2015 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards

Announcement: 2015 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards, now accepting nominations

In recognition of the significant role of the media in information disemmination and advocacy of migration and development, the Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) AWards was conceived in 2011 by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day in the Philippines in December every year. Established in 2007 by virtue of Administrative Order No. 202, the IAC is chaired by the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) and co-chaired by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

The MAM Awards recognize the positive and significant contributions of media outlets, institutions and practitioners in the fields of print, radio, movie and television, advertising and internet from the government and private media organizations in the Philippines and abroad, in raising public awareness on issues on Filipino migration (i.e., human trafficking, illegal recruitment, brain drain and brain circulation, remittance flows, political crisis, families left behind by migrants, etc.) advocating the cause of Filipinos overseas, or promoting a positive image of Filipinos overseas.

The Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards consist of six categories. The Print Journalism Award is conferred on best print media. The Radio Journalism Award is conferred on best radio program. The Television Journal Award is conferred on best television program (talk show, investigative journalism, TV special or documentary). The Film Media Award is conferred on best films and videos (full length or documentary). The Interactive Media Award is conferred on web-based publications. The Advertisement Award is conferred on best print, radio or TV commercial/advertisements on issues concerning migration.

Since 2011, this recognition has been conferred on 40 awardees and serves to highlight the role of media in tackling migration concerns in celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos in December.

Link to the primer and nomination form to be found in http://philippineembassy-usa.org/news/4644/589/2015-Migration- Advocacy-and-Media-MAM-Awards-now-accepting-nominations/ d,phildet/

 

Prehistoric Carnivore Dubbed ‘Scarface’ Discovered in Zambia

Scientists at The Field Museum have identified a new species of premammal in what is now Zambia. Thanks to a unique groove on the animal’s upper jaw, it was dubbed Ichibengops (Itchy-BEN-gops), which combines the local Bemba word for scar (ichibenga), and the common Greek suffix for face (ops). Put simply: Scarface.

Believed to be roughly the size of a dachshund, Ichibengops lived around 255 million years ago, and was a member of Therocephalia, a group of ancient mammal relatives that survived the largest mass extinction in history (the Permian-Triassic extinction). The species description was published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology by University of Utah, University of Washington and Burke Museum, and The Field Museum.

“Discoveries of new species of animals like Ichibengops are particularly exciting because they help us to better understand the group of animals that gave rise to mammals,” said Field Museum’s Kenneth Angielczyk, PhD, associate curator of paleomammalogy. “One interesting feature about this species in particular is the presence of grooves above its teeth, which may have been used to transmit venom.”

Indeed, venomousness is rare among mammals and their extinct relatives. Only a handful of modern mammals produce venom, including the platypus and certain species of shrews. One other extinct therocephalian, Euchambersia, has been suggested to be venomous, but even among ancient mammal relatives this is an exception rather than the rule. Although the trait is uncommon, it may have proved advantageous to carnivores by enabling them to better capture prey and defend themselves.

Angielczyk, whose work focuses on ancient mammal relatives, explained the importance of finding new species like Ichibengops. “By studying the effects of the Permian-Triassic mass extinction and the subsequent recovery, we can apply the lessons we learn to the mass extinction being caused by humans today.”

 

U.S. Education Department Awards 38 States, D.C., and the Virgin Islands $28.4 Million in Grants to Help Low-Income Students Take Advanced Placement Tests

The U.S. Department of Education announced that it has awarded $28.4 million in Advanced Placement (AP) grants to 38 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands as part of its efforts to boost college- and career-readiness for historically underserved students. The grants will help defray the costs of taking advanced placement tests for low-income students.

“Advanced Placement classes and the corresponding exams come with very high expectations for our students, as well as important early exposure to the demands and rigor of college-level courses, all while still in high school,” said John King, senior advisor delegated duties of deputy secretary of education.

“These grants are a smart investment in equity and a way to eliminate barriers for low-income students, level the playing field and allow more students to access the college-level critical thinking and reasoning skills taught in AP courses.” The grants are used to help pay for low-income students taking approved advanced placement tests administered by the College Board, the International Baccalaureate Organization and Cambridge International Examinations. By subsidizing test fees for low-income students, the program is intended to encourage those students to take advanced placement tests and obtain college credit for high school courses, reducing the time and cost required to complete a postsecondary degree.

Levels of funding per state were determined on the basis of state estimates of the numbers of tests that would be taken by lowincome students. From 2014 to 2015, preliminary results show that the number of tests for low-income students covered by the program increased from 768,772 to 831,913, an improvement of more than 7 percent.

Based on the anticipated number of tests to be taken, the grants under the Advanced Placement Test Fee Program are expected to be sufficient to pay all but $12 of the cost of each advanced placement test taken by low-income students. States may opt to require students to pay a portion of the costs.

The Obama Administration’s commitment to equity in education underlies nearly every significant activity of the Education Department—from programs focused on early learning to college affordability and tools for reducing student debt. ##

 

Brides Wear White but Drink Pink Provence Rosé During the 2015 Bridal Season

Summer weddings are partial to the serving of dry Provence rosé in 2015. With the spring and summer season upon us, many bridal consultants and sommeliers advise that elegant, dry pink rosés from the Provence region of France are trending this year as the preferred wine to serve for all bridal occasions. Chic, yet affordable, rosés from Provence also pair well with a wide variety of menu choices. A dry rosé is the most versatile option for every style of wedding or bridal shower. Whether the bridal event is held during an afternoon or evening, and designed as a casual garden party, formal dinner gathering, or beach destination celebration, Provence rosés are stylish and delicious. The wines also complement the traditional bridal palette with colors appearing in varying pale shades that comprise the official Provence rosé color scale: Red Currant, Peach, Grapefruit, Melon, Mango, and Tangerine.

With food and drink taking center stage at weddings this year, a Provence rosé is the perfect go-to favorite, both romantic and adaptable to traditional or relaxed wedding settings. The wine is not only refreshing during warm-weather bridal occasions, it is also versatile enough to pair with most foods, whether meats, fish, poultry or salads. The wines also pair beautifully with global cuisines such as Indian, sushi, Thai and Mexican specialties.

Because Provence is the site of France’s oldest vineyards and the world’s largest wine region specializing in rose (making up over 88% of Appellation d’Origine Protégée wine production), the dry rosés produced here are distinctive in taste and color, and considered the iconic gold standard of the rose wine category. For the 11th consecutive year, exports of rosé wines from Provence to the U.S. have grown at doubledigit rates, ensuring expanded distribution throughout the U.S.

This means that more bottles of crisp Provence rosé are available in the U.S. today than ever before, and many are available at under $20 per bottle. For references, consult a local fine wine retailer or distributor.

Dry rosé wines from Provence are perfectly blended from red grapes typical of the region, offering the depth and body of a red wine, combined with the crisp freshness of a white wine. The wines offer a unique balance of fruit and acidity, making them ideal for matching with wedding-day foods. Rosés are refreshing and versatile enough to be consumed during every course of the meal, from aperitif to dessert.

“As American wine consumers have discovered and are increasingly enjoying our rosé wines, we are delighted to see their special popularity during joyful wedding celebrations” said Francois Millo, Director of the CIVP/Provence Wine Council. “Dry pink rosé from France’s Provence region imparts a true sense of romance and a unique art de vivre that feeds the soul and contributes to the festivities. In fact, in France, people drink more rosé wine than white wine, a testament to its taste and versatility.”