal immigration problem, more and more states have taken the lead in confronting the issue on their own.

Now, Virginia has joined the club.

In an effort to curb the flow illegal immigrants in the state, governor Bob McDonnell announced that work permits known as Employment Authorization Cards would no longer be accepted as proof of legal residence because they could be legally held by people who are in deportation proceedings.

This would make it very difficult for immigrants who don't have green cards yet, but have these temporary work permits to obtain important documents like social security numbers and especially drivers licenses.

Employment Authorization Cards or EADs are issued by Homeland Security for immigrants applying for green cards. These cards, are legal documents that would allow its holders to work in the United Stated while they wait for their green cards to b approved. Typically, EADs are valid for a year and are renewed by their holders until a decision on their green cards is rendered. When their application for a green card is denied, the EADs are automatically terminated.

In many states like New York, EADs are valid proofs of residence and can be used to get a driver's license or open a bank account. This is no longer possible in Virginia.

The new rule in Virginia is said to be a direct result of an incident were an illegal immigrant from Bolivia was charged with hitting and killing a nun while driving drunk in Prince William County.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union in Virginia, the estimated number immigrants who are stranded in this change could be in the thousands.

"This is not right," said Louis San Juan of Falls Church. "I am a legal immigrant who is abiding by the law and waiting in line for my green card. Now, I can't drive? This is unconstitutional."

source: www.filipinoexpress.com

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Mario Lopez de Leon takes over Cecilia Rebong

The Philippine Consulate General New York bids a fond farewell to outgoing Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong, having served the Filipino-American community tirelessly since January 2004.

Incoming Consul General Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr. (left) with his predecessor Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong in an exclusive Filipino Reporter photo at the Philippine Consulate in January.

She ends her tour of duty this month.

On March 1, 2011, Ambassador Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr. will assume his post as new consul general with consular jurisdiction over Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

De Leon ends his tour of duty as Philippine ambassador to South Africa this month.

De Leon has previously served as minister and consul general at the Philippine Embassy, London, United Kingdom (March 2000 - December 2006); consul and member, Investment Promotions Unit, Philippine Consulate General, New York (June 1993 - January 1997); third secretary then second secretary, Philippine Mission to the United Nations, New York (August 1990 - May 1993); vice consul, Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco (August 1989 - July 1990).

At the Department of Foreign Affairs, he has served as the chief coordinator of the secretary of Foreign Affairs (September 2008 - January 2010) and acting assistant secretary of the Office of Fiscal Management (June 2009 - January 2010).

He was also senior special assistant to the Undersecretary for Administration (January 2007 - August 2008), where he was directly involved in the establishment of the Internal Audit Services.

His other home office assignments were as follows: special assistant, Office of the Secretary, and director, CORATEL/Management Information Systems Division (September 1997 - February 2000), and director, Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations (December 1986 - July 1989).

A career foreign service officer, de Leon has extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and bilateral relations.

He was a member of the Philippine delegation and adviser to the president of the successful May 2010 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He was a member of the Philippine delegation to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) Conference in New York in September 2009.

He participated in various capacities in several international conferences such as the UN General Assembly in New York; the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London, United Kingdom; substantive sessions of the United Nations Disarmament Commission in New York; the UN ESCAP sessions in Bangkok; as well as in working groups of ASEAN and APEC in the field of information technology.

De Leon graduated with a bachelor of arts in social psychology (honorable mention) from the Ateneo de Manila University (1974).

He also attended the Ateneo School of Business where he pursued his MBA (units).

He is married to Eleanor de Leon and has four daughters: Ana Karisma, Anna Korinna, Khristine Mae and Joyce Kathleen, and an only son, Josef Kriyan, who passed away in 2006.

According to Rebong, “the past seven years serving the community in the northeast have been full and fulfilling. In partnership with the community, the Consulate General has achieved so many of the goals we set out for, opening even more avenues and opportunities to promote and protect the interests of the Philippines and of Filipinos throughout the Northeast USA. I enjoin the Filipino and the Filipino-American community to welcome Consul General Mario L. de Leon as warmly as they have welcomed me.”

source: FilipinoReporter.us
posted Sunday, 13 February 2011

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Historic Winter Storm Paralyzes Most of U.S.

By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
Feb. 2, 2011

About 20,000 PSE & G customers are without power according to officials, an ice storm overnight coated plants and trees with ice, causing tree limbs to fall on electric, telephone or cable lines.



Residents are warned that strong winds may cause even more power outages tonight.
More than 6,000 flights have been canceled nationwide due to the storm.

In New York, at least 1,300 flights were canceled at La Guardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark-Liberty Airports on Tuesday. All three airports remain open today but more cancellations and delays are expected throughout the day.

In Illinois, Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport turned into a ghost town. More than 19 inches of snow have fallen so far, canceling flights in and out of the airport.

In Oklahoma, heavy snow paralyzed much of Oklahoma, the National Guard has been rescuing people stuck and stranded along the highways.
This enormous winter storm hitting much of the United States is not over yet. Weather experts say, at the end of the day, about 100 million people all over the U.S. would be affected by this historic storm in the form of snow, ice and severe storms.

source: balitangamerica.tv

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Former Sexy Star New Role: Caregiver

By Fleur Magbanua Mansur, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
February 1, 2011



Mesa, Arizona - She was hot stuff in the Philippine movie scene in the 90s. These days, former sex siren Klaudia Koronel is a caregiver in Mesa, Arizona.
Koronel, whose real name is Milfe Dacula Zhang, does not depend on her care giving job to survive. She has the trappings of rich American suburban wife. She lives in a ten-bedroom mansion and drives a luxury car.

But despite her affluent lifestyle, Koronel felt that something was missing.
“Kahit pa lagyan mo ako ng malaking bahay at magandang kotse, parang narealize ko na bakit pa ako nag-aral, nag-end up lang ako mag-isa,” she said. “ Nare-realize ko na wala akong achievement sa buhay. ” WATCH HERE
Koronel has a degree in computer science, but could not land a job in that field sue to the tough job market in Arizona, which was hit hard by the recession.
So, she opted to be a caregiver–primarily to fight loneliness when her husband is away on business.

“Pag lumilipad yung asawa ko, papunta sa ibang states, tatakas ako, magkacaregiver ako. At di ko kinakahiya yun dahil marangal na trabaho yun.”

Koronel said she work to send money to her mother in the Philippines. “When my mom asks for money, I don’t want to ask my husband. I’m not used to it,” she said.
When her husband of two years found out what his wife was doing, he bought her a care home to manage, a business that fills her days.

But the former actress admitted she misses her old life in show business. “Pag nanonood ako ng shows sa TV, nalulungkot ako. Iba ang buhay ko doon sa buhay ko dito. Masaya ang showbiz.”

But she assured her fans that she will make the most of her life in the U.S.

source: balitangamerica.tv

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Historic Snowstorm in Northeast Shuts Down Cities

By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
Jan. 27, 2011

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Armed with their shovels and snow blowers, Northeast coast residents were once again digging themselves out of almost knee-high deep snow. A vast number of towns across New Jersey received more than a foot of snow during the latest winter storm.



One Filipino helper at the Philippine Bread House had to dig a delivery van out of the snow to be able to deliver their famous pandesal to various stores and restaurants in the New York and New Jersey area.

While public school and some government offices were closed in most areas. It was not a snow day for some Filipino healthcare workers. Their manager had to pick them up from home so they could go to work and administer dialysis to their patients who are said to be waiting.

According to estimates from the national weather service, Newark Liberty International Airport was slammed with nearly 19 inches of snow. The snowy conditions also forced the temporary closure of John F. Kennedy and Newark airports.

Most New Jersey transit bus lines were suspended this morning. Trains were operating with delays of 30 minutes. Customers were faced with more bus and train cancellations, according to the New Jersey Transit website.

Motorists were urged to be cautious on New Jersey highways as road crews continue to clear snow and ice.

It’s the eighth largest winter storm in New York and it dumped some 19 inches of snow in the city overnight. It was the snowiest January in the city’s history.
Public schools were closed. Buses and trains were also delayed. Garbage collections were suspended.

source: balitangamerica.tv

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Filipino Shippers Say They Will Be More Vigilant

Steve Angeles, North America News Bureau
Jan. 26, 2011

EAGLE ROCK, California - Manila Forwarders owner Manny Paez trains his staff regularly, putting samples of weapons, curency and ammunition into balikbayan boxes. The former Marine owns most of the weapons, but he said in the past, they have caught customers trying to send drugs and weapons.



With balikbayan boxes, experiencing shipping delays, the 30-member Pilipino American Shippers Association has been holding meetings with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to find ways to speed up the inspections.
The PASA co-founder said the group will work with DHS in training their staff to identify illegal items and to do their own inspections. He wouldn’t disclose any companies screening process for security reasons.
Paez said, “We as PASA will start policing ourselves. You know, make their lives and duty a little bit easier, and at the same token that would benefit everyone.”
With the inspections being random, Paez, said there’s no real way of knowing which boxes will be delayed. He said the best way customers can help speed up their deliveries is to fill out the contents forms, which is a legal document, properly and truthfully.
Though required, shipping companies did not always ask for identification from customers in the past. PASA vows to be more strict on the ID’s and will only accept packages from customers that show government issued ID, as a way to stop the shipment of illegal items. He said, until now, there are a few companies that still don’t ask for ID.
“They know they’ll get caught because they’ll get identified. And another thing, this is a deterrent. People who are doing something illegal if they know they’ll get caught, they won’t do it,” he explained.
Paez said, though shipments may be delayed by a week, it may take a month before companies in the Philippines deliver boxes. Paez warns some DHS agents may open the balikbayan boxes, as well as food packages inside during inspections.
Paez said customers should read the DHS guidelines before sending out packages and advised senders to make sure the shipping companies they deal with are are accredited with the US Federal Maritime Commission and the Philippine Shippers Bureau.
He said accredited companies have better standing with government agencies and tend to be more thorough with documentation and guidelines.
DHS said it will continue the random delay-causing inspections until the violations stop, especially for the Philippines and other countries with high terror alerts.

source: balitangamerica.tv

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New York Move Over Law Takes Effect

On January 1, 2011, New York’s “move over” law went into effect and it took just a few days before my first client called us after being issued a mover over traffic ticket.

The move over law requires motorists on multi-lane highways to slow down and “move over” (when safe to do so) giving safe clearance to approaching stopped emergency vehicles with red flashing lights. If you do not slow down and change lanes when approaching such vehicle, you can be issued a moving violation which carries 2 or 3 points and up to a $275 fine. On single lane roads, motorists must slow down and use caution.

More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 after being struck by vehicles along America’s highways, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. To lower that deadly toll, almost every state has enacted a “move over” law.

The New York “move over” law was named for Onondaga County Sheriff Deputy Glenn Searles and State Trooper Robert Ambrose, who both lost their lives responding to roadside emergencies. Ambrose and a stopped motorist were tragically killed 9 years ago when his police cruiser was rear-ended by an intoxicated driver in a SUV on the side of the New York Thruway in Yonkers. Searles was struck and killed in 2003 by a mini van.

Just this Monday, a state trooper making an emergency stop on the thruway in New Paltz, was injured when a passing vehicle suffered a blown-out tire and struck the officer. The officer is expected to recover but this incident highlights how important it is for motorists to use caution, slow down and move away from cars stopped on a shoulder.

source: nytrafficticket.com

www.troopers.state.ny.us/

Hazard vehicles excluded from New York's "Move Over Law"

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Ice covered cars in East Village

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Pinay Accountant Seeking $100K Back Wages

By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
Jan. 20, 2011

WOODSIDE, NY – A Filipina who worked as an accounting consultant to a Filipino-owned staffing agency in New York is suing her employer.

Jacqueline Aguirre claims she was subjected to forced labor, human trafficking and falsely promised a green card.

The Filipino-American Foundation for Immigration and Employment Advocacy is helping Aguirre sue Best Care Agency, Inc. and its owners Dorothy de Castro and Perlita Jordan in a Brooklyn Federal Court last which was filed on December 20.

The 36- year- old Aguirre said, “Because of the two of you – De Castro and Jordan – I lost my legal status, I tried to fix everything, I paid for my own lawyer, thank God I was able to pay for the fees involved”

Aguirre came to the U.S. on a visitor’s visa in 2000. In 2001, Aguirre took an accountant position at a staffing company called Best Care Agency, Inc. in Floral Park, New York.

Aguirre said, she agreed to work for the agency because the owners allegedly promised to sponsor her green card after she paid them $3,000 as an initial “processing fee” among other immigration fees.

She got her work visa in April 2001. But when the company filed an immigrant petition for her in 2009, Court records showed that Best Care Agency was not financially capable to sponsor her green card application.

Civil Right lawyer, Attorney Felix Vinluan said, “The owners of the agency knew that they didn’t have the financial capability but they did misrepresent yung supposed financial capabilility nila kay Ms Jacqueline Aguirre para lang makapagtrabaho si Miss Aguirre sa Kanila who actually became a one woman office staffing agency for them.”

Court documents showed, from 2001 to 2009 Aguirre was only paid from $8 to $12 an hour instead of the promised rate of $19 to $22 per hour as written and agreed in her labor condition application.

Aguirre claims that aside from her original job as an accounting consultant she was required to perform other responsibilities such as staffing and other office work not related to accounting.

Aguirre said, the owners threatened her with withdrawing their sponsorship if she did not comply.

After Best Care Agency’s petition was denied, Aguirre said, her boss Perlita Jordan allegedly offered Aguirre to marry Jordan’s brother to save her from getting deported, but only if she promised to pay her a big sum of money for the arranged marriage.

Aguirre said, “When I spoke to Perlita Jordan, she said, Jackie you should take care of my brother’s payment for your marriage, I said, I’m marrying an American Citizen who I’m not in love with, this is just going to worsen my situation, this is not the solution to my problem.”

Today, Aguirre is not only out of a job, she could also be deported.
Aguirre is seeking damages for human trafficking and $100,000 in back wages.

Balitang America has repeatedly called Best Care Agency to get their response to Aguirre’s allegations, but owners Dorothy de Castro and Perlita Jordan have not yet responded.

balitangamerica.tv

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A Pinay Food Blogger Has Chance To Win $10,000

By Balitang America Staff, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
Jan. 13, 2011

TUSTIN, California – A Fil-Am self described food-a-holic is in the running for a $10,000 grand prize and a two week trip throughout Asia.

Marian Bacol Uba, known online as Marian the Foodie is a top five finalist for Pei Wei Diner’s Blog Asia Competition.

A marketing manager for a technology firm, Uba’s food blogging skills can win her a two-week vacation through five countries and a $10,000 cash prize.

During the Asia trip, the winner will get to blog about the local cuisines that they will eat. The winner will be announced later this month, after Pei Wei interviews the finalist.

Readers are asked to post comments on Pei Wei’s Facebook page whom they would like to see win the grand prize. Blogging skills, personality, and popularity will be some of the criteria in their selection.

Uba said, “I’m really really passionate about all this. I basically eat, breathe, and everything is about food. And sharing that with others that’s why I got into blogging. I want to share these foods with other people.”

balitangamerica.tv

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Filipino-American Wins $1 Million

A Filipino-American got lucky — winning $1 million in the lottery.

Florante Jimeno came to the U.S. twenty years ago — to seek a better future. His dream finally came true after being proclaimed one of the three $1 million winners in the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle.

Jimeno could take home about $700,000 after taxes. He said he intends to invest his winnings, pay his bills and ensure the future of his 3 children.

By Balitang America Staff
January 14, 2011

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Philippines to offer medical tourist visas

Agence France-Presse
Posted 14:35:00 01/18/2011

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines said Tuesday it would introduce special medical visas for foreigners, as the country seeks to grab a bigger share of Asia's booming health tourism industry.

The medical tourist visas, to be introduced this year, will allow foreigners to stay in the country for six months without having to apply for extensions as regular tourists are required to do, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

"The visa will help the Philippines become competitive in the lucrative medical tourism market in Asia now dominated by Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand among others," immigration bureau deputy head Ronaldo Ledesma told AFP.

The government is banking on its English-speaking and internationally trained doctors among its advantages, as well as medical and surgical costs that are up to 50 percent cheaper than the United States or Europe.

"We are blessed with a rich pool of doctors, nurses and other health professionals and we might as well exploit this opportunity to cash in on the medical tourism boom," Ledesma said.

"We are optimistic that once we begin offering this visa, we will have more visitors from Europe and the United States."

The Philippines' health department launched a program in 2004 to promote medical tourism by encouraging state hospitals and specialised private institutions to compete with medical organisations elsewhere in Asia.

/globalnation.inquirer.net

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Homeland Security inspections raise concern in balikbayan box industry

INQUIRER.net
Posted 01/16/2011

CALIFORNIA, United States—The balikbayan box industry is facing a huge challenge this year as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ordered the inspection of every container of balikbayan boxes before being loaded onto ships.

This mandatory inspection of all containers will surely affect the industry. Since DHS has pegged the cost of the inspection at $2,400 per container, balikbayan box forwarders have to charge customers more for shipping and delivery. And the inspection, which lasts about two to three weeks, will naturally delay the arrival of the balikbayan boxes in the Philippines.

Before the slowdown, it took around 24 days from the time the box is received in the forwarder’s warehouse until it is delivered to the door of the beneficiary in Metro Manila. Now it can take up to 35 days.

Recently, a community outreach meeting was held at the Salakot Restaurant in Los Angeles hosted by the Filipino American Shipper’s Association (Fasa) and the officers of the US Homeland Security Out-Bound Examination Team attended by Unit Chief Commander Tapia, Lieutenant Commander Dagostino, and Officer Nasri.

Balikbayan box company owners assured the US Homeland Security Unit of their cooperation in preventing the transportation of contrabands through balikbayan boxes.

Strict documentation of the contents of the box will be implemented. Each shipper is required to present their government-issued identification card.

There will also be a campaign to inform customers about the items that the DHS inspection teams are looking for. These items include but are not limited to: currency, precious metals, copyright items, hazardous materials, weapons, guns, and significant military equipment like weapon sling, holster, handle, scope, and any weapons parts. (A detailed list can be found at http://www.manilaforwarder.com/restrictions.html).

Filipino American Shipper’s Association members also pointed out that there are some mix-ups during the inspection. The US Homeland Security Inspectors assured the members that they will implement a new system on how they conduct the inspection to prevent such from happening again.

They also asked the Fasa members to inform their client that the inspection will continue until the violations stop.

The public is also encouraged to provide information on shipments of contraband by contacting the US Homeland Security at (310) 971-2200.

Asian Journal

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No Pants Subway Ride

Thousands Brave Chilly New York Weather in Underwear
By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America
Jan. 11, 2011

NEW YORK -Some young Filipino Americans in New York may have looked like they forgot their pants on Sunday, January 9, but they were in on one of the biggest pranks pulled off inside New York’s subway trains.

photo by metromix.com

“Alright, so welcome everybody to the 10th Annual No Pants Subway Ride, so if you’re not here to take your pants off, you’re definitely in the wrong spot”, was the message given to many participants.

Staged by Improv Everywhere, hundreds of volunteers came out Sunday at the annual New York “No Pants Subway Ride”.

Organizers said about 3,500 people rocked their coolest underwear in multiple New York subway lines. Many Filipinos sad, their mission was to cause “scenes of chaos and joy in public places.”

The idea is to act like nothing unusual is going on.

Jonathan Deguzman of New Jersey, said, ”It’s a nice experience, to surprise everybody, no one had pants on, we all pretended that it was like a normal day.”

Janice of New Jersey also said, “It was interesting actually. There was a child next to me, I felt a little awkward. I felt like I kinda traumatized and scarred the child for life…”

While the yearly No Pants subway ride is liberating for most people in on the prank, many commuters were baffled by their pants-less riders experience.

The mission started out with only 7 people in 2002, today it has grown into an international celebration of silliness in 50 countries around the world.

Many Filipino Americans who did it, said they took their pants off in the subway for the very first time on Sunday.

Kevin Calicdan of Orlando Florida said, “It’s hysterical, I watched the videos online, I just wanna take part, I never had a chance to get in so here I am.”

Lesley Mendoza of Los Angeles added “I pretty much have no shame right now, now maybe I have shame since I’m on TV.”

Roger Solema of Piscataway, New Jersey said, “I wanna do crazier stuff, there are a lot of things Improv Everywhere does so I wanna try, hopefully take part in those things…”

Organizers say there were 10,000 people who signed up on Facebook for this year’s pants-less ride but only a third actually showed up because of the freezing weather.

Those who missed out will have to wait a year to join in the next subway prank.


No Pants 2011 New York Reports
by improveverywhere.com

The 10th Annual No Pants Subway Ride went off without a hitch today in New York. We are estimating 3,500 participants. Riders met at meeting points spread out all over the city and converged on Union Square. The high was 32 degrees and wind gusts were up to 47 MPH. There were also No Pants rides in 50 other cities around the world in 24 countries!

Photos:

- Agent Katie Sokoler’s photos [Downtown - 6 train]

- Agent Ari Scott’s photos [Astoria]

- Agent Brian Fountain’s photos [Brooklyn]

- Agent David Bledsoe’s photos [Downtown - 1 train]

- Agent Ilya Chigirev’s photo [Flushing]

- Agent Susan Sermoneta’s photos [Central Park]

- Agent Gabriel Chai [Bushwick]

- Metromix’s photos [Brooklyn]

- Agent Lenny Rosmarin’s photos [Downtown - N train]

- Jim Kiernan’s photos [Downtown - E train]


If you want to join next year, stay tune at improveverywhere.com.

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Pinoys in US share blizzard experiences

by Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
12/28/2010

The first blizzard of the winter season pounded the East Coast.

Heavy snowfall, near zero visibility, strong winds and dangerous traveling conditions had 6 states declare state of emergencies including New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.

Residents and motorists were advised to stay off the streets and stay indoors until the blizzard is over.

“Hindi ka makalabas, pitong patong na ang damit mo malamig pa rin,” said New York resident Eliseo Dimalanta.

Another New Yorker Aurelia Dimalanta commented, “Na-experience ko na super talaga yung snow-storm talaga, masakit sa balat.”

The City Parks in New York declared a “snow day.” Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., children were provided free supervised sledding, snowman building contests and snowball fights in certain locations.

Meanwhile, Jersey City alone received about 15 inches of snow while some parts of the Garden State received as much 22 inches.

Winds from 50 miles per hour to as high as 77 miles per hour have been reported in some areas of New Jersey

More than 1,400 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy, and La Guardia airports in New York.

Several airlines are said to have waived fees they normally charged for one-time flight changes in affected areas.

In New York, the blizzard has paralyzed most public transportations. Trains, buses, and some subway lines have cancelled most of their trips overnight because of the low visibility and slippery road conditions.

Hundreds also lost electricity due to the blizzard.

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Free health screening on Migrants' Day in NY

NEW YORK – A free health screening for immigrants and migrants will be held in New York, USA, on December 18 as part of the International Migrants Day celebrations.

The Philippine Forum, in collaboration with Kalusugan Coalition, La Guardia Nursing Club, APICHA and Wyckoff Hospital, will hold its year-quarterly Project Kalusugan Saturday next week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Licensed nurse Anne Beryl Corotan, a member of the Philippine Forum, said holding the event on migrants’ day is appropriate.

“There’s a really great need. Over the years, there has been a lot of antagonism towards immigrants, and thus, a lot less social services, offered to them. And they are the population that often put their health at the bottom of their list because they have to work to send money home. It’s really important that we bring services into the community,” said Corotan.

Services will include blood pressure screenings, cholesterol and glucose screenings, HIV testing, STD screening, and patient teach-ins. Nurses are on hand for consultations for the community members in the area.

The project has started bringing free health screening to Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside since 2004. The said neighborhoods have a very high concentration of Filipino, Latino, and South Asian immigrants.

Everyone may avail of services and screenings at the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center at 4021 69th Street, Woodside, NY 11377.

For those who would like to get their glucose and cholesterol levels screened, please refrain from eating four hours before the health screening. For more information, contact Melanie Dulfo at 718-565-8862.

Meanwhile, other events are lined up for the celebration of the International Migrants’ Day including Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Woodside at 7 p.m. also on December 18.

On the following day, the Philippine Forum will be launching Queens7.com, a hyperlocal immigrant website dedicated to the immigrant communities along the 7 train line at 2 p.m.

This will be followed by Philippine Forum's annual holiday party and 14th anniversary, called “Pakikiisa” (Unity).

abs-cbnNEWS.com

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Russian billionaire spends $400 million on island-based art museum project

Russian billionaire spends $400 million on island-based art museum project
By Zachary Roth, Yahoo!News

A Russian oligarch has paid almost $400 million as part of an ambitious plan to create an art museum and commercial center on an island in the heart of St. Petersburg.

Roman Abramovich is buying an array of crumbling buildings on St. Petersburg's New Holland island, a former military base, reports the Daily Telegraph. The self-made steel and investments magnate, whose fortune is estimated at around $12 billion, plans to convert the 18th-century warehouses into art galleries, housing, retail and hotel spaces, according to a spokesman.

Abramovich, 45, is best known in the West as the owner as Chelsea F.C., the London-based soccer club that he has helped turn into a European powerhouse over the last decade with a slew of high-profile signings. But since taking up with his girlfriend, art-world darling Daria Zhukova, in 2007, he has also become a leading collector of contemporary art. On a 2008 trip to New York, he spent $68 million on Francis Bacon's "Triptych" and $27 million on a Lucien Freud painting. Those big-ticket purchases are fueling speculation that the planned new art gallery could be intended as a home for his collection.

Zhukova, the 29-year-old daughter of a Russian oil magnate, runs her own gallery in Moscow, and is a member of the board of trustees of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Last year, Abramovich bought an $85 million estate on the Caribbean island of St Barts. He also paid a reported $474 million for the world's biggest yacht, Eclipse. Naturally, it's said to have its own art gallery aboard.

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New Jersey governor voices support for No. 7 subway extension

NJ gov says he'd consider helping fund subway link
Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Chris Christie, who halted construction last month on a new commuter rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York City, said Monday that he would consider contributing to a cheaper alternative: extending New York's No. 7 subway line under the Hudson River to New Jersey.

Speaking on Millennium Radio's "Ask the Governor" program Monday night, Christie said extending the No. 7 line from Manhattan through Hoboken and onto Secaucus is "a much better idea" than the tunnel that was the nation's most expensive public works project.

Christie scrapped that project because of potential cost overruns, forfeiting $3 billion in federal funds that had been approved. New Jersey could be on the hook to repay the federal government $350 million already spent.

Christie said he hadn't yet spoken with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg about the proposal. Policymakers in Bloomberg's office have been discussing whether it would be possible to extend the line.

"This is an example of what can happen when you decide to take a strong, principled stand on something," Christie said. "If something is necessary, people find other ideas that are more equitable."

Christie said the proposed subway extension has three points in its favor: It would be cheaper than the scrapped tunnel, it would connect to Penn Station and Grand Central Station and would have funding from New York City and state.

He then chided Sen. Frank Lautenberg for not speaking up on behalf of the new idea. Lautenberg helped secure federal funding for the rail tunnel.

The $8.7 billion project to construct a second rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York was 15 years in the making when Christie killed it Oct. 27. Former Gov. Jon Corzine broke ground on the project amid his re-election campaign against Christie. Christie later accused the former governor of rushing the start of the project for political gain; Corzine said he was creating jobs.

New Jersey was expected to shoulder $2.7 billion of the costs, plus overruns. The federal government and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had each committed $3 billion to the project.

Before the most recent idea goes anywhere, it would need support from Christie, Bloomberg, who's an independent, and New York Gov.-elect Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat. U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., offered his support in obtaining federal funds to make the idea work.

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WTC Construction Update, October 2010

World Trade Center Construction Update, October 2010
New York, October 22, 2010

Memorial and Museum
-More than 40,000 cubic yards of concrete poured
-Steel erection is 99% completed

4 World Trade Center
-Concrete poured to the 4th floor
-Framed deck up to the 6th floor
-Installed steel up to the 7th floor

3 World Trade Center
-200 cubic yards of concrete to be poured in footings this month

2 World Trade Center
-1540 cubic yards of concrete to be poured in footings this month

1 World Trade Center
-Installed steel to the 38th floor
-Concrete poured up to the 32nd floor

source: wtc.com

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The Socialite Network: UK's Queen joins Facebook

LONDON (AP) – Queen Elizabeth II is now on Facebook - but she's not going to be your friend.

Britain's queen has launched a series of official pages offering the website's 500 million users daily updates on her engagements, the royal household said Sunday.

The 84-year-old British monarch will be featured in videos, photos and news items on the site, which will be available starting Monday, alongside other members of the country's royal family, including Princes William and Harry.

Users will be able leave messages or comments for Buckingham Palace on the site and find details of royal events close to their homes.

However, because the pages will be corporate - and not a personal account - people won't be able to request to become friends with the queen.

A royal official said the queen had personally approved the plan, but acknowledged she has not actually used the site herself.

"The decision went right up to the queen," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to discuss the plan. "If you are going to have an online presence in 2010, you just have to be on Facebook."

The Facebook page is the queen's latest social media venture - the royal family already have an account on the Flickr photography website, joined Twitter in 2009 and set up a video channel on YouTube in 2007.

Buckingham Palace set up its own website in 1997, which now allows people to apply for palace jobs online, track the royal family via Google Maps or read details in a section devoted to the queen's prized corgi dogs.

Her Facebook site will include Britain's court circular, the official daily record of the royal family's engagements. It lists all royal diary appointments from the previous day and was created by George III in 1803, reportedly after he became frustrated with inaccurate newspaper reports.

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