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Editor's Picks
Worsening #ARVshortage in the Phl?
On Jan. 9, the Philippines gained a new HIV and AIDS law that is supposed to better the lives of Filipinos living with HIV. But many in the HIV community mark this day with distress, largely because of the worsening ARV shortage.
In September 2018, Xander (not his real name; anonymity requested), a Filipino living with HIV, claimed that he was told by the person working in the pharmacy of his hub to "consume already-expired medicines (the three-in-one tablet of Lamivudine/Tenofovir/Efavirenz)", and that "it is "still good for three months after the expiration date."
Since dealing with ARV-related issue is not new to him (it happened to him in the last quarter of 2013), he complained and was given newer meds. Noticeably, "those who didn't complain – like I did – ended up using the expired meds," he said.
Xander can only recall how he earlier lamented – again in 2013 – that the ARV shortage will happen again, particularly considering the continuing denial of the Department of Health (DOH) about this issue.
The 9th of January is supposed to be a happy day particularly for Filipinos living with HIV and their advocates. On that day, the newly-signed Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act was released after it was signed into law by Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. By replacing the 20-year-old Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine National AIDS and Control Act of 1998, this new law is supposed to boost the government's response to HIV and AIDS by making health services for HIV and AIDS more accessible to Filipinos.
But many in the HIV community mark this day with distress, largely because of the worsening ARV shortage, which is not helped by the denial of the issue by various heads of offices – including government officials, as well as those helming treatment hubs/facilities and even select non-government organizations (NGOs).
In an unsigned statement (as if so that no one can be "chased" to be held accountable for the same statement), the DOH seemed to belittle the issue by outright claiming that there's an 'alleged' shortage of ARVs; even as it also stated that they take the issue of HIV infection in the country seriously. Part of this is to take "great steps to ensure that access for HIV treatments are available for those who are diagnosed with HIV."
The DOH statement added:
"As of October 2018, we have enrolled 32,224 persons living with HIV for treatment with ARV such as Nevirapine, Lamivudine/Tenofovir. The DOH has been providing free ARV to Filipinos living with HIV through our HIV treatment hubs.
"Based on our records, there are 3,200 registered PLHIV who are on Nevirapine and 1,791 PLHIV on Lamivudine/Tenofovir, as of December last year.
That just about half of the total PLHIVs in the Philippines use ARVs is worth noting, even if it's another issue altogether.
But the mention of these two meds/cocktails is important because the complaints reaching – among others – Outrage Magazine, Bahaghari Center for SOGIE Research, Education and Advocacy, Inc. (Bahaghari Center) other and HIV-related community-based organizations/non-government organizations particularly currently mention these.
In Quezon City, for instance, at least eight PLHIVs alleged that they have been given incomplete medications – i.e. they were supplied with either Lamivudine/Tenofovir or Lamivudine/Zidovudine, but they have not been receiving Nevirapine because this is not available. These people are, therefore, taking incomplete meds.
Pinoy Plus's hotline, PRC, has received similar allegations of non-delivery of Nevirapine.
In Cavite (Imus, Bacoor and Dasmariñas), at least three clients surfaced to allege about the same issue. PLHIVs are now "borrowing" each others' Nevirapine supply just so they don't miss their required dosage because their hub does not have supplies from the DOH.
There are similar allegations in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Zamboanga City.
And in Alabang, the pharmacy of a treatment hub even posted on January 8, 2019 an announcement that "due to the shortage and delay of the deliveries at DOH, only one bottle will be dispensed of the following medicines: Nevirapine (200mg tablet); Lamivudine (150mg)/Zidovudine (300mg tablet); and Lamivudine (300mg)/Tenofovir (300mg tablet)." The same hub is telling its clients to "wait for further announcement on stock availability."
Note that the RITM-AIDS Research Group's pharmacy is putting the blame on the DOH.
DOH's CLAIM
The same DOH statement stressed that "the latest data, as of January 4, confirms that Nevirapine has already been delivered to the 16 treatment hubs to meet the requirements for February-April 2019. For Lamivudine/Tenofovir, a month's supply has also been delivered to Regions X, VI and I. The rest of the regions will expect deliveries within this week."
Noticeably, the DOH statement responds to issues only this January, even if this concern has been circulating in the PLHIV community since 2018, and only peaked now.
There are fewer ARV refills now. If, in the past, the usual practice is for hubs to give PLHIVs three bottles of ARV to last them for three months, a growing number are now complaining about the supply being cut to one month in numerous hubs – e.g. there's that post in RITM's pharmacy. Some allege that they are even supplied ARVs just for a week or even just for three days.
Due to the ARV shortage that the DOH is not outright confronting, expired medicines are allegedly being given to PLHIVs – as in the case of Xander.
Also due to the ARV shortage, the medication of a number of PLHIVs are allegedly being changed not because it's medically sound, but because their usual medicines are not readily available. In Mandaluyong City, there are PLHIVs who claimed to have been told to use Lamivudine/Tenofovir/Efavirenz because it's the only available ARV. If they refuse to do so, then they will have to stop taking their usual medications until such time when the delivery of supplies are normalized again.
To allow the DOH to respond to these claims, Outrage Magazine repeatedly reached out to the government body. Upon calling the media relations unit (at +63 2 651-7800 loc. 1126), we were turned over to the office of Dr. Gerard Belimac (+63 2 651-7800 locs. 2355, 2352, 2354). Five attempts were made to speak with Belimac or any other authority in his office, but he has been unavailable at those five times; and even after leaving requests for a statement from him on the ARV shortage, as of press time, the publication has not heard back.
As this is a continuing story, coordination will continue to – eventually hopefully – extensively hear from the DOH on this issue.
The DOH statement also stated that it is "working closely with our suppliers to ensure that there are no gaps in our supply chain. In fact, we are waiting for deliveries of an additional 12,375 bottles of Nevirapine good for another three months and 7,024 bottles of Lamivudine/Tenofovir good for another two months."
The DOH also claimed that it is continuing to explore "for more partners in providing excellent support for Filipinos living with HIV-AIDS and in ending the deadly disease."
As if wanting to pacify the complaining PLHIVs, the DOH statement transferred to responsibility to "HIV doctors to explore possible options", or visit Facebook page (PLHIV Response Center) or email email@example.com. Note the use of a gmail account for a body with millions in budget.
No investigations on where the errors in the supply chain is happening so that these can be fixed is forthcoming. No one being held accountable here.
Incidentally, Article V, Sec. 33 of the newly signed HIV law states: "The DOH shall establish a program that will provide free and accessible ART and medication for opportunistic infections to all PLHIVs who are enrolled in the program… A manual of procedures for management of PLHIV shall be developed by the DOH."
The IRR is not even there yet, but this mandate to provide life-saving meds is now already cast in doubt.
Xander – who only had a refill of his ARVs – said that many like him who posted about this issue online were told to stop doing so "because we are supposedly creating panic among PLHIVs."
He now says that people who cover up this issue are "as worse as those paid to work on this issue. Because if you go to the HIV community, we've long lived with worrying that our meds may not be given us at any moment. If some people think complaining about this is wrong, then they shouldn't be in HIV advocacy, but work as PR people of those failing to do their jobs."
In the end, "this needs to be resolved fast. Enough with discussing semantics on what we're having is a shortage or a stockout; the fact remains that there are PLHIVs not getting their supplies. Lives are at stake. So supply the ARVs; now."
Editor's Picks
5 Ways to #ResistTogether after #Pride
Be constantly reminded that #Pride is never (just) about partying. It's about the ongoing struggle for the human rights of LGBTQIA people (no mater what sector they may be part of).
A few days into July, after the June Pride month, I was chatting with someone from Grindr; he boasted that he was at the "essence of pride: the Pride parade" (his words, not mine). The chat revolved around shaming, particularly of other LGBTQIA people; that now that the one-day celebration is over, things (including his way of "booking") are "just back to normal."
See… right after the "very proud" placement of the #ResistTogether hashtag in his pick-up account (particularly while he was in Marikina City), it has been refreshed, reverting back to claiming "NO chubs; NO oldies; NO femmes. Don't dare me, I have unliblock."
This got me thinking about this "brand" of exclusivist #Pride; and how we should instead be making (and continuing to make) it inclusive…
And so – off my head – here are five ways to #ResistTogether after the #Pride parade…
1. Stop the shaming from within the LGBTQIA community.
Change should start from within our community; and this can happen if our community members become more aware that – frequently – hatred starts from within.
Stop shaming the "oldies"; we'd all grow old.
Stop shaming the "chubs"; ALL bodies are beautiful.
Stop hating on the femmes; every gender expression is VALID.
Stop discriminating against sex workers; there is no shame in trying to make a living.
Our community is minority, as it is. Stop creating more minorities from within our community with your biases.
2. Donate… not just because you want merchs.
I get this concept of "what's in it for me?". This is the "driver" of so many of our actions – e.g. if companies give money to "support" Pride, they expect to get media mileage from it; and if we give money to "make Pride happen", we may as well have that sticker (or whatever) to prove that… yes, we gave money.
But helping should be done not because of any return; it should be done because it's the right thing to do.
And so if/when someone asked you to donate (however small the amount may be) to help establish an actual home for senior LGBTQIA Filipinos, give.
If someone asked you to chip in (no matter how small the amount you can give) to help pay for the PhilHealth of a person living with HIV, give.
And if someone asked you to donate (whatever amount) to help finance the picket line of LGBTQIA workers who were illegally dismissed from their jobs after they (rightfully) asked to be made regular employees, give.
LGBTQIA-related issues happen EVERY DAY of the year, not just in June. So if you're willing to cough up cash to look glamorous/fab ONLY in June, you should also be willing to do so the rest of the year…
3. Be the voice of other minorities.
This shouldn't be a divisive issue, but it is becoming that – i.e. the supposed "hijacking of commies of Pride month" by highlighting other issues that those who complain say have nothing to do with the LGBTQIA community.
These issues include: contractualization, wage hike, extra-judicial killings, war on drugs, and so on.
Here's the BASIC thing though: LGBTQIA people do not live in a vacuum. Some of us are contractual workers (e.g. LGBTQIA people working for – say – Zagu, or Jollibbee, or the baggers in department stores). Many of us LGBTQIA people do not get the wages we deserve (e.g. LGBTQIA people who are also nurses and teachers). There are LGBTQIA people also killed because they were allegedly involved in the drug trade; and this is even if the claim may be true or not.
We say that LGBTQIA people are EVERYWHERE. Well, WE ARE; including among other minority sectors.
So that we can't separate THEIR issues from OUR issues.
4. Be seen the rest of the year.
You, like many others, helped create the noise for LGBTQIA issues during Pride month. That's all good (and thank you, truly, for this). But please, please don't disappear after June (or worse, don't be the source of discrimination after June – as noted in #1).
If you can't be bothered leaving your desk, that's your call; but continue making noise for the LGBTQIA community.
But if/when you are able to/you are keen to, join the ongoing struggle for our total liberation – e.g. join the call for rally for the anti-discrimination bill, attend gatherings pushing for marriage equality, attend events of LGBTQIA-related NGOs (including HIV-related events), physically support LGBTQIA-related shows/productions/et cetera.
Just BE SEEN BEYOND JUNE; it matters a lot.
5. Go back to the streets… and not just to party.
So you had fun attending the parade; perhaps even more so when you attended the after-parade party/ies. That's all good. Not one to miss out on fun, I am one with you here…
BUT be reminded that #Pride is never (just) about partying. It's about the ongoing struggle for the human rights of LGBTQIA people (no mater what sector they may be part of).
After almost 20 (THAT'S 20!) years, the anti-discrimination bill is still languishing in Congress.
Over 80% of the new HIV cases in the Philippines affect members of the LGBTQIA community (particularly gay, bi and trans people).
Schools (including State-owned/run) still discriminate against LGBTQIA students; a handful of them barring LGBTQIA students from enroling/attending classes because of some bloody haircut or because of what they are wearing.
Because of their HIV status, people living with HIV (many of them LGBTQIA) are: still fired from work; kicked out of their homes; or not given access to life-saving HIV medicines.
LGBTQIA informal settlers – along with hetero-identifying informal settlers – are kicked out of their homes.
LGBTQIA contractual workers are still not regularized.
So – let's state this – IF THERE IS A CALL TO RALLY FOR OUR RIGHTS, not just a call to parade and party, TAKE HEED. If 70,000+++ people can gather to parade and party, surely the same number (if not more) should also be able to gather when a call is made for us to rise again together to push for equality.
Yes, we have taken progressive steps (corporations are even considering how to profit off us now); but so much still needs to be done. And – to stress- we need to always show our force; to always take to the streets to highlight our issues.
So party on, yes; but never stop fighting as one. This is how we continue to truly #ResistTogether.
Editor's Picks
Haircut battleground
FACT: A number of trans students fail to complete schooling because of strict implementation of uniform policies that affect their gender identity and expression. School officials claim they're simply implementing (discriminatory) policies; while activists claim human rights violation. And while the discussions happen, the students are caught in the middle, who – in the end – really just want to finish schooling while being true to oneself.
In July 2018, Jenny* (not her real name), a transgender Senior High School (SHS) student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) was allegedly told to report to the principal's office for the first time.
"Pinatawag ako nung principal, tapos she told me that ano… kapag hindi ako nagpagupit until tomorrow morning, ganon, papalabasin niya ako ng PUP (I was told to report to the principal's office, and there, she told me to get a haircut the next day, or risk getting asked to leave PUP)," she recalled to Outrage Magazine.
Jenny got a haircut this January. This had to be done as a prerequisite when she applied for graduation. But she said that she was promised that "after that, (I) won't have to cut my hair again when I process my papers in the future."
Jenny said that the experience affected her psychologically; because of this, she wasn't able to go to school for two days. And with the eventual haircut, Jenny's gender expression was also dictated by another, affecting her sense of self.
But in an interview with Dr. Minna L. Comuyog, PUP-SHS principal, she denied that she threatened any student, and that neither her office nor PUP-SHS's registrar's office denied any student of transaction or that their documents will be held if they won't cut their hair.
Comuyog said that, in fact, PUP-SHS has a "No Discrimination Policy", which is implemented in the entire PUP system (which includes SHS).
"Hindi namin ina-identify 'yung mga estudyante namin na bading 'to, tomboy 'to. Basta when they come here, estudyante namin sila (We don't separately identify students as 'He's gay, she's a lesbian'. For us, when they come here, they're all students)," she said.
Comuyog added: "As a teacher, ang aking training ay students sila (They are students). They have their unique personalit(ies) and we adjust our lessons to their needs. So kahit anong mga bata ang dumating sa amin (So no matter what kind of student they are), we accept them for who they are."
But notwithstanding the "No Discrimination Policy", Comuyog believes that the haircut policy should be implemented and be observed by all students (in this case, particularly those under her care; i.e. PUP-SHS).
Comuyog claimed that she is unaware of the existence of transgender students in PUP-SHS; thus of transgender students being forced to cut their hair due to the school's haircut policy. "It's something na (that is) not known to me," she said.
But Comuyog added that she looks at the students using the gender binary dictated by the assigned sex at birth – i.e. "I look at them as male, female, ganon ang classification nila (that's how I classify them)." And so she believes that even if a student is a transgender woman, this student will still be mandated to get a haircut befitting those assigned male at birth (that is, she still won't be allowed to have long hair, which is deemed socially acceptable only for those assigned female at birth).
On the handling of students who are transgender women (or those assigned male at birth) and with long hair, Comuyog said that she "normally asks" these students "what they needed to change or do." As part of her training as a teacher, she lets the students think. And in this case, it is the students who often end up saying that it is their hair that they should change.
The Department of Education (DepEd) actually has pro-LGBTQIA policies, which – in December 2018 – it reiterated via a statement reminding "all public and private Kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools of the necessity and importance of adopting and enforcing anti-bullying policies in their respective institutions."
Various (specific) policies particularly touch on non-discrimination (including of LGBTQIA students).
DepEd Order No. 40, series 2012, or the "DepEd Child Protection Policy," institutionalized zero tolerance against any form of violence against the child and provided for the establishment of a Child Protection Committee (CPC) in all public and private schools.
DepEd Order No. 55, series 2013 (DO 55 s. 2013), or the "Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10627 (R.A. 10627) Otherwise Known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013," requires all public and private schools to submit a copy of their child protection or anti-bullying policy to the Division Office.
Meanwhile, Rule IV of DO 55 s. 2013 underscores that "the bullying prevention program in schools shall be comprehensive and multifaceted, and shall involve all education stakeholders and personnel. Schools shall develop intervention strategies like counseling, life skills training, education and other activities that will enhance the psychological, emotional and psychosocial well-being of victims, bullies, and other parties who may be affected by the bullying incident."
Particularly pertaining the uniform policy (which touches on the haircut policy), DepEd released in 2008 DepEd Order No. 46, s. 2008, guidelines on "proper school attire". It stated that "while the general policy is that the wearing of a school uniform shall not be required in public schools (as embodied in DepEd Order No. 45 s. 2008), it is necessary to provide guidance on what constitutes proper school attire."
The following principles are offered as a guide:
- A student's basic right to go to school, study and learn is of paramount importance and should be respected and promoted at all times.
- A student's attire should reflect respect for the school as an institution for learning.
- A student's attire should not become a cause for discrimination particularly for students belonging to a lower socio-economic status.
- Promoting physical hygiene and proper school decorum is part of the teaching- learning process in schools, thus a student's attire and physical appearance should manifest learnings from this process.
Nowhere in the DepEd Order No. 46, s. 2008 was "proper" haircut discussed.
Having policies and actually implementing them are – however, and also – two different things.
In 2015, for instance, a United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report observed that only 38% of schools submitted child protection or anti-bullying policies in 2013, and the "low rate of submission has been attributed to a low level of awareness of requirements of the Act and weak monitoring of compliance."
Releasing a report in 2017, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) also touched on the uniform policies (including forcing particularly transgender women to get haircuts) and stated that "students who are transgender or do not identify as their sex assigned at birth face especially pervasive discrimination as a result of uniform and hair-length policies and other gendered restrictions." This is made more apparent because "right to free expression of students is violated when schools limit displays of same-sex affection or gender expression solely for LGBTQIA youth" – meaning, the policies are used differently for them to make them tow some lines.
Also, according to Watson Vergara, who heads PUP Kasarianlan, the official student organization for people with diverse SOGIE in PUP, even anti-discriminatory policies (such as DepEd's) fail to take into consideration the power dynamics within educational institutions.
Vergara said that they know of students who asked for help from PUP Kasarianlan, claiming that they feel threatened that if they won't cut their hair, then their names will be taken out of the list of graduating students. Non-compliance may also be seen as insubordination, which means that these students won't be given a good moral certificate (which is needed when enrolling in college/university), or will even be kicked out of PUP.
PUP Kasarianlan also documented other cases like Jenny's – e.g. in one case, a student claimed that she was kept in an office, prohibited to go out unless she signs a statement stipulating her to cut her hair.
"Syempre (Of course), the kid, crying, shaking and afraid, signed the paper. Kasi wala siyang (Because she did not have a) choice, she wants to go out," Vergara said.
Vergara is aware that there are people who may see this as a non-issue – i.e. it's "just hair."
But PUP Kasarianlan also received stories of transgender students who refused to have their graduation photos taken, and of one transgender student who "can't do homework or even eat properly because of this (traumatizing experience)."
For Vergara, this is a form of oppression. "Not only the right of the student to express oneself was trampled, but the student's right to education was put on line."
According to Kate Montecarlo Cordova, founder of the Association of Transgender People in the Philippines (ATP), "One of the identified positive benefits of school uniform is to promote a "sense of community" (which actually refers to classification or clustering). But this can be detrimental to transgender students if not properly managed/implemented for this can deprive their self-expression, their sense of identity, their authenticity."
Cordova added that "the imposition of school uniform with strict observance to the heteronormative gender binary can be an utter threat to transgender students while serving a meaningless purpose to learning."
There are somewhat practical efforts that can be done.
For one, Cordova suggested that if uniform is really needed, then schools should implement gender neutral school uniforms (e.g. gender neutral or unisex design and cut of school uniforms, and no prescribed length of hair for those assigned male at birth). Or, simply, "let the students wear uniforms based on their sense of being," Cordova said.
Secondly, Cordova said that it is important for any educational institution to "undergo extensive trainings, workshops and lectures not just about gender sensitivity but also, specifically, about transgender issues to understand the complexities of transgender human rights and health needs."
And thirdly, Cordova suggests for transgender students to "rightfully assert and claim their rights to exist and learn by standing up to what is just and righteous to their authentic self by: 1. Being knowledgeable of their rights, 2. Being vocal about their identity, and 3. Being brave to socially present their sense of self."
Back in PUP-SHS, the school principal Comuyog thinks that high school students are "confused" because they can see some transgender college students grow their hair, and they may also want to do the same. While she acknowledges how some of the SHS students want to "emulate" the college students, she also said that this isn't necessarily possible because of "certain policies".
Particularly, Comuyog noted PUP-SHS's Code of Conduct that highlights (in Section 3) that "every student shall dress up according to the conventions of decency and proper grooming… dyan nakapaloob ang haircut for male and hairstyle for female."
Section 3 of the Code of Conduct specifically states: "Every PUP student shall dress up according to the conventions of decency and proper grooming.
Also, to wit:
3.1 – Every PUP Senior High student is expected to demonstrate personal grooming standards of cleanliness and to wear the prescribed uniform while inside the school premises, during educational exposures or work immersion, and during official off-campus events.
3.2 – Students must observe the following provisions when wearing the prescribed school uniform:
3.2.1 – Uniforms should be kept buttoned and properly worn;
3.2.2 – School ID must be worn at all times within the school premises;
3.2.3 – The hairstyle for female should be simple and well kept, while the acceptable haircut for male must be off the eyebrows and above the collar line (EMPHASIS OURS);
3.2.4 – Moustache and side beards are not allowed;
3.2.5 – Hair color may be allowed provided that it is not vulgar.
The Code of Conduct does not discuss SOGIE (and implications to the uniform policy), but enforce these requirements based on assigned sex at birth.
Comuyog quipped that it is only now that the said (haircut) policy is becoming an issue. And here, she also holds accountable some educators.
"Yun namang teacher nila, napapabayaan sila kaya if there is a person na mas liable, itong mga teacher kasi ina-allow nila. Kasi may teacher din tayong mahaba ang buhok, may teacher tayong nakatali ang buhok. 'Yun ang nakikita nitong mga bata (There are teachers who just let their students be, so if there's someone liable, it's the teacher who allows this. This may also be because some teachers assigned male at birth grow their hair long. And this is what these students see)," Comuyog said.
But – again – since there aren't any students who talked to her and said that she is a transgender person, Comuyog said that she remains "unaware of this." And that "just in case that she will be aware" of this, then she will have to consider the individual student's situation.
For Professor Earl Guzman, SHS and college professor, and an open member of the LGBTQIA community, forcing the students to cut their hair, especially if they identify as gay or transgender, is abuse. "Kasi itong mga taong 'to, itong mga kabataang ito, yung buhok nila (These kids' hair) and how they present themselves are part of their gender identity," he said.
Guzman added that teaching the students how to be gender sensitive yet confining them in the same heteronormative stereotypes, same heteronormative ways of expressing themselves, "kind of defeats its purpose."
"Tayo as PUPians (Products of PUP), we're so proud of being at the frontier of fighting for sexual equality. Eh eto nga, ginigipit natin ngayon (And now we're pressuring these students to conform). It all makes us look like hypocrites," Guzman said.
For Guzman, the principal should listen to the students as well because what is happening most of the time is that teachers become just enforcers of rules or policies, and teachers owe it to the students to listen to them.
"Anong klaseng lesson kasi 'yung tinuturo natin sa students kapag ganon (What kind of lesson are we teaching the students), when we refuse to hear them out? Are we telling them that we know better than them? May mga pagkakataon na (There are times when) we know better than them pero kasi (but also) we're not the ones living their lives right now, it's them," he said. "Maybe we should take their experiences into account; maybe we should listen to what they have to say. Kasi hindi puwedeng ano (Because the case shouldn't be)… in our desire to enforce obedience, ang nangyayari ay (what happens is we create) blind obedience."
For his part, PUP Kasarianlan head Vergara said that this kind of discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA community also happens in other schools – i.e. this goes beyond PUP-SHS.
In "Being LGBT in Asia: The Philippines Country Report" – written by Michael David C. Tan for USAID and UNDP – it was reported that forcing transgender women to get haircuts before allowing them to access education is one of the common anti-LGBTQIA policies still common in the Philippines, along with: the conduct of "masculinity tests" (where effeminate students had to "prove" they were "man enough" to be allowed to enroll, or stay in school) conducted by some schools, and instances when LGBTQIA students were made to sign "contracts" to ensure they did not express their sexual orientation or gender identity while going to school.
But Watson also acknowledges that – sadly – they can only do what little help they can.
In the end, Guzman hopes that this will be settled, with all parties involved discussing this. "Let's be civilized. Let's add something positive to the discourse. 'Wag nating gawing (Let's not turn the issue into an) excuse para siraan 'yung mga bagay, tao, o policy na hindi naman natin dapat siraan (to destroy people or policies that need not be destroyed). And then, let's come to an agreement. I think we should all try to understand where everyone is coming from," Guzman said.
And while the discussions happen, the likes of Jenny are caught in the middle, who – in the end – really just want to finish schooling while being true to oneself.
Lesbian Lumad
What is it like to be a lesbian and also a part of an indigenous group? For Teng Calimpang, the Tagbawa ethnic group of people at the foot of Mt. Apo accepted her, so she hopes other lesbian Lumads live good lives both as LGBTQIA community members and as Lumads.
This is part of #KaraniwangLGBT, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBT people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called "everyday people" – in this case, the common LGBT people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: "All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the 'big shots'. And it's high time we start telling all our stories."
"Dili lisod mag-lesbian ka diri kay tanan diri murag paryente lang nako, mga pinsan lang (It isn't hard to be a lesbian here because everyone here is just like a relative, just like my cousins)," Teng Calimpang, who is from Meohao at the foot of Mt. Apo, said. "Tanan pud mga tawo nakabalo kung kinsa ko ug unsa ko (People here also know who I am and what I am)."
Teng's family is from the Tagbawa Manobo ethic group of people. Originally from Bansalan, her mother met her father in Meohao, where they decided to eventually settle. Also because of being based here, Teng is fluent in Bagobo Diangan, spoken by another ethnic group of people particularly at the foot of Mt. Apo.
At least in her experience, being a lesbian is a non-issue for her people (Tagbawa Manobo), as well as for her "adopted" Bagobo Diangan family.
Teng was 10 when she recognized her "otherness"; she did not like wearing girls' clothes, and she preferred doing things that boys do. At 15, "diha na nako napansin nga… na-feel na nako nga dili gyud nako ma-love ang boy (I noticed that I was not attracted to members of the opposite sex)." Teng said that "babae ang mugawas sa akoang heart ba (I was attracted also to women)."
Teng told her family about "ang tinuod (the truth)." And "okay lang sa ilaha. Tanggap gyud ko nila (it's fine with them. They accepted me as a lesbian)."
Now 48, Teng works for Dole Phils. (Stanfilco Division). After work, she is also a local healer, giving "hilot (traditional massage)" to those who seek her out for the same.
Teng credits her "lolo (grandfather)" for her gift to heal.
She was 15 when she was "taught" how to "help people"; she dreamt her then-deceased grandfather show her how to do so, serving as a passing-of-the-torch to heal others.
Teng said that there are two kinds of people who help – one who expects to be grandly paid for the effort, and one who doesn't. "Donation, okay lang sa ako-a (I'm okay with just receiving donations)," she said, adding that it already makes her happy that "nakatabang ko sa ilahang kinahanglan sa lawas (at least I've helped people with their needs)."
Teng had a heterosexual-identifying GF in the past; but that relationship didn't last. She noted that there are some women who just want to be financially supported; they leave their partners when they have gotten what they wanted, or if their partner can't offer them what they really want (i.e. wealth). "Pait kaayo ba (This makes being lesbian hard)."
Now single, Teng has other lesbian friends, and not all of them from Lumad communities. But her friends are now based overseas, where they work. She admitted that it can be lonely at times, but that technology (e.g. social networking sites) help alleviate the loneliness since she can at least chat with them even if they're apart.
Teng also has an adopted child, given to her when the child was only a month old. She is now 18.
"Lisud gyud (sa sinugdanan) kay syempre ang acting nimo is as a boy, so nalisdan ko pagpa-dako niya (It was hard for me to raise her at first because I am masculine/not stereotypically motherly)," Teng said. "But I gradually learned how to properly raise her."
To other lesbians who may also belong to Lumad communities, Teng said: "Kung unsa gyud sila sa ilang panginabuhi, ipadayun na nila (Continue living your true selves in living a good life)."
And in the end, "learn from me as I say that you can be good people as lesbians."
All hail the beauty queen
A glimpse into the life of a trans woman beauty pageant enthusiast, Ms Mandy Madrigal of Transpinay of Antipolo Organization.
This is part of #KaraniwangLGBT, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBT people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called "everyday people" – in this case, the common LGBT people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: "All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the 'big shots'. And it's high time we start telling all our stories."
"I feel accepted."
That, said Mandy Madrigal, is the main appeal of joining beauty pageants.
"I feel so loved when I join pageants. Especially when people clap for us, cheer for us. And when you win… it (just) feels different."
Assigned male at birth, Mandy was in primary school when her father asked her if "I was a boy or a girl". That question scared her, she admitted, because – as the only boy among six kids – she thought she did not really have "any choice". "So I answered my father, 'I am a boy'."
But Mandy's father asked her the same question again; and this time, "I said, yes, I am gay."
No, Mandy is NOT gay; she is a transpinay, and a straight one at that. But the misconceptions about the binary remains – i.e. in this case, she is associated with being gay mainly because she did not identify with the sex assigned her at birth.
In a way, Mandy said she's lucky because "I believe he (my father) accepted (me) with his whole heart."
The rest of her family did, too.
Though – speaking realistically – Mandy said this may be abetted by her "contributions" to the family. "Hindi naman aka basta naging bakla lang (I'm not a 'typical' gay person)," she said, "na naglalandi lang o sumasali lang ng pageant (who just flirts, or just joins beauty pageants). Instead, Mandy provides financial support to her family by – among others – selling RTW clothes and beauty products. In fact, some of her winnings also go to the family's coffers. By helping provide them with what they need, "it's easy for them to accept me as a transgender woman."
Growing up, Mandy realized that while "makakapagsinungaling ka sa ibang tao, pero sarili mo, hindi mo maloloko. Kaya mas magandang tanggapin mo ang sarili mo para matanggap ka ng ibang tao (you may be able to lie to others about who you really are, but you can't lie to yourself. So it's better to accept your true self so that others will be able to accept you too)."
Mandy was "introduced" to beauty pageants when she was 13 or 14. At that time, a friend asked her to join a pageant; and "I won first runner up." She never looked backed since, even – at one time – earning as much as P20,000 after winning a title. Like many regular beauconeras (beauty pageant participants), she also heads to distant provinces to compete, largely because – according to her – prizes in provincial competitions tend to be higher. The prize money earned helps one buy more paraphernalia for the next pageants, and – in Mandy's case – also helps support her family.
Beauty pageants are competitions, yes; but for Mandy, pageants also allow the candidates to form bonds as they get close to each other. Pageants, she said, can be a way "na maging close kami, magkaroon ng magagandang bonding… at magkakilala kami (for us to be close, to bond and get to know the others better)."
Pageants can be costly, Mandy admitted – for instance, "you have to invest," she said, adding that a candidate needs to be able to provide for herself (instead of just always renting) costumes, swimsuits, casual wear, gowns, and so on.
In a way, therefore, having people who believe in you helps. In Mandy's case, for instance, a lot of people helped (by providing necessities she needs) because "naniniwala sila na I am a queen inside and out," she smiled.
But this support can also rack the nerves, particularly when people expect one to win (particularly because of the support given).
One will not always win, of course; and this doesn't always give one good feelings. In 2017, for instance, Mandy joined Queen of Antipolo, and – after failing to win a crown – she said many people told her she should have won the title, or at least placed among the runners-up. "naguluhan ang utak ko (That confused me)," she said. "'Bakit ako ang gusto ninyong manalo?' But that's when I realized na marami ako na-i-inspire na tao dahil marami nagtitiwala sa akin (I ask, 'Why do you want me to win?' But that's when I realized that I inspire a lot of people, which is why they count on me)."
This gives her confidence; enough to deal with the nervousness that will also allow her to just enjoy any pageant she joins.
Mandy believes pageants can help LGBTQI people by providing them a platform to showcase to non-LGBTQI people why "hindi tayo dapat husgahan (we should not be judged)."
Generally speaking, Mandy said that "ang tunay na queen ay may malaking puso (a real queen has a big heart)."
And she knows that not every pageant is good for every contestant. There will be pageants where you will be crowned the queen, she said, just as there will be pageants where you will lose. But over and above the winning and losing, note "what's most important: that there's a lot of people who supported you in a (certain) pageant."
At the end of the day, "sa lahat ng patimpalak, pagkatandaan natin na merong nananalo at may natatalo. Depende na lang yan sa araw mo. Kung ikaw ay nakatadhanang manalo ay mananalo ka; kung nakatadhanang matalo ay matatalo ka talaga. Yun lang yun. Isipin mo na lang na meron pang araw na darating na mas maganda para sa iyo (in all competitions, remember that there will always be a winner and a loser. It all depends on your luck for the day. If you are fated to win, you will win; if you are fated to lose, you will lose. That's that. But still remember – even when you lose – that there will always come a day that will be great for you)."
Paolo, naked
Paolo Dumlao, a pansexual Filipino performance artist, uses his naked body as a canvas, believing that art can help the people – both the artist and those who see the artworks. "It makes people think, ask… and feel," he said, all relevant because "we're not robots; we're humans."
This is part of #KaraniwangLGBT, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBT people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called "everyday people" – in this case, the common LGBT people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: "All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the 'big shots'. And it's high time we start telling all our stories."
Four years ago, Paolo Dumlao, a pansexual Filipino, did his first performance art "as mema lang (out of whim)," he said. At that time, he just wanted to "tick off something from my bucket list." But he fell in love with the form, and so stayed with it.
Here's the thing: In his performances, Paolo is always without clothes since he is a nude artist.
There is reason behind this, he said. "It's not because it's something different, or because it's something new since it's been done before… but because for me, the feeling (when one is nude) is very vulnerable, and I think it's my most vulnerable form, and I want to be in that state when I perform so I can emphasize with people."
To be clear, Paolo is not a performing artist; instead, he is a performance artist.
Performance art is different from performing arts. With the latter, "you are portraying a character that is not you. So you're using your body as a canvas to create another character. When it comes to performance art, you yourself are the character, and the message you relay is different outside of the text," he said. "At least that's what I am doing."
Paolo noted that there are people who see performances of nude artists as sexual, and he said that this is not necessarily true.
On the one hand, just because one is naked doesn't mean the piece is sexual, as "it could be pure, it could be wholesome (even if the performer is not clothed). And I am able to show these (through my performances), and that (things aren't) just black and white."
And so, it is worth stressing, "it is not pornography; I am not selling my body, I am just using my body as canvas for my art."
Paolo said that malice needs to be removed when viewing particularly his performances – i.e. "We don't give malice when seeing a naked child, so why give malice when seeing a naked adult?" This is particularly true when "they're not doing anything malicious or anything sexual."
On the other hand, Paolo said with emphasis, even if the piece is also sexual, it's not like there's something wrong with that. "We're all different; sensuality is different for everyone, just as sexuality is different for everyone. You can be modest and that empowers you, and that's fine. You could be very, very promiscuous and very sexual, and that empowers you, and that's fine, too. As long as you're responsible with yourself, you're responsible when dealing with other people, and you know for a fact you're not stepping on other people's toes."
Though Paolo has been inspired by various artists, his main inspiration are the people he deals with while performing. "My interaction creates an experience for me, and from that experience, I get inspired to make more art," he said.
Paolo said he gets two reactions when he performs. For one, there are people who get "the vulnerability," he said. And, secondly, "there are times when (people) get intimidated." But with performance art, "your art is effective when you get a reaction, once it creates discourse." And so for Paolo, the piece still works "even if only one person gets it."
There are members of his family who disapprove of what he does, though Paolo said this is largely due to security/safety issues – e.g. he could get harassed, or he could be accused of harassing and could get in trouble for this. But Paolo said that he is actually cautious when planning performances, making sure that – yes – he does so in a safe space where he won't be harassed, and only in contexts where he won't knowingly end up harassing people.
For those who oversimplify what he's doing as "just getting naked", Paolo said performing is actually very draining, not just mentally but also physically. Which is why "I look after my body," he said, "because I use my body as my canvas and I need to take care of it. I always make sure I am ready for it; it's strenuous."
If there's one lesson his performances taught him, it's that "we share similar stories," Paolo said. "We share similar pain, we share similar happiness or success… The levels may be different on how we deal with these, but they're similar."
And after his performances, if there is one thing he wants those who see him to take away from seeing him, it's the ability to "ask questions," Paolo said. "Never be afraid to ask questions. It's a start of being curious, of interacting with other people. So if possible, ask all the questions you can ask. It's a way to grow as a person."
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PSA tackles in Filipino Sign Language what happens after rapid HIV test
What happens after you get tested for HIV? Particularly to "help simplify the HIV discussion for the Deaf community in the Philippines," a public service announcement was released on getting tested for HIV in the Philippines, and what happens after one gets tested.
One of the biggest confusions re HIV testing in the Philippines is answering the question on "what happens after one gets tested for HIV," said Disney Aguila, board member of Bahaghari Center for SOGIE Research, Education and Advocacy, Inc. (Bahaghari Center) and concurrent president of Pinoy Deaf Rainbow (PDR).
The confusion is not helped by numerous factors – e.g.: various testing facilities are, in a way, "autonomous", so there are varying practices; and information about post-testing remains limited.
No matter the reason/s for the confusion, "the effect is the same: it discourages many people from getting HIV testing and/or screening," Aguila said.
To demystify particularly rapid HIV screening to "help simplify the HIV discussion for the Deaf community in the Philippines," a public service announcement (PSA) was released on getting tested for HIV in the Philippines, and what happens after one gets tested.
The PSA is the third in a series of PSAs produced as part of a Bahaghari Center project backed by a collaboration between Youth LEAD and Y-PEER (Asia Pacific Center), which eyed to address Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) needs of Young Key Populations (YKPs) in Asia and the Pacific.
PSA on HIV basics released in Filipino Sign Language
Particularly pertaining rapid HIV test, "we want to educate particularly Deaf Filipinos about post-testing – that, if you are non-reactive, there are steps you can do to stay non-reactive; and if you're positive, help is available to help you access treatment, care and support (including getting antiretroviral medicines) so you can live a long, healthy life."
PSA on getting tested for HIV released in Filipino Sign Language
Aguila stressed that knowing one's HIV status is important to protect oneself and others around him/her.
If one is HIV-positive, then he/she can start taking antiretroviral medicine (ARV) that will prevent the HIV (virus) from replicating and thereby help him/her stay healthy and live longer/normal lives.
And if one is HIV-negative, then he/she can take steps to stay negative (for example, by practicing safer sexual practices).
"It starts with getting oneself tested," Aguila said, "which is why we encourage people to get tested."
Most hospitals and clinics can give HIV testing.
Social hygiene clinics (SHC) located in select barangays can also give HIV testing and/or HIV screening.
Various non-government organizations also offer HIV testing and/or screening.
There are also people who are certified to give rapid HIV test.
A series of community-based HIV testing trainings are given to select members of the Deaf community in Metro Manila/Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao is to "empower members of the Deaf community to be more proactive in dealing with HIV by allowing the Deaf to help the Deaf." These trainings are provided by The Red Ribbon Project, Inc.
Other supporters of the project include: Outrage Magazine, Fringe Publishing, Pinoy Deaf Rainbow, TransDeaf Philippines, Deaf Dykes United and Pinoy Deaf Queer.
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New York, March 22, 2012--The Sri Lankan government must immediately halt its intimidation of journalists who supported the adoption of a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution calling for an investigation into the country's alleged abuses of international humanitarian law during its war with Tamil separatists.
Journalists in the capital, Colombo, told CPJ they were concerned by a state-controlled media campaign against them, which called them "traitors" for supporting the U.S.-backed motion. News accounts reported that Wednesday's vote, which passed 24 to 15, with eight abstentions, infuriated the Sri Lankan government.
The BBC said that after the vote, state television launched an attack on Sri Lankan journalists, both at home and in exile, saying they were helping the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels and "betraying the motherland." The broadcaster also said that although the journalists who had participated in the Council sessions were not specifically named, Sri Lankan state television "repeatedly zooms in on thinly disguised photographs of them, promising to give their names soon and 'expose more traitors.'"
"Things are quite tense here. We've had anti-U.S. and anti-resolution protests the past few days, and now we're waiting to see who they will hit out at next," one journalist in the country told CPJ.
"The government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has a long and alarming record of intolerance to criticism," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator. "The international community must be extra vigilant in ensuring that Sri Lankan journalists are not subjected to reprisals for voicing their concerns to the Human Rights Council."
The U.N. resolution called on Sri Lanka to investigate abuses carried out by its military in 2009, at the end of the decades-long war with Tamil separatists.
Rajapaksa's administration has verbally attacked journalists in the past in an effort to intimidate them, CPJ research shows. In a 2008 letter to Rajapaksa, CPJ voiced concern over government officials repeatedly calling journalists "traitors" in public. At least nine journalists have been murdered in the Rajapaksa era, all of them unsolved, according to CPJ data.

subset: commoncrawl


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July 23rd, 2008 at Center Stage
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Powell, Whitsitt Named Assistant Track Coaches
Courtesy: GoDucks.com
Release: 09/18/2012
EUGENE, Ore. -- National championship caliber assistant coaches Maurica Powell and Erik Whitsitt have been named to the Oregon track and field staff and Andy Powell has been promoted to associate head coach for both the men's and women's track and cross country programs, head coach Robert Johnson announced Tuesday. Johnson also announced that Matthew Downs has been named director of internal track and field operations.
"We are very excited to be able to announce that Erik, Maurica and Matt have joined the Oregon staff," said Johnson. "Erik and Maurica are innovative and exciting coaches and the performances by their student-athletes at the NCAA and conference levels speaks volumes about their ability to connect with and motivate young people on many different levels.
"We also are pleased to extend a well-deserved promotion to Andy Powell. He has been a tireless worker for the University of Oregon and has helped train some of the best young Americans who are out there running today."
Andy Powell has played a key role in the resurgence of the Oregon men's program, which has won six consecutive conference track and field titles, a pair of cross country national championships and an indoor track national title during his seven years in Eugene, first as a men's assistant coach and most recently as associate men's head coach.
Powell, who now assumes the mantle of associate head coach for both the men and the women, has coached some of the most successful runners in recent Oregon history, like Matthew Centrowitz, Galen Rupp and Andrew Wheating. Centrowitz ran to a bronze medal finish in the 1,500 meters at the 2011 IAAF World Championships, and a year later, placed fourth in a thrilling London Olympics 1,500 meter final.
Powell has helped Oregon capture back-to-back NCAA Men's Cross Country championships in 2007-08 plus the runner-up trophy in 2009, its first-ever NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship in 2009 followed by a second-place showing in 2010, and a second-place trophy at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships and a third-place finish in 2010.
"It is a great honor and privilege to continue to work with the Men of Oregon middle distance and distance runners," said Andy Powell. "I am also looking forward to working with coach Johnson and the other great members of our staff."
The new hires to the Oregon staff, Maurica Powell and Whitsitt, have mentored five NCAA individual champions, another seven NCAA runners-up and countless conference winners between the two of them.
Whitsitt comes to Oregon after a remarkable three-year stint at Illinois State that saw him coach Tim Glover to consecutive NCAA men's javelin titles in 2011-12. Whitsitt was also key in the development of Brittany Smith, a seven-time All-American who was the NCAA runner-up in both the women's hammer and women's shot in 2012.
Glover, who was named the 2012 USTFCCCA men's national field athlete of the year after winning the NCAA crown, and Smith both went on to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials, along with another ISU graduate, Leigh Petranoff (women's javelin). Glover and Smith then represented Team USA at the 2012 under 23 NACAC championships in Mexico, where Glover won the gold in the javelin and Smith was the silver medalist in the hammer.
At the 2012 Missouri Valley Championships, Whitsitt's throwers accounted for 41 of Illinois State's 90 points in claiming the league title. Following the season, Whitsitt was named the 2012 USTFCCCA Men's Midwest assistant coach of the year.
"I am thankful to coach Johnson for this wonderful opportunity and am extremely excited to be a part of the Oregon track and field staff," said Whitsitt. "To be involved with such a storied throws program while competing for Pac-12 and NCAA titles year in and out is truly amazing.
"I'm looking forward to contributing to and learning from some of the top minds in track and field as well as utilizing the world class facilities here. We have some great student-athletes in the program and I'm really looking forward to getting to know them and to settling down with my wife in such a wonderful community!"
Prior to Illinois State, Whitsitt gathered an impressive resume of national coaching and competitive experience. He was the throws coach at McNeese State from 2008-09, and also served as the team's academic liaison and recruiting coordinator. He gained experience in the coaching ranks both as a volunteer assistant coach, and with throwing camps and summer league teams.
During his collegiate years at Idaho State (2002-05) and Boise State (2005-07), Whitsitt won two individual conference championships in the shot put and was a member of four team conference championships. He was a four-time regional outdoor qualifier in the shot put and qualified for the 2007 NCAA Championships and the 2007 U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Whitsitt, a native of Pueblo, Colo., holds a USATF Level I certification and is a USATF certified official. He and his wife, Kacie, reside in Eugene.
Maurica Powell rejoins the Ducks' staff after a brief hiatus. Among the many highlights during her first tenure are a pair of NCAA Indoor women's national titles (2010-11), three conference crowns and three NCAA Outdoor runner-up finishes (2009-10-11). She has also overseen individual national titles by Jordan Hasay (mile, 3,000 meters), Anne Kesselring (800) and Rebekah Noble (800), 12 individual conference event winners and 42 all-Americans.
The 2010-11 season was a memorable one for Maurica Powell and the Ducks, as Hasay led the team to the Indoor national title with her wins at the mile and 3,000 meters. Hasay was also the Pac-10 individual cross country and 1,500 meter champion during the 2010-11 year. The 2011 outdoor season also produced another Pac-10 team title for the Ducks, including a pair of wins from Hasay in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, and concluded with another NCAA Outdoor runner-up finish. For the third straight year, the Ducks were named the USTFCCCA's Division I women's national program of the year.
"I'm thrilled to rejoin Coach Johnson and the Women of Oregon," said Maurica Powell, who will also serve as an assistant for the women's cross country team. "We have an ambitious agenda for our program and I'm excited to continue the trend of excellence established over the past few years."
During her first tour with the Ducks she also guided Nicole Blood to the 2009 Pac-10 cross country individual title, Oregon's first conference medalist in 17 years. She was instrumental in Oregon's back-to-back NCAA Cross Country runner-up finishes in 2007-08.
A middle distance star for Stanford University from 1998-2002, Maurica Powell still ranks in a number of top 10 categories for the Cardinal, and was an All-American in 2002 in the 1,500 meters (fifth, 4:16.51) and indoor distance medley relay (1,200 meter leadoff leg, third overall, 11:09.23). In the Pac-10 Championships, she was a three-time scorer in the 800 meters and also placed in the 1,500 meters as a junior and senior. She took seventh in the 800 meters as a freshman in the 1999 U.S. Junior Championships.
Maurica Powell, from Boston, and her husband, UO associate head coach Andy Powell, have two sons and live in Eugene.
Andy and Maurica Powell and Whitsitt are joined on the Ducks' staff by returning assistant coach Jamie Cook, who is entering his third season with the program.
"I believe we have assembled one of the best track and field staffs in the country," said Johnson. "It is a talented staff with a proven record of getting the best out of their student-athletes at the conference and national level, and at the same time, helping these young men and women successfully mature into adulthood.
"I am looking forward to working with these outstanding coaches every day as we strive toward our ultimate goal of competing for conference and national championships."
Downs joins the Oregon staff following three years as the director of operations at Virginia. He will serve as the track and cross country teams' liaison to various areas in the athletic department, including compliance, eligibility, meet operations, finance, marketing and promotions and public relations.
At Virginia, Downs managed all administrative areas of the Cavaliers' track and field business operations, as well as working with many offices within Virginia's athletic department.
Prior to Virginia, Downs was an assistant track and field coach at St. Christopher's High School in Richmond, Va., from 2008-09. He also assisted in the race management of the 2008 SunTrust National Marathon in Washington, D.C.
Downs earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Washington in economics and history in 2008, and a Master of education in sport leadership from Virginia Commonwealth in 2009. He was an all-conference runner from Mary Washington from 2005-07 and team captain from 2006-08.
Downs is also a USATF certified official with six years of experience.


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EventsDriving Miss Daisy
Date: May 10, 2020
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Contact Name: Lisa Green
Contact Phone Number: 262-284-6850
Admission Fee: Yes
Location: Memories Ballroom
By Alfred Uhry
Having recently demolished another car, Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued Jewish widow of seventy-two, is informed by her son, Boolie, that she must rely on the services of a chauffeur. The person he hires is a thoughtful, unemployed black man, Hoke, whom Miss Daisy immediately regards with disdain and who, in turn, is not impressed with his employer's patronizing tone and, he believes, her latent prejudice. As the play ends Hoke has a final visit with Miss Daisy, while it is evident that a vestige of her fierce independence and sense of position still remain, it is also movingly clear that they have both come to realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible.
Tickets $48 plus tax
Join us without the worry of traffic jams, expensive parking structures, or rushing through dinner to make it from the restaurant to the theater on time.
At Memories, it's an easy ride up Hwy 43 to ample, complimentary parking. Once inside, you'll be personally welcomed by Memories' owners and directed to your table, where you can relax, get comfortable, and let us take care of you.
Whether you are joining us for an evening show or a matinee, a full bar is always available, so feel free to arrive early for a cocktail, or sip a nightcap as the show winds to an end.
Our dinner theater schedule offers a variety of shows to suit every theater buff, from comedies to dramas, musicals to audience-interactive murder mysteries, so keep checking back for the latest lineup!
A unique and reasonably priced event like this is truly a treasured find in the Milwaukee area. We look forward to having you join us!
Click here for more information »


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About Rolling Hills Chorus
Rolling Hills Chorus is a membership organization of female singers, who meet regularly to practice, perform, socialize, and have fun. We currently have close to 30 singers of all ages, all walks of life, and all parts of the Mid-Columbia region of Washington, from the Lower Yakima Valley to the Tri-Cities. To visit a rehearsal, please check out our Come Join Us section.
The main purpose of Rolling Hills Chorus is to sing for our communities. We sing at annual shows, a number of community events, and at annual competitions. We also perform Singing Telegrams around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. We are available to sing at your next function or event. If you're looking for a unique musical experience to liven up your event, please check out our Hire Us section.
In addition to sharing our music with others, another great passion of ours is learning more about the art of a cappella singing. Vocal instruction is a regular part of chorus rehearsals, and a very important component of the chorus experience. Throughout the year, we are coached by visiting masters in the art of barbershop, where we enhance our skills and learn many fabulous tricks of the trade.
In the spring of every year, Rolling Hills Chorus participates in Sweet Adelines regional competition for North by Northwest Region 13. We have placed 1st in Division A four of the last five years (and have medaled nearly every time we have competed). Competitions are a special time for quartets and choruses from our region to come together to sing for each other, and get constructive feedback from a panel of judges trained by Sweet Adelines International.
The winners of the regional competition in both quartet and chorus categories get to travel to International Competition, which is held in the fall in a city selected each year. In October 2018, International Competition will be held in St Louis, Missouri. Sweet Adelines International 2018 Convention
Most choruses have a number of members who form their own vocal quartets in addition to singing with the chorus. Rolling Hills Chorus currently is home to wonderful quartets, and we are very proud of them! Click here to see our quartet section to learn more about them.
Rolling Hills Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines, International, a non-profit organization of members in choruses and quartets in 24 regions worldwide with headquarters located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
April 04, 2020
Meet the Chorus
Come to the About Us section to meet the director, and find out what we're all about!
Join Us!
Want to sing with a bunch of fabulous women? Want to learn amazing, classic songs? Come to the Join Us section to find out how you can get involved.
New Pix
Come to the photo gallery to check out our most recent pictures.
What is Barbershop?
Find out about this fabulous artform and the organization of women barbershoppers on our What is Barbershop page.
Support Your Chorus
Find out how you can help support great music in your community!
Members Login


text: Hello I've not much experience in Java and none in Android Apps specifically. Was wondering if someone could give me a hint or two on an App I'd like. I basically just want my phone to sigh every now and then, not on a specific timer or anything but just to give a little sigh when it feels like it. I'm guessing it wouldn't be too hard for someone who knows what they're doing. I'd just like to know how much I'd need to know about what I was doing to put it together. Any tips? Thanks


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about our upcoming exhibitions, events, featured artists, special promotions, and more!
Born in Niigata prefecture, Chikanobu Toyohara (né Naoyoshi Hashimoto) began his life as a samurai in the shogun's court. He was trained in Kano school painting but shifted his attention to ukiyo-e around the Meiji Restoration of 1867. He began his printmaking career under the tutelage of Utagawa masters Kuniyoshi, Kunisada and Kunichika. Like many of his contemporaries, Chikanobu also worked as a newspaper illustrator. He designed prints in all genres, from kabuki actors to historical military scenes, but he is most recognized for his portrayal of women's fashions, pastimes and customs. These works trace the movement of traditional Japanese culture into the more modern world that emerged after Commodore Perry's arrival in 1854 and the resulting modernization. While many of the prints from this era feature the bright, opaque appearance of aniline dyes, Chikanobu maintains an aspect of subtlety even with the use of these synthetic colors.
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Mike Bosse necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 7 diseños de 2 diseñadores freelance.
Down South Lures
I am a sportsman a heart. I have a deep passion for saltwater fishing.
I am a business owner of saltwater fishing lures. I target saltwater fisherman that fish from the south Texas Gulf Coast to the Florida Keys. My fishing lures are designed for shallow water angling in saltwater.
I already have a rough design of my package for my lures. My package will be a zip-lock bag that holds 8 of my soft plastic baits for sale. The soft plastic baits that I produce are like a tradtional rubber worm.
I have an image of what I am looking for to give you a better idea of what I am looking for. I want it to look a little more clean and professional. Remember, these zip-lock bags will be hanging on display for sale at stores like Wal-Mart.
The two fish that are on my package are called a Red Drum and a Speckeled Seatrout. You may want to google a pic of them. I need these to look as realistic as possible or the profile outline to have the fishes' distinctive profile. You may even want to try an outline of the fish on the package since they have a distinctive profile.
The fish must be in black and grey as the sample represents. Be creative with the package and fish designs. I am opened minded.
Also, underneath my company name I would like you to put my slogan on the package. It needs to be in smaller italics print and in quotations. My slogan is "The Skinny Water Specialists"
You may want to look at package designs that are already on the market like Bass Assassin. They have a plastic zip-lock bag with plastic worms in them all over the US.
Packages catch fisherman, lures do not. Remember that. You may want to border the package in grey.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
Short article on the possibility of trading in your roadster for credits at Tesla which can then be used to buy a Model S.
What are your thoughts on the indicated prices? Is it smarter to sell your roadster on the free market and then use the money to buy a Model S?
Since the dealer has to make money and cover any possible problem items you will most always make more money selling it yourself. But it is more of a hassel. So what do you value more the time or money?


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Morgan Stanley, the issuer of the Market Vectors Currency ETNs, has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Morgan Stanley has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and the offering of the Market Vectors Currency ETNs. You may get these documents for free by clicking here or EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may request a free copy of the prospectus by calling Van Eck Securities Corporation at 1.800.826.2333; you may also request a copy from Morgan Stanley or any other dealer participating in this offer.
What are Market Vectors Currency ETNs?
Market Vectors Currency Exchange-Traded Notes are senior, unsecured debt securities issued by Morgan Stanley that deliver exposure to the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and foreign currencies. The underlying indices are also affected by movements in interest rates in the country of the underlying currency and in the United States.
Market Vectors ETNs are not equities or index funds, but do possess some trading advantages of these products.
What are Market Vectors Double Exposure ETNs?
The Double Long and Double Short strategies are two-times leveraged directional investments for those looking to manage risk or to enhance profits from upward or downward currency market movements.
The underlying indices seek to double the daily investment performance of a specific currency by producing investment results that are 200% of a long investment in that currency (Double Long strategy) or 200% of a short investment in that currency (Double Short strategy).
Leverage has potential for greater returns and losses and involves significant risk; investors should discuss this strategy with their financial advisors prior to investing.
What are the advantages of exchange-traded notes?
Exchange-traded notes allow for convenient access to the returns of market benchmarks, minus investor fees(1). They offer trading flexibility not unlike equities and are traded on an exchange throughout the day. ETNs can act as an effective hedging tool, as they can be traded long or short. ETNs typically seek to offer cost-effective investments in previously cumbersome, expensive or difficult-to-access sectors of the market. Please speak to your financial advisor for more information.
How do ETNs generate returns?
Investors may trade ETNs on an exchange at market price or receive a payment upon maturity (including upon acceleration) or early redemption(2), based on Index performance, less investor fees(1).
Who is the issuer?
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm that, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides its products and services to a large and diversified group of clients and customers, including corporations, governments, financial institutions and individuals.
How can you buy and sell Market Vectors ETNs?
Market Vectors ETNs are listed on NYSE Arca. You can buy and sell Market Vectors ETNs through a broker at any time and will be subject to brokerage commissions. You may sell Market Vectors ETNs in several ways. You can sell the ETNs in the secondary market during trading hours. You may also choose early redemption if you own a large block of ETNs, typically 50,000 units, and redeem the block directly to the issuer (see the procedures for redemption(2) set forth in the applicable prospectus). Alternatively, you may hold the ETNs until maturity (including upon acceleration) and receive a cash payment from the issuer based upon the positive or negative performance of the underlying index, less investor fees(1).
What are the risks of investing in ETNs?
ETNs are not secured debt; there is no principal protection; the ETNs do not pay interest and the issuer is subject to default risk. Apart from default risk, there is also credit rating risk. That is, if the issuer's credit rating is downgraded, the ETN's value may decrease even while the underlying index rises. The underlying index may go up or down. Even if the index goes up, investors may not recover their principal once investor fees are deducted.
Investing in leveraged investment strategies, such as the Market Vectors Double Exposure ETNs, involves significant additional risk. Any movement in the spot exchange rate or any differential between short-term interest rates will have a two-times leveraged impact on the underlying index.
Convenient easy access to major world currencies through a single securities transaction
customized tools to execute risk management strategies
cost-effective way to take directional positions on global currencies
1Please see the prospectus for complete information about investor fees. The Investor Fee on the inception date will equal zero. On each subsequent calendar day until maturity or early redemption, the Investor Fee will increase by an amount equal to the yearly investment fee times the principal amount of your ETNs times the Index Factor on that day (or, if such day is not an index business day, the Index Factor on the immediately preceding an index business day) divided by 365. The Index Factor on any given day will be equal to the closing value of the Index on that day divided by the initial index level. The initial index level is the value of the underlying index on the inception date.
2Investors must make a request to redeem at least 50,000 units of the ETNs directly to the issuer, Morgan Stanley, subject to the procedures described in the relevant prospectus.
3The ETNs are not rated and offer no principal protection. Investors in the ETNs are subject to the credit risk of the issuer, Morgan Stanley, for any amounts payable on the ETNs at maturity or upon any earlier redemption.
The Market Vectors Currency ETNs are senior unsecured debt obligations of Morgan Stanley that do not pay interest or guarantee the return of principal.
The amount investors will be paid on their Market Vectors Currency ETNs at maturity or on any earlier repurchase date will depend on the index closing value of the underlying index on the applicable valuation date(s) and on the amount of investor fees that will have accumulated with respect to the Market Vectors Currency ETNs. Because the investor fees reduce the amount of payment you may receive at maturity or upon any earlier repurchase, the level of the underlying index on the applicable valuation date(s) must increase sufficiently to compensate for the deduction of the investor fees in order for you to receive at least the amount of your initial investment in the Market Vectors Currency ETNs at maturity or upon our earlier repurchase. In order to require the issuer to repurchase the Market Vectors Currency ETNs, investors must make the request with respect to at least 50,000 Market Vectors Currency ETNs. Depending on the index level on the applicable valuation date(s), investors could lose a substantial portion or even all of their investment.
In the case of the Market Vectors Double Exposure ETNs (Double Long and Double Short strategies), if the closing indicative value of the ETNs is less than or equal to $1.00 per ETN for any index business day, the maturity date of the ETNs will be accelerated and the ETNs will return only a de minimis amount, or zero.
Market Vectors Currency ETNs can be bought and sold through your broker at any time and will be subject to brokerage commissions.
Market Vectors Currency ETNs are subject to significant risk of loss. Risks include exposure to: single currency exchange rates; differences between the currency forward contracts tracked by the underlying index and the official spot rate; changes in the volatility of the underlying index; changes in the currency markets during hours when the Market Vectors Currency ETNs are not trading; changes in interest rate levels; government intervention in the currency markets; geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, regulatory, political, judicial or other events that affect the foreign exchange markets; and Morgan Stanley's creditworthiness.
In addition, currency markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to various factors, including lack of liquidity, participation of speculators and government regulation and intervention. As a result, the market value of the Market Vectors Currency ETNs will vary and may be less than the amount of your initial investment at any time over the term of the ETNs.
Market Vectors Double Exposure ETNs are also subject to additional significant risks associated with leverage. Any movement in the spot exchange rate or any differential between short-term interest rates will have two times leveraged impact on the underlying index. Additional risks associated with Market Vectors Double Exposure ETNs include adverse effects of interest rates on the index. In addition, the daily rebalancing of the index may dampen the positive effect or amplify the negative impact of currency movements on the index level.
"Standard & Poor's®," "S&P®," "S&P Chinese Renminbi Total Return Index" and "S&P Indian Rupee Total Return Index" are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Morgan Stanley. The Market Vectors Currency ETNs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Currency ETNs.
Van Eck Securities Corporation is the exclusive marketer of the Market Vectors Currency ETNs.


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Crank Brothers Mallet DH, the choice of DH world champions.
- Concave platform for secure foothold
- 8 adjustable pins per side for grip
- Traction pad technology customizable interface
- Ribbed body for better traction when unclipped
- Chamfered edges to reduce rock-strikes
- 57mm q-factor for stability at speed
- 4-sided entry / superior mud shedding
- Customizable float and release angle
- Premium bearings and double seal system
- Spindle material: Forged scm 435 chromoly steel
- Body material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Wing material cast: Stainless steel
- Spring material 300 series stainless steel
- Release angle 15° / 20°
- Max rider weight no restriction
- Q-factor 57mm
- Inner bearing type IGUS LL-glide bearing
- Outer bearing type enduro cartridge bearing
- Cleat premium brass cleats with shims included
- Adjustable pins 8 per side for grip
- Endcap hex alloy
- Weight: 479 grams
SPD/2-Bolt Cleats are most commonly found on Mountain Bike shoes. Look/SPD-SL/3-Bolt Cleats are most commonly found on Road Bike shoes.
Cleats are sold separately or with pedals. Be sure your shoes feature the correct bolt pattern.
Part Numbers
|Matte Black


text: Reviewer: Dave Review Date: October 22, 2013 Released by: Universal Pictures UK Release date: 10/1/2012 MSRP: £9.29 Region Free Widescreen 1.85:1 | 16x9: Yes 1954 I have been a 3D junkie as long as I can remember. I recall how excited I was, way back in the early 90s, when Freddy's Dead came out with a 3D segment at the end. I was the first one in line for that. The funny thing is, as a child of the late 80s, I didn't have much exposure to 3D. Yes, there was a 3D phase in the 80s but my primary form of movie viewing was VHS. Back then, even the lackluster red/blue anaglyph versions weren't being included on home video. When this current 3D phase hit back in the early 2000s, I was excited. While much of it seemed to be for children movies, I had two kids at the time and didn't mind it at all. As we all know, it quickly spread and 3D soon started to appear in all movies - action, horror, and even comedies. I like 3D so much I almost bought the Japanese VHD system that included two releases I was extremely interested in: Jaws 3-D and Friday the 13th Part 3 3-D. Ultimately with the age of the system and no doubt the poor quality of the transfers by today's standards, I just couldn't bring myself to pony up the cash. When 3D blu-ray hit, I was all over it. I wasn't a day one adopter but definitely within the first year or year and a half. I bought a new TV and a blu-ray player. I resisted temptation and continued my new rule for buying blurays: 1) Has to be a movie I love or 2) Has to be a movie I'll revisit every 1-2 years or 3) Has to have some great supplements. A combination of any of those three work, too. I have added a fourth rule, however, and it will apply to 3D blu-ray, too. Number 4: Show my support to the studio. If it doesn't fall in the 1-3 category, but the studio went above and beyond on the release, or took a chance with a not too popular horror title, I'll often buy it just to support their efforts. A perfect example if Scream Factor's Amityville trilogy. They went above and beyond by releasing part 3 on 3D bluray. From what I hear, the movie is awful. Doesn't matter. They get my support for going above and beyond. That support only goes so far, as does amount in my wallet. When Universal announced their classic monsters box set and that Creature from the Black Lagoon would be on 3D bluray, I was certainly tempted to bite. While I'm a fan of these old black and white movies, I own many on the legacy DVD releases and have yet to actually watch them. I just couldn't bring myself to buy an entire box set for one movie. That's where importing comes in. Universal UK released Creature on a single disc bluray and for a very reasonable price. A quick trip over to Amazon.co.uk and I was in business. I think it's even more important to show support on some of these older 3D bluray releases, like Warner's House of Wax release. We need to show studio that the demand is there. 3D bluray is a niche market and chances are we aren't going to continue getting these obscure releases unless we start buying them. 3D is eye candy. It's fun eye candy. I get that. Perhaps it is because I'm a horror fan that I can appreciate it, or that when you put the two together I generally end up loving the result. Lets have a look at the Universal UK 3D bluray of Creature from the Black Lagoon. The Story Researcher Carl Maia (Antonio Moreno) is excavating a site in the jungles of the Amazon. His workers discover a claw shaped hand buried in the rock. Carl returns to his institute in Brazil to seek help digging out the rest of the site in hopes of finding the skeletal remains of whatever creature the hand belongs to. His associates, David Reed (Richard Carlson) and his girlfriend Kay (Julie Adams), along with their boss, Mark (Richard Denning), head back to the Amazon to start the dig. Mark's motive is strictly to get publicity and ultimately some profit from the skeleton, whereas the rest of the group are in it for the research. After eight long days of excavating the site, the group turns up nothing. While Mark is about ready to cut their losses and head home, David theorizes that perhaps part of the bank broke away into the river and was swept down into the lagoon it ends at. Mark quickly agrees, hoping to still turn a profit out of the trip. They head down into the black lagoon and begin searching for samples to carbon dating. Instead of finding any fossils, they discover an actual living creature, a "man fish". They attempt to catch the creature and when that ultimately backfires, they try to flee. The creature is smarter than they anticipate and blocks the path leading out of the lagoon. The beast has discovered a beauty and is intent on taking her for his own. It's a battle of man versus "man fish" as the group attempt to outwit the creature to rescue Kay and save themselves. I love old black and white movies. They always transport me back to a time when life was seemingly much simpler. Universal's Creature from the Black Lagoon is no exception. Director Jack Arnold, having previously directed It Came From Outer Space and then Richard Matheson's The Incredible Shrinking Man in 1957 (three years after Creature), does an admirable job with the movie. The visuals are beautiful, particularly the underwater scenes. The pacing of the film is spot on. To this day I'm always amazed at how quickly the film gets to its conclusion. That's in part due to the 79 minute run time, but we have all sat through excruciatingly long 79 minute movies before. This one flows nicely with good characters and a fun, albeit hokey, story to move things along. Acting is top notch all around. It's a blast to watch people come up with these crazy ideas as to why this fish man could possibly exist. Julie Adams as Kay, the damsel in distress, is charming and breathtakingly beautiful. The biggest star is a person we never actually see. Ricou Browning plays The Gill Man in water. It's his breath holding ability that contributes to many of the beautiful visuals of our monster swimming around in the Amazon. According to IMDB, he had to hold his breath for up to 4 minutes at times. That's an interesting bit of trivia that most modern movie goers, myself included, wouldn't really think about unless specifically told. Today, with modern effects and countless CGI infested movies, I can appreciate the simplicity of the Creature effects. It's just a guy in a fish suit, but what else is a "Gill Man" going to look like? It's simple yet effective. I'm not sure what I would do to try and modernize it besides adding in some more facial movements and some realistic eyes. The eye are worse in the sequel so perhaps it's best to be thankful for what we got in the original. While some may look down upon these effects today, remember that they were cutting edge back in the day and that creature suit took a good chunk of the budget. For a nearly 60 year old effect, it holds up well. If Creature marks the end of the classic Universal monsters era, I don't think there's too much better of a movie to go out with. It's not fast paced by any means, yet if you're a fan of the classic monsters, there's no question you'll have fun with this one. Image Quality Creature From the Black Lagoon is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Universal released it on 3D bluray, an amazing treat for 3D fans. The transfer is astounding; easily one of the best transfers I have seen from a 50+ year old movie. I was constantly wondering how they could make such a perfect transfer to such an old movie. The image is sharp and well detailed. Black are strong. Minor grain is present at times but it's minimal. As for the 3D, it's equally amazing. There's the usual gimicky scenes - claw coming out at you and what not, but there are also some cool scenes with fish seemingly swimming out of the screen and trees swaying out and about. Sound A DTS-HD mono track is clean and clearly audible at all times. Dialogue is at a consistent level throughout. I found no distortion or other issues with the track. The Gill Man arrival music has a nice punch to it. The score is equally clean and comes across well balanced and at a consistent level. It's an average mono track but I have no complaints. Supplemental Material It's not a full blown special edition but there are a few supplements included. There is a commentary track with film historian Tom Weaver. Historian commentaries are wonderful, especially on these older movies where much of the cast and crew have passed away. While actual cast and crew members are always preferred for those personal stories and experiences, historians are a very close second. Tom provides an amazing commentary track. It's a chock-full of information about the cast, crew, production, story, script differences, and countless anecdotes. If there's a fault with the track, it's that he talks too quickly. By his own admission at the beginning, he has a lot to say and only 79 minutes to do it in. I tried listening to the track while I sized up the screen shots for this review and I simply couldn't do it. He talks non-stop and you really have to pay full attention if you want to follow along and absorb all the information. Fans will love it. I learned a lot about the movie and its production, along with all the people involved with it. Production photographs as well as a trailer gallery of each of the three Creature movies. A documentary titled 100 Years of Universal: The Lot is included that is 10-minute look at the history of Universal Studios and their backlot. While it's not specifically related to Creature From the Black Lagoon, Universal has had their hands in enough wonderful movies that it's enjoyable to view. Final Thoughts It's a dated movie but a fun classic monster movie. Chances are you have already seen it and simply want to know this 3D bluray holds up. It's great all around, except being light on the supplements. If you're looking to avoid buying the entire Monsters box set, go ahead and grab this import bluray. It's region free so no worries there, and it's reasonably priced. Now lets hope Universal steps it up another notch and gives us the sequel on 3D bluray. Until then, enjoy this great release from Universal UK. Rating Movie - B Image Quality - A- Sound - B Supplements - B Technical Info. B&W Running time - 1 hour 19 minutes Rated PG 1 Disc Chapter Stops English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono 2.0, French, Italian, German, Spanish - DTS Surround Mono 2.0 English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish subtitles Supplements Commentary with film historian Tom Weaver Production photographs Trailer gallery 100 Years of Universal: The Lot


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Week 5 of the 2013 NFL was a bit unfair. Tony Romo threw for 506 yards and lost a barn-burner to the Broncos 51-48, while Carson Palmer threw three interceptions and had only 175 yards - and handily defeated the Panthers 22-6. On the other side of the ball, eight players turned in two-sack performances, and one, perennial QB-eater Terrell Suggs of Baltimore, turned in a ravenous three-sack game.
Here's what else we learned:
Jaguars Dealing in Dismal: In another ugly loss, this time to the St. Louis Rams, the Jags lost starting QB Blaine Gabbert with a hamstring injury and offensive tackle Luke Joeckel for the season with a broken ankle. The NFL also asked the team to strip first round pick Denard Robinson of the OW (offensive weapon) tag he had on the team's website, saying that it wasn't a real position. This off-season, Jacksonville said the former Michigan star would play 15 snaps at a variety of positions including running back, fullback, wide receiver, kick returner and quarterback. His numbers through five weeks don't exactly scream dangerous, though. Through five games, he has -1 yards rushing and zero receptions.
U.S. & World
Is Matt Schaub Broken?: Interceptions are bad for any QB's confidence, but interceptions that lead to defensive TDs can destroy even the most accomplished QB. Schaub, who led the NFL in passing yards in 2009 and is a two-time Pro-Bowler, has done it for an NFL record four consecutive games. His three-interception performance in a disastrous 34-3 loss against the 49ers Sunday makes you think the guy is in a funk he can't get out of.
Peyton Manning, The One Man Band: Although Manning threw his first interception of the season against Dallas, his 5 TDs and 414 yards passing more than made up for the one blemish. For the season, Manning has 20 TD passes and just one interception, thanks in part to excellent pass protection and a talented recieving corps. Manning even ran for his first TD in five years.
Brady's Streak Ends: You'd never think that the Bengals defense would hold the Patriots to just two field goals, but after four sacks and three forced fumbles, Cincinnati not only held on for a 13-6 win, they also limited Patriots QB Tom Brady to just 192 yards and no TDs. It was the first time in 52 games, the equivalent of three and a quarter seasons, that Brady failed to throw a TD pass.
Mr. 500: Only 12 quarterbacks have thrown for 500 yards in a game and after his 506–yard, five TD performance against the Broncos, Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo joins the exclusive club. It wasn't enough get the win though in a tough 51-48 loss.
Giants Defense Continues to be Small: Big Blue had a 21-19 lead in the third quarter, but three interceptions from Eli Manning and lackluster defense led to a 36-21 loss. Even after Eagles QB Michael Vick left with a sore hamstring, the Giants defense couldn't figure out backup Nick Foles, who went 16/25 with two TDs. Only one other team in NFL history has been as bad on defense as the Giants through five games. Like New York, the 1954 Chicago Cardinals gave up at least 31 points through their first five games.
Three Teams Still Perfect: While the Broncos defense was terrible, Peyton Manning and the Denver offense were simply stellar. RB Knowshon Moreno ran for 93 yards and had five receptions, while Julius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas all had five catches or more. With such a stacked offense, many QBs would find it almost impossible to keep all their weapons actively participating, but Manning has thrived this season with all the depth. Against Dallas, Manning connected with six different receivers, at least four times.
Two interceptions in the final six minutes helped pace a 26-17 Kansas City win over the Titans, but the Chiefs offense also shined. Jamal Charles had 108 yards on the ground and five catches against a Titans defense that didn't know how to solve his versatility. For the first time since 2003, the Chiefs are 5-0. Sunday's win over Tennessee also marked the first time Chief Head Coach Andy Reid has beat the team.
The Saints can be summed up in two full names- Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham. Tying an NFL record for a TE with his fourth consecutive 100-yard game, Graham, September's offensive player of the month, was stellar once again with a 10-catch, 135-yard day. Brees was 29/35 for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first win against the Bears.